"Our Schools News" - March 2013

March 9, 2013 Allegan Public Schools - “Striving for Excellence”

www.alleganpublicschools.org

“Around the World in 80 Days”

May 9 & 11 AHS Drama presents “Around the World in 80 Days” by Michael Hulett on March 1415-16 in the Performing Arts Center (all shows at 7 p.m.). This comedy is an adaptation of the Jules Verne novel by the same name and follows Phileas Fogg (Mason English) and his valet (Nate Wallace) around the world in 80 days to attempt to win a bet put forth

by Fogg’s friend Filby (Ben Wallace). Join them and the rest of the cast (which includes Parker Johnson, Jesse Carlson, Sarah Payne, Kaitlyn Norman and more!) and their hilarious antics from London to Egypt to Malay to Kansas... Tickets are $5 adults, $4 youth, and family 4-packs are available for $15.

(7 pm)

Come help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of our P.A.C.! Over 100 cast members from all Allegan choirs!

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION TUESDAY, APRIL 9 (9:30 A.M.)

AT EACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ALTERNATE SESSION: THURSDAY, APRIL 12 (5-7 PM) AT THE HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER For more information, contact your local elementary school: Dawson (673-6925) Pine Trails (673-5379) North Ward (673-6003) West Ward (673-7000) Students who will be 5 years old before November 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll.

School Calendar 2012-13 March 8 - STAFF ONLY (Professional Dev.) March 29 - NO SCHOOL (Good Friday) April 1-5 - NO SCHOOL (Spring Break) April 24, 25 - Parent/Teacher Conf. (HS) April 26 - STAFF ONLY (Professional Dev.) May 27 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day) May 30 - AHS Graduation (7:45 p.m.)

June 5 - Last Day for Students (excessive Snow Day count could impact this!)

IMPORTANT – KEEP NEAR YOUR PHONE

Allegan Public Schools Telephone Numbers

Administration Office.................................... 673-5431 Kevin Harness (Superintendent) Bill Hammer (Director of Operations) Nancy McKown (Curriculum and Technology) George Mohr (State and Federal programs) Allegan High School .................................... 673-7002 Jim Mallard, Ron Orr (Principals) L.E. White Middle School............................. 673-2241 James Antoine, Jaym Abraham (Principals) Dawson Elementary....................................... 673-6925 Joe James (Principal) North Ward Elementary................................. 673-6003 Harry Dalm (Principal) Pine Trails Elementary................................... 673-5379 Dave Kanine (Principal) West Ward Elementary................................... 673-7000 Harry Dalm (Principal) Allegan Alternative High & Adult Ed............ 673-5433 Brenda Nyhof (Principal) Special Education........................................... 673-5431 Dann Perono (Director) Athletic Office................................................ 673-7002 Gary Ellis (Director) Recreation Department.................................. 673-7002 Trevor Horwath (Rec.), Andrea Murphy (Pool) Maintenance Department............................... 673-2085 George Zeock (Supervisor) Transportation Department........................... 673-2203 Darrell Stoughton (Supervisor)

Allegan Public Schools 2013 Board of Education

Back row: Mark Davidhizar (president), Dale Wittkop (vice president), Vicki Knuckles (secretary), Mary Kasprzyk (treasurer). Front row: Mike Fairbanks (trustee), Jeff McLaughlin (trustee), and Troy Carns (trustee).

Thank You to Grace Gant for Board Service!

School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org

Allegan Public Schools 2012-13 Board of Education Meeting Schedule March 11, 2013 (7:00 p.m.)

April 8, 2013 (7:00 p.m.)

May 13, 2013 (7:00 p.m.)

June 10, 2013 (5:30 p.m.)

July 8, 2013 (5:30 p.m.) Organizational Meeting -- All regular meetings scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month.

-- Regular meetings during school year are scheduled to begin at 7 pm.

--Regular meetings during the summer (June, July, Aug.) begin at 5:30 pm.

-- All meetings to be held at the Allegan Public Schools’ Administration Offices, 550 Fifth Street, Allegan MI 49010.

Interested citizens are invited to attend meetings. There is an opportunity for public comments of a general nature at the beginning of every board meeting. Persons with disabilities who need special accommodations should contact the Superintendent at 673-5431, or at 550 Fifth Street, Allegan, MI 49010, ten days prior to the meeting.

The APS Board of Education recognized Grace Gant for her service to the board at the December, 2012 regular meeting, which was her last meeting. Ms. Gant chose not to run for re-election in the November school election. Grace has been a board member since 2008, serving several years as board secretary, and on various board Superintendent Kevin Harness and committees such as the Firetiring board member Grace Gant. nance & Personnel Committees.

Her positive support of our school district’s programs, staff, and students will certainly be missed!

The “Our Schools News” is a publication of Allegan Public Schools. It is published at least four times annually and mailed to all residents of the Allegan area. If you know of someone who is not receiving this publication that would benefit from receiving it, please contact Joni VanNieuwenhuyzen, editor, at 673-5431 or email: jonivan@alleganps.org Page 2

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. . . the POWER of Education (A message from the superintendent of schools)

Kevin Harness Superintendent

School Pride – Catch it!

The results of a recent study released by Stanford University and the Economic Policy Institute have provided new answers to the question “Are America’s schools failing?” For years pundits and politicians have touted that American schools are not providing the quality education that students in other countries are experiencing, and that our educational system is broken. However, the results from this study paint quite a different picture. Martin Carnoy from Stanford University stated, “The big takeaway (from this study) is that we’re not doing as badly as the pundits are claiming. Our advantaged kids are doing very well in reading, as well as anybody in the world, and in math, disadvantaged kids have improved more that almost any other country.”

Finally, we have received encouraging news about our nation’s schools! This study serves to reinforce what many of us in education have known for a long time--the vast majority of our schools are already providing excellent educational opportunities for our students.

Interestingly, even when our nation’s or our state’s schools are attacked as a group in the media, most individuals when asked will say that their local school is doing a good job. I believe this holds true for the Allegan community as well.

So why do our citizens believe their local school is performing well even amidst the onslaught of media attention to the contrary? I believe that individual citizens can see, or have personally experienced, the positive impact their local school district has on their students and the entire community.

I must interject my standard disclaimer that we can always do better. Certainly there are areas that we know we must improve to better serve our students. Yet identifying weaknesses and putting plans in place for improvement does not mean we should not take pride in our accomplishments. The students, parents, and staff of Allegan Public Schools have much to take pride in. I have mentioned many “Points of Pride” for our district in our annual report as well as in previous articles.

Hopefully, you have a few personal points of pride for our district as well. In fact, showing your school pride will assist all of us in facing the challenges of improving our district every day for our kids! So I ask our parents and community members, when you have a question or concern about our schools, share it with your teacher, principal, or me. If you have experienced or witnessed something going right and helping kids succeed, share it with your family, friends, and neighbors. Help our school pride to be more is contagious!

Athletic Accomplishment Speaking of pride in your school, it was with great pride that I witnessed five athletes participate in the state individual wrestling championship this past weekend. At the conclusion of another impressive wrestling season under head coach Murray Rose, our team finished in the top four after competing in Battle Creek in the team finals on February 22 and 23.

Chance Gorby, Foster Karmon, Austin Kelley, John Krcatovich, and Kyle Simaz all competed in the individual competition at the Palace of Auburn Hills on February 28 through March 2. John finished in 8th place, both Austin and Foster finished in 3rd, and Kyle brought home the state championship at the 140# weight class. Any state championship is a special accomplishment. Kyle’s first place finish in the state classification is even more impressive due to the fact that he is number four in the line of four brothers to achieve the state pinnacle. All three of Kyle’s older brothers (Eric, Cam, and Taylor) have stood atop the state individual wrestling platform. In fact, the Simaz family total stands at seven state championships and counting! Kyle is a junior with one more year to compete. Congratulations go out to the entire Simaz family!

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100th Day of School!

Mercedes Balderas and Ian Balderas

“YES I CAN” Award

Two Allegan High School students, Mercedes Balderas and Ian Balderas were winners of this year’s “Yes I Can” Award, sponsored by the Michigan Council of Exceptional Children.

Mercedes was honored in the subject of art, and Ian in the area of technology. They will be recognized at the MCEC Conference on March 14 at the Amway Grand Plaza.

To celebrate 100 days of learning, elementary students across the district participated in various activities at their own grade levels. Kindergarten students in Ms. Marlett’s class at North Ward made portraits of themselves, as they imagined they would look when they were 100 years old! Then they wrote about what they might do when they were 100.

Campbell VandenHuevel wrote, “When I am 100 years old, I will spoil my grandkids and drink lots of coffee!”

Kindergartners with their 100-year self-portraits are (clockwise from top left): Alyssa Macherzak, Janaea McHerron, Emry Witt, Kollin Kosiorowski.

What does a million look like?

(Below) Mrs. Guy’s & Mr. Berlin’s class at Pine Trails; and (Right) 5th grader Maddy VanderBand helps sort and count pop tabs.

5th grade math classes at Pine Trails Elementary were discussing what having a million of something would look like, or how long you would have to collect a certain item to get to 1,000,000 or how long it would take to cover a million miles????

They decided to collect pop can tabs and put their counting skills to good use -- and they set out to collect a million of them!

So far, they have collected over 58,000 tabs that will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of WMU. If you would like to turn in some tabs that you have saved, please contact Pine Trails Elementary.

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Max Clark Wins Spelling Bee AND Geography Bee! Max Clark, 8th grader

at L.E. White Middle School, was this year’s winner of the school’s Spelling Bee AND the Geography Bee. This means he can most likely find Uzbekistan on a world map AND spell it correctly! Max advanced to the next level in both competitions. The geography bee, sponsored by National Geographic and GOOGLE, holds its National competition in Washington D.C. in May.

Netiquette: There’s more to Internet etiquette than manners.

It’s a matter of safety! Parents, you are invited to a workshop developed specifically for you to help you learn how to teach your children how to act online, as well as how to be safe. “Netiquette” will cover topics such as cyberbullying, sexting, and internet safety. You’ll hear from local experts such as the Michigan State Police and Pathways Family Counseling about some of the dangers found on the internet and what you can do as a parent to help protect your child. The “Netiquette” parent workshop will be held at Hamilton Elementary (3472 Lincoln Road Hamilton, MI) on March 25, from 6:30-8 pm. Please RSVP to Leigh Moerdyke at lmoerdyke@pathwaysmi.org by March 21st.

Middle Schooler Attends Presidential Inauguration Delanie Nahikian, 7th grader at L.E.White Middle School, had the opportunity to attend the Presidential Inauguration in January. She traveled to Washington D.C. with a group of students as part of the organization People-to-People. Delanie thoroughly enjoyed her experience, where she saw many sights, learned a lot, and enjoyed being part of history.

Middle School “Demonstrations”

Brooklyn Delor and Rianon Schneider (above) demonstrate the fine art of cookie making, while Allison Wiley (right) demonstrated how to play the clarinet.

Dawson Outstanding Students

Middle School students in Ms. Hellman’s class performed demonstrations where they practiced their speaking skills and their listening skills!

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5th graders Brooklynn Reed and Hannah Joynes were named this year’s Outstanding Students of the Year at Dawson Elementary. The students were praised by their teachers and principal for their citizenship, their attitude toward academics, and their involvement at school.

212 ̊ Turn up the:

H. (helpful to others) E. (educational excellence) A. (attitude) T. (take responsibility) These high school students (winners for January) all won free passes to the Regent Theater!

Left to right (front row: Austin Farrell, Elizabeth Pegg, Alizah Holmes, Savannah Julien.

(Back row): Jacob Holmes, Allen Edington, Jimmy Fretwell, Ryan Buschert.

Students at Allegan High School are being challenged to “turn up the heat”! All students know that at 211 degrees, water is simply hot water, but at 212 degrees it BOILS, producing enough steam to power a locomotive! So students are asked to go that one notch above, striving for 212 ̊ behavior awards that are being distributed to students who are “caught” exhibiting positive behavior at school (such as academic improvement or good citizenship). The acronym H.E.A.T. gives students an idea of what kinds of behavior to strive for. Students who receive a 212 ̊ card from a teacher or other staff member can turn it in to the principal’s office in exchange for a small token gift, such as a keychain, bracelet, or pencil. Then a monthly drawing is held for prizes such as gas cards or tickets to events. According to Assistant Principal Ron Orr, the program has had some very positive effects, stating, “Students love being recognized for the good things they do! Some local merchants have even donated items to be given away to our 212 students, and this creates another opportunity for our community to be involved in education.”

Wade Dickinson, the December winner of the 212 award received a $10 Speedway gift card from Asst. Principal Ron Orr.

AHS Writing Awards and Honors Allegan High School students continue to be recognized as some of the Nation’s best, as they are encouraged to enter writing contests! Here are just a few recent winners...

Parker Johnson

Savanna Mercer and Jared Krug

Savanna Mercer and Jared Krug each earned a monetary prize for their 3rd place finishes in the Fleet Reserve Association Americanism Essay Contest in their respective age group. Their pieces, descriged as “thought-provoking and meaningful” were motivated by the prompt, “What My Vote Will Mean to Me.”

Dan Bazzy-Schmidt

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Daniel Bazzy-Schmidt was the winner of a recent Detroit News in Education Cartoon Caption Contest. For his creative efforts in the area of political cartooning, he won a copy of the publication, May it Amuse the Court!

Congratulations to Parker Johnson who earned top honors (The Golden Key Award) in this year’s highly prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. His submission “Change the World” is a concise piece of historical fiction.

SUMMER 2013 Laker Writers’ Camps Allegan is hosting a camp again this year!

July 8-11

Emily Meade reads a book to preschoolers in the Great Start Preschool at Pine Trails, while classmate Na’Chelle Smith listens in. (photo by Daniela Hernandez, HS yearbook staff)

Encouraging a New Generation of Readers!

What is “Writers’ Camp?”

Laker Writers’ Camp is for students who are interested in writing! Students in grades 4-6 (in the fall of 2013) will explore various writing styles and methods of creative self-expression.

And they will make new friends! Our own Bethany Burnett will be teaching the Allegan session, which will be held at the administration buidling July 8-11 (Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.). The cost is $120 and scholarships are available.

Please contact Mrs. Burnett at Dawson Elementary 673-6926 (ext. 3308) to get a registration form. Or visit www. lmwritingproject.org.

After reading articles about how reading aloud to young children affects their intellectual development, Ms. Conrad’s Children’s Literature embarked on an early literacy project. Students picked out picture books, analyzed the characters to figure out what types of voices they should give them, and practiced reading the books aloud with expression and character voices. They then read their books to their classmates and received feedback about their performances before they took the show on the road to the preschools at Pine Trails and the Tech Center. Not only did the youngest students thoroughly enjoy the stories, the high school students had an opportunity to encourage a new generation of readers!

Students from Mrs. McDaniel’s class work on practice maps, then they decorate their cookies: (left to right) Jordyn Frye, Hayley Billman, Jeffrey Sternberg, and Alahna Rebec.

Michigan Resources

Wheel Chair Donated The Hospital Foundation at Allegan General Hospital recently donated a brand new wheelchair to L.E.White Middle School. The chair will be used to help students who get hurt or to help injured students to temporarily make it around the building. The school wishes to thank the AGH Foundation for this generous donation. They also donated other supplies, such as a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope!

Students from Mrs. Lucas’ class displaying their finished cookie product: (left to right) Thomas Wall, Domanique Adams, Teagan Henrickson.

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3rd grade students at North Ward Elementary had a creative way to learn about the natural resources of their great state of Michigan!

They decorated “mittenshaped” cookies to depict Michigan and then decorated them with edible symbols to show where each resource can be found!

Alligator Day AP Biology and creative writing students enjoyed a reptile and amphibian presentation by Dave Critchlow, owner of Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary. The presentation was funded by a teacher mini-grant from the Educational Foundation of APS. In addition to nine alligators, the presentation’s live specimans included gators, frogs, and bearded lizards. (Left) Michael Hoyt dons a neck scarf of the live Ball Python variety; (Center) Kelly Haughn snuggles up with a Bearded Dragon; and (Right) Rhandi Groendyk displays an American Alligator.

L.E. White Middle School students, under the direction of Devyn Morris and Theresa Holland, presented this jungle adventure romp.

Film producer Larry Livermore (Blake Ruffer) is searching for an unknown to play the lead in his next film, “Archie of the Amazon”.

His loyal assistant Kimberly (Shaylynn Hunt) and jungle guide Borneo Joe (Kody Harrington) convince him to fly to the jungle in search of a wild jungle man Rocky (Max Clark). Their adventures include meeting a gorilla named Ingagi (Rudy DeRidder), animal trainer Betty Beatty (Allison Engelsman), ecologist Dorothy Greener (Merissa Sonntag), and Princess Aquacola (Macey Runkle) and her hostile tribe. To confuse matters, game show hosts (Ezekiel Butcher and Sarah Wester) award a trip to the game winners, who spend their jungle time with Osa Byrd (Maddy Waite) searching for the illusive Amazon Ghost Moth. The cast also included: Matilda Allen, Ezra Butcher, Jillian Campbell, Kelsey Clark, Deztanee Cobb, Sam Croteau, Mykaylee Davis, Brooklyn Delor,

Trinity DeRidder, Luke Godfrey,

Ally Hammer, Christopher Luyk, Erin Milbocker, Tara Poelman, Shania Sauceda, Morgan Sturman, Alyssa Trutsch, and Bailey Weaver.

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Allegan Band “Notes” Band Festivals - The high school band performed at MS-

BOA district band festival on Feb. 27 where they received all #1 ratings! On Feb. 22 in Otsego, the 7th grade earned a #1 rating and the 8th grade received a #2 rating.

Solo & Ensemble -

GVSU Honor Band - Students who participated in the Grand Valley State University’s Honor Band included (left to right): Cyle Kugelard, David McKeever, Katie Anderson, Joey Hughes, Julie Isola, Colton Fairbanks.

The following high school band students received “I” (excellent) ratings for their solo performances or as part of an ensemble this year: Tyler Swinehart, Alyssa Dehn, Derek Storey, Kylie DeKryger, Siera Ruffer, Alex Archer, Quinten Bader, Katie Anderson, Dylan Henrickson, Jaysen Ellis, Allen Rood, Tyler Miles, Nicole Capello, Colton Fairbanks.

Upcoming Band Dates: Mar 23 State Solo/Ensemble Apr 13 MS Solo/Ensemble May 14 Spring Concert

(6th & 7th bands) May 16* Spring Concert

(8th & HS bands) May 25 Memorial Day Parade May 30 Graduation Band Camp dates: July 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30 Aug 1, 2 *Note change in date

Do you have an old instrument at home that is gathering dust somewhere? We are always looking for used instruments!

Please contact: amack@alleganps.org

Don’t miss “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” May 9 & 11 in the P.A.C. All choirs (including our Elementary Youth Choir) will be performing!

Solo & Ensemble

Congrats to choir students who participated in Solo & Ensemble recently at GVSU. Special recognition goes to the Freshman Ensemble for receiving a VERY high “excellent” score! Choir members with outstanding performances included: Kate Stanloski, Brianna Price, Calvin Woodard, Caroline Wolf, Kaitlyn Barnes, Darian Guile, Hannah Stark, Hannah Ward, Emma Kasprzyk!

Singing Telegrams: On February 14, the high school and middle school choirs delivered over 100 singing telegrams to various students and staff.

Choir members sang “L-O-V-E,” “Ho Hey,” and “Stop in the Name of Love”!!!!! And some choir members even dressed as Cupidtype characters and sang to their favorite teachers...

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SPRING DATES THAT RATE:

ALLEGAN ATHLETICS By: Gary Ellis, Athletic Director Another season of high school and middle school athletics has come and gone. As is typical of any season there was a mixture of ups and downs, but in the end, a season of memories and life lessons. It was also a time where so many stepped up and gave of their time and energy to make it all happen. For those students, parents and community members who did lend a hand in whatever capacity, we thank you. Your involvement made a difference.

Highlights during the winter season:

March 11 –High School Spring Sports Began March 20 – Opening day of competition for spring sports baseball and softball (vs. Bloomingdale) March 21 – Girls Soccer Home Opener (vs. South Haven) March 23 – Early Bird Invitationals – Track and Girls Tennis March 25 – Middle Schools Spring Sports Begin

(co-ed tennis and track) April 11 – 1st Boys Golf Conference Jamboree @ Paw Paw April 20 – Allegan Tennis Invitational featuring several

state-ranked teams May 6 – Allegan Middle School Track Relays May 10 – Allegan Track Invitational May 18 – Hall of Fame and Senior Awards Banquet May ??? – 2013-14 Sports Physicals (watch for details) And so much more! Check the Athletic Department website for all the events

-The expanded Wolverine Conference with division races and end of season competitions -The wrestling team reaching the state semifinal.

-Bowling becoming a Wolverine Conference-sponsored sport.

-A third place finish for our swim team, with several records falling through the course of the season.

-Our basketball teams finishing 3rd in the East Division.

-And the growth and development of our athletes as young men and women during the course of the season With the coming of March, we begin to turn our attention to spring sports with (we hope) the warm and sunny spring days ahead as we begin baseball, golf, girls soccer, softball, girls tennis and boys and girls track at the high school level and co-ed tennis and track for the middle schoolers. Hopefully you will take in some of the action at their venues. There is a lot of excitement ahead.

The most up-to-date spring sports schedules can be found on the school district’s website (www.alleganpublicschools.org) by clicking on “Programs” and then going to “Athletics”. From there you can select the sport and team you are looking for. If you have any questions on the Athletic Department website, please contact me at the Athletic Office (673-7002, ext. 5520).

It is a G-R-R-R-R-R-E-A-T time to be an Allegan Tiger!

LOOKING AHEAD SPORTS PHYSICALS - A current physical (done after April 15) is required by the MHSAA to participate in school athletics.

Any physical exam done before April 15 will NOT be valid for the 2013-14 school year. Watch for further details about physical exams offered here at the high school on the athletic website, in the Principal’s Newsletter and in the mail.

DEAD WEEK – Each summer schools around the state set aside one week, called the “Dead Week” where there can be no athletic activity at school facilities nor organized school activities off campus (baseball and softball are exempt from this MHSAA rule). For Allegan, that week will be around the 4th if July. Watch for more details. Hopefully by knowing this in advance, it will help you and your child be able to better schedule activities during those wonderful days of summer.

BOOSTER CLUB NEWS It has been another successful year for the Booster Club and it continues to help provide needed items and services for our athletes and athletic program. To those of you who have been involved in the various activities, THANK YOU. To those of you who have also joined the Booster Club, another THANK YOU. It is only through the support of parents, coaches and members of the community that the Booster Club can continue to do all that it does to make the athletic experience better for our athletes.

Booster Club Membership It’s still not too late to join the Allegan All-Sports Booster Club for this year and support the organization that is doing so much to support our athletes. Membership is only $10 for an individual and $15 for a couple. And as a BONUS, if you join this spring your membership will remain in effect for the 2013-14 season. Membership forms are available on-line (go to the athletic department’s website and click on “Booster Club”) and at the athletic office in the high school.

Booster Club Scholarship Fund The Booster Club Scholarship Fund continues to grow and grow thanks to the generosity of many in the community and across the country. Thanks to a former Allegan grad, the fund doubles with each donation. Your $10 becomes $20. Your $50 becomes $100.

All donations go to fund scholarships for Allegan athletes. For more information contact the athletic office. Any contribution is greatly (times 2) appreciated.

Allegan Athletic Hall of Fame /Senior Award Night - (May 18) Mark this date on your calendar and make plans to attend. On May 18 the Booster Club will have the opportunity to induct three new members into the Allegan Athletic Hall of Fame and to acknowledge the outstanding support given by members of the community through the Bob Terry Distinguished Service Award and the Honorary “A” Award. In addition the athletic department’s top individual awards will be given to members of the Class of 2013 – the VanMelle Award, the Allegan County News Award and the Ackerman Sportsmanship Awards. Watch for details or contact the athletic office for more information.

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Michigan Youth in Government

The “Allegan Delegation” set out from AHS to Lansing to work at the Capitol for a few days, trying to “pass” legislation that they proposed themselves! This program, known as Michigan Youth in Government (MYIG) teaches students about the legislative process in a real-life practicum. Students get personal tours of the Capitol Building, learn about how bills become laws, build leadership skills, and meet lots of other students from across the state who are also interested in our government. Travis Hunziker, who has been a delegate for three years, stated, “I think this is an invaluable experience for any student. More students should become involved!” This year’s delegation and the bills they sponsored are: - Casey Dunn (premarital blood testing)

The “Allegan Delegation” to Lansing included: (left to right): Blade Porterfield, Cameron Zeter, Gary Smith, Jasmin Keech, Marisa Henrickson, Hunter Richards, Travis Hunziker, and Casey Dunn. (Special Congratulations to Hunter Richards, who also earned “MYIG Written Press Award”. He wrote 5 stories that were published in the conference paper! )

- Travis Hunziker (wearing of seatbelts for all passengers) - Marisa Henrickson (adding cultural classes into high school curriculum) - Jasmin Keech (background checks for animal adoption) - Gary Smith (mandatory re-testing of all individuals to renew drivers’ licences) CONGRATS! His bill passed!

- Hunter Richards (mandatory motorcycle helmet law) - Cam Zeter (introducing salad bar options in every school) - Blade Porterfield (hunting gun safety)

Allegan Post Prom/Grad Bash INDOOR

Welcome Cindy Siegers as our newest teacher in the Adult Education program!

Earn Your H.S. Diploma or GED Certificate May 11 (9-3) at AHS. Household items, crafts, clothes, and SO MUCH MORE! Admission is free!

Rent a space to sell your gently used items, artwork, antiques, crafts, baked goods, etc.! Spaces are 10x16 for $25 and include a table. For more info call: Stephanie Walker (269) 216-1272

Post Prom/Grad Bash is also sponsoring their annual:

FLOWER SALE May 10-11

(in high school parking lot)

Allegan Adult Education will enroll Mondays 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

April 15 - May 20

FREE

Diploma Classes

FREE

GED Classes

FREE GED Testing

Adult Education Spring enrollment is open to anyone 20 years old and up.

Students 17-19 may enroll in September.

Classes run now through June 27th.

For information call (269) 673-5433

Brenda Nyhof or Sue Chappell bnyhof@alleganps.org schappell@alleganps.org Summer High School Credit Recovery June 10-27.

FREE to students currently attending Allegan Public Schools.

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Elementary Spring Musicals:

Dawson - Tuesday, March 19 North Ward - Thursday, March 21 West Ward - Monday, March 25 Pine Trails - Tuesday, March 26 (All shows in the P.A.C. at 6:30 p.m.)

West Ward and Pine Trails will be performing songs with the theme “One World” featuring music from many different countries. Getting ready for their performances (from Ms. Henson’s class) are: (clockwise, from front center) Jayden Traux, Leah Snyder, Zachary Stratton, Christopher Smith Jr.

Giving back to their community . . .

Allegan students learn the value of giving back as they help out their fellow students by performing community service and fundraisers!

HS photos courtesy of Audrie Mohrland, HS yearbook staff.

Jacob Tackett, Maddison Burke, and Keira Hearn from Mrs. Norland’s class at Dawson Elementary, collected toys and stuffed animals for children at Bronson Hospital over the holidays. The class decided to do this instead of doing a gift exchange among themselves.

Middle School students in Ms. Dykstra’s class participated in a sewing project where they made fleece hats and shared them with Young 5’s students. When they delivered the hats, they shared stories with the younger students. Above: Zeke Carter reads to Tristan Russell and Aidan McKee from Dawson Elementary.

s Cros yssa igh l A r eade hat the h n t ent L Stud s money donated o t n t ay” u ns co stude de “Hat D in l o o i er sch trict-w Meet ia! s n i a d g em the Ra t leuk nefit to be ht agains g her fi

L.E.White Middle School Student Council canned food drive collected 1,842 non-perishable food items this year for needy families.

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Senior Jessica Derry shows off one of the “For Pete’s Sake” t-shirts still on sale at the Orange Krate to help raise funds to support bus driver, Pete Kaylor, who is battling cancer.

Kindergarten Enrollment Age:

Recent legislation has changed the required entry age for kindergarten students in the State of Michigan. The required age will gradually change from 5 years old by December 1 (current law) to 5 years old by September 1. (State of Michigan Act 198, effective 6/29/12).

For School Year 2013-14: A child may enroll in their resident public school district if he/she is at least 5 years old on NOVEMBER 1, 2013.

For School Year 2014-15: A child may enroll in their resident public school disrtrict if he/she is at least 5 years old on OCTOBER 1, 2014.

For School Year 2015-16: A child may enroll in their resident public school disrtrict if he/she is at least 5 years old on SEPTEMBER 1, 2015.

FREE Playgroups: (for children birth to age 5, and their parent) Sponsored by:

Snowcoming Royalty

Parker Johnson and Rose Bazan were selected as Allegan High School king and queen during Snowcoming festivities held earlier this winter!

Photo courtesy of Audrey Mohrland, HS yearbook staff

Great Parents/Great Start and Allegan Public Schools

United Way of Allegan County

Come enjoy some age-appropriate creative learning activities for your child, make some new friends, share a light snack, and take home a free book!

invites you to attend:

“A Toast to Literacy”

Play Groups are at Pine Trails in the gym

Thursday, March 14 (6-8:30 pm) at BISTRO 19 at the LYNX Golf Course

(9-10 a.m. on the following dates):

April 12 May 3 May 31

$40 per person

Please RSVP to sign up: sphillips@alleganps.org or call 673-7002 (x3135)

Proceeds to go the “Imagination Library” project which provides books for pre-school children in Allegan County!

Tiger’s Den Daycare - Summer 2013 Daycare?

- Daycare for fall 2014?

If you or someone you know may be interested in Summer Daycare opportunities at Allegan Public Schools OR if you are interested in a Daycare program for fall 2013, please contact Sara Phillips at Pine Trails Elementary IMMEDIATELY. These programs will only be offered next year if we meet our minimum sign-up. sphillips@alleganps.org (269) 673-5379 ext. 3135 Page 13

Fifth Annual

“Outstanding People for Education” Award (Sponsored by the Allegan County School Boards Association) Do you know someone who has “made a difference” to a student in your district?

The purpose of the “Outstanding People for Education” recognition is to honor and recognize people in education who are excelling in their field and/or making an impact in the quality of public education in Allegan County.

Examples of whom you might nominate:

• a teacher or classroom aide • an administrator, secretary or board of education member • a bus driver, custodian, or other school support staff • social worker, therapist, or consultant • a volunteer or community member who supportseducation

OR Anyone else who has made an impact!

Things to consider when submitting a nomination:

1. Someone involved in education who has made a difference in the overall quality of public education in Allegan County by: • demonstrating knowledge and skill in his/her area of responsibility.

• developing unique programs that have enhanced the classroom learning experience.

• playing a leadership role in education.

• is a true “team player” in a school setting.

• providing support for a program, service, or event that significantly impacts education.

• exhibiting an attitude that promotes a positive working and learning environment and reflects positively on your school district.

2. Someone who has made an impact on the quality of an individual student’s educational experience by: • demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of individual students.

• providing service “above and beyond” (over and above their job description).

Deadline for nomination: April 1st

I would like to nominate:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominee School District and Building/Department ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Address or Phone (if known) Position (teacher, volunteer, bus driver, etc.)

Person Submitting (Your Name):

*If you wish to remain anonymous, please check this box.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name and Address Phone __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Relationship to Nominee(co-worker, parent of student, etc.)

Please explain how this person has impacted the quality of education in your school and/or tell why this person has made a difference in your (or another child's) individual education. Feel free to use the criteria mentioned above as you write, give examples from your own experience, and speak from your heart! Attach another sheet, if necessary. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please send nomination form to: Joni VanNieuwenhuyzen 550 Fifth Street, Allegan MI 49010 or email the requested information to: jonivan@alleganps.org Page 14

Allegan Recreation & Aquatic Center 2013 Spring Programs

Page 15

Trevor Horwath- Rec. Director (ext 5506) Andrea Murphy - Aquatic Director (ext 5507) Pool Information: 673-7002 ext. 5541 ard@alleganps.org or cmorgan@alleganps.org www.alleganps.org/rec

FROM: Allegan Public Schools 550 Fifth Street Allegan, MI 49010

ECRWS TO: Current Resident Allegan, MI 49010

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID PERMIT #192

The Allegan Public School District complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, marital status, political belief, or physical or mental handicap or disability--in all of its programs and in employment. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools, 550 Fifth Street, Allegan, MI (phone 269-673-5431).

Please join us for the AAESA 50th Anniversary Celebration! On March 27th the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency will celebrate 50 years of dedication to improving the quality of life in Allegan County.

The celebration runs from 3-6 p.m. in the Educational Service Center building at 310 Thomas Street in Allegan. There will be food, door prizes, and special surprises. This is a county wide invitation, so we hope to see lots of residents there!

The Educational Foundation of APS and the Allegan All-Sports Boosters present: the 10th Annual

Cash Party

at “the Silo” (behind the Grill House) March 16, 2013

- Dinner - Music & Dancing - PRIZES! Tickets - $100

(or $50 for dinner only) Call 673-5431 for info

Proceeds to fund teacher mini grants and to help supplement athletic programs at APS!

Tiger’s Den Pre-School

3-year old (Tuesday & Thursday) and 4-year old programs (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) Preschool runs from 8:15 to 11:15 a.m.

- Sponsored by Allegan Public Schools - Judi McCall, teacher: Contact her at (269) 673-7002 (ext. 3148) to sign up!