Allegan "Our Schools News" June/July 2015

June/July, 2015 Allegan Public Schools - “Striving for Excellence”

www.alleganpublicschools.org

Outstanding People for Education

Allegan Public Schools’ winners of this year’s OP4E award were Adrian Hall, Allison Bush, and Jane Kiel. This award is sponsored by the Allegan County School Boards Association and is open for nominations of any person who has contributed to the school district in a positive way. Adrian is the district mail courier who is known for always greeting everyone with a smile. Allison is a Family Coach for Early Childhood programs and organizes home visits and play groups. Jane Kiel is a French and English teacher at Allegan High School. Congratulations to this year’s winners!

School Bell Award

Joe James The 2015 School Bell Award this year went to retiring principal Joseph “The Legend” James. It was a unanimous choice among this year’s administrative team to select Joe, who retired from Dawson Elementary this year after 37 years of service to the district! The prestigious School Bell goes to someone who goes “above and beyond” in their commitment to students at APS.

Top Ten Allegan High School named its Top Ten academic graduates at commencement ceremonies on May 28. Earning the highest grade point averages for the Class of 2015 were: Left to Right (front row): Nathan Wallace, Aiden Knoll, Connor Mendell, Matthew Fifield, Cortnie Cook. (back row): Mackenzie Sturman, Madeline Miller, Karlie Wells, Julie Isola, Alicia Olmstead.

Photo by Jen Conrad

New Elementary Principals

IMPORTANT – KEEP NEAR YOUR PHONE

Allegan Public Schools

Two new elementary principals have been named to lead Dawson Elementary and Pine Trails Elementary, beginning with the 2015-16 school year.

Although they are new faces at these elementary buildings, they are familiar faces to AlleRon Orr gan Public Schools! Ron Orr Jaym Abraham (formerly the assistant principal at Allegan High School) will be taking over at Dawson, replacing the retiring Joe James. Jaym Abraham (formerly the assistant principal at L.E.White Middle School) will head up Pine Trails Elementary, replacing Dave Kanine, who has taken a job as principal in Ithaca, Michigan. New assistant principals for the high school and middle school will be interviewed and hired this summer.

Congrats to these two gentlemen, as they join Harry Dalm (West Ward Principal) and Becky Corbett (North Ward Principal) to form our new Elementary Administrative Team!

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 (principal) L.E. White Middle School ............................ 673-2241 James Antoine (principal) Dawson Elementary ...................................... 673-6925 Ron Orr (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 Matthew Stofer (director) Pool/Aquatics ................................................ 673-7002 Mark Mattox (ext. 5507) Maintenance Department .............................. 673-2085 George Zeock (supervisor) Transportation Department .......................... 673-2203 Darrell Stoughton (supervisor) Food Service .............................................. 673-7002 Barb Elenbaas (supervisor) ext. 5517

Coming Soon: New Allegan Public Schools website! www.alleganps.org

School Starts September 8!

School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org

Allegan Public Schools 2014-15

Board of EducationRegular Meeting Schedule July 13, 2015 (6:00 p.m.) Organizational Meeting The Board meetng schedule for 2015-16 will be established at this Organization Meeting.

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

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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.

Current Board of Education:

Front Row: Mike Fairbanks (president), Vicki Knuckles (vice president), Jeff McLaughlin (secretary), Mary Kasprzyk (treasurer) Back Row: Troy Carns (trustee), Lane Sturman (trustee), Mark Davidhizar (trustee)

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

Winds of Change at APS . . .

We have experienced the “summer winds” around west Michigan this year, and change is certainly the theme of the season here at Allegan Public Schools. The summer months of June, July, and August are typically a time of transition and change for school districts. With the retirement of Joe “The Legend” James after 37 years of service to our district, and the resignation of Dave Kanine, our “Resident Humorist,” after 14 years of service, change is truly in the wind. I want to express my personal thank you and congratulations to both Mr. James and Mr. Kanine for their dedication to our students.

Both of these fine educators have proven they can make the statement “It’s all about the kids” and truly mean it!

After graduating from Allegan High School and then earning his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, Mr. James returned to Allegan as a teacher at North Ward Elementary in 1978. He accepted the Dawson Principal position in 1997. Mr. Kanine joined Allegan Public Schools as the Middle School Assistant Principal in 2001, and became the Pine Trails Principal in 2005. Mr. Kanine is now moving on to an elementary principal position in Ithaca, Michigan in order to be closer to his family. Mr. James will be traveling with his wife Christine and spending time with their grandchildren. He will also continue to be a regular at many of our Allegan Tiger athletic events – Don’t worry Joe, I’ll save a seat for you!

With the departure of Mr. James and Mr. Kanine, the students and staff at Dawson and Pine Trails will be welcoming new captains to their ships. After a thorough search and a competitive interview process, two familiar faces rose to the top of the pool of candidates. High School Assistant Principal Ron Orr will be taking the helm at Dawson Elementary, and Middle School Assistant Principal Jaym Abraham will be at the tiller at Pine Trails. Congratulations gentlemen! Obviously the transition for Mr. Orr and Mr. Abraham will create opportunities on deck for two of our secondary vessels. The assistant principal jobs have been posted and we are about the business of hiring the best candidates possible for these two critical positions.

Transition time at Allegan Public Schools also extends to our curriculum and delivery of instruction. Last year we implemented computer devices for students Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Eighth through twelfth grade students all received their own devices. Pine Trails Elementary students were also the beneficiaries of a 1 to 1 initiative due to a state grant that this building received. Last year Kindergarten through seventh grade students shared a device between two students. This year we will expand the 1 to 1 program, and extend the initiative to all seventh grade students as well. This fall we will also initiate a BYOT program (Bring Your Own Technology) for grades 7-12. The BYOT program will allow students to bring devices they own and are already familiar with to school. This program will also assist the district in maintaining student technology over time, and hopefully allow us to expand the 1 to 1 program to even more students.

I subscribe to the adage that you are either getting better, or worse. The position of status quo for a school district, or any organization, doesn’t exist in the real world. My perspective from the wheel house of our district is clearly that we are getting better. We are transitioning, and we are sailing in the right direction for our students. Our fleet of ships has never been in better shape. Our crew is dedicated with a clear vision for the future. After nineteen years in the district, ten of those years at the wheel, I am as excited as ever to welcome back our students this fall and start the eventful and productive voyage for 2015-16.

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Mr. Mallard’s ducklings have “flown the coop”....

The graduates of the class of 2015 left a little something behind on their chairs when they left the stadium after commencement ceremonies at Allegan High School. Hidden in their graduation gowns were little rubber ducks with each student’s name written on the bottom, left as a momento to Mr. Mallard to let him know that his “ducklings had flown the coop”.... Mr. Mallard responded by placing all of the ducks on the bleachers in the gym with a message to the seniors that there would always be a place for them at AHS!

Photo by Jen Conrad (AHS)

212° Awards Pictured are Allegan High School students who were selected in the 212° contest from names submitted during the year for exhibiting positive behavior. Each student received a Tiger Pride pack containing a t-shirt and other Tiger gear, plus athletic and swim passes.

Annie Hulett, Nicole Kling, and Lexi Sodano

RJ Stearns

“The Legend” Joe “The Legend” James served 18 years as Dawson Principal, and before that, taught for 19 years at North Ward Elementary.

Mr. James Retires after 37 Years!

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Dawson Elementary staff came dressed to party in all of their favorite book characters in honor of Mr. Joe James, who announced his retirement at the end of the school year.

Mr. James has dressed up in each of these costumes over the years, either for Halloween or for Reading Month or MEAP kick-off activities. Students and staff will definitely miss Mr. James’ antics (Who can forget his impersonation of Michael Jackson during one of the Homecoming parades?) but what they will miss most is his genuine caring for the students and families of Allegan Public Schools!

High School Quiz Bowl

Congratulations to the Allegan High School Quiz Bowl Team, who were the State Champion Runners Up at the state competition held in East Lansing in May! Way to go Matt Harris, Max Clark, Connor Mendell, Joe McClelland, and Coach Amanda Boes! Also special congrats to Joe McClelland, who was named to the All-State Quiz Bowl Team.

Foreign Exchange Student Program

Allegan High School has traditionally been proud to host many foreign exchange students from various countries. These students have encouraged cultural diversity among AHS students, and have been a welcome addition to our district. International Student Exchange is once again looking to place students in the Allegan area. There is no cost for host families -- all you supply is love, food, and a bed! Students have their own spending money and insurance. If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please call Beth Herpst at (269) 303-4046.

Girls on the Run!!!!!

This group of girls from Dawson Elementary, while training for their 5K run on May 29 at GVSU, put together a patriotic video in celebration of Memorial Day. GOTR meets after school to practice running, but also to participate in lessons on self-esteem, teamwork, and making healthy choices. Thank you to their coaches Paula Chalupa, Jolene Miller and Cindy Tibbitts. This year’s group from

Dawson included Madison Cariker, Aailyah and Carolynn Cox, Gaby Harman, Sara Kemp, Reilly McEntyre, Bristyn Neldon, Erica Oisten, Nora Spreitzer, Alyssa VanderVeen, Natelee and Sarah VanDussen, and Harleigh Wesche.

Poetry Readings

Mr. Spicer’s 1st graders from North Ward Elementary held a poetry reading at the Allegan Senior Residence. Students read their own poems that ranged in topics from seasons and holidays to animals in their habitats, to senior citizens!!!

James Groh & Elliot Matchett with Mr. Ed Spicer

Outstanding Citizens

West Ward Elementary and Pine Trails Elementary announced their “Outstanding Students/Citizens of the Year” at recent board of education meetings. Chosen for their high academic standards and exemplary citizenship, these students were recognized as top of their 5th grade class!

West Ward Principal Harry Dalm and 5th grade teacher Kelly Archer with Makayla Rogers and Conrad Eichbauer.

Pine Trails 5th graders Gabriel Harlan and Kaylie Dickerson with 5th grade teachers Thom Berlin and Teresa Herlein.

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Nominees for the “Outstanding People For Education” Award In addition to the winners on page 1, there were many others who received nominations for this award this year. Below is a list of nominees and just a sampling of what nominators said about them: Andrea Mack (Band Director) – Nominated by a student who said, “Ms. Mack sets an example every day by not only being passionate about the music, but by being passionate about the people who make it.”

Jeff Grabber (HS Sped Teacher) – Nominated by a parent of a special needs student who said, “He devotes his time, effort, patience, love and friendship to all students.”

Ed Spicer (1st grade teacher @ North Ward) – Nominated by a former student who said, “Mr. Spicer taught me that I can enjoy the beauty of language and the art of play. He is my hero for sparking my love for reading and writing.”

Julie Ziemelis (HS Sped teacher) – Nominated by a colleague for her welcoming classroom, for embracing technology with her students, and for organizing the Tiger Links program.

Mark Mattox (Swim Coach) – Nominated by a student-athlete who compared him to a Super Hero because he took on the challenge of coaching 20 girls who were adjusting to a new coach.

Barbara Kiella (Dawson 2nd grade Teacher) – Nominated by a parent who appreciates the impact she made on her child while he was in her classroom. “Mrs. Kiella made reading fun by using voices for the characters and being animated to make the imagination of the story a place for children to get lost in…”

Marne Sieber (Dawson Sped Teacher) – Nominated by a co-worker who stated, “A C.I. classroom can be a lot of things in one day – fun, frustrating, happy, sad.

Marne makes all the kids in our room feel safe and loved.”

Denise Winderbank-Lucas (3rd grade teacher, NW) – Nominated by a parent who had 3 students go through her classroom. This parent gathered “student quotes” about Mrs. Lucas: “It doesn’t feel like I’m in school when I am in her class.” And “I think she’s the Bee’s Knees!” were a few of those.

Kelly Nugent (Y5’s teacher at Dawson) – Nominated by a set of parents who praised her for her kind and consistent manner with their strong-willed child.

“She understands that kids are kids and they will make mistakes, and we feel lucky that our child had her as his first teacher!”

Jennifer Miller (social worker at West Ward) – Nominated by a parent and student who said she helped them through a troubled time in their lives. She even took the time to attend a family funeral visitation.

Nominees (continued): Lana Cameruci (MS teacher and previous winner of this award) – Nominated by a parent who gave her kudos for coaching her son’s Science Olympiad team, and the positive impact she has made on him.

Nancy Hascall (HS English teacher and another previous winner of this award) – Was nominated by a host of HS students! Here are a few of the quotes from their nicely-written essays: “Her unique blend of energy and expertise makes English class fun!” “I fully intend to pursue a career in creative writing, largely due to Mrs. Hascall; and if you ever happen to see my work in a bookstore some day, I can guarantee that Nancy Hascall’s name will be front and center on the dedication page!”

Ed Garvin – (volunteer, sub teacher) – “He is a dependable sub that lots of teachers request, and students like him. He knows a lot about a wide variety of subjects and shares his knowledge with kids – especially volunteering his time with Science Olympiad.”

Julie Wilson (bus driver) – Praised as a skillful driver, who takes her responsibility of driving the bus seriously. “She teaches our kids how to be safe, patient, and to care for others.”

Darla Dawson (instructional assistant from West Ward) – “Darla is the “go-to girl” at our building. She fills in when staff members are absent, works long after her posted hours, and serves with distinction as our Lead Title One I.A.” Holly Dowd (band boosters volunteer, president of the Band Boosters for 3 years) – “Holly has led this outstanding parent organization very successfully, always the first to volunteer—whether at a fundraiser or as a chaperone. Our band would not be as successful as it is without people like Holly.”

Erica Miller (band boosters volunteerand Post Prom/Grad Bash committee) – As a long-time supporter of the Allegan Band program, she has donated and paid for repairs for at least 30 instruments for students who could not afford the repairs. She has also helped prepare meals, alter uniforms, and scholarships for band camp.

Jacqueline Garlock (I.A. at Pine Trails Elementary) – As a 15-year veteran I.A., Jackie is a key member of our Title One Reading Program. She also works at Kohls and has managed to secure a $500 grant for our school library!

Winners of OP4E Award (See photo on Page 1): Allison Bush (Family Coach) - “Allison is a SMALL person who is making a BIG impact on APS by spending quality time with our preschoolers and their families!”

Adrian Hall (mail courier, noon supervisor, sub bus driver) - “Envelopes are not the only thing Adrian deposits. Busy as he is, he always takes the time to chat, share a smile and a genuine and heartfelt wish for a good day!”

Jane Kiel (high school English and French teacher) - “She does much more than teach foreign languages. She incorporates cultural activities into her classrooms and recognizes that humor is the best medicine for any stressful situation.”

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What’s New in Education at APS?

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela In our “arsenal” at Allegan Public Schools for 2015-16 are some exciting changes and some expansion of current initiatives. Listed are just a few: 1) Year #3 of RtI - If you have been involved in educational circles lately, you have undoubtedly heard of “Response to Intervention” or RtI. At APS, our board, administration, and staff have adopted the philosophies of RtI and incorporated this into our district goals and into our curriculum. Believing that all students can learn, staff have been forming “Professional Learning Communities” (PLC’s) to plan strategies for various levels of “interventions” designed to ensure that all students are learning the essential standards developed by our own curriculum teams for each subject area, and that students who have mastered these standards are sufficiently challenged with enrichment activities. For more information on this initiative, follow our staff on Twitter #apsrti. In preparation for forming PLC’s, teachers and staff have been Inserviced by Paul Farmer and will be able to hear nationally renowned speaker and author Anthony Muhammed on September 1 in our Performing Arts Center.

2) New Instructional Tech Coach - Rob Patin has been hired by the district as an instructional technology “coach”. His job will be to help teachers to find ways to utilize technology in their classrooms, with the ultimate goal of improving student learning and performance. Mr. Patin, who taught Language Arts at Tri-County Area Schools in Howard City, has earned degrees from Ferris State and GVSU. Follow our Technology progress on Twitter #apstech.

Rob Patin

3) BYOT - Bring Your Own Technology New in 2015-16, students in grades 7-12 will be allowed to bring their own technology devices (or they may continue to utilize the school-provided devices). Some restrictions apply, so check out the particulars on the APS website under the Student Devices link. Info for high school and middle school students will also be sent to students/parents later this summer.

4) New APS Website - Speaking of technology, look for some changes coming very soon to the Allegan Public Schools’ website at www.alleganps.org! A fresh new look, and some responsive designs will help us make our webpage more up-to-date and user-friendly. Projected roll out date is August 10.

5) SAT to replace ACT - Beginning in the spring of 2016, all juniors in Michigan will be taking the redesigned SAT instead of the ACT that high schools have been administering since 2007. The SAT is expected to better measure what students understand from their classroom learning.

To see how this test compares to the ACT, please see the chart below.

For more information about curriculum, special education needs, or technology issues, please contact: Cheryl-Marie Manson, Director of Instruction (269) 673-5431 ext. 3008 cmmanson@alleganps.org Page 7

Art Show May 19, 2015 Visual art creations were on display from all levels including elementary, middle, and high school art students!

Art meets Ecology

Students from Allegan High School created a colorful art sculpture from recycled plastic bottles (see photo above). The result was a “chandelier” in the style of glass artist Dale Chihuly!

Rainbow Fish Ballet

West Ward Elementary students were treated to a special performance based on the book “The Rainbow Fish”

by Marcus Pfister. “Discovery Dance” from Fennville, Michigan, performed the original children’s story ballet for students, who enjoyed the story and the colorful costumes! Thank you to West Ward librarian Trish Parker for arranging the performance, to Claudette Lee of Discovery Dance Studio, and to Angie Gooding for sharing photographs!

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Allegan Band “Notes” Solo & Ensemble: Congrats to the following MS Band mem-

bers for their outstanding performances at the MSBOA Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival at Northpointe Christian HS on April 18: Kenidy Allen (clarinet solo, I), Bryan Andrews (trombone solo, I), Ezra Butcher (snare drum solo, I), CJ Chenard (snare drum solo, II), Kelsey Clark (clarinet solo, I), Kelsey Clark and Maddy Waite (woodwind duet, I), Sophia Johnson and Skylar Zuverink (trumpet duet, I), Evelyn Kubizna (trumpet solo, I), Chloe Leslie, Emali Steward, and Eliza Spreitzer (flute trio, II), Jacob Pierce (trumpet solo, I), Eliza Spreitzer (flute solo, II), Maddy Waite (flute solo, I).

Upcoming Band Events: July 20-Aug 2 (BAND CAMP) Aug 2 Potluck/Performance (6pm) Aug 27 Home Football Game Sept 11 CODE Orange Game Sept 14 Fair Parade Sept 19 Reeths-Puffer show Oct 3 Hastings Competition Oct 9 Homecoming parade/game Oct 10 Rehearsal (9am-4pm) Oct 17 Belding MCBA Competition Oct 23 Home Game Oct 24 Jenison MCBA Competition Oct 31 Rockford MCBA Competition Nov 3 Rehearsal (6-9 pm) Nov 7 MCBA State Finals at

Ford Field

If you are thinking about joining band, it’s not too late!!!!! Contact Ms. Mack at amack@alleganps.org Not even a little rain could dampen the spirits of the AHS marching band as they marched in the Memorial Day parade!

STATE SOLO & ENSEMBLE

Congratulations to the following choir students and their achievements in performance and sight reading at State Solo & Ensemble: a Division 1 (Superior) rating was given to soloist Sadie Clark; Division 1 (Excellent) ratings were awarded to the duet of Brianna Price & McKennah Heckman, soloists Dontae Havinga-Hamilton, McKennah Heckman, Bailey Weaver, and Brianna Price; and a Division 2 (Good) rating was awarded to Brittany Groenewold.

MS Honors Choir

Special congrats to the members of the LE White MS Honors Choir on receiving a Division 1 (Excellent) at MSVMA Middle School Solo & Ensemble the end of April. This year’s Honor’s Choir included: (alphabetically) Kenidy Allen, Ciarra Burr, Christina Cervantes, Ashlyn Clement, Makayla Endsley, Corrine Fuerst, Ella Gillies, Mackenzie Grandmason, Maddy Hayes, Delaney Heckman, Archer Johnson, Aubrey Kelley, Stephanie Klinkhammer, Thomas Langshied, Eli Leece, Taryn Orr, Kasie Poelman, Brooklyn Reed, Alexis Wells, & Elaina Whittemore.

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Science Olympiad

Congratulations to our 2014-15 Science Olympiad team from Allegan High School for their very successful year! Go Tiger Science!!!!!

“Super-cali-fragi-listic-expi-ali-do-cious” That’s what the next Allegan High Drama performance at the Allegan Performing Arts Center will be! That’s right, this year’s musical (scheduled for November 12, 13 and 14) is Mary Poppins. With flying effects by ZFX Flying, this should be a spectatular show for all ages! Mark your calendars now...

AHS Reps in the MYIG government for 2015: Benjamin Andrews, Alex Perez, Blade Porterfield, Cam Zeter, and Charlie Riess.

Michigan Youth in Government

Reptiles Invade AHS! Matt Fifield and Rosaline Artman pose with some of the creatures.

AHS students once again were “invaded” by reptiles from the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary. Funded by a mini-grant from the Perrigo Foundation, students experienced this interactive, live animal exhibit which included alligators, lizards, snakes and a 70 pound tortoise. This experience was organized by Mrs. Hascall.

Spanish Club The AHS Spanish Club traveled to WMU this spring where they toured the campus, saw a movie and visited the Peruvian restaurant, Inca, which gave them a chance to practice their conversational Spanish!

Allegan High School’s delegation of students for MYIG had another great year. As part of this program, students write bills and practice politics in a real-life setting, at our State Capitol. This year Blade Porterfield worked as part of the Governor’s Cabinet to make final determinations on whether bills should be passed into law. Cam Zeter (Green Senate) and Charlie Riess (Green House) both had their bills pass at the conference, which is a great accomplishment. Charlie Riess also was the Inspirational Speaker for the Green House and said a prayer prior to each session. Alex Perez was part of the National Issues Forum and debated topics of interest at the Federal level. Benjamin Andrews (Blue Senate) enjoyed his first conference and is very excited about next year.

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Trash Dash

Students from Mr. Sikkema’s 7th and 8th grade Tech Class participated in the annual “Trash Dash” races at the US131 Speedway in Martin. Out of 75 teams competing, Allegan’s L.E.White Middle School team of Logan VanHorn and Caleb Smith (pictured, left) came in 6th place! Bailey Smith and Kyrel Hall came in 9th.

8th grader Hailey Raymond (back to camera) created a board game from a book she read.

Learning Fun and Games...

....and sometimes that means BOARD GAMES! Students in Mrs. Hellman’s Language Arts classes at L.E.White Middle School were given book report assignments, but they had their choice of seven different methods to give their report to the class. Some students chose to create their own board games!

Hydration Station

The Middle School Student Council purchased two new drinking fountains with bottle filling stations this year, using funds from their annual fundraiser. Students are hoping to reduce the use of disposable plastic water bottles at school that would otherwise end up in landfills!

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The Edwards family enjoy one of the learning stations at Dawson’s Family Learning Night.

Dawson Family Learning Night

Dawson Elementary held a “Family Learning Night” to wrap up March Reading Month. Students and parents learned about a variety of topics including different educational iPad apps, M-STEP testing, and fun math and reading games. There were also refreshments, games, and prizes! And each family was given a $16 gift card to shop at the Dawson Book Fair.

Arbor Day Poster

Alex Neff’s poster was chosen by the City of Allegan as the winner of this year’s Arbor Day contest. Alex and her 5th grade class from Pine Trails Elementary were invited to the Arbor Day celebration at Jaycee Park, where each student received a seedling to plant from Smokey the Bear!

5th grader Braci Everetts is shown presenting her animal Weebly site.

Technology in the Classroom Students in Mrs. Burnett’s writing class at Dawson Elementary did research and then created their own websites! The 5th graders researched an animal of their choice -- discovering the animal’s habitat, physical characteristics, behaviral characteristics, and the environmental impact on their animal. Once they finished writing and revising their five paragraphs, they published their work by creating their own Weebly website. Besides adding four website pages and inserting their paragraphs, they also included photos, videos, the sound of their animal, and live webcams. They celebrated their websites by sharing them with the class and making a QR code to put on a bulletin board for all students and guests to explore!

Good-bye, Mr. Kanine!

Allegan Public Schools is saying goodbye to another long-time administrator.

Mr. Dave Kanine resigned at the end of this school year to take a principalship in Ithaca, Michigan, where he will be closer to his family. Mr. Kanine came to APS as the assistant principal at L.E.White Middle School in 2001 and became the Pine Trails Elementary principal in 2005. He will be missed by staff, students, and parents of the district for his calm and easy-going leadership style, for his ready smile and great sense of humor, and for his continuous loyalty to his MSU Spartans!

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Allegan High School is a GREEN school and now we have a flag to prove it! AHS was awarded a “Green School” Flag for its commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. Science teacher Cindy Eichbauer applied for the status on behalf of AHS by compiling a list of the many eco-friendly activities our students and staff are already involved in, such as: recycling, composting of kitchen scraps, HVAC and lighting energy savings planning district wide, Ecology class salmon project, and the “Save the Frogs” fundraiser campaign. As a Green School, AHS received a certificate, signed by the Governor, recognizing their efforts. They are also eligible to display the Michigan Green School flag to make the community aware of their efforts. The flag was presented to Mrs. Eichbauer’s first hour Ecology Class on April 23, 2015, just after Earth Day, by Justin Burchett, Program Manager at the Allegan Conservation District.

Water Studies

AHS Ecology students recently traveled to Grand Haven for some water studies aboard the GVSU ship, DJ Angus. They used sampling equipment and and instruments to compile water quality data from both Lake Michigan and the Grand River. Results were compared and discussed.

Salmon Project

Students in Mrs. Eichbauer’s Ecology classes again raised salmon from eggs and released them near the Allegan Dam.

One exa m was ple t sea his mad turtle recy e from mat cled eria ls.

Sea Montage

In honor of Earth Day, students in Expressive Writing courses assembled pollution facts, ecology quotes, recycled material, and personal writing and created a montage in the cafeteria hallway. After a week of homage to natural pelagic wonders, the artists shocked their classmates by filling their representation with trash, thus commenting upon the egregious outrae of pollution and the need for maintaining the health of our ocean ecosystems.

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ALLEGAN TIGERS ATHLETICS

Show your support for the Allegan Orange!

by: Matt Stofer, Athletic Director

C.O.D.E. Orange game is Sept. 11

Hope everyone is enjoying the Michigan summer... as August approaches and the student-athletes and coaches return to campus, some reminders/updates: Sports Physicals: Reminder all High School & Middle School student-athletes must have a physical turned into the High School Office before participating with any teams. Physical forms are available online at www.alleganathletics.com under the “forms” section.

Fall Sports Seasons: High School Sports (Boys Tennis, Boys Soccer, Cross Country, Girls Golf, Girls Swimming & Diving, Sideline Cheerleading & Volleyball) start on Wednesday, Aug. 12. High School Football starts on Monday, Aug. 10.

C.O.D.E. Orange t-shirts for 2015 are available NOW for only $10 at ACE Hardware, Village Market, and Springrove Variety. They will also be available at all Allegan schools in the fall.

Don’t delay in buying your shirt as this year’s C.O.D.E. Orange football game is scheduled for Friday, September 11 (the first Friday after school starts)!!!!!

Middle School Cross Country and Middle School Volleyball start on Monday, Aug. 31.

Sports Boosters: Allegan All-Sports Boosters first meeting for the 2015-16 school year will be Monday, August 17 - 7:00 pm - HS Gym Tiger Den. For more information on the booster club, please contact Booster President, Cyndi Riess at alleganallsportsboosters@gmail.com New Fundraiser: Help support Allegan Athletics through the Allegan All-Sports Boosters $25 raffle. Starting Friday, Sept. 11 through Friday, June 3 (exception Christmas 12/25) every Friday based on the Michigan Lottery 3-digit evening winning number will result in a weekly $200 winner. 1,000 tickets will be sold starting with #000 - #999 and will be $25 per ticket. Tickets will go on sale in the High School Office starting Monday, August 3 but coaches and booster members will start selling tickets in late July. Best way to look at it... for 66 cents, you will get 38 chances at winning $200. If the winning number is not sold, the following Monday in the High School Office a sold ticket will be drawn for that weekly winner. The weekly winners and ticket sold list be posted on the Athletic web site under the Allegan All-Sports Boosters link starting in September.

For more information on the All-Sports Boosters $25 raffle tickets, please email: mstofer@alleganps.org C.O.D.E. Orange & Homecoming Games: Code Orange” has been set for Friday, September 11 vs.

Vicksburg and “Homecoming” is Friday, October 10 vs.

Otsego this fall.

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Allegan Online & Adult Education Celebrating Our 2014-15 School Year Allegan Online

Available to students in grades 6-12 for whom a traditional school schedule does not work.

(61 Students enrolled throughout the year)

Allegan Adult Education

Offering GED and Diploma classes for students age 17+ (149 Students enrolled throughout the year)

Credit Recovery

Classes for high school credit for students behind in graduation credits. Open to students in grades 9 – 12 from Allegan and surrounding districts.

(20 Students enrolled throughout the year)

Success Totals:

127 Classes Passed 102 GED Tests Passed 5 High School Diplomas Earned 22 GED Certificates Earned

Contact us in the Fall for Information on our FREE classes and Enrollment:

(269) 673-5431

Brenda Nyhof, Director (ext 3022) Sue Chappell (ext 3054) bnyhof@alleganps.org schappell@alleganps.org

Mark Mattox - Aquatic Director (ext 5507) Pool Information: 673-7002 (ext. 5541) email: ard@alleganps.org

Open Swim: Everyone is welcome! Both pools are open, and swimmers may use the slide, lazy river, basketball hoop, and diving boards. Bring the whole family! Open Swim is offered on Friday night (7:00-8:30 pm) and Saturday afternoon (12:00-2:00 pm). Cost: $1 preK and younger / $2 K-12 and Senior Citizen / $3 Adults / $10 Whole Family.

Lap Swim: Lap swim is available in the main competition pool at 3 different times: Morning (6:30 to 7:30 am, M-Th); Noon (12:001:00 pm, M-F); and Evening (7:30-8:30 pm, M-Th). Lap swimmers are welcome to borrow fins, kickboards or pull buoys. Cost: $2; punch cards for 10, 20 and 30 visits are available.

Aqua Fitness: This class is for those interested in a low-impact,

Summer 2015

Laker Writing Camps These camps, sponsored by Grand Valley State University, are for students who are interested in learning to become better writers!

The teachers will inspire creative thinking and writing as the young writers explore various writing styles and methods of self-expression. Students will meet and write with new friends.

The Allegan session (July 27-30) is being taught by our own Bethany Burnett (5th grade teacher at Dawson Elementary), and is for students who will be in grades 4-7 in the fall of 2015. Each session is $125 per child. Scholarships are available, so please ask!

Check out the district webpage under Parent Links for the registration form.

high-intensity and total-body workout. Our expert instructor provides clear instructions for specific movements that target all your major muscle groups. M, W and Th: 4:00-5:00 pm; S: 10:30-11:00 am. Cost: $4; $35 for a 10 visit punch card; $215 for 6 month pass; and $380 for a full year.

Bullfrog Beach Volleyball 2015 Sand Volleyball 4’s Tournament (7th/8th grade co-ed division) (9th-12th grade co-ed division)

Family Fun: Come and enjoy our leisure pool area.

Family Fun participants can use the slide, lazy river and any of the other amenities in our leisure pool area. T, W: 10:00-11:00 a.m. Cost: $1 per person

Aqua Zumba: This class is for those interested in a high-inten-

sity, fun workout that incorporates dance-style movements. Our expert instructor will guide participants through a series of movements done to the beat of good music. M, W: 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Cost: $7 or $50 for a 10 visit punch card

Saturday, August 1 (starts at 8:30 a.m.)

Senior Swim: This program makes our leisure pool area avail-

•

able to those 60 and over. Participants can walk with and against the lazy river current or use our warm water lessons pool. T: 3:00-4:00 pm; F: 10:00-11:00 am. Cost: FREE

Swimming Lessons: Did you know that children who learn to

swim are more likely to succeed in school? Give your child the gift of water safety and a step up educationally. We offer regular swimming lessons as well as Parent-Child classes for children up to 18 months.

Cost: $30 for 9 lessons, $55 for 18 lessons.

Pool Rentals: Contact the pool office for more information regarding rates and availability.

Aqua Glide Inflatable Obstacle Course!

Have a turn at Open Swims or rent it for your Private Party!!!

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Teams drawn the day of the tournament • $10 individual registration Checks made out to: Allegan Sports Boosters • Sand Volleyball rules apply • Courts located at 3207 Babylon Road

To register or for more information, contact: Penny Bishop 673-3410

EARLY COLLEGE ALLEGAN COUNTY

Open House

Help celebrate the first Early College Allegan County class!

July 31 (2-3 pm) Allegan Co. Area Tech & Education Ctr. Meet the students and learn more about this program!

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 (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 For More INFORMATION: www.edustaff.org contact@edustaff.org (877) 974-6338

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED √Earn $12.44 per hour, to start √Flexible schedule √Subs needed now! √Enjoy summers off, winter and spring breaks √Paid training to earn your CDL √Ideal for people who work well with children.

Apply in person or contact : Allegan Public Schools Transportation Department c/o Darrell Stoughton 1521 - 34th Street, Allegan (269) 673-2203