School Matters LATE FALL 2013
COOPER KOALA
RUN
Finish Line Class at the Mrs. Adams’
C
Mr. Pett it is a go od sport !
Tykeaton Gray shows off his medal
ooper Elementary’s Koala Fun Run was held on Friday, October 18 and raised over $8,500. Thanks to the Cooper Parents Club, our supportive families, sponsors and our fantastic students. The children earned popcorn for everyone as well as a longer recess for helping to raise the funds. In addition, the top earners at each grade level also earned the right to throw a whipped cream pie in Mr. Pettit’s face. Mr. Pettit was hit with five pies that day! The top earners in each grade were: Brooklyn Barrows - Kindergarten, Lily Lyon - 1st Grade, Breanna Rhodes - 2nd Grade, Ryan Reid - 3rd Grade, Brendan Burch - 4th Grade, and Even Tigchelaar - 5th Grade.
SUPERINTENDENT’S VIEWPOINT by Susan Wakefield, Superintendent
Our Outstanding Alumni
CALENDAR of EVENTS November 22
All Students 1/2 Day End of 1st Trimester
November 27-29
THANKSGIVING BREAK
December 23- January 3 Our future “Outstanding Alumni” and members of our Over 30 Club (L to R): Madison Spratt, Grayson Betts, Cormac Burt, Shelby Hubbell, Steven Smit, Jordan Stefl, and Peter Torres
A
t a recent Board of Education Meeting, our high school principal, Dr. Wright, introduced seven seniors who scored a 30 or higher on the ACT exam last spring. A composite score of 30 on the ACT indicates that a student has scored in the 95th percentile nationally; a 32 composite score is in the 98th percentile nationally. This is quite an accomplishment for our students. As I was listening to the presentation, I couldn’t help but wonder what these young people will do in life. What contributions with they make? How many people will they impact? And will they remember that the foundation of their successes began at Plainwell Community Schools? I know that Plainwell Community Schools has been the starting point for many successful people over the decades and we are in the process of formalizing a way in which we can recognize these alumni. Our Board Communications Committee will be rolling out our “Outstanding Alumni” program to the community for your input and help in identifying these people and their successes. Look for the specific nomination requirements to be published early in 2014. Recognizing our Outstanding Alumni will be an annual event. It will be exciting to see the amazing work that has been done by Plainwell Trojans! Our future Outstanding Alumni who were recognized at that Board meeting on October 21st are: Grayson Betts, Cormac Burt, Shelby Hubbell, Steven Smit, Madison Spratt, Jordan Stefl, and Peter Torres. Best of luck in your future endeavors. You make us all proud! n
HOLIDAY BREAK
February 20
All Students 1/2 Day
February 21 NO SCHOOL
March 12
All Students 1/2 Day End of 2nd Trimester
April 4
NO SCHOOL
April 7-11
SPRING BREAK
May 26
NO SCHOOL
June 6
Last Day of School 1/2 Day My Kaywa QR-Code
http://www.plainwellschools.org/public-relation...
End of 3rd Trimester
STAY IN TOUCH WITH PCS! Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .ai
Facebook “f ” Logo
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: PlainwellCommunitySchools ThePlainwellTrojans
FOLLOW US! @PlnwellSchools
2
SIGN UP TODAY!
CMYK / .ai
FOLLOW US! pinterest.com/plainwell
OUR CHANNEL: plainwellcommschools
W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
http://kaywa.me/LaT0h
Stay up to date with all the events and latest breaking news from PCS! Sign up to receive our e-newsletter either online at www.plainwellschools.org or by scanning the QR code above.
Download the Kaywa QR Code Reader (App Store &Android Market) and scan your code!
FOCUS ON CURRICULUM by Bob VanDis, Director of Curriculum
Characteristics of High Quality Teachers
T
eachers are the heart and soul of a school. They do the work that society creates and funds schools to do. Every one of us can tell about special teachers who made a difference in our lives. And every parent can look back on their child’s school career and recall teachers that made a difference in the life of their son or daughter. In our district’s Dynamic Plan, under the Quality Personnel goal, one of the ideas presented was to create a definition of “high quality” characteristics for each employee group. Because teachers are our largest group and because they actually do the work of educating children, we completed this task for teachers first. The list below represents the qualities that Plainwell Community Schools wants for the teachers of our students. We developed this list researching sources such as Harry Wong’s Effective Teaching program, teaching.org, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, but also from our own work in professional development and instructional coaching. The list was vetted and revised by administrators and teacher leaders. We will use this list to guide our professional development and when we have teaching positions open we will use this list to advertise for candidates to apply. n
A Passion for Teaching and Students An excellent teacher is passionate about teaching, learning, and working with students. They are excited about influencing students’ lives in a positive manner, and they understand the impact they have.
Holds High Expectations for Student Success An excellent teacher expects all of their students to learn and succeed. They encourage every student to do their best and show students through their words and actions that they believe in them. They go the extra mile to help students be successful.
Engaging Personality & Teaching Style An excellent teacher is engaging and has the energy and skill to gain and hold students’ attention.
Excellent Classroom Management An excellent teacher has the skills to ensure positive student behavior and work habits. They set a classroom tone that is purposeful and respectful.
Communicates Well with Parents An excellent teacher maintains open communication with parents and keeps them informed in a variety of ways about curriculum, discipline, and other issues. They make time to be available for extra meetings, phone calls, and e-mails.
Designs Lessons for Student Mastery
Knowledge of Subject Matter and Pedagogy
An excellent teacher teaches to clear objectives and engages students through effective instructional techniques, keeping them highly engaged in the learning. They monitor student mastery consistently throughout the lesson.
An excellent teacher has deep knowledge of and is enthusiastic about the subject they are teaching. They are able to convey that enthusiasm to students and keep learning interesting. They continually seek to increase their knowledge and skills as an educator.
Builds Positive Relationships with Students
Knowledge of Curriculum and Standards
An excellent teacher shows genuine concern and respect for every student. They develop a strong, positive rapport with students and establish trusting relationships.
An excellent teacher has a thorough knowledge of the curriculum and instructional standards of the district. They ensure their teaching meets those standards.
W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
3
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Congratulations to the Trojan Marching Band on a Great 2013 Season!
Photo/Becky Howrigo
n
2013 Plainwell High School Homecoming King & Queen
– L O S T R O YA N O S : L AT I N M O O D S – Otsego Band Invitational: 2nd Place, Best Percussion, Color Guard 2nd Place Cedar Springs Band Invitational: 1st Place, Best Marching, Awards of Excellence in Percussion & Marching
The PHS student body selected Riley Anson, son of Brian & Dalene Anson and Kelsey Phillips, daughter of Paul & Gail Phillips, to rule over the 2013 Homecoming festivities on Friday, October 11th.
MSBOA District XI Band Festival: Straight First Division (Superior) Ratings & All As Jenison Band Invitational: 2nd Place
TRADITIONS:
PCS’ Student Artist of the Month AUSTIN ROHR, PHS JUNIOR We are excited to announce that PHS Junior, Austin Rohr, is the first official Plainwell Community Schools’ Student Artist of the Month. Every month, one student is selected by their art teacher to have their art featured in the Administration Office. Congratulations, Austin!
!{ 4
Day of the Dead
O
n Wednesday, October 23rd, the PHS Spanish Club gathered in Paula DeSouza’s classroom to learn about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) traditions and to make Pan de los Muertos (Bread of the Dead). Pan de los Muertos is a type of sweet roll traditionally baked in Mexico during the weeks leading up to the Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated on November 1 and 2.
Anna Cowels, Emily Moeller & Megan Harris take part in the tradition of baking Pan de los Muertos.
ATTENTION: Plainwell High School is looking for male mentors to work with high school boys every other week for one hour during school time. We need mentors to help select students by promoting education and graduation. Please call for an application or look online for the “PHS Male Mentor Application” under the high school webpage. If you have any questions, please call Deb Burley at 685-9554. W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
{ ESC {
RHS NEWS
Focus On:
EXPLORATION & SUPPORT CENTER
H
PLAINWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL
ave you ever heard of a Newton’s Cradle or an Euler’s Disk? You would have heard of these and many other interesting A P LACE FOR CURIOSITY, IMAGINATION, things if you visited the Exploration and Sup THINKING, DOING, EXPLORING, CREATING, port Center (ESC) at Plainwell Middle School. LEARNING AND ROWING. The library has been redesigned into an G ESC and Mr. Barton, Principal at PMS, describes the ESC as a six-ring learning playground. The ESC has an updated library, a tinkering area and exploration tables. There are also 30 computers that support student research and virtual learning and the ESC is home to the after school ETT homework initiative and credit recovery. The exploration tables and tinkering area are With several thousand pieces of the most popular areas used by the 150 to 170 plastic tubes, wood planks and other types of students that visit the ESC before school and building materials, students get to understand during lunch periods every day. The exploration the process of ideation and iteration as they tables provide opportunities to explore earth design and build creative structures and conand physical science. Tables have rocks, miner- traptions. There are many other design opporals, fossils, shells, magnets, magnifying glasses tunities available such as clay, pipe cleaners, and a microscope. A tank full of hermit crabs origami, and a light tablet. is available to observe and a 55-gallon fish tank The Exploration and Support Center will will soon be the newest addition to the ESC. continue to add new exploration items and The tinkering area allows students oppor- learning opportunities throughout the school tunities to collaboratively build and create. year. n
R
enaissance High School’s Disc Golf and Softball teams had a very rewarding fall season. The Disc Golf team which consisted of five students finished with a 2nd Place trophy and three personal medals. The Softball team, which had a short season of practice this fall, competed on a cold and rain-filled day in October and persevered to bring home the 3rd Place trophy. Congratulations to Coach Stouffer and students!
Photo/Dan Pepper, Allegan County News
P L A INWELL ED UCATION F O UN D AT I O N
PEF Distributes Mini-Grants
A
t the Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 4, the Plainwell Education Foundation gifted their much-appreciated mini-grants to 20 Plainwell educators. These mini-grants are used to enhance classroom learning experience, extracurricular activities, tools for technology and field trips. From L to R: Kim Kessler, Andrew Hansen, Jodi Wiegerink, Kim Deal, Erin Bolda, Jennifer Beam, Jane Schroder, Lori Reed, Chad Boender, Anna Kruizenga, Paul Mundo, Meggin Verduzco, Annie Hunter, Chris Stevens, Kristen Fillar, Kim Hannig, Katie Smith, Lindsay Marshall (PEF) and Beth Hampsten (PEF). W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
5
E L E M E N TA R Y S C H O O L N E W S C O O P E R • G I L K E Y • S TA R R
The Teddy Bear Project
H
igh school students Riley Anson, Daisy McNett, Liam Klein, and Monica Pavlack sponsored the Teddy Bear Project as part of their Interpersonal Communications class. A contest was held between the classes at Cooper Elementary to see who could collect the most stuffed animals. The students would then clean the animals and donate them to an orphanage in the Kalamazoo area. Cooper collected a total of 462 animals! The winning classrooms are Mrs. Creech’s room for the upper elementary and Ms. Hunter’s room for the lower elementary. Starr Elementary also collected around 500 stuffed animals! Congratulations to all classes involved for a wonderfully successful project!
462
STARR
Kids’
Cabinet
The halls of Gilkey Elementary were decorated with a Shark week theme for MEAPs by the Gilkey Parents Club. Mr. Boender gets into Spirit Week!
Starr Elementary’s Kids’ Cabinet is ready to be restocked for the coming year! This cabinet holds underwear, socks, hair brushes and combs, tooth brushes, tooth paste and other personal care products kids may need but parents find difficult to purchase. Starr was able to create this cabinet thanks to a very generous donation. However, supplies are being depleted and Starr is now accepting donations to add to the cabinet. Teachers have access to this cabinet for their students and a parent may also request items but will need to come to the school to pick them up. The staff at Starr is grateful to have the opportunity to help our families!
6
Register Your Girl!
A
re you interested in signing up for Girls on the Run? Now is the time! Registration for girls in 3rd to 5th grade opens November 11 at 6:00 a.m. and will close on November 26 at midnight. Scholarships are available based on a sliding scale. Registration forms will be available in your child’s school office or visit www.girlsontherunkazoo.org.
It’s Warm Kids Project Time!
T
he Warm Kids Project is a program in Plainwell (and Kalamazoo County) designed to help families in need during the cold winter months. We provide new coats, hats, boots, and gloves to designated elementary schoolage children. Many of you have helped with this project in the past and/or donated money. As we head into the colder months, we are once again asking you to help make a difference in a child’s life by making a monetary tax exempt donation to this worthwhile project. We have many children in need this year. Donations can be made to: Warm Kids Project, c/o Cathy Finger, Starr Elementary School.
W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
AT H L E T I C N E W S
REMINDER:
Six Freshmen Attend Wolverine Conference Leadership Workshop
O
n November 7th, over 100 freshmen and sophomores from Wolverine Conference schools gathered in Vicksburg for the annual student leadership workshop. Decision-making, being a good team member, good sportsmanship and more were part of their day. It was a special opportunity as not only did these students benefit, but all of their teammates did as well. Attendees were Mia Parker, Sara White, Sophie Monroe, Luc Almeda, Carson Spratt, and Ben Gibson.
2013
The PHS Athletic Department would like to remind everyone that if Plainwell hosts or is chosen to host any Wolverine Conference or MHSAA playoff event, holders of Plainwell All-Sport Passes, Plainwell Community School Employee ID Passes, Wolverine Conference Passes and Senior Citizen Passes are NOT valid for entry into conference or MHSAA events. Those passes are only valid for PCS sponsored events.
Sponsored by the Otsego Athletic Boosters & PHS Boosters
COLLEGIATE
SPORTS ELIGIBILITY INFO NIGHT WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13 • 7 PM
Trojan Teammates Reunited
P
HS graduates Jack Conklin ‘12 (Michigan State University, #74) and Tyler White ‘13 (University of Illinois, #87) and old teammates were reunited at the MSU/University of Illinois football game on October 26th. MSU won 42-3. Both are talented players and amazing young men who make Plainwell proud!
Join representatives from local colleges and universities as they explain the eligibility rules and recruiting policies that apply to each of their divisions. A “Q & A” session will follow. Open to both athletes and parents!
@
Plainwell High School’s Performing Arts Center
684 Starr Rd. • Plainwell
W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
7
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
Thanks to Plainwell Education Foundation for providing Community Recreation with a new portable flip chart score board!
BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP Grades K - 6
Each Saturday, the same pool of players will be divided up differently. Phone call reminders will not be made. Please attend the practice on March 1st at the assigned time for your grade level. Date: Saturdays • March 1 - 29, 2014 Time: 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. - K, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. - 4th, 5th & 6th Location: Starr Elementary Cost: $52.00 Instructors: Coaches Klein, Rieman & staff All registrations are done online or you can stop by the community ed office. No sign ups at camp. Registration deadline is Monday, February 24, 2014.
32nd FATHER/DAUGHTER VALENTINE DANCE
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 is included in the price of admission. If you have any questions, call 685-9531. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be braodcast on WWMT and WOODTV. Date: Saturday, February 8, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Location: PMS Gym & Cafeteria Cost: $20/couple, $10/add’l daughter Registration deadline is Monday, January 20, 2014. Late registration will be an additional $5. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for picture taking.
TAE KWON DO Ages 7 to 107
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. Date: Mondays • January 6 - March 24, 2014 Time: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. BEGINNERS 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. ADVANCED Location: Plainwell Middle School Cafeteria Cost: $42.00 individual, $67.00 family Instructors: Huong Tran All registrations are done online or you can stop by your school or community ed office. Registration deadline is December 23, 2013.
A NOTE FROM THE RECREATION DIRECTOR:
Greetings from the Recreation Dept.
I
hope you have had an opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful Michigan scenery that surrounds us this time of year. The changing colors, the sound of geese overhead, and the scurrying around of wildlife are signs that it is time for our indoor community recreation programs to begin. I am pleased to say that several of those indoor activities are up and running and off to a great start! Our Junior Spikers Volleyball program began in October with over 80 3rd - 6th graders participating and more than 20 coaches and volunteers assisting. Rising Stars, an advanced skills basketball program for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls, is underway as well. The Kickers Soccer program is also off to a great start. Doug Beauregard is once again heading up this program for our community recreation department. While I have been involved in our athletic and community programs for many years, and have known Doug for even longer, I was fascinated by what a discussion with Doug about the Kickers Program revealed. Doug has a passion for soccer that is shared with his entire family. His kids participate and/ or help with the Kickers training sessions and are all soccer enthusiasts. Doug began the program in 1984 as a training Coach Beauregard ins tructs the session that was offered to the Kickers during a recen t session young players. Over the next several years the program expanded to 100+ participants. Doug, who was the girls varsity soccer coach at that time, had the high school soccer team involved with training and coaching the young players. The team viewed this as a way to “give back” to the community who was celebrating the success of the girls soccer program with a long string of conference, district, and regional championships and three state final appearances by the team. Doug took a few years off in the early 90’s but came back to again build the program to where it is today. He credits his current and past assistants: Brett Paige, Greg Bond, David VanSweden, David Nobel, and Ryan Beauregard for the programs success. WOW – over 25 years of offering Kickers! Thanks Doug and all of the assistants for your years of service in our recreation department. 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! n – Bob Farris Plainwell
Community
n
& Recreatio
Plainwell Community Education & Recreation
A Gift for
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE NOW!
Program From Date
ORN 422 AC
STREET
W • PLAIN
IC ELL, M
Plainwell
8
Education
Contact the Community Ed. Office today at 685-9531
531 • 685-9 HIGAN
Community
Education
n
& Recreatio
W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G A Gift for
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
winter adult recreation
– CONTINUED –
Students will use our unique LEGO® kits to build a variety of cars that they will battle. This is a class of exploration, problem solving, and risk-taking with a goal of learning and experimenting on how machines work and compete. Design manuals give kids a real life experience with design changes just like an engineer! Each student will receive a “take home kit” at the end of the session. Dates: Thursdays, January 16 - February 6, 2014 Time: 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. Location: Plainwell Middle School, #204 Cost: $99 Registration deadline is January 6, 2014.
ALL ABOUT LEARNING GEARS & GADGETS Grades K-5
Exploration of simple machines at any entry level are applied and discussed in depth. Provides great hands-on learning and building experience. With our unique LEGO® kits, students will creatively build and modify machines. Each student will receive a “take home kit” at the end of the session. COOPER ELEMENTARY Dates: Tuesdays, January 14 - February 4, 2014 Time: 3:25 to 5:25 p.m. Location: Room #A133 GILKEY ELEMENTARY Dates: Wednesdays, January 15 - February 5, 2014 Time: 3:35 to 5:35 p.m. Location: Media Center STARR ELEMENTARY Dates: Mondays, January 13 - February 3, 2014 Time: 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. Location: Room #111 Cost: $99 Registration deadline is January 6, 2014.
REGISTER ONLINE @ PLAINWELLSCHOOLS.ORG
Visit www.plainwellschools.org. Scroll to the bottom of the Home Page and click on the RevTrak link. You can register and pay online using your Master Card or Visa. If you are unable to register online, call (269) 685-9531 or stop by our office at 422 Acorn Street (in the Industrial Park) in Plainwell for assistance. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Friday.
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. 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 call (269) 271-5045.
INDOOR WALKING
Dates: Mondays • January 6 - March 31, 2014 Time: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Hicks Gym, 311 E. Plainwell St. Dates: Sundays • January 5 - March 30, 2014 Time: 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Location: Hicks Gym, 311 E. Plainwell St. Cost: Any 10 classes for $50, Any 20 classes for $80 Walk-in participation available anytime - $5. Please come early to your first class to register.
If you are 62 years of age or older, you are eligible for a Golden Age Pass Card. This card entitles you to FREE admission to any home Wolverine Conference athletic event or lap swimming at Plainwell Community Schools’ pool, located in the Middle School off Starr Road. To obtain your card, please stop by either the Community Education office, located at 422 Acorn St. between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or the Athletic Office located in the back section of the High School. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to support our district athletes?
AQUA ZUMBA
HOLIDAY SENIOR BRUNCH
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. Known as the “Zumba Pool Party,” Aqua Zumba gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, shouting & laughing are encouraged in the Zumba pool! This course integrates the traditional Zumba formula and philosophy with aqua fitness disciplines. It’s a safe, challenging, low-impact workout that provides cardio conditioning and body toning. 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 call (269) 271-5045. Dates: Wednesdays • January 8 - April 2, 2014 Sundays • January 5 - March 30, 2014 Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: PMS Pool Cost: Any 10 classes for $50, Any 20 classes for $80 Walk-in participation available anytime - $5. Please come early to your first class to register.
CONTACTS:
ALL ABOUT LEARNING COLLISION CARS Grades 6-8
If the Plainwell Community Schools are closed for any reason, Indoor Walking will be cancelled that day. Class will be on time if the school system has a delay. This program runs through May 31, 2014. Dates: Adults Only • Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Time: 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Dates: Families • Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Location: Hicks Gym, 311 E. Plainwell St. Cost: FREE
GOLDEN AGE PASSES
Come celebrate this special time of year with all of your friends at the Plainwell Performing Arts Center Atrium, located at the west end of the high school. This FREE event is one you won’t want to miss with a delicious breakfast provided by Plainwell Community Schools. Join us for some holiday cheer! Bring a non-perishable food item for the Plainwell Volunteer Christmas Project and be signed up for a special door prize. Date: Thursday, December 5 Time: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Location: Plainwell Performing Arts Center RSVP to Diane at 685-9531 by Monday, November 25.
ENHANCED FITNESS CLASS Classes are offered through Borgess-Pipp Hospital and will be offered three mornings a week at Hicks Gym. The classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. To register or for more information, please contact Kathy Russell at 685-0791. Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Time: 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Location: Hicks Gym, 311 E. Plainwell St.
EUCHRE - Singles or Doubles
Dates: Tuesdays Time: 6:45 p.m. Location: Plainwell Community Center, 798 Bridge St. Cost: Donations appreciated.
Diane Slater, Community Ed & Rec., Seniors in Action.................................... 685-9531 Bob Farris, Recreation Director...................................................................... 685-9531 John Dubois, Pool Information........................................................................ 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
9
COMMUNITY NEWS
{ PCS: A QUANTUM LEARNING DISTRICT {
I
n August of 2012, thirty Plainwell teachers participated in a workshop called Quantum Learning and the response was phenomenal! Veteran teachers reported that it was the best, most useful staff development they had ever participated in. Word quickly spread, so we offered this again last August and 130 teachers participated! So what is Quantum Learning? According to the Quantum Learning Network, it is “a powerful research-based educational methodology that increases teacher effectiveness and improves student performance through the orchestration of five core components: Foundation, Atmosphere, Environment, Design, and Delivery. It is a simple yet effective model for creating an all-encompassing culture of academic and personal excellence. This powerful results-oriented methodology increases leadership and teacher
Plainwell Performing Arts Center
The
8
KEYS of
EXCELLENCE
• Integrity - Match behavior with values • Failure Leads to Success - Learn from mistakes • Speak with Good Purpose - Speak honestly and kindly • This is it! - Make the most of every moment • Commitment - Make your dreams happen • Ownership - Take responsibility for your actions • Flexibility - Be willing to do things differently • Balance - Live your best life
effectiveness and improves student success with the Common Core. With the Quantum Learning System, teachers develop a comprehensive approach leading to greater student participation, comprehension, and critical thinking. They learn to create a supportive classroom environment and a positive, safe atmosphere.”
2013-14 SEASON
Tuesday, December 10
PMS 7th & 8th Grade Winter Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 12
PMS 7th & 8th Grade Winter Choir Concert
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 18
PHS Holiday Spectrum Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 19
PHS Holiday Choir Concert
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 30
PMS 6th Grade Winter Choir Concert
7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 28
District XI Band Festival
TBD
Saturday, March 1
District XI Band Festival
TBD
Friday, March 28
PHS Musical
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 29
PHS Musical
7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 30
PHS Musical
2:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 17
Cooper Elementary K-2 Spring Concert
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 22
Starr Elementary Spring Concert
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29
Cooper Elementary Spring Concert
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 1
Gilkey Elementary Spring Concert
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 6
PMS 7th & 8th Grade Spring Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 14
PMS 7th & 8th Grade Spring Choir Concert
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 15
PMS 6th Grade Spring Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 19
PMS 6th Grade Spring Choir Concert
7:00 p.m.
10
W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
Quantum Learning came to Plainwell from Chase Mielke, a Plainwell High School English and Positive Psychology teacher who has had advanced training in this method and has traveled across the county doing a student version of this called Super Camp. He is an approved Quantum Learning trainer and in addition to his teaching duties here, he has release days to do training for other Quantum Learning districts. Research in Quantum Learning districts shows increase student achievement and decreased behavior problems. Our own observations show that in classrooms with teachers using Quantum Learning concepts that the students are more engaged in the lesson, more enthusiastic about what they are learning, and do better on tests. One important component of Quantum Learning that we have adopted is the 8 Keys of Excellence. According to Quantum Learning, “The 8 Keys of Excellence character education program guides young people toward a positive future full of confidence, motivation, creativity, teamwork, leadership and valuable life principles.” Plainwell Community Schools held an 8 Keys of Excellence Parent/Community Night on Wednesday, November 6th in the Plainwell Performing Arts Center. It was well-attended and other community nights have been discussed. Our district shows that it is excited and proud to be affiliated with Quantum Learning and the 8 Keys of Excellence as a means to provide our students with the best possible education we can. n
COMMUNITY NEWS
SAFE and Plainwell Corners Preschool
T
he wind is blowing and leaves are gone but we are having fun before and after school and at the preschool program!
What licensed and parent funded programs do we offer? Plainwell Corners Preschool & Daycare: Prepares your child for success! A preschool offering a developmentally appropriate and fun curriculum designed for toilet-trained children who are three or four years old. Plainwell Corners is open Mondays through Fridays from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Early Childhood Education Center at 307 E. Plainwell Street (next to Hicks Gym) for a $135 weekly rate or $37 daily rate. Half-day sessions for 3 year olds are offered on M & W for $125/monthly. Half-day sessions for 4 year olds are offered on T, Th & F for $180/monthly. Half day sessions are from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. SAFE: 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 p.m. Cooper SAFE is held at Cooper. Gilkey and Starr SAFE offers mornings at their own sites but are combined at Starr in the afternoon. Rates are posted online. Plainwell Corners Summer Camp: Designed for children between the ages of 3 years old and completing Kindergarten. Located at the Early Childhood Education Center which is next to Hicks gym. We offer special guests, games, crafts and other fun developmentally appropriate programming. Plainwell SAFE Summer Fun Camp: Designed for children who are completing 1st through 5th grade in 2013–2014. Field trips, swimming, biking, games, crafts and loads of fun activities!
Check us out on the Plainwell Schools website and click the Services section. www.plainwellschools.org or call 269.685.3103 for more information. We qualify for childcare tax credits, accept DHS payments and we are approved for Flex reimbursement.
The Great Start Readiness Program Lives Up to Its Name!
T
he Great Start Readiness program, located at Starr Elementary, is off to a wonderful start! The preschoolers have been busy enjoying the weather and many fall activities such as: visiting Gull Meadow Farms, building fairy houses with outdoor materials, feeding carrots to Merlin the pony, touching and smelling a salmon and the eggs, and participating in the school Halloween parade. Applications for Fall 2014 should be available in February 2014. Interested families can call AAESA at 269-673-2161 or by going to www.alleganaesa.org and clicking on the Early Childhood link.
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL
PARENTS: Find out how your child can earn college credit while in high school by attending this special presentation sponsored by the Allegan County College Access Network and the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency.
Thursday, January 16 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. PHS Media Center (during parent/teacher conferences) W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G
11
Board of Education
Amy Blades.......................................................................... President Kim Shafer.................................................................... Vice President Jennifer Loftus...................................................................... Treasurer Christine VanDenBerg.......................................................... Secretary Kevin Blue................................................................................Trustee Scott Corbin.............................................................................Trustee John Artz..................................................................................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
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION OFFICES • 685-5823
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 David Paul................................................ Director of Food Service
** ECRWSS **
Postal Customer
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
www.plainwellschools.org
PLAINWELL HIGH SCHOOL 2013-14 WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL
COMPETITIVE CHEER
DEC. 13 Allegan 17 Coloma 20 Vicksburg JAN. 2 Zeeland Tourn. 3 Zeeland Tourn. 10 Paw Paw 15 Three Rivers 17 Comstock 21 Dowagiac 24 Otsego 28 Berrien Springs 31 Allegan FEB. 4 Edwardsburg 7 Vicksburg 11 South Haven 14 Paw Paw 18 Comstock 21 Otsego 25 Parchment 27 Cross Over MAR. 3,5,7 Districts
DEC. 7 11 14 JAN. 4 8 15 18 22 25 FEB. 1 5 8 14 or 15 22 MAR. 1
A H A A A H A H H A A H A H H A A H H A A
BOYS FR/JV BASKETBALL DEC. 12 17 19 JAN. 9 15 17 21 24 28 30 FEB. 4 6 11 13 18 21 25 27
Allegan Coloma Vicksburg Paw Paw Three Rivers Comstock Dowagiac Otsego Berrien Springs Allegan Edwardsburg Vicksburg South Haven Paw Paw Comstock Otsego Parchment Cross Over
H H H A A H H A A A A A H H A H H A
Plainwell Cheer Fest Allegan Jam. CCAM @ Otsego Portage Cent. Invit. Vicksburg Jam. Comstock JV Jam. Mattawan Invit. Paw Paw Jamboree Otsego Invit. Caledonia Invit. Conf. @ Otsego Delta Plex Invit. Districts Regionals State Finals
H A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
WRESTLING DEC. 11 14 18 28 JAN. 8 11 16 22 25 29 31 FEB. 1 6 8 12 15 21/22 2/27-3/1
Plainwell Quad H Lawton Invit. A Berrien Springs A Comstock Invit. A Comstock A Bangor Invit. A Vicksburg Quad A Plainwell Quad H Jenison Invit. A Dowagiac A Wolv. Conference JV A Wolv. Conference V A Team Districts A Individual Districts A Team Regionals A Individual Regionals A Team State Finals A Individual State Finals A
DEC. 9 10 12 17 JAN. 4 7 14 21 25 28 FEB. 1 4 11 21/22 MAR. 4 7/8
A H A H A H A A H H A H H A A A
GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL DEC. 3 6 13 17 20 27 JAN. 7 10 15 17 21 24 28 31 FEB. 4 7 11 14 18 20 24
go TROJANS!
BOYS SWIM & DIVE
Mattawan Harper Creek E. Gr. Rapids Tri. Kalamazoo Central South Haven Invite Portage Northern Loy Norrix BC Lakeview Allegan, Alma South Haven DeWitt Invitational Otsego Allegan Conf. @ Allegan Diving Regionals MHSAA State Finals
Galesburg JV-V A Otsego A Allegan A Coloma A Vicksburg A Portage Central A Zeeland East H Paw Paw H Three Rivers H Comstock A Dowagiac A Otsego H Berrien Springs H Allegan H Edwardsburg H Vicksburg H South Haven A Paw Paw A Comstock H Cross Over H Districts A
GIRLS FR/JV BASKETBALL DEC. 3 6 12 17 19 27 JAN. 2/3 7 9 15 17 21 24 28 30 FEB. 4 6 11 13 18 20
Galesburg JV-V A Otsego A Allegan A Coloma A Vicksburg A Portage Central A Plainwell Quad H Zeeland East H Paw Paw H Three Rivers H Comstock A Dowagiac A Otsego H Berrien Springs H Allegan H Edwardsburg H Vicksburg H South Haven A Paw Paw A Comstock H Cross Over H
BOWLING DEC. 7 Loy Norrix @ EASTLAND A 14 Otsego @ PAW PAW A 15 South Haven @ PINZ H 18 Coloma @ PINZ H JAN. 4 Galesburg @ CONTINENTAL A 8 Allegan @ PINZ H 15 South Haven @ PINZ H 18 Kal. Central @ HOLIDAY A 22 Comstock @ EASTLAND A 25 Parchment @ PINZ H 29 Otsego @ PINZ H FEB. 1 Comstock @ AIRWAY A 6 Paw Paw TBA A 8 Cont. Position Round A 14 Wolv. Conf. @ VICKSBURG A 15 Pinz Baker Tourn. 21/22 Regionals 28 & 3/1 MHSAA State Meet
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE ATHLETIC OFFICE AT 269.685.2096