November 18, 2021 - Issue #81 |
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Industrial Technology gets a makeover |
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Senior Andy Winscher programming the CNC plasma cutter |
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Senior Daniel Hoffman programming and printing on the laser engraver |
For the past year, teachers, administrators, and school board members at Pierz Schools have been meeting and now have a plan to update the industrial technology classrooms at the high school. These areas, consisting of the woodshop, welding/metal shop, and agricultural classrooms, will be seeing some exciting changes in the very near future.
The plan in place is a phased plan as much of the work will need to be done in the short summer months. The rest of the year brings high demand for those teaching spaces, so interruption from construction during the school year will be minimal. Phasing this rollout is also necessary now due to the challenges the construction industry as a whole faces right now—availability of product, as well as the availability of engineers, contractors, and the backlog of licenses and permits at the state level, make any new construction project an extra challenge for districts.
With these challenges, the exact timeline of each phase is still to be determined. However, when all phases are complete, the results will be as follows:
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The current special education space (the former old choir room prior to the new choir and band room additions) will be combined with the current health classroom (also known as the old drafting room for those of a certain age) to transform it into a large multi-use Ag Classroom. One side will be designed for Bio-Ag: the classroom will have counters, running water, a very large stainless steel sink, and large south-facing windows for growing seeds and starter plants for the greenhouse. The other larger side will support other Ag-Related instruction: animal care classes, wildlife, FFA, etc.
A new classroom and office space will be added to house special education services.
The woodshop will also see a complete remodel. All current storage rooms will be opened up, creating a large teaching and learning workspace with additional new equipment. A new anti-dust vacuum system will be installed. In addition, a large storage room will be added to the east side of the woodshop.
The welding/metal shop is also ready for an update after tirelessly serving our students over the years. The remodel will include new hoods for proper venting of all equipment. A storage room will also be added to the east side of the metal shop to open up more classroom space.
The current agriculture classroom will be remodeled and made larger with the removal of all four smaller rooms to make a large technology space. This new Tech room will house high-tech, industry-standard tools like 3-D printers, laser engravers, laser printers, plasma cutters, and other equipment with updated HVAC. This room will have large windows on both sides with door access to the metal shop on one side and the woodshop on the other side, making it easily available and accessible to all three industrial technology teachers throughout the day.
Lastly, new bathrooms and water fountains will be added to this area as well.
It’s an exciting project and one that’s been in the making for a long time. When all phases of the project are completed, the industrial technology area will provide industry-standard resources that will equip our students with career-ready skills to bring with them after graduation.
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The students in Minnesota Honor Society cleaned up their Adopt-A-Highway section on Highway 25, north of Pierz, on October 30th.
The students and advisors clean this adopted section twice a year. Thank you, MHS, for helping to keep our community clean!
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American Education Week cake social |
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This week was American Education Week, celebrating public education and honoring the individuals working to ensure that every student receives a quality education. Each year to show their appreciation for the staff at District #484, the women of the Pierz Legion Auxiliary treat the entire Pierz Schools staff and Holy Trinity staff to a cake social. A special thank you to the women who organize this each year. And a heartfelt thank you to all the cooks, paras, drivers, teachers, custodians, nurses, secretaries, administrators, and volunteers who dedicate their days to the education, health, and safety of our students: Thank you!
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Happenings at Pioneer Elementary |
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Enjoying the early, disappearing snow |
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This week brought on the snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, and winter coats season >groan<. No frowns from the first and second graders as they took full advantage of the fresh snow! |
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Fifth-grader Isaac Schmidtbauer is the first 'Million Words Reader' (already!) this year. A fun reward: conducting the 5th-grade band. And to think—Mr. Mathwig gets to have this kind of fun every day. Lucky guy! |
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Nurse Robyn used her wizarding skills to show first graders how and why to properly wash their hands. Using a black light and glowing lotion, she showed students how germs on hands can spread from place to place on surfaces and people. Handwashing: the number one way to help stop the spread of illness-causing germs! |
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The Fall Musical -
Legally Blonde: the Musical
When: November 18, 19, 20 at 7pm; November 21 at 2pm
Where: Healy PAC; tickets at the door only.
Click on the image to watch the trailer!
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Reminder: No School November 25 and 26
Trot Now, Gobble Later!
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Pioneer Christmas Concert (K-4) |
The Pioneer Christmas program will be held in the Middle School gym on December 9. Grades K-2 @ 5:30pm
Grades 3-4 @ 7pm
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MHS Blood Drive
When: December 22 from 8am - 2pm
Where: Healy MAC gym; enter door 22. Click image to sign up.
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[Click on images to sign up or for more information] |
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Katie Boser will offer a make-and-take event using the Instant Pot pressure cookers. Learn to make, enjoy samples and take 24 burritos, rice, and lentils home for your freezer on December 6 for $25.
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Defensive Driver 4-hour refresher course on Monday, December 6 at the Pierz High School. Call 320-468-6458 ext 7 to register. $24 per person. |
Erin Cheney will help you create a beautiful winter hanger on December 16.
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Want to join a fun group of women each week playing volleyball? Just show up Wednesdays at 8pm in the MAC gym. $2 open gym fee.
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More information on all classes can be found at
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Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364
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