March 2016 Allegan Public Schools
www.alleganpublicschools.org
Undefeated Quiz Bowl Team Goes to STATE!
Congratulations to the Allegan High School Varsity Quiz Bowl team which ended its regular season with a perfect undefeated record of 16-0 and was the winner of both RoundTable tournaments! The team, which was also named League Champs, now qualifies to compete at the State Quiz Bowl tournament on April 15-16 at Michigan State University in Lansing. As last year’s 2nd place winners, they are anxious for another shot at the State Title! Kudos to this team and their coach Amanda Boes; and best of luck at State!!! Varsity Quiz Bowl Team (left to right): Max Clark, Molly Long, Benjamin Andrews, Will Conley, and Joe McClelland.
2015-16 School Calendar April 1-8 - NO SCHOOL (Spring Break) April 20 - 2 hour early dismissal (Prof. Dev.) April 25, 27, 28 - Parent/Teacher Conferences April 29 - NO SCHOOL May 18 - 2 hour early dismissal (Prof. Dev.) May 30 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day) June 2 - Allegan High School Graduation June 9 - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS
Saxophone Quartet: Gabe Francisco, Connor Kokotan, Ethan Hill, and Dylan Henrickson.
AHS Has Talent!
Several soloists and ensembles performed in the District and State Solo & Ensemble competitions this spring, receiving many “excellent” ratings from the judges. This saxophone quartet received a Division I rating at State Solo & Ensemble and then was selected by the judges because they were one of the best ensembles judged that day to audition for the Michigan Youth Arts Festival May 13-14 at WMU! According to Director of Bands, Andrea Mack, this was the first time in over 13 years that a group from Allegan was honored in this way... Congratulations to these fine musicians!
If you missed Kindergarten Round-Up on March 29, you can still enroll your kindergartner! Students who will be 5 by September 1 should contact their local elementary school (see page 2) or complete the online enrollment process at www.alleganps.org.
Fighting Lead with Literacy
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 (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
The Allegan County campaign to help the students of Flint Michigan by donating children’s books was a success! Current count on books collected by AAESA is 3,318. That includes a purchase from Scholastic Books with $1,100 in cash donations, and 241 books collected from Allegan Public Schools! Books were also donated from other schools in Allegan County, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Tower Pinkster Architects, and OAK Construction Managers. They will deliver the books the first of April. Thanks to all who donated to this worthwhile cause!
Pictured are just a few of the students and staff who helped organize this county-wide book drive (left to right): AAESA Superintendent Mark Dobias, Otsego NHS students Ashley Lane, Kevin Miltenberger, Elsy Nouna, Nate Mills, Hillside staffer Darla Maltby, Allegan High School teacher and Student Leaders adviser Matt Haack, AHS Student Leader Hannah Stark.
School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org
Board of Education Meetings: April 11 (7 pm) May 9 (7 pm) June 27 (6 pm) July 11 (6 pm) Meetings are held in the Administrative Building (550 Fifth Street) and are open to the public.
Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at www.acuw.org
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
ss”
ne r a H
“
. . . the POWER of Education (A message from the superintendent of schools)
Kevin Harness Superintendent
What Don’t We Do? A portion of my article in the December issue of the Our Schools News communicated the fact that despite the incredible changes in public education over the 200+ years of its beginnings in the early 1800’s, the three Rs of education (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic) continue to be a major focus of instruction for our students in 2016. I briefly mentioned that our schools have provided much more than the three Rs for decades. That is undoubtedly the case for Allegan Public Schools. As I began to compile a list of the opportunities and activities we provide, or assist in providing, for our students and our community that are above the “basics,” and are not required to be offered by K-12 public education, even I was somewhat surprised! The following is a partial list of the programs I am referring to--You can probably think of more to add! After reading the list you may begin to question - What don’t we do? • Busing • Crossing Guards • Safety Patrol • Preschool programs • Tigers Den Daycare • Young Fives • Elementary Phys. Ed. • Elementary Music • Elementary Art • Technology classes • Girls on the Run • Total Trek Quest • Kids Hope • Mileage Clubs • Conflict Managers • Career Days • Talent Shows • Positive Behavior Programs • 10 Middle School sports • Middle School play/musical • Middle School socials • Life Management classes • Counseling services • Industrial Arts
• ACATEC (Tech Center) • PALS (Peer Assisted Listeners) • Band • Work-Based Learning • Choir • Cadet Teaching • High School plays/musicals • hosting of Foreign Exchange Students • Student Council • Field Trips • Student Leaders • Guest speakers and performances • Yearbook • Assemblies • Science Olympiad • Alternative Education • Quiz Bowl • Allegan On-line • French Club • Adult Education • Spanish Club • Credit Recovery • Michigan Youth in Government • G.E.D. Testing • Class Advisors • Weekend Food Packs • Homecoming & Snowcoming • Life Long Learners (senior citizens activities) • Prom, Post-Prom, Grad Bash • Open Swim and Lap Swim • 23 High School sports • Youth swimming programs • 8 High School AP courses • Lifeguard training • Tiger Tales Writing Contest • Facility rentals • Academic Coaching • Community walking/jogging at the Fieldhouse • Driver’s Training • Early College-Allegan County (through LMC) • Robotics Club • Rotary Interact Club • Peer 2 Peer Mentoring / Peer Links • No Hate Club
Allegan Public Schools is the heart of our community. The experience traveling around town on a school day compared to a non-school day is dramatically different. Including students, staff, parents, and community members, we are likely to have over 4,000 people on our seven campuses every day. The involvement is appreciated, and we are truly grateful for the support that enables us to offer these opportunities for our community. Thank you! We can all say - GO TIGERS!
Page 3
March is Reading Month! March Reading Month brings lots of fun activities that help encourage a love of reading in our students! From assemblies and special guest readers to dress-up days and contests, everyone loves Reading Month! Noah, from Mr. Beauregard’s 3rd grade class at Dawson Elementary, shares a book with Young Fives students.
Chief Hoyer of the Allegan City Police Dept. kicked off Reading Month activities at Dawson Elementary by reading to the students! West Ward had “Favorite Storybook Character Day” and Arynn Lugo from Mrs. Rogers’ Kindergarten class dressed as Miss Frizzle from the “Magic School Bus” books!
Students from Mrs. Conrad’s High School Children’s Literature class paired with 2nd graders from Mrs. Sullivan’s class at West Ward. Brandon DeLaRosa reads a book to Kaylee Kourakis and Jacob Lawson.
Pet Therapy!
Pet therapy dogs visit North Ward Elementary. Research indicates that fluency can improve up to 30% when students read to an attentive audience!! “Duke” (owner Jude Hardin) listens to Isaiah Petty
Mr. Sikkema’s middle school wood shop class made wooden cars and donated them to the ECSE classroom at Dawson, to go along with their “things that go” theme. The students painted them and enjoyed stories from the middle school students! West Ward 3rd graders participated in the Great Lakes Book Challenge, sponsored by the Mich-igan Reading Association. The classes read 8 books and then vote for their favorite book! Students chose the same book that was the state winner -- “My Explosive Diary” by Emily Gale. (Keighan Sanders, Gavin Clark, Kata Cronk, and Madison Helmboldt shown with all 8 books)
Page 4
“Cooper” (Elise Millmier’s black lab) listens to Faith Whipple and Treah Hopson.
Brainstormers!
This popular group returns annuall to local elementary schools to help students turn their writings into stage productions for the whole school to enjoy. Dawson Elementary students who were selected to have their student stories acted out were: Sam Kelley, Alexi Wallace, Culver Neldon, Alexx Raab, and Ramiro Navarro.
THANK-YOU to our local SHOPKO store, for their donation of $1,500 in January! The money will be used to purchase additional supplemental reading books for 6-12 grade students.
Dictionary Project
All 3rd graders in the APS district receive dictionaries, courtesy of the Allegan Rotary Club. Because 3rd grade is when students transition from learning to read to reading to learn, the Rotarians support their curiosity by providing a dictionary to each student. Back row (left to right): Rotarian Dr. David Ohmart, Rotary Club President Adele Garcia, Rotarian/Superintendent Kevin Harness, Pine Trails 3rd grade teacher Carrie Penny, and Pine Trails Principal Jaym Abraham. 3rd grade students in front row: Phoenix Chamberlain, Hayden Maka, Destiny Ramirez, Adam Mozery, Ryleigh Webb, Anderson Zoch.
Museum of Mankind
Mrs. Hammon’s 3rd graders presented the “Museum of Mankind” at West Ward Elementary. Students researched a famous person of their choosing who made significant contributions to society. Then they dressed the part and rehearsed a short “speech” to be repeated to visitors who stopped by their “exhibit” at the museum. Students, parents, and others had the opportunity to learn about the contributions of: explorers (such as Davy Crockett and Amelia Earhart), writers (such as Dr. Seuss, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Anne Frank), presidents (Washington and Lincoln) and even entertainers (such as Elvis Presley, Walt Disney, and Harry Houdini). It was a great opportunity for students to practice their public speaking skills and a chance for all who visited to learn some interesting facts about famous people!
Page 5
Clubs and Activities at Allegan High School Youth in Government
AHS students were again successful at the MYIG conference in Lansing. Gabe Butzke was awarded “Best Senator” in the Blue Senate and Alex Perez had his bill pass (regarding reasonable objections for vaccinaGabe Butzke and MYIG Governor tion waivers). Other students Dominic Bertucci who participated this year included: Charlie Riess, Max Clark, Cam Zeter, Joe McClelland, Benjamin Andrews, Allie Katsma, Gabby Katsma, Sarah Fisher, and Maddy Katsma.
Science Olympiad
Congratulations to the AHS students who competed in the Regional Science Olympiad competition at WMU in February. The HS Team members earned medals or ribbons in 15 of the 23 science, technology and engineering events they competed in. The HS team earned a 6th place overall finish at the regional event. Top individual finishers included: 1st place - Max Clark & Mia McLaughlin in Green Generation 1st place - Jacob Pierce & Noah Festerling in Fossils 2nd place - Annika Hansen in Bio-process Lab 2nd place - Sam Hunt in Green Generation 3rd place - Max Clark, Maddy Waite, Kavan Withrow in Experimental Design 3rd place - Alex Perez & Mia McLaughlin in Protein Modeling, 3rd place - Alex Letts & Drew VerHoeven in Game On (Online Game Design) 3rd place - Ben Andrews & Rayanne Williams in It’s About Time 3rd place - Sam Hunt & Jacob Pierce in Disease Detectives See Page 7 for Middle School results. A big THANK YOU to coaches Drew Isola, Vicki Isola, Ed Garvin, Jenn Swank, Cindi Eichbauer, and parents Amy Hansen and Karen Andrews for helping out with this worthwhile activity! Go Tiger Science!!!
An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe
AHS Drama presented an entertaining adaptation of some of the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe on March 17-19. The cast included: Matilda Allen, Wren Ashley, Bry Beldon, Ezekiel Butcher, Cailee Bywater, Sam Croteau, Alexus Khennavong, Zach KidderScott, Tara Kizer, Abby Knuckles, Molly Long, Brianna Price, Blake Ruffer, Hannah Grace Stark, Bailey Weaver, Caroline Wolf, Angelica Zoch, and was directed by HS teacher Kim Sparks.
Robotics !!!
New this year to AHS is a Robotics Club that participated in two tournaments this spring. In their first tournament at Battle Creek Lakeview, they made the playoffs - finishing 15th out of 40 teams that qualified! They also competed at GVSU and the Tiger Team finished with a 12-11-1 record in their rookie season. We are looking to expand the program for next year, hopefully attaining additional funding through STEM grants currently being applied for. If you are interested in building or designing things, creating or experimenting, then Robotics Club might be for you! A special thank you goes to the following people and groups who made the club possible this year: Johnson Controls, Top Dog Tees, Argosy, AndyMark Corp, and mentors Jon Christman, Jim Mallard, Karen Jalbert, Joe Jalbert and Craig Pennock. This year’s team included: Bryan Andrews, Sam Hunt, Jared Krug, Michael Otto, Austin Nicholson, Thomas Langschied, Jacob Bush, Sam Croteau, Jared Jaster, Trevor Jaster, and Hailey Raymond. Page 6
Left: Jacob Bush & Mike Otto make lastminute adjustments to their robot!
It’s Happening at the Middle School WGVU Cool Teacher
L. E. White teacher Catherine Hellmann was nominated by 6th grader Noah Huizenga and was selected for WGVU’s “Cool Teacher Award.” The class received a pizza party and was filmed for television promos to be aired in May. Noah said he nominated his teacher for this award because “she brings in cool assemblies for us and beNoah Huizenga and Catherine Hellman with her “Cool Teacher” cause she jokes, dances, and sings to help us learn with her Award from WGVU knowledge and humor!”
Making Valentine heart sun-catchers kept students involved on a cold, snowy Friday. Mrs. Schalk and Mrs. Sagodic helped students in Mrs. Pokornowski’s Social Skills class design hearts in the media center. Students were able to take the finished projects home for Valentine’s Day.
Creative Communication
Congratulations to Kaitlyn Barnes & Bridgett Hopkins, Top Ten Winners in Creative Communication’s National Essay Competition! In addition to being published, they have each been awarded a monetary prize.
Manningham Poetry Contest
FRA Essay Winners
In 350 words, students responded to the prompt: What the United States Flag Stands for: Jacob Sturman, Erin Isola, Annika Hansen, Zachery Sisson, and Blade Porterfield (missing from photo)
Holocaust Survivor
KVM Poetry Artifactory Competition
HS Writing Awards
Finalists: Kaleigh Arndt, Molly Babbitt, Devin Bradbury, Hanna Curtiss, Eriq Eichinger, Erin Isola, Mia McLaughlin, and Alex Perez.
Congratulations to all the middle students who competed in the Regional Science Olympiad competition at WMU in February. The L.E. White Middle School team members earned medals or ribbons in 17 of the 23 science, technology and engineering events they competed in. The MS team earned a 5th place overall finish at the Regional event. Team members were: Jeremy Hansen, Joshua Hansen, Stephen Pierce, Cameron Pierce, Noah Festerling, Conrad Eichbauer, Chase Williams, and Eda Mendell. Top individual finishers included: 2nd place - Eda Mendell - Green Generation (aka Ecology) 2nd place - Cameron Pierce - Bio-process Lab 3rd place - Conrad Eichbauer & Chase Williams - Scrambler Car
L.E.White Middle School students and staff were treated to a visit by a special speaker last month. Irene Miller, a Holocaust survivor who is also a teacher and author of Into No Man’s Land: A Historical Memoir, spoke to the Allegan crowd about her childhood and about a dark chapter in human history. Irene Miller and Catherine Hellmann She took the audience on a “survival journey” where she told them about freezing in a Siberian labor camp, surviving on grass and broiled onions in Uzbekistan, and years spent in orphanages. Irene’s message is one of tolerance and acceptance of diversity; and she inspires students to overcome obstacles in life by perseverence. Her presentation was made possible by a grant from the Memorial Library (a New York City Holocaust Educators Network) attained by middle school teacher, Catherine Hellmann.
Sun Catcher Valentines
David Anderson works on making his sun catcher, while Rayleen Rodriquez looks on.
Middle School Science Olympiad
Congratulations to the following poets, winners in the Kalamazoo Valley Museum/ Friends of Poetry Artifactory Competition. Allegan’s poets dominated this contest! They presented their winning pieces on Sunday, February 28 in the museum’s auditorium: Zoa-phora, by Wren Ashley Drifting Away, by Kaitlyn Barnes Lady Justice, by Eriq Eichinger Disregarded Treasure, by Arianna Forsman Anemos, by Erin Isola In Darkness There Is Life, by Alexandra Katsma Themis, by Gabby Katsma A Casual Haunting, by Molly Long Iron Angel, by Alex Perez The Chaos of the Sea, by Brianna Price Mummy, by Laura Stahlhut Bastet, by Caroline Wolf
Page 7
Interested in being in Band?
K-12 Art Show Thursday, May 19 (4:30-6:00 pm)
- Anyone who wants to try band is WELCOME!
in the P.A.C.
- Middle School students simply need to select “Band” on their class selection sheet for next school year. Two or three trimesters are best.
followed by AHS Choir Concert 5th graders Elijah Shinn and Bryson Barnes working on their mask project for the Art Show!
Dawson students trying out instruments to see which one fits them best!
KSO Instrument Petting Zoo
4th graders at Pine Trails and West Ward Elementaries got to make sounds on orchestral instruments thanks to the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Instrument Petting Zoo!
- Interested in renting an instrument? May 2 (6-7:30 pm) is the Meyer Music instrument rental night in the MS band room. The rental process takes about 15 minutes. Bring your parents! - If you are unable to purchase or rent an instrument, but still want to try band, one will be provided for you at the MS. - During May, Ms. Mack will be visiting each elementary school to start teaching students how to play. This way, most students will be ready to start 6th grade band!
MSVMA State Honors Choir
Dontae HavingaHamilton & Alester Panjikaran
Do you love to sing? Middle Schools and High School students who want more information about joining choir can contact Rebecca Balkon at 673-7002 ext. 6329 or (rbalkon@alleganps.org)
Congratulations to Dontae Havinga-Hamilton & Alester Panjikaran for being selected into State Honors Choir. On January 23, the two performed at the Devos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids amongst the top choral singers in the state.
UPCOMING CHOIR DATES: April 15-State Solo & Ensemble at Portage Central HS May 5-State Choral Festival at Hope College May 19-Spring Concert at the P.A.C.
Singing Telegrams
For Valentines Day, Allegan Middle School & High School Choirs delivered over 100 Singing Telegrams. Recipients were serenaded by the tunes “Stupid Cupid” and “Talk Nerdy to Me”!!! Pictured are middle school choir members delivering a “telegram.”
District Solo & Ensemble
Congrats to the following choir students and their participation in MSVMA solo & ensemble! Excellent ratings were granted to soloists Sadie Clark, Brianna Price, & Bailey Weaver qualifying them for State! Good ratings were granted to soloists Ezekiel Butcher & Dontae Havinga- Hamilton. The Combined Women’s Ensemble & the Women of Chamber also qualified for State receiving an Excellent and Excellent with Superior Distinction: members included Darian Guile, Kaitlyn Barnes, Caroline Wolf, Aly Bazan, Brianna Price, Christine Panjikaran, Emma Kasprzyk, Madelynn Spreitzer, Erin Milbocker, Kara Harker, Sadie Clark, Keely Parks, Karmind Nordblom, Bryanna Belden, & Jacelyn Hinesly. Great job to all!!
Michigan Music Conference
The Allegan Chamber Choir was invited to be featured for the 2016 Choral Conductors Symposium as part of the Michigan Music Conference at the Amway Grand in Grand Rapids. Page 8
Allegan Band “Notes”
Band Festival: Congratulations to the High School Sym-
phonic Band for receiving a Divison I (superior) rating from all the judges at the MSBOA District Band Festival, with a perfect score in sightreading! The Middle School Concert and Symphonic Bands each received II (excellent) ratings.
ACE Winterguard: The
Allegan County Ensemble (ACE) Winterguard team, made up of students from several area schools, took 1st place in their class at the Jenison competition! Allegan students participating in ACE include (left to right): Blake Ruffer, Wren Ashley, Beth Storey, Hailey Raymond, and Megan VerHoeven
Upcoming Events:
April 16 - MS Solo & Ensemble April 18 - Band Boosters (7 pm) April 19 - Pre-State Concert (7 pm) May 10 - MS band concert (7 pm) May 12 - Concert (HS and MS Symphonic Bands) May 16 - Honor Band @ Allegan High School May 28 - Band Booster Golf Outing June 11 - Flea Market Food Booth July 18-29 (Band Camp)
Solo & Ensemble: High School Band members were extremely successful this
Help the AHS Marching Band buy NEW UNIFORMS: The current marching band uniforms are 13 years old, and we are hoping to replace them soon! Please help our band any way you can, as we are planning some major fundraisers: »» Golf Outing (May 28 @ Cheshire Hills) »» Pizza Hut Nights (2nd Wednesday each month) »» Meijer Community Rewards (Allegan Band Boosters are #856725) »» Amazon Smiles (just list the Allegan Band Boosters as your charity and we will receive credit for each purchase you make) »» Village Market (please save your receipts and deposit them in the band room or at the store) »» Pop Can Drive (ongoing - please bring in your slips, not your pop cans...) »» Cash Donations (We will accept your tax deductible donations!) Contact Jennifer Nicholson, Band BoostersFundraising Chairperson if you have any questions, or if you can help! (jennifernicholson@ mail.com) Check out the band’s Go Fund Me page at:
www.gofundme.com/alleganhsband
year at District and State events. (State Solo & Ensemble results indicated in Orange.) Big Thanks to Rhoda Ryan for accompanying all the solos!!! Pictured above is the flute trio of Abby Knuckles, Wren Ashley, and Emerald Dewey (accompanied by Erin Isola, pianist), and results of other soloists and ensembles are listed below: Sarah Fisher / Megan VerHoeven - Woodwind Duet - II Dylan Henrickson / Ethan Hill - Saxophone Duet - I Dylan Henrickson / Larry Hopkins / Ethan Hill / Spencer Davis / Kavan Withrow / Davontae Lawshae / Michael Otto/ Gabe Francisco. - Saxophone Octet - I, (II) Christian MacCartny - Solo Piano - I; Solo Horn - I, (II) Sydney Studtman - Solo Marimba - I Megan VerHoeven - Solo Flute - II Cameron Zeter - Solo Euphonium- II Cameron Zeter / Dylan Johnson - Brass Duet - II Benjamin Andrews / Daniel Smalla / Skyler Zuverink / Bryan Andrews/ Brandon Collison - Brass Quintet - I Benjamin Andrews - Solo Horn - II Wren Ashley- Solo Flute - III Sam Croteau - Solo Trombone- II Division I = Superior Spencer Davis - Solo Alto Saxophone- I, (I) Division II = Excellent David DeKryger - Solo Marimba- I, (I) Ethan Hill - Solo Tenor Saxophone- I, (I) Abby Knuckles- Solo Flute- I, (II) Abby Knuckles / Wren Ashley - Flute Duet - II Wren Ashley / Emerald Dewey/ Abby Knuckles / Erin Isola accompanist - Flute Trio - I, (I) Joe LaJoice/Alex Looman - Clarinet Duet - II Abigail Mansfield- Solo Flute - II Emerald Dewey / Abigail Mansfield- Flute Duet - II Hannah Meiser / Maddy Waite - Flute Duet - II Andrew Teachout/ Hailey Raymond/ Bethann Prolo - Flute Trio - III Bryan Andrews - Solo Trombone- I, (II) Garrett Fairbanks - Solo Snare drum - II Alesandra Garcia - Solo Flute - I, (I) Jacob Pierce - Solo Trumpet - I, (I) Dylan Henrickson, Ethan Hill, Connor Kokotan, Gabe Francisco - Saxophone Quartet - (I - and Invited to audition for Youth Arts Festival in May. See Page One for photo and more details.)
Page 9
ACATEC Awards
Many of our students from Allegan High School and Allegan Alternative High School earned accolades this year for their work in state-wide competitions!
Culinary Arts
Allegan Adult Education A Pathway to Success
Enrolling Now! Earning a High School Diploma or GED changes a person’s life and positively impacts families and communities. If you know anyone who needs a High School Diploma or GED, please send them our way today!
Free Classes * Flexible Hours * GED Testing Center Allegan Adult Education Lower Level - APS Admin Building 550 Fifth Street * Allegan, MI 49010
Heidi Youtzy (Allegan HS) and Kendra Harrison (Allegan Alt. HS)
269-673-5431
Creative Teaching
Brenda Nyhof, Director x3022 bnyhof@alleganps.org Sue Chappell x3054 schappell@alleganps.org
ALLEGAN ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL Alternative HS Staff to Present at MAEO Conference
The Alt HS staff will be presenting at the Michigan Alternative Education Organization’s spring conference. Their presentation is titled: Mind, Body, & Spirit: How Alternative Schools Can Start Implementing Mindfulness Activities! Gold medalists: Annika DeRidder and Sheala Kocur (Allegan HS)
All-School Reading Event
Gold medalists: Arianna Lauzon (Allegan Alt. HS) and Emily Cambio (Allegan HS)
FFA Job Interview category Brianna Brown won 3rd place and a Gold Award.
This year’s choice for their “all school read” was All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. In this 2016 Coretta Scott King Honor Book, students read about the serious repercussions of violence and racial tension. Then they held a town hall-style book discussion with Allegan City Police Chief Rick Hoyer to talk about the novel’s powerful content.
Mind-Body-Spirit Initiative
Students have the opportunity to take part in several health-conscious services, including “Prime for Life” class teaching students about high-risk choices, “Freedom From Smoking” sessions sponsored by AGH, and a weekly yoga class taught by APS Director of Instruction, Cheryl-Marie Manson. The AAHS basketball team also participated in a tournament where they took 4th place!
Youth Summit
Alternative High students attended the Allegan/Barry County Youth Summit on March 18, where they focused on substance abuse prevention and positive youth leadership: Mason Jilek, Masson Wilholt, John Slade, Maile Tucker, and Kaylie Higgins. Page 10
Wiggly Worms
Kindergartners in Mrs. Norland’s class at Dawson were excited to touch and hold worms in their science unit on Living Things. Anya Brown
Dakota Williams and Mrs. Norland
West Ward Outstanding Students
5th graders Drew Ellis and Jack Ellis were recognized as this year’s Outstanding Students at West Ward Elementary. Teachers Mrs. Hammon and Mrs. Sullivan, along with Principal Mr. Dalm, recognized them at the March board meeting for their academic and citizenship standards. Their parents are Dale Scott and Melissa Ellis.
Summer 2016
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 selfexpression. Students will meet and write with new friends. The Allegan session (July 25-28) 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 2016. Each session is $125 per child. Scholarships are available, so please ask! Check out the district webpage under Parent Links for the registration form.
Summer Buddies Summer Buddies is a day-camp experience for students in grades K-6. It is an 8-week program that meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 am til noon. Summer Buddies was designed to provide children with academic enrichment activities throughout the summer. Using fun “themes” the students may not even notice that they are actually practicing phonics, spelling, math, and fine motor skills! The cost is $40 per week, plus a $20 registration fee. Discounts apply for multiple children from the same family and scholarships are available! To apply, check out the APS website under Parent Links for the Summer Buddies registration form. For questions, contact: Susan Busfield (269) 673-8406 or Sara Phillips (269) 522-6621
The School district with the most participants will win a portion of the proceeds! To register go to the AAESA Wellness Page at www.alleganaesa.org/FitForLife5k
S.T.E.M. Challenge
Students in Mrs. Sullivan’s 2nd grade at West Ward participate in monthly STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) challenges, where they plan, create, and problem-solve. Most recently, they created a spaghetti tower! 2nd grader Addy Fales with her spaghetti tower.
Chromebook Winner
AHS junior Lily Goldberger was the winner of an HP Chromebook in a recent contest sponsored by the high school Food Service Department. During January and February, students who purchased a fruit/yogurt smoothie for breakfast were entered into a drawing. There were also weekly $15 Amazon gift certificates given to lucky winners! The contest was sponsored by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.
JV Quiz Bowl
Not to be outshadowed by the success of the Varsity Quiz Bowl team, the JV team also has had a very successful season, finishing 2nd in the Conference! Kudos to the team of Abby Knuckles, Lily Goldberger, Anjelica Zoch, Gabe Francisco and Delilah Tyler! Page 11
Dawson HEROES
Career Day Pine Trails Elementary students were treated to a Career Day where they got a chance to visit with people from lots of different professions and talk about careers. From policemen and firefighters, to welders and electricians, camp directors, dog trainers and nurses, and even a lighthouse keeper!!! A big THANK YOU to ALL the volunteers who made the day a special learning experience for Pine Trails!
H = Helpful to others E = Educational Excellence R = Respect for all O = Ownership for actions Dawson Elementary students that have received 25 Dawson HERO tickets for their outstanding behavior and positive attitudes as recognized by teachers and staff members receive their HERO t-shirts. Pictured are just a few of the students who have earned their shirts this year: Bella Festerling, Caydence Gilbert, Isaiah Miller, Collin Moyer, and Kaydin Sheldon.
Happy Chinese New Year 6th graders in Ms. Hellmann’s Explore Class celebrated the “Year of the Monkey” by making Chinese dragons. Ally Brown (left) and Sebastian Pickin (right) say, “Gong hey fat choy”!!! Students watched in awe as Magician, Eric Ross performed one of his magic tricks.
Goin’ to the Dogs!!!
North Ward Principal Mrs. Corbett made good on her promise to dress up as a dog if the students collected over 150 pet food items for the Wishbone Pet Rescue. Student Council reps who helped organize the drive were: Sabrina Mills, Miki Ziemelis, Hannah Corbett, and Joey Kavanagh. Jacolyn Atwood and her well-trained West Michigan Therapy Dog were a hit with the students!
North Ward Science Night
Many families enjoyed an evening of science exploration at North Ward Elementary’s Science Night in February. Various levels of STEM (Science-TechnologyEngineering-Math) experiments and activities were offered, including: creating an artistic robot, computer coding, making ice cream, creating cicuits, launchers and towers, and much more!
Some students even got to try on the fire fighters’ working uniform!
Page 12
Nate Kuebler, Emma Kuebler, and their father Marc Kuebler “mining for chocolate.”
Snowcoming is serious business at AHS....!!!
Madisynn Jefferson, Ragan Meeter, and Hannah Corbett enjoy tea time.
English Tea Party
4th graders at North Ward Elementary concluded their studies on England by having a tea party, complete with tea (with milk and sugar, of course), biscuits, cake and scones. A jolly time was had by all! Their Reading Month theme was “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” so students in Mrs. Winderbank-Lucas’ class “travelled” to England where they learned about lots of traditional foods such as Strawberry Fools, Trifle, and Banoffee Pie!
INTERNET SAFETY
Photos courtesy of Jen Conrad
Check out the APS website under Parent Links for parent tips and tools to help your child be safe on the Internet.
M.V.E. (Most Valuable Educator) Award As a 2nd C.O.D.E. Orange event, the Educational Foundation of APS sponsored MVE Night (Most Valuable Educator) in January at a home varsity basketball game. Seniors on both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams nominated their most influential educator to be recognized at half-time. Those honored included: --Brad Fisher (HS teacher, named by Hunter Nichols) --Craig Pennock (former MS teacher, now at HS, named by Steven Canales) --Dawn Hoyer (HS teacher and volleyball coach, named by CC Cerven) --Jen Ward (HS science teacher, named by Kanesha Statler) --Ron Orr (Dawson principal and former football coach and asst. principal at HS and MS, named by Tyler Jackson) --Drew Isola (HS science teacher, named by Alvaro Suardiaz) --Mike Chalupa (HS social studies teacher named by Branko Davidovic) Thank you to the Ed Foundation of APS for providing this opportunity and to these seven inspirational educators!!! Page 13
Emma Grace Kasprzyk
D.A.R. Good Citizen
Allegan High School senior Emma Grace Kaprzyk was selected to receive the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Good Citizen Award from Allegan High School for 2016. Emma, who is a choir standout and has performed many leading roles for Allegan High Drama, is also involved in Chamber Choir, Rotary Interact Club, and Tiger Links. She is the daughter of Matt & Mary Kasprzyk.
MACUL Conference
Our district’s commitment to using technology to increase student achievement is strong! To that end, 21 teachers (elementary and secondary) and administrators from Allegan Public Schools attended the 2016 MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) conference in Grand Rapids. APS staff are leading the way in technology, and two of our teachers were presenters at the conference. High School teacher Chris Conrad taught a session on using Desmos and Geogebra (math software) to help students explore difficult math concepts. Alternative High teacher Kyle Shack presented a session on creative ways to use mobile devices in the STEM classroom!
SENIORS - Did you know that you can purchase your netbook for only $150? Bring cash or check to the HS media center.
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
TIGER ATHLETICS
NEWS AND NOTES By: Matt Stofer, A.D. *Congratulations to Wrestling Head Coach Murray Rose on being named Wolverine and Regional Coach of the Year this past season as his Tigers advanced to the MHSAA Division Two Quarterfinals. *Congratulations to Davynn Schneider, Trey Boerman, Levi Sabin and Austin Farrell on earning All-State honors as eached finished 6th at the State Wrestling Individual Finals. Jake Orr, Ricky Jefferson and Joey Orr also qualified for the State Finals as the Tigers sent seven wrestlers to the Palace in Division Two.
Erin Isola and Brianna Price were named Scholar Athletes by the Wolverine Conference and will be honored on May 18 in Paw Paw at the Wolverine Erin Isola Bre Price Conference Class of 2016 Scholar Athletes Banquet. Erin was also a finalist in the M.H.S.A.A. Scholar-Athlete scholarship contest. Congrats to these fine student-athletes!
Student-Athletes “giving back” to their community...
*Boys Swimming & Diving had six swimmers qualify for the MHSAA Division Three State Finals this year: Sy Ter Avest, Jackson Foster, Francisco Mosquera, Joel Raymond, Charlie Riess and Weston Rife. *Girls Basketball finished tied for second in the Wolverine Conference North Division and advanced to the District Finals. C.C. Cerven was named First Team All-Conference and Kara Bishop was named to the Second Team. *The 2016 Allegan Athletics Hall-of-Fame Class will be honored on Saturday, May 21 - 6:00 pm at the Allegan High School Conference Center. Tickets are on sale in the High School Office. Congratulations to this years class: William Guerrant (Class of 61), Allen Veenkant (Class of 64) and Dana Morgan (Class of 98). *The Allegan All-Sports Booster Club has been very active this year. The Raffle fundraiser earned over $5500 to be used to help purchase uniforms for volleyball, cross country, and basketball teams. The club has also approved grants to help fund cheerleading mats, and have committed up to $10,000 toward renovation of softball and baseball fields. As they start to prepare for the 2016-17 school year, they are always looking for middle school and high school parents that want to help the group continue to grow. Meetings are coming up on April 11 and May 2 in the Tiger Den (High School Main Gym) at 7:00 pm. For more information, contact the All Sports Booster Club at alleganallsportsboostersclub@gmail.com
Youth Baseball, Softball and T-Ball INFO: Youth Baseball: T-ball, Rookie, Minor, Major and Pony League now forming! Call Matt Wendt for more information (269) 686-6015
Softball: 10U - Scott Kliphuis (269) 685-7548 and Rob Maka (269) 214-4987 12U - Nevin Cooper-Kiel (616) 329-7077 14U - TimMcKee (fastpitchcoachmckee@gmail.com) 16U - Scott Kliphuis (269) 685-7548 and Rob Maka (269) 214-4987
“RALLY FOR THE CURE”
The high school girls tennis teams raised $3,788.45 for the American Cancer Society at their recent “Rally For the Cure” event. A big thanks to the Varsity and JV teams, and their coaches Jen Aldrich and Jen Conrad for helping to sponsor this annual event.
“SHOOT-OUT for HUNGER”
The high school boys basketball program organized a “Shoot Out” Hunger Outreach Event that raised a little ofer $1,280 to help local food pantries in Allegan. The boys each shot 100 free throws and collected pledges from friends, family, and community members. In addition, they organized a canned food drive at AHS that yielded six boxes of non-perishable food. Thanks to the Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams and head coach Matt Haack for organizing this event. SAVE THE DATES for Fall 2016: C.O.D.E. Orange game - (Friday September 16) Homecoming game - (Friday, September 30)
Page 14
Page 15
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).
Tiger’s Den Preschool
Four-year-old preschoolers showing off their rainforest creature headbands after learning about the rainforest habitat in Tiger’s Den Preschool. Offering classes for 3 and 4-year olds, registration is going on now for the fall. Call Judi McCall at 673-7002 (ext. 3148) for more information. Or find the registration form at alleganps.org under Parent Links.
Vendors should contact Lori Ott (lott@alleganps.org) or 616.293.3108. Sponsored by the Ed Foundation of APS.
Other Preschools available for Allegan County 3- and 4-year olds include the HEADSTART and GREAT START Programs. For more information or to find out if you qualify for these quality preschools, contact the AAESA at 673-2161. Free Books, Snacks, and Crafts Contact Holly Dowd at (616) 916-6351 for questions.