September 29, 2023 - Issue #111

"From June 20th to the 28th thirty-one students, five Pierz Healy High chaperones, and three parent chaperones took part in the Pierz Travel Club 2023 Ireland Trip. The youngest student was 15 (almost 16— her birthday was the day we returned home!) and the oldest was 19.

Our travel educational journey began with a cross-country bus ride from Dublin, Ireland to Killarney, Ireland. On the way, we stopped at the acclaimed 15th-century iconic Bunratty Castle - the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. We had a guided tour and then were able to explore the castle, dungeons, and the folk park.

On Day 6 we took a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, Wales. In Wales, we stopped at Conwy Castle where you can walk a complete circuit around the battlements. It is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe!

We started Day 7 touring Anne Hathaway's Cottage where Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, lived as a child in the village of Shottery, Warwickshire, England, about 1 mile west of Stratford-upon-Avon. Then we continued on to tour Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. Finally, we landed in London, explored the area around Picadilly Circus, and had a fantastic tour guide for The Jack the Ripper Walking Tour!

Our final day of sightseeing included a guided tour of London. First stop was at Buckingham Palace. Then we proceeded to walk to Westminster Abbey. On the way we were able to listen to a band practicing for The Changing the Guard ceremony. We toured the Tower of London, explored Covent Garden, and added a surprise trip to the theater to see the musical Grease.



It is truly incredible how much students learned on this trip! It was a cross-curricular learning tour interspersed with free time to explore, shop, and learn about other cultures. We learned about Irish and English architecture, society, literature, history, customs, and religion. We felt the spirits of history by our side every step of the way. Most of all, student travelers learned about the interconnectedness of human beings, and how a person's actions on one side of the world can affect those on another. It was wonderful to see that!" —Ms. Scheldorf

Landscape & Concrete Fall Projects

Mrs. Tax's students have had a busy fall. The Concrete, Electrical Wiring, and Plumbing classes are prepping the concrete for mini-makeover. They will be working with Chris Young, co-owner of Premier Concrete, to stamp concrete near the MAC entrance.

The Landscaping classes are sprucing up the landscaping around Pioneer and Healy, as well as trimming, picking, and preening the landscape at St. Joseph's church. They are working on creating a pollinator area at the Pioneer Pond. Stay tuned!

Agriculture Exploration Day for Junior High Students

"Pierz seventh and eighth graders had the opportunity to travel to Central Lakes College Staples Campus to experience an Agricultural Career Expo and learn about advanced and innovative production methods. Students learned about drones and how this advanced technology is used in the agriculture industry. They also learned about the use of wind turbines as it relates to our energy/power world. Students tried on some lineman worker equipment as well. There were discussions regarding soils, crop scouting, and a demonstration from one of the CLC butchering instructors.

To cap the day, we stopped at Smude Angus Farms just Northwest of Pierz for a tour of the farm and learn about what they do there. We learned a little about sunflower oil while we were there, too. Students were part of many discussions about how many future jobs are available in the agriculture world. It was a great field experience and exploration day of learning for our 7/8 grade students!" —Mr. Herold

Happenings at Pioneer Elementary

Be a Bucket Filler

Pioneer Elementary students sat down with Ms. Becker and Ms. Ferguson and learned all about ways they can be 'Bucket Fillers' —helping a classmate, saying 'good morning'', helping mom and dad. They also learned that being a 'Bucket Spiller' not only makes the other person feel bad, it makes them feel crummy, too: bullying, not including someone, saying mean things. Let's all work hard at being Bucket Fillers...not Spillers!

Ozobots Coding Projects

Students in Ms. Dalsted's media classes programmed Ozobots last week to perform various tasks based on the color of the marker they used.

Ozobots are little robots that are designed as an introduction to coding. Students use color combinations to move the ozobot on a path from one location to another.

Upcoming Community Education

It's never too late, or early, to start investing. Learn from Alicia Kapus, an independent financial advisor. The class is open to students age 16 and older and adults and will discuss basic investing principles, the difference between a Roth IRA and IRA, and how to get started. October 2, 6:00pm in the media center. Call the office at 320-468-6458 ext 7 or register online.

Join us in learning the 11 steps to archery success. This beginner class will focus on range and safety rules, fundamentals of archery, and scoring. NASP is taught using the Genesis bow equipment, and the equipment is provided. This beginner Archery Class is a requirement for archers wanting to join the team.

Classes are November 8, 13, 15, 16. Learn more and Register online.



Team Archery will start the end of November and run through March with practices on Tuesday and Thursday. Open to grades 5-12.

Pierz Public Schools #484

newsletter@pierz.k12.mn.us

District Office: 320.468.6458

112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364

www.pierzschools.org