HCCS newsletter fall 2013

News Fall 2013

HARPER CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

A Newsletter for Friends of the Harper Creek Community Schools

First Day of School is September 3

Welcome Home!

On behalf of our school community, I want to wish a warm “Welcome Home!” to all returning students and families, as well as to those new to Harper Creek. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with parents in educating the children of this district. Our staff has been busy all summer researching and preparing to advance and challenge your children.

As the school year begins, we bid a fond farewell to the 2013 graduates moving on to college, trades, jobs, and the military, as well as to staff members Gary Garland, Barb Remaley, and Cheryl Daoust, who have all moved on into retirement. We sincerely thank them for their service. In addition, we wish a warm welcome to our newest staff members, including Matt Montange, high school principal.

Successful students are involved in their school. My hope for the 2013-14 year is that all of our students become active members of our community through volunteerism, as well as participation in school clubs, organizations, the arts, and athletics. Parental involvement increases student success. I invite you to attend your building’s open house, meet our dedicated staff, and greet your neighbors.

Harper Creek Community Schools—we are more than just a campus full of buildings—we are a community committed to the success of our students and families.

Sincerely,

Superintendent of Schools

Start and end times for the 2013-14 school year: High School—7:45 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Middle School—7:40 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.

Elementaries—8:45 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.

Matthew Montange is new principal HCHS Matthew Montange has been named principal of Harper Creek High School, beginning immediately.

Montange is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Administration and has an M.A. in Educational Administration.

He has been a successful principal at Comstock High School for the past three years and was an administrator, teacher, and coach in another local district for nine years prior to that.

Montange fosters an atmosphere of collaboration, which has led to improved classroom instruction. He knows that all students can achieve at a high level and believes that education should be a positive experience for students, parents, and staff.

District-wide Safety Enroll Now Would you like your 4-year-old to attend preschool for free in Calhoun County?

Applications are now available online for the 2013-14 Great Start Readiness Programs (GSRP) in Calhoun County. Children who will be four, but not yet five years old, by November 1, 2013 will be eligible to apply for GSRP preschool services at: www.calhoungreatstart.org.

If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact Karen McCune at (269) 441-3285 to set up a time to fill out an application.

Why should you send your child to preschool?

Sign up for SafeSchools Alert Harper Creek is now using SafeSchools Alert, a tip-reporting service that allows students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to administration in one of four different ways: • By Phone: 1-855-4ALERT1, ext. 1022 • By Text: Text #1022 @tip + your tip to ALERT1 (253781) • By Email: 1022@alert1.us • By Web: http://1022.alert1.us You may access the SafeSchools Alert site from the Harper Creek website: www.harpercreek.net. You and your student can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism, or any safety issue through SafeSchools Alert. When you submit a tip, be sure to use the Harper Creek identification code of 1022 in your communication.

• Your child will be more prepared for kindergarten • Your child will learn how to interact with other children their age • Your child will already know what to expect when they get to school Studies have shown that children who attend preschool:

• • • •

In an effort to constantly improve the Harper Creek learning environment, as well as student and family communication, help us use the tools below to positively make a difference in your child’s school day. Please contact us as soon as possible to update your child’s contact information.

Are more likely to succeed in later school years Develop more positive social skills with peers Become better readers Do better in math, English, and science

Harper Creek GSRP preschool services are provided to students who meet criteria established by the Michigan Department of Education. Priority is given to those with the greatest need who reside in the Harper Creek School district.

Direct any questions to Karen McCune at (269) 441-3285 or mccunek@harpercreek.net.

2 Harper Creek Community Schools

Every tip SafeSchools Alert receives about our district is immediately logged into the system, and administration is quickly notified to investigate and take appropriate action. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

BLI Messaging Harper Creek uses the message alert system BLI Messaging. The BLI Messaging system will contact parents via phone, email, or text message about upcoming district events.

The School Nurse Says…

Immunization Clinic

Now is a good time to review your child’s immunization records to assure that they meet state requirements.

We will be offering immunizations during the August evening open house at the Middle School open house, Tuesday, Aug. 27. from 5:30 School nurses Joyce Barry, BA, RN (left) and Anita Riddle BSN, RN at the 2012 Health to 6:30 p.m. K-12 Fair and Student Expo. students are eligible to receive this service. Most insurances will be accepted, including Medicaid. If your student does not have insurance, we have resources to assure that he or she receives the benefit of being immunized.

If you need assistance in determining your child’s immunization needs, you may contact us via email, and we will be happy to assist you. All students age 11 or older are required to have a Tdap (tetanus, whooping cough) and meningitis immunization, along with a second Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, if they have not received two. Also Hepatitis A and HPV vaccines will be available.

Please visit the Harper Creek School Wellness page at www.harpercreek.net under the “District Resources” tab. Here you will find health consent and medication administration forms for the current school year. Check this page often as information will be added or changed periodically. If you have questions, contact: • Anita Riddle BSN, RN ariddle@calhouncountymi.gov • Joyce Barry, BA, RN jbarry@calhouncountymi.gov

Better

Better

Health, Education Health Fair & Student Expo

Calhoun County Public Health Department 190 E. Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, MI

Mondays-Thursdays 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. and Fridays 8-11 a.m.

An estimated 24.3 percent of children 19 to 35 months of age are NOT up to date on their routine childhood immunizations.

Lakeview Square Mall Saturday, September 28 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A Calhoun County Public Health Department “School Wellness Program”

3 Harper Creek Community Schools

Pesticides Act Public Act 131 of 1993 requires schools to notify parents and guardians of children attending school of their right to be informed prior to application of pesticide at that school. Harper Creek Community Schools has no formal regular schedule for pesticide applications. Any use of pesticides is determined on an “as needed” basis.

If you wish to be notified personally prior to the application of any pesticides at a school building at which your child is attending, please register with the Administration Office by phone (269) 441-6550 or by letter: Harper Creek Facilities Department, 7454 B Drive North, Battle Creek, MI 49014.

When you write or call, please indicate your full name and phone number(s) where you may be reached, as well as an address for written notification. Also, please list the full names of any children attending Harper Creek Community Schools and indicate the buildings where they attend. In our notification to you, we will indicate the date and approximate location of the pesticide application.

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Helpful Resources

Board Policy on Alcohol and Tobacco Alcohol and Smoke Free Schools, Grounds, Vehicles and Facilities

Tobacco Products No person, at any time, shall smoke, chew or otherwise use tobacco products, of any kind, on School District property, on property under the control of the School District, nor in School District vehicles.

Alcoholic Beverages No alcoholic beverages, of any kind, nor any “look alike” alcoholic beverages, shall be used by any person in District buildings or on District property, nor in connection with any District sponsored activity, either on or off District property, at any time. Signs prohibiting the use of alcohol, tobacco, or tobacco products will be posted on school grounds. General public violations will be handled in accordance with State Law.

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For Harper Creek families in need of insurance, call (269) 381-9800 or visit www.healthcare4mi.com.

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View the 2012-13 Board Approved Budget at www.harpercreek.net.

Click on “Budget and Salary/ Compensation Transparency Reporting” icon (looks like the State of Michigan).

2013-14 Bus Route information will be posted as soon as possible at • www.harpercreek.net.

Questions? Call (269) 441-6590. Please have • your child at the bus stop five minutes before the bus’ scheduled arrival time.

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Harper Creek Community Schools offers GED testing. For information, call (269 ) 441-4752 or visit www.harpercreek.net.

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Graduation and Senior Slideshow DVDs are on sale now in the High School main office. The DVDs are $10 each or both DVDs for only $15.

Visit the Harper Creek Alumni page for updates and information on friends, classmates, reunions, military service, and lost class rings. Click on www.harpercreek.net, District Resources, and then Alumni.

4 Harper Creek Community Schools

Harper Creek Community Schools has partnered with Professional Educational Services Group, LLC (PESG) to provide substitute teacher services. PESG is the largest single private employer of school personnel in Michigan.

If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher, please visit www.subpass.com and click on “Apply Now.” To chaperone/volunteer at Harper Creek Community Schools, a Volunteer Release and Acknowledgement Form must be completed each year. This includes all parents and community members who would like to volunteer on a regular basis. The required form is available on our website in the “District Forms” folder under the “Miscellaneous Community Information” link. Questions may be directed to Tammy Chapman at (269) 441-6567 or via email at chapmant@harpercreek.net.

Harper Creek Community Schools contact information Beadle Lake

Office Hours 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Start: 8:45 a.m.

End: 3:40 p.m.

8175 C Drive North Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 441-3250 Fax: (269) 962-4748 Principal: Kristy Newman Operation Concern: (269) 441-3255

Sonoma

Office Hours 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Start: 8:45 a.m.

End: 3:40 p.m.

4640 B Drive South Battle Creek, MI 49015 Phone: (269) 441-7800 Fax: (269) 979-6246 Principal: Cyndi Mead Operation Concern: (269) 441-7805

Wattles Park

Office Hours 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Start: 8:45 a.m.

End: 3:40 p.m.

Administration Office

132 South Wattles Road Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 441-5850 Fax: (269) 963-1174 Principal: Kim Thayer Operation Concern: (269) 441-5855

Office Hours 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

7454 B Drive North Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 441-6550 Fax: (269) 962-6034 Superintendent: John Severson

Middle School

Transportation

Office Hours 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Start: 7:40 a.m.

End: 2:40 p.m.

7290 B Drive North Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 441-4750 Fax: (269) 979-4613 Principal: Cristina Eyre

Director: Jim Robinson Phone: (269) 441-6575 Dispatcher: Stacy Hendon Phone: (269) 441-6590

Food Services

Director: Melissa Giggy Phone: (269) 441-8457

High School

Office Hours 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Start: 7:45 a.m.

End: 2:50 p.m.

12677 Beadle Lake Road Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 441-8450 Fax: (269) 441-2206 Principal: Matt Montange

Facilities

Director: Jim Robinson Phone: (269) 441-6575

GED

Examiners: Ken Schwaegerle, Lisa Militzer Phone: (269) 441-4752

Web site: www.harpercreek.net

Chain of command for parent communication…

Many parent and community questions are easily and completely answered by communicating directly with the educator in charge of the class or program.

Each situation should first be addressed at whatever level the initial action was taken, with appeals moving on to the next level on the chain of command. The Instruction/ Curriculum

• • • •

Classroom Teacher Principal Curriculum Director Superintendent

Athletics

• Coach • Athletic Director • Superintendent

easiest way to communicate is via e-mail, and a phone call is the next preferable way.

When parents want to communicate with the Harper Creek Community Schools administrators and school board members, the following is the appropriate “chain of command” to follow.

Student Discipline

Transportation

• • • •

• Bus Driver • Transportation Director • Superintendent

Classroom Teacher Assistant Principal Principal Superintendent

Facilities/Grounds/ Buildings

• Principal • Supervisor of Facilities • Superintendent

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Opening athletic events Listed below are the first home event dates for the 2013-14 school year.

A complete calendar can be found at www.harpercreek.net.

August 21............... First athletic contests of the year: Golf at Gull Lake, Tennis (H) vs. Loy Norrix August 24............... Fall Athletic Parent Meeting at 11 a.m. and Beaver Booster Pig Roast at noon (both at football field) September 27....... Homecoming vs. Battle Creek Central October 11............. American Red Cross “Red Out” football game

2013-14 Athletic passes/reserved seating

Season athletic passes $50 each or $200 for a family Reserved football seating $10 each or $40 for the season Passes may be purchased in the athletic office at the high school.

Tornado Watch and Weather Alert Reminder In the event of a tornado watch, Harper Creek Community Schools will release students at the end of their normal school day. It is impossible to predict if and when a tornado may strike. We do not want to send students home at a time when an adult may not be present to secure their safety.

All Harper Creek Community School buildings have a tornado response plan in place. If parents prefer to pick up students during a tornado watch, they should follow regular signout policy procedures.

After school and athletic activities will be decided upon at the end of that school day. If a tornado watch is issued before the school day begins, there will be a delay or cancellation. All school delays and closings will be posted on your local television and radio stations, on our hotline at (269) 979-5317, or on our website at www.harpercreek.net.

Harper Creek Holly Days Craft Show Harper Creek Middle School Saturday, November 9 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please call (269) 441-3256 for more information.

Sponsored by Beadle Lake PTA

Section 2000–General School Administration 2450 Non-Discrimination and Complaint Procedure (Cf. 5030, 8015) 2450 The District will not discriminate against any person based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, handicap, age, or disability. The Board reaffirms its long-standing policy of compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination including, but not limited to, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d. et seq.; and 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et seq.; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681, et seq.; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794; The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1210, et seq.; The Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, MCL §§ 37.1101, et seq.; and The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL §§ 37.2101, et seq.

6 Harper Creek Community Schools

Registrations for the 2013-14 school year at Harper Creek Community Schools will be accepted daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning: • August 12—High School/Middle School • August 19—Elementary Buildings Evening Registration Events:

• August 21—8 a.m. to 7 p.m. High School /Middle School • August 22—8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Elementary Buildings

Technology Update

A visit to the Kalamazoo Symphony

ow n r e st 4 Regri 2013-1 fo school year

Join us!

Fall Open Houses Set High School Tuesday, August 27 • Freshmen/New Student Orientation—5 p.m.

• Sophomore/Junior/Senior Open House—6 p.m.

Middle School Tuesday, August 27 • 6th– 8th Grade Open House—5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• 5th Grade Orientation—6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Exciting things are happening at Harper Creek!

• The elementary schools will have new student technology tools available in the classroom. Teachers will be using laptop and tablet computers to expand learning opportunities for all students.

• The high school journalism lab will be receiving new computers and design layout software.

• The school district is dedicated to maintaining the network infrastructure, including improving wireless access capabilities and providing building security enhancements.

All Elementary Buildings Wednesday, August 28

Wattles Park • Kindergarten Orientation—5 to 6 p.m.

• 1st – 4th Grade Open House—6 to 7 p.m.

Sonoma • Open House—6 to 7 p.m.

Beadle Lake • Parent Meeting and Hot Dog Dinner—5 to 6 p.m.

• Open House—6 to 7 p.m.

Technology skills are essential for all students, whether joining the workforce, entering a trade program, enrolling in college, or joining the military. Harper Creek Community Schools strives to prepare students for whatever future they choose.

7 Harper Creek Community Schools

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 793 Battle Creek, MI

Harper Creek Community Schools 7454 B Drive North Battle Creek, MI 49014 Join us for Homecoming and the 10th Annual Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 27

Important Dates August 17........................................................................................Class of 1983 Reunion August 17.............................................................Cross Country Alumni Challenge 5K August 19-23................................................ Articulation Boot Camp at Wattles Park September 3..........................................................................................First Day of School September 10-14........................................................................................ Corporate Cup September 24...........................Middle School “Fuel Up to Play” Trip to Ford Field November 5........................................................................................................... No School November 27................................................................................................................ ½ Day November 28-29.................................................................................................. No School December 23-January 3............................................................................... Winter Break January 20.............................................................................................................. No School January 23-24............................................................................................................... ½ Day February 27-28..................................................................................................... No School April 4...................................................................................................................... No School April 7-11........................................................................................................... Spring Break April 18.................................................................................................................... No School April 28.................................................................................................................... No School May 26..................................................................................................................... No School June 12-13...................................................................................................................... ½ Day June 13....................................................................................................Last Day of School

Please check www.harpercreek.net for updates and changes to the calendar.

School board meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Administration Building.

School Closing The phone number for school closing information is (269) 979-5317. Press 3 for school closings.

Wood TV8 Personal Closings Email System and SMS Text Alerts are direct messages to your email address or cell phone to inform you of school closings and delays.

Go to: http://closings.woodtv.com, and click “Register for an Account.”

The closings also will be posted on the district website.