School Matters Fall 2015 by Plainwell Schools

School Matters

L ATE FA L L 2015

GREEN ISSUE

AN ARTISTIC

COLLABORATION – Story on Page 6 –

SUPERINTENDENT’S VIEWPOINT by Susan Wakefield, Superintendent

tal!

environmen

Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders

“P

reparing students for success through academic excellence and strength of character.” That’s our mission statement which reflects the work that we strive to do every day. The success we hope our students achieve extends far beyond their years at PCS and we take very seriously the fact that they are the next generation who will be making the decisions in our society. To that end, we work to ensure that they are well-educated, responsible, caring individuals.

GREEN ISSUE

A decades old theme at PCS is teaching our students to be good stewards of this planet. This movement began years ago at Gilkey Elementary with the environmental lab and Earth Day celebration. Gilkey was our first school to earn the “Green School” status award and Cooper and Starr have since followed. Our secondary buildings are also on board. This year, we have new drinking fountains at the middle school that have built-in water bottle refill faucets. The goal is to reduce plastic water bottles in landfills. Our high school has had an aggressive recycling program for years and the students continue to champion this cause. Our students are not alone in their quest of being responsible stewards of the planet. We have taken every opportunity to reduce our energy usage which is not only the right thing to do, but in the long run, saves the district money. Greg Smith, our Director of Operations, is constantly looking for new technology that make us a more energy efficient organization. Not too many years ago, when we turned the lights on in a building, they remained on until the last custodian left at night. We now have motion-sensored lighting in most areas. We have also replaced old boilers with new high efficiency models. As a staff, we turn off computers, overhead projectors and lights when they are not in use. We removed small appliances from classrooms. And we, along with our students, work to recycle and reuse our materials.

November 25 NO SCHOOL

November 26-27 THANKSGIVING BREAK

December 4 1/2 Day - All Students End of 1st Trimester

December 21- January 1 WINTER BREAK

February 18 1/2 Day - All Students

February 19 NO SCHOOL

March 11 1/2 Day - All Students End of 2nd Trimester

April 1 NO SCHOOL

April 4-8 SPRING BREAK

There is a steady push in every building to help all of us become more eco-friendly and responsible to the generations who will follow us. Protecting the environment requires everyone to act responsibly. This is one of those issues that cannot be resolved by a few. But if we all work collectively to resolve it, progress is inevitable. Taking care of our environment is just one of the valuable lessons that we hope our students internalize and make a part of their lifestyle now and for years to come.

May 30 NO SCHOOL

June 10 1/2 Day - All Students LAST DAY OF SCHOOL End of 3rd Trimester

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season. n

STAY IN TOUCH WITH PCS! Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: PlainwellCommunitySchools ThePlainwellTrojans

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

OUR CHANNEL: plainwellcommschools

FOCUS ON CURRICULUM by Bob Van Dis, Director of Curriculum

M-STEP: Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress

ast year, Michigan created a new statewide assessment system called the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress or M-STEP. These new tests were needed to assess the higher standards in English and mathematics that Michigan adopted in 2010.

CHANGES TO STATEWIDE HIGH SCHOOL TESTING The Michigan Merit Exam or MME is taken by all juniors in the state and has several components. High School Testing Component

• M-STEP was administered to all Michigan students in grades 3-8 and 11 last spring. Statewide results were released on October 27 with district and school results expected in November.

Gr. 11 MME College Readiness Test Gr. 11 MME Workplace Readiness Test Gr. 11 MME Michigan Added Content

• M-STEP replaced the 44 year old MEAP tests at grades 3 – 8 and replaced the old “Michigan Added” portion of the grade 11 Michigan Merit Exam. • M-STEP moved all state testing from the fall to the spring of the school year. • M-STEP was taken on-line, not paper and pencil or bubble sheets. • M-STEP is a much more challenging test than the MEAP was. Students were required to demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and deep knowledge through written responses.

Gr. 9 and 10 Assessments

2015

2016+

ACT

SAT

WorkKeys

MEAP math, science & social studies

M-STEP ELA, math, science & soc. studies

M-STEP science & social studies

None

PSAT

None

The biggest challenge for this coming year is changing the college readiness component of the MME from the ACT to the SAT. Our high school staff has been working since last spring to help students prepare for this new assessment. To help this year’s juniors with that transition, we paid for all juniors to take the PSAT in October so they can set up a personal study plan to do well on the SAT in April. To help students, the Khan Academy has provided free on-line SAT preparation for every Michigan student. Michigan moved to the SAT for three reasons: • SAT was a better match to Michigan standards • SAT costs less statewide than ACT • SAT provides an abundance of free on-line preparation resources to students

• M-STEP is a totally different test measuring different standards, so no comparisons can be made to past MEAP scores. 2015 sets a new benchmark for future improvement. • Statewide results showed students doing better at ELA (reading and writing) than in math or social studies, with science being the lowest subject.

2014

If our district and school results from the spring 2015 M-STEP and MME have not already been released at the time of this publication, they should be shortly. You can find them on the district web page. The chart below looks ahead to the spring 2016 testing. n

Spring 2016 Statewide Assessment Dates Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11

M-STEP ELA and Math M-STEP ELA, Math, and Science M-STEP ELA, Math, and Social Studies M-STEP ELA and Math M-STEP ELA, Math, and Science M-STEP ELA, Math, and Social Studies PSAT 9 PSAT 10 SAT College Readiness Test WorkKeys Workplace Readiness Test M-STEP Science and Social Studies

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

April 25 – May13 May 9 – May 27 April 11 – April 29 April 25 – May13 May 9 – May 27 April 11 – April 29 April 12 or 13 April 12 or 13 April 12 April 13 April 11 – April 27

DISTRICT NEWS

Plainwell Education Foundation Distributes Mini-Grants

t the Monday, November 2nd Board of Education meeting, the Plainwell Education Foundation gifted over $12,000 in 26 mini-grants to 31 Plainwell educators. These mini-grants are used to enhance classroom learning experience, extracurricular activities, tools for technology and field trips. Front Row (L to R): Jan Whyte-Tran, René Perrin, Katie Rhoton, Maria Noto Cassada, Lisa Collier, Kristen Fillar. 2nd Row (L to R): Plainwell Education Foundation’s Beth Hampsten, Jennifer Wright, Desirae Pierce, Courtney Diebold, Katie Smith, Julie Potter, Deb Burley. 3rd Row (L to R): Plainwell Education Foundation’s Lindsay Marshall, Marilyn Hess, Chad Boender, Mike MacQueen, Heather Damick, Lauren Herder, Sara Truax, Lisa Wininger, Bob Farris.

GREEN ISSUE

Plainwell Middle School installed

Cooper, Gilkey and Starr

seven all-new water bottle filling

Elementary Schools have all

stations and drinking fountains.

received GREEN SCHOOL

Please consider purchasing a

designations from the state.

reusable water bottle for your

This year, Gilkey has a brand-new,

student.

custom-made recycling center.

Plainwell Middle School and Starr Elementary are taking part in the PCS’ School Matters newsletter is printed on 10% post-consumer recycled paper and is available online at www.plainwellschools.org and issuu.com/plainwellschools

Crayola Color Cycle project. Mrs. Stevens and Ms. Whyte-Tran collect dried out markers (highlighters, dry erase, etc.) which are sent to the Crayola facility free of charge to be recycled into fuel. 8.3 lbs. of plastic waste makes one gallon of fuel - which means a 40 lb. box of dried out markers makes almost 5 gallons of gas! Please consider saving your old markers and send them to school with your child.

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

SCHOOL NEWS

AN ARTISTIC

COLLABORATION

rs. Beltowski’s Advanced Art students are learning about a unique kind of collaboration. The class is participating in a community art project for the Pfizer Corporation. Each student artist designed and painted a panel which will be arranged and assembled with the other panels to form a huge multi-faceted mural which will be on display at Pfizer for the next few years. Each student chose a unique theme for their panel - these themes include from pharmaceutical history, healing, hope and family. Below, the artists answer questions about the project and their artwork. What does the Pfizer project mean to you? This project is about inspiring the workers of Pfizer. - Lexi Burnham How can this project help others? This project can motivate people to live a healthy lifestyle and get a positive outcome out of it. - Maya Buck How does this project differ from others? We (as artists and people) all have different, unique ideas. - Kate McMahon What are your thoughts on community art? I love community art! Especially the thought that goes behind it. The fact that someone would spend time on a project to just give it to the community is pretty awesome. - Alivia Conn

WMU Kicker Visits Gilkey Elementary

errick Mitchell, a kicker on the Western Michigan University Broncos football team, came to meet the Punt, Pass and Kick contest winners in Ms. Abnet’s physical education class at Gilkey Elementary. Mitchell, who represented the WMU football team also talked with the students about academics and the hard work it takes to do well in sports and in the classroom. Mitchell is pictured here with Jadyn Erdody, Joshua Carmody, Mason Meert, Emily Stoeffer, Laken Whittington and Nicholas Rachel. Congratulations to all the winners!

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!

lainwell 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 Alumni Award will be presented during the 2016 PHS Graduation Ceremony on May 26, 2016. Nominations are due by February 1, 2016 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 2006. 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

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

DISTRICT NEWS

PHS Trojan Marching Band 2015 Season Honors Otsego Band Invitational: 4th Place and Best Music MSBOA District XI Marching Festival: Straight First Division Superior Ratings and all As Lakeshore Band Invitational: 4th Place with Awards of Excellence in Music, Marching, Percussion, and Auxiliary - (one of only 3 bands to do so!) Jenison Band Invitational: 2nd Place

Plainwell Performing Arts Center 2015 HOLIDAY CONCERTS

Thursday, December 3

Gilkey Elementary Winter Concert

7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 8

Cooper Elementary Winter Concert

7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 9

PMS Winter Band Concert

7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 10

PMS 6th Grade Winter Choir Concert

6:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 10

PMS 7th & 8th Grade Winter Choir Concert

7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 16 PHS Holiday Spectrum Concert

7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 17

7:00 p.m.

PHS Holiday Spectrum Concert

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

f For weather-related school closing news, check WOOD-TV, WWMT or sign up to receive School Messenger updates under the “For Parents” tab at www.plainwellschools.org

DISTRICT NEWS

Eagle Scout Builds Gift to the Community

The Western Jazz Quartet is Andrew Rathbun, Jeremy Siskind, Tom Knific, and Keith Hall.

arod Russell played three years of Varsity Tennis for the Trojans, ending his career playing at one doubles. Coach Grubaugh remembers him as a player who “loved to get to the net and win at the net” and as a high school kid who “worked his hardest both in the classroom and on the tennis courts”. Jarod is now at Michigan Technological University studying Engineering, but before he left he wanted to do something to give back to the Plainwell community in general and the Plainwell tennis program in particular. Knowing that he would be working on his Eagle Scout award, Jarod started brainstorming what the tennis program could use. He settled on building a hitback wall for the students and community members of Plainwell. It took numerous meetings with the coach, Athletic department, and Operations department in order to ensure that the project was done well. In the end, Jarod successfully built a wall that can be used by everyone in the community to help develop their game. Thank you, Jarod! n

Western Jazz Quartet in Concert WJQ Plays the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 10

he Western Jazz Quartet will play a free concert Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center, 684 Starr Rd., Plainwell. The community is encouraged to attend. The Western Jazz Quartet is a resident faculty ensemble in the School of Music at Western Michigan University. Formed in 1974, and recently re-energized with three new members, the quartet combines performing and teaching with uncommon success as they promote jazz music and jazz education through a very active schedule of tours, concerts and workshops. Activities range from performances for school children of all ages to concerts, tours and recordings with such artists as Art Farmer, Tim Hagans, Donnt McCaslin, Stefon Harris, Kenny Werner, Billy Hart, Mark Murphy, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Janis Siegel and Bobby McFerrin. The WJQ has performed from Boston to Los Angeles, and tours regularly worldwide. It has been featured at festivals in Canada, Europe and the United States, and at a week of performances at La Villa in Paris, France. The group often tours as artistic ambassadors for the U.S. Department of State including Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Poland, Italy, Croatia and Slovenia. In 2011 and 2012, the WJQ was in residence for The International Festival of Music in Mozambique and recently returned from a residency in St. Petersburg, Russia. The WJQ has released six CDs in the United States: Free Fall (2014), Mayan Myths (2006), Premiere (2005) with trumpeter Scott Cowan, Sabine’s Dance (2000), Blue Harts (1995) and Firebird (1992) with Billy Hart. The WJQ was recently honored with a Chamber Music America residency partnership award. n W W W. P L A I N W E L L S C H O O L S . O R G

E A R LY C H I L D H O O D & P R E S C H O O L NOTE: Plainwell Corners and SAFE has a new billing system! All children must be registered at least two days before beginning preschool or SAFE in order to be entered into the system.

Plainwell Corners Preschool & Daycare: Prepares your child for success! A preschool offering a developmentally appropriate and fun curriculum (including Handwriting Without Tears) designed for toilet-trained children who are 3 or 4-years old. Open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Early Childhood Education Center, 307 E. Plainwell Street (next to Hicks Gym) for a minimum of three full days a week at $111 or the full weekly rate at $135.

SAFE: Before & after school care for your child! A before and after school program providing a place to make friends and enjoy recreational activities, available for children from all three Plainwell Elementary schools. Open weekdays from 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Gilkey and Starr SAFE meet at their own schools in the morning and are combined at Starr in the afternoon. Cooper SAFE will be held at Cooper. Rates are posted online.

Check us out at www.plainwellschools.org > Services > Preschool & Daycare or call 269.685.3103 for more information. We qualify for childcare tax credits, accept DHS payments and we are approved for Flex reimbursement.

trojans Little

PLAINWELL

COMM. SCHOOLS

Plainwell’s Great Parents, Great Start program offers FREE monthly literacy-based playgroups for children (ages birth to five) at the Discovery Center at Starr Elementary from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month. Each playgroup consists of activities, which promote fine and gross motor skills, academic learning, and social skills. FREE books and snacks will be provided at each playgroup.

Pumpkin Fun • Tuesday, November 17 • 10:00 am Listen to the story of Plumply Dumply Pumpkin, make orange silly putty, and decorate mini-pumpkins to take home for Thanksgiving.

Candy Cane Lane • Tuesday, December 15 • 10:00 am Practice your colors by playing Candyland with friends, go on a candy cane hunt, make candy cane reindeer, and fingerpaint your own personalized candy canes to take home.

Hot Chocolate PJ Party • Tuesday, January 19 • 10:00 am Wear your pajamas to school! We’ll sip on hot chocolate, eat snacks, and listen to The Snowy Day at the reading rug. Take home a winter sled made out of popsicle sticks.

Rainbow Fish • Tuesday, February 16 • 10:00 am Listen to the Rainbow FIsh, discuss what makes a good friend, manipulate playdough speckled fish and design your own tissue paper fish to take home.

NEW! Come & Play!! Parents and Little Trojans (ages birth to five) can join us at the Discovery Center at Starr Elementary on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons from 3 to 3:30 p.m. for Open Play! Check out the new reading, writing, gross motor, art, tinker, construction, science and kitchen centers. Please sign in at the front office upon arrival.

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

Congratulations to the 2015 PHS Varsity Soccer Team Wolverine Conference Champions, (9-0 Record) â&#x20AC;˘ MHSAA Division 2 District Champions

Substitutes

We need you.

Wanted!

Plainwell Community Schools is seeking qualified Plainwell Honors 2015individuals Hall of Fame Inductees to fill various substitute positions including

teachers, aides, bus drivers and food service. To qualify n September 29th, the 2015 Hall of Fame Induction Banquet was held at Lake Doster as a substitute teacher, you must have transcripts Golf Club and were introduced at the October Homecoming Game. indicating 2nd completion of 90 credit hours from a This four yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inductees include four former athletes and one of orFame Inyear Trojan college orcoach. university The with a2015 minimumHall 2.0 GPA hold a valid or expired Kristen Michigan Teaching ductees are David Hoard (awarded posthumously, daughter HoardCertificate. was present to receive the award [seated front row, left]) Katie Simmons Sandner, Erin Knight Termeer, Apply at www.edustaff.org/post (back rown, left to right) John DuBois and John Pettit.

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

Wanted!

Plainwell Community Schools is seeking qualified individuals to fill various substitute positions including teachers, aides, bus drivers and food service. To qualify as a substitute teacher, you must have transcripts indicating completion of 90 credit hours from a four year college or university with a minimum 2.0 GPA or hold a valid or expired Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Apply at www.edustaff.org/post

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

hope this newsletter finds you enjoying our wonderful fall weather! The cool days and evenings remind us it is time to turn our attention to our indoor programs. Junior Spikers Volleyball and Little Kickers Soccer are up and running and our popular Junior Hoopster’s Basketball will begin in December. There are many opportunities for our elementary and middle school students to be involved in recreational activities. Thanks to the many coaches and assistants that are helping with these programs.

POOL SCHEDULE WINTER ‘15 Trojan Aquatic Club

A competitive youth swim program from children ages 8-18 years. They must be able to complete a length of the pool unassisted to join. Financial assistance is available. Email amurphy@plainwellschools.org or call 685-2425 for more info.

8 & Under • Cost: $60 M, Th & F 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

A BIG THANK YOU to the Plainwell Education Foundation. They approved my request for a foundation mini-grant for purchasing batting helmets for our summer baseball and softball program. Thanks Plainwell Education Foundation!

9 & 10 • Cost: $65 M, Th & F 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

11 & Older • Cost: $85 M, Th 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. • T & W 5:30 - 7 p.m.

_____________________

We are always interested in new ideas for programs and appreciate your feedback. If you have suggestions, please contact me. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Hope to see you in the gym cheering on your favorite team!

Open Swim

Friday and Saturday Nights • 7:30 - 9 p.m. $3 per person, $5 per family _____________________

Lap Swim

$3 per person or pass

– Bob Farris

Morning Lap M, W, F • 6-7 a.m.

Cancellation Policy At times, it may be necessary to cancel our Plainwell Recreation Activities. Here is the procedure for doing so and the way in which you will be notified. Weeknight Activities If school is cancelled for the day or dismissed early due to severe weather, the Plainwell Recreation Activities will be cancelled for that day and evening as well. If severe weather arises after the school day is complete and it becomes necessary to cancel the evening activities, the recreation director will notify the coaches and team members/families via email and/or a School Messenger message. The coaches will be encouraged to have a system in place to notify team members and families as well. The information will also be posted on the Plainwell Community Recreation website. Weekend Activities If it is necessary to cancel Plainwell Recreation Activities on a weekend, the recreation director will notify the coaches and team members/families via email and/or a School Messenger message. The coaches will be encouraged to have a system in place to notify team members and families as well. The information will also be posted on the Plainwell Community Recreation Website. n

Visit www.plainwellschools.org. Scroll to the bottom of the Home Page and click on the blue & green RevTrak box. Click on the Community Ed & Recreation box. Click on desired activity. If you are unable to register online, call 685-9531 or stop by our office at 422 Acorn Street (in the Industrial Park) for assistance. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Noon Lap Monday-Friday • 12 -1 p.m.

Evening Lap Tuesday & Wednesday • 7-8 p.m. Evening lap swim is sometimes cancelled due to our home swim meet schedule. Please check the online calendar for changes.

_____________________

Pool Passes

for Lap/Open Swim Only

Pool passes are available for purchase at the pool.

40 Visits • $60 20 Visits • $32 10 Visits • $18 _____________________

Book a Pool Party!

For any group or organization.

1-30 people • $40/hour 31-50 people • $50/hour Lobby (tables & chairs incl.) • $25/hour Call (269) 685-2425 for reservations or email amurphy@plainwellschools.org

Plainwell Community Education & Recreation

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE NOW! Call the Community Ed. Office at 685-9531

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

C O M M U N I T Y E D U C AT I O N & R E C R E AT I O N

winter youth recreation Attention all K-6 girls! You are invited to Plainwell’s Annual Father/Daughter Dance. To make your night as stressfree as possible we will have 2 photographers. Due to the special nature of this event, we ask that moms and female escorts refrain from visiting the dance for any reason. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Again this year, for your added fun, we are including an onsite photo booth. Cost is $5/strip. This is not replacing our traditional photos which are included in the price of admission. If you have any questions, call 685-9531. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be broadcast on WWMT (channel 3) and WOOD-TV (channel 8). Date: Saturday, February 6, 2016 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: PMS Gym & Cafeteria Cost: $20/couple, $10/add’l daughter Registration deadline is Monday, January 18, 2016. Late registration will be an additional $5. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for picture taking.

14th ANNUAL MOTHER/SON STAR WARS™ HOCKEY GAME Attention all K-6 boys and moms (grandmas or special female escort)! Plainwell Community Education will be sponsoring a trip to Grand Rapids to watch a Griffins hockey game. It’s STAR WARS™ night and you can have your picture taken with your favorite STAR WARS™ character (make sure you bring your camera)! Your ticket will get you into the game, a $5.00 food voucher, a surprise on every bus and you will be entered to win a group raffle. If you have any questions please contact Kathy at 685-9531. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be broadcast on WWMT (channel 3) and WOOD-TV (channel 8). Date: Saturday, March 12, 2016 Location/Time: Buses load in front of the bus garage on Starr Rd. at 4:45 p.m. They will leave promptly at 5:00 p.m. The buses drop off and pick up outside Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids. Game starts at 7:00 p.m. We will return to Plainwell by 11:00 p.m. Cost: $45/couple, $15/add’l son Registration deadline is Monday, February 15, 2016. Please note: we can NOT take late registrations.

TAE KWON DO - Ages 7 to 107 for Beginners & Advanced Students

Tae Kwon Do is a 200 year old martial art and it is the national sport of Korea. It is a dynamic form of self-defense and an excellent means of physical fitness for men, women and children of all ages. This form of martial art includes physical techniques, mental discipline and a deep philosophy. Improve coordination, gain strength, and increase your flexibility while learning self-defense techniques from an ancient Korean martial art form. Tae Kwon Do is appropriate for kids and adults of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Come by yourself, with a friend, or bring the whole family for fun and fitness. Class is open to all - age 7 and older. Dates: Mondays • January 4 - March 7, 2016 Location: Plainwell Middle School Cafeteria Time: 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Instructors: Huong Tran Cost: $42 individual, $67 family ALl registrations are done online or you can stop by the Community Ed office. No signups at class. Registration deadline is Tuesday, December 15, 2015.

LIVE WELL PLAINWELL

Too cold to walk outside? Hicks Gym is open for indoor walking every day at 10 a.m. Start a new, good habit today!

INDOOR WALKING If the Plainwell Community Schools are closed for any reason, this program will be cancelled that day. Class will be running on time if the school system has a fog delay. Starting Monday, October 6, 2014 and running through Friday, May 29, 2015. Location: Hicks Gym, 311 E. Plainwell St. Cost: FREE ADULTS ONLY Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Time: 10 to 10:45 a.m.

FAMILY TIME Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 10 to 10:45 a.m.

ENHANCED FITNESS For more information, call Kathy Russell at 685-0700. Location: Hicks Gym, 311 E. Plainwell St.

Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Time: 9 to 9:45 a.m.

winter seniors in action

GOLDEN AGE PASSES

If you are 62 years of age or older, you are eligible for a Golden Age Pass. This pass entitles you to FREE admission to any home Wolverine Conference athletic event or lap swimming at the PCS pool, located at the middle school. To obtain your card, please stop by the Community Ed office at 422 Acorn St. between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or the Athletic Office in the high school. Take advantage of this opportunity and support our athletes!

THANKSGIVING DINNER

Join us for a wonderful time! Bring a dish to pass. Turkey, potatoes, gravy, table service will be provided. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 17 to attend, 685-9531. Date & Time: Tuesday, November 24 at 11:00 a.m. Location: Plainwell Community Center, 798 E Bridge St.

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

This FREE event is one you won’t want to miss with a delicious breakfast provided by Plainwell Community Schools. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Plainwell Volunteer Christmas Project. Register by Tuesday, Nov. 24 to attend, 685-9531. Date & Time: Thursday, December 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Location: Plainwell Performing Arts Center, 684 Starr Rd.

NOTE: The office will be closed from December 18, 2015 until January 4, 2016. CONTACTS:

34th ANNUAL FATHER/DAUGHTER VALENTINE DANCE

winter adult & family recreation

Kathy Elliott, Community Ed & Rec., Seniors in Action Coordinator....................... 685-9531 Bob Farris, Recreation Director........................................................................... 685-9531 Andrea Murphy, Pool Director.............................................................................. 685-2425 Tammy Glupker, Director..................................................................................... 685-1573

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

Board of Education

Amy Blades.......................................................................... President Kim Shafer.................................................................... Vice President Christine VanDenBerg.......................................................... Treasurer Julli Bennett.......................................................................... Secretary Shannon Zabaldo.....................................................................Trustee John Artz..................................................................................Trustee Thomas Berlin..........................................................................Trustee

THE PLAINWELL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Non-Profit Org. US Postage

PAID

Plainwell, Michigan Permit No. 37

Plainwell Community Schools 600 School Drive Plainwell, MI 49080-1595

The public is invited to attend all Board of Education meetings. Business meetings are held the third Monday of each month and workshop meetings are held on the first Monday, both beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Administration Building, which is located off Gladys St. between Starr Elementary and Plainwell Middle School. Published by the Plainwell Board of Education, Plainwell, Michigan 49080

** ECRWSS **

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION OFFICES • 685-5823

Postal Customer

Susan Wakefield......................................................Superintendent Bob Van Dis.............................Director of Curriculum & Instruction Melissa Gelbaugh..............................................Director of Finance Jeff McNutt.................................................. Director of Technology Greg Smith....................... Director of Operations & Transportation Dave Price........................................................Director of Athletics Ron Ward..........................................Director of Human Resources

PLAINWELL HIGH SCHOOL 2015-16 WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

COMPETITIVE CHEER

DEC. 8 Portage Northern 11 Three Rivers 15 Dowagiac 18 Paw Paw JAN. 5 BC Lakeview 8 Allegan 12 Vicksburg 15 Otsego 22 Sturgis 26 South Haven 29 Paw Paw FEB. 2 Mattawan 5 Allegan 9 Edwardsburg 12 Otsego 16 Gull Lake 19 Sturgis 26 South Haven MAR. 1 Comstock 3 League Crossover 7, 9, 11 Districts

DEC. 5 9 JAN. 6 9 13 20 23 30 FEB. 3 6 13 18

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

BOYS FR/JV BASKETBALL DEC. 8 Portage Northern 11 Three Rivers 15 Dowagiac 18 Paw Paw JAN. 5 BC Lakeview 7 Allegan 12 Vicksburg 14 Otsego 21 Sturgis 26 South Haven 28 Paw Paw FEB. 2 Mattawan 4 Allegan 9 Edwardsburg 11 Otsego 16 Gull Lake 18 Sturgis 26 South Haven MAR. 1 Comstock 3 League Crossover

A H A H A H A H H H A A A H A H A A H H

Plainwell Cheer Fest Otsego Jamboree Edwardsburg Grandville Invitational Allegan (JV ONLY) Paw Paw Mattawan Invitational Otsego Invitational Conference @ Allegan Kalamazoo Central Inv Delta Plex Invitational MHSAA Districts

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL H A A A A A A A A A A A

WRESTLING DEC. 9 12 16 19 JAN. 6 13 20 23 27 FEB. 3 6 10 13 17

Wayland A Calvin Christian Inv. A Allegan Quad A White Pigeon Inv. A Plainwell Quad H Plainwell Quad H Vicksburg Quad A Jenison Invitational A Sturgis Quad A League Snow Date A Conference @ Allegan A Team Districts @ Allegan H Ind Districts @ Hastings A MHSAA Team Regionals A

DEC. 4 South Haven H 8 Portage Northern H 11 Three Rivers A 15 Dowagiac H 18 Paw Paw A JAN. 5 BC Lakeview H 8 Allegan A 12 Vicksburg H 15 Otsego A 19 Gobles A 22 Sturgis A 26 South Haven A 29 Paw Paw H FEB. 2 Mattawan H 5 Allegan H 9 Edwardsburg A 12 Otsego H 16 Gull Lake A 19 Sturgis H 25 League Crossover A 29 Districts A MAR. 1 Districts A 2 Districts A 3 Districts A 4 Districts A

BOWLING DEC. 7 JAN. 13 19

South Haven A Vicksburg H Sturgis A

Mark Your Calendars!

SNOWCOMING GAME February 5 • 7:15 p.m. vs. Allegan

GIRLS FR/JV BASKETBALL DEC. 4 South Haven JV Only H 8 Portage Northern H 11 Three Rivers A 15 Delton Freshmen Only H 15 Dowagiac JV Only H 17 Paw Paw A 29 Freshmen Quad H 30 Freshmen Quad H JAN. 5 BC Lakeview H 7 Allegan A 12 Vicksburg H 14 Otsego A 19 Gobles JV Only A 21 Sturgis A 26 South Haven JV Only A 28 Paw Paw H FEB. 2 Mattawan H 4 Allegan H 9 Edwardsburg A 11 Otsego H 16 Gull Lake A 18 Sturgis H 25 League Crossover A

BOYS SWIM & DIVE DEC. 9 Allegan Relays A 10 East Grand Rapids A 15 Mattawan A JAN. 5 Harper Creek A 7 Middleville & Hastings H 12 Sturgis H 19 BC Lakeview A 26 Marshall A 30 Allegan Quad A FEB. 2 Allegan H 9 South Haven A 16 Otsego H 26 Conf. @ Allegan A 27 Conf. @ Allegan A MAR. 3 Diving @ East GR A 11 MHSAA State Finals A 12 MHSAA State Finals A

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