Our Schools News - March 2012

March 24, 2012 Allegan Public Schools - “Striving for Excellence”

www.alleganpublicschools.org

D.A.R. Good Citizen Zoe Norr was selected as Allegan High School’s recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen award. This recognition is given to one student from each local high school who best exemplifies the characteristics of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Zoe is an active senior at AHS, having been cast in various lead roles in school theatre productions throughout high school. She has been involved in cross country and track, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Chamber Choir, and the High School Curriculum Council. Miss Norr is planning to attend Michigan State University to study pre-med, and join the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. She is the daughter of Jeff & Deb Norr.

Please Vote May 8, 2012 (at your local township or city precinct)

Ballot will include: √ renewal of 18 mills on non-homestead tax √ $18.5 million bond issue (Board of Education elections will now take place in November of even numbered years)

School Calendar 2011-12 April 2-6 - NO SCHOOL (Spring Break) April 25, 26 - Parent/Teacher Conf. (HS) April 27 - STAFF ONLY (Professional Dev.) May 22 - Alternative High School Graduation May 24 - Allegan High School Graduation May 28 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day) May 31 - Last Day for Students

Kindergarten Registration Tuesday, April 10 (9:30 am) at each elementary school

Alternate session: Thursday, April 12 (5-7 p.m.) at the high school event center

What to bring? > child’s birth certificate > immunization records > vision screen results > proof of residency

Questions? Call: Dawson 673-6925 North Ward 673-6003 West Ward 673-7000 Pine Trails 673-5379

*Students must be 5 years old by December 1, 2012.

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) Allegan High School .................................... 673-7002 Jim Mallard, Ron Orr (principals) L.E. White Middle School............................. 673-2241 George Mohr, James Antoine (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 Jodi Zenk (director) Athletic Office................................................ 673-7002 Gary Ellis (director) Recreation Department.................................. 673-7002 Trevor Horwath (rec.), Andrea Murphy (pool) Maintenance Department............................... 673-2085 Wally Brennan, George Zeock (supervisors) Transportation Department........................... 673-2203 Darrell Stoughton (supervisor) School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org

Harry Dalm -- “Educational Professional of the Year”

Harry Dalm, principal at both West Ward and North Ward Elementaries, was named “Educational Professional of the Year” by the 2012 Allegan Chamber of Commerce. This well-deserved honor comes after 35 years of dedicated service to Allegan Public Schools! Mr. Dalm was recently recognized at a board meeting for having received this honor, and he was thanked for taking on the dual-principalship role this year!

Harry Dalm and Superintendent Harness

Jeff Grabber -- “Teacher of the Year”

Allegan High School Special Education Teacher Jeff Grabber was recently awarded the Dr. William Morse Award (essentially “Teacher of the Year”) by the Council for Exceptional Children.

This award is given annually to one outstanding teacher in Michigan in the field of special Jeff Grabber education. Grabber’s teaching career spans 35 years (with 22 years at APS) and he has been organizing and promoting Special Olympics in Allegan County for over 29 years! He was also instrumental in developing new Power Standards for the special education curriculum throughout Allegan County. Congratulations on this special, state-wide award!

Mary Kasprzyk earns CBA award

APS - Board of Education

2011-2012 Regular Meeting Schedule April 9, 2012 (7:00 p.m.)

May 14, 2012 (7:00 p.m.)

June 11, 2012 (5:30 p.m.)

July 9, 2012 (5:30 p.m.) Organizational Meeting -- Regular meetings scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month.

-- Regular meetings during school year begin at 7 pm.

-- Regular meetings during summer (June, July, Aug) begin 5:30 pm -- All meetings to be held at the Allegan Public Schools’ Admin Building, 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.

Board member Mary Kasprzyk recently earned the Level I certification of the MASB Boardsmanship Program. To earn this award, she took 30 credit hours of classroom and online courses in the Mary Kasprzyk areas of school law, policy, and community relations, to name just a few! Mary was recognized at a recent board meeting for setting a positive example for the students of APS because of her commitment to continue to learn and grow in her position as a board member. Mary currently serves as Treasurer of the board and serves on the board committees for Personnel, Policy, and Budget/Finance.

She is also the APS district representative on the Allegan County School Boards Association.

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

“Moving Forward .... for our kids and our community!”

A recently formed committee, made up of parents and other community members from our school district, selected this title as their slogan to be used in a campaign to inform the voting public about the ballot issue being placed before voters on May 8. I can’t think of a better way to describe what your Board of Education hopes to accomplish at Allegan Public Schools. “Moving Forward” means constantly striving to improve our children’s education--their learning environment and facilities; their learning tools, including technology and teaching aides; and most importantly, their attitudes toward learning.

2012 looks to be an exciting and promising year for Allegan Public Schools! Please look over the proposal outlined in the center insert of this publication. It decribes how our district can continue “moving forward” WITHOUT a millage increase! Our last bond proposal was in June of 2000, when our community generously supported the construction of our wonderful Pool/Aquatic Center and Performing Arts Center, which have become points of pride for our residents. Believe it or not, it has been 16 years (1996 bond) since our community was asked to support a construction bond for improvement of school buildings and classrooms. Not one of our present 2700 students was in school when these improvements were made at our elementary, middle school and alternative education facilities. With the support of our community, Allegan Public Schools is ready to move forward! Please contact me if you have any questions about the bond proposal, or the non-homestead millage renewal. And please don’t forget to vote May 8!

Michigan Youth In Government

MYIG 2012 participants (left to right): Travis Hunziker, Samantha Ellis, Elyssa Dobias, and Casey Dunn.

Students from Allegan High School once again participated in Michigan Youth in Government. This is a program for high school students to learn first-hand how our government works. Each of the students wrote a bill which they presented before the Michigan House of Representatives. Travis Hunziker’s bill was revised from last year and required all passengers in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt, even in the back seat. Casey Dunn, who also participated last year, wrote a bill that would require any couple applying for a marriage license to have a criminal background check as well as an STD/HIV test. Elyssa Dobias’ bill mandated a physical fitness requirement into each school day; and Samantha Ellis’ bill would require a year-round schedule for all public schools.

Their adviser, AHS teacher Nichole Dykstra, said she was impressed with the students’ efforts and highly recommends this experience for any high school student who is interested in the law.

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Dawson Elementary Outstanding Students 5th graders Ashlyn Clement and Alex Powers were named this year’s co-recipients of Dawson Elementary School’s “Outstanding Students of the Year.” To receive this award, a student must distinguish him/herself by having high academic standards, eager involvement in school activities, and showing daily examples of outstanding citizenship. Both students were honored at the February Board of Education meeting, where their teacher, Mr. Ouellette, praised them for their hard work and positive attitudes.

March is Reading Month!

March Reading Month was kicked off in great style at all all schools. Arrgh! Pirates of Pine Trails, including Captain Hook (played by Ms. Morgan at right), Long John Silver, Captain Jack Rackham, and First Mate Smee, taught students that books can take them on adventures and they can find “treasures” that will last a lifetime!

Dawson Young Fives student Maddison Burke dons her “Elephant Ears” after reading Horton Hears a Who” on Dr. Seuss’ birthday!

2nd grader Ryan Brink from Ms. Tibbitts’ class at Dawson reads to Zayne Allen in Mrs. Phillips’ Young 5’s room.

The Dictionary Project

Pictured are 3rd graders from North Ward Elementary. (Left to right: Sean Dewey, Superintendent/Rotarian Kevin Harness, Ana Allen, Principal Harry Dalm, Jaden Roberts, Allyson Wall, Rotarian Dr. David Ohmart, Ally Sinkler, and Tatiana Adams)

The Allegan Rotary Club once again sponsored “The Dictionary Project” for all 3rd graders in the school district. Students are all provided with a dictionary that they can use for ther own personal use in 3rd grade, because that is theoretically when most students have basically “learned to read” and now they are ready to “read to learn”! The dictionaries are also filled with fun facts, such as information about our solar system, the presidents, and sign language. Much thanks to Debra Newman, who personalized each dictionary with the child’s name in calligraphy!

Allegan Ukulele Ensemble The Allegan Ukulele Ensemble helped to kick off March Reading Month by performing a lively concert at each elementary school!

High Schoolers Donna Liebelt and Breanna Merritts created several reading posters in honor of March Reading Month. These were funded by a TAG grant that they wrote last year!

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Left to right: Mary Kasprzyk, Ann Perrigo, Dr. Pat Seiler, and Musical Director Martha Meek

West Ward SCIENCE NIGHT Matthew Duron, 3rd grader from Ms. Cochran’s class, researched the possible effect of the sense of smell on tasting.

Logan Carns, 3rd grader from Mrs. Hammon’s class, demonstrates a volcano eruption.

Liana Waite, 2nd grader in Ms. Hurst’s class, presented her tornado model.

Luke Ellis (kindergartner from Ms. Rogers’ class) and Drew Ellis (1st grader in Mrs. Brower’s class) are testing their puffmobiles using personal wind power!

“Kitty Litter Love” Ms. Sheibels’ 5th grade class at Pine Trails Elementary decided to opt out of exchanging Christmas presents this year.

Instead, they wanted to help out some of the animals in need at the Allegan County Animal Shelter. Enough money was donated by the students to buy five, 25-pound bags of kitty litter! Their feline friends at the Shelter were very appreciative of this gesture!

Left to right: Collin Childs, Elizabeth Hill, Lauren Storey, Josh Mohler from the County Animal Shelter, Nikki Walker-Powell, Shekinah Huitron, Samantha Pettee. Missing from photo: Jack Hitt, Jr. (and....at right “Nigel” enjoying a fresh break! )

In the Swim All 3rd grade students enjoyed two weeks of swimming lessons at the Allegan Aquatic Center, where they learned basic swimming strokes, as well as water safety.

Getting ready to practice their strokes from Ms. Morgan’s class are (top left to bottom right): Haylee Thompson, Nate Davis, Kyra Dutkiewicz, and Emma Franklin.

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Alesandra Garcia and Johann Rodriguez from Mr. Bierlein’s class!

5th grade music students at West Ward and Pine Trails Elementaries have proudly completed their “Recorder Karate” unit.

This highly motivational music method expands students’ performance skills as they play increasingly more difficult selections in order to earn mini “karate belts.” Music teacher Jayne Seymour guided students through nine levels, from white belt (“Hot Cross Buns”) to black belt (“Ode to Joy”).

SUMMER 2012 Laker Writers Camp GVSU is offering summer camps for students who are interested in writing! Young writers will explore various writing styles and methods of selfexpression. Our own Bethany Burnett from Dawson Elementary will be teaching the Allegan session - July 9-12. The camp is for students who will be in grades 4-6 in the fall. The cost of the camp is $100 per child, but scholarships are available. Contact any of our elementary schools.

Giving is the best gift of all!

“Recorder Karate”

West Ward 5th graders CJ Chenard, Jeffrey Maskell, and Anthony Barnes with their recorders

FREE Preschool Playgroup (sponsored by Great Parents/Great Start/AAESA)

Free Family Fun Night at the Children’s Museum of Fennville 202 E. Main St Fennville MARCH 30, 2012 (5-8 p.m.)

Dawson Elementary April 19 (5:30-6:30 pm)

Students in Mrs. Norland’s kindergarten class learned the importance of giving to others by heading up a class service project. Instead of having a classroom gift exchange for Christmas presents, they brought in gifts for kids that were in Bronson Hospital during the holidays. Several other Dawson students, parents, and staff members donated gifts as well!

Nora Spreitzer, Campbell Brooks, Matthew Ritter, and Gavin Clark with some of the gifts they sent to the hospital.

Check out our trains, giant bubbles, wigwam, and medical alert! Lots of fun and hands-on learning...

Store employees Gerald Armourilla, Lynda Ferris, Leona McKee, and APS Director of Operations Bill Hammer.

Pamida Stores in Allegan recently donated $755.72 to Allegan Public Schools. This was a result of their holiday campaign “Round Up”.

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Writers Win Accolades!

Congratulations to Ashley Doolittle, who was a finalist in the Gerald R. Ford Essay Challenge. Her essay, written in response to the prompt, “What does Leadership mean to you?” was selected out of nearly 400 submissions!

Ashley Doolittle

Hannah Kasprzyk, Zoe Norr, and Kyle LaGattuta swept the competition, taking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively, in the FRA “Importance of Freedom of Speech” regional essay contest. Each author earned a monetary prize and Hannah’s essay is now being evaluated at the State level!

Hannah Kasprzyk, Kyle LaGattuta, and Zoe Norr

Authors Find “Authentic Audience” Students from Laura Feffer’s Children’s Literature class at Allegan Alternative High School traveled to read their original children’s books to Ed Spicer’s 1st graders at North Ward Elementary. Partnering with the younger students provided the authors with an authentic audience for their pieces, as the students chose themes to write about that their younger audience could relate to, including losing your first tooth, adjusting to a new sibling, etc. Authors who read included: Becky Fletcher (Stanley the Stink), Megan Goodrich (My Hero Doesn’t Wear a Cape, He Wears Camo), Maegan Gregg (No I Won’t!), Jacob Morse (It’s Gone! My Tooth! It’s Gone!), Codie Norton (Bossy Ted), Kourtney Radke (Tommie and the Striped Cat), Bridget Warner (Bobby the Lost Bunny), and Devon Youtzy (The Three Little Children).

Bridgett Warner reads her book to 1st graders!

Allegan Post Prom/Grad Bash Committee is having an indoor garage sale May 12 (9-3) at Allegan High School. Household items, crafts, clothes, and SO MUCH MORE! Admission is free!

We are looking for people to rent space and sell their gently used items, artwork, antiques, crafts, baked goods, etc.! Spaces are 10x16 for $25 and include a table. For more info call: Jodi (269) 217-4942 or Tammy (616) 886-1646.

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Spelling Bee winner Abigail Knuckles and Runner-Up Max Clark

Middle School Spelling Bee The best spellers at L.E.White Middle School participated in the school championship on January 26. The last speller standing was Abigail Knuckles, who narrowly beat out Max Clark for 1st place. Abbie and Max advanced to the Regional Spelling Bee in Wayland on February 15.

Spelling Bee Team 2012 included: (Left to right, back row) William Conley, Max Clark, Joe McClelland, Jasille Rivas, Karmind Nordblom, MaryJane Kiraly, Hunter Wilson. (Middle row): Alexus Khennavong, Tom Delor, Abigail Knuckles, Liz Moelker, Ezekiel Butcher. (Front row): Tyler Davis, Karleigh Strickfaden, Amanda Anderson, Christian McCartny.

MS Club de Español

Erin Isola (left) and Foster Karman (right)

“Americanism” Essay Winners

8th grader Foster Karmen was the winner of this year’s essay contest sponsored by the Allegan and Paw Paw Elks Lodge. “Americanism” was the theme and Foster’s essay will now be entered into the Elks Lodge State Essay Contest. Both Foster and his teacher, Mr. Sieg, each won a cash prize of $75. Erin Isola, 8th grader, finished 3rd in the contest and received a $25 prize.

After a trip to Fennville to dine and shop at Su Casa Restaurante and Tienda, the Middle School Spanish Club was inspired to try their hand at making and eating some authentic food of their own. Students created (with help from their adviser, Mrs. Sara Mallard) salsa verde from tomatillos, pico de gallo, and gallo pinto--a Costa Rican dish with black beans and rice.

Clockwise, from left: Maya Gieselhart, Allison Englesman, Miller Johnson, Amanda Anderson, Thomas Loftus.

L.E.White Middle School Production of:

Friday, April 20 (7:00 p.m.)

Allegan P.A.C. All tickets $2 (buy one, get one free with coupon) Page 12

“Sleeping Beauty Kids” April 20 COUPON GOOD FOR: One Free Admission (with one paid admission) Cut out this coupon and bring it to the performance!

Allegan Band “Notes” Band Fundraisers: THANK YOU to all who helped make recent fundraisers such a success. The Family Bowling Day earned $480, and the pig raffle was also successful. Please continue to spread the word about signing up for Meijer Community Awards, and ordering from Market Day.

Tim Kooy, Kayleigh Gratz, and David McKeever auditioned and were selected to participate in the GVSU Honor Band on Feb. 17.

Band Camp 2012 July 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31; Aug 2, 3 (9 am-3:30 pm)

HS Solo & Ensemble Results: Flute Solo (Cortnie Cook) I Bb Clarinet Solo (Michelle VandenBoss) I Bb Clarinet Duet (Rose Bazan,Michelle VandenBoss I Alto Sax Trio (Derek Storey, Katie Anderson, Kylie DeKryger) I Baritone Sax Solo (Devan Ackerman) II Trumpet Solo (Megan Locatis) I ; Trumpet Solo (Tyler Miles) I Trumpet Solo (Karlie Wells) I ; French Horn Solo (Julie Isola) I French Horn Solo (Nicole Capello) I ; French Horn Solo (Blake Moe) I ; Trombone Solo (Kayleigh Gratz) I Trombone Trio (Kayleigh Gratz, Siera Ruffer, Gonzalo Gascon) II Baritone Solo (Jared Hollister) II ; Tuba Solo (David McKeever) II Tuba Duet (David McKeever,Jared Hollister) II Snare Solo (Colton Fairbanks) II; Snare Solo (Tim Kooy) II Marimba Duet (Nicole Capello, Tim Kooy I Marimba Solo (Tim Kooy) I Piano Solo (Nicole Capello) I ; Piano Solo (Bloake Moe) I Piano Solo (Siera Ruffer) II Woodwind Trio (Rose Bazan, Katie Anderson ,Derek Storey) I Brass Quintet (Kayleigh Gratz, Megan Locatis, Frank Locatis, David McKeever, Nate Giles ) I Percussion Duet (Joey Hughes, Charlie Ferraro) II Percussion Duet (Joey Hughes, Colton Fairbanks) II

Upcoming Band Dates: Apr 10 - Beginning Band Rental Night (MS band room) 6-8 pm Apr 14 - MS Solo & Ensemble Apr 24 - Pre-Festival Concert Apr 25-27 - State Festival Dates May 7 - Spring concert (8th/HS) May 8 - Spring Concert (6th/7th) May 24 - Graduation May 28 - Memorial Day Parade

David Baskin and Michael Curtis are two of the 6th graders who performed for the 5th graders to promote participation in band!

MSVMA DISTRICT CHORAL FESTIVAL On Wednesday, February 22 both Treble and Chamber Choirs attended District Choral Festival in Holland. Both choirs received “excellent” ratings in both performance and sight reading, qualifying them for State Choral Festival in May. MSVMA DISTRICT SOLO & ENSEMBLE Congratulations to the following soloists & duets who performed at district Solo & Ensemble on February 4 at GVSU and qualified for state: Morgan Breon, Beth Fifield, Ashley Greenbey, McKennah Heckman, Mekenzi Huitron, Gary Jones, Hannah Kasprzyk, Kaitlyn Noorman, Zoe Norr, Kate Stanlowski, & Calvin Woodard.

Special congrats to the Women of Chamber Choir on their qualification to state, Members include: Carrie Campbell, Adarae Davidhizar, Abigail Dekkinga, Marina Georgopulos, Ashley Greenbey, Holly Hagerty, McKennah Heckman, Mekenzi Huitron, Hannah Kasprzyk, Kaitlyn Noorman, Zoe Norr, Frederike Poser, & Mackenzie Sturman.

“STOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE” Allegan High School & Middle School Choirs delivered over 100 singing telegrams on February 14. Students were serenaded with”Stop in the Name of Love” and “Lollipop”.

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Allegan Athletics Winter Sports Highlights: • • • •

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The wrestling team reaching the state semifinal Taylor Simaz being crowned State Champion in his division in wrestling The boys swim co-op with Hopkins and, in spite of moving up a division, still having qualifiers to the state meet The boys bowling team winning the conference Baker tournament and Connor McLaughlin qualifying for the state meet, only the second Allegan boy to do so since the sport began here Andrew Kelley being selected as just one of four boys in Class B to receive the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award and the scholarship that goes with it And the growth and development of our athletes as young men and women during the course of the season

Sports Schedules: 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”. There you can click on “Weekly Schedules”. From the 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).

LOOKING AHEAD: THE WOLVERINE CONFERENCE – As you may be aware, there are many changes that will be going into effect next year as the Wolverine Conference expands from nine to twelve schools.

With that comes some excitement, some new opportunities and some challenges. The league will be divided up into two divisions – the East (Allegan, Comstock, Otsego, Paw Paw, Plainwell, and Vicksburg) and the West (Berrien Springs, Coloma, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, South Haven and Three Rivers). Most of our league scheduling will be against East Division schools, along with some crossover contests. Conference tournaments will be expanded and new ones developed. All-in-all some interesting things ahead.

Allegan, that week will be around the 4th if July. Watch for more details. Hopefully that by knowing this in advance, it will help you and your child be able to better schedule activities during those wonderful days of summer.

SPRING DATES THAT RATE March 12 – High School Spring Sports Began March 21 – Opening day for baseball and softball (vs. B-dale) March 24 – Early Bird Invitationals – Track and Girls Tennis March 26 – Middle Schools Spring Sports Begin March 27 – Girls Soccer Home Opener (vs. Thornapple-Kellogg) April 12 – 1st Boys Golf Conference Jamboree @ Paw Paw April 21 – Allegan Tennis Inv. featuring state-ranked teams May 7 – Allegan Middle School Track Relays May 11 – Allegan Track Invitational May 19 – Hall of Fame and Senior Awards Banquet May ??? – 2012-13 Sports Physicals (watch for details)

BOOSTER CLUB NEWS 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 2012-13 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.

TRI Allegan …”Train Hard…TRI Harder” The first annual TRI Allegan (triathlon) was a huge success, so it’s back again, Tuesday, July 24th at Littlejohn Lake Park.

Check it all out at www.triallegan.com. Early registration is now open with advance registration fee set at $35 (plus USAT fees). Register now and save. “TRI Allegan” proving that Fitness and Fun do go together.

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.

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 2012-13 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 camSuperintendent Kevin Harness, Phyllis & Tom Drozd pus (baseball and softball are exempt from this MHSAA rule). For Page 14

Donation helps purchase AED Tom and Phyllis Drozd were recently recognized at a home basketball game for their donation of $1200 to help purchase a portable AED (automatic defibrilator) for the Athletic Department. The Drozd family has always been actively supportive of athletics and academic programs at APS. This most recent generous donation has the potential to be a life-saver!

Allegan Recreation & Aquatic Center 2012 Spring Programs

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

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).

“Outstanding People For Education” Gilmore for Kids - Coming to Allegan April 23

Students from Allegan Elementary schools will experience a musical and theatrical experience titled “Pianimal” which will feature piano repertoire inspired by animals. Students will be treated during the school day to music by the piano duo of Elizabeth and Sonya Schumann; then a FREE concert for the public will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Mark your calendar now -- You won’t want to miss this one!

M.H.S.A.A. Scholar Athlete

Congratulations to Andrew Kelley, who was selected as an MHSAA ScholarAthlete and scholarAndrew Kelley ship winner! This award is based on academics, athletics, and service to the community, as well as an essay contest. It is awarded to only 32 athletes statewide (4 boys and 4 girls in Class B). Andrew is an Allegan High School sports standout in wrestling, baseball, and football. His parents are Rick and Michelle Kelley. His future plans include study of Criminal Justice, possibly at KVCC or Cornerstone University, where he is looking into baseball options.

It’s not too late to nominate someone for this award, sponsored by the Allegan County School Boards Asosociation • nomination form is available at our district website (www.alleganps.org) • nominations are due April 1

Spring Art Show Emily Grabill, 4th grader in Mrs. Hilsbos’ art class at Dawson Elementary, is preparing a weaving project that will be on display at the Art Show.

Spring is in bloom at Allegan Public Schools! Mark your calendars now for the annual Spring Art Show Open House at the Performing Arts Center, where students from elementary, middle school, and high school will show off their artistic skills in a variety of mediums. Then settle in to the P.A.C. auditorium for a spring choral concert, beginning at 7 p.m.

May 15

(Open House for art displays 5:30-7:00 pm) (Choir Concert at 7:00 p.m.)