Our Schools News - December 2012

December 8, 2012 Allegan Public Schools - “Striving for Excellence” Two of the four elementary playground projects were completed by the end of November and two more are slated for completed the first part of December. As part of the $18.5 million bond issue passed by voters of the community in May, the playgrounds were very well received by students and staff at all the elementaries!

www.alleganpublicschools.org

Open for Play...

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

North Ward Student Council officers who took part in the official Ribbon Cutting ceremony at North Ward are pictured in photo, top left (left to right): Tara LeMaire, Taryn Orr, Logan VanHorn (kneeling), Tara Bradshaw, and Austin Corbett. Students at North Ward, as well as those at Dawson, West Ward, and Pine Trails wish to thank the community of Allegan for making their new playgrounds a reality! (More photos on p.5)

Vote for me!

Emily Layton and Ethan Leverette shake hands before cansitng their votes!

Election Day is over in America, but students in Ms. Cook’s 2nd grade class at North Ward Elementary got to experience a campaign themselves, as they held a mock election for “Playground President.” Students who wished to run for office made speeches about what awesome new additions they would add to their new playground. Students then entered the “voting booth” and cast their ballots. Emily Layton ended up with the most votes in the class! Oh, by the way, the class also had U.S. Presidential candidates on their ballot and Barack Obama ended up on top.

School Calendar 2012-13 December 24 - Jan 4 (Christmas Break) January 7 - School Resumes January 16,17 - Parent/Teacher Conf. (HS) January 21 - STAFF ONLY (Prof. Dev.) February 8, 11 -NO SCHOOL (Midwinter Break) March 4, 6 - Parent /Teacher Conf. (MS & Elem) 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 June 5 - Last Day for Students

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)

New Board Member takes office in January Jeffrey McLaughlin was elected to the Board of Education at the November 6 election, as a write-in candidate. He will officially take office in January, 2013. Jeff works as an insurance representative for Bartz-Rumery Agency in Allegan. He has lived in Allegan most of his life, having graduated from AlJeff McLaughlin legan in 1996. Jeff has three children (Trey, who graduated from AHS; Mia, who attends AHS, and Jazper, who is a 5th grader at NorthWard Elementary). An active member of the community, Jeff has served on the Board of Directors for the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce and the Allegan Area Economic Development Corporation. In addition, he is Secretary for the Kalamazoo Area Soccer League and a judge for Allegan High School’s Tiger Tales Literary Competition. Welcome aboard, Jeff!

Allegan Public Schools 2012-13 Board of Education Regular Meeting Schedule

December 10, 2012 (6:00 p.m.)

January 14, 2013 (7:00 p.m.)

February 11, 2013 (7:00 p.m.)

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

School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org

A.P.S. Board of Education

-- 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, August) begin at 5:30 p.m.

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

Front Row: Mark Davidhizar (president), Dale Wittkop (vice president), Mary Kasprzyk (treasurer), Grace Gant (secretary). Back Row: Troy Carns (trustee), Vicki Knuckles (trustee), Michael Fairbanks (trustee)

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.

Note: Change in time for December Regular Board Meeting December 10 at 6:00 p.m. (instead of 7:00 p.m.)

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

Construction Connection

(an update on the bond issue construction projects….)

Elementary Playgrounds

The new North Ward Elementary playground was opened to students just before the Thanksgiving break. The new play structures received rave reviews from the North Ward students. One student was overheard commenting, “This was definitely worth the wait!”

It’s tough when you are an elementary student watching new and exciting play structures being built right outside your classroom window, or right in front of you during recess time, and not being able to climb up and check everything out. The project has progressed on schedule, but a few weeks probably seems like a year to our elementary students anticipating new recess opportunities! The Dawson Elementary playground was completed the week after Thanksgiving and was opened to similar reviews. West Ward and Pine Trails will be soon to follow, with all four elementary playgrounds being completed early in December. Cliff Gerwig, the installation contractor, is a local resident and is doing an excellent job of taking care of his hometown schools.

High School and Alternative Education

Bids were received for the additions and renovations at Allegan High School and Alternative High School on November 29. The bids are being reviewed and post-bid interviews are being held with perspective contractors. Construction is scheduled to begin immediately, weather permitting. The major focus at Allegan High School is the re-appropriating the event center and small gymnasium back to a full size gym as the space was originally created in 1957. Two full size gyms at the high school will allow our men’s and women’s winter sports teams greatly improved practice opportunities and also allow ample space when multiple physical education classes are scheduled during the same period. The only addition at the high school is a Conference Center/Meeting space to be erected at the northeast corner of the building to fulfill the needs formerly served by the Event Center. The addition at our Alternative High School is also a gymnasium. Previously, there was not adequate space in the building to provide physical education activities for the students.

The new gymnasium space will also allow the existing spaces to be renovated into a student commons area that will be supported by a full service kitchen for the first time in the program’s history.

Field House

This project is schedule to be bid by contractors in mid-December. The steel structure located behind the middle school will support multiple sports, as well as middle school physical education. The space will support basketball, tennis, volleyball, as well as an indoor running track. The number of courts and the size of the track will be determined when bids are received later this month. The plan for this facility includes maximizing its use for community residents.

Elementary Buildings

The design work for our elementary buildings is underway but will not be completed until early 2013. In addition to the playground construction nearly completed, each building will receive a new entrance area to maximize student safety, while at the same time clearly identify the main entrance to each building and create a welcoming atmosphere for our families and visitors. Additional upgrades include drive and parking renovations to improve traffic flow and once again improve student safety, as well as air conditioning in elementary classrooms.

Technology

Technology upgrades require a great deal of homework and planning to ensure we maximize this opportunity for our students. A district Technology Committee has been formed to assist with this task. “Prototype” classrooms are being implemented in each of our buildings for teachers and students to evaluate the technology opportunities available. Please check future issues of Our Schools News for updates on our progress.

Once again – thank you Allegan Community for your support – And Happy Holidays Everyone!

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Peter Pan takes audiences to “Neverland”!

It was another magical, musical production by Kim Sparks and the Drama Department, who put on the family-pleasing musical version of Peter Pan November 8-11. Parker Johnson as Peter and Hannah Stark as Wendy showed their musical talents AND their flying skills, as did the Darling children played by Charlie Ferraro and Thomas Langschied. The always charismatic and entertaining Ben Wallace pulled off the role of Captain Hook with a special flair; and Kate Stanloski as Smee provided even more comic relief! Convincing performances in the roles of Mr. & Mrs. Darling, Liza, and Nana the dog, as well as the Pirates, the Lost Boys, and the Indians (including a special number by Caroline Wolf as Tiger Lily) rounded out the performance in Allegan’s Performing Arts Center. Now it’s off to the “second star on the right, then straight on til morning” for the cast and crew of Peter Pan!

Halloween Fun!

Mrs. Baker’s and Mrs. Millers’ classes at Pine trails Elementary carved pumpkins as part of their social group. The students worked in pairs to carve their jack-o-lanterns, demonstrating teamwork skills and artistic expression. Thank you to Nagelkirk Farms for donating the pumpkins!

Dawson kindergartners in Mrs. Norland’s class, along with their families, took part in a creative pumpkin decorating contest.

Students could decorate their pumpkins any way they wished without puncturing or cutting them. Students voted for the winning pumpkins as part of their Halloween activities. The winning pumpkins are pictured above (left to right):

Mr. Kanine and Alex Weems They say immitation is the sincerest form of flattery.... so Alex Weems, 5th grader at Pine Trails Elementary gave the school principal, Mr. Kanine the ultimate compliment by dressing up as him for Halloween! Complete with tie, cell phone clipped to belt, and....shall we say...”receding hairline”...Alex was the spitting image of Mr. Kanine!

Jake Spreitzer and David Krehn clean out their pumpkin.

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Ethan Petz (monster)-3rd place; Maddison Burke (witch)-2nd place; Terrance Vance (caterpillar)-1st place

Election Fever!

Middle School “delegates” -each representing one of the 50 states....

Students at L.E.White Middle School learned about the electoral process.

Organized by Social Studies teacher Mrs. Winkle, each homeroom was assigned as a state with a designated number of electoral votes. Students were required to “register” in order to vote and on Election Day, they assembled in the gym to tally the votes.

Interestingly, the outcome of the last three presidential elections held at the middle school have reflected the final results of the national election!

Mock Elections

Election Day at AHS

Students at Allegan High School also voted in a mock election. The government classes made posters about the candidates and their stances on major issues, and the sociology class conducted pre-election polls.

Ryan Terpstra marks his ballot in Mrs. Hunziker’s class.

West Ward Elementary held a “mock election” so students could experience firsthand the election process. Results from students’ votes were: Obama - 156 Romney - 127 Autumn Goodenough, of Mrs. Sullivan’s 2nd grade, casts her ballot.

Former AHS Students Meets President Obama Tucker Hoover checks out a poster about President Obama’s Health Care initiative.

Lori Henrickson, an AHS grad from the Class of 2002, was selected as part of a small group of teachers to participate in a Roundtable discussion with President Obama. The discussion took place in August at Canyon Springs High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lori managed to dialogue with the President on many current educational topics, such as class size and use of technology in the classroom.

More photos from the new elementary playgrounds . . .

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A game of skill . . . using an Oreo cookie!

During Homecoming week, Katrina Simpson (a member of the high school Student Leaders) organized a special Tiger Olympics competition just for Mrs. Lugten’s special education class. As part of their games, students raced to be the first to sort M&M’s by color, blow a cup across the table without using their arms, and empty a box of tissues. The most popular game, however, was one in which students had to move an Oreo from their foreheads to their mouths without using their hands. Not only was it a lot of fun, but students got to eat their cookies at the end!

Junior Rotarians

Congratulations to this year’s Junior Rotarians. Representing Allegan High School at this year’s 2012-13 Allegan Rotary Club meetings will be: Jerrica Birdsong, Abigail Dekkinga, Richard Fabijancic, Timothy Galbreath, Travis Hunziker, Hunter Koster, Zoe Lang, Taylor Orr, Alexandra RichlichResendiz, Kyle Simaz, Carlie VanKlompenberg, and Rachel Voglewede.

Paul Hatten cheers on Michael Cox during Tiger Olympics, as he tries to move an Oreo cookie from his forehead to his mouth without using his hands!

Survivors!

8th grade American History students in Mrs. Frankosky’s and Mrs. Winkle’s classes survived a simulation of building the colony of Jamestown during the “starving time” in the year 1610. Some of the leaders, playing the role of John Smith, are represented here by Tadd Kaylor, Emma Cook, Zachary Smith, Ezekiel Butcher, and Shaylynn Hunt.

“Snaked Potatoes” for lunch?

Students from left to right: (front row) Edward Grisson, Ryan Bush, Jessica Brooks, William Boehm, Jefferson Brann. (Back row) Mark Harms, David Rider, Hailee Ross.

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Students in Mr. Riker’s class at L.E.White Middle School have been cooking lunch to serve to the middle school staff on Fridays. The students really enjoy learning about food preparation skills, nutrition, and kitchen safety. The Friday of Halloween week, the menu became a diabolical feast including “snaked potatoes,” “severed witches fingers,” and “zombie brains.”

Quidditch, anyone?

After reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the seniors in Ms. Conrad’s Children’s Literature classes organized and played Muggle Quidditch just before the trimester exams.

The two classes watched the International Quidditch Association’s World Cup documentary “Broom’s Up” in class, then examined the IQA’s rulebook to learn how to play. To get ready for the big event, students built the quidditch hoops, made team t-shirts, or brought in brooms, balls, and referee whistles for extra credit. With human “snitches” Gary Jones and Tyler Lynch taunting the players, the games were full of laughter, intensity, and some serious cardio. “That was fun and about three times harder than other sports!” declared Krista Kenniston.

Above: Gary Jones (right) as a snitch pulls a spin move just in time to evade seeker Austin Youtzy.

(photo by Ms. Conrad)

Chasers Caleb Peters, Cody Emmons (with ball), and Cassie Peterson move down the quidditch pitch as Andre Pagan throws up some defense. (photo by Molly Long, photojournalism student)

Yearbook Info:

Order your Yearbook today!

Pre-order your 2012-13 high school yearbook today! The cost of a yearbook is $63.60 (tax included); personalization, icons, protective covers, photo pockets, and personal yearbook pages cost extra. Go to www.jostensyearbooks.com or call 1-866282-1516 to order with a check or credit card. Payments can be made all at once or installments. Yearbooks make a great Christmas or birthday present!

Senior Pictures

Senior portraits are due to the high school yearbook staff no later than January 15, 2013. Photos should be vertical, highresolution digital photos submitted through email (jconrad@ alleganps.org), on a USB drive, or on a CD. If you have any questions or need a recommendation for a photographer, please contact Jennifer Conrad, Yearbook Adviser, at 269-6737002, ext. 5715.

Celebratory Ads

Celebrate your students’ involvement and accomplishments with a personal ad in the high school yearbook! The yearbook staff can create ads to honor a student’s or group’s achievements in any extracurricular activity, from band, choir, drama, clubs, sports, community service, church, Girl/Boy Scouts, dance, and more! You can also surprise your senior by placing a congratulatory ad in the yearbook! All you need are a few photos and a special message, and the yearbook staff can do the rest! Ads can be for an individual student, siblings, cousins, a couple of life-long buddies, or a group of friends. The cost of an ad can be split up between participating parents. Please contact Jennifer Conrad, Yearbook Adviser, at 269-673-7002, ext. 5715 for more information, including ad sizes and prices.

Got pics?

Have you taken some great photos of high school events and want to share them with the yearbook staff? Upload your photos to ReplayIt.com! The yearbook staff would be particularly appreciative of photos from fall sporting events..

How about donating a yearbook?

Devin Marshall walks across the Event Center to hurl a Shakespearean insult at a classmate!

Shakespeare Workshop

If you are interested in buying this year’s or last year’s yearbook and donating it to a student who would like one but can’t afford it, please contact Jennifer Conrad, Yearbook Adviser, at 269-673-7002, ext. 5715. You may buy the yearbook for a specific student, or the yearbook staff can pick the recipient.

Facebook

On November 6, actors from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Keep up to date on the Allegan High School Yearbook news by following them on Facebook! There you will find links for online of Canada visited Allegan High School to work with juniors who yearbook and ad sales, photos the staff has taken, lists of old were reading Macbeth in English 11A. The activities they covered yearbooks available for sale, and much more! ranged from eye contact games to throwing Shakespearean insults, to creating a radio version of a scene from Macbeth.

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C.O.D.E. Orange a success!

Pictured wearing jersey #22 are Gary Jones and Dr. John Walstrum (center). They are flanked by members of this year’s Educational Foundation Board: Kelly Nugent and Margaret Brown (back row) and Michael Fairbanks and Brandee Ellils (front row).

The Educational Foundation of Allegan Public Schools was successful in raising over $6,000 for teacher mini-grants and college scholarships through their first annual C.O.D.E. Orange (Community On Deck for Education) event. Part of the funds were raised through sale of t-shirts to the Allegan Community. According to Margaret Brown, who spearheaded the t-shirt and jersey sales, along with President Steve Tibbits, “It truly was a community effort!” Another portion of the funds were raised through an auction of the players’ football jerseys. 40 jerseys were sold at a minimum bid of $150 apiece. Pictured is Dr. John Walstrum, who purchased Jersey #22, worn by AHS senior Gary Jones, who scored 3 touchdowns in the C.O.D.E. Orange Event game on September 14. The Educational Foundation of Allegan Public Schools is already making plans to make next year’s C.O.D.E. Orange Event even bigger and better!

The Foundation’s next fundraiser is the Annual Cash Party on March 16, 2013 (tickets available soon…)

Foreign Exchange Students Allegan High School is once again hosting several foreign exchange students. Colleen Fortney, who organizes host families through the International Student Exchange program (ISE), was recognized by the Board of Education at a recent meeting. This year’s foreign exchange students, their country of origin, and their host families are listed below (left to right): Alejandra Gonzalez (Columbia) - the Herpst family Lukas Antal (Germany) - the Fortney family Bianca Maciel (Brazil) - the Varner family Thore (TJ) Degner (Germany) - the Walker family Rong (Eva) Sun (Taiwan) - the Smith family Francisco “Javier” Rosado (Spain) - the Kenny family Anne Mette Mueller (Denmark) - the VanHorn family Rodrigo Fantoni (Brazil) - the Spencer family Nevena Kremic (Serbia) - the Herpst family Missing from photo: Olga Saucedo (Mexico) - the Kent family

Andrea Mack honored with AGH “Spirit of Women” Award Andrea Mack, high school and middle school band director, was recently awarded a “Spirit of Women” award by Allegan General Hospital and the AGH Foundation.

Miss Mack was awarded the “Innovative Spirit” award for her passion for her craft and for her dedicated work bringing music into the lives of children. She was nominated by band parents Julie McKeever and Shannon McVoy. Andrea has been Allegan’s band director for 11 years, working with about 200 middle and high school students each year; also working out competitive marching band shows, directing the pep band and concert bands and helping students excel at solo & ensemble competitions! If you ask Andrea who inspires her, she will tell you it is her students. Her goal is to make school a great experience for each of her students, and to make band the best hour of their day. She is enthusiastic, compassionate, and positive, and she makes it her life’s work to try to bring out the best in each and every student. Congratulations, Miss Mack, on an award well deserved!

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Allegan Band “Notes” Marching Band - This year’s marching show “Secret Agent” earned the AHS band a place at the State Competition at Ford Field in Detroit for the 7th year in a row! Led by drum majors Katie Anderson and David McKeever, the Tiger Marching Band increased their final score by over 6 points! A big thank you to all the band parents for supporting this endeavor!!!!!

Important Band Dates: Dec. 10 Dec. 11 Feb. 2 Feb. 18

Holiday Concert (HS/8th grade bands) Holiday Concert (6th/7th grade bands) Solo & Ensemble (East Kentwood HS) Pre-Festival Concert (7 pm)

Feb 20-22 District Band Festival or 26-28 Mar. 23

State Solo & Ensemble (TBA)

Apr. 23

Memorial Concert (7 pm)

Apr. 29

Allegan Honor Band

May 13

Spring Concert (7 pm)

May 27

Memorial Day Parade

Used Recorders Needed

Middle School Solo & Ensemble:

Division I (excellent) ratings were earned by Benjamin Andrews (horn solo), Joe LaJoice, Alex Looman, Gabe Francisco (trio), Jasille Rivas and Maya Geiselhart (duet), and Hannah Meiser, Abby Mansfield and Emerald Dewey (trio). Division II (good) ratings were earned by soloists Abby Knuckles (flute), Olivia Duron (horn), and Abby Mansfield (flute); and ensembles including Abby Knuckles, Maya Geiselhart, Benjamin Andrews, Alana Kugelard, Ben Anderson, Miriam McDonald, Bethann Prolo, Olivia Duron, Emerald Dewey, Hannah Meiser, Daniel Smalla, and Daniel Francisco.

The elementary music department is in need of gently used recorders for the music classrooms. Anyone who would like to donate a recorder can do so by dropping them off at any elementary school office. Your donation will be greatly appreciated!

AHS Vocal Music Upcoming Concerts:

Holiday Choral Concert:

Kate Stanloski

Honors Choir

Congratulations to Kate Stanloski for making MSVMA Regional Honors Choir and for qualifying for State Honors Choir!

Tuesday, Dec. 18 in the high school P.A.C. 6:30 p.m. middle school choirs 8:00 p.m. high school choirs

The Allegan Chamber Choir prepare to sing the National Anthem to a sold-out crowd at Van Andel Arena for the Griffin’s Hockey game on October 12.

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Allegan Adult Education is Enrolling!

Classes are open to anyone 17 years old and up.

How do we recognize the signs that a child is being bullied?

How do we stop the bullying AND get help for the bully?

Earn your High School Diploma or GED Certificate

GED Classes

*

FREE

Online Classes

*

GED Testing

Enroll January 28 - February 6 Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 1- 6 pm - Enrollment takes about 2 Hours - Bring pictured ID

Allegan Adult Education 550 Fifth Street * Allegan, MI 49010 (269) 673-5433

Thursday, Jan 17, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. (in the Allegan P.A.C.)

Questions? Contact: Sue Chappell (schappell@alleganps.org) or Brenda Nyhof (bnyhof@alleganps.org)

It’s time to complete your education . . . . . . . . . . . . . and we are here to help you!

New Staff at Allegan Public Schools:

Ann Armbruster Elem. Music Teacher

Onika Powell Adult Ed. Teacher

Welcome (or welcome back) to A.P.S.!

Colleen Fortney Attendance Secretary-High School

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Tyler Caron Special Ed. Teacher

Bullying is a common experience for many children and adolescents. It happens more often than we know. Bullying can include physical or verbal intimidation; and can also happen through newer technology such as social media and texting.

Allegan General Hospital is sponsoring an evening seminar to discuss the topic of bullying.

Parents, teachers and other staff, are invited to hear speaker Carolyn King, MD and child and adolescent psychiatrist at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, as she presents information about bullying:

CLASS TIMES Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 12:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursdays 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Dann Perono (Special Ed. Director)

Bullying Seminar

Following her presentation, Dr. King will be joined by Jeff Clearwater, LLP, psychologist at Allegan General Hospital, to answer questions from the audience. Please register in advance online (www.allegangeneral.org) or call (269) 686-4239.

Marty Spreitzer Librarian-Dawson

Other New Employees:

Jacoba Diekema-Meade Teacher Y5’s-Dawson

Amy Harker (Special Education IA @ Middle School) Stacy Ferris (Instructional Assistant @ Dawson) Amy Davis (Kitchen Attendant @ North Ward) Doug Barnes (Food Van Driver/Bus Garage Assistant) Heather Weeks (Noon Supervisor @ North Ward) Jennifer Statler (Instructional Assistant @ Middle School)

Festival of Trees

Students from Mrs. Tibbitts’ 3rd grade class at Dawson Elementary decorated a tree for the Camp Kidwell’s Festival of Trees fundraiser.

Students created decorations with the theme “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and gathered on Sunday, November 25 to decorate the tree.

“EXTRA, EXTRA, Read all about it!”

5th grade students at North Ward Elementary came up with the idea of starting a school paper--written and edited by students! Students volunteer to spend their recess time, organizing and writing stories or conducting interviews. Taryn Orr is the editor who decides what types of stories will go into the “North Ward Gazette” and Tara LeMaire types the final copy for Mr. Dalm to approve. Pictured above with their first issue of

Gavin Lawrence, Noah Deible, Caleb Day, Josh and Jeremy Hansen gather around their “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” tree.

the “Gazette” are (left to right): front row, Taryn Orr, Elaina Whittemore, Karra Coburn; and back row, Alyssa Cherry, Tara LeMaire, Dillon Coffey, and Chase Milbocker.

Kayle Simmons and Ashleigh Deja learn graphing skills, using M&M’s (which they get to eat afterwards!)

Friendship is Forever . . .

Mileage Club Upper Elementary students at Pine Trails have been racking up the miles in the “Feeling Good Mileage Club”. Kids in grades 3-5 have walked over 165 miles so far this year. Students (left to right): Max Leet, McClain Garvin, Justin Smith, Logan Kievit, Josh Webb, and Caleb Williams show off their new shoelaces they earned for walking 10 miles each!

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Friendships are being created at Dawson Elementary!

3rd grade students in Mr. Beauregard’s class help the kindergarten students in Mrs. Norland’s class each week, by reading with them, working on letter recognition, math, and fine motor skills. They also walk in the Mileage Club together. The younger students benefit from receiving 1-on-1 attention and practice, and the 3rd graders get to experience being mentors and role models. In the spring, the two classes will enjoy a picnic together!

Thank you to all the APS staff members who participated the 2012 “Passionately Pink for the Cure” campaign.

Together, staff raised $712 for Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research. Students at West Ward and Pine Trails also participated, donating $270 at Pine and $231 at West, bringing the grand total up to $1,212.18. In the last five years, APS has raised over $5,200!!! Kudos to Laura Sullivan, teacher at West Ward, for organizing the campaign each year.

Pine Trails students get into the “pink” spirit!

West Ward Student Council members, left to right: (front row) Kenna Baker, Jenna Partridge, Makayla Wolthuis, Jacob Szczepanski; (back row) Lisa Bonney from Red Cross, Zinnia Gillies, Jacob Durocher, Cambria Rader, Abbey Mallory, Ella Gillies, and another representative from Red Cross.

Coin Drive for Hurricane Sandy Victims

50’s/50th Day

To celebrate the 50th day of school, Mrs. Rogers’ and Mrs. Corbett’s classes at West Ward Elementary enjoyed a step back into the fifties. They dressed in 50’s attire, danced to some 50’s rock and roll (including learning to do the “hand jive”), played games using the number 50, and even tried the hoola hoop!

Students from West Ward Elementary heard about the devastation caused by Hurricane (Superstorm) Sandy on the East coast and they wanted to do something to help. So the Student Council organized a coin drive and collected $140.70, which they turned over to representatives from the American Red Cross!

Kindergartner Odessa Barnhart works on “juke box” color words.

Mrs. Rogers in her poodle skirt, dances with kindergartner Cade Fulton!

ArtPrize 2012 Third graders from across the district once again visited ArtPrize in Grand Rapids as a field trip.

Students enjoyed the inspiring exhibits, as well as the wonderful weather!

3rd graders from Pine Trails, David Krehn, Damon Fisher, and Jimmie Shepherd run from a giant T-Rex.

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Dawson students learn about fire safety Members of the Allegan Fire Department visited Dawson Elementary kindergarten and young fives classes and conducted fire prevention activities with the students. The firefighters’ presentation included a close-up view of the fire truck and equipment and protective clothing. Students also learned “stop, drop, and roll”, how to dial 911, home escape routes, and the importance of smoke detectors in the home.

Aiden Moyer is helping his dad Scott Moyer with the fire department demonstration of equipment and gear.

K-Wings Hockey!

Pine Trails 4th and 5th grade students, along with Mrs. Baker’s class, attended the K-Wings game on November 7, as part of “Education Day” celebrations at the stadium. During March Reading Month, players from the K-Wings plan to visit Pine Trails and read to the students.

“Keep Me Warm” Campaign

Allegan Public Schools is collecting and distributing gently used winter clothing for students in need of them. If you have gently used items (especially boots and snow pants) you may drop them off at any of our schools, or the Administration building on Fifth Street.

Donuts for Dads

Brianna and Brandon Thrash enjoy a special morning with their step dad, Ron Thompson at Dawson Elementary’s annual “Donuts for Dads” event October 22.

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Joseph and Shawn Postelwait showing their K-Wings spirit!

Hats Off for Pete’s Sake

Students and staff at North Ward Elementary paid $1 or more to wear a hat to school to honor their beloved custodian, Pete Kaylor, and to raise money for his family to help with medical expenses. They earned $398 for Pete! $10 t-shirts are also on sale at all buildings (including the HS Krate) to help show support for Pete and his family.

Just a few of the North Ward students who participated: (left to right) Ian VanHorn, Hannah Corbett, Sean Dewey

FALL 2012

There was a lot of excitement this fall on the fields, the courts, in the pool, on the course and on the links. The number of participants was up, numbers of spectators were up, and the fun of high school athletics was in evidence at all venues. Hopefully you took some of it in.

ALLEGAN ATHLETICS

OUR LATEST ALL-STATERS

SCHEDULES

The most up-to-date schedules for all of our teams can be found at www.schedulestar.com. Help using the site is on the athletic page of the Allegan Public Schools website (www.alleganps. org) Contact the athletic office if you have questions.Pocket schedules are available at the athletic office at the high school, as well as at athletic events.

BASKETBALL TIME SCHEDULE CHANGES

The time schedule/order of play for the varsity basketball doubleheaders has changed for this year. For the first half of the season, the boys will play the opening (6:00) game followed by the girls varsity contest. Beginning January 25, the girls will open up the doubleheader at 6:00 with the boys playing the 2nd game.

ATHLETIC PASSES

Athletic Passes are now on sale at the athletic office. Take in more of the excitement of high school and middle school sporting events and SAVE! The Wolverine Conference has set individual admissions at $5.00; buy a pass and pay as little as $2.40 for each contest.

10-Event Pass…………….$25.00 25-Event Pass…………….$60.00 Passes are also available from our ticket-takers. Join us in the fun of school athletics.

Congratulations to Damien Arthur and Alex Wittkop who were named to tennis first team all-state as a result of their outstanding season on the courts.

The Tigers #1 doubles duo finished the season with a 28-2 record and a Wolverine Conference championship. They combine athletic and mental ability, along with their tennis skills, ag- Alex Wittkop & Damien Arthur gressiveness and solid sportsmanship to make a great doubles team. Damien, a senior, is looking at continuing his tennis career in college, while Alex, a sophomore, will return to the Tiger line-up for two more years. You can catch both of them in action this winter in the gym as members of the basketball team.

FOLLOWING YOUR ALLEGAN TIGERS

There’s information everywhere – it’s just a matter of taking it in. Upcoming events, on-the-scene updates, results, contests, information is readily available at: FACEBOOK: “Like” Allegan Booster Club

(www.facebook.com) TWITTER: “Follow” Allegan Athletics (www.twitter.com)

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE INVOLVED IN ALLEGAN ATHLETICS - JOIN US!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Want to be more involved in the athletic program? Want some of the “best seats in the house”? Want to do something to help make the athletic events go? There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available at the high school and middle school athletic events: scorekeepers, ticket takers, announcers, concession workers, Booster Club committees and much, much more.

Contact the Athletic Department for more information or to volunteer for one contest or many. No experience required – we’ll get you ready.

DATES THAT RATE:

December 8 – Allegan Wrestling Invitational December 11 – Girls Basketball Conference Home Opener vs.

Berrien Springs December 19 – Boys & Girls Home Meet vs. Otsego @

Snowden’s Sunset Lanes December 21 – Boys & Girls Basketball Varsity Doubleheader

vs. Comstock January 8 – Boys Swim Home Opener vs. GR Ottawa Hills January 25 – Snowcoming Game vs. Plainwell February 6 – Wolverine Conf. Comp.Cheer Championships(H) February 16 – MHSAA District Competitive Cheer Meet (H) February 22-23 – SWCMSL Conference Swim Meet (H)

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BOOSTER CLUB INFO: 1. Allegan Tiger Spirit items make great Christmas gifts for those on your list of any age. Contact the Athletic Office or check things out at the games.

2. Keep informed…..Please find our Facebook page (Allegan All-Sports Booster Club) and click “Like” so you can receive the most up to date information regarding the Booster Club and our athletes, coaches, and events. The Booster Club also has a website filled with information about what’s going on. The site is linked to the Allegan athletic page.

3. Don’t forget to support the organization that is supporting your athlete. Join the Booster Club today. Annual dues are $10 per person or $15 per couple. Lifetime memberships are also available.

4. Watch for news about this year’s Allegan Educational Foundation/Booster Club Cash Party coming up on March 16, 2013. It will be another fun-filled night!

Allegan Recreation & Aquatic Center 2012-13 Winter 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 website: 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).

Holiday Concerts at the Allegan High School Performing Arts Center:

Holiday Band Concerts: December 10 @ 7 p.m. (8th grade and HS bands) December 11 @ 7 p.m. (6th/7th grade bands)

Holiday Choir Concert: December 18 @ 6:30 p.m.

(6th, 7th, 8th, and all HS choirs perform)

“Sprucing up” downtown Middle School students were involved in their annual service project to “spruce up” the downtown Allegan area with decorated Christmas trees. Once again, this project was coordinated by Alva Morgan, middle school learning center/mentor coordinator, with help from the various middle school teachers who supervised the decorating.

Pictured from Ms. Henry’s 6th grade class are (clockwise from bottom left): Allison Bowden, Zach Lang, Haylie Lemay, Morgan Sturman, Sabrina Armstrong, Jackson Foster.

Tiger’s Den Daycare

(Now Open to all Ages!)

The Tiger’s Den Daycare, located at Pine Trails Elementary, is now open to all ages of elementary students before and after school. Formerly just for 3-4 year olds, we can now offer this convenient child care option for all your students before or after school. The Tiger’s Den is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is staffed by highly qualified para-professionals. Please contact Sara Phillips at 673-7002, ext. 3135 to find out more information or to register.

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