March 5, 2021 - Issue #68 |
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February 22-26 was Minnesota School Board Recognition Week. Pierz School District students and families benefit every day from the leadership and vision of our school board members. School board members devote hours of their time each month to provide leadership for our school district.
Please take time to thank these dedicated school leaders:
Back row: Eric Hanneken-Treasurer; George Weber-Superintendent, Rick Sczublewski-Chair, Steve Boser-Clerk. Front row: Matt Hoheisel, Ashley Toops, Marvin Thomas
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Our bus drivers and assistants |
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February 24th was Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we do love our bus drivers and assistants! This team of individuals has gone above and beyond in the past year as the unimaginable pandemic set in. Drivers and assistants helped package and deliver thousands of meals to children, oftentimes having to create and drive new routes that changed on a daily (or hourly!) basis. Each day, 16 buses and 2 vans leave the bus garage before sunrise to pick up an estimated 650 students, delivering them safely to and from school. Special thanks to Tracy Voigt, our transportation coordinator, who makes this a 'smooth ride' for everyone! Drivers and assistants were treated to snacks and cocoa last week, served in an appropriately themed mug. Thank you, all!
L to R, back row: Jerry Sanoski, Andrea Scribner, Katie Phillips, Jeff Abrahamson. Middle: Joan Sanoski, Brad Hoheisel, Gary Matlock, Galen Stumpf, Steven Preimesberger, Jason Lease, Ron Grittner, Ken Dahmen, Roger Rybaski (assistant), Mark Otremba, Vitus Preimesberger. Front: Jen Scribner (assistant), Charil Brausen, Lori Abrahamson, Emilee Remme (assistant), Brenda Barker, Karolyn Waninger (rest in peace, Karolyn), Tracy Voigt.
Not pictured: Karen Dahmen (assistant), Jessica Jones (assistant)
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Two weeks ago, Pierz Schools hosted our second dose vaccine clinic, fully vaccinating 123 staff. To date, 133 staff have been vaccinated. This is outstanding!
Cases in Morrison county are on the rise. The case rate is still low; however, it has doubled in the last 10 days. As such, it is important to continue social distancing, masking, and getting a vaccine if you are eligible.
We continue to offer onsite COVID-19 testing for all staff every two weeks. I am happy to say that all staff who have chosen to test have tested negative for the virus so far. Students are also encouraged to test every two weeks through the end of the school year. See the MDH news release here.
Johnson and Johnson's vaccine was authorized last week. It is a one-dose vaccine as opposed to a two-dose series (like Moderna and Pfizer) and will help with supply issues, allowing more people to receive the vaccine in a more timely manner.
To register to receive the vaccine, sign up on the MN Vaccine Connector website. Any Minnesotan can register (ages 18+) and will be notified when there is a vaccine for them.
Additionally: It is still very important that families continue to keep the district nurse updated with any Covid-related illness or quarantines occurring in the home--even if your child is distance learning. Please use this form to provide information to the nurse.
—Nurse Robyn
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Coming together to support Swanville student athlete |
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On Monday night, the Pierz Girl’s Basketball Team took the floor against Swanville. But instead of donning their usual Pioneer warmups, the team wore “Layups for Lexi” shirts to support Lexi Hanson, a Swanville freshman basketball player who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. To say we are Pioneer Proud is an extreme understatement. We all send out our thoughts and prayers for Lexi and her family. |
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FFA members earn spots in state competition |
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Members of the Pierz FFA chapter have earned spots in state competitions this spring in Horse Judging, Ag Sales, and Creed Speech. Congratulations to all members and to advisor, Mrs. Pat Tax! |
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How is your Healy High School student performing in school? Parent/Teacher conferences are designed to give parents and teachers the opportunity to collaborate to help your child achieve success in school. Please take time on March 10 to set up a call with your child's teachers via this sign-up page. https://healyconferences.youcanbook.me/
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If you have questions or concerns about the mental health of your child, please contact:
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Happenings at Pioneer Elementary |
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The "Big Bad Wolf" isn't stopped by the big, bad COVID |
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While many schools are struggling just to get students back in school right now, students at Pioneer Elementary have put together an entire musical--determined not to let COVID take another fun activity from them!
This year's Pioneer Elementary Spring Play is "The Big Bad Musical"—a show where the Big Bad Wolf gets put on trial for all his heinous acts. The audience will be the jurors: they will determine whether the wolf is guilty or innocent. The play consists of 57 hard-working cast and crew members in 5th and 6th grade. The play was performed this week for parents/guardians and live-streamed on the district's YouTube channel for all to enjoy. Directed by Mrs. Angela Burnett and musical director Miss Mennis. The play was live-streamed on our district YouTube channel.
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District Spelling Bee winners |
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Congratulations to the winners of the 2021 Pierz School District Spelling Bee, L-R: Alex Rybaski (1st place), Kate Hoheisel (2nd place), Brandon Solinger (3rd place), Gabe Stangl (4th place), The first and second place winners, Rybaski and Hoheisel, will advance to the Virtual Regional Spelling Bee to be held on March 24. |
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Student Activities Updates |
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Winter Sports & Activities Updates |
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We are excited to be headed into playoff season for our winter sports and activities:
Varsity Wrestling Postseason Schedule:
March 11 -- 8AA Team Sections (@ Highest 2 seeds)
March 13 -- 7AA/8AA Team State Prelims (@ PLPRB)
March 16 -- 8AA Individual Sections (@ PLPRB)
March 20 -- 7AA/8AA Individual State Prelims (@ Foley)
March 26 -- AA State Tournament (@ STMA)
Varsity Girl's Basketball playoffs start March 16
Varsity Boy's Basketball playoffs start March 17
Dance wrapped up their season at sections in Wadena on Feb 27 by placing 4th in Jazz and 7th in High Kick. The top 3 teams in each go to state. Unfortunately, we just missed going to state in Jazz as they tied for 3rd and then lost the tiebreaker to finish in 4th.
While it may seem like spring is here, the spring sports schedule doesn't officially start until March 29th. Next week, the MSHSL is coming out with guidelines for spring sports. We will keep everyone posted on the latest player and spectator rules.
—Dave Rocheleau, Activities Director
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March 15 - Healy Band and Choir Concerts - 6:30pm
March 26 - No School-Teacher Workshop/Grading (End of 3rd Qtr.-Elem.)
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Current Community Ed Classes |
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Pierz Community Education continues to look for adult enrichment activities and will be offering several as we enter spring. A couple of the topics include Creating a Health Care Directive, Painting with Charlene Lundberg, First Time Home Buyer Tips and more. As classes are scheduled, they will be posted in the webstore (use link below) and published in the Morrison County Record.
Additional Defensive Driver Refresher courses will be scheduled but they fill FAST! Call to add your name to the list and we will hopefully be able to get you in within a couple of months.
All classes have limited attendance to maintain social distance and participants are required to wear masks.
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JVL Baseball: Grades 2-7
Register by March 20
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JO Softball: Grades 3-11
Register by March 7
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Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364
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