January 14, 2022 - Issue #84 |
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Incredible circumstances, amazing people |
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We appear to be entering the most challenging period of this school year as it pertains to influenza, COVID-19, and any number of other illnesses. Our services to children have been remarkable and we have held true to our commitment to in-person learning. Our staff has done extraordinary work and I genuinely applaud their efforts for the school year we have had across all areas of learning, activities, and transportation while providing meals, fun, & friends for our students.
Each day our management works through who can go where to cover what: from busing (currently down three route drivers), to custodial (Monday down four staff), to the kitchens (one or two filling in every day), to teachers taking on two classrooms at once, covering during preps and paras filling in for each other. I am thankful for our united commitment to help each other out. It has worked well. Our students are learning and thriving.
However, this ‘all-hands-on-deck’ mentality from our amazing staff has not happened without stress on our entire staff and system. I encourage everyone to extend your patience and gratitude to our entire staff as we work through these hard times.
Our commitment is still in-person learning, therefore we do not see a scenario where we implement any sort of sustained Distance Learning model at this time. However, we do need your help. We need to stay healthy in order to keep our buildings open and staffed. Please, keep children home if they are sick, test when necessary, and isolate as needed to prevent the spread.
Thank you again for your cooperation and support as we work together to move through these tough times.
—Superintendent George Weber
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Community members in the classroom |
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Welding classes sent a special "Thank You!" to local welder and Pierz School Board member Marvin Thomas.
Mr. Gruber had to be out the two weeks prior to Christmas break, and since the two of them have conducted some adult education classes in the past it seemed like a nice fit to ask Marvin Thomas to step in— and it certainly was. Mr. Thomas has been a welder most of his life. And the wisdom and knowledge of metallurgy was mesmerizing, and the enthusiasm Mr. Thomas displays for his trade is electric. The students certainly were impressed!
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Pierz Music Department represented well at All-Conference |
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A group of choir students from Pierz, along with about 100 other singers from area schools, spent Saturday with Dr. Nelson from Wartburg college learning a variety of choral songs! They had one day prior to Saturday where they met the other singers and looked at the music. The Saturday concluded with a brilliant concert where the choir performed five songs directed by Dr. Nelson.
Students who attended (in no particular order):
Caleb Kuske, Abby Skwira, Ethan Thesing, Kaylee Pulak, Sam Brau, Ellie Lochner, Connor Kruse, Troy Gross, Breann Luberts, Trent Juetten (not pictured), and Connor Happke (not pictured).
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In addition, Kaleah Olesch, Kiara Olesch, Alyssa Thesing, Alyssa Gall, Lynn Skiba, Creo Block, Lance Otremba, Hayden Dodge, and Macy Hoffman all represented Pierz in the GRC All-Conference Honor Band!
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Happenings at Pioneer Elementary |
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In 5th grade Metier class, students are studying the "Music Smart" unit. Students recently had the opportunity to participate in a musical talent showcase, displaying their musical skills to their peers. The level of talent was amazing, and many of the performers even taught the history and basics of their instruments to the class. Students were also treated (and for some, introduced) to the musical talents of Beethoven, The Rolling Stones, and Van Halen! |
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- No School January 21 & January 24 - End of First Semester
- February 2: 9:45am, PAC: Middle School Musical, "Rock Around the Block"
- February 3: 7pm, PAC: Middle School Musical, "Rock Around the Block"
- February 4 - Student Early Release- 2 hours
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February 14 & 15 - Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences (Gr. K-6)
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When a group of 7th and 8th graders were approached about participating in a youth service project, these girls enthusiastically offered their time and talents. With financial support from Thrivent Financial and the Pierz Fire Relief Association, yarn and snacks were purchased and these girls gathered to finger knit, knit, and weave scarves and headbands for those in need. |
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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
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Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364
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