Our Schools Winter Issue

February 10, 2018 Allegan Public Schools

www.alleganpublicschools.org

Award Season!

On December 7th, Athletic Director and former Dawson principal, Mr. Orr received a Regional Honors Award at the Michigan Elementary School Principal Association (MEMSPA) state conference for his past work as principal of Dawson Elementary. Mr. Orr was recognized as Principal of the Year for his selfless commitment to students and Mr. Orr and his wife, Tonya at the conference. staff and leadership in Response to Intervention. His passion and drive to make a difference in the lives of students is admirable. He is an excellent role model for both students and staff at APS. This award is presented to a single administrator in each of fourteen MEMSPA regions in Michigan. Mr. Orr was presented this award at the annual MEMSPA conference.

Congratulations!

In This Issue: Contact Information Superintendent’s Message Staff News Season of Giving Middle School High School Allegan Tiger Athletics Allegan Arts Notes Elementary Schools Allegan Alternative High Allegan Aquatic Center Other News Education Foundation of APS

Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10-11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15

West Ward Elementary PTO received a $2,500 matching donation from Hartman-Ellis Agency and Modern Woodman of America for their inaugural Walk-a-Thon this fall. When asked to serve as a sponsor for the event, school board member and Insurance Agent, KD Lake, offered a dollarfor-dollar match. In total, the fundraiser raised more than $6,700 for West Ward’s PTO. In November, former Allegan Public School Director of Operations Bill Hammer received the Wolverine Conference Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Hammer was honored to receive this award for his work coaching Cross Country and Track, as well as being an administrator for Allegan Public Schools. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Left: Mr. Hammer receives his award with daughter, Melissa and wife, Sue. Right: Mr. Hammer with Superintendent Harness

Allegan Public Schools Telephone Numbers

Administration Office.................................... 673-5431 Kevin Harness (superintendent) Cheryl-Marie Manson (director of instruction) Amy Christman (director of finance & operations) George Mohr (state and federal programs) Allegan High School ......................................673-7002 Jim Mallard (principal) L.E. White Middle School............................... 673-2241 James Antoine (principal) Dawson Elementary....................................... 673-6925 Erin Hafer (principal) North Ward Elementary................................. 673-6003 Becky Corbett (principal) Pine Trails Elementary................................... 673-5379 Jaym Abraham (principal) West Ward Elementary.................................. 673-7000 Harry Dalm (principal) Allegan Alternative High & Adult Ed.............. 673-5433 Laura Feffer (principal) Special Education........................................... 673-5431 Cheryl-Marie Manson (director) Tasha Frigmanski (supervisor) Athletic Office................................................ 673-7002 Ron Orr (director) Pool/Aquatics................................................. 673-7002 Mark Mattox (ext. 5507) Maintenance Department..............................673-2085 George Zeock (supervisor) Transportation Department...........................673-2203 Brian Corbett (supervisor) Food Service . ...............................................673-7002 Barb Elenbaas (supervisor) ext. 5517 Allegan Online/Adult Ed . .............................673-5431 Brenda Nyhof (director) ext. 3022

of the

Thursday February 15, 2018 Join Allegan High School & L.E. White Middle School Fine & Performing Arts Students for this FREE Celebration of all things Art

7:00

Performance

Allegan Public Schools Board of Education Pictured: back row l to r: Lane Sturman, Vicki Knuckles, Mary Kasprzyk, and Troy Carns.

Front row l to r: Jennifer Nicholson, Nathon Kelley, and KD Lake

Allegan Public Schools Board of Education 2017-18 Regular Meeting Schedule

Upcoming APS Dates:

Celebration of the Arts 2 Hr. Early Release Elementary Conferences* 2 Hr. Early Release 2 Hr. Early Release Spring Break 2 Hr. Early Release All Buildings-Conferences* 2 Hr. Early Release

*Check your student’s school for schedule.

6:00

Lobby Displays

School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org

February 15 February 21 March 6 & 8 March 9 March 21 Mar 30-Apr 6 April 18 Apr 30-May 2 May 16

/10

CelebrAtion

February 12, 2018 (7:00 p.m.)

March 12, 2018 (7:00 p.m.)

April 9, 2018 (7:00 p.m.)

May 14, 2018 (7:00 p.m.)

June 11, 2018 (6:00 p.m.)

July 9, 2018 (6:00 p.m.) Organizational Meeting

►All meetings to be held at the Allegan Public Schools’ Administration Building, 550 Fifth Street, Allegan MI 49010, unless otherwise posted. ►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 “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 Laura Sullivan, editor, at 673-5431 or email: lsullivan@alleganps.org Page 2

The Manson Minute A message from Director of Instruction Cheryl-Marie Manson

Cheryl-Marie Manson

Nearly 5 years ago I was given the opportunity to serve Allegan Public Schools as the Director of Instruction.

This position encompassed curriculum, technology, along with special education and rarely disappointed in stretching and challenging me each and every day.

During this time, I have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the very best educators that Michigan has to offer. The teachers and support staff at Allegan Public Schools are truly committed to their students and to the RtI initiative that believes ALL students can learn at high levels. Instructional staff often act “in loco parentis�, acting as not only teachers, but coaches, mentors and parents to our students while they are in their care.

Along with exceptional teachers, Allegan Public Schools is fortunate to have influential, dynamic, and talented administrators who work alongside their teachers to ensure a well rounded experience for their students. These administrators pushed me to work harder, think deeply, and lead passionately.

Together, teachers and administrators came together to accomplish a tremendous amount of work on behalf of students. The work accomplished by these people has been humbling to watch and rewarding to be a part of.

Over the last five years, student academic proficiency has improved in some areas from below state average to well above state average.

Over the last five years, we put technology in the hands of our students in order to step up our instruction and student engagement into the 21st century.

Over the last five years, we have redesigned our model for special education K-12 to ensure students have more intentional access to general education instructors and curriculum.

Over the last five years, we implemented a new teacher and administrator evaluation system in order to grow as teachers and leaders.

Over the last five years, we created a new website, district App, and increased our social media channels to communicate better with parents and the community.

Over the last five years, we implemented the Readers and Writers Workshop along with an evaluation tool to support early literacy for our youngest learners.

More importantly, we have had the humbling opportunity to trust each other to make these changes, to allow ourselves to fail and to get up and move forward. We have developed lifelong friendships and have grown from each other as colleagues. Soon, I will begin my new adventure as an RtI Facilitator for the schools in Van Buren County. It is a bittersweet goodbye, but Allegan Tigers will always have a special place in my heart.

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Welcome!

New Faces to the Allegan Public Schools Family

Tyrone Brown

Chandra Morehouse

Teacher Allegan Online/ Adult Education

Tigers Den Daycare Pine Trails

Melissa Ruiz

Stacy Dood

Noon Hour Supervisor Dawson

Food Service High School

Kendra McNees

Instructional Assistant North Ward

Dave Baker

Food Van Driver Allegan Public Schools

Mandi Harnden Brande Gillies Noon Hour Supervisor Dawson

Tanya Waldron Custodian Pine Trails

Instructional Assistant Pine Trails

Sarah Laws Instructional Assistant High School

Pam Clark

Kitchen Attendant West Ward

Marcus Sullivan Noon Hour Supervisor West Ward

It ’s so hard to say goodbye!

Since 1995, Trish Adams had been working for Allegan Public Schools in Food Service at the Middle School.

After many years of dedicated service, she retired mid-year on January 1st.

In addition to her work at APS, she also volunteered at Pine Trails for 10 years. Trish is looking forward to spending time with family and friends especially those grandchildren, vacationing, kayaking, swimming, reading, and more. Thank you and enjoy your retirement, Trish!

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Applications are available at alleganps.org and will soon be available in each building.

Nominations are due April 1st.

Season of Giving: Allegan Public Schools Give Back Students and staff at Allegan Public Schools were definitely in the holiday spirit. The APS staff helped students understand the old adage, “it is better to give than to receive”. Among some of the ways our students and staff gave back include: • First Graders in Mrs. Ziemelis’ class at North Ward collected crafting supplies to help Safe Harbor staff when working with children.

• Kindergarten students in Mrs. Norland’s class at Dawson Elementary organized a toy drive and collected toys for children that were in Bronson Hospital over the holidays.

• Mrs. Schalk’s 7th and 8th grade sewing classes made fleece hats and presented them to each of the North Ward Elementary second-graders.

Above: North Ward third-graders at Briarwood.

• West Ward Elementary Student Council held a food drive and collected 976 items for local food banks, including our own APS Alternative High School’s food bank.

• North Ward Elementary third-graders sang, told jokes, and gave Christmas cards to Briarwood residents.

• Students at West Ward Elementary donated pajamas to the Scholastic Pajama program.

• Pine Trails Elementary Student Council held a food drive to benefit a local food pantry.

• Pine Trails Elementary first-grader, Camdyn Drozd, held a lemonade stand, raising over $100 for her class.

Above: West Ward Student Council canned food drive.

Below: Mrs. Norland’s Dawson toy drive for Bronson Hospital.

• Staff at the Administration building adopted a family.

• Mrs. Criger’s and Mrs. Rogers’ classes at West Ward adopted families.

• North Ward 1st and 2nd grade classes caroled downtown for the town to enjoy.

• The North Ward staff adopted a family.

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Middle School Matters

Where in the World?

Middle School students recently participated in “The National Geographic Geography Bee”, which is open to 6, 7, and 8th grade students around the nation. Thousands of schools participate, with each winning student attempting to earn a spot in their state finals (open to the top 100 based on a test they take after winning their school bee). The winner from each state then attends finals in Washington DC in May, with the top 10 being televised. Winners of the finals receive a $50,000 US savings bond, all expense paid trip to the Galapagos Islands, and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society.

Pictured above l to r: Emma Prolo, AnnaLea VanderPloeg, and Kendall Wickett Pictured right: McKenna Morrie

YUM!

Mrs. Boysen’s cooking class got into the holiday spirit and put their learning to work at Thanksgiving with a holiday feast. The students, within their kitchen groups, prepared one course of the meal. The students prepared a variety of dishes from corn casserole muffins to gluten-free pumpkin pie to mashed potatoes and stuffing! Students arranged the tables to sit facing one another while enjoying the meal.

Pictured Winner: Kyle DeLong (7th grade) Other finalists: 6th grade: Even Eichbauer and Theo Lange 7th grade: Ryan Hipps and Bradley Nichols 8th grade: Alley Brown, Zinna Gillies, and Vance Munzer

Work Hard, Play Hard!

On the last day of school before Holiday Break, middle school students and staff competed in some fun Minute-to-Win-It games including a balloon stomp. A raffle drawing was also held for students earning TIGERS tickets throughout the week for displaying exemplary behavior.

What are the fundraisers for? This recently installed, beautiful sign is an example of how student council utilizes the generosity of our fundraiser participants.

It took a few years, but the Middle School was finally able to save up enough money for this sign so that they can communicate upcoming events and important information. Thank you to all who helped out, especially the student council members who are pictured above!

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Pictured l to r: Students Carlee Rynearson, Chloe Dean, and Conrad Eichbauer try to stomp Mrs. Ott’s balloon.

High School Highlights Raffle Winner

Ecology Fieldtrip

In October, Mrs. Eichbauer’s and Mr. Munn’s ecology classes went to Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery. While there, students toured the facility and took part in a Macroinvertebrate Study of their show pond. In November, the class received 200 salmon eggs to raise and release in April/May. The ecology students then traveled to Sand Creek Preserve, a property owned by Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, to learn about prairie restoration and succession. While there, students met Nate Fuller, from SWMLC, and learned how to identify, gather, and process native plant seeds. The seeds that were collected will be used on SWMLC’s other properties to encourage native plant diversity, which supports pollinator populations in southwest Michigan. It was a great day!

(Pictured above: Nate Fuller explaining seed pollination while Mrs. Eichbauer and class look on. Below: Jaelee McKee and Amanda Snyder examine fish eggs.)

Mrs. Lugten, Mrs. Mae, and students would like to thank all those who bought raffle tickets for the handmade afghan blanket! With the money raised they will be able to support activities in the classroom and field trips. The winner of the blanket was Patty Butcher (pictured with students).

Quidditch at AHS?

Bringing fiction to the real world! Students in Mrs. Conrad’s Children’s Literature first trimester classes read “Harry Potter”. During the tri, they also planned a Quidditch match. The students did all the planning and organizing. In November, they brought the game to life. The players and fans alike loved bringing this game to life.

Pictured above l to r : Antonette Ware and Chloe Schans battle it out. Below: Mrs. Conrad’s 4th Hour class.

Financial Reality Fair

In October, 21 of Mrs. Hoyer’s Accounting students participated in a Reality Fair funded by our local Credit Unions. During this Fair, the students were given an education, a starting salary, and a budget to work with. They then had to visit 13 different scenarios ranging from transportation, housing, leisure, food, clothes, internet, cell phones, etc., to determine their budget for an entire month (all done during this 2-hour event). The students learned valuable lessons on budgeting. A big thank you to all Pictured l to r: Scott Brown, Alex Babbitt, the Credit Unions who worked so hard to and Landon Mielke work on their budget make this happen for our students. with Arbor Credit Union.

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The Allegan All-Sports Booster Club supports ALL high school and middle school athletic teams through the following activities: TRI Allegan, raffles, concession stand sales, selling spirit wear, 50/50, and hoop shoot. Proceeds pay for uniBy: Ron Orr, Athletic Director forms, team equipment, weight room equipment, cheerleadwww.alleganathletics.com ing mats, swim & dive equipment, refurbishing the baseball & softball fields, track hurdles, to name a few; as well as Allegan High School winter sports are Tiger Athletic scholarships, team awards, Scholar-Athlete recognition, and the Hall of Fame event. Last year (2016in full swing. Student athletes are 17) the Boosters donated over $34,000 to athletic program competing in a variety of sports this needs! Contact the high school athletic office for more inforseason. We have nearly 150 students mation about how you can volunteer with this active group!

Allegan Tiger Athletics

involved in High School sports. Many athletes are having great success competing as teams or individuals.

Our teams are in the process of getting ready for their postseason push to the Wolverine Conference and State Tournaments. Get out and support our students as they continue to represent Allegan High School and our community.

Spring sports season are around the corner. We will begin spring sports March 12 with tryouts and practices starting. Spring sports include Girls: Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track, Boys: Baseball, Golf, Track. All athletes must have a physical on file to compete in high school athletics.

Middle School will offer Track in the spring.

Go Tigers!

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Annual Raffle: The All-Sports Boosters is again running their weekly raffle drawing for the school year. Cash prizes will be given away weekly, based on the daily 3 lotto drawing. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from any athlete or you may contact the athletic office at 673-7002 (ext. 5520) or contact the boosters at: alleganallsportsboosters@gmail.com.

Allegan Performing Arts “Notes” Upcoming Band Events: The 6th Grade Bands recently performed a “Recruitment Concert” for the 5th Graders on February 8th. This concert is to showcase the band for incoming middle schoolers.

Saturday, February 10th, is the MSBOA District 10 Solo and Ensemble Festival at West Ottawa High School, good luck to all who are performing!

The Middle School Concert Band, Middle School Symphonic Band, and High School Symphonic Band will be performing on February 15th at the “Celebration of Arts” night. The performance starts at 7PM and will feature performances by the drama and music departments. The bands will perform their “MSBOA District 10 Band and Orchestra Festival” music in preparation for their festival performances.

The High School band performs on Friday, 2/23 at Otsego High School, 4:20PM. The Middle School bands perform on Thursday, 3/1 at Grandville High School. The Middle School Concert Band performs at 8:50AM, and the Middle School Symphonic Band performs at 11:10AM. Parents, family, and friends of the bands are welcome to attend the performances, including the sight-reading portion.

Sing! Sing Outloud!

The annual elementary spring music concerts are coming soon. Join us for an evening of fun as Dawson Elementary and North Ward Elementary Kindergarten through Fifth-grade students celebrate their diversity and share values through poetry, movement, instrument playing, and song in “Celebrating Our Differences”. Pine Trails Elementary and West Ward Elementary students will explore the “Great Outdoors”. All performances begin at 6:30 pm at the High School’s Performing Arts Center.

Dawson Elementary - Tuesday, February 27th North Ward Elementary - Thursday, March 1st Pine Trails Elementary - Monday, March 26th West Ward Elementary - Tuesday, March 27th Page 9

Band Boosters The Allegan Band Boosters are a very active group! Come join the fun--whether your band student is in 5th grade or high school band, you are most welcomed to join! There are many ways to be involved.

Come check us out at our meetings on the third Monday of each month in the band room.

News from Dawson, North Ward...

Pictured above: Students from Mrs. Hammon’s West Ward third grade class showing off their pillowcases.

Below: Students in Ms. Tibbitts’ second-grade class at Dawson decorating their pillowcases.

This year all four Allegan Public Elementary Schools participated in “The Hour of Code”. This world-wide event takes place every year during Computer Science Education Week, the first week in December. Elementary computer teachers Mr. Price and Mrs. Eckwielen had students participate in a coding activity during computer class to give students an exciting first introduction to computer science and computer coding.

Pictured l to r: Hunter McKee & Hailey McNees both 3rd graders in Mrs. Penny’s class at Pine Trails coding with flappy bird at Code.org.

Peer-to-Peer Learning

American Red Cross Representatives Jessica Shaw (APS grad) and her co-worker Sierra Foreman have been giving presentations to elementary classrooms about emergency preparedness. They featured being prepared for winter storms and home fires, along with coping skills. Their message was that if you know what to do in an emergency more lives are saved. Each student received a pillowcase; part of their Pillowcase Project sponsored by Disney. Thank you ladies for your service to our students.

The first graders at North Ward have been reading and learning buddies with Ms. Bell’s high school ESL (English Second Language) students.

Pictured l to r: Alyssa Basket, 9th grader Neima Bashir, and Adalyn Strachan, Quinn Siler

Snakes, Spiders, and Make-up! Oh My!

As some of you are aware, Pine Trails Principal, Mr. Abraham, is not too fond of snakes and spiders. Well, the Pine Trails students rose to the challenge of raising over $3,000 at their Walk-A-Thon in October. This earned them enough to get Mr. A. to play with snakes, spiders, and get a “glam” makeover!

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Pine Trails and West Ward Elementaries

On Friday, December 15, students from Mrs. Penny’s Pine Trails third-grade class visited Briarwood Assisted Living Center and read Christmas stories to the residents.

The students, as well as the residents, loved their time together! The students even made the residents a Christmas ornament!

Pictured below: Student Hailey McNees reading with Briarwood residents.

Games Around the world After studying about games around the world, North Ward 3rd graders enjoyed “Game Day” playing board games with their classmates.

Pictured above: students in Mrs. McDaniel’s class playing “Don’t Wake Daddy”.

Who’s in Charge?

Ms. Wildeboer’s third/fourth grade split class at Pine Trails has been learning about our government. Recently they spent time sorting governmental powers by state, federal, or both.

Bringing the Outside In Third Graders at North Ward Elementary School were asked “Do you wanna build a snowman?”

With the temperature outside below zero they were challenged by their teacher, Mrs. Lucas, to bring in a plate full of snow to build an igloo or a snowman. It was a lot of frozen fun!

Pictured above l to r: Ezra Smith, Hawk Henrickson, Trent Adrianson

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The Eagles at Allegan Alternative High School have been

extremely busy this year. Here are some of the wonderful things happening at AAHS. Thanksgiving Feast: Allegan Alternative hosted its largest Thanksgiving Feast to date with nearly 200 in attendance. Thank you to all the families and community members who joined our school. From the Chief of Police and Mayor to School Board members and community partners, there was a lot of love in the room. Our community continues to lift our students up so they can SOAR! Bowling Champs: The AAHS bowling team, coached by Mark Horn and Karen Cochran, came in 1st place at their recent bowling tournament with a score of 2087. The team will head to the State Tournament in Owosso on February 9th.

Snow Plow in Parade: The art class of AAHS, along with teacher Marte Roach, was asked by the City of Allegan to paint a snow plow that was in the holiday parade, giving the students an opportunity to showcase their work publicly. Bravo students!

Holiday Feast: Immanuel Lutheran Church hosted our students Pictured l to r: Breanna Stewart, Cyan Katje, Tyler Davis, Coach Patterson, John Slade, Ethan for a delicious holiday feast. Immanuel Lutheran received the Slade, and Mason Jilek first annual “Honorary Eagle” award at last year’s graduation ceremony for their love and dedication to the students of Allegan Alternative High School.

Back, l to r: Breanna Salcedo, Michael Saintz, Tyler Hopson, Jerid Pevler, Leo Brower, Kassidy McElwee, Conner Ritz, Ryan Raab, Kristine Kaylor, Alli Harrison. Front, l to r: Teacher Marte Roach, Lauraley McIver, Samantha Greenhalgh

Quiz Bowl Success: The AAHS Quiz Bowl team worked beautifully together this year and interacted with other alternative high school students from across Michigan. The other students were in awe of AAHS’ beautiful facility and didn’t want to leave!

The team came in 2nd place this year and will travel to Crossroads Alternative for next year’s competition. Thank you to all participants, coaches, and our guest readers including Mary Kasprzyk, Rob Patin, and Michael Kiella. Special kudos to Quiz Bowl Coach Jeff Patterson.

Red Cross Blood Drive: Thank you to all our students and community donors who attended the recent Red Cross Blood Drive hosted by Allegan Alternative. The school beat their goal by 7 pints! Red Cross staff had such positive things to say about our student helpers...they even held hands when needed.

Rake-A-Difference: AAHS’ Outdoor Education class participated early in the Rake-A-Difference campaign through United Way by raking leaves at Wings of Hope Hospice.

Servers at the Thanksgiving feast pictured l to r: James Kingsley, Dylan Cole, and Katy Gregerson

Culinary Workshop: Now in their 3rd year of a Mind, Body, Spirit Initiative, AAHS’s number of community partnerships continues to grow. Chef Dylan Storey recently led a hands-on workshop that allowed students to quick pickle vegetables, a skill that will allow them to preserve food for years to come.

Thank you, Chef Story.

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Allegan Aqua�c Center

Memberships, Registration and Information at WWW.ALLEGANAQUATICS.COM OPEN during SPRING BREAK FAMILY FUN NIGHT Open Swim: Friday April 6– All are Welcome

ALLEGAN SWIM SCHOOL

Lifeguard Certification

Proud Provider of SwimAmerica Swimming Lessons

April 20-22, May 25-27, June 8-10

WE ARE HIRING: We help build comfort and compeAdult Supervisors and School-Age tency in and around the water.

Lifeguards. Free training for adults!

Contact mmattox@alleganps.org

POOL RENTAL & PARTIES

Spots are filling fast!  

During open swim: Your group enter for free.

Full use of the Party Room. <15 swimmers 16-30 swimmers

 

$45 $60

For Private Pool Rentals: Both pools + Party Room Rent the AquaGlide Course for an additional $50!

<10 swimmers $50/ hour 11-30 swimmers $75/ hour More information? Look under the programs tab on our website or Call: 269-673-7002 x5504 Email: skeen@alleganps.org

COACHED ADULT SWIMMING (MASTERS) Triathlete? Swimmer?

Not a swimmer, but want to learn?

Tue and Thur Morning 5:30 - 6:30 am Interested? Contact mmattox@alleganps.org

Recertification Class: Sun. April 15 Contact: mmattox@alleganps.org

OPEN SWIM

One-day Family Pass $10.00 AquaGlide Wristband $1.00

AQUAGLIDE Inflatable Obstacle Course

Run the Course @ Open Swim or Rent It for your Private Party

Next Classes–

Group Lessons (ages 4 and up): February 2018-May 2018 5:45-6:15 pm or 6:30-7:00 pm Monday and Thursday Parent/ Child Lessons (up to age 3) February 2018-May 2018 Times and Days TBD

Register Online

Click the “Allegan Swim School” tab Summer lessons: June, July and Aug

Saturday Sunday

12:00-2:00 pm 1:00-3:00 pm

LAP SWIM Morning: M-F 6:30 –7:30 am Noon: M-F 12-1 pm Evening: M-Th 7:00-8:00 pm

FAMILY FUN TIME AT THE POOL Tue., Wed., Thur.: 11 am - 12 pm *Great for families with young children

COMPETITIVE SWIM– March Clinic

Feb 19- March 22

ATAC is competitive swimming & diving for those ages 6-17. Lessons level 6 through advanced are welcome. Swim faster with friends!

SENIOR CITIZEN SWIM FREE

Enjoy using our warm water Leisure Pool, walk in entry.

Mon. & Fri: 11 am-12 pm Tue.: 3:00-4:00 pm

Orange (novice competitor)- For ag- AQUA FITNESS es 6-11, beginning level swimmers who are working on basic swimming skills M-W: 4-5 pm; Th– 12:151:15 pm; Sat 10:3011:30 am swimmers with competitive experience who *Our most popular class! are looking to improve their skills.

Black (intermediate)- For ages 8-13,

Gold (advanced)- For ages 10U who are looking to develop to their full potential.

No Practice or Competition requirements!

Registration online under Tigershark Aquatics tab.

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Program Pricing Same for All Programs (not Zumba) Adults (+1 free pre-K child): $3 School Age / Senior: $2 Pre-K Child (addi�onal): $1 Monthly Pass (any program): $30

In Other News...

Fun with Shapes

After creating designs on paper, Ms. Schulz’s Tigers Den Academy class made 2D and 3D shapes using marshmallows and toothpicks. What a fun way to work on shapes.

Thank you!

Allegan Alternative High School staff and students are overwhelmed with the many community members who have donated items to our Eagle’s Nest. Many do so anonymously, but we would like to publicly thank the following for their generosity: Hungry for Christ, The Allegan County Community Foundation, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Greg and Dawn Buist, Shirley Nevenzel, Amy Gasaway, Amanda Butler, Karen Cochran, Rhonda Statler, West Ward Elementary, Pine Trails Elementary, Amy Christman, Angel Storey, Cheryl-Marie Manson, Sandra Collins, Tina Harris, Multi Packaging Solutions, and many more!

In addition, for the third consecutive year, Allegan Alternative has been selected as a recipient of a grant from the Mignon Sherwood Delano Foundation. This years funds will be put towards purchasing a 3D printer and providing books for every student when the school celebrates National Reading Month in March.

Eagle Pride!

Elementary students around the district participated in their annual swim lessons.

Pictured left: students in Mrs. Penny’s Pine Trails 3rd grade class learning how to dive.

The Allegan Fire Department delivered special Christmas presents to the ECSE Classroom in December. These youngest learners would like to thank the Allegan Fire Department for their generous donations and support for the ECSE Students.

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Festivities abound in the Tigers Den Academy four year old class that meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Pine Trails Elementary. Three year old classes are also available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Tigers Den is now taking applications for their preschool classes for the 2018-2019 school year! Pictured above: Arlee, Raylee, Escher, and Ayden enjoy the snow on their Pine Trails playground during their Tiger’s Den Preschool recess!

Educational Foundation of Allegan Public Schools

The Educational Foundation of APS’ mission is to raise and distribute funding that will provide educational opportunities and enhancements for the students and staff of Allegan Public Schools. By planning special fundraising events, such as the Cash Party and CODE Orange, the Ed Foundation can continue to provide APS students and staff with extra opportunities and learning aids through mini-grants and annual scholarships. Applications for mini-grants and scholarships for seniors will be available in April.

New this year!

Passport to Allegan!

The Educational Foundation of Allegan Public Schools continues to strive to create new fundraising opportunities. New this year will be the “Passport to Allegan”. This event will be May 5, 2018 from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm. Participants will purchase a passport that contains event specials for local businesses. These specials are only available to participants with a passport. Individuals may use the passport at as many participating locations as they choose. There will be opportunities for all ages. Watch for more information!

s! e fl s! f Ra r ize !

P un F CODE Orange/MVE Game

Community on Deck for Education is another Ed Foundation of APS sponsored event to generate school spirit and help support education in Allegan. On January 12th, the Ed Foundation of APS hosted it’s third annual Most Valuable Educator “MVE” event. Senior players on the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams each selected a staff member that they considered to be the Most Valuable Educator in their experience at APS. Each MVE was recognized with the student who selected them during a presentation between the two varsity games. In addition, each MVE was provided a Visa gift card donated by Allegan Community Federal Credit Union. (Pictured from l to r: MVE nominees Brad Fisher, Amanda Stegink, Catherine Hellman, Nichole Dykstra, Dawn Hoyer, Barb Kiella, Lori Layman, and Sallie Bladen. Not pictured: Sarah Cooper and Jeff Turner) Page 15

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

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

ECRWS TO: Current Resident

Allegan, MI 49010

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 49010 (phone 269-673-5431).

Allegan Public Schools is looking for SUBSTITUTES in the areas of: • teachers • teacher aides • food service • custodial • secretarial • noon hour supervision • bus drivers For More INFORMATION: www.edustaff.org contact@edustaff.org (877) 974-6338

Free Playgroups Preschool playgroups are held the third Tuesday from 6-7 pm of each month at a different elementary building.

Feb 20 @ North Ward March 20 @ Dawson April 17 @ Pine Trails May 15 @ West Ward Contact Amy Rogers at (269)7209225 for more information.

Seeking Broken Acoustic Guitars

In need of gloves, hats, scarves, coats, and boots? Contact Holly Dowd at Pine Trails Elementary at 269.673.5379 ext. 3111. Pine Trails has received many donations not only from the community, past and present families, but also different departments at Perrigo.

The staff and students appreciate the donations and would love to get these items to families who need them.

Can you help? In a 6-8 week project, Allegan Alternative High students will be given the opportunity to learn about themselves and each other through the process of guitar repair, maintenance, and performance. AAHS is looking for donations so students can assess and restore a guitar to playable conditions. Contact Laura Feffer at 269.673.5433, ext. 3055 or lfeffer@alleganps. org, if you have a guitar you would be willing to donate.

Emergency Text Alerts: Have you signed up for “Remind” text alerts? Simply text “@alleganp” to phone number 81010 to receive REMIND alerts.

Be among the first to know when there is a snow day or any other kind of district-wide alert or message.