School Matters
L ATE FA L L 2014
INSIDE the NEW
STEM ACADEMY
– Story on Page 6 –
“TOWN HALL” MEETING DATES ANNOUNCED See Page 2 for list of building dates. All meetings are at 6:00 p.m.
SUPERINTENDENT’S VIEWPOINT by Susan Wakefield, Superintendent
Thank You for Your Support
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lainwell Community Schools has always had the benefit of incredible community support. That support comes through in many ways from Boosters to Parent Clubs to the Education Foundation to volunteers in classrooms and voters at the ballot box. So much of what we are able to accomplish is due to this outpouring of time and energy and devotion to the students in this community. It is greatly appreciated. As in any organization, there is value in assessing where we are and where we want to be. This is a current point of focus for our schools. The very best way to make this assessment is through deliberate efforts to seek input from all stakeholders. While we have processes in place to do this internally in our district, we are expanding our means to gather this input from our families. We are doing this both at the building and district levels. In the near future, we will be holding “town hall” meetings at each building. The dates are listed below and will be announced on our website, through social media, and in Principal newsletters. These meetings are open to all parents and staff and we sincerely hope you will be able to join us. The format will be an informal Q & A and discussion time about any pertinent topics.
Town Hall Meetings Please Join Us! Gilkey November 20 PMS November 24 RHS December 2 Cooper December 3 PHS December 4 Starr December 11 All meetings are at 6 p.m. 2
A second avenue for parental input is the Parent Advisory Committee. This committee meets the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Administration Building. While these meetings are open to all parents, we are looking for a minimum of 4 parents from each building to serve as standing members on this committee. If you are interested in serving as a parent representative for a particular building, please contact me at swakefield@plainwellschools. org or at 685-5823. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25 at 6 p.m. Finally, I need to pass along a thank you from Mark Dobias, AAESA Superintendent. At a meeting last week, he thanked me (which is really all of you) for the tremendous support of Plainwell voters for both the Special Education millage and the Vocational/Technical millage in the recent election on November 4. Our students will once again benefit from the generous giving of this community. I hope to see you soon at our upcoming meetings. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season. n
2014-15 CALENDAR November 21
1/2 Day - All Students End of 1st Trimester
November 26 NO SCHOOL
November 27-28
THANKSGIVING BREAK
December 22- January 2 HOLIDAY BREAK
February 20
1/2 Day - All Students
February 23 NO SCHOOL
March 11
1/2 Day - All Students End of 2nd Trimester
April 3
NO SCHOOL
April 6-10
SPRING BREAK
May 25
NO SCHOOL
June 5
1/2 Day - All Students LAST DAY OF SCHOOL End of 3rd Trimester
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FOCUS ON CURRICULUM by Bob Van Dis, Director of Curriculum
Statewide MEAP and MME Testing Changes
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f you’re a parent of a student of a certain age, you may have noticed there was no MEAP frenzy this past October. A frenzy of things such as the school urging your child to get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast on testing days (as if a bad night’s sleep and skipping breakfast would be just fine on a normal school day!). The reason for the relatively peaceful October is that the MEAP tests are moving from fall to spring this year. MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) tests are given each year to students in grades 3 though 8. MME (Michigan Merit Exam) tests are given each year to students in grade 11. The purposes of these tests are to 1) meet the federal law that all states test students in grades 3-8 and 11 as a condition for receiving federal funds, 2) provide information to schools on their student’s attainment of state standards, 3) meet the state law holding schools accountable for student achievement and improvement, and 4) provide all Michigan students with a college readiness test and workplace readiness test. MEAP at grades 3-8 will see three major changes this school year. First, the test will move from the fall to the spring. This means that students will be tested on current year materials. Second, the tests will be taken online.
This will allow us more flexibility to schedule the tests as well as to get results back sooner. Third, the test is being completely redone to assess the new Michigan standards adopted in June of 2010 by the legislature. MME at grade 11 used to contain three parts: 1) the ACT College Readiness Test, 2) the WorkKeys workplace readiness test, and 3) a set of “Michigan added” items. The added items were to assess those Michigan standards not tested by ACT or WorkKeys. This past June, the state legislature passed a law directing the state department of education to develop a brand new MEAP test for grade 11 that will assess Michigan’s new standards in English Language Arts (reading and writing), Math, Science, and Social Studies. Like grades 3-8, the grade 11 MEAP tests will be done online. In addition to the new grade 11 MEAP, an older state law still requires a college readiness test and a workplace readiness test for 11th graders. These two laws will greatly increase the amount of testing required for our juniors this year. Like all Michigan high schools, we will seek to schedule this in a way that will avoid an inordinate loss of instructional time. None of these new tests have been written yet. It is frustrating for teachers and adminis-
trators to try to prepare students for a test that no one has seen. But, on the bright side, no one can be accused of “teaching to the test!” Nonetheless, we are confident that Plainwell students will do well on these tests given our aligned curriculum, excellent instruction, and caring, committed teachers. n
2014-15 Statewide Testing Schedule March 2 • ACT College Readiness Grade 11
March 3 • WorkKeys Grade 11
April 13 - May 29 • MEAP ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies Grade 11
April 13 - May 1 • MEAP ELA, Math & Social Studies Grades 5 and 8
April 27 - May 15 • MEAP ELA, Math, and Science Grades 4 and 7
May 18 - May 29 • MEAP ELA and Math Grades 3 and 6
RECENT AWARDS & HONORS Plainwell High School Recognized as One of Nation’s Top High Schools
PCS Ranked #43 in State Plainwell Community Schools has been ranked #43 in the state of Michigan and given an overall grade of A- by the 2015 Niche Rankings for K-12 school districts. For more information, visit www.k12.niche.com/d/plainwell-community-schools-mi/
PCS Receives Communication Awards Plainwell Community Schools has been named a winner in the annual Michigan Public Relations Association (MSPRA) Communications Contest. PCS received an award of Commendable for both the PCS Website and the quarterly newsletter, School Matters.
For the second year in a row, Plainwell High School has been chosen as one of The Daily Beast’s (a former component of Newsweek Magazine) Top High Schools in America. PHS is #648 out of a total 735 schools ranked nationwide. In 2013, PHS was ranked #1,568 out of 2,000 Best High Schools in America by Newsweek and The Daily Beast.
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DISTRICT NEWS
Plainwell Education Foundation Distributes Mini-Grants
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t the Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 3, the Plainwell Education Foundation gifted $11,445 of their much-appreciated mini-grants to 38 Plainwell educators. These mini-grants are used to enhance classroom learning experience, extracurricular activities, tools for technology and field trips. Front Row (L to R): Marilyn Hess, John Pettit, Tammie Vick, Rene Perrin, Katie Smith, Laura Adams. Standing (L to R): Chris Stevens, Kim Deal, David Clark, Desirae Pierce, Geri Macklin, Jason Herbert, Courtney Diebold, Chad Boender, Kyra Wynne, Charlie Wynne, with the Plainwell Education Foundation’s Lindsay Marshall and Beth Hampsten.
Plainwell Performing Arts Center
INFINITE CAMPUS UPDATE
2014 HOLIDAY SEASON
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Wednesday, December 3
Starr Elementary Winter Concert
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 4
Cooper Elementary Winter Concert
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9
Gilkey Elementary Winter Concert
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10
6th Grade Winter Choir Concert
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10
7th & 8th Grade Winter Choir Concert
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 11
7th & 8th Grade Winter Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 17
PHS Holiday Spectrum Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 18
PHS Holiday Choir Concert
7:00 p.m.
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CS thanks you for your patience with the Infinite Campus roll out this fall. The tech department is getting very close to opening up the portal for middle school and high school parents. Please watch for more details coming soon via School Messenger, the website, and social media.
SCHOOL NEWS
Gilkey Elementary School Honors Veterans
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n Monday, November 10, Gilkey Elementary opened its doors to honor all those who have fought for this country and this community. Lt. Col. Joseph Noto and the Color Guard from the Michigan Air National Guard were on hand to oversee this honors assembly. Gilkey students shared photos of family members and friends who have or currently are serving in the armed forces. The school was filled with song, poetry, artwork and a deep sense of gratitude. Thank you, veterans!
Cooper Creates Recycled Book Characters
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rs. Widman at the Cooper Library had a great idea for a project to jump start the literary year at Cooper! What if K-2nd grade students would volunteer to create characters from their favorite books and bring them to school to share them with other students? 62 children did just that! Kids used milk jugs, soda bottles, boxes, styrofoam and much more to create these adorable works of art. They remained on display in the library throughout parent/teacher conferences.
Starr Unites Against Bullying, Embraces Perfect Attendance
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tarr Elementary was a sea of orange in support of Unity Day = Unite Against Bullying, on Wednesday, October 22. Students and staff made pledges against bullying, sang songs and watched a video featuring Starr’s students! This year, “Perfect Attendance” is on everyone’s mind as there is a bike to win at the end of the year! Students have already received dog tags and have their name hanging from the ceiling in our tree hallway. It has been fun seeing the excitement on the faces of the students that received perfect attendance for September and October. Remember…each month is a fresh start. Our goal is EVERY child, EVERY seat, EVERY day, ARRIVING ON TIME!
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SCHOOL NEWS
The Michigan Exploration class explores the Kalamazoo River by kayak.
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ew this year to Plainwell Middle School, the STEM Academy offers 6th, 7th and 8th graders a wide range of science, technology, engineering, and math educational experiences. The STEM Academy is a “school within a school”, expanding on a high level of student participation in existing middle school programs in robotics, bridge building and aviation. The academy has project-based learning in aeronautics and rocketry, materials science, computer mapping with Geographic Information Systems, beginning coding, engineering design, art and STEM focused language arts. The STEM Academy is designed to provide students with opportunities to research, problem solve, design, innovate and create in a collaborative learning environment integrated with technology. STEM Academy partners include: • West Michigan Flight Academy, sponsor of aeronautics program and flight school • Western Michigan University Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Pipp Foundation of Plainwell, sponsors of the Lego robotics program • Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, sponsor of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources program “Salmon in the Classroom” • The Education Department at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, supervising ecology field research projects • Kalamazoo Nature Center, supervising water sampling training • American Society of Materials, sponsoring materials sciences training and materials for teachers • Michigan Space Grant, funding for teacher training and travel
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The STEM Academy provides collaborative learning opportunities daily.
MSU/KBS’ Andy Booms shared his experience researching hyenas in Kenya.
• US Naval Academy, sponsor of Set Sail and Sea Perch programs for engineering and underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) • Michigan Department of Transportation, sponsor of TRAC (Transportation and Civil Engineering) programs, including bridge building and CAD applications • ESRI, sponsor of teacher/student training in ArcGIS, mapping and data analysis for students • Michigan State University/Kellogg Biological Station, longtime educational partner
with Plainwell Community Schools in ecology, biology and science education New core courses in STEM and Language Arts, and exploratory courses in robotics, design and tinkering will give middle school students the opportunity to learn by doing, and start them on a path designed to equip them for careers of the future. Visit the STEM Academy web page on the Plainwell Middle School website for more news and photos. n
MICHIGAN EXPLORATION O
ne of the new exploratory classes this year at Plainwell Middle School is Michigan Exploration. This new 8th grade trimester class is taught by Mr. Herbert. The purpose of having a Michigan Exploration class is to provide an additional opportunity to build social studies knowledge specific to history and geography. This class will provide a project-based learning environment focused on critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration, all 21st century workplace skills. The following are goals and objectives for this class:
• Students will explore Michigan’s history from prehistory to statehood.
• Students will learn map skills to explore interesting places around Michigan.
• Students will create a Michigan marketing project.
• Students will explore legends about Michigan and write their own legend.
• Students will learn about what’s under our state (geology) and how it was formed.
• Students will learn about the Michigan’s natural resources.
• Students will learn about how the City of Plainwell came to be established.
• Students will be involved in an activity related to a Michigan recreational sport.
The first trimester’s experiential activity was kayaking. This activity provided opportunities for students to understand how early explorers used the rivers to transport people and materials. Students learned navigation skills and had opportunities for problem solving and collaboration.
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M U S I C D E P T. N E W S
PHS Marching Band Ends Another Year on High Note Otsego Band Invitational: 2nd Place and Best Percussion Lakeshore Band Invitational: 2nd Place and Best Percussion and Best Marching and Awards of Excellence in Music, Marching, Percussion, and Auxiliary MSBOA District XI Marching Band Festival: Division I (Superior) Rating Jenison Band Invitational: 2nd Place and Best Percussion and Best Marching
Congratulations to PMS Regional Honors Band Students
Congratulations to PHS Regional Honors Choir Students
Front (L to R): Tessa Vann (trumpet, 7th grade), Callie Smith (tuba, 7th grade). Seated (L to R): Grace Doerr (french horn, 7th grade), Emma Cushman (clarinet, 8th grade), Cameron Butler (tenor sax, 8th grade), Devin Nelson (percussion, 7th grade), Lauren VanLent (trombone, 8th grade), Emma Harris (flute, 7th grade), and Lauren Rose (bassoon, 8th grade).
Congratulations to PHS Concert Choir students, Luke Woltanski (’16) and Ricky LaDuke (’15), on being named to the 2014 Michigan School Vocal Music Association’s Regional Honors Choir. This is the third year in a row that Ricky LaDuke was selected. The students will perform at Western Michigan University on December 6, 2014.
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SAFE & PLAINWELL CORNERS PRESCHOOL
Plainwell Corners Preschool & Daycare: Prepares your child for success!
A preschool offering a developmentally appropriate and fun curriculum (including Handwriting Without Tears) designed for toilet-trained children who are 3 or 4-years old. Open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Early Childhood Education Center, 307 E. Plainwell Street (next to Hicks Gym) for a $135 weekly rate or $37 daily rate. Plainwell Corners also offers a half-day (8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.) rate. Half-day sessions for 3-year-olds are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays for $125/monthly. Half-day sessions for 4-year-olds are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays for $180/ monthly.
SAFE: Before & after school care for your child! A before and after school program providing a place to make friends and enjoy recreational activities, available for children from all three Plainwell elementary schools. Open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Gilkey and Starr SAFE meet at their own schools in the morning and are combined at Starr in the afternoon. Cooper SAFE will be held at Cooper. Rates are posted online.
Check us out at www.plainwellschools.org > Services > Preschool & Daycare or call 269.685.3103 for more information. We qualify for childcare tax credits, accept DHS payments and we are approved for Flex reimbursement.
Welcome Becky Huberty, Plainwell Schools’ New Great Parents Great Start Coach! Hello, Plainwell! My name is Becky Huberty and I am so excited to be the new Great Parents, Great Start Coach at Plainwell Schools. I have lived in the district for nine years and my husband, Brian, and I have three little girls that attend Starr Elementary. As a former teacher, I am thrilled to share my knowledge with families in the community and to connect them with resources through the Allegan County Area Educational Service Agency (AAESA). My goal is to help ALL children (ages 0 to 5) have a successful future at Plainwell Community Schools. In my spare time, I enjoy writing young adult novels, two of which are published under my pen name, RL Stoll. I am also active at Northbridge Church with my family and I teach writing workshops at Design Street. I love to read, swim and travel. If you have any questions, concerns or need additional resources, please contact me at 685-5835, ext. 1108; email rhuberty@plainwellschools.org, or visit me in room #105 at Starr Elementary.
UPCOMING EVENTS: December 16 • 10-11:30am
January 20 • 10-11:30am
“Winter Workshop”
“Llama Llama Mad at Mama”
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear...”
Children 5 & under are invited to make snowflakes, play in real snow indoors (!) and to interact with other Little Trojans in a safe and structured environment. Each child will receive a FREE book and snack. Join us in room #105 at Starr Elementary for some winter fun!
Children 5 & under are invited to learn about different emotions and how to handle them. They will also interact with other Little Trojans in a safe and structured environment. Each child will receive a FREE book and snack. Join us in room #105 at Starr Elementary for some winter fun!
Children 5 & under are invited to learn their colors and the names and sounds of various animals. They will also interact with other Little Trojans in a safe and structured environment. Each child will receive a FREE book and snack. Join us in room #105 at Starr Elementary for some winter fun!
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February 17 • 10-11:30am
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Photo/Becky Howrigon
AT H L E T I C N E W S
Congratulations to the 2014 PHS Varsity Football Team Wolverine Conference - East Division Champions 5-0 East Division, 8-2 Overall
Coach Conklin Named Wolverine Conference East Division 2014 Coach of the Year
Congratulations to PHS’s head football coach, Darren Conklin, for being chosen as the Wolverine Conference East Division Coach of the Year for 2014.
Congratulations to the 2014 PHS Varsity Boys Soccer Team Wolverine Conference - East Division Champions 5-0 East Division, 18-6 Overall MHSAA Division 2 District Champions
Congratulations to the 2014 PHS Varsity Girls Golf Team Wolverine Conference - Co-Champions W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
Coach Conklin will be honored at the annual Wolverine Conference Banquet held at Western Michigan University’s Fetzer Center on Wednesday, November 19, 2014.
Five student athletes from Plainwell High School were among the 300 students who recently attended the MHSAA Sportsmanship Workshop in Grand Rapids. Attending for PHS were Mia Parker, Lauren Stefl, Trent Monroe, Shelby Hawkes, and Sara White.
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C O M M U N I T Y E D U C AT I O N & R E C R E AT I O N
PCS POOL SCHEDULE WINTER ‘14 Attention! The pool will be closed on the following dates: Thurs., Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving Wed. & Thurs., Dec. 24 & 25 Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Wed. & Thurs., Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 New Years Eve & New Years Day NOTE: Open Swim Time Change Friday & Saturday Nights • 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Lap Swim
High school students & adults only.
$3 per person or pass
Morning Lap Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 6-7:00 a.m.
Noon Lap Monday-Friday • 12 -1:00 p.m.
Evening Lap Tuesday & Wednesday • 7-8:00 p.m. _____________________
Pool Passes
for Lap/Open Swim Only
Pool passes are available for purchase at the pool.
40 Visits • $60 20 Visits • $32 10 Visits • $18 _____________________
Open Swim
Open swim is for all ages.
Friday and Saturday Nights • 7:30-9 p.m. $3 per person, $5 per family
A Note from the Recreation Director
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s winter approaches it is time again to turn our attention toward our indoor Plainwell Recreation Programs. Junior Spikers Volleyball and Little Kickers Soccer are up and running with over 70 kids involved in each program. The popular Junior Hoopsters Basketball will begin in December. There are many opportunities for our elementary and middle school students to be involved in recreational activities. Thanks to the many coaches and assistants that are helping with these programs. A BIG thank you to the Plainwell Education Foundation who, through their mini-grant offering, has purchased two drop-in adjustable basketball rims for our Junior Hoopsters Program. These rims will allow flexibility in scheduling games and practices in various gyms. The middle school physical education program will be able to use them too. Thanks Plainwell Education Foundation! We are always interested in new ideas for programs and appreciate your feedback. If you have suggestions, please contact me. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Hope to see you in the gym cheering on your favorite team!
Cancellation Policy At times, it may be necessary to cancel our Plainwell Recreation Activities. Here is the procedure for doing so and the way in which you will be notified. Weeknight Activities If school is cancelled for the day or dismissed early due to severe weather, the Plainwell Recreation Activities will be cancelled for that day and evening as well. If severe weather arises after the school day is complete and it becomes necessary to cancel the evening activities, the recreation director will notify the coaches and team members/families via email and/or a School Messenger message. The coaches will be encouraged to have a system in place to notify team members and families as well. The information will also be posted on the Plainwell Community Recreation website. Weekend Activities If it is necessary to cancel Plainwell Recreation Activities on a weekend, the recreation director will notify the coaches and team members/families via email and/or a School Messenger message. The coaches will be encouraged to have a system in place to notify team members and families as well. The information will also be posted on the Plainwell Community Recreation Website. n
– Bob Farris
Book a Pool Party
For any group or organization
1-30 people • $40/hour 31-50 people • $50/hour Lobby • $25/hour (Tables/chairs included) Call 685-2425 to reserve.
Trojan Aquatic Club October 27-February 21 A competitive swim team for youth ages 6-18. Swimmers must be able to swim one length of the pool unassisted. No experience necessary. Scholarships available. Head Coach: Andrea Murphy Assistant Coaches: Abby Ernst, Veronica Klein & Luke Woltanski
11 Years & Older Mon., Thurs. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: $85 Tues., Wed. 5:30-7:00 p.m. 9 & 10 Year Olds Mon., Thurs. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: $65 Friday 6:15-7:15 p.m. 8 Years & Younger Mon., Thurs. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost: $60 Friday 5:15-6:15 p.m. Contact Andrea Murphy at amurphy@plainwellschools.org for more information.
ion & Recreation
munity Educat
Plainwell Com
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE NOW!
A Gift for Program From Date E • PLAINW N STREET 422 ACOR
IGA LL, MICH
531 N • 685-9
Call the Community Ed. Office at 685-9531
ion & Recreation
munity Educat
Plainwell Com
A Gift for Program From
REGISTER ONLINE @PLAINWELLSCHOOLS.ORG Date
E • PLAINW N STREET 422 ACOR
IGA LL, MICH
531 N • 685-9
nity Education
& Recreation
mu Plainwell Com Visit www.plainwellschools.org. Scroll to the bottom of the Home Page and click on the blue & green RevTrak box. Click on the Community Ed & Recreation box. Click on desired activity. If you are unable to register online, call (269) 685-9531 or stop by our office at 422 Acorn Street (in the Industrial Park) for assistance. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A Gift for Program From Date
E • PLAINW N STREET 422 ACOR
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Plainwell Community Education & Recreation
IGA LL, MICH
531 N • 685-9
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C O M M U N I T Y E D U C AT I O N & R E C R E AT I O N
winter youth recreation Attention All K-6 Girls! You are invited to Plainwell’s Annual Father/Daughter Dance. To make your night as stress-free as possible we will have 2 photographers. Due to the special nature of this event, we ask that moms and female escorts refrain from visiting the dance for any reason. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Again this year, for your added fun, we are including an onsite photo booth. Cost is $5/strip. This is not replacing our traditional photos which are included in the price of admission. If you have any questions, call 685-9531. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be broadcast on WWMT and WOODTV. Date: Saturday, February 7, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Location: PMS Gym & Cafeteria Cost: $20/couple, $10/add’l daughter Registration deadline is Monday, January 19, 2015. Late registration will be an additional $5. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for picture taking.
13th ANNUAL MOTHER/SON STAR WARS™ HOCKEY GAME SPECIAL TRIP
Attentions K-6 Boys! Plainwell Community Education will be sponsoring a trip to Grand Rapids to watch a Griffins hockey game. It’s STAR WARS™ night and you can have your picture taken with your favorite STAR WARS™ character (make sure you bring your camera)! Your ticket will get you into the game, a $5.00 food voucher, a surprise on every bus and you will be entered to win a group raffle. If you have any questions please contact Diane at 685-9531. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be broadcast on WWMT and WOODTV. Date: Saturday, February 21, game starts @ 7 p.m. Location/Time: Buses load in front of the bus garage on Starr Rd. at 4:45 p.m. They will leave promptly at 5:05 p.m. The buses drop off and pick up outside Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids. We will return to Plainwell by 11:00 p.m. Cost: $44/couple, $15/add’l son Registration deadline is Monday, January 26, 2015. Please note: we can NOT take late registration.
LIVE WELL PLAINWELL
Too cold to walk outside? Hicks Gym is open for indoor walking every day at 10 a.m. Start a new, good habit today!
winter adult & family recreation
TAE KWON DO - Ages 7 to 107 for Beginners & Advanced Students
Tae Kwon Do is a 200 year old martial art and it is the national sport of Korea. It is a dynamic form of self-defense and an excellent means of physical fitness for men, women and children of all ages. This form of martial art includes physical techniques, mental discipline and a deep philosophy. Improve coordination, gain strength, and increase your flexibility while learning self-defense techniques from an ancient Korean martial art form. Tae Kwon Do is appropriate for kids and adults of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Come by yourself, with a friend, or bring the whole family for fun and fitness. Class is open to all - age 7 and older. Dates: Mondays • January 5 - March 2, 2015 Location: Plainwell Middle School Cafeteria Time: 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Instructors: Huong Tran Cost: $42 individual, $67 family Registration deadline is Thursday, December 18, 2014. NO signups at the gym.
ZUMBA® - Ladies Only Amy Baker is authorized to teach all of the following Zumba courses: Basic Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumbatomic for Kids, Zumba Gold and Aqua Zumba. She has an amazing personal testimony of weight loss and life change. Now she makes it her mission to help others get in shape and lose weight. This is a year round class with no registration required and walk-ins are welcome. Zumba fitness classes are for ages 13 and older. Amy would like to remind participants that your hour of Zumba is an hour for you. No childcare is provided, therefore young children should not attend. For more information, email acc4love@aol.com, visit facebook.com/zumbawithamybaker or www.amybakerszucrew, or call (269) 271-5045. No prior registration required. ZUMBA CORE & GLUTES Dates: Mondays • Classes are ongoing Time: 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.
ZUMBA Dates: Sundays • Classes are ongoing Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Hicks Gym, 311 E. Plainwell St. Cost: $5 walk-ins, 10 classes for $50, Any 20 classes for $80
INDOOR WALKING If the Plainwell Community Schools are closed for any reason, this program will be cancelled that day. Class will be running on time if the school system has a fog delay. Starting Monday, October 6, 2014 and running through Friday, May 29, 2015. Location: Hicks Gym, 311 E. Plainwell St. Cost: FREE ADULTS ONLY Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Time: 10 to 10:45 a.m.
FAMILY TIME Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 10 to 10:45 a.m.
winter seniors in action
GOLDEN AGE PASSES
If you are 62 years of age or older, you are eligible for a Golden Age Pass. This pass entitles you to FREE admission to any home Wolverine Conference athletic event or lap swimming at the PCS pool, located at the middle school. To obtain your card, please stop by the Community Ed office at 422 Acorn St. between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or the Athletic Office in the high school. Take advantage of this opportunity and support our athletes!
CONTACTS:
33rd ANNUAL FATHER/DAUGHTER VALENTINE DANCE
THANKSGIVING DINNER
Join the students at Renaissance High School for a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner! Bring a dish to pass. Turkey, potatoes, gravy, table service will be provided. Call 685-9531 to register. Date & Time: Tuesday, November 25 at 11:00 a.m. Location: Renaissance High School, 422 Acorn St.
CHRISTMAS BRUNCH
This FREE event is one you won’t want to miss with a delicious breakfast provided by Plainwell Community Schools. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Plainwell Volunteer Christmas Project. Register by Nov. 24 to attend, 685-9531. Date & Time: Thursday, December 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Location: Plainwell Performing Arts Center, 684 Starr Rd.
Diane Slater, Community Ed & Rec., Seniors in Action Coordinator...................... 685-9531 Bob Farris, Recreation Director........................................................................... 685-9531 Andrea Murphy, Pool Director.............................................................................. 685-2425 Tammy Glupker, Director..................................................................................... 685-1573
W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
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Board of Education
Amy Blades.......................................................................... President Kim Shafer.................................................................... Vice President Christine VanDenBerg.......................................................... Treasurer John Artz.............................................................................. Secretary Jennifer Loftus..........................................................................Trustee Julli Bennett..............................................................................Trustee Thomas Berlin..........................................................................Trustee
THE PLAINWELL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Non-Profit Org. US Postage
PAID
Plainwell, Michigan Permit No. 37
Plainwell Community Schools 600 School Drive Plainwell, MI 49080-1595
The public is invited to attend all Board of Education meetings. Business meetings are held the third Monday of each month and workshop meetings are held on the first Monday, both beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Administration Building, which is located off Gladys St. between Starr Elementary and Plainwell Middle School. Published by the Plainwell Board of Education, Plainwell, Michigan 49080
** ECRWSS **
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION OFFICES • 685-5823
Postal Customer
Susan Wakefield......................................................Superintendent Bob Van Dis.............................Director of Curriculum & Instruction Melissa Gelbaugh............Director of Finance & Human Resources Jeff McNutt.................................................. Director of Technology Greg Smith....................... Director of Operations & Transportation Dave Price........................................................Director of Athletics
PLAINWELL HIGH SCHOOL 2014-15 WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL
COMPETITIVE CHEER
BOWLING
DEC. 9 12 16 19 JAN. 6 9 13 16 20 23 30 FEB. 3 6 10 13 17 20 27 MAR. 3 5 9
DEC. 6 10 17 JAN. 3 7 10 14 17 21 31 FEB. 4 7 14 21 28 MAR. 6/7
DEC. 6 Pinz H 9 South Lanes A 10 Pinz H 13 Continental Lanes A 16 Sunset Lanes A 20 Rainbow Lanes A JAN. 3 Eastland Bowl A 7 Pinz H 10 Sunset Lanes A 14 Sunset Lanes A 17 Pinz (make-up date) H 24 Continental Lanes A 29 Rainbow Lanes A 31 Airway Lanes A FEB. 5 Pinz H 7 Eastland Bowl A 12 Pinz H 14 Pinz H 21 Coloma Lanes A
Portage Northern Allegan South Haven Otsego BC Lakeview Three Rivers Parchment Sturgis Paw Paw Vicksburg Allegan Mattawan Otsego Hopkins Three Rivers Coloma Sturgis Vicksburg Schoolcraft Conf. Crossover Districts @ South Haven
H A A H H A A A H H H H A A H A H A A H A
BOYS FR/JV BASKETBALL DEC. 9 11 16 18 JAN. 6 8 13 16 20 23 29 FEB. 3 5 10 11 17 20 27 MAR. 3 5
Portage Northern Allegan South Haven Otsego BC Lakeview Three Rivers Parchment Sturgis Paw Paw Vicksburg Allegan Mattawan Otsego Hopkins Three Rivers Coloma Sturgis Vicksburg Schoolcraft Conf. Crossover
H H A A H H A A H H A H H A A A H A A H
Plainwell Cheer Fest H Otsego Jamboree A Allegan Invitational A Portage Central Invite A Three Rivers Jamboree A Gull Lake Invitational A JV/MS Jamboree H Paw Paw Invitational A Vicksburg Jamboree A Otsego Invitational A Wolv Conf @ 3 Rivers A Calendonia Invitational A Delta Plex Invitational A Districts A Regionals A State Finals A
WRESTLING DEC. 10 13 17 20 27 JAN. 7 10 14 21 24 28 FEB. 6 7 11 14 18 21/22 27
Plainwell Quad H Calvin Christian Inv. A Edwardsburg Quad A White Pigeon Inv. A Comstock Inv. JV A Vicksburg Quad A Bangor Inv. A Allegan Quad A Plainwell Quad H Jenison Inv. A Vicksburg Quad A JV Wolv Conf @ Vicksburg A V Wolv Conf @ Vicksburg A Team Districts H Individual Districts A Team Regionals A Individual Regionals A Team State Finals A
BOYS SWIM & DIVE DEC. 11 E. Grand Rapids Tri A 16 Mattawan H JAN. 3 South Haven Inv. A 6 Harper Creek H 8 Middleville H 13 Sturgis A 20 BC Lakeview H 27 Marshall H 31 Allegan Quad A FEB. 3 Allegan A 10 South Haven H 17 Otsego A 27 Conf. @ Allegan A FEB. 28 Conf. @ Allegan A MAR. 5 Diving Regionals A 13/14 MHSAA State Finals A
Mark Your Calendars!
SNOWCOMING GAME February 13 • 7:15 p.m. vs. Three Rivers
GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL DEC. 2 Galesburg 5 Vicksburg 9 Portage Northern 12 Allegan 16 South Haven 19 Otsego JAN. 6 BC Lakeview 9 Three Rivers 13 Parchment 16 Sturgis 20 Paw Paw 23 Vicksburg 30 Allegan FEB. 3 Mattawan 6 Otsego 10 Hopkins 13 Three Rivers 17 Coloma 20 Sturgis 26 Conf. Crossover MAR. 2 Districts @ Paw Paw
GIRLS FR/JV BASKETBALL
H H A A H H A A H H A A H A A H H H A A A
DEC. 2 Galesburg H 5 Vicksburg H 9 Portage Northern A 11 Hackett *FR. ONLY A 12 Allegan *JV ONLY A 16 South Haven *JV ONLY H 18 Otsego H 29 Plainwell 9th Quad H 30 Plainwell 9th Quad H JAN. 6 BC Lakeview A 8 Three Rivers A 13 Parchment H 16 Sturgis H 20 Paw Paw A 23 Vicksburg A 30 Allegan *JV ONLY H FEB. 3 Mattawan A 5 Otsego A 10 Hopkins H 12 Three Rivers H 17 Paw Paw *FR. ONLY H 17 Coloma *JV ONLY H 20 Sturgis A 26 Crossover Game A
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE ATHLETIC OFFICE AT 269.685.2096