Friday, May 22, 2020 - Issue #54
Graduation 2020 - History in the Making
Congratulations to the Class of 2020. You've shown resilience in the face of adversity, patience and hope during the unknown, and perseverance during these unprecedented times. These traits and skills will take you far in life as you map out your future beyond the doors and hallways of Pierz Schools.
Around the nation (and world), the Class of 2020 continues to make history as long-held graduation traditions have been put on hold to make way for creative, safer gatherings to celebrate their milestones.

Tonight, May 22 at 7pm, Pierz Healy High School graduates will receive their diplomas in a first-ever drive-up graduation ceremony. The public is welcome to line the streets of Kamnic and County Road 39 into Pierz, where the graduates and their immediate family exit the MAC parking lot after the ceremony. All spectators must remain in vehicles. More information on the Class of 2020 Graduation Page.
Summer Rec Update
By next week you will see more options and classes opening up for registration. It the goal of Pierz Community Education to offer several enrichment, art, science, cooking and online classes for summer rec. As we continue to learn of the latest safety guidelines, we will work to add to the list of offerings. Check Facebook or the webstore often throughout June. Class sizes will be small and limit the number of registrants, but add your name to the wait list in case we offer a second session.

Follow the Pierz Community Education facebook page for a daily message of encouragement and an activity to stay active!

Check Facebook or the website for Community Education's list of enrichment classes. We are working hard to think outside the box to continue providing lifelong learning opportunities for you! You'll find some (free) ideas on the Youth Activities page.

Questions? Ideas for a class? Call Sarah Funk at 468-6458x7 or sfunk@pierz.k12.mn.us
***Staff in the Spotlight*** - It's Time to Retire!
It's retirement season! In our final newsletter of 2020, we celebrate and recognize our retirees and years-of-service staff. Stay tuned next week. We will post the official virtual program to our district Facebook page and website--and you'll want to hear the speeches!
Speaking of Retirement...
It’s the end of an era as Pierz resident Lorae Vardas retires from the Morrison County Record. Lorae herself explains how she came to be the ‘Pierz writer’: “I recall sitting at a meeting in 1978 with Carol Hoheisel and someone complaining that there’s no news from the school. Carol turned to me and asked if I’d cover that segment. I said “sure” and that’s how it all started. Working with all the capable staff made my job very easy. I am thoroughly enjoying doing nothing thanks to the COVID-19 restrictions.” Record-owner Carol Hoheisel remembers: “Lorae started covering Pierz news for me over 40 years ago. She obviously cares about Pierz and is one of Pierz’ top notch cheerleaders. Her coverage of schools, churches, the city, along with feature stories about Pierz and the Pierz area certainly helped encourage readership of the Record. I’m so grateful to Lorae for her contribution to the growth of the paper. Thanks, Lorae, and happy retirement.” (Photo: Lorae (Schmidtbauer) Vardas as a Memorial High School graduate, class of 1958. Even then, Lorae was an active agent of information and awareness).

Lorae has been, and will continue to be a treasure to Pierz and the stories we share in this community. Long-time Record reporter and co-worker Terry Lehrke agrees: “Lorae Vardas has been writing as a freelancer for the Morrison County Record since before it was the Morrison County Record - 40-plus years ago. Lorae covered all things Pierz and did it in her own special way with words. I've always enjoyed Lorae's stories and style of writing."
 
"For the last number of years, Lorae chose to only cover the Pierz School Board and to write the Students of the Month stories, which the Record has been grateful for. She is/was one of our hidden gems, and a wonderful writer. I will miss her -- and want to say "thank you" to her for all of her years of service.” - Terry Lehrke.
 
Thank you, Lorae, for your dedication to the Pierz Schools and community and for your fair and insightful reporting on our district news and happenings. Don’t be a stranger.
Adventures in Learning
With paper towels and a rainbow of colored water, Mrs. Andres demonstrated a process called capillary action to her 3rd graders. Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow upward, against gravity, in narrow spaces. This is the same thing that helps water climb from a plant's roots to the leaves in the tree tops. Many students conducted the experiment at home, much to the delight of their siblings and parents.
Mrs. Paggen's preschoolers took advantage of last week's rain day and made a 'virtual band.' Certainly, it was harmonious music to the ears for staff and parents alike. Rock on!
Celebrating Students
Last week, Abby Nelson ('21) was chosen as a member of the 2020-2021 Minnesota All-State Concert Band. Abby was a member of 2019-2020 All-State Symphonic Band and is the 2nd Pierz student in the past five years to be selected a 2-Time All-State Participant! Congratulations Abby!
Looking Ahead...
May 22 7pm - Last day for Seniors - Healy High School Graduation

May 25 - No School - Memorial Day

May 27 3:30pm - Retirement and Years of Service Program - Video will be Live on District Facebook then district website after.

May 29 - Last day of classes

June 1 - Teacher Grading Day
Registration is open for kindergarten and School Readiness/preschool. More information on School Readiness here , or email/call Sarah Funk sfunk@pierz.k12.mn.us 468-6458 x7
Current Community Ed Clases
Mrs. Pat Tax has been sharing tips and ideas to get you started in your gardens on the Pierz Community Education Facebook page. Click on videos and choose from several on planting carrots, beans, mulching, and how to take a soil sample. Click the Pierz Family Garden image for her first video link!
Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364