January 28, 2022 - Issue #85
It's Paraprofessional Appreciation Week!
This week officially recognizes and celebrates paraprofessionals throughout Minnesota schools as recognized and commended by Gov. Tim Walz.

At Pierz Schools, we are fortunate to have kind, dedicated, hard-working, and patient paras who not only support and care for our students but support and inspire our teachers as well.

In recent years, paras have taken on more than ever before. Each day they come to work, there may be a new policy, procedure, system, or even role they are asked to take on. The day in the life of a para is always changing and challenging. Our paras meet the needs of our students and staff on a daily basis and exceed expectations as they continue to do whatever needs to be done to support the needs of all students.

Please extend your gratitude, as do we, to all our paras at both Healy and Pioneer. We are a better system because of the selfless work they do each and every day.
Happenings at Healy
Pierz Band and Choir travel to Texas
Pierz Choir and Band students took their trip to Texas this past week, traveling to San Antonio and Corpus Christie. Students and chaperones took in the Riverwalk and The Alamo in San Antonio, performed at Six Flags, and made it to the beach in Corpus Christie to play sand volleyball in balmy 50-degree weather!

The trip wrapped up with an evening at a ranch with lasso lessons and a Texas line dance. Over 100 students, parent-chaperones, and teachers had a fabulous time!
Happenings at Pioneer Elementary
Saying 'goodbye' to Mrs. Waytashek
Those who know Linda Waytashek know that she probably isn't going to actually 'retire'. She is, however, moving on from the halls of Pioneer. After 23 years of providing support, direction, love, and hugs to the students of Pioneer Elementary, Linda will be able to reserve her patience and adoration for her own grandchildren.

Thank you for all your years of dedication to our families and staff, Linda, you will be missed. And if anyone is interested in reading the many pages handwritten advice from Pioneer staff and students (pictured holding here), she would be happy to pass along her new knowledge!
Preschool registration and open house dates will be announced soon! To attend Pioneer Preschool, your child will need to be 4 on or before September 1, 2022, and intend to attend Kindergarten in 2023.
Looking Ahead
  • 5-6 grade musical "Rock Around the Block" RESCHEDULED for April 7th (previously scheduled for February 3)
  • February 4 - Student Early Release - 2 hours
  • February 14 & 15 - Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (Gr. K-6)
  • February 15 - Spelling Bee 1:30-3pm, Pioneer Gym
  • February 18 & 21 - No School – President’s Day Break
Community Education
The halls are open for walking after school. You can call the community education office at 320-468-6458 ext 7 to have your FOB reactivated or you can stop by the district office; inside door 2 of the high school between 7:30 and 4:30 to pick up a FOB. This little device allows access into the locked door on the east side between 4:00 and 7:00 pm on school days. There is a $10 deposit for the FOB.
More information on all classes can be found at
Community Education online!
Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364