Morrison County Public Health has notified schools about two unrelated measles outbreaks currently occurring in Minnesota: one in neighboring Todd County and another in Fillmore County.
This notice is for informational purposes only. There are currently no reported measles cases in Pierz or Morrison County. We are sharing this information so families know what symptoms to watch for and how to respond if an exposure occurs.
What Families Should Know About Measles.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes or coughs. Symptoms generally begin about 8–12 days after exposure and commonly include:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red or watery eyes
A rash that typically begins around the face or hairline and spreads down the body
The rash usually develops two to three days after the fever begins.
If your child develops symptoms that could be measles, please keep them home and call your healthcare provider before going to a clinic or emergency department. Calling ahead allows the medical facility to prepare and helps prevent accidental exposure of other patients.
How can I protect my child?
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been used for many years and is the best protection against measles. One dose is approximately 93% effective, while two doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
If your child may have been exposed and is not vaccinated, contact your health care provider or public health promptly. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health Measles Information page.
This notice is for informational purposes only. There are currently no reported measles cases in Pierz or Morrison County. We are sharing this information so families know what symptoms to watch for and how to respond if an exposure occurs.
What Families Should Know About Measles.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes or coughs. Symptoms generally begin about 8–12 days after exposure and commonly include:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red or watery eyes
A rash that typically begins around the face or hairline and spreads down the body
The rash usually develops two to three days after the fever begins.
If your child develops symptoms that could be measles, please keep them home and call your healthcare provider before going to a clinic or emergency department. Calling ahead allows the medical facility to prepare and helps prevent accidental exposure of other patients.
How can I protect my child?
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been used for many years and is the best protection against measles. One dose is approximately 93% effective, while two doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
If your child may have been exposed and is not vaccinated, contact your health care provider or public health promptly. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health Measles Information page.
Last week our Junior High Student Council partnered with the students involved in Minnesota Honors Society for a meaningful “Service Learning Day.” This collaborative event brought together all 7th and 8th grade students, along with junior and senior students to lend a helping hand to the residents of Pierz.
The day was filled with teamwork and community spirit as students raked an impressive total of over 25 yards of leaves. Their hard work not only beautified our neighborhood but also reinforced the values of service and responsibility. Thanks to the support of the City of Pierz, the collected bags of leaves were transported to the local city compost, making the event even more impactful.
It was a wonderful day for our students to show their Pioneer Pride in action, joining forces with the City of Pierz to give back to the community. We are proud of our students and staff for their dedication and commitment to making a difference!
The day was filled with teamwork and community spirit as students raked an impressive total of over 25 yards of leaves. Their hard work not only beautified our neighborhood but also reinforced the values of service and responsibility. Thanks to the support of the City of Pierz, the collected bags of leaves were transported to the local city compost, making the event even more impactful.
It was a wonderful day for our students to show their Pioneer Pride in action, joining forces with the City of Pierz to give back to the community. We are proud of our students and staff for their dedication and commitment to making a difference!
Pierz Healy Students Explore Local Manufacturing Careers
On October 14, approximately 40 students from Pierz Healy High School participated in a manufacturing and career exploration tour to learn more about local industries and future career opportunities.
Students visited Smude’s Sunflower Oil, where they learned about the production of sunflower oil, and Molex, gaining a firsthand look at local manufacturing operations. The group also visited the CareerForce building in Little Falls, where students had the opportunity to connect with local employers and learn about job opportunities and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
The tour provided students with valuable insight into the manufacturing industry and helped them explore potential career opportunities close to home. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences and local employers, students gained a better understanding of the many pathways available to them after high school.
Pierz Healy High School would like to thank Smude’s Sunflower Oil, Molex, CareerForce-Rural MN CEP, and the participating local employers for taking the time to share their knowledge and support our students’ career exploration!
On October 14, approximately 40 students from Pierz Healy High School participated in a manufacturing and career exploration tour to learn more about local industries and future career opportunities.
Students visited Smude’s Sunflower Oil, where they learned about the production of sunflower oil, and Molex, gaining a firsthand look at local manufacturing operations. The group also visited the CareerForce building in Little Falls, where students had the opportunity to connect with local employers and learn about job opportunities and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
The tour provided students with valuable insight into the manufacturing industry and helped them explore potential career opportunities close to home. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences and local employers, students gained a better understanding of the many pathways available to them after high school.
Pierz Healy High School would like to thank Smude’s Sunflower Oil, Molex, CareerForce-Rural MN CEP, and the participating local employers for taking the time to share their knowledge and support our students’ career exploration!
🧭 Learning Beyond the Classroom! 🌲
Our students put their map-reading and navigation skills to the test during an exciting hands-on adventure at Camp Ripley!
After spending two days in the classroom learning how to read maps, plot coordinates, calculate distances and degrees, and use a compass, students headed into the woods to put their new skills into action.
Working in groups of four, students used maps, protractors, and compasses to plan their routes and navigate a land navigation course. Each team had three hours to locate five specific markers hidden throughout the woods and swamp. Along the way, they practiced estimating their pace and measuring distances—and each group traveled more than 3 miles to complete the challenge!
The students had a great time working together, problem-solving, and putting their learning into practice.
A big thank-you to the Minnesota National Guard for partnering with us to provide this unique and memorable learning experience! 🇺🇸
This Wednesday, come cheer on the Pierz Pioneer football team and celebrate "Salute to Service" night - where we are recognizing and honoring local first responders and community members who have served and are currently serving our country in the US military! All first responders and current/former US military members are granted free admission with an ID!
All Pioneer 4th-6th graders were invited to attend a Science Aspire opportunity! Last week, forty-six students joined several parent volunteers and Mrs. Sadlovsky to attend sessions at CLC staples for a day of fun and learning!!
The day started with Hudson the Magician encouraging curiosity through his STEM magic session, after which the students attended hands-on science sessions on the following topics: Rocks and Minerals, MN Frog and Toad Olympics, Explore Design Build STEM Challenge, Life-Saving Nursing, Space/Aviation, Robotics, Combustion, and Lego AgBots. It was a fabulous day, and students were left excited to work on an important mission: Get Curious, Stay Curious!
Students in ASPIRE classes were treated to a watercolor lesson in the style of Wassily Kandinsky, the pioneer of abstract art, from Mary and Bridget, our in-house, all-things-art grandma volunteers! Students also learned about synesthesia (the ability to use additional senses like hearing colors and seeing sounds).
We are always honored when Dr. Dan Ninham comes to Pioneer Elementary to share his vast knowledge. This week, he talked to our phy ed classes and demonstrated various games played by indigenous children of this region. Dan Ninham, PhD, is a retired physical education teacher and coach, co-founder of the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame and prolific freelance writer. Worth a listen to learn more about Dr. Ninham: https://minnesotanativenews.org/dan-ninham-honoring-athletes-and-indigenous-sports-traditions/
Calling all Pierz Schools alumni who are/have been military service men and women:
Don't forget to submit yourself or a Pierz Schools alumni family member for our 'Salute to Service' tribute during the October 14 home football game--and thank to all who have submitted already! #pioneerpride
https://forms.gle/22NwbbWJBYsyxfncA
Don't forget to submit yourself or a Pierz Schools alumni family member for our 'Salute to Service' tribute during the October 14 home football game--and thank to all who have submitted already! #pioneerpride
https://forms.gle/22NwbbWJBYsyxfncA
Our oh-so-creative students have stuff to sell!
The all-new Pierz Marketplace will have student-made items for sale throughout the year from classes like Ag, Welding, Landscape and more. Contact pierzmarketplace@pierzschools.org to place your order. All proceeds go toward materials and back into supporting the industrial tech/ag courses!
Ms. Tax's concrete classes were at it again last week as they poured a slab at the Pioneer Elementary playground. Special thanks to Dave Brausen and the team at Knife River!
Last week, Ms. Gotvald's Ag classes traveled to Ludwig Aero Ag and Vision in Royalton for a drone crop spraying demonstration. How cool is that?!
Healy Families: Need to order school photos? Contact Picture Day Pro: https://picturedaypro.com/site/contact-us or 800-793-0112 or email: support@picturedaypro.com
It was our annual Johnny Appleseed Day in kindergarten last week, and Ms. Becker came to read us a fun apple story: Ten Apples on Top by Dr.Seuss! The students then did a ten apple craft and labeled apple parts before trying apples in three different ways: applesauce, apple with caramel, or just a plain apple. This is always one of the kindergarteners favorite days (and ours, too!)
The Pierz Cross Country teams competed in the Rey Zimney Stampede at Pierz Golf Course on Monday, September 21. The boys finished 3rd, and the girls finished fourth. Senior Wyatt Betsinger finished first with a time of 16:22, becoming the first Pioneer runner to win this meet since 1979!
Next week is Homecoming Week in Pioneer Country, beginning on Monday, September 21st with Coronation scheduled for Monday at 2:45 pm in the PAC!
This years Homecoming Top Ten are (L-R):
Parker Talberg, Wyatt Betsinger, Sawyer Lochner, Tyler Kimman and Brayden Foust
Autumn Jones, Jayden May, Payton Kimman, Macy Sadlovsky and Lilly Iverson
The week is packed with home games, matches, meets, dress-up days, and pep-fests--wrapping up Friday, September 25 with the Homecoming football game vs. Albany: "Send the Huskies to the Pound, Pioneers Own This Town!"
This years Homecoming Top Ten are (L-R):
Parker Talberg, Wyatt Betsinger, Sawyer Lochner, Tyler Kimman and Brayden Foust
Autumn Jones, Jayden May, Payton Kimman, Macy Sadlovsky and Lilly Iverson
The week is packed with home games, matches, meets, dress-up days, and pep-fests--wrapping up Friday, September 25 with the Homecoming football game vs. Albany: "Send the Huskies to the Pound, Pioneers Own This Town!"
Pioneer Elementary students are enjoying a new playground activity thanks to Christopher Mayer, a former student who built and donated the Carpet Ball game as part of becoming an Eagle Scout. Thank you, Christopher--it's definitely a hit!
Picture Day Information
Pierz Pioneers Weekly Schedule: 9/7/-9/11
Welcome to Pierz Schools, Ms. Brooke Miller!
