School Matters Winter 2014 by Plainwell Schools

School Matters W I N TER 2014

KINDERGARTEN

ROUNDUP!

April 16 • 1 - 7pm @ Gilkey Elemen tary See page 10 for more info!

PCS AIMS HIGH! PCS AIMS HIGH!

Plainwell high school ★★★ in partnership with Lake Michigan College, now offers ★★★

EARLY COLLEGE CREDIT

Plainwell MIDDLE school

★★★ in partnership with West Michigan Flight Academy, introduces ★★★

THE 2014-15 STEM ACADEMY

A VERY MAGICAL READING MONTH with Magician Alan Kazam Wednesday, March 12 • 6:30 p.m. | Plainwell Performing Arts Center

Plainwell High School & Lake Michigan College Form Partnership to Bring Early College Options to Students Starting this fall, students can earn up to 40 college credits before high school graduation!

eginning next fall, PHS students will have the opportunity to earn up to 40 hours of college credit while simultaneously working toward their high school diplomas. In partnership with Lake Michigan College, PHS is offering courses using LMC’s curriculum and college textbooks - so students have the benefit of working toward an Associates or Bachelors degree while still in high school. The classes will be offered at Plainwell High School and during regular school hours. The credits will transfer to most colleges and universities in the state of Michigan, including Hope College and Michigan State University. Courses offered range from Spanish to Public Speaking, and from Chemistry to Music Appreciation. Students will still be able to take AP courses, as well as take advantage of Dual Enrollment. n

PCS AIMS HIGH! Plainwell Middle School Announces New STEM Academy for 2014-15 in Partnership with West Michigan Flight Academy TECHNO

ACADEMY

STEM

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lainwell Middle School is proud to announce the addition of one of the most unique STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Academies in the State of Michigan. The PMS STEM Academy is a “School within a School” focused on exploring, innovating and creating for 6th and 7th EN GI N E E RIN grade students. STEM Enrichment courses are offered for 8th graders. The PMS A project-based learning environment focused on exploring, innovating and creating STEM Academy will provide a project-based learning environment and opportunities for students to use critical-thinking, problem-solving and collaboration – all 21st-century workplace skills. Our STEM Academy will provide special science and ELA courses integrating STEM and specially designed electives to allow students to research, design, innovate, and collaborate. Yet being in a “School within a School” and not a separate school, STEM students will retain all the benefits of being in a comprehensive middle school environment that is focused on the unique needs of adolescents. The PMS STEM Academy is partnering with West Michigan Flight Academy to add a truly unique experience and opportunity. Once a week, a flight instructor and PMS science teacher will team-teach the principles of aerodynamics and flight simulation with the ultimate goal being, should the student choose, a short flight over the greater Plainwell area! If you or your student is interested in learning more about the new STEM Academy, contact Gary Barton or Tasia Stamos at the middle school by calling (269) 685-5813. n Plainwell Middle School

IENCE SC

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FOCUS ON CURRICULUM by Bob VanDis, Director of Curriculum

Staff Development for High Quality Teaching

n the last issue, I shared the Characteristics of High Quality Teach- search study when we developed our staff development trainings, we ers that we developed as one of our goals coming out of the 2011-12 were pleased to find that the six characteristics of highly successful community/school Dynamic Planning process. Those qualities drive teachers in Poplin’s study were all included multiple times. The chart and determine our hiring criteria and our staff development training. below lists our major training initiatives and the characteristics above Recently, I came across a research article that confirmed that we are on that these trainings address. n the right track with our major staff development initiatives. Below is a PCS Major Staff Development Initiatives Characteristics in Poplin’s Research short summary of that research and how our major initiatives align to the characteristics of highly successful teachers. The Effective Teacher (workshops and coaching) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 In a 2009 study of highly effective teachers in low-performing schools Quantum Learning (incl. 8 Keys of Excellence) 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 1 in Los Angeles, a team of researchers led by Mary Poplin found that Capturing Kids’ Hearts 5, 6 these highly successful teachers tended to share six characteristics: Explicit Instruction 2, 4 1. Strictness - Not in the punitive sense! These teachers believe that setting and holding their students to clear, high expectations is in the students’ best, long-term interest. They create a classroom climate of safety Poplin, Mary, et al. “She’s Strict for a Good Reason: Highly Effective Teachers in Low-Performing Urban Schools.” Kappan 92.5 (2011): 39-43 and respect that they know is necessary for effective teaching and learning. 2. Instructional Intensity - They make the most out of every moment of class time, making sure that learning happens “bell to by Susan Wakefield bell.” They set a brisk pace and use a variety of techniques to get all students engaged in the lesson and their work. Transitions are quick and efficient. 3. Movement - These teachers are constantly moving around their classroom seeing how students are doing, offering encouragement, keeping them on track, and spending en years ago, the voters in the Plainwell School District approved the proposal to levy 18 time one-on-one with them - both to give asmils on non-homestead properties in order to fully fund our schools. The request for the levy sistance and to get to know their students as in 2004 was for a 10-year period, so we are now asking voters to again approve this funding individuals. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. 4. Traditional Instruction - Direct, explicit There are two very important points to this request. First of all, it only applies to non-homestead instruction with lots of feedback to students property. This levy does not affect taxes on your primary home nor does it affect taxes on agriculis the major method these teachers employ: ture. Secondly, we currently levy 17.8885 mils so the increase would be for .1115 mils. opening, explanation of subject matter with One mil is equal to $1 for every $1,000 in taxable value. Taxable value is 50% of the property models and examples, checking student unvalue. So by way of example, if this proposal is approved, here’s how it would work: derstanding, guided practice, independent practice, and closure. Your Current Property Value $100,000.00 5. Exhorting Virtues - They purposefully Your Current Taxable Value $ 50,000.00 and repeatedly encourage students to prac Your Current Non-Homestead Tax $ 894.42 (17.8885 mils) tice particular virtues such as mutual respect, Your Increase in Non-Homestead Tax $ 5.58 (.1115 mils) taking responsibility, doing one’s best, per Total Annual Non-Homestead Property Tax $ 900.00 sistence, hard work, honesty, and thinking ahead and considering consequences. This tax provides approximately $2 million in funding for Plainwell Community Schools. This 6. Strong Relationships - These teachers is approximately 10% of the general fund budget. Without this funding, we would not be able to go beyond simply “caring” about their stuprovide most of the extra-curricular activities for our students. dents. They actually show a deep respect for You can anticipate hearing more about this vote as our May election date draws closer. Your “yes” their students, are optimistic about their fuvote on this issue will ensure that our schools remain fully funded and will have no impact on the tures, and have faith in their abilities. In turn, this attitude creates respect for these teachers taxes you pay on your primary home. The increase in taxes on non-homestead properties will be from their students. about $5.50 per year for every $100,000 in property value. This is an investment in both our stuWhile we did not know this particular redents and our community. Thank you for your continued support. n 1

SUPERINTENDENT’S VIEWPOINT

Invest in Our Students

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STUDENT NEWS

Levi Betz, Ethan McDonald, and Rachel Bosch

PMS National Geographic Bee

o you know where you can find a temperate rainforest in the United States or which mountain range forms the border between Germany and the Czech Republic? These are examples of questions that were asked to students at Plainwell Middle School during their recent classroom Geography Bee. A winner from each classroom then competed in a school-wide competition on Monday, January 20, 2014. This year’s first place winner is 8th grader Ethan McDonald, second place is 7th grader Rachel Bosch, and third place is 6th grader Levi Betz. Our winner, Ethan McDonald will advance to the next level of competition, a written examination to determine state competitors. For the 26th year, the National Geographic Society is holding the National Geographic Bee for students in the 4th through 8th grades in thousands of schools across the United States and in five U.S. territories, as well as in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools around the world. The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher escorts to participate in the Bee National Championship Rounds May 19-21, 2014. Congratulations to all of this year’s participants! n

PHS Music Dept. presents Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat March 28 • 29 • 30

he musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Lyrics by Tim Rice and Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, will be presented by the Plainwell High School Music Department on March 28, 29 and 30. Students Olivia Deal and Mykayla Lutz will play the roles of Narrator with Luke Woltanski as Joseph, Kevin Rice as Pharoah, and Jordan Cox as Jacob. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29 and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased by calling 685-9554 in early March. PHS band students will provide pit accompaniment while past PHS students (Grace Marcy, Jon Cramer and Matthew Cahoon) assist with choreography and directing.

PHS Students Give Back!

ix students from Renaissance High School participated in the alternative education bowling invitational on January 22, 2014. From left to right: David Benson, Ellie VanBruggen, Samantha Wolf (who placed 3rd for female individuals), Riley Fillmore (who placed 3rd for male individuals), Alahna Pennock, and Ben Matusiak had a great day sporting with alternative education programs from all over southwest Michigan.

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S s odnar demo r Carter B PHS Senio ne! how it’s do

tudents at Plainwell High School have been donating blood at drives sponsored by the PHS Red Cross Club. The results from the last two drives (November & January) are as follows: 154 donors gave a total of 129 pints of blood with 32 first time donors in November!

38 Plainwell High School students from all walks have taken a huge step forward to become Mentors in the PCS Mentoring Program. Our elementary boys & girls are benefiting vastly from their Mentors’ time and energy. Special thanks to: Mykayla Lutz, Cassidy Steele, Danielle Holtman, Matt Amaro, Cassidy Morris, Kari Havenaar, Brooke Pell, Hunter Born, Shelby Hawkes, Kaylie Colyer, Kim Jones, Sara Lepley, Kaitlin Oakes, Alyssa Boss, Angel Liceaga, Cassidy Haase, Amber DeLoof, Kendylyn Hinze, Cody Hofacker, Mahalia Adams, Leeah Colyer, Jaime Snow, Carter Bodnar, Madison Spratt, Katie Reed, Miranda Monroe, Riley Anson, Catie Brown, Meghan Boven, Jessica Carper, Tayler Doubblestein, Shelby Hubbell, Nick Swain, Carly Shields, Haley Childress, Stephanie Brinkhuis, Oriana Benincasa, and Kerry Swain. W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G

STUDENT NEWS

CALENDAR of EVENTS February 20

All Students 1/2 Day

February 21

No School Art Hop • 5-9 p.m.

PMS students Shaunda Miller, Rebecca Ruimveld, Merissa Turner and Lauren DeVisser model the scarves that will benefit Sylvia’s Place.

March 1

Creating a Second Chance

PEF Blue & White Night

By Jason Herbert, Plainwell Middle School

Eesley Place

r. Herbert, we’ve got a cool idea!” The kids were so excited about this new fundraising opportunity that Plainwell Middle School Student Council Advisor Anna Kruizenga had just shared with them. “We’re going to take all of those old PMS Student Council t-shirts and make scarves out of them. Then we’re going to sell the scarves and donate the money to Sylvia’s Place.” “Perfect!” I replied. I need not hear any more. For those that are unaware, Sylvia’s Place is a wonderful, local non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence get back on their feet. Very discreet about their location, the group makes a huge “behind the scenes” impact on the community. Student volunteers led by Mrs. Kruizenga will be slashing at the old t-shirts and giving new life to them as fashionable scarves to be worn at any occasion. The scarves will be sold at the Middle School office beginning March 10th. “Sylvia’s Place is a wonderful organization and I’m honored to be part of this fundraiser. I think there are a lot of meaningful lessons to be learned from the kids re-purposing old clothes, giving of their time to make the scarves, and donating the proceeds to a worthy cause. These are the kinds of lessons that last a lifetime.” The PMS Student Council is asking for a $10 donation per scarf.

March 12

“M

PMS Students - Building Bridges

All Students 1/2 Day End of 2nd Trimester

A Very Magical Reading Month Program

Performing Arts Center • 6:30 p.m.

March 28, 29 & 30

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Performing Arts Center

April 4

No School

April 7-11

SPRING BREAK

tudents at Plainwell Middle School are busy designing, building and testing balsa wood truss bridges after school as part of the Michigan Design and Build Bridge Challenge, sponsored by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Supervised by teacher Lisa Wininger, several teams of 7th and 8th graders will learn how bridge design affects load-bearing capacity – in other words, how much stress the bridge can support before it collapses in splinters! The students are having a great time and learning a lot about what it takes to engineer a strong and elegant bridge. Teams test multiple designs using CAD software, identify the best design, and send a portfolio detailing their design process to MDOT. If selected, they will receive an invitation to compete at the Statewide Design and Build a Bridge Challenge in Lansing on April 17, 2014.

Kindergarten Roundup Gilkey Elementary • 1-7 p.m.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH PCS!

NEW LAST DAY!

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CMYK / .ai

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May 26

Memorial Day – No School

TAKE NOTE! – DUE TO SNOW DAYS –

Tuesday, June 10

CMYK / .ai

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: PlainwellCommunitySchools ThePlainwellTrojans

April 16

Last Day of School 1/2 Day End of 3rd Trimester

June 12

OUR CHANNEL: plainwellcommschools

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PEF Island City Fun Run, 5 & 10k 5

STUDENT NEWS

Cooper, Gilkey & Starr Elementary Schools present

A Very Magical Reading Month Bottom left (L to R): Graham Hubbell, Coach Conklin, and CJ England Top left (L to R): Tom Muckel, Head Softball Coach, Glen Oaks, Jeana Warning, Liz Smith, Bruce Smith, Shannon Smith, and Bernie Christopher, Lady Trojan Softball Coach. Top Right (L to R): Volleyball Coach Georganne Hageman, Kerri Varley, Hannah Varley and John Varley. Bottom Right, Seated (L to R): Kristin Evers, Makenzie Evers, Matt Evers, Lady Trojans Track Coach. Standing: Glenn Beier, Lady Trojans Cross Country Coach

Busy Signing Day in Trojan Country!

t was a busy early February in Trojan Country! Many student athletes have been signing to play at the collegiate level. The following athletes join ranks with PHS senior Hannah Varley who signed to play volleyball at the University of Buffalo earlier in the year. Makenzie Evers signed her scholarship offer to run Track and Cross Country at Western Michigan University. Graham Hubbell signed to play Football at Michigan Tech and CJ England signed to play Football at St. Joseph’s College. Liz Smith signed to play Softball at Glen Oaks Community College. Go Trojans! n

Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. Performing Arts Center

ou and your family are cordially invited to attend “A Very Magical Reading Month” program featuring the magician, Alan Kazam! This special performance will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 in the Performing Arts Center. Rumor has it, someone will be half the person they were at the beginning of the show!

PCS’ Student Artist of the Month

ETHAN FINDLING,

KYREN ANDERSON,

AUBREY CARPENTER,

8th Grader, Ethan Findling, was the PCS Student Artist of the Month for December. His Self-Portrait was featured in the Central Administration Office. Congratulations, Ethan!

3rd Grader, Kyren Anderson, was the PCS Student Artist of the Month for January. Her Tree of Life was inspired by the artist, Gustav Klimt, and featured in the Central Administration Office. Congratulations, Kyren!

2nd Grader, Aubrey Carpenter, was the PCS Student Artist of the Month for February. Her Flower was inspired by the artist, Georgia O’Keefe, and featured in the Central Administration Office. Congratulations, Aubrey!

8TH GRADE

featuring Magician Alan Kazam

3RD GRADE

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2ND GRADE

COMMUNITY NEWS PLAINWELL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

OUTSTANDING

ALUMNI AWARD

Do you know someone who attended Plainwell Schools and has an interesting and inspiring story to share?

Tell us who they are! Plainwell Community Schools’ is searching for the best, brightest PCS graduates who have successful lives, career paths, and inspiring stories to tell. Success comes in many different forms. We are not just looking for the rich and the famous, but for those quieter successes who make a difference in other’s lives. We would like to honor a graduate who has accomplished great things, overcome a hurdle, become a local hero, succeeded in business, mentored children, started their own company, saved a life, built a park, or cleaned up a river. PCS’ Outstanding Alumnus Award will be presented during the 2014 PHS Graduation Ceremony on May 22, 2014. Nominations are due by March 1, 2014 to be considered for this year. Nominees not selected this year will stay on file for future consideration. Nominees must be graduates of Plainwell Community Schools, prior to 2004. The individual selected as PCS’ Outstanding Alumnus will be featured in School Matters, our district’s newsletter, as well as on our website, social media, the district annual report and may appear in local media. VISIT WWW.PLAINWELLSCHOOLS.ORG/OUR_ALUMNI FOR MORE INFO & TO DOWNLOAD A NOMINATION FORM

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PCS Seeks Outstanding People for Education Award Nominees

o you know someone who has made a positive impact upon education in Plainwell? A fine way to recognize this accomplishment is by placing his or her name in nomination for the Outstanding People for Education award. Up to three people from each local school district will be presented with the award by the Allegan County School Boards Association (ACSBA) at its annual banquet in June. The ACSBA began its Outstanding People award five years ago and has honored over 50 recipients selected by local district committees. Examples of those who may be nominated are: teachers and classroom aides; secretaries, bus drivers, custodians and other school support staff; administrators and board of education members; social workers, therapists and consultants; volunteers; and community members who support education. The award criteria is wide and includes: providing support for a service or event that impacts education, developing a unique classroom program, demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of individual students, exhibiting an attitude that promotes a positive working and learning environment, or playing a leadership role in education. Students, parents, school employees and community members are invited to submit award nominations on forms which are available in the Administration office, school offices and also on the website at www.plainwellschools.org. Nominations are due April 1 and should be returned to Bonnie Pfingst, Administration Office, 600 School Drive, Plainwell, MI 49080 or by emailing them to bpfingst@plainwellschools.org. n W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G

Plainwell

Education Foundation’s – 3rd Annual –

BLUE & WHITE

NIGHT

Saturday, March 1 6:00 p.m. The mission of the Plainwell Education Foundation (PEF) is to enhance excellence in education in Plainwell Community Schools. The Foundation is intended to provide financial assistance to projects or investment in students or teachers that are characterized as motivational, character-building, improving skills or in general terms tending to enhance the Plainwell Community Schools and without which assistance the activity would not occur. The Foundation awards four $1,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors. They also award approximately $10,000 in grants for teachers and support staff for multiple classrooms for educational tools and/or activities. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit the website, www.plainwelleducationfoundation.com. PEF is solely supported through donations and benefits all the students of PCS, so please, consider making a donation. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering for the PEF, please contact PEF President, Lindsay Marshall at 269998-0109 or plainwelleducationfoundation@gmail.com 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 A NOTE FROM THE RECREATION DIRECTOR:

PCS SPRING ‘14 POOL SCHEDULE

A Cure for Cabin Fever

FE B. 5 – J U N E 7 Youth Swim Lessons 30-minute lessons. Cost $50 per swimmer.

Times: 5:30 & 6:05 Tuesdays & Thursdays Session II • March 18, 20, 25, 27 April 1, 3, 15, 17 For registration, call 685-9531

Open Swim

hope this edition of our newsletter finds you well, enjoying the start of the New Year and allowing you the opportunity to get your daily exercise in, even when the weather has not been too conducive to do so. Exercise is the perfect cure for cabin fever. The weather has made an interesting start to our Junior Hoopsters season with a number of missed practices and the coaches trying to prepare the teams for their games. We have 14 teams with over 120 participants this year! I would like to thank our coaches and volunteers for their time and effort they put into this program. Please be sure and monitor our Community Recreation web page for our upcoming programs and for registration information. Also, in regards to registering for our programs, while we never want to turn anyone away, many things need to happen in a short time from the closing of registration until your child’s first practice. Late registrations make the process difficult. Be sure and note the deadlines and please understand when we cannot honor your request to register late. As always, if you have any suggestions for new programs or ideas for our current offerings, I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Hope to see you in the gym! n – Bob Farris Recreation Director

Open swim is for all ages.

$3 per person, $5 per family Friday • 7:30-9:00 p.m. Saturday • 7:30-9:00 p.m. Beginning March 1 • 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Morning Lap Swim $3 per person or pass Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 6:00-7:00 a.m.

Noon Lap Swim $3 per person or pass Monday - Friday • 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Evening Lap Swim Starting March 3

$3 per person or pass Monday, Wednesday • 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Swim Passes Use for Lap swim only.

40 Visit Pass - $60 20 Visit Pass - $32 10 Visit Pass - $18

Pool Rental The pool is available for rental to any group or organization.

$40 per hour • 1-30 people $50 per hour • 31-50 people $25 per hour for the lobby (Includes tables and chairs) Call 685-2425 for reservations!

NEXT ISSUE: New Equipment Update!

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.

Plainwell

Community

Education

ion

& Recreat

Plainwell Community Education & Recreation

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE NOW!

A Gift for Program

Contact the Community Ed. Office today at 685-9531

From Date

422

W • PLAIN STREET ACORN

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Plainwell

85-95 AN • 6

Community

Education

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& Recreat

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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

spring youth recreation

spring adult recreation

BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP Grades K - 6

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. Dates: Mondays • April 14 - June 9 No Class May 26 - Memorial Day Time: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. BEGINNERS 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. ADVANCED Location: Plainwell Middle School Cafeteria Cost: $42 individual, $67 family Instructors: Huong Tran All registrations are done online or you can stop by your school or Community Ed office. Registration deadline is April 1.

The 12th ANNUAL MOTHER/SON EVENT

Plainwell Community Education will be sponsoring a trip to Grand Rapids to watch a Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey Game. It’s STAR WARS™ night and you can have your picture taken with your favorite STAR WARS™ character (make sure to bring your camera!). Your ticket will get you into the game, a $5 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. Who: K-6th Grade Boys (& their special female escort) When: Saturday, March 8. Game starts @ 7p.m. Bus will begin loading out front of the bus garage on Starr Rd. at 4:45p.m. They will leave promptly at 5:15p.m. The buses will drop off and pick up outside the arena. We will return to Plainwell before 11p.m. Where: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton, Downtown GR Cost: $22/per person, $44/per couple $15/for each additional son Deadline: Register by February 13. *Please note that we can NOT take late registration.

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. Dates: Mondays • April 7 - June 2, 2014 Time: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. No Class May 26th - Memorial Day Dates: Sundays • April 6 - June 1, 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.

AQUA 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. 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: Sundays • April 6 - June 1, 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:

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 3rd at the assigned time for your grade level. Date: Saturdays • March 1 - 29 Time: 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. - K, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. - 4th, 5th & 6th Location: Plainwell Middle School Cost: $52 Instructors: Coaches Klein, Rieman & staff You must pre-register. No sign ups at camp. Registration deadline is Monday, February 24.

INDOOR WALKING

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. 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

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?

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.

ANNUAL SPRING FLING

Join us for our Annual Hawaiian-themed Spring Fling! This FREE event is one you won’t want to miss with a delicious breakfast provided by Plainwell Community Schools. Join us in welcoming back the snowbirds! Date: Thursday, April 24 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: Gilkey Elementary, 707 S. Woodhams Street Please RSVP to Diane at 685-9531 or email dslater@plainwellschools.org

Diane Slater, Community Ed & Rec., Seniors in Action Coordinator...................... 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

COMMUNITY NEWS

ant to learn the 8 Keys of Excellence that your child has been talking about? PCS will be hosting its second 8 Keys of Excellence Community Night featuring the key of Ownership on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Ownership - or how to strengthen character through personal responsibility - will help you if your child has ever lied, justified a poor personal choice, or blamed someone else. This interactive presentation will teach participants frameworks for coaching students to be honest and take ownership for both their successes and mistakes.

8 Keys of Excellence COMMUNITY NIGHT The Key of Ownership

WED., MARCH 5 @ 7 p.m. Performing Arts Center The 8 Keys of Excellence character education program guides young people toward a positive future full of confidence, motivation, creativity, team work, leadership, and valuable life principles. PCS knows that character education works best when it is a constant part of student lives, in school and at home.

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You, as parents, will gain a common language with your child, be better communicators and will have access to resources that help support the 8 Keys at home. Teacher and Quantum Learning Facilitator, Chase Mielke, will share research, practical strategies, and personal examples that have been shown to increase ownership for students at all levels. Please join us, March 5, in the Performing Arts Center for an exciting evening filled with education, support and purpose! n

PLAINWELL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS’

kindergarten round up for children who will be 5 years old by October 1, 2014

We Need Teams! Support PCS’ Mentoring Program & Big Brothers Big Sisters

Wednesday, April 16 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gilkey Elementary

with

707 S. WOODHAMS • PLAINWELL

Build a Team or Become a Virtual Bowler!

Open House Format • Drop-in Anytime!

“Bowl For Kids Sake” All you have to do is go to www.bbbsmi.org/Allegan and follow the instructions for how you can donate and/or participate.

ALLEGAN COUNTY BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE

Kindergarten at Plainwell Community Schools is all-day, every-day. Children from any district are welcome to enroll. Can’t attend? Please call any one of the schools below for an enrollment packet. COOPER ELEMENTARY

GILKEY ELEMENTARY

STARR ELEMENTARY

7559 N. 14th Street Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (269) 349-2674

707 S. Woodhams Street Plainwell, MI 49080 (269) 685-2424

601 School Drive Plainwell, MI 49080 (269) 685-5835

Snowden’s Sunset Lanes, Allegan

March 8, 2014 • 2-4 p.m. QUESTIONS?

Contact BBBS at 382-6800, ext. 140 10

W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Plainwell Corners Open House February 26 â&#x20AC;˘ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Plainwell Community Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Plainwell Corners Preschool & school-age SAFE programs are currently registering children for the following self-funded programs: Plainwell Corners Summer Camp: Designed for children between 3 years old and completing Kindergarten.* Located at the Early Childhood Education Center. Special guests, games, crafts and other fun activities. Plainwell SAFE Summer Fun Camp: Designed for children who are entering 1st grade* through 5th grade in 2014-15. Field trips, swimming, games, crafts and loads of other new and fun activities! *Children entering 1st grade will attend the SAFE Summer Fun Camp, a change from last year.

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 3 or 4 years old. Plainwell Corners is a licensed program open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is located at the Early Childhood Education Center at 307 E. Plainwell Street (next to Hicks Gym) for a $135 weekly rate or $37 daily rate. Now offering a half day rate for the hours of 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. 3 year old half day sessions are offered on M & W for $125/monthly. 4 year old half day sessions are offered on T, Th & F for $180/monthly. SAFE: A licensed before and after school program providing a place to make friends and enjoy recreational activities, available for children from all 3 Plainwell Elementary schools. Open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Cooper SAFE will be held at Cooper. Gilkey and Starr SAFE will be at their own school sites in the morning and are combined at Starr in the afternoon. Rates are posted online.

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.

Preschoolers Get a Great Start!

reparing preschoolers for Kindergarten is the focus of the Plainwell Great Start Readiness Program. Students attend four days a week and meet at Starr Elementary. A typical day includes time in small groups, whole groups, and in learning centers throughout the classroom. There are many opportunities to discover and enjoy hands-on activities while learning to share and work together. Literacy, math, science, art, music, and P.E. are also important parts of the program. Registration begins on March 1 for children that will be 4 by October 1. Please call (269) 673-2161 or go to alleganaesa.org/earlyed n Preschoolers lined up chairs and built an airplane to go and visit Mrs. Huff (Instructional Assistant) who was out of town at the time. It was all their own idea! W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G

3 ON 3 Greater Plainwell Area

Rotary Basketball Tournament Saturday, March 22 | PHS Gym | 10:00 a.m. Form your Team ASAP! – DEADLINE IS MARCH 15TH –

$10/player (3-5 players per team)

Champions in each Group Get a T-Shirt! 7-8 Grade • 9-10 Grade • 11-12 Grade

Boys vs. Boys Girls vs. Girls

PROCEEDS ARE USED TO FUND THE PLAINWELL ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP

Board of Education

Amy Blades.......................................................................... President Kim Shafer.................................................................... Vice President Christine VanDenBerg.......................................................... Treasurer John Artz.............................................................................. Secretary Kevin Blue................................................................................Trustee Scott Corbin.............................................................................Trustee Jennifer Loftus..........................................................................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 SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE VARSITY BASEBALL APR. 1 15 18 22 25 29 MAY 2 6 7 9 13 16 17 19 20 21 27

Parchment DH Coloma DH Otsego DH Three Rivers DH Allegan DH Vicksburg DH Paw Paw DH Comstock DH Galesburg Rain Date 1st Round WC Wolv. Conference Wolv. Conference Delton DH Rain Date Hackett DH Predistricts

H A H H A A H A H TBA TBA TBA TBA A TBA H TBA

JV BASEBALL APR. 1 Parchment DH 15 Coloma DH 18 Otsego DH 22 Three Rivers DH 25 Allegan DH 29 Vicksburg DH MAY 2 Paw Paw DH 6 Comstock DH 7 Galesburg 9 Rain Date 13 1st Round WC 16 Wolv. Conference 17 Wolv. Conference 19 Delton DH 20 Rain Date 21 Hackett DH 27 Caledonia *DH = Double Header

A H A A H H A H A TBA TBA TBA TBA H TBA A H

BOYS GOLF MAR. 24 APR. 1 16 17

Otsego Jamboree A Vicksburg Jamboree A Paw Paw Jamboree A Gr. Kzoo @ Stonehenge A

BOYS GOLF APR. 18 23 28 MAY 1 9 12 14 15 17 21-24 28-31 JUN. 6-7

con’t.

Comstock JV Invite Plainwell Jamboree Allegan Jamboree Gull Lake Invite Comstock Jamboree Conf. Tournament South Haven Invite Conf. Tournament Hamilton Invite Districts Regionals State Finals

GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER MAR. 15 19 22 27 APR. 2 14 16 18 21 23 25 30 MAY 2 5 7 8 12 16 19 21 27-31

K College Scrimmage Loy Norrix Scrimmage Plainwell Invit. Caledonia Spring Lake Coloma Three Rivers GR Christian Portage Northern Otsego Portage Central Allegan Mattawan Vicksburg Paw Paw Comstock BC Lakeview Forest Hills Northern Conference Semi Conference Finals Districts at Middleville

A H A A A A A TBA A A A A A H H H A A H H A H A A H A H A A A TBA TBA TBA

go TROJANS!

GIRLS JV SOCCER MAR. 27 APR. 2 16 18 21 23 25 28 30 MAY 2 5 7 12 16 19/21

Mattawan Spring Lake Three Rivers GR Christian Portage Northern Otsego Portage Central Hopkins Allegan Mattawan Vicksburg Paw Paw BC Lakeview Forest Hills Northern Wolverine Conference

TRACK AND FIELD APR. 1 15 18 22 29 MAY 2 6 9 13 16/17 20 31

Comstock Otsego Otsego Invite Allegan Vicksburg Kzoo Central Invit. Paw Paw Allegan Invit. Rain Date Regionals Wolv. Conf. Finals @ Coloma State Finals

GIRLS TENNIS APR. 14 16 19 21 22 23 28 30 MAY 1 5 9/10 15-17

Otsego Allegan Gr. Kzoo @ Port. Cent. Gr. Kzoo Finals Vicksburg Paw Paw Comstock Coloma Mdlv/Thrnapl/Klg League Crossover Conf. Finals Regionals

H A H H A H A A A H A H A A TBA H A A H H A A A TBA A A A H A A A A H A A H H H A

VARSITY SOFTBALL MAR. 24 Gull Lake Scrimmage H 28 Schoolcraft A APR. 14 Port. North. Scrimmage H 15 Coloma DH A 18 Otsego DH H 19 Marshall Tourn. A 22 Three Rivers DH H 25 Allegan DH A 29 Vicksburg DH A MAY 2 Paw Paw DH H 3 Don Knight Mem. Tourn. @ Otsego A 6 Comstock DH A 7 Galesburg DH H 9 Rain Date TBA 12 Wyoming/Godwin Hts A 17 Conf. Tourn. @ Otsego A 19 Delton DH A 20 Rain Date TBA 21 Hackett DH H 27 Predistrict TBA 30/31 Districts TBA

JV SOFTBALL MAR. 24 Gull Lake Scrimmage H 28 Schoolcraft DH H APR. 14 Port. North. Scrimmage A 15 Coloma DH H 18 Otsego DH A 22 Three Rivers DH A 25 Allegan DH H 29 Vicksburg DH H MAY 2 Paw Paw DH A 6 Comstock DH H 7 Galesburg DH A 19 Delton DH H 21 Hackett DH A *DH = Double Header Be aware! Athletic schedules are subject to changes in dates/times due to weather and school district conflicts.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE ATHLETIC OFFICE AT 269.685.2096