October 20, 2021 - Issue #79 |
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State of the Schools: an update |
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At the end of the first month of school, there is a refreshing sense of normalcy for which we’ve longed for the past two years. The atmosphere in the hallways, gyms, classrooms, children getting off of buses, in the lunchrooms, playground, and every other aspect of school feels positive overall. As always, our goal is to partner with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and neighbors to help guide children through these years toward a healthy place of young adulthood, with values and skills to contribute to society.
COVID Update -- Pierz Schools is currently executing face-to-face, in-person learning as well as possible while working through the challenges that the pandemic brings. Right now, county numbers are rising dramatically. Buckling down a bit and limiting oneself and family from risky situations will get through these waves of rapid spread. Staff are putting themselves front and center daily. One of the biggest factors in the ability to continue great services is the capacity to have staff here and healthy each day.
Levy News -- The board provided the initial certification of the school levy on September 29. Pierz District property owners enjoy one of the lowest school tax burdens in the state. The fundamental belief is we can deliver great schools at a low cost: reaching that goal has taken work. It has required the entire staff at Pierz Schools to go above and beyond--staff who don’t say, “That’s not my job.” Having such dedicated personnel has been a proud tradition here. The board voted to decrease school revenue by $42,000 in order to make the dollars work this way. The Levy will actually be a flat or slight reduction for almost every type of property. The only way one could experience an increase in the school portion of your tax statement would be because your property jumps to another level. This is, of course, out of the control of any school officials.
Celebrate Success -- We were fortunate to be able to add some very talented teachers, paras, and other support staff to our district this year. Their backgrounds and experiences are varied and impressive. Please welcome them to the community in a manner that continues the tradition of Pioneer Pride. It’s so motivating to witness how our entire staff at Pierz Schools goes above and beyond each day to give their time, energy, and hearts to our children.
Please take time with your families to enjoy the upcoming four days off from school. Four days to hopefully decompress, reset, relax, and rejuvenate as we look ahead to the second half of the semester. —Superintendent, George Weber
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Reading to students in Malawi |
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Students in Ms. Shelly Munoz's 1st period Genetics-Heredity class took some time out from science to read children’s books to students at an orphanage in Blantyre, Malawi. Munoz’s good friend, Hastings Kajomba Bwanali, runs the Helping Hands Orphanage which provides food, basic medical needs, and basic educational needs through the Living Stones Academy.
Munoz's students hand-selected children's picture books to read aloud, and our new Malawi friends paid close attention to each and every page, visibility captivated with each colorful photo. Why were they so intrigued? Due to the expense of shipping and delivery of such supplies, students at the Helping Hands orphanage do not have books. So, when it was their turn to read to our students, they proudly stood up with their hand-written paper to tell a story that they wrote themselves.
Since that session, students and staff alike have been brainstorming ways to raise money and collect gently used books to send to the orphanage. If you'd like to help, stay tuned to our Facebook page for a future opportunity!
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FFA students compete in dairy judging |
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The Pierz FFA team headed out to the Kent and Stacy Happke farm last week, the site of the FFA Dairy Judging competition. Josi Smude competed for Pierz against 16 other judging teams from area schools (74 individuals), placing 7th overall— a really great job!
Happke Dairy provided five classes of animals: two classes of cows and three classes of heifers. In addition to dairy judging, students also completed pedigree and sire judging classes.
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Happenings at Pioneer Elementary |
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Sixth grade history class at Mille Lacs Indian Museum |
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Pioneer sixth graders took a field trip to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post last week where they explored some of the history of Minnesota. Students played games of chance that the Ojibwa created and played; they learned about Ojibwa life during Minnesota seasons via the life-like diorama, and they explored the various crafts and creations the Ojibwa used in their daily lives. The interpreters also gave the students and staff lessons on the resources around Mille Lacs Lake. https://www.mnhs.org/millelacs
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Smokey Bear gives preschoolers a lesson in fire safety |
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A few weeks ago, students at Pioneer learned about fire safety in the home, courtesy of the Pierz Fire Department. This week, Smokey Bear visited Mrs. Marshik's preschoolers to teach them about fire safety outside of their home, including campfire safety and knowing what to do when you find matches or a lighter (no, little Johnny, don't light a candle).
Smokey and his helper, DNR officer Ben Froelich, had lots of information for our preschoolers, and they had LOTS of questions for Smokey. Did you know 9 out of 10 wildfires are due to human carelessness? Remember: "Only you can prevent wildfires!"
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- October 25: 9-12 Band Concert—7pm @ Middle School gym
- November 1: Choir Concert
- November 11: Veterans Day Program—9:30am @ MAC
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A chemical-free home and lifestyle is ideal for everyone! Learn what ingredients to avoid and easy ways to replace your everyday household products with all-natural solutions. Many people are surprised to learn how many toxins and chemicals are used every day in our homes. These harmful ingredients can lead to serious health challenges for people, animals, and plants. Come have fun learning how to make some safe recipes along with one natural product that you can take home! There will be simple demonstrations on foaming hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, and pumpkin spice room spray.
High School FACS room, enter door 2.
When: November 2, 5pm-6pm
Cost: $20
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More classes: Click on the class name to sign up!
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Pierz Public Schools #484
District Office: 320.468.6458
112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364
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