“Our Schools” News Family, Community, Excellence December 2019 alleganps.org
STATE CHAMPS!
The Tiger Tennis team was crowned 2019 Division 4 State Champs. This is the first State Championship in the tennis program’s history. Individually, Eli Festerling was crowned #4 singles State Champ. The Tigers also had Tyler Aldrich, Korbin Sisson, Jack Nahikian, Noah Festerling, and Ben Groth named All-State. The team was also named Applebee’s MHSAA Team of the Month! Congratulations!
Congrats to Olivia Clearwater, Thomas Langschied, and Hunter Weeks (l to r). These three were just selected, by audition, into the MSVMA Regional Honors Choir! They will be performing at WMU in December. In This Issue: Contact Information Superintendent’s Message Staff News Around the District Middle School Matters High School Highlights Allegan Tiger Athletics Alternative Ed & Online Elementary News
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Allegan High School Student is Finalist in Ayn Rand Essay Contest Allegan High School senior Eli Leece was recently selected as a finalist in the Ayn Rand Institute’s Anthem essay contest. During their junior year, students in Ms. Conrad’s and Mrs. Sparks’s English 11 classes read Ayn Rand’s book Anthem. Upon finishing the book, students wrote an essay answering one of three questions posed by the Ayn Rand Institute. In order to participate in the Allegan High School contest sponsored by the Institute, all entries had to be submitted to the National Contest. There were thousands of entries from all over the world including China, Canada, India, and South Korea, as well as throughout the United States. Eli’s essay was selected as one of 50 finalists in the National Contest. Congratulations, Eli!
Allegan Public Schools
ALLEGAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2019-2020 School Calendar
Telephone Numbers
Administration Office........................... (269) 673-5431 James Antoine (superintendent) Hillary Baker (director of instruction) Amy Christman (director of finance & operations) George Mohr (state and federal programs) Allegan High School ............................ (269) 673-7002 Jim Mallard (principal) Justin Hudson (assistant principal) L.E. White Middle School...................... (269) 673-2241 Erin Hafer (principal) Chris Reeve (assistant principal) Dawson Elementary.............................. (269) 673-6925 Rebecca Shuper (principal) North Ward Elementary........................ (269) 673-6003 Becky Corbett (principal) Pine Trails Elementary.......................... (269) 673-5379 Kari Luckett (principal) West Ward Elementary......................... (269) 673-7000 Melanie Cassar (principal) Allegan Alternative High & Adult Ed..... (269) 673-5433 Laura Feffer (principal) Special Education.................................. (269) 673-5431 Brady Chestnut (director) Athletic Office....................................... (269) 673-7002 Ron Orr (director) Pool/Aquatics........................................ (269) 673-7002 Chris Madill (ext. 5507) Maintenance Department................... (269) 673-2085 Jamie Collier (supervisor) Transportation Department................. (269) 673-2203 Marty Mendell (supervisor) Food Service ....................................... (269) 673-7002 Barb Elenbaas (supervisor) ext. 5517 Allegan Online/Adult Ed ..................... (269) 673-5431 Brenda Nyhof (director) ext. 3022 School Website: alleganps.org
2019-20 Board Members:
Dec 20 Dec 23-Jan 3 Jan 22 Jan 27-30 Feb 11&13 Feb 14 Feb 17 Mar 18 Apr 3-10 Apr 29 Apr 29 May 22 May 25 June 9
3 Hr. Early Dismissal NO SCHOOL (Winter Break) 3 Hr. Early Dismissal Parent-Teacher Conferences (HS/MS)* Parent-Teacher Conferences (Elem)* 3 Hr. Early Dismissal NO SCHOOL (Mid-Winter Break) 3 Hr. Early Dismissal NO SCHOOL (Spring Break) 3 Hr. Early Dismissal Parent-Teacher Conferences* 3 Hr. Early Dismissal NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day) Students Last Day/3 Hr. Early Dismissal
Allegan Public Schools Board of Education 2019-20 Regular Meeting Schedule August 12, 2019 (6:00 p.m.) September 9, 2019 (7:00 p.m.) October 14, 2019 (7:00 p.m.) November 11, 2019 (7:00 p.m.) December 9, 2019 (7:00 p.m.) January 13, 2020 (7:00 p.m.) February 10, 2020 (7:00 p.m.) March 9, 2020 (7:00 p.m.) April 13, 2020 (7:00 p.m.) May 11, 2020 (7:00 p.m.) June 8, 2020 (6:00 p.m.)
Front l to r: Jennifer Nicholson, Nathon Kelley, Troy Carns, Lane Sturman Back l to r: Vicki Knuckles, Mary Kasprzyk, KD Lake
►Most regular meetings scheduled for the 2nd Monday of each month. ►Regular meetings during school year are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ►Regular meetings during the summer (June, July, August) begin at 6:00 p.m. ►Special meetings will be posted at the entrance and on the district website. ►All meetings to be held at the Allegan Public Schools’ Administration Building, 550 Fifth Street, Allegan MI 49010, unless otherwise posted. ►Interested citizens are invited to attend meetings. There is an opportunity for public comments of a general nature at the beginning of every board meeting. Persons with disabilities who need special accommodations should contact the Superintendent at (269) 673-5431 or at 550 Fifth Street, Allegan, MI 49010, ten days prior to the meeting.
The “Our Schools News” is a publication of Allegan Public Schools. It is published at least four times annually and mailed to all residents of the Allegan area. If you know of someone who is not receiving this publication that would benefit from receiving it, please contact Laura Sullivan, editor, at (269) 673-5431 or email lsullivan@alleganps.org.
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From the Desk of the Superintendent “All in for Allegan” By the time you read this, Thanksgiving will have already passed, but the holiday season still provides a wonderful opportunity to show gratitude to all of the Allegan Public Schools’ employees who make our district a great place to work and a great place for our kids to flourish. As I travel the district, I hear our APS employees referring to their role as more than just a job and focusing on how they impact our kids. This student-centered approach makes all the difference. Here are some examples:
Superintendent Antoine
APS custodians do more than clean, they know they are keeping our kids healthy. APS food service staff and the supervisor do more than feed our students, they don’t want our kids to go hungry. APS bus drivers and the supervisor do more than transport our students, they keep our kids safe. APS secretaries do more than answer phones and complete paperwork, they are often the heart of the entire building and would do anything for the students and staff. APS Instructional Assistants and Academic Coaches do more than work with their assigned kids, they ask how they can support all students, teachers, and the entire school. APS maintenance staff do more than maintain facilities, they maintain an environment conducive to student learning. APS teachers do more than follow the curriculum and assess student learning, they care about the whole child and the current and future success of our students in and out of the classroom. APS counselors and social workers do more than provide counseling, build schedules, and provide direct service, they know that a student’s mental health is essential for success in learning and life. APS occupational therapists do more than provide service to their caseload, they ensure that all students are able to access all that Allegan Public Schools has to offer. APS speech therapists do more than work with their assigned students, they know the better our kids can communicate, the better they can learn and grow. APS principals don’t just lead their buildings, they love their students and staff and put kids first at all times and in all decisions. Allegan Public Schools’ employees go above and beyond for our kids. It is far more than just a job to them and I am very thankful for their hard work and dedication. I truly hope that this holiday season brings joy to all APS employees and all the families of our community. Page 3
Welcome! New Faces to the Allegan Public Schools Family
Michelle Borst Instructional Assistant
Amber Caldarona
Danielle Cole
Noon Hour Supervisor
Noon Hour Supervisor
Sonette Herren
Jessica Hileski
West Ward
North Ward
Instructional Assistant
Dawson
Ashley Hubbard
Teacher
Noon Hour Supervisor
High School
West Ward
West Ward
Maria Hargrove Custodian
West Ward
Justin Hudson
Assistant Principal
High School
Congratulations to Roxanne Fox on her retirement from APS. After 17 years of service and dedication, Roxanne is retiring December 31. Best wishes!
Samantha Hutchens Teacher
Pine Trails/ West Ward
David Sponseller Bus Driver
APS
Jill Vuyst
Instructional Assistant
Dawson
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Chiquita White Bus Driver
APS
Around the District
Tigers Unite
Tigers Unite, a student-driven positive impact club, at the middle school has been working hard to inspire kindness. The group started this year’s acts of kindness by surprising middle school students with positive sticky notes on all lockers. Messages ranged from, “You’ve got this!” to “You are the reason I smiled today!” Tigers Unite members also walked with West Ward Elementary students during their Walk-A-Thon and talked about the importance of being kind to one another. Middle school students also had a surprise in their lunches - bananas were plastered with inspirational and positive messages! Tigers Unite challenges you to be the reason somebody smiles today!
Band/Choir Notes
The MSBOA Fall Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival took place on Saturday, 11/16, in Grandville. Maribella Armourillo and Olivia Penrod earned a Division Two rating. Audrey Penrod, Eliza Leverett, Jason Mashburn, Bella Festerling, Olivia Penrod, Alex Davis, and Leah Snyder all earned Division One ratings. Congratulations to all the middle school band students who participated in this festival, you represented L.E. White Middle School well! Upcoming Band and Choir Performances: Tuesday, 12/10 - 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Bands present their Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Thursday, 12/12 - A Medieval Festive Knight of Music & A Modern Festive Night of Music 6th grade choir, Treble, & Chamber Choirs and the HS Band present their annual Holiday Spectacular at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, January 24 - The 7th and 8th grade Choir & TrebleMakers will collaborate to perform a mini musical you will not want to miss! "Sleeping Beauty" will be performed at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
Sewing Hat Invasion
Just before Mother Nature decided to show us what winter looks and feels like, the students from the L.E. White Middle School Sewing Class visited the classrooms of Mr. Beauregard and Mrs. Norland at Dawson Elementary to read stories to the kindergarten students and pass out handmade fleece hats. There were enough fleece hats to share with the Young Fives students, as well. A special thank you to Mrs. Schalk and her students.
Community Support
Meet Sassy Olive’s first intern, Alternative High School’s very own Cyan! Cyan is excited to take Sassy Olive’s graphic design background to a new level and is thrilled for this opportunity. Page 5
Middle School Matters L.E. White Computer Science Curriculum is Keeping up with Changing Times
L.E. White Middle School is changing with the times. This school year, teachers updated the Computer Science curriculum at the Middle School. Students are now participating in a class that encourages problem solving and persistence, which prepares them to be active contributors in an increasingly technological society. Students have already designed a website from scratch using HTML and designed an interactive game using block coding. They are all doing an amazing job using their new skills. 8th-grade students agree, “It is a very interesting, useful, and well-balanced class. It’s the best class ever!”
Crafting for the Season
An enrichment program at L.E. White Middle School included a crafting session. The first session was a huge success! Any Middle School student was eligible to sign up for this enrichment activity. Ms. Storbeck helped around 30 students make inspirational, magnetic message boards and decorate magnets with fall craft paper and flowers. The students enjoyed this new session and plans are underway to provide more opportunities throughout the school year.
L.E. White Middle School Renovates Library Students and staff at the middle school are enjoying the new space in the library. The students are welcome to visit the library during their lunch recess. They need to sign up before the first lunch of the day to ensure a spot during recess. Students have been making some new friends and teaching each other how to draw, working on puzzles, or learning to play a new game. This has shown to be a very positive for everyone. Ms. Pokornwski’s class has been enjoying this roomy space during some of her class time as well. This library space is very positive and welcoming space for everyone. Additional furniture will be added in December.
Emergency/School Closing Alerts:
Allegan Public Schools will be utilizing SchoolMessenger for district announcements, school closing, and emergency information. (This will replace our former system “Remind.”) APS will be able to send messages via phone calls, emails, and text. Text Y to 67-587 to opt-in for text alerts. Please make sure your contact information is correct for your student(s). Thank you for your patience as we implement this new system. Alerts will still be sent through the APS app until this system is in place. For information on how to sign up for the app, see page 2. Page 6
High School Highlights
Mrs. Hickok’s Personal Finance class welcomed Mr. Lewis from Allegan Credit Union through the Junior Achievement Program to talk about different financial topics. Students in Ms. Fritz’s Advanced Food Science class enjoyed a fun-filled day at Cranes Orchards. They picked apples and then made apple pie. The results were delightful!
AHS Safe Celebration
Post Prom/Grad Bash Committee is now known as "AHS Safe Celebration" Committee. This group of volunteer parents meets at 7 p.m. every 3rd Monday of the month in Conference Room 904 at the High School. The committee is looking for parent involvement to help raise money to provide events for current and future Junior and Seniors. Their goal is to provide events that are safe and memorable to celebrate these special events that only occur during their high school years.
Bon Appetit!
The Allegan High School French Club had a French cooking day after school on October 28. The students made chocolate mousse and croquemonsieur sandwiches. A good, delicious time was had by all! Page 7
Allegan Tiger Athletics
By: Ron Orr, Athletic Director alleganps.org/athletics Allegan High School Athletics has wrapped up another fall sports season. The Tigers had many outstanding performances individually and as teams. As mentioned on page 1, the Tiger Tennis team was crowned 2019 Division 4 State Champs. This is the first State Championship for the tennis program. Individually, Eli Festerling was also crowned #4 singles State Champ. The Tigers also had Tyler Aldrich, Korbin Sisson, Jack Nahikian, Noah Festerling, and Ben Groth named All-State. In Cross Country, Connor Harlan and Sabrina Mills qualified for the State Cross Country meet and represented Allegan well. (Pictured top.) Emma Franklin qualified for the State Golf Tournament becoming the second Tiger golfer to accomplish this feat. Emma ended up in 25th place. (Pictured bottom right.) Kaleb Smith earned All-State honors for the boys’ soccer team. The team finished the season in 2nd place in the Conference with a 15-7 record. The girls’ swim team continued to have success qualifying a number of girls for the State Meet. Hannah Antkoviak, Hayley Staffen, Brooke Houser, Ally Brown, and Chloe Dean all qualified for State. The Tigers will compete at the State Meet in a number of individual and team events.
The Allegan All-Sports Booster Club supports ALL high school and middle school athletic teams. The All-Sports Boosters has all new spirit wear, blankets, lanyards, and newly designed stadium seats, and car stickers. These items would all make great Christmas gifts. Spirit wear will be on sale at all Friday night basketball games but can also be ordered by contacting Mindi Smith at minime3674@gmail.com. The Boosters are always looking for new members and lifetime Alumni members receive a free gift with membership. Join today!
Save the Date!
Come join us on Friday, January 17 at 5:30 for the Ed Foundation’s annual Most Valuable Educator (MVE) basketball game. Senior athletes will recognize their MVE at the game. Wear your Football continued to show improvement this year C.O.D.E. Orange shirt/sweatshirt to get in free. and had growth in a number of areas. T-shirts are $10 and available at the APS Administration Building, Volleyball finished the season with a much550 Fifth St. Sweatshirts are improved record with new head coach Hannah Hill. available to order by 12/30 at: https://tinyurl.com/tflch8g. Winter sports are underway. Get out and catch the There will be a photo booth as well. actions. Go Tigers! Page 8
Allegan Alternative High School Welcome, Maude!
News from the Eagles’ Nest:
Maude Statler recently joined the Alternative High School team through a partnership with Arbor Circle. Maude will be offering on-site mental health services to the students. Her previous experience involves working with Now enrolling new students for 2nd Trimester at-risk youth in both a public Do you know a student who is not in school? Do school setting and residential you know a student who would benefit from a small school with one-on-one help and many ways facility. With her support, the AAHS staff hopes to not only meet the academic needs of the students but the to get back on track to graduation? Interested families should call Laura Feffer at 269-673-5433. emotional ones as well. Adopt a Family We have had several families ask us for help this holiday season in providing a meal or gifts for their teens. Any gas cards or gift cards to Village Market, Meijer, Walmart, etc., would be so appreciated.
Alternative High School students Kass and Darell received a standing ovation from a room filled with some of the most respected judges and lawyers in Michigan at the Mediation Services’ Annual Dinner. The students spoke from the heart about the ways Jennifer Hamman, Restorative Justice Facilitator, has given them a skill set they never would have had which allows them to resolve feelings and conflicts in a positive manner.
Allegan Online & Adult Education Celebrate Success
Allegan Online/Adult Education is celebrating the success of four students who have completed their high school education this year. We anticipate many more graduates each month during this school year from the 100 students enrolled. It’s not too late to enroll! Earn more, learn more! Allegan Online is an online option offered by Allegan Public Schools for students in grades 9 - 12 to take online classes and earn an Allegan District High School Diploma. Allegan Adult Education is currently enrolling students ages 18 and up to earn a GED Certificate or High School Diploma and take Skills Training. Students 18 and up enrolled in our GED program can take GED classes and at the same time take Welding, CNA, Machining or Construction classes. All free of charge. They will graduate with a GED and a certificate in one of these areas. Employers are looking for workers in these high demand jobs. We can help you prepare and get that higher paying job! Allegan Online & Adult Ed. classes offer individualized instruction and flexible hours to meet your needs. Classes and Testing are FREE. Enroll today! Class Hours: Mon. & Wed. 8am - 4pm * Tue. & Thr. 8am - 7pm * Fri. 8am - 12 pm Location: Allegan Public Schools Administration Building Lower Level, 550 Fifth St., Allegan Questions? Contact: 269-673-5431 Brenda Nyhof, Director Sue Chappell, Supervisor bnyhof@alleganps.org x3022 schappell@alleganps.org x3054
It is never too late to complete your high school education! Page 9
News from Dawson, North Ward, Peer Helpers
Mr. Nash’s West Ward 2nd graders teamed up with Mrs. Roger’s kindergarteners to build structures to protect their “ultraviolet bead creatures” from the sun as part of the kindergarten weather unit for science.
Walking for Dawson
Kindergarteners Explore Wiggly Worms
As part of their living things unit in science, Dawson kindergarteners had fun learning about worms. They learned about the different parts of the worm and what they need to survive. They also did an investigation and learned that worms can move on both paper and plastic and not just in the soil. Many giggles were heard and smiles were seen when they held their wiggly pet worms!
The annual Dawson Walk-A-Thon was another huge success this year! The Dawson PTO put together a trip to our Allegan Sports Complex, where students completed “laps” along with various activities throughout their path. The finale was a handful of students earning slime to pour onto Mrs. Shuper, along with a schoolwide celebration back at school later in the week. Due to our dedicated families and generous community supports, the Dawson team was able to raise over $10,000 this year for our small school of almost 250 students. We take pride in not only our school but as our Allegan community in its entirety. We graciously thank all of you that supported our endeavors in one way or another; true proof that really does take a village!!!
Guess Who?
North Ward Elementary staff and students participated in a week-long mystery challenge to continue to build community within the school. A mystery “Principal’s Book of Secrets” showed up on Mrs. Corbett’s desk to give the students and staff clues during morning announcements. There was a different challenge posed each day for everyone. The challenges consisted of finding gems around the school, solving a puzzle, figuring out who AL was, a kindness challenge, and sharing a family recipe. The mystery person was Mr. Bishop and students in Mrs. Marlett’s class were able to guess the mystery person correctly so they received a special treat. It was a fun way to build community! Page 10
Pine Trails, and West Ward Elementaries Fire Safety Month
Project Lean
Elementary students around the district are enjoying a nutrition education program. This program encourages students to eat healthy foods and get more exercise. The students love trying new foods.
Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Heeres’s kindergartners at West Ward enjoyed a special visit from the Gobles Pine Grove Fire Department. Fire Chief Wioskowski and Assistant Fire Chief Cronk brought a fire truck to school to discuss fire safety with West Ward’s youngest students. Chief Cronk shared information including how important it is to check smoke detectors, find a family meeting spot outside where everyone will go and stay if there was a fire, and crawl to safety to avoid breathing smoke. Pictured Assistant Fire Chief Cronk and his son Cole in the cab of the fire truck.
Tulip Time at North Ward
Hockey Town!
Third graders at North Ward Elementary School planted tulip bulbs donated by Veldheers in Holland. Can’t wait for spring!
Students from Pine Trails and West Ward Elementary attended the K-Wings Education Day. This funfilled educational day highlighted the educational aspects of hockey such as math, science, and geography. Although the K-Wings lost, the students had a great time.
Breakfast of Champions
Elementary students across the district participated in breakfast with parents and guardians. From Donuts with Divas, Muffins with Misses, Cookies with Caregivers, and Donuts with Dudes, students were able to enjoy some special time with parents and family and show off their schools.
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Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Allegan MI PERMIT 192
FROM: Allegan Public Schools 550 Fifth Street Allegan, MI 49010
ECRWSS TO: Current Resident
The Allegan Public School District complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, political belief, disability, handicap, or any other legally protected characteristic —in all of its programs and in employment. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Superintendent of Schools, 550 Fifth Street, Allegan MI (phone (269) 673-5431).