March 22, 2024 - Issue #123

View of Pioneer track and baseball fields, March 2022

Will we get a snowstorm? Will we get a foot of snow? Or six inches of snow? Or no snow? Or rain instead?

Weather certainly is a buzz around the building, and everything seems to be a little "up in the air" at the time of publication. However, we wanted to take some time and space to remind students and families of what happens if the district closes school due to weather.

When school is closed due to a weather emergency or other, Pierz Schools goes into an eLearning Day model on day one. In the past, the district had one 'free' snow day on the calendar and then eLearning took effect. This is no longer the case. Students will be expected to complete the work outlined for them in their Google Classroom (5-12) or in the eLearning Day Packets sent home with them or located on the eLearning section of the Parent Resources page.

For more information on the eLearning policy at Pierz Schools, please view the E-Learning Day Plan.

One more reminder for students and families at Pioneer Elementary: if we do have accumulated snow this weekend, students must bring snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, warm coats for recess. We've had many students without their warm clothes this past week. Take those winter clothes back out of storage!

Happenings at Healy

1000 Cranes

"Eighth-grade artists focused on the Principles of Design this term. They were curious about the Japanese art form of origami, so we learned the history, investigated techniques and practiced the Zen-like art of folding paper. Together, we folded over 1000 cranes. The legend of 1000 Cranes inspired many great conversations and explorations into Hope and Peace. Each 'tail' of each crane holds a personal wish from its artist!" —Ms. Jayne Hotaling

Survival of the fittest demonstrated

This week, seventh graders learned about the process of natural selection in a species using forks, knives, and spoons. Students who collected the least number of beans would 'die of starvation' while the top five would 'reproduce and pass the traits to the offspring'. This hands-on experiment shows how the most successful organisms survived at a higher rate than the less successful, thus weeding out the weaker among the species.

STEM in 7th Grade

In 7th grade, each student takes a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) class for one quarter. Last week, Ms. Welle and Mr. Teske led students through various stations:

Circuit cards: students learn about open and closed circuits as they create a greeting card. Using copper tape, 3V batteries, and LED lights, students create cards that not only physically light up, but brighten the day of residents in Pierz. The cards are donated to Meals on Wheels, The Pierz Villa, and other resident facilities. They learn about empathy, circuit systems (positives/negatives), design, and writing. 

VR experiences: students have the opportunity to experience virtual reality. Simulations include job simulations, eye-hand coordination, looking through The Annex where Anne Frank stayed, and so many more. Virtual reality enhances student engagement while safely experiencing real-world scenarios. 

Bridge building: students are given a design simulation to create a suspension bridge. Each group is given a budget to create their bridge. Building supplies include popsicle sticks, wooden dowels, and hot glue. 

3D pens: students created their names in 3D using 3D pens equipped with heated filament. Students once again work on eye-hand coordination and imagination. Students work with simple welds to create their 3D creation. 

Happenings at Pioneer Elementary

Geography Bee at Pioneer

A group of fourteen 6th graders and fifteen 5th graders have been working hard in a weekly Geo Bee Aspire group since the beginning of January. They have had contests to label the 50 states, as well as label the countries in the continents of South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia...without a word bank! Their efforts culminated with a classroom Geography Bee. The World Map Contest winners won a World Atlas and the Geography Bee winners each won $5 Pierz Bucks. Another fun event sponsored by our supportive PTO!

Pioneer PRIDE focus earns an award

Pioneer fifth and sixth graders were treated to an afternoon movie as they continue their focus on Pioneer PRIDE. The message was to keep working on the tenants of Pioneer PRIDE (perseverance, respect, integrity, self-discipline, and empathy), and to be consistent in your efforts. Have integrity always, not sometimes, or when it's convenient. Have empathy always, not just when it's your friends. The movie on the big screen was Wonder, a perfect demonstration of what practicing integrity and empathy can do in the lives of others.

Embracing the warm weather

The outdoors as a classroom: kindergarteners soaked up some warm sunshine last week for distraction-free testing of the alphabet. This might not look the same in another couple of days!

March 22: No School—Teacher Workshop

March 25: Kindergarten Roundup, 5:30pm, Pioneer Elementary

March 29-April 1: No School—Easter Break

May 17: Mark your calendars...it's Drive Your Tractor to School Day!

With the end of the first season of archery coming to a close, the archers hosted an introduction class for adults and took the opportunity to share their new skills.

This night was a fundraiser for the archery team and was well received; look for more opportunities like this in the future.

Staff receive CPR training

Staff from Pioneer, Healy, and Holy Trinity were provided CPR and First Aid certification and refreshers courtesy of Farmers and Merchants State Bank.

Pierz Public Schools #484

newsletter@pierz.k12.mn.us

District Office: 320.468.6458

112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364

www.pierzschools.org