Our Schools News - Dec 2015

December 12, 2015 Allegan Public Schools - “Ensuring High Levels of Learning”

Band finishes 3rd at State

www.alleganps.org

www.alleganps.org Allegan Public Schools launched its new website on December 1. Check out the updated site, complete with old favorites such as Parent Links and Athletics, but also featuring new calendar functions, live feeds to social media, and lots more connectivity to your school . . .

Congrats to our Allegan High School Marching Band, taking 3rd place in Flight IV of the MCBA State Championships at Ford Field in Detroit on November 7. Their show, entitled Russian Dreams, earned a final score of 90.725, placing them 3rd out of 11 bands competing in their division. Directors Andrea Mack and Ryan Ruble were recognized at the November Board of Education meeting, along with the very supportive Band Boosters organization, for their highly successful marching band season. Read more about AHS band on page 9.

2015-16 School Calendar

Dec 21-Jan 1 - NO SCHOOL (Christmas Break) Jan 4 - School Resumes Jan 25-28 - Parent/Teacher Conferences Jan 29 - NO SCHOOL Feb 17 - 2 hour early dismissal (Prof. Dev.) 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

Stay connected with us ...

Like us on Facebook: Allegan Public Schools

Follow us on Twitter: @AlleganPublic

State Diving Champion

AHS senior Erin Isola became the school’s first ever State Champion in diving and was named MISCA Diver of the Year! Brianna Price also earned All-State honors with a strong 3rd place finish, and several swim team members set varsity records in swimming events.

The swim team took 14th place overall at the MHSAA D-3 State Finals. Kudos to swim coach Mark Mattox and diving coach Kyle Oberhill on their successful season! Read more about this year’s swim team on page 10.

First Place Diving Champ, Erin Isola

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

Front Row (left to right): Michael Fairbanks, Vicki Knuckles, Jeff McLaughlin, Mary Kasprzyk. Back Row (left to right): Troy Carns, Lane Sturman, Mark Davidhizar

Allegan Public Schools 2015-16 Board of Education Regular Meeting Schedule

December 14, 2015 (7:00 p.m.)

January 11, 2016 (7:00 p.m.)

February 8, 2016 (7:00 p.m.)

March 14, 2016 (7:00 p.m.)

April 11, 2016 (7:00 p.m.)

May 9, 2016 (7:00 p.m.)

June 27, 2016 (6:00 p.m.)

July 11, 2016 (6:00 p.m.) Organizational Meeting

School Web page: www.alleganpublicschools.org

Snow Day Cancellations In the event that school is closed or delayed due to inclement weather, school officials will make every effort to have the decision made before 6:00 a.m. In order to keep the phone lines open for emergency purposes, parents and students are asked NOT to call the school or bus garage. Instead, tune in to local TV or radio stations or check the district web site or Facebook page. You can also receive “instant alerts” via text or email from wwmt.com or woodtv.com .

--Most regular meetings scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month, except for August 24, 2015 and June 27, 2016.

--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

ss”

ne r a H

“

. . . the POWER of Education (A message from the superintendent of schools)

Kevin Harness Superintendent

What is RtI?

(Back to Basics – The “3 R’s” With a New Approach) Educators seem to enjoy using acronyms more than the members of any other profession I know. We have acronyms for practically everything. The original educational acronym may very well have been the three Rs – Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic. Evidence of the three Rs of education dates back to the early 1800’s in this country. While obviously two of the three words in the phrase do not actually begin with the letter R, they all have a strong R sound at the beginning which ultimately led to the three Rs being used to describe the foundation of a skills-oriented education program within our schools. While schools have provided much more than the three Rs for their students for decades, the ability to read for understanding, write with clarity, and complete mathematical computations accurately, continues to be a major focus for our schools in 2015.

To ensure that our students develop high level skills in the three Rs and beyond, Allegan Public Schools has adopted a planned, systematic approach to support all students. Response to Intervention or RtI is a multi-tiered approach to ensure high levels of learning for all students. (As I said – we love acronyms!) Level 1 is core classroom instruction. At the elementary level all students are screened for reading and math skills three times per year. This is done to evaluate the effectiveness or our curriculum and instruction, and also to ensure our students are on track to meet the essential standards at each grade level. We expect that approximately 80% of our students will be successful in the classroom without further interventions. At tier 2 of the structure, students who are not meeting the essential standards are provided additional time and instruction, often in small groups. Students’ progress is monitored and the data is used to make decisions about continuing the intervention, or providing different interventions in tiers 2 or 3. At tier 3, students are provided intensive and individualized instruction on specific skills.

In order to provide additional instruction in tiers 2 and 3, time must be allocated in each building’s daily schedule. Elementary schedules are somewhat more flexible and “intervention time” has been established in a variety of ways in order to meet students’ needs. Last year the middle school implemented a “Tigers” period each day which enables students to receive the additional help they need and also participate in enrichment activities that go beyond the traditional classroom instruction in core academic areas as well as elective courses. The high school is presently making plans to adjust the daily schedule for 2016-17 to provide similar opportunities for their students. Our alternative high school is also providing a “seminar” period each day for students to received additional time and assistance with their course work as well as an opportunity to complete their on-line assignments.

The core principles that make RtI an effective model for maximizing student learning include: student progress is monitored to direct classroom instruction, individual student data is used to make decisions, interventions happen early and are specific to the skills needed, and opportunities are provided for students to expand their learning in their areas of interest.

RtI, or MTSS (sorry – the last one) or Multi-Tiered System of Support, as it is sometimes referred to, is not a new concept; however, the universal adoption of the structure’s tenets is new to Allegan Public Schools. We are in our third year of the process, and all of our schools are at different stages of implementation. The impact is apparent K through 12 and the focus on all students reaching their potential has never been greater. A parent’s guide to RtI will be available for our families in the next couple of weeks. Look for it at your child’s building or at our website at alleganps.org.

Enough with the acronyms and technical jargon, I’ll simply close with: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Go Tigers!

Page 3

Dawson Heroes

Looking for a HERO? Look no further than Allegan’s Dawson Elementary! Using the acronym H.E.R.O., students at Dawson take a pledge to: H - be HELPFUL

to others E - strive for EDUCATION AL EXCEL LENCE R - show RESPECT for all O - take OWNER SHIP for their actions

Mrs. Sieber’s class made a replica of the Dawson Hero symbol out of orange solo cups!

Sammy Street & Dawson Principal Ron Orr

Heroes among us --

The Dawson Walkathon raised over $6,500 for school projects, but more importantly, students got to meet real community heroes such as firefighters, policemen, doctors, school administrators, high school sports stars, and more!

Right: Supergirl Savannah Beilfuss joins the AHS Tiger.

Far Right: State Police Trooper Cecil Vashaw with Amaris Young and Mateo Hanse.

Honoring our Veterans

Many of our schools held Veteran’s Day tributes to honor our vets.

Pictured are just a few of those celebrations.

In keeping with Dawson’s “Hero” theme, local service men and women heroes (photo above) were invited to attend a morning coffee and donuts where students and veterans recited the Pledge of Allegiance together! Dawson students (left) made patriotic cards to thank the veterans.

North Ward students (right) got to meet a real life G.I. Joe when Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Steward visited their classroom!

Page 4

Thanksgiving smiles . . .

Thanksgiving is a time for feasts, and also a time to give thanks!

Students in the Early Childhood program at Dawson Elementary learned about the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Indians!

Pine Trails students in Mrs. Penny’s 3rd grade class made “Thankful Pies” that included some of the many things they are thankful for, including family, food, and pets!

“You can’t catch me....I’m the Gingerbread Man!” Kindergarten students in Mrs. Nugent’s class made their own Gingerbread Men cookies after reading the story about this popular character.

They even made a HUGE Gingerbread Man who tried to hide from them!

Art Prize 2015

Students from many of our schools visited the Grand Rapids Art Prize this fall. What a treat for students to view original art from talented artists from the area. Some of the favorites from this year’s exhibits included the 3D sculpture “Zebras” (by Ruben Llano) shown with students from the Alternative High, and “Seasons” (artist Robin Protz) shown with Pine Trails Elementary students.

Page 5

Quiz Bowl

AHS wins tourney

(left to right) Cameron Pintarelli, Kierstin Baes, Caitlin Lambert, and Kali Hardy

Expectations are running high for this year’s AHS Varsity Quiz Bowl team, who were the reigning State Runners-Up from last year! The team attended a pre-season tournament at Holland High School in November, finishing 1st out of 14 teams.

This year’s team includes (left to right): veteran members Max Clark, Alex Perez, Joseph McClelland, Benjamin Andrews, Thomas Delor, and (in front) Kylah Larson.

From Orchard to Oven

Allegan High School’s Advance Food Science Class, along with the Life Skills Class, visited Crane’s Orchard in Fennville this fall, where they picked their own apples to be used in their very own “Farm to Table” experience! Students made apple butter and everyone’s favorite, apple pie!

Alt HS takes 1st!

Allegan Alt HS took first place in the 2015 West Michigan Alternative Ed Quiz Bowl Tournament in Spring Lake. This was the first time AAHS competed in the Quiz Bowl tournament against veteran teams throughout West Michigan.

As a result, AAHS will host next year’s tournament!

The team: Alayna VanHorn, Shaneebree Ballard, Jon Gasaway, Josh Carpenter, Meaghan Page, and Team Captain Mason Jilek.

Eric Eichinger and Rayanne Williams explore museum artifacts.

Poetry and Artifacts

Quidditch, anyone?

M s . C o n r a d ’s Children’s Lierature class held their annual Quidditch Cup 2015!

As part of a unit study on the popular Harry Potter fantasy series, they figured out how to play muggle quidditch and played in front of a good crowd at the high school.

Brooms up! (The Griffindor team, led by Chaser and lead scorer Gabbie Dame, beat the Slytherin team!)

Literary Competition

Christi Carlson

Congratulations to Christi Carlson and recent grad Mackenzie Sturman, winners in Connecticut’s Trumbull Arts Festival Literary Competition. Christi’s short story “Ride or Die” won honorable mention and Mackenzie’s poem “My Impeccable Journey to Flawlessness” won 1st place!

AHS writers gained inspiration from a visit to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, where they studied artifacts to write about. They also were visited in their classroom by acclaimed poet Elizabeth Kerlikowske, who discussed the writing process and offered revision advice as students readied their pieces for submission to the Artifactory Poetry Contest. This rich literary experience was funded by an Ed Foundation/Kaechele teacher mini-grant.

Allegan High School YEARBOOK Info: Pre-order your 2015-16 high school yearbook today! The cost of a yearbook is $63.60 (tax included). Go to www.jostensyearbooks.com or call 1-866-282-1516 to order with a check or credit card.

Senior portraits are due no later than January 15, 2016. Photos should be vertical, high-resolution digital photos submitted through email (jconrad@alleganps.org), on a USB drive, or on a CD. If you have any questions or need a recommendation for a photographer, please contact Ms. Conrad at the high school.

The yearbook staff can create ads to honor your student, a group of friends, a sports team, or a group involved in an extracurricular activity! Please contact Jennifer Conrad at the high school for more information, including ad sizes and prices.

Page 6

5th grade Camp

Kayla Dickerson and her “Picassolike” self portrait!

Right: Pine Trails 5th graders Delaynie Williams, Emma Ott, and Raynee Damber identify specimens they found in the pond.

All 5th graders look forward to their camp experience at the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center, where they enjoy sessions in archery, a reptile demonstration, a night hike, a pond experience, and a pioneer experience!

Picasso Portraits

6th graders in Ms. Hellmann’s Explore Class heard a story about the artist Pablo Picasso and then created their own unique portraits, using different facial features all mixed up. Explore Class at L.E.White Middle School, encompasses art, current events, games, and outdoor activities.

Creative Resume

Resumes come in all shapes and forms, as evidenced by this t-shirt resume by 6th grader Reanna Oisten, in Ms. Hellmann’s class.

The back of her t-shirt listed her experience as a Girl Scout and a caretaker for her brother, as well as her interest in cooking, building with Legos, and participation on volleyball and soccer teams!

Josh Bruins learns about snakes

Airplanes It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Super Sullivan Students! As part of their science unit on “Measuring Matters,” students in Mrs. Sullivan’s 2nd grade at West Ward Elementary built paper airplanes and then measured how far they would fly.

Jacob Lawson and Damien Davis consider their flight strategies!

“Hands On” Activities at North

Reanna Oisten

Everybody Salsa!

“Each Kindness”

North Ward 1st graders were lucky enough to visit with Jacqueline Woodson, who is the nation’s Poet Laureate, a multiple Newbery Honor winner, and is the author of “Each Kindness.” Her book, which is coupled with an anti-bullying ethos, inspired 1st graders to write letters to Maya, a character in the book, letting her know how they would treat her better if she came to North Ward. One student Author Jacqueline Woodson wrote, “When you smile at me, I will smile back.” Another wrote, “I would help Maya when she shows her little ball and jacks.”

North Ward 3rd and 4th graders made salsa from ingredients such as tomatoes and cilantro they harvested from the North Ward garden.

Lydia Lucas and Miki Ziemelis on chopping detail.

What’s Cookin?

Nothing smells better than the aroma of fresh bread baking! 4th graders, with a little guidance form Mrs. Winderbank-Lucas, bake bread from scratch every Thursday. They use their math, measuring, and reading skills as they follow a recipe.

Page 7

Theo Lange and Hayes Kavanagh slice the first loaf.

Mary Poppins AHS Drama performed “Mary Poppins” Nov. 1213-14...... It was a SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS show at the Allegan High School Performing Arts Center, as AHS Drama performed their delightful rendition of Disney’s musical “Mary Poppins”. Chimney sweeps and kite flyers proved that “A Spoonful of Sugar” makes everything better, and “Anything Can Happen” in this high-flying performance! The musical was directed by high school teacher Kim Sparks, and starred Emma Kasprzyk as Mary Poppins and Ezekiel Butcher as Bert.

Ecology in Action

Students in Ms. Eichbauer’s Ecology classes at AHS often take their classroom outside to study lessons in ecology. This fall they collected seeds for the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. Students collected 14 different native plant seeds that will be used at a preserve that was recently cleared of invasive plants. Indigo seed pods were brought back to school and the students removed seeds from the pods, saving the nonprofit over $500.

Devin Bradbury discovers a compound that burns with a pink flame.

Colorful Chemistry

Chemistry students in Ms. Eichbauer’s and Ms. Ward’s classes learned about the characteristic colors of chemicals. They tested known compounds for their identifying color when burned in a flame. These compounds are chosen to color fireworks and campfire sticks.

Reptiles Invade AHS... (again)

Above: Freshman Katie Heusser holds a bearded dragon.

Right: Freshman Aaron Hale with an albino corn snake.

Thanks to an Ed Foundation minigrant, Dave Critchlow, owner of Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary, brought numerous reptiles into English classes as a unique motivator of student writing. Up-close scrutiny allowed AHS authors to familiarize themselves with these scaley critters, and the result was the creation of some top-notch Exchange student Laura Stahlhut holds a friendly alligator. poetry, burgeoning with sensory detail and figurative language. This live animal, interactive exhibit included albino corn snakes, a 70-pound tortoise, lizards, and numerous alligators, as well as a herpetological lecture.

Page 8

Allegan Band “Notes” Successful Marching Band Season -- Another marching band season is in the books! A superb 3rd place finish at State with their 2015 show “Russian Dreams”.

Middle School Solo & Ensemble -- Kudos to this year’s participants: Receiving top (I) ratings were Olivia Williams (piano solo); Kenidy Allen and Logan Van Horn (clarinet duet); Stephen Pierce (clarinet solo); Stephen Pierce and Sean Dewey (clarinet duet); Jillian LaJoice and Kiersten Osborn (flute duet); Noah Festerling (trumpet solo); Matthew Duron (trumpet solo); Noah Festerling and Matthew Duron (trumpet duet); David Bosma (snare drum solo) received a II rating.

Interested in joining band? -- Here are some things you should know: You can join band during any grade! We start by introducing band to the 5th graders by presenting them with a concert performed by the 6th grade band in the spring. We also hold an “instrument petting zoo” where students get to try out various instruments. Students who are interested in band, but don’t yet want to make the investment to purchase an instrument, can rent instruments from Meyer Music. Cost is approximately $30 per month. In May, Ms. Mack visits each elementary school weekly to teach 5th graders that are learning an instrument. Then in 6th grade, students can take band class every day and they perform in three concerts. In 7th and 8th grade, band students have the opportunity to perform at three concerts, two Solo & Ensemble festivals, and MSBOA District Band Festival. In high school band, students can become part of our competitive marching band (competing at four MCBA competitions), perform at Friday night football and basketball games, and march in local parades. Our high school symphonic band performs three concerts, participates in MSBOA District and State Solo & Ensemble and Festivals as well as District Band Festival. If you have any questions about any of Allegan bands, please contact Director of Bands, Andrea Mack at (269) 673-7002, ext. 5789 or email amack@alleganps.org.

Upcoming Band Dates: Sat., Jan 30 - HS Solo & Ensemble Tues., Feb 16 - HS & MS Band Concert (PAC 7 pm) Tues., May 10 - Band Concert (6th grade band and MS concert band) (PAC 7 pm)

Holiday Band Concert Tues., Dec. 15 - (7 pm)

in the Performing Arts Center

HS Symphonic Band & MS Symphonic Band

Dont forget: Poinsettia delivery!

Medieval Christmas Concert (song, dance, and comedy) December 10 (7 p.m. in the P.A.C.) Free Admission!

Other Upcoming Choir Dates:

♪♪ January 21 - Allegan Chamber Choir performs as the demonstration choir for the 2nd Annual Choral Conducting Symposium, as part of the 2016 Michigan Music Conference in the Amway Grand Plaza ♪♪ January 21-23 - State Honors Choir in GR ♪♪ February 6 - MSVMA Solo & Ensemble at GVSU ♪♪ February 17 & 18 - HS District Choral Festival in West Ottawa ♪♪ March 2 & 3 - MS District Choral Festival in West Ottawa ♪♪ March 24 - Southwestern Michigan Vocal Festival at WMU’s Miller Auditorium

Vocalists Alester Panjikaran, Brianna Price, and Dontae Havinga-Hamilton were recently selected by audition to participate in MSVMA Regional Honors Choir! Allester and Dontae were also selected into the prestigious MSVMA State Honors Choir!

Congrats to these fine vocalists!!!!

Congratulations to the Women of Treble and Chamber Choirs on their fine performance on November 19.

The choirs were invited and performed at the St. Mary’s College Women’s Choir Festival in Notre Dame.

Page 9

Allegan Athletics by: Matt Stofer, Athletic Director As we approach the holiday season and winter sporting events get started, here’s a look back at the fall season with team successes (highlighted by AHS first ever District Championship in boys soccer) and individual accomplishments (highlighted by Erin Isola’s State Championship in Diving, the school’s first state title in Swimming & Diving): TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: BOYS SOCCER: District Champs (1st in school history) GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING: 14th at D-3 State Finals BOYS TENNIS: Wolverine Conference Champs; 10th at D-3 State Finals INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS: BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Nate Passorelli (All-Conference, State Qualifer) FOOTBALL: Dustin Schneider (2nd Team All-Conference Offensive & Defensive Line); Jeff Calderona (Honorable Mention Offensive & Defensive Line).

GIRLS GOLF: Anna Southwick (All-Conference); Kara Dangremond (All-Conference); Head Coach Steve Angle (Conference Coach-of-the-Year) VOLLEYBALL: Jaime Scane (2nd Team All-Conference); CC Cerven (Honorable Mention All-Conference).

BOYS SOCCER: Dawit Osburne (All-Conference, All-District, All-Regional, 3rd Team All-State); Andrew Delpiere (2nd Team All-Conference, All-District, All-Regional, Honorable Mention All-State); Francisco Mosquera (Honorable Mention All-Conference, All-District); Joey Orr (Honorable Mention All-Conference, All-District); Zach Bunn (All-District); Douglas Reyes (All-District); Matt TerAvest (All-District); Brandon Clement (All-District); Head Coach Roberto Gonzalez (District Coach-of-the-Year)

er); Peyton Lake (All-Confernce, State Qualifier, New School Record 200 IM); Mary Hartman (All-Confernce, State Qualifier, New School Record 200 Free & 500 Free).

BOYS TENNIS: Brody Carns (Honorable Mention All-Conference); Brandon Day (2nd Team All-Conference); Alex Babbitt (2nd Team All-Conference); Kody Harrington (AllConference); Rielly Meade (All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State); Jack Sturman (All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State); Thomas Voglewede (All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State); Tyler Corbett (All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-State); Jared Krug (All-Conference); Ethan Hill (All-Conference); Zac Sisson (2nd Team All-Conference); Zeke Carter (All-Conference); Head Coach Gary Ellis (Conference Coach-of-the-Year).

Meet the New Coaches: Josh Lucas - Varsity Football

Josh Lucas has just completed his first season at AHS as head football coach, and P.E. teacher at Allegan High School. He is a graduate of GVSU and previously was a varsity assistant coach at Zeeland East High School. With his first season under his belt, Josh is already looking toward next year and his plans for developing a football program in Allegan. He states, “My first season here in Allegan was a great stepping stone into the future. The seniors really bought in to the new system and helped create a new direction for our football program to be successful.

We will start our off-season lifting and running after Christmas Break, which will have a huge impact on our football season next year. The future looks bright for Allegan Tiger Football!”

Matt Haack - Varsity Boys Basketball

Matt Haack is a new science teacher at Allegan High School and is also the new boys varsity basketball coach. He holds degrees from U-M, EMU, and Montana State University and has coached various levels of basketball, lacrosse, and football. Regarding the new basketball season, which began last week, Matt states, “While our team is short on varsity experience we do have a group of young men that have a high basketball I.Q. and are pushing each other to improve with each day of practice.

As a coach, I am thrilled to be here at AHS and have been very thankful for all of the support our program has already received.

Go Tigers!”

Josh Holman - Varsity Girls Basketball

New head coach Josh Holman has experience coaching boys basketball at Lawton and Bloomingdale high schools. He played basketball at Mattawan High School and Olivet College and GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING: Gabbie Dame (All-Confergraduated from WMU with a degree in Business ence, State Qualifier, New School Record 100 Free); Erin and Recreation Management and P.E. He is curIsola (All-Conference, All-State, State Champion Diving, rent a field sales manager for Samsung. Josh is looking forward New School Record 11 Dive); Bre Price (All-Conference, All- to the upcoming season, stating, “ We have a great group of girls State, New School Record 6 Dive); McKenzie Schuehle (All- that comes to work hard every day. They have a unique chemistry Conference, State Qualifier); Brooke Kuter (All-Confernce, and they challenge one another to get better with each practice and State Qualifier); Jana Patmos (All-Confernce, State Qualifi- game!”

Page 10

New Staff at APS:

Tarin Abraham MS Teacher

Jared Weber MS teacher

Jessica Masek School Psychologist

Geoff Nash WW Teacher

Kay Scharlow MS teacher

Rebecca Calvert MS Teacher

Hailey Fusco MS teacher

Heather Stormzand Tigers Den Preschool Assistant

Heather Burd Tigers Den Daycare Assistant

Rebecca Whisler Adult Ed Teacher

Amy Davis Athletic Secretary

Victory Miller Noon Supv. NW

MET Class

April Hadder Noon Supv. NW

Katie Kelley Noon Supv. NW

Wanted:

Also collecting: empty ketchup bottles and scrapbook paper clippings!

New or Used Frames (with or without glass) that can be gifted to our students to use for framing their artwork! Any size is welcome, but 16x20 or larger really works well with most art projects!

Contact North Ward Elementary 673-6003 or Kim Licavoli (x3226).

Elementary students are challenged with enrichment activities that incorporate technology into learning during MET (Math & ELA Technology) class.

4th graders were learning about lines, angles, and polygons in math class.

They made a maze on their iPads and then had to physically create the maze using those items.

William Ruiz and Tristyn Basto work on creating their maze.

Left to right: Student Council Members Lacie Crisman, Hailey Fuller, AnnLea VanderPloeg, Ryan Davis, Lilly DeLong, Austin Zoch, Noah Cabrera, with Principal Jaym Abraham, and Grand Representative Bret Mallory.

A “Grand� Donation

Car dealership Grand-Allegan donated to help send all Pine Trails students to the Regent Theater to see the movie The Polar Express on December 18th. Pine Trails Student Council also donated so all students could attend.

Page 11

Selected to help in costume with the Brainstormers, were: Chanel Castillo (5th grade), Alaina Letts (1st grade) and Max Wilson (1st grade).

West Ward kindergartners Ashelyn Long, Arynn Lugo, Finn Gillies, Aubrey Fulton join their teacher, Mrs. Amy Rogers in their best 50’s attire!

Brainstormers Assembly

50th Day = 50’s Day

Makerspace

Swimming Lessons

Dawson Elementary students were treated to an outstanding interactive assembly put on the Brainstormers! This group entertained students while teaching them about Persuasive Letters, Personal Narratives, and Creative Fictional Stories. We look forward to their return in March to celebrate our Young Authors. Thank you to the Dawson PTO for providing this assembly!

Meeting monthly, the North Ward Makerspace Club is for 1st-4th graders The Club, which currently has about 28 participants, is an opportunity for students to create, invent, and learn through various hands-on activities. In the first few meetings, students created marble runs on the library walls (out of recycled materials), built LEGO buildings to test against earthquake damage, and created LEGO racers. Next up in December, the students will be putting together LED cards. Contact Julie Ziemelis at Allegan High School (ext. 5093) or Lisa Heyboer at North Ward Elementary (ext. 3223) if you have questions about this fun club.

Mrs. Rogers’ kindergarten class at West Ward Elementary celebrated the 50th Day of School in style, by having “Fifties Day” in their classroom! They dusted off their poodle skirts, danced in a sock hop, drank root beer floats, honed their hoola hoop skills, went bowling and played hopscotch, and even held a bubble blowing contest. Many of their activities were centered around counting activities, but all activities were centered around FUN!

All 3rd graders in the Allegan district get the opportunity to participate in swim instruction through their regular physical education program. Shown are Pine Trails students learning swimming and diving techniques from swim instructor Kevin Gilligan. Above: Carter Southwick dives in; and Right: Alex Juarez-Cano practices his swim strokes.

Page 12

6th grader Haley Olson and 8th graders Thomas Langschied and Tara Grauman present the monarch butterfly they created.

Monarchs and Sugar Skulls

6th grader Ally Brown shows off her sugar cookie decoration.

6th graders explore the Dunes!

The Middle School Spanish Club students learned about the Monarch butterfly and participated in a symbolic “migration” to Mexico which included the creation of a Monarch butterfly and writing a letter in Spanish. They also learned about the holiday “Day of the Dead” by decorating sugar skull cookies and viewing the movie “Book of Life” while eating sugar skulls.

Free Preschool “Play & Learn” Dec 16 (6-7 pm) Pine Trails Jan 19 (6-7 pm) North Ward Feb 16 (6-7 pm) West Ward March 15 (6-7 pm) Dawson

Sierra Raab and Alexis Neff enjoying the ride!

6th graders at L.E.White Middle School recently enjoyed an outing exploring the Saugatuck Dunes, where they hiked to Lake Michigan, rode dune buggies, and had a picnic lunch, all while learning about the science of the dunes, weathering, and erosion.

Preschool “Play & Learn” Nights If you are the parent of a preschooler age 0-5, these Play & Learn nights are designed especially for you! The next one is Tuesday, December 15, from 6-7 p.m. at Pine Trails Elementary, followed by January 19 at North Ward. Contact Great Start Family Coach Holly Dowd for more information 673-7002 (ext. 3021), hdowd@alleganps.org.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) and Total Trek Quest (TTQ) These two fun, high-energy programs designed to promote health and wellness, are in full swing at Allegan Public Schools!

GIRLS ON THE RUN has had a chapter in Allegan now for nine years, with programs running at all four elementary buildings.

TOTAL TREK QUEST for boys is new this year, offered at North Ward and West Ward Elementaries so far. Both programs’ goals are not only to promote fitness, but also to improve self-esteem, create social bonds, and prevent high risk behaviors through the process of training for a 5k race. Both programs were featured at a recent Board of Education meeting, where students involved were given an opportunity to share why the programs were so important to them. A big THANKS goes to the staff and parent volunteers who support these two worthwhile programs!

Above: Nora Spreitzer, Sage Scripps, and Isabelle Antoine spoke about GOTR at a recent school board meeting.

Page 13

Allegan Public Schools and Adult Education

Meeting students’ educational needs in a variety of ways

ALLEGAN ONLINE

Allegan Public Schools Online School

Offering FREE online classes towards an Allegan Public Schools High School Diploma.

Allegan Adult Education

Monday & Wednesday 9 AM – 7 PM Tuesday & Thursday 9 AM – 5 PM Friday 9 AM – 12 PM

Offering FREE classes towards a High School Diploma or GED Certificate

Official GED Testing Schedule

Open to students in grades 6 - 12 who qualify.

Official GED Testing Center

Computer lab open 5 days a week for test taking & academic help.

Open to students ages 17 and up.

Any Time * Any Place * Any Pace

Convenient Class / Lab Times:

Enrolling Now!

Allegan Alternative High School There is always something special going on at the Alternative High School. Besides boasting a small teacher to student ratio, the dedicated staff at Allegan Alternative High is continually developing new ways to diversify learning methods for their students. The use of technology and positive behavior programs are some of their key tools, and this fall students had the opportunity to participate in the following activities: Fall Olympics, a Red Cross Blood Drive, Spirit Week dress-up days, “Eagle Events,” a presentation by the poetry-reading group “Diatribe,” mental health first aid training put on by Allegan County Mental Health professionals, and their Quiz Bowl team took first place in a recent tournament! Check out their new web page, as well as their Facebook Page.

The Allegan Alternative High School recently received a $6,000 grant from The Delano Foundation to help fund their MindBody-Spirit Initiative!

Funds will be used for guest artists/speakers, extracurriculars, field trips, and our All-School reading event.

The Alt HS staff shown here with the “Fresh Food Fairy” who visited during Open House as as part of their Mind-Body-Spirit Initiative.

Page 14

Located in the Learning Center (lower level of the APS Administration Building, 550 Fifth Street, Allegan MI)

www.alleganps.org

“Another choice...Another chance”

Mind-Body-Spirit

Wed, 3 PM - 6 PM Fri. 9 AM - 12 PM

Questions?

Call (269) 673-5431 Brenda Nyhof (x3022) bnyhof@alleganps.org or Sue Chappell (x3054) schappell@alleganps. org

Pool Fun Night fundraiser for ATAC

Friday, Dec. 18 (6-9 pm)

Admission $5 and includes free movie “Home Alone”

Allegan Youth Baseball

Winter Camp 2015 - ages 8-15

Dec. 21-22-23 (10 am-1 pm) Cost $25 per player - To register contact Matt Wendt (269) 686-6015

Youth Baseball Sign-ups (at high school)

Jan 23, Jan 28, Feb 6 See alleganyouthbaseball.com for details

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).

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2nd grader Lucy Carpenter

Tree Trimming!

3rd grader Ethan Wedge

Students from West Ward Elementary helped make the Christmas tree at the Admin building look festive with hand-made ornaments. Big thanks to teacher Penny Bishop and her crew for organizing this tree trimming venture!

Attention High School 10th graders-The first year of Early College Allegan County (ECAC) is underway and recruitment is starting for the next class of students. This year there are 40 students from Allegan County enrolled in this program, 10 of which are from Allegan Public Schools. ECAC allows students to earn their high school diploma AND earn an Associates Degree at the same time, while adding a 13th year to their high school careers. Students attend free college classes at the Tech Center and they will earn 9 college credits per semester from Lake Michigan College in the area of Business Associate or Associate of Arts programs. To learn more about how your student can take advantage of this free program, please attend the informational meeting at AHS on January 13, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. ECAC is a cooperative program between Allegan Public Schools, the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency (AAESA), and Lake Michigan College.

THE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF APS is hosting another C.O.D.E. Orange Event:

Friday, January 8 (AHS gym) MVE “Most Valuable Educator” Night Basketball double header (girls’ varsity, followed by boys’ varsity games) ◊ In between games, Senior athletes from boys and girls teams will be recognizing their “most valuable educator” from their experience at APS. ◊ Your CODE Orange 2015 t-shirt will get you into the game for free! (T-shirts will be available at the door for purchase for $10, if you don’t already have one) Show your support of Allegan Schools and the Allegan community and come watch our sports teams as they pay tribute to their favorite teacher, coach, principal, or other school influence!