Thank you to all who have served, who continue to serve and all of their families. Today we honored our veterans at Pierz Schools through song, speeches, tributes, and tradition.
Thank you to our keynote speaker Chief Warrant Officer Three Clint LeBlanc, all of the veterans and American Legion members, our amazing band, FFA students, our student speakers, Rick Grammond, and all the staff and students who were so respectful and quiet during the entire program, we could’ve heard a pin drop during both the Advancement and Retirement of Colors. #pioneerpride
Thank you to our keynote speaker Chief Warrant Officer Three Clint LeBlanc, all of the veterans and American Legion members, our amazing band, FFA students, our student speakers, Rick Grammond, and all the staff and students who were so respectful and quiet during the entire program, we could’ve heard a pin drop during both the Advancement and Retirement of Colors. #pioneerpride
Join us in the MAC or watch the live stream as we honor our veterans during our Veterans Day program on Wednesday, November 11 at 9:30am. https://fan.hudl.com/usa/mn/pierz/organization/16625/pierz-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0NDcyNDcxOQ%3D%3D
Check out this news article from the Morrison County Record, featuring some of our very own Pierz Pioneer students and the new class/student-run business, Pierz Marketplace. The class is taught by Bryce Rushmeyer, in collaboration with Pat Tax, Curtis Brisk, and Brenda Gotvald. Check out the products they have created for sale so far on the Pierz Marketplace website, please reach out to them at pierzmarketplace@pierzschools.org or order or inquire about any of the products for sale.
Our community has a lot to teach—and our students had plenty of questions!
Today, our 10th and 12th graders met with community members to hear about their career paths and explore possibilities for life after high school. Guests shared their experiences, answered questions, and helped students connect their interests to careers.
Thank you to everyone who shared their time and knowledge:
• Rachael Martin and Bethany Gerads — Midwest Machine
• Shelbie Kapsner — Essentia Health
• Galen Stumpf — on farming today vs. the 1970s...or earlier? :)
• Steve Stumpf — carpentry and the importance of work ethic in the trades
• Doug Virnig — Farmers & Merchants State Bank
• Kelsey Diers — Dynamic Therapy
• Sergeant Dan Rocheleau
• Gwen Torfin — interior design
• Ms. Patrick, Ms. Rocheleau, and Ms. Marshik — what it takes to be an excellent teacher and high school vs. elementary teaching
Our 9th and 11th graders will have their turn to explore careers with community members in February.
We’re grateful for the people who invest in our students and help them picture their futures. Thank you for inspiring the next generation! ❤️🖤
Fifth grade band students became the teachers last week as they taught their parents and families how to play "Hot Cross Buns" on their instruments for their Halloween band performance. Parents then took center stage as they showed off their newly found musical talents!
Congratulations to our October Students of the Month, Macy Sadlovsky and Link Toops! https://www.pierzschools.org/page/students-of-the-month
Mrs. Stamm's preschoolers are exploring their engineering skills with the Superspace Tiles on loan from the STEMbound program through Sourcewell in Staples. The kids thought they were like giant Magnatiles and their imagination and creativity has been endless!
Pierz Cross Country boys and girls each took 4th place at the Granite Ridge Conference meet on Tuesday, October 20th. Wyatt Betsinger was the conference champion, and Quinn Gruber (5th) and Daniel Niznik (6th) were All-Conference. Joel Marshik (20th) was an All-Conference honorable mention.
Today, 5th and 6th graders talked with Mr. Herold and Mr. Otte about the "P" of Pioneer Pride: Perseverance. Students learned about the virtue of perseverance, and how important the ability to not give up will assist them in their lives and careers.
Each year, teachers nominate students from the Healy High School graduating class to be recognized for their academic dedication and leadership qualities.
Congratulations to September Students of the Month, Tyler Kimman and Laura Young! https://www.pierzschools.org/page/students-of-the-month
What: Donate gently used or new socks and ready-to-eat soups and easy ready-to-eat meals for our neighbors in need (think mac n’ cheese cups, ramen, soup cups, etc)
Who: Socks will go to local shelters and county programs. Food will stay here and go to Pioneer and Panty and Pierz Food Shelf
Where: Drop off at District Office, Healy, Pioneer, or at Conferences this week!
Who: Socks will go to local shelters and county programs. Food will stay here and go to Pioneer and Panty and Pierz Food Shelf
Where: Drop off at District Office, Healy, Pioneer, or at Conferences this week!
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/