October 9, 2020 - Issue #58 |
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Healy Moves to Hybrid Learning Model |
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Due to a steady increase in positive COVID case numbers in Morrison County, Healy High School staff and students will be moving to a Hybrid Learning model starting Monday, October 12. Students and parents have been notified of which days will be in-person and which days will be at-home distance learning. More information on this new model can be found on our website on the Healy Hybrid Model page.
For those asking, "How does hybrid help keep numbers low, why not just distance learning?" The answer is complicated. But for us--moving to hybrid means still getting to see our students in-person twice a week. It also allows for less students in the classroom on those days. Less students means they can be 6 ft apart for extended periods of time--which means less disruption to the overall student body as contact tracing will affect less students. Because students are consistently distanced through the day, the risk for spread is significantly lowered. Make sense? We are trying to make sense of it all, as well. We continue to be grateful for the patience and support of our wonderful students, parents and community.
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Case Updates & Staying Healthy |
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After a couple of weeks of many cases at once, the case count at Pierz Schools seems to have quieted. The overall total case count to date (10/9/20): six positive cases at Pioneer, and three positive cases at Healy. The number of active cases on the date of publication is two for the district.
As always, please review the symptoms list below, and remember to keep ALL individuals at home if symptoms are present--even those not showing symptoms yet. Keep in close contact with the nursing staff regarding your plan to test or not to test for your family. This will determine next academic steps.
ONE MAJOR: Cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, or fever over 100.4.
TWO MINOR: sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, congestion/runny nose.
Also important to note: we understand that many are experiencing allergy and cold symptoms this time of year. Unfortunately due to state guidelines, we must have a negative test or alternate diagnosis on file for your ill student, or they and their siblings must enter the COVID protocols.
We thank parents, students and community members for continuing to do your part - wearing masks, socially distancing during and after school hours, and not coming into contact with friends and family who are at higher risk.
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Homecoming Looked Different, Felt Familiar |
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Back L to R: Maddie Poster, Alissa Girtz, Emily Sadlovsky, Courtney Strohmeier, Ellie Fischer, Michael Leidenfrost, Jonah Prokott, Noah, Cekalla, Colby Hecimovich, Ryan Leidenfrost. Front: Kenzie Sadlovsky, Henry Kessler |
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Note: the students were outstanding in following mask-up directives. As soon as photos were finished, the masks immediately went back on. That includes during the procession and the actual ceremony. Only the Senior Class was allowed into the gym and they all wore masks with spots in the bleachers marked off to keep them socially distanced. Families of the Royal Court were seated at individual tables and also were masked up. |
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Homecoming 2020 certainly was one for the record books: pep fests were virtual, coronation was live streamed, and dress up days were socially distanced and accessorized with face masks. |
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However, despite the mandates that kept us from having a 'normal' homecoming week, all the familiar feelings of homecomings past were there: a sense of excitement at choosing the candidates, camaraderie with fellow classmates during color wars and dress up days, competition as the championship inter-classmen game was live streamed, and a staff who, despite all odds, found time and humor to create their annual dance ensemble for their students. Enjoy! |
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Students in Mrs. Tax's Landscaping Laws course are learning about lawn mower maintenance including sharpening and balancing the blades, changing oil, and cleaning the air filter as part of their turf unit. Landscaping students also spent time this fall cleaning up and refreshing the areas around Harmony House of Pierz and the Pierz Villa as well. Way to go guys and gals! |
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Art is Research; Art is Hands-On |
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Art 8 students are learning about color theory and different types of paint. Students are testing out tempera paint - mixing colors for a color wheel and practicing mixing tints and shades. |
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Happenings at Pioneer Elementary |
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Sixth graders in Mr. Mann's science classes are learning about animal classifications. Today's task: find and identify macro-invertebrate samples. Yes - those are smiles under those masks.
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Making Music Wherever We Can |
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Miss Mennis' 3rd graders have been practicing note identification on the treble staff. Most days, music classes are outside, allowing students to enjoy the fresh fall air and long mask breaks. When weather is cold or rainy, the music rooms provide ample space for the students to spread out while they make music together. |
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Teaching Students About Fire Safety |
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It was Fire Safety Week at Pioneer Elementary. Students in primary grades took a field trip to the Pierz Fire Department to tour the fire engines, learn about fire safety, how to get out of a smokey building, and some hands-on activities with our hard-working, volunteer fire-fighters. Special thanks to the Pierz Fire Department! |
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Student Activities Updates |
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How does the Hybrid Model affect Activity practices?
- Athletes in grades 9-12 will practice the days they are in school and also on the days they are distance learning from home.
- Athletes in junior high will practice on the days they are in school with distance learning days optional.
- The fall play and activity groups will still meet/practice.
Will there still be contests?
- Junior high and high school contests will still be played per the schedule.
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Contest dates can be viewed on our Activities Calendar.
- Students will have to find a ride in on their off days
Can we attend volleyball or football games?
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Volleyball - The MSHSL has changed the policy as of this morning (10/8) and from what we know so far, volleyball players will be allowed a set number of tickets per player (appx: 2). Unfortunately, our supportive community members will not be allowed to just ‘show up’ and watch games. We appreciate your continued patience as we create best practices to adhere to the new requirements that also go along with the lifted restriction. Volleyball players will be notified how they may claim the limited tickets.
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Football can have a maximum of 250 spectators on campus. Of that, only 150 tickets are reserved for us/hometeam. This includes the area outside the fence and parking lot. Please attend ONLY if you have a ticket to ensure our team can continue to play.
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Tickets will only be given to football players/families. Football players will be given instructions/link to purchase tickets for their family.
- All games will be streamed and can be viewed online. You will find the links for games on the school website under Student Activities. They will be posted weekly at no charge.
- Tennis and Cross Country spectator rules remain the same.
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Subscribe to Pierz Schools YouTube for live streamed events |
We are hoping to live stream upcoming spots and activities directly to our Pierz Pioneers YouTube Channel. To do so, YouTube requires at least 1000 subscribers. Click the link below, click 'Subscribe' and watch the Pioneers from the comfort of your home!
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- October 12 - Hybrid Learning Model Begins at Healy (7-12)
- October 12-13-Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences (via Google Meet)
- October 15-16 -No School – Professional Days (MEA Break)
- October 26 - Choir Concert
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Current Community Ed Classes |
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By partnering with the Minnesota Highway Safety Research Center from SCSU, we are again offering in person Defensive Driver classes.
We ask that participants wear a mask, wash their hands or use sanitizer upon arrival and sit socially distanced.
The fee is $22 and dates will be posted on the website as they are set up.
While the Highway Safety Research Center is allowing in person classes, instructors are hard to come by. If you are interested in teaching once or twice a month for a generous stipend, contact me to learn more. 320-468-6458 ext 7
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The first session of 30 hour classroom instruction for students is scheduled for October 12-13, 19-22, 26-29 from 3:30 - 6:30 with a makeup day scheduled for October 30.. Registration is online and the fee is $75. Students must be 14 by the first day of class. More information can be found on the school website
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Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364
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