March 15, 2014 Allegan Public Schools - “Striving for Excellence”
www.alleganpublicschools.org
Pine Trails Receives Technology Grant! Pine Trails Elementary was the recipient of a Whole School Technology Transformation Grant from the State of Michigan to help improve technology infrastructure and purchase devices for instruction. Pine Trails was one of only 14 schools selected for this pilot grant, which will total over $260,000. The grant will be used to provide a robust wireless network, devices for students and teachers, specialized training for staff, and technical support. APS Director of Instruction Cheryl-Marie Manson, who applied for the grant, is excited about the opportunities this grant will bring for the students and staff at Pine Trails, and for the entire district--as we begin the process of implementation of new technology at all school buildings through the recent bond issue.
Kindergarten Round-Up Pre-Registration is going on NOW at each elementary school for students entering kindergarten in the Fall 2014. Students who will be 5 years old by October 1 are eligible to enroll. Parents and students are also encouraged to attend the Round-Up event in May!
Thursday, May 15 (12-2 pm & 5:30-7:30 pm) Required for enrollment: - birth certificate - immunization records - vision screening - proof of residency
• Ride on a school bus! • Snack on a healthy treat! • Race through an enormous blow-up obstacle course! • Make a craft! • Meet kindergarten teaching staff! • Get excited about starting school!!!!!
AHS Drama presents Arthur Miller’s The Crucible on March 14 at 7:00 and March 15 with shows at 2:00 and 7:00 in the Allegan Performing Arts Center. The cast of 26 perform Miller’s adaptation based upon the actual events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and the tragedies faced by the people of Salem Village. Admittance to this four act play is $5 for students and seniors and $6 for adults.
The Educational Foundation of APS and the Allegan All-Sports Boosters present:
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
The 11th Annual
Cash Party at “The Silo” (behind the Grill House)
March 15, 2014 Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 and include: • dinner • musical entertainment, dancing • Prizes ($1000, $750, $500, $250 cash, plus MANY door prizes)
Elementary Spring Music Performances (in the Performing Arts Center) 6:30 p.m. March 25 - Dawson grades 1-5 March 27 - North Ward grades K-5
ALLEGAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Board of Education Meeting Schedule
School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org
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
School Calendar - 2013/14 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 10 - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS June 11- STAFF ONLY (Meetings/Records) Due to excessive Snow Days, and the State of Michigan’s requirement for a specified number of school days, we will be making up all of the Snow Days that were in excess of 6. This puts our last day of school for students (so far, as of this printing) at June 10.
-- 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.
The “Our Schools News” is a publication of Allegan Public Schools. It is published at least four times annually and mailed to all residents of the Allegan area. If you know of someone who is not receiving this publication that would benefit from receiving it, please contact Joni VanNieuwenhuyzen, editor, at 673-5431 or email: jonivan@alleganps.org Page 2
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. . . the POWER of Education (A message from the superintendent of schools)
Kevin Harness Superintendent
Construction Completion With the end of a long, hard winter finally in sight, we are also nearing completion on our construction projects that were made possible by the $18 million bond issue approved by voters in 2012. As you recall, these projects included renovation of several spaces at the high school (including the transformation of the auxiliary gym and construction of a new conference center, plus roofing repairs); updates at the middle school (locker rooms, and office renovation, plus the construction of a new athletic fieldhouse); construction of a new gym and renovation of office and kitchen facilities at the Alternative High School; and at the elementary level--installation of air conditioning, new playgrounds, and renovation of entry facades (including a redesign at North Ward Elementary moving the office spaces to the other entrance in addition to new roofing). As you can see, it was a multi-faceted construction project! Our administrative staff has been working diligently to ensure that the project was completed to the specifications required and within the prescribed budget. On behalf of the Board of Education, I sincerely thank the voters of the Allegan Public School district who made these projects possible. Each project contributes in some way to improving the educational environment for our students, either by making the building more energy efficient, more secure, more handicap accessible, or simply by providing a more inviting space for learning to take place! To that end, I would like to invite students, staff, and the entire Allegan community to attend an Open House to be held at the new Allegan Fieldhouse (located directly behind L.E.White Middle School). Learn how this facility was built to be an asset to the entire community, and help us celebrate the Grand Opening...See details below.
Technology Phase The technology phase of the project is also well underway. Teachers have been provided new technology workstations that include computers, document cameras, digital projectors, white boards, and classroom sound systems to support instruction and maximize student learning. Students will soon have access to portable devices which will further enhance learning opportunities. A districtwide technology committee has been investigating options and visiting other districts in order to make the best choices possible for our students. Piloting of student devices in selected classroom will begin within a week, and this coming fall will see a roll out of devices for many of our students. The number and types of devices has yet to be determined by the committee, based on what best meets the students needs at each grade level. Obviously, budget will impact those decisions as well. The building construction projects and the widespread integration of technology are bringing endless new opportunities for our students. It is an exciting time to be an Allegan Tiger!
A Community “Open House” for the new Allegan Fieldhouse
Sunday, March 30, 2014 (2-4 p.m.)
• Refreshments will be served • Tour the new facility Come out and see what a wonderful facility this will be for our students and community members for generations!
Community Use of Fieldhouse: The Fieldhouse will be open for community use beginning Monday, March 31. Starting March 31 until the end of the school year, the track will be open to the community for walking or jogging at no charge on weekdays from 6:00 - 7:30 a.m. and from 5:30 8:30 p.m. Similar to the rental of our gymnasiums in the district, the basketball / tennis courts in the Fieldhouse can be used by community members for a fee of $15 per hour. Contact the recreation office at 6737002 ext. 5506 to schedule court time. Page 3
March Reading Month!
“I like GREEN EGGS & HAM!” says Isaiah Smith, who is all smiles in the photo. Evan Ritsema is not so sure yet!
Ms. Sternberg’s ECSE students celebrated Reading Month by making their own “Cat in the Hat” hats! PM students included: Front row (left to right): Brent Daly, Corryn Lewis, Kaleb Hunter, Tyler Goos. Back row: Mason Sisson, Randy Leighton, Luke Willey, Felix Morales.
“Read the Most Coast to Coast”
...was the theme at Pine Trails Elementary for their Accelerated Reader Challenge in February. Students passed 1,331 quizzes to break last year’s record of 731. Pictured “rocking in their reading shoes” are: Back row (left to right): Kyra Dutkiewicz, Dakota McDaniel, and Korrin Laarman; (Middle row) Lilly DeLong, Krisalynn Archer, Clarissa Hunt, Kayla Southwick, and Alexis Neff and (front row): Alex Juarez-Cano, James Mitchell, Emma Boyd, and Jimmie Millbocker.
Parent volunteers April Hatfield and Sue Boylan decorated classroom doors at Dawson Elementary to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday during March Reading Month.
Students from Allegan’s Alternative High School have organized a “school wide read” thanks to a generous donation of a complete set of books (from www.donorschoose.org). They are reading the #1 New York Times bestseller “Divergent” by Veronica Roth. Staff and students are holding book discussions and can’t wait to get their hands on book #2 of the series!
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100 Days of School! Mrs. Rogers’ Kindergarten class at West Ward Elementary enjoyed many fun activities to celebrate the 100th day of school! They played lots of math games, such as rolling the dice 100 times and recording their results; made a 100 cup structure; played Target 100, popped 100 colorful balloons (photo below) and much more!
Joelyn Abraham stringing 100 Fruit Loops!
What does 100 years old look like?
These kindergarten students got to dress up and show us, then they paraded for the residents at Briarwood Assisted Living. Above: Brooklyn Councell counting 10 each of 10 yummy items, while dressed in her 100 year old attire! Left: Liam Antoine and Dane McCracken
Science/Math Night at North Ward Elementary A well-attended Science & Math Night at North Ward Elementary proved to be fun for the entire family! The evening was a collaborative effort between North Ward staff and Amy Oliver (from AAESA’s Math & Science Center), using “Family Engineering Kits” to provide learning experiences for all ages. Families were engaged in fun, hands-on activities and events that helped them learn about what engineers do and the role of engineering in everyday life. Thanks to the many volunteers who helped make this event possible!
Above: Deshon Gowens creates a domino diving board.
Right: Even pre-schoolers got a science lesson with some “messy play” with ooey-gooey dough.
Left: Mrs. Ziemelis, her son Rudy, Mr. Lucas, and his daughter Billy dig for fossils! Right: Carter Wagner, Mrs. Wagner and Olivia Butler test the strength of various types of bridges. Page 5
Mr. “Fix It”
Justine Lytle (left) and Jenna Kutscher (right) receive certificates from Principal Joe James and 5th grade teacher Mr. Ouelette.
Dawson Outstanding Students
Jenna Kutscher and Justine Lytle were named this year’s corecipients of Dawson Elementary’s “Outstanding Students of the Year”. They were selected by their teachers for high academic standards, involvement in school activities, and exemplary citizenship. Both students were honored at the February board of education meeting.
Chloe Dean, Emma Kuebler, and Samantha Cooper-Keel perform to Miss Heyboer’s kindergarten class.
“Plays with a Purpose”
The 3rd grade students at North Ward Elementary practiced reading plays and then performed them to the younger grades. This gives their reading “purpose.” The students also made puppets to help with their performances!
3rd grader Enzo Giovannucci has proven to be a skilled repairman, fixing a small space heater that the teacher brought in to supplement heat during the installation of new heating systems at North Ward. Mrs. Winderbank-Lucas stated that after a few days of trying to heat the room, the heater stopped working. With permission, Enzo took it apart and cleaned it out, and it has been working ever since! Mrs. Lucas explained that Enzo likes to take apart fans and heaters at home and is currently building his own air conditioner!
Enzo Giovannucci
Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dances
As a new fundraiser, the junior class at Allegan High School sponsored a mother/son and father/daughter dance to help offset the cost of prom. It was well-attended and the class officers Emily Baiers, Alex Wittkop, Olivia Lake, and Karlie Wells wish to thank all who participated!
Laker Writing Camp
Returning to Allegan this year in a session July 28-31. This camp is for students in grades 4-6 in the fall who are interested in writing! Taught by our own Bethany Burnett, the class will inspire creative thinking and selfexpression and students will make new friends! Camp runs Mon-Thurs from 8:30 am to 12 noon each day and cost is $125. Scholarships are available. Contact Mrs. Burnett at Dawson Elementary or visit the alleganps.org website and click on “Parent Links” and “Flyers” to print a registration form.
All 4th graders in the district have the opportunity to take a field trip to Lansing, where they visit our State’s Capitol and the Lansing Museum. Representative Bob Genetski allowed the students to inspect the legislator’s desks and learn how votes take place. Pictured are Pine Trails 4th graders (left to right): McClain Garvin, Joshua Webb, Sierra Raab, Charlie Wedge, Dalton Neese, and Nevaeh Ellard, along with Rep. Genetski.
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Above: Making the most of a cold, snowy winter (while upside down on the playground) are North Ward 3rd graders from Mrs. McDaniels’ Class: Chloe Dean, Mackenzie Cutler, and Grace Davis.
Spelling Bee Winners
...just a wann have fun!
5th grader Taylor Martinez (right) was the winner and Sam Noble (left) was runner up at this year’s Spelling Bee at Pine Trails Elementary. Both participated in the Regional Bee which was held in Wayland on February 11.
Left: What better way to spend a winter day than in the pool! Mrs. Thiele helps 3rd graders learn their swim strokes!
“Peer to Peer”
A new program at the high school is currently being implemented by the school social worker, parapros, and teachers. It is called “Peer to Peer” and general education students work to assist students on the autism spectrum, just like in the real world. This program helps students with disabilities, but also develops unique skills in the peers who assist. Congratulations to Allegan High School senior Marisa Henrickson for winning 3rd place and a monetary prize in the FRA Essay Contest in response to the prompt, “The Bill of Rights & Me.” Marisa Henrickson
Sam Noble and Taylor Martinez
Science Olympiad The Science Olympiad teams from the high school and the middle school have been working hard all year to prepare for the upcoming regional Science Olympiad competition at Western Michigan University on March 22nd. The Science Olympiad competition consists of 23 different science, technology and engineering events. Teams of 15 students compete against each other in these events with the top 2 or 3 teams advancing to the state competition at MSU. This year the high school has one team and the middle school has two teams. Detective Lytle from the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department (see picture) spent some time with students from both teams the Pictured from left to right are: Detecpast few weeks helping them tive Lytle, Jessica Lytle, Megan prepare for the Forensics and Collins, Caylie Riess Crime Scene Investigation events. The Science Olympiad teams are fortunate to receive assistance from many parents and community members who help the students prepare for their events. Go Tiger Science!
Young Americans
If you were part of this performance workshop that took place this January, you know that it was a tremendous opportunity for all students who took part! 126 students from across the county registered for the 3-day workshop and performance in the Allegan Performing Arts Center. Thank you to APS, AAESA, and to A&B Packing Equipment, Inc. for providing scholarships. Special thanks to the families who housed, fed, and transported the Young Americans crew: Christine Landry, Catherine Hellman, Margie Bradley, Kim & Kevin Harness, Jill Scripps, Martha & Todd Adams, Dominic & Kim Licavoli, Darlene Corey, Margaret & Jeff Brown, Erika & Joe Kavanagh, Vicki Miller, Robin Lavender, Sue Pabis, Brian & Becky Corbett, Cheryl-Marie and Dave Manson, Bob & Sheryl Parrish, Mindy & Lane Sturman, and Jen & Chris Conrad. Page 7
Reptiles Invade AHS!
Students in several English classes immersed in creative writing units were visited by some uncommon creatures recently. The Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary gave a presentation on various alligators, snakes, and other reptiles. The presentation was funded by a teacher mini-grant from the Educational Foundation of APS, awarded to English teacher Nancy Hascall who arranged the visit.
Above: Handling the Boa Constrictor were Calvin Kruithoff and Ethan Soule. Far Left: Tori Warren inspects an alligator Left: Blake Ruffer touches a bearded dragon (Photo credits to Mrs. Hascall, Mrs. Conrad, and the high school yearbook staff!)
Michigan Youth in Government
Over 600 students from all over our State attended the Early Conference for Michigan Youth in Government in Lansing. Allegan High School had 8 students attend this year. MYIG has been a great opportunity for students to take an active role in government and get a real look at how it works. Two of Allegan’s students were selected to fill leadership roles at the conference: Travis Hunziker, (senior, 4th year in MYIG), worked as part of the Governor’s Cabinet; and Hunter Richards, (senior, 2nd year in MYIG) was the Written Press Editor for the conference. Hunter Richards (pictured in photo, left) won the Award for “Outstanding Member of the Written Press”; and Travis Hunziker and Marissa Hendrickson were successful in passing their bills into “law” at the conference! Students who attended the Youth in Government conference are pictured below: (front row, left to right) Sierra Ruffer, Marisa Henrickson, Hunter Richards, and (back row) Gary Smith, Travis Hunziker, Alex Perez, Jonathan Porterfield, and Cameron Zeter.
Cartooning workshop with Ruth McNally Barshaw, author of Ellie McDoodle at the
Allegan District Library Thursday, March 27 (6:30-7:30 pm)
Kids: Bring your parents! Parents: Bring your kids! Everybody: Bring a pencil
FREE and open to the public
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Allegan Band “Notes”
Upcoming Events:
MSBOA Festival - Congrats to the high school band for earning straight I’s from all judges (including Sight Reading) at the Otsego competition! 8th grade and 7th grade bands also performed very well, earning II’s at their festival. Solo & Ensemble - High School Band students who participated in Solo & Ensemble and earned “superior” or “excellent” ratings included: Tyla Swinehart, Abby Knuckles, Wren Ashley, Madeline Miller, Alicia Olmstead, Maya Geiselhart, Beth Storey, Derek Storey, Kylie DeKryger, Quinten Bader, Dylan Henrickson, Tyler Miles, Jake Montoy, Julie Isola, Siera Ruffer, Cameron Zeter, Dylan Johnson, Colton Fairbanks, Rayanne Williams, Nicole King, Madison Poston, and Sydney Studtman. Special Groups - Megan VerHoeven and Beth Storey participated in ACE Winterguard and Madison Poston was part of Ledgends Drum and Bugle Corps this year. 5th grade parents - Ms. Mack will be visiting all 5th grade classes in March, bringing all kinds of instruments for students to “try out”. If your child is interested in trying out a band instrument, please come to an instrument rental night in the Middle School band room on April 29 (6-8 pm). Representatives from Meyer Music will have instruments to rent or to purchase. The band also has several school-owned instruments that might be an option for your child!
March 22 - State HS Solo & Ensemble March 29 - MS Solo & Ensemble April 28 - Honor Band May 6 - Spring Concert (6th & 7th grade bands) May 8 - Spring Concert (8th and HS bands) May 26 - Memorial Day Parade (8th and HS bands) May 29 - HS graduation
BAND BOOSTER FUNDRAISERS: Mattress & Recliner Sale Saturday, March 15 10 am-5 pm at AHS
Sponsored by: Country House Furniture
Dessert Auction Band & Canvas Monday, March 17 6:30 pm HS cafeteria
Admission $5 adults, $1 students (includes dessert and musical performances)
Thurs., March 27 6-9 pm - at the Lynx
Sign up at www.wineandcanvas.com/grand-rapids or call 269-650-5822
District Choral Festival
Congrats to both Treble & Chamber Choirs for receiving “Excellent” ratings at choral festival, receiving perfect scores in sight reading! Both groups’ ratings qualified for state festival!
District Solo & Ensemble
Kaitlyn Barnes and Aly Bazan perform as mimes.
A special congratulations to the students that participated in Solo and Ensemble at GVSU on February 1. Superior ratings were given to soloists Mckennah Heckman and Kate Stanloski and the duet of Kate Stanloski and Emma Kasprzyk. Excellent ratings were given to soloists Zeke Butcher and Bri Price, as well as the women’s ensemble consisting of Aly Bazan, Kate Stanloski, Caroline Wolf, Madrigal Dinner Jordan Norman, Abbey Dekkinga, Adarae Davidhizar, Madelyn Medieval song and festivities high- Smith, Sadie Clark, Mckennah Heckman, and Emma Kasprzyk. All lighted the evening at this year’s the mentioned students qualified for State!!! Madrigal Dinner at Camp Beechpoint. Jester Clayton Brann entertained the audience.
All-State Honors Choir
Not only has Kate Stanloski performed in both regional & state honors choir, she was just selected to the prestigious All-State honors choir which signifies her as one if the top choral singers in the State of Michigan. Kate will perform at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May.
Singing Telegrams
On February 14, 8th grade choir students & Chamber Choir students delivered over 150 singing telegrams. The students serenaded and embarrassed classmates with the songs “Treasure” & “What Makes You Beautiful”.
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News from Allegan Alternative High School “Entrepreneur of the Year”
Alternative High School student Ben Hillard was recently named “Youth Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce and was recognized at their annual banquet for his work on the City of Allegan’s “Positively Allegan” website!
Bowling Champs!
The Alternative High School bowling squad took 1st place at the Alternative Bowling Bash Tournament in Grand Rapids. The team (left to right): Jacob Morse, Ian Angus , Sarah Currier, Kora Wilholt, LaDonna Adams, Andrew Howard. LaDonna also was high series bowler for the women! Alternative High teachers Mark Horn and Karen Jalbert turned the cafeteria into a quaint Italian Bistro for any student who wanted to enjoy a home-cooked meal among friends and staff to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Tony returned to visit with the Alternative High students and to sell baked goods, which again sold out in minutes! Ashley, another student from Hillside, came along and helped shred paper in the front office. These students have obviously formed a friendship that is beneficial to the students from both schools!
Earn your H.S. Diploma or GED Certificate
Allegan Adult Education will have OPEN ENROLLMENT April 15 through May 15. We offer FREE High School Diploma and GED prep classes as well as Career and College readiness.
DATES: Open Enrollment Dates April 15 – May 15 Class Dates Now – June 25th TIMES: Mondays & Wednesdays (12 – 6 pm) Tuesdays (11 am – 7 pm) Thursdays (12 – 4 pm ) LOCATION: The lower level of the Allegan Public Schools’ Administration Building.
We also offer Computer Based GED Testing. We are an Official Pearson Vue GED Testing Center. Go to ged.com to sign up to test if you wish to pay to test without taking our GED classes.
Questions? Call Sue 269-673-5433 for more information or stop by during class times to enroll April 15 – May 15. Page 10
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Zoey Hammer, Aylah Copeland and Sydney Cooley enjoy their new colorful fleece hats! 8th grader Kaleigh Arndt reads a story to Young 5 students Troy Burns, Donovan Alvarez, and Agustine DeLucas
Fleece Hat Project
Mrs. Dykstra’s 8th grade sewing class, with the help of Mrs. Schalk, once again made fleece hats for the Young 5 classes at Dawson Elementary. This project is done around the holidays to teach students about giving back to others. This year, the class made a total of 43 hats and delivered them to Mrs. Meade’s and Mrs. Nugent’s classes, where they also shared stories with the students. It is truly a fun experience for both groups of students!
Middle School Staff Hoops it Up! Middle School staff got into the spirit of Snowcoming and sponsored a basketball game between the staff and students.....
Ms. Morgan really takes her role as referee very seriously! Don’t mess with her!!! k Do you thin there is a t slight heigh e, advantag Mr. Antoine?
Food Drive
Cribbage, anyone?
Fifteen-2, Fifteen-4, and a pair makes 6 . . . Mr. Sikkema’s 7th grade Tech II class made wooden Cribbage boards as a project, so staff members including Mr. Hermann and Mrs. Vlietstra went into the class to show them how to play Cribbage -a fun card game that requires math skills!
Jeremiah Lamphere and Ronald Sherwood III count out their Cribbage hands.
Best cheerleaders ever! And you should have se en their skills on the court.. ...!!!
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L.E.White Middle School Student Council sponsored a canned and nonperishable food drive in December and collected 1,872 items to be donated to the Central Food Pantry. Student Council Members pictured (left to right): Thomas Loftus, Carolina DeLucas, Brandon Day, Cassie Nelson, Caleb DeKryger, Kelsey Clark, Ashlyn Clement, Caitlyn Thomson, Ashley Nichols
Behavior Incentive Programs are working at Allegan Schools!
Allegan Public Schools have all begun implementing a research-based approach to improving academic and behavior outcomes for all students. All building levels in our district are utilizing methods to reward positive behavior, in an effort to improve the building climate and reduce disciplinary problems. Many buildings employ the P.B.I.S. (Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports) method where students “caught being good” are rewarded with prizes or special privileges.
North Ward Elementary
As part of a monthly Character Education program at North Ward, a student from each class was chosen by their teacher for showing pride in their school and in their school work. Students have also been working on character traits such as diligence and kindness. Front row (left to right) : Samantha TerAvest, Lydia Lucas, Theo Lange, Treydan Vanderkooi, Alyssa March. Back row: Tyler Aldrich, Racquelle Burdick, Dominique Adams, Myah TerAvest, Gavin Kosiorowski, Emma Kuebler.
The winners of the PBIS drawing at the middle school in December were 7th grader Jonah Osborn and school counselor Matt Hermann, who nominated Jonah. They each received a gift card for $50 !
Middle School students earning PBIS awards and prizes last month were: Back row (left to right): Andrew VerHoeven, Jonah Osborn, Tim Arndt, Haylie LeMay, Allison Bowden, Sabrina Armstrong, Dakota McGinnis, Aveary Beilfuss. Front row: Christina Wieling, Amy May, Bailey Weaver, and Makayla Armijo.
At L.E.White Middle School, students can be awarded slips for positive behavior which are placed in a monthly drawing for prizes. Asst. Principal Jaym Abraham said, “Students look forward to receiving TIGER cards, and disciplinary referrals are down significantly since we implemented PBIS!”
Alternative High
The school has already begun hosting monthly events for students who are passing all of their classes and are detention-free. Eligibility from their first event to their second event doubled in number! Principal Laura Feffer is looking forward to watching that number grow! A waffle breakfast and an “Open School Event” where students could play X-box, eat tacos, shoot hoops, etc. were their first two PBIS incentive events. Students have to be passing all classes and have no detentions between a set period of time to qualify.
Allegan High School’s 212° Program identifies students who go above and beyond.
Students of the Month for January and February are: (front row, left to right): Charlie Ferraro, Leslie Scane, Becca Boodt, Brittney Haluch, Jon Shabeeb, Ryan Terpstra, Ryan Buschert, Shay Bilyeu; and (back row): Quinten Bader, Banjamin Andrews, Colton Fairbanks, Tim Ax, Jacob Uehling, Lane Sousley, Hailee Madalinski, Abigail Knuckles, Kate Stanloski, Cortnie Cook. Page 13
Ellis Honored
Allegan Tiger Athletics By: Matt Stofer, Athletic Director Congratulations to the 2013-14 Allegan Wrestling team! This season included many highlights: - Wolverine Conference Champs - Division III District & Regional Champs - Division III Final Four - 14 wrestlers qualified for regionals; 9 wrestlers qualified for states - 6 wrestlers earned all-state by finishing in the top 8: Liam Noble (112), Foster Karmon (125), Zane Corey (130), Kyle Simaz (145), Chase Beard (160), Levi Sabin (171). - Zane Corey was state runner-up in the 130 weight class. - Foster Karmon was State Champion in the 125 weight class. - Kyle Simaz was State Champion in the 145 weight class.
Retired Athletic Director Gary Ellis was honored for his nearly 40 years of service to Allegan Public Schools. Presenting the award was long-time school and athletics supporter, Phyllis Drozd.
English Teacher Earns Accolades
Swim & Dive Congratulations to Lucas Bunn (50 Free, 100 Free, 400 Free Relay), Joel Raymond (400 Free Relay), Sy Teravest (400 Free Relay) and Brody Carns (400 Free Relay) who all qualified for the Division III State Finals in Boys Swimming & Diving.
Nancy Hascall
High School English Teacher Nancy Hascall is the recipient of the Michigan Youth Arts Festival Touchstone Award for Creative Writing - Teacher of the Year for 2014! Also, Nancy has been invited to be an inaugural member of the Charles Crupi Memorial Society for Excellence in the Teaching of Poetry (Albion College). Colleagues and students agree -- Nancy is an excellent teacher who has inspired many students to excel in creative writing!
Competitive Cheerleading finished the season with a 6th place showing at regionals along with winning the Vicksburg Division III Invitational. Nice job girls! Girls Basketball finished the season 13-9 overall, giving the Tigers basketball program back-to-back winning seasons, congratulations to Coach Gilligan and his staff along with the players. Reminder to visit the new Allegan Tigers athletic web site at www.alleganathletics.com where you can sign up for e-mail, Facebook and twitter alerts with news and updates on Allegan Athletics.
New Employees at APS:
Marty Strickfaden (part-time custodian)
Julie Hiscock April Etts (noon supervisor - WW) (part-time custodian) Page 14
Foreign Exchange Students
This year Allegan High School is hosting several foreign exchange students. Their names, country of origin, and host families are listed below: Mariana Rothholtz- Brazil (Cross family) Yirong Wang (Ira) - China (Smith family) Jiayu Wang (Arthur) China (Thompson family) Jan Oellers- Germany (Wedge family) Aurora DeHeredia-Spain (Parmenter family) Bruna Zucchi-Brazil (Kent family) Christin Meyn- Germany (Baier family) Chloe Alexandre - Belgium (Smith family) If you are interested in hosting a foreign exchange student for 2014-15, please contact Colleen Fortney, coordinator for International Student Eschange at (269) 650-5333.
Allegan Recreation & Aquatic Center 2014 Spring Programs
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Trevor Horwath- Rec. Director (ext 5506) Andrea Murphy - Aquatic Director (ext 5507) Pool Information: 673-7002 ext. 5541 email: ard@alleganps.org
FROM: Allegan Public Schools 550 Fifth Street Allegan, MI 49010
ECRWS TO: Current Resident Allegan, MI 49010
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID PERMIT #192
The Allegan Public School District complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, marital status, political belief, or physical or mental handicap or disability--in all of its programs and in employment. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools, 550 Fifth Street, Allegan, MI (phone 269-673-5431).
The Tiger‛s Den
Daycare and Preschool (3 & 4 year old programs) Enrolling NOW for 2014-15
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Housed at Pine Trails Elementary Weekly and Daily Fees Available Daycare is OPEN on Snow Days Preschool is FREE with enrollment in Daycare program Daycare also accepts all school-aged children before & after school
The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival presents a Gilmore Family Concert featuring:
Anderson & Roe
Visit the APS website and click on “Parent Links” to view our brochure and registration forms.
For more information or to register, please contact: Daycare: 673-7002 (x 3135) / Preschool: 673-7002 (x 3148)
April 23 7 p.m.
(Allegan Performing Arts Center) FREE Admission!
Preschool Programs through AAESA and Headstart:
Tiger’s Den Preschool (3 year old class)
was full of “Monkey Business” as they learned about Letter Mm and used the “mmmmmm” sound while enjoying every monkey’s favorite treat-bananas, of course!
Preschoolers (seated, left to right): Addison Laarman, Logan Osborne, Walker Dedrich, Charlie Morris and (standing): Brayden Sternberg, Jaiden Edwards, Kendall Hough, Noah Estrada, and Myles Jackson
Tiger’s Den Preschool (4 year old class)
prepared for the eruption of their volcano to celebrate the letter Vv, while teacher Judi McCall explained the “big word of the day”-CHEMICAL REACTION! Preschoolers (left to right): Addelyn Gillies, Ella Wine, Christina Kiraly, Noah Kuebler, Lachlan Knowlton, Jordan Hunley, and Kaylee Haas.
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