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January 24, 2025 - Issue #138

The Key to Success: Why Attendance Matters in School

A new semester brings a fresh new start during the doldrums of this frigid winter: new classes, fresh grades, and another opportunity for academic success. One of the most consistent ways to ensure academic success is through regular school attendance.


At Pierz Schools, regular school attendance is considered one of our highest priorities. Research has proven that regular school attendance is a necessary component and a strong indicator of success both in school and in future work endeavors. As parents, you can set your children up for a lifetime of success by making regular attendance a priority. We strive to partner with parents to ensure students attend school.


While of the utmost importance for both schools, the attendance policies for each school varies slightly. Read for the full article and information on attendance policies in both schools.


Building Strong Foundations

Each school day offers valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Missing even a single day can mean lost opportunities to grasp new concepts, participate in discussions, and build relationships with teachers and peers. Studies show that students who attend school consistently in their early years are more likely to develop strong foundational skills in reading, math, and critical thinking.


Setting the Stage for Future Success

Attendance habits formed during childhood often carry over into adulthood. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and succeed in the workforce. Conversely, chronic absenteeism can significantly hinder a student’s progress and confidence.


Fostering Social Connections

School is not just a place for academics; it’s also where children develop important social and emotional skills. Regular attendance helps students build friendships, collaborate on projects, and learn how to navigate social dynamics—all essential skills for life beyond the classroom.

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Happenings at Healy

Taking advantage of the cold weather

Last week, tired of being trapped indoors due to cold, Mr. Poepping's 8th grade phy-ed classes took advantage of a rare 'warmish' day and walked to Pierz American Legion Park for outdoor broomball on the ice.

Looking forward to summer campfires

Ms. Tax's Intro to Woods class is making firestarters made from sawdust and candle wax from a variety of staff-donated candles. The finished product comes with a student-made and labeled 'firestarter' box along with a dozen firestarters. Teens and fire? Of course they had a fun time with this creation. They are working toward making enough of these to have them for sale for Pioneer Country closer to campfire season.

Happenings at Pioneer Elementary

One man's junk...is a clever kid's creation

Ms. Sadlovsky's ASPIRE students were in the workshop this week as they made abstract creations from metal recycling materials, aka 'junk'.


This project was produced and directed by our loyal volunteer grandmothers, Ms. Bridget Britz and Ms. Mary Roesler--thank you!

Metier classes learning about being Number Smart

The Metier program is a grade 5-8 experiential learning program built around activities that guide students to find the truest, happiest, and greatest versions of themselves and the career fields that make them come alive.


With this knowledge, students can find their Metier: a job they love that loves them back.


This week, student in Mr. Schmidtbauer's Metier classes are learning about what it means to be 'Number Smart'. Here, students are playing Lost Cities. This board game teaches students the concept of negative numbers through play, a great way to learn. 

Registration for the 2025-26 school year

Registration for the 2025-26 school year will open on February 11, 2025 for preschool during an open gym event. Families with children under age 7 can attend and children can play while parents complete paperwork or ask questions to learn more about the program.

Staff from Head Start, Pioneer Preschool and screening will be available to answer questions, take paperwork and schedule your child's early childhood screening.

Kindergarten Roundup will take place on February 24, 2025 at 5:30pm. Parents and students are invited to learn more about Pioneer, tour the school, meet teachers and school leaders and complete paperwork. If you wish to register but are unable to attend, you can contact Shari in the elementary office ahead of time.

Is open enrollment an option in the Pierz Schools? YES!

We have openings in all grades, bussing pick-up locations, and welcome you to enroll in our schools to become part of the Pioneer family. Hear from students, parents, and staff about why Pierz Schools is the right choice!

Looking Ahead

February 7: Early Release Day, Teacher Workshop

February 10 & 12: Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences (K-6)

February 11: Preschool Open Gym, Registration Night

February 14-17: President's Break, No School

February 17: 50th Anniversary of Girl's Basketball at Healy High School (link)

February 24: Kindergarten Roundup, 5:30pm

 
Community Education

Rachel Young will offer a CPR refresher course on January 30 at 3:30pm. CPR certification will be held on February 3 at 6:00pm. Farmers and Merchants State Bank has graciously offered to pay for Pioneer, Healy and Holy Trinity staff to attend and community members are welcome to register for $35.

Join us each Sunday for open pickleball! We rotate courts and players. If you are new, we can set up a court just for beginners to give you a chance to get a feel for play and learn the rules.

Purchase a punch card online for 10 sessions or pay $3 when you arrive.

Use the form to let us know you're coming! Email Sarah if you are new and want a beginner's court.

Community Education uses the same class registration as the Activities Department. Please call if you have any trouble creating your account. Although both activities and community ed use rSchools, you won't be able to check out a varsity sport and a youth camp simultaneously. User experience will be the same making it easier to navigate but they are two different stores requiring separate log-ins. You can create the accounts with the same username and password to keep things simple! A link to both stores will be on the Activities page and the Community Ed page. Lunch payments will still be made with Edutrak.

Use the new online program to register today.

Pierz Public Schools #484

newsletter@pierz.k12.mn.us

District Office: 320.468.6458

112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364

www.pierzschools.org