December 14, 2013 Allegan Public Schools - “Striving for Excellence”
www.alleganpublicschools.org
Construction Continues on 2012 Bond Issue Project Many of the construction projects are in their final phases, and some are in full swing, as our school year gets underway. All elementary buildings had a “facelift” at their entrances, as well as installation of air conditioning and new playgrounds. At the middle school, upgrades included mechanical systems, security, and locker room, gym, and cafeteria improvements, as well as the construction of the new Field House (right), which will house school and community athletic activities.
The high school had several upgrades, including renovation of the auxiliary gym and addition of the new conference center (above). At the Alternative High School, renovations included the addition of a new gymnasium facility (above), which is nearing completion. Technology improvements district-wide will account for $3.1 million of the total $18 million bond project. Teacher stations (including laptop computers, document cameras, microphones, and white boards) have been installed in every classroom. Pictured is board mem ber Jeff McLaughlin, who recently dropped in on Mrs. Norland’s kindergarten classroom at Dawson Elementary, using the new technology for a lesson.
IMPORTANT – KEEP NEAR YOUR PHONE
Allegan Public Schools Telephone Numbers
Administration Office.................................... 673-5431 Kevin Harness (superintendent) Bill Hammer (director of operations) Cheryl-Marie Manson (director of instruction) 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 Bill Hammer & Becky Corbett (principals) Pine Trails Elementary................................... 673-5379 Dave Kanine (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) Dann Perono (assistant) Athletic Office................................................ 673-7002 Matthew Stofer (director) Recreation Department.................................. 673-7002 Trevor Horwath (rec.), Andrea Murphy (pool) Maintenance Department............................... 673-2085 George Zeock (supervisors) Transportation Department........................... 673-2203 Darrell Stoughton (supervisor) Food Service ............................................... 673-7002 Barb Elenbaas (supervisor) ext. 5517 School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org
School Calendar - 2013/14 Dec 23 - Jan 3 (Christmas Break) Jan 6 - School Resumes Jan 15, 16 - Parent Conferences (HS) Jan 17 - STAFF ONLY (Professional Dev.) Feb 21, 24 -NO SCHOOL (Midwinter Break) March 4, 6 - Parent Conferences (MS & Elem) March 7 - STAFF ONLY (Professional Dev.) April 7-11 - NO SCHOOL (Spring Break) April 16-17 - Parent Conferences (HS) April 18 - NO SCHOOL (Good Friday) May 23, 26 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day) June 3 - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS June 4- STAFF ONLY (Meetings/Records)
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS: Back row (left to right): Mark Davidhizar (president), Dale Wittkop (vice president), Vicki Knuckles (secretary), Mary Kasprzyk (treasurer). Front row (left to right): Trustees: Michael Fairbanks, Jeff McLaughlin, and Troy Carns.
Board of Education Meetings January 13, 2014 (7:00 p.m.) February 10, 2014 (7:00 p.m.) March 10, 2014 (7:00 p.m.) April 14, 2014 (7:00 p.m.) May 12, 2014 (7:00 p.m.) June 9, 2014 (6:00 p.m.) July 14, 2014 (6:00 p.m.) Organizational Meeting -- All regular meetings scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month. -- Regular meetings during school year are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. -- Regular meetings during the summer (June, July, August) begin at 6:00 p.m. -- All meetings to be held at the Allegan Public Schools’ Administration 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.
Save the Date: Educational Foundation of APS
CASH PARTY March 15, 2014
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
Everyday Evidence Happy Holidays Everyone! With the Thanksgiving holiday just over a week ago and Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, it seems as if there isn’t enough time to get everything done--let alone take time to reflect on all that has been accomplished at Allegan Public Schools in 2013. Everyone is always busy it seems, especially at this time of year. Despite the fact that students and staff are as busy as ever, we are renewing our efforts to recognize the remarkable activities, events, and successes that are happening on a daily basis at Allegan Public Schools. Our new initiative to communicate what’s working for kids at APS, and to highlight some of the ways we are making a difference for our students, is entitled “Everyday Evidence.” The vehicle for communicating our “Everyday Evidence” is a simple form we are providing for students, parents, staff, and community members to complete whenever they witness something GREAT that is happening here at Allegan Public Schools! The forms will be available at our website alleganps.org or may be picked up at any school office. Completed forms may be returned via email, returned to your building office, or simply mailed to the address on the form. You can also email your story to everyday@alleganps.org. Whether it is a student helping a new classmate feel welcome in his or her new school, a teacher spending extra time outside of the classroom to ensure a student will be successful, or an exemplary program or event that has inspired one of our students to dream bigger and work a little harder to accomplish their goals--all of these examples and countless others constitute evidence that our schools are working for kids! Submissions of “Everyday Evidence” will be shared as much as possible, with many being posted on our APS Facebook page, acknowledged in building newsletters, published in future publications of the Our Schools News, and published in the Allegan County News when possible. I, myself, recently witness some “Everyday Evidence” of our school’s efforts on behalf of students. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the Festival of Voices concert held at our Performing Arts Center on December 5. Under the direction of Rebecca Balkon and Colin Weber, accompanist Sue Pabis, assisted by Kim Licavoli and Ann Armbruster, and with the help and expertise of our auditorium director Devon Morris, an outstanding concert was experienced by all who participated and attended. As I stood in the wings of our Performing Arts Center (yes, it was standing room only, even though our beautiful facility has nearly 1000 seats) I couldn’t help but feel the pride--not only as Superintendent, but also as an Allegan community member. Middle school and high school choirs performed and were joined by all 5th grade students in the district for the final numbers. Our students were outstanding, the music was excellent, and the support was unbelievable. Witnessing nearly three hundred voices singing together, combined with the visual impact of that many students on stage surrounded by holiday décor, was an exceptional experience! Undoubtedly the event was evidence that great things happen for our kids when students, parents, staff, and community work together. Thank you one and all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! I am looking forward to what we have planned, and what fun surprises 2014 will bring for Allegan Public Schools! (Don’t be bashful; share your evidence with us so we can share it with others!)
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Fire Safety Week
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) a.m. class from Dawson Elementary visited the Allegan Fire Station during Fire Safety Week. There they were able to see the different fire trucks, as well as climb through them, see the uniforms that firefighters wear, and get a tour of the fire station. Their favorite part? The lights and sirens, of course! Students in Mrs. Roger’s kindergarten class at West Ward Elementary got to dress up in their favorite “firefighting gear” and made fire dog puppets, while learning about fire safety. Pictured is Gabe Schuyler.
Above (left to right): Isaiah Smith, Collin Moyer, Adam Brenner, Aiden Rebec, Allea Pinnell, and Hannah Riley.
3rd graders are “in the swim” 3rd grade students enjoyed two weeks of swimming instruction at the Allegan High School Aquatic Center. They worked on kicking and arm strokes, as well as having lots of fun jumping off diving boards! Pictured are students from Pine Trails Elementary learning how to do a shallow dive.
Playgroups are FUN ! “Great Start - Great Parents” is sponsoring Playgroups for parents and their children ages 0-5. Allison Bush, the Parent Coach from Allegan Public Schools, has already hosted several playgroups at various locations throughout the district. There are activities, snacks, games, crafts, and the best part is it is FREE! Come learn how play is an important part of your child’s development and how you can help prepare your child for a successful educational experience once they start school. The next Playgroup is Tuesday, December 17 from 6-7 p.m. at Pine Trails Elementary. In collaboration with Headstart and Early Headstart, this one will include a special holiday craft to make, a free book to take home, AND a visit from Santa Claus! No registration is required. Contact Allison Bush if you have questions at (269) 673-7002, ext. 3021. Page 4
Upcoming Play Groups: Dec. 17
(6-7 pm at Pine Trails Elementary)
Jan. 30
(6-7 pm at North Ward Elementary) during “Science Night” -- theme is “MESSY PLAY” Cancellation Date is Feb. 6, if needed.
Allegan Public Schools went “Passionately Pink for the Cure” to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness. Together we raised $771.10 in honor of two of our own staff members who have just begun their own battles with this disease, Mrs. Richardson (retired teacher from West Ward) and Mrs. Eichbauer (high school science teacher). Many students and staff wore pink in memory of or to honor loved ones.
North Ward really “stacks up”
North Ward Elementary was recently part of setting a new Guinness World Record for “most people sport stacking at multiple locations in one day.” After hosting cup stacking assemblies in past years, North Ward decided to join in the efforts to exceed 500,000 people stacking simultaneously! The school’s very own Kiefer Steward, a 5th grader, is a national cup-stacking competitor. Pictured are some North Ward students who participated in the Guinness World Record. “The Mystery of Stella: My monster is a mysterious cat mummy, 4 feet tall, living underground in Paris who is only seen every 10 years, wrapped in old bandages”
West Ward teacher Mrs. Sullivan, who helps organize this fundraiser, along with West Ward student who raised $270.30 toward the cause!
“Cat Mummy” wins Monster Contest!
Congratulations to Kennedy Lademan, 4th grader at West Ward Elementary, for submitting the winning idea of a monster for the Henry & Keats’ Monster Contest. Scott Altmann, illustrator of children’s books, drew her monster from her description!
~Kennedy Lademan
Inch by Inch Worm
Dawson kindergartners have been taking part in a special cooking and craft project each Friday to review the letters of the alphabet. Recently for the letter “Ii” the kids made inchworms from pom poms to practice patterns and their fine motor skills. They also made an inchworm out of cookies they decorated. The inchworm was more than five feet long and the students had fun checking to see if their teacher and other staff members and classmates were LONGER or SHORTER than the inchworm. The highlight of the project was when Mr. James, their principal, stopped by to see how he measured up! Of course, eating the cookies was a hit, too!
Joshua Morgan with his inchworm.
Dawson Principal Joe James was a litle longer than the inchworm!
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Donuts for Dads
Dawson students celebrated a special time with their dads, uncles, grandpas, or other special male in their family at their annual “Donuts for Dads” event. Jorja and Alora Strowenjans with their dad, Jeremy Karle.
High School Yearbook Info:
Skype with me!
Sharing books has never been more exciting for students in Mrs. Burnett’s 5th grade classroom at Dawson Elementary and Mrs. Archer’s 5th grade classroom at West Ward Elementary! The students are able to listen to books read by 5th grade students in another classroom via “Skype”. This is an interactive way to use the Internet to bring guest readers into the classroom!
High School Teachers Honored Two AHS teachers, Drew Isola and Chris Conrad, were recognized by their peers for outstanding work in math and science education!
Science teacher Drew Isola was recognized by the American Assoc. of Physics Teachers and was presented the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service. (photo by Kaitlyn McMann)
Chris Conrad earned state recognition in the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math/Science Teaching (PAEMST) from the National Science Foundation, and will advance to the National Selection Committee! (photo by Jen Conrad)
Pre-order your 2013-14 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 1-866-282-1516 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 portraits are due to the high school yearbook staff no later than January 15, 2014. 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 269-673-7002, ext. 5715. Buy an Ad - 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. Purchasing a Yearbook: 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 - Keep up to date on the Allegan High School Yearbook news by following them on Facebook! There you will find links for online yearbook and ad sales, photos the staff has taken, lists of old yearbooks available for sale, and much more!
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National Merit Scholar
Jacob Clark
Allegan High School senior Jacob Clark was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar in the PSAT-NMSQT College Board Scholarship Program. In the last 50 years, AHS can boast 59 students who have ranked as National Merit Scholars, so Jacob joins an elite group! Jake is the son of Bob & Julie Clark of Allegan. He is undecided yet about which colelge he will attend, but he hopes to study chemical engineering.
“Day of the Dead” Spanish Club student Makenzie Schuehle decorates a sugar skull to celebrate the recent Day of the Dead. This holiday is celebrated in Hispanic culture in order to remember loved ones who have passed on.
Dress Swap Collations et de l’artisanat (snacks & crafts) French Club students enjoyed snacks and crafts at their November Fun Day. Pictured are Leisha Garcia and Hollie McGarry.
Zach Evans and Asst. Principal Ron Orr
$15
(or $5 off if you donate a dress)
at Lakeview Salon 842 - 32nd St. (269) 673-5000 Sponsored by Allegan Post Prom/Grad Bash Committee (donationtions of dresses of all sizes are needed!)
Greek City-States
212° Winner
11th grader Zach Evans was selected as last month’s winner in the 212 degrees drawing. 212 degrees, is the program the high school uses as a behavior incentive program.
Students in Mr. Chalupa’s Advanced Early World History Class experienced a Greek City-State simulation. Mrs. Hascall made a great Oracle (at left) rolling the die of fate for the people! Above, students Brooke Outer, Sy TerAvest, Davyn Schneider, and Rachel Porkonowski participate in the simulation. Page 7
KSO Instrument “Petting Zoo”
4th grade students at Pine Trails and West Ward Elementaries got to try out instruments first-hand with help from volunteers from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and 8th grade band students. String instruments, brass, woodwind, and percussion were all available to try. Elementary music teacher Ann Armbruster stated, “What better way to introduce students to musical instruments! There was definitely excitement in the air!!!”
Art Prize 2013
Many APS student groups had the opportunity to take a field trip to the Grand Rapids “Art Prize” exhibits this fall. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to see all kinds of art on display! All 3rd graders in the district, plus a few other classes, make this trip annually. Art takes all shapes and forms, as seen by 3rd grader Madison Field, who is “driving” a mechanical dragon made of recycled items.
“LOVE LETTERS” - Students from the Alternative High School
were actually part of this art project, created by local artisan, Mary Colburn. Students helped write and disburse almost 1000 letters which were scattered throughout town in an effort to spread a message of hope to the finders!
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Allegan Band “Notes”
Holiday Band Concerts: Dec. 16 (7 pm) high school and 8th grade bands Dec. 17 (7 pm) 6th and 7th grade bands.
Marching Band at STATE! The HS band took 6th place at the MCBA state competition at Ford Field with an all time school-high score of 78.65 points! Their theme was “Composers A-Z”. Congrats once again to our exceptional marching band! A big thanks to parents, students, and the fantastic Band Boosters for their cooperation this year! Middle School Solo and Ensemble: Receiving a “First Division” rating at this year’s Solo & Ensemble event were: Jacob Pierce, Kelsey Clark, Garret Fairbanks, Alesandra Garcia, and Maddy Waite. “Second Division” ratings were earned by: Emali Steward, Ezra Butcher, CJ Chenard, Sam Hunt, Abby Mansfield, Emerald Dewey, Alex Letts, Joe LaJoice, BethAnn Prolo, Andrew Teachout, Bryan Andrews, Samantha Pettee, Kelsey Clark, Eliza Spreitzer, and Faith MacDonald. Village Market Receipts: Village Market is once again collecting receipts as a fundraiser for the band. Look for the box labeled “Allegan Bands” in the store to drop off your receipts, or once the boxes are removed, you can still turn them in at the high school. Dessert Auction Fundraiser: The Allegan Band Boosters are hosting a Dessert Auction, tentatively scheduled for January 28th at 6:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The cost is $5 and that will get you in, as well as some cupcakes and various treats to enjoy before the bidding begins on the desserts being auctioned. The high school students participating in Solo and Ensemble will also be performing their pieces during this time. Mark your calendars and come enjoy a night of music and excitement of bidding for desserts! All proceeds help support the middle school and high school bands.
Choir News: Youth Choir 2014
Performances with Elementary Spring Programs: March 25, 27, 31, April 1 Practices are Tuesdays January14-March 25
Festival of Voices - held December 5 in the Performing Arts Center. This was an exciting holiday collaboration of the Allegan High School choirs, Middle School choirs, and all 5th graders! Madrigal Dinner - held December 14 at 7 p.m. at Camp Beechpoint’s Lakeview Lodge. This is always a special event where students celebrate holiday music in Old English style! Honor’s Choir - Congratulations to McKennah Heckman and Kate Stanloski on being selected to participate in MSVMA Regional Honors Choir! Page 9
Allegan Tiger Athletics
Athletes Sign With Colleges
By: Matt Stofer, Athletic Director As the winter sports season gets underway, here are some highlights from the fall season and some other news: *Congratulations to the Boys Tennis team on winning the Wolverine Conference title and qualifying for the Division III State Tournament after placing 2nd at Regionals. *Congratulations to the Boys Soccer team which finished 12-6-1 (.657), best record in a season in program history highlighted by an exciting shootout win over Otsego in the Wolverine Conference Tournament.
Left to right: Abbey Dekkinga, Hunter Koster, and Blair Arthur.
*Three Allegan High School senior student-athletes have signed national letters of intent during the month of November, Blair Arthur (St. Francis of Brooklyn – Women’s Basketball), Hunter Koster (Lake Superior State – Men’s Tennis) and Abbey Dekkinga (Nothern Illinios – Women’s Tennis). Congratulations to all three!
New B-Ball Coach Welcome to our new Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Craig Archer, who begins his first season leading the program. Craig is also a new social studies teacher at Allegan High School.
*Girls Swim & Dive had another successful season finishing second in league play. State qualifiers in the Division III State Swim & Dive championships included Madelyn Smith, Gabbie Dame, Olivia Lake, Emily Baiers, Adarae Davidhizar, Erin Isola, and Brianna Price. Check out the district website for schedules, and upcoming events!
Community “Meet & Greet” to honor recently retired Gary Ellis
Friday, Dec. 20 (5:00-6:30 pm) in the HS cafeteria Booster Club Tailgate provided (donations only)
New Athletic Secretary
Meet Dawn Sisson, who joins the Athletic Department as secretary this year!
Welcome to APS!
New Employees at APS: Juanita Pina-Adams Leslie Campbell Noon Supv. @ Daw Library @ DAW
Other New Employees: Jeff Patterson Alt HS teacher
Katie Martin WW kindergarten
Amanda Beaudoin Inst. Asst. NW
Crystal Vanderkamp Christina Festerling Diane Stockdale Noon Supv. @ WW Inst. Asst. NW/Daw Instr. Asst. @ Daw
Amy Staton Inst. Asst. @ Daw
Caitlin Nutter 4th grade @ PT
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Allison Bush Parent Coach (Great Start)
Angela Chestnut (noon supvsr @ WW) Lisa Green (custodian @ HS) Leslie Campbell (library @ DAW) Heather Wall (NHS @ Daw) Natalie Spicer (IA @ NW/WW) Amanda Barnhart (IA @ WW) David Ferrell (sub bus driver) Alfred Sharron (sub bus driver) Beth Tellman (bus driver) Rebecca Brindley (Tigers Den Asst.) Cheryl Wedge (NHS @ WW) Christy Matthews (NHS @ Daw)
Activities at Alternative High Red Cross Blood Drive The Alternative High School sponsored another Red Cross Blood Drive in October. Their goal was 20 pints and 23 were donated! Since it was so close to Halloween, their theme was “vampires”! Next blood drive is scheduled for May 2014. Broadway Grand Rapids Through a grant called Seats 4 Kids, students and staff were able to attend Broadway Grand Rapids’ production of West Side Story on November 14, free of charge! for some students it was their first experience seeing a professional production. MAEO Stars Four students attended the MAEO (Michigan Alternative Education Organization) STARS Fall kickoff event on November 1 in Okemos, Michigan. Students listened to alternative high school graduates describe their struggles and their successes. Power Reading Online PRO is an online reading program that determines a student’s current reading level and then differentiates reading instruction for that particular student. Students read short passages from highinterest stories and participate in a read-back session with the teacher, allowing the teacher and computer program to monitor comprehension and fluency. PRO provides many types of reports that analyze the students’ progress. Students from Allegan Alt. HS who participated saw an average increase in their reading level of 1.4 grades! Back Pack Lunches Allegan Alternative High School students are helping to provide free “Back Pack Lunches” for children in their district. Working with Lydia Walsh and the First Congregational Church of Allegan, students helped put together bags of non-perishable food items, which are distributed to needy students to ensure they have access to food over the weekends. The program provides approximately 230 lunches per week. Fall Olympics Team-building activities included games such as badminton, ladder ball, disc golf, and everyone’s favorite....chocolate frosted cake eating contest! Johnny Trosper is shown with his frosting face!
Tony’s Baked Goods Tony, a student from Hillside Center in Allegan, had a goal to make and sell his baked goods to the Allegan Community, where he could interact with his “customers.” His goodies were delicious and they sold out before lunch was over! All proceeds went to the United Way. The students from Alternative High probably gained the most, as their interactions with Tony were positively contagious. Hopefully, Tony will come visit again soon!
Annual Thanksgiving Feast Students in Mark Horn’s Community Relations class once again prepared and served a Thanksgiving meal to students, staff, and members of the administration and board of education.
“The Young Americans” - coming to a Performing Arts Center near YOU! In conjunction with Allegan Public Schools, AESA is bringing a fantastic music workshop to Allegan County. The Young Americans is a 3-day workshop for students grades 3 and up. It combines over 10 styles of music, 120 songs, singing, dancing, acting, and great fun. The workshop will take place January 30, 31 and February 1; with a performance in the Allegan Performing Arts Center in the evening on February 1st. This is a fabulous opportunity to provide an excellent educational experience for our students of all ages and abilities as well as support arts education in Allegan County. You can pick up a registration form at any of our schools, or contact Cindy Cross at Hillside West (ccross@alleganaesa.org). The cost is $59 per student and would make a great Christmas gift for that budding performer in your family! They are also in need of volunteers and host families. The Young American cast members are local college students and will require a place to stay for a few nights during the workshop. If you can help in this way, contact Cindy at ccross@alleganaesa.org. And mark your calendars for Saturday, February 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the Allegan Performing Arts Center! Page 11
Clifford the Big Red Dog You never know who you may meet in the halls of Dawson Elementary during the library’s BOOK FAIR. This year, Clifford the Big Red Dog made an appearance! The photo shows him with Mrs. Zoerner’s 1st grade and Mrs. Sternberg’s ECSE classroom!
Character Education
Students at North Ward Elementary hold an assembly once a month to recognize students who display positive character traits. Last month, students learned about being respectful and trustworthy! The students pictured were recognized: (Back row, left to right): Dennis Warner (4th), Ayla Firer (5th), Alex Southwell (4th), Cheyenne Shingledecker (5th), Enzo Giovonucci (3rd). (Front row, left to right): Natayla Kunz (K), Bailey Vandenheuvel (3rd), Chase Laarman (K), Elivia Maida (1st), Amara Peters (2nd), Ragan Meeter (2nd).
THANKS Pine Trails PTO!
A big THANK YOU to the Pine Trails PTO for sponsoring a free book distribution to students on November 25. There were many great titles for students to choose from.
Kindergartners just “wanna have fun...”
Sometimes, learning in Mrs. Rogers’ kindergarten class is just plain fun! An exciting part of the weekly themes includes many “dress up” days “Crazy Hair Day” with Damien Davis, Mrs. Rogers, and Mitchell Moelker
Reading their new books are 1st graders Alan Hulst, Austin Zoch, Alex Juraez-Cano, Ryan Eisen, and Gabrial Bloss.
Camden Page on “Talk Like a Pirate Day”... Aargh! 5th graders Trinity Curtis, Jazmin Cole, & Noah Leach enjoying their new books!
Mrs. Rogers with Mitchell Moelker on “Nerd Day” and Summer Jones on “50’s Day” (50th day of school).
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Positive Behavior Incentive The Middle School Positive Behavior Incentive Program is in full swing! Students caught displaying good behavior and positive traits are awarded with a slip that is entered into a drawing each month. November winners are pictured (left to right): Back row: Emma Ruga, Sabrina Armstrong, Kelsey Keyzer, Christian Page, Abby Mallory, Austin Wendt, Dakota McGinnis. Front row: Allen Krcma, Alex Letts, Faith MacDonald, Bailey Weaver, Kaitlyn Doolittle. Not pictured: Dimitri Berry, Chloe Schans.
Homecoming Royalty
Pentominoes!
Middle School students in Ms. Hellman’s Language Arts Class created their own puzzle of pentominoes that relates to the novel they read in class, Chasing Vermeer. Maddi VanderBand, 6th grader, was the first to complete her puzzle!
Emily Hitchcock and Kyle Simaz were chosen by their peers as this year’s Homecoming Queen and King at Allegan High School. (photo courtesy of AHS yearbook staff)
Festival of Trees
Students who participated in hanging the decorations at Camp Kidwell included: Conner and Noah Deible, Ryan and Audrey Brink, Annie Tooker, Jeremiah and Joshua Hansen, and Logan and Anthony Locatis.
Several student groups created themed trees for Camp Kidwell’s “Festival of Trees” this year. From Dawson Elementary, Mrs. Chalupa’s 4th grade class and Ms. Tibbitts’ 2nd graders created ornaments around the theme of author Eric Carle (who wrote beloved children’s books such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?).
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Decorating Downtown
Deck the Halls . . . and the Christmas Trees!
L.E. White Middle School students, under the direction of Alva Morgan, made and hung decorations for the Christmas trees in downtown Allegan for the 12th consecutive year! Pictured are (left to right): Front--Luke Kaylor, Tyson Mead, Thomas Langscheid, Angel Cox, Aryan DeGraaf. Back--Madison Teachout, Anna Shepard, Jenna Duursma, Alex Crowe, Destiny Emmons, Savannah Clark, Evelyn Kubinza.
ALLEGAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS - Meeting students’ needs in a variety of ways . . .
All new classrooms - located in the lower level of the Administration Building (550 Fifth Street, Allegan MI 49010) www.alleganps.org Questions? Call (269) 673-5433 Brenda Nyhof (bnyhof@alleganps.org) or Sue Chappell (schappell@alleganps.sorg)
Allegan District Library
DK Landscaping gets it done!
Programs for 2014: Dave Kok of DK Landscaping was recognized by the Board of Education for going above and beyond in service to our district. As a contracted employee, Dave’s duties include mowing, landscaping, and general grounds maintenance. But he and his crew have willingly taken on all sorts of extra duties to expedite the building project, help out in Athletics and Band activities, as well as making all our buildings look presentable and inviting.
Dave Kok receives certificate of appreciation from Director of Operations Bill Hammer and Superintendent Kevin Harness.
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• Lego Club (first Monday of every month, 4 pm) • Family Night (last Thursday of month, 6:30-7:30 pm) • Teen Advisory Board (meets 2nd and 4th Monday -- for 6-12th graders) • Preschool Toddler Time (Wednesdays 10:30 am) For more info, contact YOUR district library at 673-4625 or visit www.alleganlibrary.org
Allegan Recreation & Aquatic Center 2013-14 Fall/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
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).
Limited Quantities Still Available! The Educational Foundation of Allegan Public Schools still has a limited quantity of these super-cool, camouflaged jerseys -- left over from the 2013 C.O.D.E. Orange football game. Several jersey #’s and sizes are available, and they can be purchased just in time for Christmas gifts, for the price of $150. All proceeds from the jersey sales benefit the Educational Foundation, which provides student scholarships and teacher mini-grants for APS teachers. Also, please save the date for the Educational Foundation’s next fundraiser, the Cash Party, on March 15, 2014. This event includes dinner and dancing, and LOTS of prizes to give away! For tickets to the Cash Party or to purchase a jersey, contact Superintendent Kevin Harness at 673-5431.
“Hands On” Decorating Students from Dawson Elementary in Randy Maxson’s, Marne Sieber’s, and Tamara Sternberg’s classes all helped create handmade ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree at the district Administration building. Students got to come decorate the tree and enjoy treats and activities in the Leadership Room!