Elementary Schools Website: Twitter: YouTube: Phone: Pages 2, 3, 7, 8 midlandps.org @MidlandPS midps.org/youtube (989) 923-5001 Volume 2, Issue 3 Winter 2015 Middle Schools Page 6 High Schools Pages 4, 5 Midland Public Schools Our Schools A QUARTERLY NEW SLETT ER PRODUCED BY T HE MIDLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ SUPERINT ENDENT ’S OFFICE Our Community … Our Schools … Our Children … Our Decision The decision voters make on February 24 will affect every MPS student and every MPS school for the next 12-15 years. It will determine how MPS faces the future. The comprehensive bond proposal will… enhance student safety and security upgrade aging facilities reduce operating costs by improving energy efficiency assure the learning environment supports 21st Century learning upgrade classroom technology and technology infrastructure Midland Public Schools wants you to “Talk to us” Go to www.midlandps.org and click on the Talk to us button to share your kudos, concerns and comments. Please Vote February 24 … Thank you! Exciting programs for our communities’ youngest learners in 2015-16 As you may know, MPS offered our first 4-year-old pre-school program this year and are excited to report it has gone exceedingly well. We are happy to offer this pre-school program in 2015-16 as well. For information, please contact Ms. Kelli Jolly at 923-5066 or [email protected]. (This is a competitively priced tuition-based program.) Young 5’s Kindergarten is a brand new program being offered by Midland Public Schools for the 201516 school year. This program is for children who turn 5 on or before December 1 and may not be quite ready for kindergarten. The program is child-centered and provides additional time for emotional, social, intellectual and physical growth through learning activities. Contact Ms. Jolene Laetz at 923-5070 or [email protected] to receive information. (There is no fee to families for this Young 5’s Program.) MPS Mission Statement Midland Public Schools, in partnership with our community, prepares students as knowledgeable, self-reliant, cooperative and ethical learners who are contributing citizens. MPS Vision Statement Midland Public Schools provides a dynamic world class education that develops the unique talents of all students in a safe, secure and healthy environment. (989) 923-6037 <> website: midps.org/ade <> Dr. Linda Lipsitt, Principal Friends in Alaska — Adams’ 3rd graders are learning about life and culture outside of Midland, as well as using technology in awesome ways!! The 3rd graders in Mrs. Curtis’ class are writing pen pal letters to our new friends in Nunapitchuk, Alaska. The Adams 3rd graders wanted to do something nice for their Alaskan friends, so they started collecting items that they could use both at school and at home including: journals, colored pencils, toothbrushes, socks, crayons, paper, peanut butter and crackers. The 3rd grade students filled four boxes that were shipped to Alaska right after Thanksgiving. In addition to writing letters back and forth, the students have had the opportunity to Face Time with them using their iPad and the robotic iPad that roams through their Alaskan friends' classroom on wheels. It is such a great way to bring the friendships to life to be able to see each other and visit. The 1st graders at Adams Elementary made holiday placemats for the residents at Deer Run Rehabilitation. The students decorated placemats to be set out throughout the holidays as part of a "caring" service project. Deer Run is a brain and spinal cord injury facility. Many of the residents cannot leave for the holidays due to the equipment they may need to have, so the families come to Deer Run to celebrate. The placemats were placed in the dining room for the residents and families to enjoy! ADAMS 5TH GRADE CULTURE CLUB — Adams Elementary 5th Grade Culture Club has been busy learning about our world! In November, they studied China with Adams’ parent Lisa Tsay (from Taiwan) and learned to use chopsticks and brush paint. They also learned about Chinese music and instruments in preparation for a visit from Shanren, the Chinese band through Midwest Arts World Fest. In December, students studied Danish and English Christmas with parent Alex Vardeman (from England/ lived in Denmark) and tried traditional Danish Christmas cookies. They also wove ornaments in red and white, the colors of the Danish flag. January brought Adams’ parents Julie Gobin and Aleth Ritter who taught students about their native France! Students learned about “April Fish Day” and sampled some delicious homemade beignets de carnaval/bugnes. Culture Club is looking forward to a wonderful February field trip on Valentine’s Day to Bullock Creek High School to celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Tri City Chinese Association! They will have a chance to make Chinese dumplings beforehand and then try Chinese food with the members of the TCCA. Following will be a wonderful night of Chinese entertainment in the Bullock Creek Auditorium. At Adams, Director Kim McMahan and her Culture Club members feel quite fortunate to have such diversity in our Midland community! Alex Vardeman teaching Culture Club about Danish Christmas Alex Ritter making French beignets Shanren Band of China with Culture Club (989) 923-6411 <> website: midps.org/cre <> Mr. Jeff Lauer, Principal Building their dreams! We sometimes forget the big dreams with which our children start their journey, but Mr. Jeff Lauer’s return to the elementary administrator role as Carpenter’s Principal has reminded him of the importance of preparing students so they can realize those dreams. Carpenter Street School is fortunate to have a staff and community dedicated to ensuring that possibility. Of course the first step is breaking down barriers to success… Addressing Barriers Students come to school at a variety of readiness levels and academic backgrounds. At Carpenter Street School we are dedicated to the success of all of our students. For students in need of additional adult support, we have a strong volunteer mentoring program. We have a team of staff dedicated to finding and addressing student barriers with Francisca Himmer, our Family Intervention Specialist, and, in collaboration with the Midland County Department of Human Services, Chris Corbat, our Success Coach. Of course, our primary responsibility is that of building academics. Not only do we have a talented team of teachers, paraprofessionals and staff, we have implemented a program called Dreambox that identifies students’ strengths and gaps in mathematics knowledge individually and helps fill the gaps in learning so students can progress more successfully or extend their current knowledge beyond their grade-level curriculum. Hour of Code Those who know Mr. Lauer, know that he enjoys the role of technology in the learning process. Needless to say, he was excited when teachers had their students participate in the Hour of Code! The Hour of Code is a one-hour activity in which students of all ages all over the world choose from a variety of coding activities. Students experience the spark of computer science! Students had a great time with the activities and learned many new technology skills! Music Programs This time of year, Carpenter enjoys a number of music programs and activities. Mrs. Jacques provides a wide variety of opportunities for our students to develop their vocal talents. From grade-level concerts to community performances, students learn the benefit of hard work and practice, while also developing confidence and a strong sense of pride in their abilities. Goals for our Future We wrapped up the first semester with a program that highlighted our vision for students. We welcomed members of the Red Wings promotional staff to Carpenter Street School and they provided an exciting program that promoted education, health, physical fitness, and setting goals so students achieve the future they deserve. On top of that, students competed against the staff in a traditional shoot out! (989) 923-6634 <> website: midps.org/che <> Ms. Tracy Renfro, Principal (989) 923-7112 <> website: midps.org/ele <> Ms. Shannon Blasy, Principal 5th graders studying moon phases using cookies! Winter All-School Sing Along: Students and staff members share in a winter celebration of song. Students sang songs of the season from all around the world. First graders taking a nature walk using their 5 senses. Second grade students making contractions by performing “surgery” on words. Fifth grade music students put on a Star Studded performance for adoring fans. Flag Etiquette: Brad Blanchard from the Dow Chemical Veteran’s Outreach Team teaches students how to properly fold the flag. Following the Count me in! Program, students stamped their thumbprint on a banner to show they were pledging to be inclusive. The Kiwanis Club of Midland surprised first grade students with Santa! Chestnut Hill Students raised over $13,000 at the Mustache Mania Walkathon held on October 9. Each grade level wore a different color and sported colored “mustaches”! Students, staff, and parents walked during scheduled sessions throughout the day and the fun ended with a prize drawing in the gym. Eastlawn’s Upcoming Events: February 13 MPS PD Day February 17 Twin Day February 20 Jump Rope MHS 7 PM February 21 Jump Rope at Northwood University February 21 Paddleton Tournament Grade 4: MHS; Grade 5: DHS at 9 am (989) 923-5181 Website: midps.org/mhs Ms. Janet Greif, Principal KIVA loans close to $15 thousand MHS launches Robotics Team The MHS Kiva Club operates with the goal to raise money in order to help alleviate poverty and spread Chemic Pride worldwide. By loaning money through an online system, the club achieves this goal. In 2014 Kiva club loaned out $3,750, increasing the total amount of money loaned to $14,675. The Chemic Kiva Club has reached over 45 countries through these loans, and constantly works to give back to the community as well as the world. Instead of heading home after the final bell, students of the MHS robotics team travel to the Franklin Center to prepare their robot alongside DHS’s team, The Charge. The MHS robotics team consists of 15 members coached by math teacher Ben Younkin. Along with the hardworking students are MPS robotics alumni and skilled volunteers who teach the current team members and help them create their robot. “I am learning a bunch of things that you wouldn’t learn in school,” said senior Brenden McDonald. “You won’t learn how to wire a power box or replace a fuse in a classroom. This is all our first year. We are all learning.” Every member of the MHS robotics team has no experience when it comes to building, designing and programming a robot. They all work hard and learn fast in order to obtain the best chance of a win. The competition starts with a six-week building period with competitions beginning in February. Every team member may be a rookie when it comes to building a robot, but each member brings his or her own knowledge and creativity to the table. “I am good at programming, but I need to learn the programming specifically for robots,” said senior Miles Lefevre. “Everyone is learning new things, but everyone has their specialty. They are using their prior knowledge to help out.” Students compete in Brain Bee Sam Bork, Andrew Kim, Cara Mitrano and Joh Reeves competed in the Mid-Michigan Brain Bee on January 23. Bronze, silver and gold medals were given to the top three winners, and the first place winner was given the chance to compete at the National Brain Bee. Special congratulations go to Joh Reeves who placed 2nd and Cara Mitrano who placed 3rd in the competition. The Brain Bee was held at the Health Professions Building at Central Michigan University. Forty MidMichigan high school students competed in the event that tested knowledge of brain function, location, brain disorders and other brain facts. Joh, Cara, Sam and Andrew represented Midland High School well in demonstrating their neuroscience knowledge and Chemic Pride. Building Trades house well underway on Collins Street The MPS Building Trades class consists of a great group of students: three girls and 11 boys. This year the crew is building a house at 1000 W. Collins. The home is 1,100 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the main floor, with one of those rooms being a master suite. There is also the availability of having a third bedroom, full bathroom, and a living room in the basement. This home also features an open floor concept and a great kitchen with an island. Did you know the Midland Public Schools’ Building Trades program: Has been renovating and building new homes throughout the City of Midland since the mid 1970’s. Has been supported by and has had involvement with over 70 different businesses within the City of Midland and surrounding areas. Has built six houses/duplexes for people with special needs in cooperation with the City of Midland, ARC of Midland and the Reece Endeavor. Students have also built two spec houses in the last nine years. Has a Facebook page, and you can track the progress of the house though pictures. – Just “like” the group Midland Public Schools Building Trades. Midland High by the Numbers This class fulfills the fourth year math- related credit for many seniors. 10-15 Students do NOT need any prerequisite courses before taking this class. This course is NOT just for students who may want to go into the construction field for a living. It is also for those who want to own their own home some day and want to gain the knowledge to be able to make repairs or improvements. On average, number of college credits earned by IB Diploma candidates upon entering their freshman year. 216 Students participating in a winter sport 33 Recognized clubs offered at MHS 40 Annual volunteer projects completed by Key Club 470 Students enrolled in a Career, Tech. Ed. course 232 Students enrolled in an art class (989) 923-5382 Website: midps.org/dhs Ms. Pamela Kastl, Principal Dow High’s Camp Outlook In 1994 Dow High’s school improvement committee, Diversity, recognized that the student population represents a variety of subgroups. The committee wanted to bring together a cross-section of student leaders, so Camp Outlook was created. This was the 19th year for the program which had a one-year hiatus. Our goal is to promote understanding among all student groups and to train students with influence in the school to become more effective leaders. It is also for the students to value the perspectives of others and encourage their peers to do the same after returning to school. We believe this experience will lead to less discrimination, oppression, and bullying around the school and community. DAR Good Citizen Award Each year Dow High selects a DAR Good Citizen Awardee sponsored by the local DAR Chapter. This award is given to a senior who shows the following: Leadership - personality, self-control and the assumption of responsibility Dependability - truthfulness, loyalty and punctuality Service - cooperation, courtesy, consideration of others Patriotism - unselfish interest in family, school, community and nation Congratulations to this year’s recipient Caleb Richard! DHS Marketing Classes & Make-A-Wish … a History of Greatness! Students in DHS marketing classes showed their Charger Spirit by making this past holiday season brighter for some families. The class participated in a project where they provided a product/service, advertised, sold and kept track of costs. All profits were given to the Make-A-Wish foundation. The three marketing classes together raised $7,879.27 for the Make-A-Wish foundation this year. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with lifethreatening medical conditions. In the 18 years that Dow High marketing classes have raised funds for Make-A-Wish, students have raised nearly $33,000. Ms. DeBoer stated “This was an amazing year. Students went over and beyond all expectations in operating their businesses and created more profit than any other year in the history of the project.” Charger BPA Dow High had 9 students (Alex Arons, Courtney Gage, Sarah Hirschi, Caitlyn Meyers, Mackenzie Pirie, Jeff Searle, Arhant Srivastava, Brandi Wheeler and Mia Yamamoto) advanced from Regionals to compete at States in Grand Rapids in March. Four students will compete in computer programming events and the rest will compete in business, economic research, accounting, finance, and computer security events. Sixty-nine Dow High DECA members competed in district competition at Saginaw Valley State University on December 19. Over 630 students from more than 20 DECA chapters throughout the region participated in the competition. The event consisted of many business-themed competitions such as Individual Series, Team Decision-Making & more. Dow High DECA members have worked very hard to be State Qualifiers and will be traveling to Grand Rapids in March for a chance to compete at the International Competition in April in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations to all members who have accomplished great things this competition! Chargers and their families celebrating athletic letters for intent. Congratulations to ... Ellie Dean, Wayne State for swim Connor Smith, Western Michigan for baseball Helena Atton, St. Xavier for volleyball Maddie Kuch, LaSalle University, Philadelphia for volleyball Luke Anderson, Mt. Vernon Nazerene for baseball Rachel Reardon, Denison College for soccer DHS FALL SPORT CELEBRATIONS! Volleyball: » 2014 District Champs » SVL Blue Champions Football: » 9-0 Undefeated season » SVL Blue Div. Champs Girls’ Swimming: » SVL Champions » Tri City Champions Ladies’ Golf: » Acad. All-State Team Boys’ Tennis: » SVL Championship » Regional Champs » Acad. All-State Team DHS SPIRIT ROCK Dig Pink Alpine Club (989) 923-5873 <> website: midps.org/jms <> Mr. Steve Poole, Principal Jefferson’s Science Olympiad Team (989) 923-5772 <> website: midps.org/nms <> Mr. Jeff Jaster, Principal All MPS students have recently completed the first semester of the 2014/2015 school year. The following information summarizes some of the noteworthy accomplishments at Northeast Middle School during this time period: Academic Achievement All A’s All A’s & B’s Jefferson's Science Olympiad team competed in an invitational tournament at Millington on January 17. This event hosted 15 highly competitive science teams from all over Michigan. Several Jefferson Huskies earned awards. Nathaniel Kalantar and Pranjal Singh placed 2nd in the Solar System event. Rebecca Kowalczyk, Shichi Dhar, and Debasmita Kanungo placed 3rd in the event called Picture This. Participants were able to learn from other teams and improve on their own devices as they prepare for the Regional Science Olympiad Tournament at Delta College in February. Exciting STEM Partnerships Jefferson is enthusiastically partnering with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Dow Chemical volunteers to bring two different STEM activities to sixth and seventh grade science classes. Our science teachers have been trained by SAE staff and will be incorporating this exciting collaboration into their classes this spring. Dow Chemical will also be providing volunteers to help the students along their way to success. We are very excited about this endeavor that enables us to partner with community and professional organizations. Another Example of a Great Community Partner! Recently, students in Mr. McGee’s physical education class had a guest presenter. Jeff Simmons, a certified fitness trainer at the Midland Country Club, challenged the students with 16 stations of core activity and strength and conditioning exercises. The students were able to go through all 16 stations during the hour with a minute at each station and 30 seconds of rest in between each station. Thank you, Mr. Simmons, for your time at Jefferson! Grade 6 112 203 Grade 7 73 173 Grade 8 77 194 Perfect Attendance Recognition The following “Perfect Attendance” recognition literally means “perfect”. These Northeast students, recognized at the conclusion of each semester, have not missed any school (even for medical appointments), or had any tardy marks on their attendance record. The numbers below reflect the total number of students in each grade that were recognized and also the percentage that this number represents out of their entire class. Grade 6 30 awards (9.7%) Grade 7 28 awards (8.9%) Grade 8 22 awards (6.6%) Athletic Involvement The fall and winter participation numbers listed below are a summary of all middle school athletic offerings provided by the Midland Community Center for students in 7th and 8th grade. Boys 49 80 Fall Sports Participation Winter Sports Participation Girls 49 83 Music Program Participation Band Participation Choir Participation Orchestra Participation Music Program Totals Grade 6 92 115 52 259 (84%) Grade 7 58 26 32 116 (37%) Grade 8 66 20 34 120 (36%) Student Club Participation Northeast Middle School promotes school involvement as an essential part of the total school experience. There are numerous clubs offered throughout the year for student participation. Northeast staff also encourages students to be creative and start new clubs if they don’t find something that they are interested in from the current offerings. To date nearly 350 students, or approximately 38% of the student body, have been involved in one of our school clubs. Please contact the Northeast Main Office if you would like specific information about what is available (923-5772). (989) 923-7616 <> website: midps.org/pme <> Ms. Bridget Hockemeyer, Principal Leadership Plymouth students model and direct a variety of school activities. These activities include a food drive for the needy, walking in the Santa Parade, planning and promoting school spirit days, and incorporating positive activities for all students so they feel welcome and safe at Plymouth Elementary. A special thanks to Ms. Jacobs, Mrs. DeShais and Mr. Murphy for guiding the leadership group. Thank you, Safety Patrol! A heartfelt thank you to our fourth and fifth graders that work to keep the students at Plymouth safe. The safety patrollers strive to model before and after school behavior, greet visitors with a friendly smile and lend a hand by opening the doors. The weather has been cold, but our responsible safety patrol students continue to be dependable every day. Second Grade STEM Project Students followed specific procedures using materials to create an “apple container” capable of carrying at least 3 apples. The containers were designed by groups of 4-5 students. The containers were tested, modified and re-tested. The collaboration, thinking and utilization of science, technology, engineering and math was evident in the success of the project! Lunch Time Knitting Club A sincere thank you to our community volunteers, parents and teachers that are passing along their craft of knitting to the students at Plymouth Elementary. What a wonderful way to build relationships, finger dexterity and learn how to knit or crochet. The lunch time group, have coined themselves the “Knit Wits” and enjoy spending time together. (989) 923-7835 <> website: midps.org/sbe <> Dr. Susan Johnson, Principal Our PYP Journey at Siebert As we reach the half way point in our first year of our International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, it is exciting to see the growth that has taken place. The Learner Profile, a set of characteristics that supports good citizenship and learning behaviors, is being introduced to all students. The use of the Learner Profile in our school has allowed for meaningful discussions with a common language throughout the school. The students were able to participate in our poster contest in December to share what they have learned about the Learner Profile attributes that have been introduced school-wide. Not only have the students been hard at work with the PYP, but the teachers have been busy as well! The staff at Siebert has had several professional development opportunities in which they have learned more about the components of the Primary Years Programme. One focus has been on developing more inquirybased learning opportunities for our students. When students receive instruction using an inquiry-based approach, it encourages more participation, deeper thinking, and a more engaging learning experience. Exciting things are happening at Siebert! Siebert students Reise Leigeb, 3rd grade, and Mckenna Spindler, 5th grade, have been accepted as members of the Inaugural Elementary Honors Choir taking place in East Lansing. The event is sponsored by the Michigan Music Education Association and will be held on March 21. The choir members will participate in two rehearsals and will then perform under the direction of Kyle Zeuch, Director of Children and Youth Choirs for the MSU Community Music School. Siebert students sent heartfelt sentiments and illustrated cards to our military through Operation Gratitude. The precious cards and notes touched the hearts of our troops. Jefferson Middle School students volunteered to read Chrysanthemum to Siebert Elementary School students. The book discusses being kind to everyone, and the Jefferson students also led the younger students in an activity about kindness. Many thanks to our Jefferson friends! (989) 923-5001 <> website: midlandps.org (989) 923-7940 <> website: midps.org/wce <> Mr. Jeff Pennex, Principal 2.95% Bond Proposal on February 24 Ballot … Grinch Day Our hearts grew on Friday, December 12 as the Kindergarteners participated in a special service project: Grinch Day. We reflected on the Grinch’s change of heart in the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. All of the students and their families gathered a bountiful supply of birthday goodies which allowed us to assemble over 75 birthday kits. Each kit included a cake mix, frosting, candles, paper products and party favors. The kits were distributed to The Shelter House, North Midland Family Center and the Salvation Army. These organizations were extremely appreciative of our efforts and will share them with families in need. Our service project was a response to the PYP unit, Who We Are. This action replaced the craft and game centers that would otherwise be provided at the Holiday Party. Enthusiasm and excitement filled the room as the children worked collaboratively to fill each birthday bag. These small children were a true testimony to the power of giving. HOW DID WE GET HERE? MPS Board of Education requested a comprehensive facility study be completed to show district NEEDS for the next 12-15 years Thorough MPS study shows student enrollment will level at 7,200 in the next few years (from 9,600 just 10 years ago) Average age of MPS schools is 61 years old 88% of MPS buildings are 50 years old or older Facility study determined we NEED to address <> student safety and security <> energy efficiency <> aging facilities <> 21st century learning environments MPS presently owns 18 buildings; 11 buildings is “right sized” for current and anticipated leveling of student enrollment 78% of MPS bus fleet will have over 200,000 miles in 3 years MPS has not had funds for facility renewal since the 2.0 mill Sinking Fund expired over two years ago 1960’s was the last time MPS incurred debt for major investment into facilities (when Woodcrest and H. H. Dow High were built) Toys for Tots Campaign The Woodcrest Safety Squad recently coordinated a historically successful Toys for Tots campaign. Thanks to the leadership displayed by our fifth grade Safety Squad, the Marine Corp volunteers who picked up the donated items at the end of the campaign could not believe their eyes when they left with five large boxes of toys and games. The Woodcrest Safety Squad’s actions helped our entire school community to see, feel, and understand the power behind the PYP attribute of “caring.” Sharing the Planet Woodcrest second graders just completed the PYP unit of inquiry called “Sharing the Planet.” This unit, which was written by the second grade staff at Woodcrest, is an inquiry into the rights and responsibilities related to sharing finite resources with other people and living things. The teachers focused their unit of inquiry on the idea that water is a limited resource essential to life on Earth. As a culminating activity for this unit, the second graders chose to demonstrate their understanding and newly acquired knowledge by creating a fundraiser involving the sale of special t-shirts to support the organization Water for South Sudan. This organization builds wells for African villages that do not have adequate water supplies. This activity was the result of the students’ desire to take action after gaining an understanding of water access around the globe. As a result, our schools NEED renovations, improvements & updates. We are asking MPS voters to consider this 2.95 mill (1 mill is equivalent to $1 for every thousand dollars of taxable value) bond proposal. For a person living in a $200,000 home, this amounts to $295 per year or about 81 cents per day. For more information, (including a tax calculator to calculate your exact cost), visit the MPS Website (www.midlandps.org). There are many resources listed explaining this bond proposal. If you have questions, click on the (Talk to us) button on the MPS website or call the Superintendent’s Office (923-5026) if we can be of assistance in any way. PLEASE VOTE FEBRUARY 24! Midland Public Schools 2015 Board of Education: Gerald Wasserman, President Angela Brandstadt, Vice President Lynn Baker, Secretary Pam Singer, Treasurer Patrick Frazee, Trustee Yvonne Gorton, Trustee Scott McFarland, Trustee Administration: Michael Sharrow, Superintendent Gary Verlinde, Assistant Superintendent Brian Brutyn, Associate Superintendent Bob Cooper, Associate Superintendent
© Copyright 2024