BEST WISHES RETIREES - ORPorshalrdproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/03_AUG_MIR… ·...

Muskegon Public Schools Newsletter • Vol. 39 • August 2016

Superintendent’s Message ......2Human Resources ...................3District Calendar ......................4District Services .......................5Community Partners ...............9

Food Service. ........................10High School ...........................11Athletics ................................12 Middle School ........................14Elementary Schools ...............14

Superintendent Felske’s Message to the CommunityOn behalf of the Board of Education and Administration, welcome back! School starts Tuesday, September 6, 2016 with a half-day of instruction for all students.

It has been a busy and exciting summer as many students and families took advantage of extended learning opportunities and summer food service dining.

Over the summer our custodial maintenance staff worked very hard to have our buildings well prepared for the return of staff and students. If you have the opportunity, please stop in to see the improvements in the cafeterias at both Muskegon Middle and Oakview Elementary buildings. And the new main entrance at Muskegon High School for parents and community.

Between August and December finalized priority lists will be determined for 2017 Strong Schools = Strong Communities Sinking Fund District-Wide Projects. Please watch for updates on plans for moving forward.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Justin Jennings as he was recently appointed by the Board of Education as our new Assistant Superintendent, assuming this title along with his other responsibilities as our district’s Special Education Director.

Also, be on the lookout for a new and improved website as we

move into this school year with what we are hoping to be a more accessible and user friendly website. Please visit it for up-to-date information about all of our district happenings!

This issue of the Mirror provides important back-to-school information regarding enrollment, transportation, food service and other news that will help you and your children prepare for the new school year. If you have any questions regarding the beginning of the school year, district programs and opportunities on how you can become involved with Muskegon Public Schools, please call any of our building principals or program directors. Please consider joining one of our parent groups, participating in one of our district activities, or taking your family to one of our many extra-curricular events. Or, if you are interested in volunteering in the district but aren’t sure where you can most help, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Mrs. Pittman by email at [email protected] or by phone at 231-720-2039.

As always, feel free to contact me at 720-2001 with any questions or concerns you may have and thank you for your continued support and encouragement. GO BIG REDS!

2 • AUGUST 2016 • MUSKEGON MIRROR • www.muskegonpublicschools.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Administrative Changes

Justin Jennings earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Purdue University and three Masters Degrees in Educational Leadership, Special Education Administration, and Special Education with an emphasis in Emotional Impairments from Grand Valley State University. In addition, he received an Educational Specialist Degree in Leadership from Grand Valley State University in December 2013. He is currently completing his dissertation for his Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership at University of Michigan. He has served as an administrator at Grand Rapids Public Schools, including five years

as an Assistant Principal at Grand Rapids Creston High School and

Union High, and two years as Head Principal at Union High School. He served as Head Principal of Holland High School and New Tech High at Holland High School, an 8th- 12th grade building of 1650 students. From 2013-2015 he served as the Executive Principal of Ypsilanti Community Schools (Willow Run Community Schools and Ypsilanti Public School Consolidation). In his new role, Mr. Jennings will encompass oversight for Curriculum and Instruction as well as the Special Education Department for Muskegon Public Schools. Mr. Jennings also served as President of Michigan Association of Secondary School Principal (MASSP). He also served on the Michigan Principal Fellowship & Coaches Institute Principals Advisory Council. He is a member of Purdue University’s President’s Council.

He has been married to his wife Lashell for 19 years, and they have two children Jaivyn and Madisyn. Madisyn attends Muskegon High School where she participates in Cheerleading and Theater.

Justin JenningsAssistant

Superintendent for Special Education

We are pleased to announce Justin Jennings as the Assistant Superintendent for Special Education

Jon A. FelskeSuperintendent

Muskegon Public Schools

Martha San ClementeTeacher Consultant at MCEC

22 years

Patricia Benoit4th Grade Teacher at Lakeside

25.50 Years

Janice GillmanAcademic

Interventionist at MMS37 Years

Susan Strah4th Grade Teacher at Lakeside

30 Years

Amy DavrosSpecial Education Teacher at MMS

17.50 Years

BEST WISHES RETIREES

Human Resources SPOTLIGHTDonald Showich joins the MHS staff as Director of

Bands for Muskegon Public Schools, replacing Janice Lawrence who retired in June. Mr. Showich is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor degree of Music Education in 2004. His teaching career began in Walkerville Public Schools where he taught K-12 music courses. In 2007, Mr. Showich moved to Fruitport Community Schools where he directed the high school bands, assisted with middle school bands, and for the past three years took on the directorship of the high school choirs. He looks forward to continuing his educational experience here at MPS and sharing his love of music with the students and the community.

Madeleine Aiken will also be joining Mr. Showich as a Band Director replacing Marshall Werling who resigned in June. Ms. Aiken received her bachelor’s degrees in performance and education from the University of Michigan. While at U of M, she performed with the University Symphony Orchestra where she played with Audra McDonald, and with the legendary Symphony Band, also serving as the Band Manager for the large ensemble program. She helped manage and played on the most recent Symphony Band recording project, “Reflections,” published under the Equilibrium label. She was featured by the U of M Band Alumni Association as a guest soloist at their fall concert, and awarded for her work with the band program. She has also been honored with the William D. Revelli award. Last year, she worked with Seaholm High School, and served as a visual coordinator for the marching band for their 2015 fall season. At that time, she was also the cover conductor for the Dearborn Youth Symphony, under the direction of Tim Cibor. Ms. Aiken has cliniced several bands in the greater Detroit area, including the University Bands at U of M, and North Farmington High School’s bands. During the summer, she is the Assistant Director for the Idyllwild Summer Arts Symphonic Band in Idyllwild, CA.

She is also an avid hockey, soccer, and football fan! She loves spending time with her dogs out and about on a walk, and is looking forward to phenomenal year in Muskegon!

Donald Showich Muskegon Public

Schools Band Director

Madeleine Aiken Muskegon Public

Schools Band Director

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.muskegonpublicschools.org • MUSKEGON MIRROR • AUGUST 2016 • 3

Debbie FoxAdministrative Assistant

Supporting Certified Staff231-720-2008

[email protected]

Sheila BrownAdministrative Assistant

Supporting Non-Certified Staff231-720-2025

[email protected]

Greetings from the Office of Human ResourcesWe hope that you have had an enjoyable and relaxing summer thus far. The end of summer is quickly approaching, which means an exciting school year is about to begin. Our office has been busy over the summer recruiting exceptional faculty to provide superior instruction to our students. We are confident our newly hired staff brings a variety of unique

experiences and talents that will serve our students and staff extremely well. We have also seen a significant increase in the number of staff who chose to engage in professional development opportunities and trainings over the course of the summer. This will serve to further enrich classroom experiences for our students. We thank you in advance for your efforts and support during the 2016/2017 school year. Together we will make this a banner year of academic growth for our students!

District employment opportunities are posted on our website, www.muskegonpublicschools.org. We also have positions available through our Employment Partnerships. A listing of websites is included in this publication.

Betty SavageAssistant

Superintendent ofHuman Resources

Human Resources Office Open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.


Education FundSince 2010, the Big Red Education Fund has awarded $108,866 to teachers at Muskegon Public Schools to support their work. Some examples of funded projects include the purchase of additional classroom library books, funding a guest conductor for orchestra students, and the purchase of a new kiln. We believe in the important tasks set before teachers, and we are committed to sustaining grant opportunities available through our endowment. This year one of our grantee teachers Kelley Brickley from the middle school told us, “My boys, in particular, loved the Walter Dean Myers books. Before those books, they didn’t seem very excited about reading. Once the books arrived, they couldn’t put them down!”

In order to continue our work, we need your support. Your support makes it possible for us to fund classroom libraries that result in middle schoolers being excited to read as well as many other submitted and approved classroom grants ranging from kindergarten all the way through high school. Please consider giving to the Big Red Education Foundation by making a charitable donation online at www.cffmc.org/give/online-giving and then typing the name “Muskegon Public Schools Education Fund” in the “specific fund” box, or writing a check to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and noting the “MPSEF” or Big Red Ed Fund in the memo line. With your support we can ensure “the best for every child, every day” at Muskegon Public Schools!

If you have any questions regarding the Big Red Education Fund, please contact the President of the

Board, Ted Olsen, at 231-557-9614.

Ted Olsen, President

Paul Kurdziel, Vice President

Gail Kurdziel, Secretary

Walter Christophersen

Jon Felske

Arthur Garner

Barbara Grennan

Martha Hall

Justin Jennings

Morton Kantor

O’Keelah McBride

Harriet Oliver

James Olsen

Velma Phillips

Kathleen Schottke

Also, looking forward to the school year of 2016-17, please remember some of our important dates:

• Grant Application Process begins – Sept. 6, 2016

• Grant Application Deadline - Sept. 30, 2016

• Grants awarded - Oct. 14, 2016

The Big Red Education FundBoard of Directors:

District CalendarSeptember 6 Half Day – AM only. First day of school for students

September 8 Early Childhood Open House

October 6 Half Day AM only – Elementary/MMS/MHS/MCEC

October 6 Early Childhood- No AM classes ; PM attends

October 19 & 20 MMS Conferences

October 21 Half Day AM only - MMS

October 26 & 27 MHS Conferences

October 28 Half Day AM only - Elementary/MHS; End of 1st Marking Period (Elementary)

November 2-3 Elementary & Early Childhood Conferences

November 3 Half Day AM only - Elementary

November 3 Early Childhood- No PM classes; AM attends

November 4 Half Day AM only - Elementary/MMS; End of 1st Marking Period (MMS)

November 9 & 10 MCEC Conferences

November 11 Half Day AM only - MCEC

November 15 Half-Day AM only – Elementary/MMS/MHS/MCEC

November 15 Early Childhood- No AM classes; PM attends

November 23 Half-Day AM only - Elementary/MMS/MHS/MCEC/Early Childhood

November 24-25 No School - Thanksgiving Break

December 9 Early Childhood Parent Activity

Dec.16 – Jan 2 Half Day AM only - Christmas Break Begins

January 3 School Resumes

January 16 No School - MLK Day

January 25, 26 & 27 Half Day AM only - MHS/MCEC Exams; End of 1st Semester

January 26 & 27 Half Day AM only - Elementary/MMS; End of 2nd Marking Period

January 26 Early Childhood - No PM classes; AM attends

January 30 Early Childhood - No PM classes; AM attends

January 30 & 31 Half Day AM only - Elementary/MMS/MHS/MCEC

January 31 Early Childhood - No AM classes; PM attends

February 3 Early Childhood - Parent Activity

February 10 Half Day AM only - Mid-Winter Break begins

February 13 No School - Mid-Winter Break

March 17 Half Day AM only - MHS/MCEC

March 17 Early Childhood Parent Activity

March 21 & 22 MHS/MCEC Conferences

March 23 & 24 Half Day AM only - Elementary/MMS/MHS/MCEC; End of 3rd Marking Period (Elementary)

March 23 Early Childhood - No AM classes ; PM attends

March 27 & 28 Half Day AM only - Elementary Conferences

March 27 & 28 Early Childhood - No PM classes; AM Attends; Conferences

March 29 Half Day AM only - MMS; End of 3rd Marking Period

March 29-30 MMS Conferences

March 31 Half Day AM only – Elementary/MMS/MHS/MCEC

April 3 – 7 No School – Spring Break

April 14 Half Day AM only – Good Friday

May 5 Early Childhood - Parent Activity

May 8 Half Day AM only – Elementary/MMS/MHS/MCEC

May 8 Early Childhood - No AM classes

May 26 Half Day AM only – Hackley Day

May 29 Memorial Day

June 9 Half Day AM only – Elementary/MMS/MHS/MCEC


June 12 Early Childhood Picnic; Last day for Early Childhood students



Ken Williams (Solution Tree) is leading administrators and teachers to develop as members of Professional Learning Communities. A PLC is a group of educators that meets regularly, shares expertise, and works collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students. In this ongoing process, educators work collaboratively in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they

serve. Teachers have gathered over the summer to begin this work by identifying the most important things that students must learn - the Essential Standards. Teachers are making a commitment that ALL students will master these Essential Standards. The Essential Standards are the bar that ALL students will get to or through as teachers work collaboratively to improve instruction and the learning of each and every student.

Ken WilliamsSolution Tree

LATE START WEDNESDAYS 2016-17• Lakeside, Marquette, Moon, Oakview Wednesdays 9:45-3:50

• Nelson School Wednesdays 9:45-4:30

• Muskegon Middle School, Muskegon High School Wednesdays 9:00-2:55

• Muskegon Community Education Center Wednesdays 9:00-3:25

REGULAR SCHEDULE FOR Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2016-17• Lakeside, Marquette, Moon, Oakview 8:25-3:50

• Nelson School 7:55-3:25

• Muskegon Middle School, Muskegon High School 7:45-2:55

• Muskegon Community Education Center 8:15-3:25

Office of Instructional Services What are Late Start Wednesdays?

Believing in Greatness!Cheri Millisor

Beginning this fall, all students will come to school later on Wednesday morning. Teachers will be working together to ensure the achievement of each child through studying student work, planning for student

instruction and examining the most effective instructional practices. To prepare for the important work that will be done during this time, MPS is bringing in Ken Williams of Solution Tree and Carolyn McKanders of the Thinking Collaborative.

Carolyn McKanders (Thinking Collaborative) is developing the collective identity and capacity of MPS administrators and teacher leaders to be collaborators and inquirers. From this learning, these MPS leaders will:

• Use their increased capacity to initiate, develop and sustain high functioning groups

• Have new lenses for diagnosing the stages and phases of group development

• Utilize their expanded repertoire of practical facilitation tools• Understand when and how to engage groups in dialogue and

discussion, the limitations, forms and values of each• Possess skills to move groups beyond consensus to common

focus• Employ effective ways to value and use dissension, argument

and conflict• Implement strategies for keeping group members on track,

on topic, energized and resourceful

Your child will meet or exceed the bar of academic success when teachers have the time to collaborate with one another on targeted and purposeful instruction for your child. Thank you for giving the gift of time to Muskegon Public Schools instructional staff to help your child succeed! Here are the times that you need to add to your calendar:

Carolyn McKanders Thinking Collaborative

Amy Brewer is a teacher specialist for Muskegon Public Schools where she has primarily taught special education in the area of Cognitively Impaired for the majority of her 25 years with the district. She attended Muskegon Public Schools as a student, and graduated from the district in 1985. Amy attended Muskegon Community College to earn an Associate’s Degree. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University, and then completed her Master’s Degree at Grand Valley State University. She has 3 children and enjoys staying fit, and watching her daughter play volleyball at Ferris State University. “It’s pretty awesome being able to teach where you attended school and to give back”. GO Big Reds!!

Stacy Vanderwater is a 16 year veteran of Muskegon Public Schools. Her credentials include a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities, a Bachelor’s of Science Degree with a major in Psychology/Special Education and a minor in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University, and fifteen successful years of direct instructional experience in various special education settings within Muskegon Public Schools. She resides in Zeeland with her husband Bryan and daughter Avery. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, decorating, and watching DIY/Home Improvement shows. Patti Guire has been with Muskegon Public Schools since the 2009/2010 school year. She has been in the following positions: The Second Clerk at Muskegon Middle School (09/10), First Clerk at Nims Elementary (10/11, 11/12), and the Freshman Clerk at Muskegon High (12/13). She is currently the Secretary to the Director of Special Education and has been in this position for the past three years. She is the Vice President and Grievance Chair of the Muskegon Clerical/Classroom Assistant Association. Patti grew up in Hawaii. She is married to Glenn Guire and is the mother of four and the grandmother of seven wonderful grandchildren.

Heidi Strasser: We are pleased to announce the promotion of Heidi Strasser to the position of Special Education Supervisor/Behavior Consultant. Ms. Strasser, who joined Muskegon Public Schools in 1999, has served the students of MPS both as a Special Education Teacher and most recently as the District Special Education Teacher Consultant. She has taught special education since 1993, first in Fruitport as a resource room/inclusion teacher, and then for Muskegon Public Schools as a high school CI/LD teacher and Teacher Consultant. She was born and raised in Ohio and earned her Bachelor’s in Special Education from the Ohio State University. She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and is currently finishing her endorsement in Special Education Administration from Grand Valley State University. She has been Noah’s Mom for the last 19 years, and she continues to work to bring his legacy of “Joy and Laughter, Love and Light” into every aspect of her journey. She will begin her new role in August 2016. We wish her the best as she takes on new responsibilities.

Special Education

Pictured from left to right:

Amy Brewer, Stacy Vanderwater,

Patti Guire, and Heidi Strasser


Technology Department

The Department of Educational Technology Services was extremely busy this summer preparing each learning space with updates to computers and devices. At Muskegon Middle School and Muskegon High School, each classroom projector was replaced with a model which does not have a lightbulb that needs replacing. The light source in our new projectors will last approximately two to three times longer than the older models. We will continue to update projectors during the 2016-17 school year and into the 2017-18 school year. We have also improved wireless coverage as well as added some security cameras in certain locations around the district.

In addition, teachers have been provided a Chromebook for their use both within the classroom as well as for use in meetings and trainings. One of the main ways all educators make instructional decisions is to look at student, grade level, school and district level data. Much of the data that needs to be viewed is online and having that access at all times is crucial to help make the best decisions for our students. Furthermore, teachers will now get to experience first hand the tools that our students are using, as many of our learning spaces are equipped with sets of Chromebooks.

More and more of the learning tools students use are web-based. One of the tools that our 7-12 students have been using are Google accounts as part of our mpsk12.net domain. This year we will be opening those accounts to grades 3-6. Students will be working with Google tools including but not limited to Google Drive, Docs, Slides, and Calendar. Parents can expect a new Acceptable Use Policy to be instituted giving their child permission to access their own mpsk12.net student account.

Instructional technology will continue to be a large emphasis in classrooms again this year. Many students will continue to use resources

in the classroom such as Achieve 3000, Lexia Core 5, and Raz Kids. These are just three examples of tools being used that help promote reading growth and achievement.

Many of these upgrades and additions are largely due to the support of the Technology Millage a few years ago. We continue to be thankful for the support of our community!

Go Big Reds!Jerry JohnsonDirector of Technology#mpsbigredpride

•

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •


The MPS Office of Volunteer Services is blessed with several valuable volunteer partners. As always MPS offers it’s heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of our Volunteer Partners for their dedication, time, service and amazing support. In this edition we spotlight and celebrate First Wesleyan Church (FWC), Pastor Michael H. Schultz and his Mentoring Team. First Wesleyan Church is one of our committed Muskegon Valuable Volunteer Partners (MVP). The ministry is located in our Oakview Elementary School Community.

“First Wesleyan Church seeks to encourage and foster partnerships that positively impact families in our community. One of those key partnerships involves FWC’s working relationship with Oakview Elementary.” Pastor Mike further indicates that as FWC maintains a strong emphasis on the importance of positive and safe experiences for children, a partnership with Oakview naturally grew out of that commitment. For 4 years now, FWC has recruited volunteers to mentor students at Oakview. To date, roughly 20 adults have served as mentors, investing on a weekly basis, in the lives of MPS children. Routinely, children look forward to the time they have with a mentor. It helps teachers in giving particular students some much needed one-on-one time to catch up, hone skills or just have someone there. Mentors positively reflect on their times with Mentees. FWC has one particular mentor who has worked with the same student mentee for 3 years now.

While present in the building, the mentors also do their best to encourage staff as much as possible. On occasion, the mentors take treats to remind them that their investment in the children is appreciated. Outside of Mentoring there are other acts of kindness shown through the mentorship ministry. As an example, during this past school year an Oakview Elementary family was affected with a tragic house fire. The FWC partnered with the school in helping that family in their time of need. The Ministry also received a special offering to help the school with its creative and positive anti-truancy campaign. Pastor Mike states they had learned that a couple of dedicated individuals had quietly been funding the campaign from their personal resources, so the FWC members were THRILLED to help.

Pastor Mike leaves us with this most profound and timely statement: “NOW is the best time to positively invest in our community by investing in children and in those who invest their lives educating them. They need our respect and our partnership. Mentoring makes a difference! We deeply appreciate you and MPS for the way you serve with dedication and excellence!”

While we highlight First Wesleyan Church in this edition we celebrate all of those who lovingly impact the lives of our children. Our teachers, staff, and administrators are grateful and we thank you!!!

If you are interested in partnering with our MVP program or would like to be included in supporting the MPS Volunteer Program, please call or contact: Kay Pittman, Office of Volunteer Services at 231-720-2039 or by email: [email protected]

From the Office of Volunteer Services

Kay PittmanDistrict Volunteer

Coordinator

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

Facilities DepartmentDear Parent/Guardian:

Muskegon Public Schools has adopted an Integrated Pest Management program. Inherent with this are the District’s efforts to reduce pesticide use as much as possible. While it may occasionally be necessary to apply a pesticide, these will only be used as a last resort. This program does not rely on routine pesticide applications to resolve problems. We use various techniques such as habitat alteration, sanitation, mechanical means, exclusion, etc., to prevent pests from becoming a problem.

You will receive advance notice of the application of a pesticide, other than a bait or gel formulation, at your child’s school. This advance notice of the application will be given 48 hours before the application. The law requires us to provide this notification by using two methods. The first method required by the law is the posting at entrances to your child’s school. The second method we will use is the posting in a common area located by the main office of the school. Parents are also entitled to receive this notice by first-class United States mail postmarked at least three days prior to the application. If you would like to be notified by mail, please send a letter to the Facilities Department, 180 East Laketon Ave. Muskegon, Mi. 49442. Please include your name, mailing address, and which school your child attends.

In an emergency (for example, a bees nest), pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but you will be provided notice following any such application.

You may review our IPM program or pesticide application records for your child’s school by calling the Facilities Department at 231-720-3175. This number may also be used when school is not in regular session.

Sincerely,Sam WiltheissDirector of Facilities

Other News!The facilities department had a busy summer implementing facilities upgrades for the comfort and security of our students. At Muskegon High School stop in to see the new secure main entrance that will allow for our visitors to more easily check in at the main office before entering our building. In the Muskegon Middle School Cafeteria we had new flooring installed and purchased all new tables. And, at Oakview we remodeled our kitchen and cafeteria. Districtwide please look for new exterior signage for all of our buildings.


If you are interested in learning more about our Farm to School efforts,you can contact any one of our team members:

Over the past several years Muskegon Public Schools has been working on improving our students’ health through Farm to School activities. Farm to School is a nationwide effort to increase the amount of locally grown produce kids eat in school cafeterias through education, access and procurement. At MPS we have been successful in our summer programs through the Growing Goods Project but we have struggled to stretch our work into the school year.

This year we were awarded a Farm to School Planning Grant from the USDA and a FoodCorps Service Member from FoodCorps / Americorps. We are looking forward to extending our “growing” initiatives into the school year at several of our buildings.

At Lakeside we will continue the work that began last fall with Dorothy Griswald from McLaughlin Grows in “The Schoolyard Garden.” Three classes came out to the garden for a lesson on soil. The most memorable event for most of the students was the opportunity to dig carrots out of the ground. One student in Mrs. Kelloggs’ class talked about his carrot for months. The carrots had been planted over the summer as part of Muskegon Middle Schools Growing Goods Summer School Program. In the spring there were six classes that came to the garden either on a Monday morning or a Thursday afternoon for 30 minute intervals. Mrs. VanDalen, Mrs Mocere, Mrs. Goericke, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Malefant, and Mrs. Lakos had their students help with preparing the beds for planting, starting seeds

and transplanting seedlings. Their classes learned the names, smells and sometimes even the taste of herbs such as lemon balm, mint,

oregano and chives. We have chosen to grow things this year that do not need to be cooked so that the students can

taste the freshness of vegetables picked right off the vine or plant.

At Muskegon Middle School we will use the “Courtyard Garden” as an outdoor classroom to learn more about growing food. Both at Muskegon Middle and Muskegon High School we plan to work closely with the Chartwells Food Service

to provide many opportunities for students to taste test new and healthy foods in the school cafeterias.

This first year, all three buildings will have the benefit of our pilot programs with our new FoodCorps Service site member. Our service member will spend

one year in service with our district providing education and

support in the classroom, at lunch time and during after school activities. Each year

there will be an opportunity for someone new from within our community to serve. FoodCorps Service comes with a stipend, benefits and an education allowance. To learn more about becoming a FoodCorps Service

Member visit www.foodcorps.org.

All of our efforts are to move us toward helping our kids make healthy food choices and we would love to have your help!

Farm to School and FoodCorps join Muskegon Public Schools in Growing Goods

Farm to School and FoodCorps join Muskegon Public Schools in Growing Goods

Sydney ScheibnerFoodCorps Service Site Member

[email protected]

Debra WarrenProject Coordinator F2S

[email protected]

Dorothy GriswaldMclaughlin Grows

[email protected]


21st CCLC AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT Program of Muskegon Public Schools Our S.T.A.A.R.S. Shine Afterschool! The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) of Muskegon provides a safe, enriching environment during after-school hours. The focus of the program is to provide expanded academic enrichment opportunities for children attending the 4 centers we serve: Lakeside, Marquette, Moon, and Oakview Elementary. The program is designed to be fun for our youth with a structure and focus on program goals. Tutorial services and academic enrichment activities are designed to help students meet local and state academic standards, with a strong focus on reading and math. In addition to the primary focus of academic enrichment, Project STAAR offers our youth a broad array of developmental activities designed to advance student achievement in the following areas:

• Arts and Music Education• Technology Education• Drug and Violence Prevention• Health and Wellness• Character Development• Recreational Activates• College and Career Preparation

Additionally, several new offerings have been incorporated into our Project STAAR programs some of which include Jazz and Interpretive Dance, Spanish Instruction through enrichment lessons and dance, The Walking Classroom, Jump Math, First Tee Golfing, Cooking with MSU Extension, and so much more. An additional program goal this year is total body wellness. This program wide focus includes structured physical activity (races, games, dance, Zumba, basketball, etc.) as well as activities focused on nutrition, learning about the human body, dental health, mental health, and character education. We are also excited about our collaboration with the Child and Family Food Program of Michigan. Through this joint effort we are able to provide a healthy snack and a nutritional dinner for each of our students on a daily basis.

“Relationships are our premise; it’s what we are about. Caring for and connecting with the student, embracing the family by providing parent resources that will help ease the daily hurdles, and connecting with the community for viable and sustaining enrichment opportunities. We desire to develop relationships that bridge academic, social, economic and emotional barriers ...a building block to strengthen the core. Strong youth, stronger families, stronger communities for a stronger tomorrow!”

If you are interested in learning more information about Project STAAR and your student is enrolled in one of our site Elementary Schools, please contact the respective site coordinator for additional information: Moon Elementary Ben Bempong 720-2719Oakview Elementary LaTanya Harrell 720-2491Marquette Elementary Jackie Williams 720-2650Lakeside Elementary Brishelle Longmire 720-2368

FALL PROGRAM BEGINS SEPTEMBER 12th, 2016. Register early to reserve your spot! Limited availability.

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

•

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The Hackley Community Care (HCC) Muskegon Teen Health Center and its HUB sites have completed another successful school year. We have provided healthcare services to over 2000 students throughout Muskegon Public Schools, Muskegon Covenant Academy and Muskegon Heights Public School Academy. Our on-site medical, dental and behavioral health services uniquely integrate healthcare services within the school districts. Our goal is to increase student well-being by providing service in the community where they reside. Our team is committed to helping students get the care they need to excel at school performance, increase attendance, reduce suspensions and improved mental health. We are excited about the 2016/2017 school year and the difference we can make in the lives of your student. We realize that when students are healthy physically, mentally and emotionally, they do better academically. Hackley Community Care Muskegon Teen Health Center services include:

• Medical, dental and behavioral health (counseling) services • Serving ages 5-21 - All school districts welcomed• Dental Cleanings and Exams • Mental Health Counseling• Well Child/Young Adult Check-ups • Sports Physicals • Immunizations• Chronic Disease Management• STI testing and treatment *confidential services available• We accept most Medicaid products and private insurances

*Medicaid enrollment and Sliding Scale assistance available for the uninsured

Additional HCC School –Based Health service sites available during the regular school year include:

Marquette Elementary480 Bennett St.Phone: 231-720-2607

Muskegon Covenant Academy125 Catherine Ave.Phone: 231-720-3102 Muskegon Middle School1150 Amity Ave.Phone: 231-720-3047

Muskegon Heights Public Academy2441 Sanford StPhone: 231-830-3716

Nelson Elementary550 Grand Ave.Phone: 231-720-2224

Oakridge Teen Health Center251 S. Wolf Lake Rd.Phone: 231-733-6830

Hackley Community Care2700 Baker St., Muskegon, MI 49444Phone: 231-737-1335www.hackleycommunitycare.org

Muskegon Teen Health Center80 W. Southern Ave. • 231-733-6680

Hackley Community Care

Hackley Community Cares


The dust has not even settled on our summer programs and it is time to get ready for the 2016/17 school year in Food Service.

This summer we’ve been busy renovating kitchens and dining areas in several of our school buildings to continually improve your student(s) dining experience. We hope that you will stop by and see what’s new. Muskegon Public Schools is a CEP school district and will continue to feed our students free breakfast and lunch. That being said, a Household Income Survey application will be sent home for you to fill out for us so that we can maintain our CEP status. It is very important that the application is filled out and returned to your child’s school building as quickly as possible.

We are also working on our monthly calendars and will continue to feature a food focus, taste tests, Chef demonstrations and nutrition education for all of our students. Your food service department also has a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Chef on staff to help with all of our planned activities for the upcoming school year. Another exciting program that Food Service is involved with is Farm to School. We are working on ways to increase the amount of locally grown produce to serve to our students. Our goal is to purchase locally in order to get the most nutritious and delicious tasting produce to our students for them to enjoy.

We were once again awarded the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant to provide samples of fruit and vegetables to our students to expand their experience with “unusual” fruits and vegetables.We are available to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your child’s meal up to and including allergy questions, carb counts, etc. You can also visit http://muskegonpublicschools.nutrislice.com/ to view our daily breakfast and lunch menus. Once there you will find lots of nutritional information that will help answer your food questions.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and we look forward to seeing you in September.

SERVICE

©2016 Boys & Girls Clubs of America • 2963-16©2016 Boys & Girls Clubs of America • 2963-16

TRANSPORTATION

PROVIDED FROM

SELECT SCHOOLS!

$5WWW.BGCLUBMUSKEGON.COM

[email protected]

231.375.5576

NELSON SCHOOL- 550 W. GRAND

MUSKEGON, MI49441

6-183:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

- POWER HOUR HOMEWORK HELP

- DIY STEM

- TRIPLE PLAY SPORTS REC

- DRAMA MATTERS THEATRE

- FINE ARTS

- HEALTHY HABITS

When You ThinkBack To School,

Think After School!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.muskegonpublicschools.org • MUSKEGON MIRROR • AUGUST 2016 • 11

MHS Principal, Arthur Garner

Welcome back to Muskegon High School and Big Reds’ Nation! I am ecstatic that school will begin in the next few weeks. As a student at Muskegon you will constantly be encouraged to achieve your highest potential. This message will come from teachers, coaches, counselors, administrators, and even community members. Our vision is to prepare all students socially and academically for life beyond high school by providing a safe, functional and positive environment where students can think critically, and communicate effectively as they take responsibility for themselves, their community, and their world. Yet, a fruitful high school career requires discipline, structure, concentration and commitment. As you grow from a young adolescent to a young adult, our hopes for you will grow every day. Keep in mind that our academic goals are high. All students have a right to learn at Muskegon. I am excited to see all of you and begin the high levels of support for every student, every day. The staff is looking forward to providing all students with an education that will open many opportunities. As always, feel free to contact me if there is any assistance I can provide in order to enhance educational opportunities for all of our students. Go Big Reds! Dr. Arthur Garner, [email protected](231) - 720-2892

•

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

MHS COUNSELORS’ HIGHLIGHTSACT TESTING CYCLE 2016-2017Seniors planning to retake the ACT this fall should note the following dates: September10, 2016 October 22, 2016 and December 10, 2016 .Students may pick up information for online registration in the Guidance Office or go directly to www.actstudent.org to register. Fee Waivers are available for eligible students.

2016-2017 ACT TEST DATES & REGISTRATION DEADLINE

SAT TESTING CYCLE 2016-2017 Seniors planning to retake the SAT this fall should note the following dates: September10, 2016 October 1, 2016, November 5, 2016 and December 3, 2016 .Students may pick up information for online registration in the Guidance Office or go directly to www.collegeboard.org to register. Fee Waivers are available for eligible students

2016-17 SAT TEST DATES & REGISTRATION DEADLINES

COLLEGE VISITSMany colleges send representatives to our high school in the fall to talk to interested students. These visits usually begin in late September and continue through November. We will post these visits on the daily announcements and Juniors and Seniors may sign up in the Guidance Office.

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS Most colleges, including Muskegon Community College, would prefer that students apply online at the college website. Usually, the site will have a page to print out and bring to the Guidance Office. We will then fill out the required information and mail it with a transcript. Student must request OFFICIAL ACT scores directly from ACT (there is a fee charged by ACT). This can be done at actstudent.org if the student did not indicate at the time of registration for ACT to mail scores to respective colleges. In all instances, please allow 3 school days processing.

SCHOLARSHIP NOTICESWhen we receive notice of a scholarship, the notice will be posted on the Guidance Office bulletin boards, and emailed directly to students by using their school Gmail account. These notices and deadlines will also be announced in this newsletter when they are available in time for publication.

TEST DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE

LATE REGISTRATION

DEADLINE

COMPLETE SCORE

RELEASE***

JUN. 11, 2016** MAY 6, 2016 MAY 7-20, 2016 JUN. 29, 2016

SEPT. 10, 2016 AUG. 5, 2016 AUG. 6-9, 2016 SEPT. 20, 2016

OCT. 22, 2016 SEPT. 16, 2016 SEPT. 17-30, 2016 NOV. 8, 2016

DEC. 10, 2016 NOV. 4, 2016 NOV. 5-18, 2016 DEC. 20, 2016

FEB. 11, 2017 JAN. 6, 2017 JAN. 7-20, 2017 FEB. 22, 2017

TEST DATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE

LATE REGISTRATION

DEADLINE

ONLINE SCORE RELEASE

OCT. 1, 2016 SEPT. 2, 2016 SEPT. 16, 2016 OCT. 20, 2016

NOV. 5, 2016 OCT. 7, 2016 OCT. 21, 2016 NOV. 24, 2016

DEC. 3, 2016 NOV. 4, 2016 NOV. 18, 2016 DEC. 22, 2016

JAN. 21, 2017 DEC. 30, 2016 JAN. 13, 2017 FEB. 16, 2017

Arthur GarnerMuskegon High School Principal

SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR8/22/16 9th Grade Registration 9:00-11:00 am

8/23/16 10th Grade Registration 9:00-11:00 am

8/24/16 11th and 12th Grade Registration 9:00-11:00 am

8/25/16 Make Up Registration 9:00-11:00 am

9/23/16 Homecoming @ Hackley Stadium 7:00 PM

12 • AUGUST 2016 • MUSKEGON MIRROR • www.muskegonpublicschools.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Athletic DirectorKeith GuyThe Muskegon Big Red varsity football team will kick off the 2016 campaign in the “Battle of the Big House” at the University of Michigan. The event will feature 7 games spanning three days and tickets will be sold at the gate for $10. Your ticket will admit you for the entire day of games. The Battle at the Big House schedule is as follows;

GO MUSKEGON

BIG REDS!

Keith GuyAthletic Director

Thursday, August 25, 2016Brighton vs. Detroit East English Village, 4pm

Walled Lake Western vs. Farmington, 7pm

Friday, August 26, 2016Kalamazoo Central vs. St. Joseph, 4pm

Clarkston vs. Lapeer, 7pm

Saturday, August 27, 2016Novi Detroit CC vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson,1pm East Kentwood vs. Farmington Hills Harrison, 4pm

Ann Arbor Pioneer vs. Muskegon, 7pm

This will be the first ever meeting between Muskegon and the Pioneers of Ann Arbor. The Big Reds and Pioneers are two of the most storied high school football programs in the state ranking #1 (Muskegon, 807) and #2 (Pioneer, 714) in all time wins.

All Big Reds should feel right at home in the Big House because it was constructed in 1927 by the same company that built our very own Hackley Stadium (also in 1927).

We look forward to seeing everyone in Ann Arbor on August 27th and filling as many of the 107,601 seats of the Big House with Big Reds!

VARSITY FOOTBALL (Boys)

DAY DATE OPPONENT PLACE TIME

Sat. Aug. 27 Pioneer H.S. at the BIG HOUSE (U of M) Ann Arbor 7:00 PM

Sat. Sept. 3 Stevenson H.S. Hackley Stadium 4:30 PM

Fri. Sept. 9 Fruitport H.S. Fruitport H.S. 7:00 PM

Fri. Sept. 16 Byron Center H.S. Hackley Stadium 7:00 PM

Fri. Sept. 23 Reeths-Puffer H.S. HOMECOMING • Hackley Stadium 7:00 PM

Fri. Sept. 30 Grand Rapids Union H.S. Grand Rapids Union H.S. 7:00 PM

Fri. Oct. 7 Kenowa Hills H.S. Kenowa Hills H.S. 7:00 PM

Fri. Oct. 14 Mona Shores H.S. Hackley Stadium 7:00 PM

Fri. Oct. 21 Jenison H.S. Hackley Stadium 7:00 PM

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL (Girls)


Sat. Aug. 20 Holton Invitational Holton H.S. 9:00 AM

Tues. Aug. 23 Comstock Park Invitational Comstock Park H.S. 3:00 PM

Wed. Aug. 24 Double Dual, Jenison H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 5:00 PM

Wed. Aug. 31 Tri Conference Redmond-Potter Gym 5:00 PM

Thur. Sept. 1 Oakridge H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 6:30 PM

Wed. Sept. 7 Mona Shores H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 5:00 PM

Thur. Sept. 8 N. Muskegon H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 6:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 13 Fruitport H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 6:45 PM

Sat. Sept. 17 Ottawa Hills H.S. Ottawa Hills H.S. 9:00 AM

Tues. Sept. 20 Grand Rapids Union H.S. Grand Rapids Union H.S. 6:45 PM

Thurs. Sept. 22 Ottawa Hill H.S. Muskegon H.S. 6:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 27 Mona Shores H.S. Mona Shores H.S. 6:45 PM

Thur. Sept. 29 Orchard View H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 6:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 4 Kenowa Hills H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 6:45 PM

Thur. Oct. 13 Benton Harbor H.S. Benton Harbor H.S. 6:45 PM

Sat. Oct. 15 Reeths-Puffer H.S. Reeths-Puffer H.S. 9:00 AM

Tues. Oct. 18 Jenison H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 6:45 PM

Tues. Oct. 25 Reeths-Puffer H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 6:45 PM

VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY (Boys/Girls)


Sat. Aug. 27 Big Red Invitational McGraft Park 9:00 AM

Sat. Sept. 10 West Ottawa H.S. West Ottawa 9:00 AM

Wed. Sept. 14 Catholic Central McGraft Park 4:30 PM

Wed. Sept. 21 Conference Jamboree Gracewell Golf Course, Kenowa Hills 4:30 PM

Sat. Oct. 1 Fruitport Invitational Fruitport 9:00 AM

Wed. Oct. 5 Conference Jamboree Oak Ridge Golf Course (Mona Shrs.) 4:30 PM

Fri. Oct. 14 GMAA Invitational University Park Golf Course TBA

Wed. Oct. 19 Conference Championship McGraft Park 4:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 25 Jenison H.S. McGraft Park 7:00 PM

Sat. Oct. 29 MHSAA Regional Finals McGraft Park 9:00 AM

Sat. Nov. 8 MHSAA State Finals McGraft Park 9:00 AM


JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL (Boys)


Wed. Aug. 24 Pioneer H.S. Muskegon H.S. 6:30 PM

Sat. Sept. 3 Stevenson H.S. Hackley Stadium 1:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 8 Fruitport H.S. Hackley Stadium 6:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 15 Byron Center H.S. Byron Center 6:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 22 Reeths-Puffer H.S. Reeths-Puffer H.S. 6:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 6 Kenowa Hills H.S. Hackley Stadium 6:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 13 Mona Shores H.S. Mona Shores H.S. 6:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 20 Jenison H.S. Jenison H.S. 6:30 PM

9TH GRADE VOLLEYBALL (Girls)


Wed. Aug. 24 Kenowa Hills Kenowa Hills H.S. 5:00 PM

Wed. Aug. 31 Grand Rapids Union Grand Rapids Union H.S. 5:00 PM

Wed. Sept. 7 Conference Double-Dual Muskegon H.S. 5:00 PM

Tues. Sept. 13 Fruitport Muskegon H.S. 5:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 15 Kelloggsvllle Kelloggsvllle H.S. 5:00 PM

Tues. Sept. 20 Grand Rapids Union Grand Rapids Union H.S. 5:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 22 Ottawa Hills Muskegon H.S. 5:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 27 Mona Shores Mona Shores H.S. 5:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 4 Kenowa Hills Muskegon H.S. 5:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 11 Tri Covenant Christian Tri Covenant Christian 5:00 PM

Thur. Oct. 13 Benton Harbor Benton Harbor H.S. 5:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 18 Jenison H.S. Muskegon H.S. 5:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 25 Reeths-Puffer Reeths-Puffer H.S. 5:30 PM

9TH GRADE FOOTBALL (Boys)


Wed. Aug. 24 Pioneer H.S. Muskegon H.S. 4:30 PM

Wed. Aug. 31 West Catholic H.S. West Catholic H.S. 4:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 8 Fruitport H.S. Muskegon H.S. 4:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 15 Byron Center H.S. Byron Center 4:30 PM


Thur. Sept. 29 Grand Rapids Union H.S. Muskegon H.S. 4:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 6 Kenowa Hills H.S. Muskegon H.S. 4:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 13 Mona Shores H.S. Mona Shores H.S. 4:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 20 Jenison H.S. Jenison H.S. 4:30 PM

JUNIOR VARSITY VOLLEYBALL (Girls)


Sat. Aug. 20 Holton Invitational Holton H.S. 9:00 AM

Wed. Aug. 24 Double Dual, Fruitport H.S. Fruitport H.S. 5:00 PM

Wed. Aug. 31 Conf. Tri-Meet, Jenison Redmond-Potter Gym 5:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 1 Oakridge H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 5:00 PM

Wed. Sept. 7 Reeths Puffer H.S. Reeths-Puffer H.S. 5:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 8 N. Muskegon H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 5:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 13 Fruitport H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 5:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 20 Grand Rapids Union H.S. Grand Rapids Union H.S. 5:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 22 Ottawa Hills H.S. Muskegon H.S. 5:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 27 Mona Shores H.S. Mona Shores H.S. 5:30 PM

Thurs. Sept. 29 Orchard View H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 5:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 4 Kenowa Hills H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 5:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 13 Benton Harbor H.S. Benton Harbor H.S. 5:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 18 Jenison H.S. Redmond-Potter Gym 5:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 25 Reeths-Puffer H.S. Reeths-Puffer H.S. 5:30 PM

VARSITY SOCCER (Boys)


Mon. Aug. 22 Orchard View H.S. Orchard View H.S. 5:45 PM

Thur. Aug. 25 Ravenna H.S. Nelson Field 4:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 1 Oakridge H.S. Nelson Field 4:00 PM

Tues. Sept. 6 Fruitport H.S. Nelson Field 5:30 PM

Wed. Sept. 7 Montague H.S. Nelson Field 4:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 8 Grand Rapids Union H.S. Grand Rapids Union H.S. 5:30 PM

Sat. Sept. 10 Mona Shores H.S. Mona Shores H.S. 6:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 13 Kenowa Hills H.S. Nelson Field 5:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 15 Musk. Catholic Central Nelson Field 4:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 20 Jenison H.S. Nelson Field 5:00 PM


Sat. Sept. 24 Fruitport H.S. Fruitport H.S. 1:30 PM

Tues. Sept. 27 Grand Rapids Union H.S. Nelson Field 5:30 PM

Thur. Sept. 29 Mona Shores H.S. Nelson Field 5:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 4 Kenowa Hills H.S. Kenowa Hills H.S. 6:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 6 Ottawa Hills H.S. Ottawa Hills H.S. 6:30 PM

Tues. Oct. 11 Jenison H.S. Jenison H.S. 6:30 PM

Thur. Oct. 13 Reeths-Puffer H.S. Nelson Field 5:30 PM

JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER (Boys)


Mon. Aug. 22 Orchard View H.S. Orchard View H.S. 4:00 PM

Tues. Sept. 6 Fruitport H.S. Nelson Field 4:00 PM

Thur. Sept. 5 Grand Rapids Union H.S. Grand Rapids Union H.S. 4:00 PM

Sat. Sept. 10 Mona Shores H.S. Mona Shores H.S. 5:00 PM

Tues. Sept. 13 Kenowa Hills H.S. Nelson Field 4:00 PM

Tues. Sept. 20 Jenison H.S. Nelson Field 4:00 PM


Sat. Sept. 24 Fruitport H.S. Fruitport H.S. 11:00 AM

Tues. Sept. 27 Grand Rapids Union H.S. Nelson Field 4:00 PM

Thur. Sept. 29 Mona Shores H.S. Nelson Field 4:OO PM

Tues. Oct. 4 Kenowa Hills H.S. Kenowa Hills H.S. 5:00 PM

Thurs. Oct. 6 Ottawa Hills H.S. Ottawa Hills H.S. 5:00 PM

Tues. Oct. 11 Jenison H.S. Jenison H.S. 5:00 PM

Thur. Oct. 13 Reeths-Puffer H.S. Nelson Field 4:00 PM

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

•


The 2016-2017 school year is just around the corner, and Muskegon Middle School is ready! As families prepare for the new year, seventh and eighth grade students should plan on attending Super Start, Muskegon Middle School’s annual back to

school orientation and celebration. Super Start is open to both new and returning students, Wednesday, August 31. Staff will be on hand in the newly renovated cafeteria between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to answer questions, give tours, and help students open lockers. Parents will find enrollment papers, bussing information, and all necessary forms waiting for them upon arrival. Students will be given their schedules, their lockers, and an opportunity to meet their teachers. Super Start is a fun way to reconnect with friends and former teachers, but it is also the perfect time to receive information regarding electives like band, orchestra, and choir. If students are interested in school sports, sign-ups for fall sports will also be available. Parents may want to ask some of these common questions at Super Start: 1. How do I access my student’s grades and attendance using

PowerSchool from my home?2. If my child is struggling, how do I enroll my child in after school

tutorial?3. What bus does my child ride? Where is my child’s bus stop?

When will the bus pick up and drop off my child? 4. What is Late Start? What does the school day look like during

Late Start days? How will Late Starts impact my student’s bus schedule?

5. What do I do if I want my child to learn how to play an instrument?

6. If my child wants to play sports, how do I get him or her a physical? When is the physical due, and who do I give it to?

7. If my child feels bullied, harassed, or threatened in any way, who should he or she go and talk to?

Before you leave Super Start, make sure that you do the following:1. Meet the principal, Mr. Paul Kurdziel2. Walk from class to class with your children to show them that

they can make it in four minutes or less.3. Meet your student’s teachers4. Make sure that your student can open his or her locker on their

own5. Sign up for band, orchestra, choir, clubs, and/or sports6. Tour the school, visit the nurse, see the library, locate the main

office, and admire the new floor and tables in the cafeteria. 7. Pick up, fill out, and sign enrollment and registration paperwork

(including bussing information if needed).

A SUPER START at Muskegon Middle School

Welcome back to the 2016-17 school year!Here are some updates that will be helpful for you to know for this upcoming school year:

• New bell times are Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri., school begins at 7:55 with breakfast starting at 7:25 and school ends at 3:25• On Wednesdays, school will begin at 9:45 with a dismissal at 4:30• Half days will be 7:55 — 11:15

Please join us for a Back to School Family afternoon on Thursday, September 1 from 12:00-3:00 at Nelson. School supplies will be given away, free haircuts, and activities for families to enjoy. You just might get to see some of your favorite Nelson staff!

Straight Outta Nelson

Nelson Elementary

The Muskegon Mirror is published three times per year by Muskegon

Public Schools, 349 W. Webster Avenue,

Muskegon, MI 49440. Muskegon Public Schools accepts advertising to defray the cost of production and distribution and appreciates the support of its advertisers. Muskegon Public Schools does not

specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services.

To advertise in The Muskegon Mirror, please contact Mark Williamson at (231) 766-3038 or email:

[email protected]


Marquette ElementaryStaffing Changes

• Ms. Kerry Cooper and Mrs. Tamara Williams - Kindergarten.• Kelly Slagel and Courtney Hansen - Team Taught Kindergarten • Kelly Cribbs and Amanda DeHaan - First Grade • Mr. Darga – Third & Fourth Grade Split • Mrs. Holwerda – Fourth Grade• Mr. Kamyszek - Fifth Grade.• Mr. Wagenmaker – Sisth Grade • Mr. Cartwright – Second Grade Two-Way Immersion Teacher

Important Dates• Annual Open House: Tuesday, September 13 at 5 p.m.• Parent Teacher Conferences: November 9 & 10• PTO Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month-

look for time and date on the calendar• Popcorn and water sales are every other Thursday starting on

September 15. Please support this fundraising effort. $1 for bag of popcorn and bottle of water. We need volunteers to help pop the popcorn - contact Ronda Bonebrake for details: 231. 720.2663

• Our Science After School Program will continue - please look for that information as the school year begins. Contact Sue Donovan231.720.2626

• After School 21st Century Program will continue - please contact Jackie Williams for details: 231.720.2650

• There will be several Parent Activity Nights during the school year. Please look for those in our newsletters and participate with your child.

• School Leadership Team Meetings are held once per month. We urge you to attend. Look for the upcoming schedule on our school calendar.

Logistics• We need volunteers to help with our lunch and recess. We

also need support with traffic control at pick up time. Please contact Mr. John Smith for more information. 231.720.2608

• Mr. Duane Cook is our Dean of Students. Together with Mr. John Smith, they both take care of behavioral and logistical issues. Please contact them directly with your questions. Mr. Cook’s direct number is 231.720.2511.

• We want to keep our students and staff safe. Please make sure to always report to the front office when entering the building and sign in. For safety reasons, we always need to know who is in our school building.

• Teachers will be trained on a new Math Curriculum: “Everyday Math”. Students will receive new materials for math learning.

• Monthly Awards Assemblies are when we recognize students for their achievements. Watch for them on our calendar.

• In order to give you my undivided attention, I ask that you please make an appointment with me or my secretary should you like to meet with me. My focus is to be visible and useful to teachers and children in the classrooms and throughout the building. I do not spend much time in my office, so I schedule myself accordingly. Please call the main office @ 231-720-2600 to get in touch with me.

Each day we make the lives of others better by things that we say and things that we do. As educators we have the opportunity to make the lives of our students better, to make the lives of our colleagues better and to make the lives of our entire school community better. It’s amazing what a smile can do on a day that has been wrought with challenges. As educators we have the opportunity each morning to greet our students and begin their day at school with a fresh start. We have the opportunity during the day to inspire, encourage and motivate those around us.” These words by Drew Dudley resonate with WHY we do what we do at Marquette School day in and day out! We thank you for having your child in school every day and for all that you do to support us and our children in and outside of the school day.

Kristina Martinez-Precious, Principal

Marquette Elementary was recently featured in a blog post written by the 2016 Teacher of the Year….

Being Bilingual is Betterby Rick Joseph

How many languages do you speak? Chances are, if you are like many native-born Americans, the answer is a resounding…one. Only English.

Students at Marquette Elementary School in Muskegon, however, learn in both Spanish and English in

the school’s dual language immersion program. The idea is that by the end of 8th grade, students will be prepared to enter high school fluent in two languages, regardless of their native tongue. The results are astonishing.

Kids begin in kindergarten classrooms where 90 percent of the instructional language is Spanish and 10 percent is English.

Slightly more than half of the students come from homes where English is the spoken language, while the rest are from families where Spanish is the parents’ first language. This model of bilingual education is known as an “additive model,” in that students “add” a language to their first language without losing the capacity to listen, speak, read, or write in their home language.

It works.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Rick Joseph is a National Board Certified Teacher and has taught 5/6 grade at Covington School in the Birmingham Public School district since 2003. Prior, he served as a bilingual educator and trainer for nine years in the Chicago Public Schools. Rick is thrilled to serve as the 2016 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Through Superhero Training Academy, Rick’s students have created a superhero identity to uplift the communities where they learn and live.


Lakeside Elementary

3rd Graders Honored for Reading Achievement

On May 20, Lakeside Elementary was recognized for the reading achievement the third graders had made in using the new district reading on-line support program, ACHIEVE3000. All students were given certificates and goody bags for this achievement. The most improved students were recognized with medals. This program is designed to improve reading informational text reading skills.

When students started the schoolyear, only 30% of the students were reading at grade-level or above. By the end of the year, 71% of the students were reading at or above the third grade reading level. Achieve3000 recognized only 125 schools world-wide and only 2 in Michigan. Lakeside was the only elementary school to be recognized. The Lakeside third graders and teachers worked extremely hard all year and are very deserving of this recognition.

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

Lakeside Elementary 2016/17 Staff Changes

Lakeside will have some new staff faces this year. We will miss Mrs. Pat Benoit and Mrs. Sue Strah who both decided to retire. We are excited to welcome the following teachers to our team!:

• Mrs. Debbie Martin - Kindergarten • Mr. Phillip Doyle – Fourth Grade• Mrs. Debbie Lakatos – Fifth Grade • Ms. Holly Piasecki – Fourth Grade • Mrs. Leanne Bauer – 4/5 CI

This year you may also see some of our teachers in different assignments:

• Mrs. Jennifer Hekkema – Third Grade • Mrs. Tresa Northuis – Fifth Grade • Mr. Eric Poll - Sixth Grade

Important Dates:

• Open House: Wednesday, 8/31: 5:30 - 7• 1st PTO Meeting: Wednesday, 9/14, 4:30 at the Lakeside Library (2nd Floor)• School Picture Day: Wednesday, Oct. 5: Morning• New Student Registration: Mon. - Thurs.: 8/15 - 9/1: Summer district hours

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •Lakeside Elementary

Schoolyard Gardeners!


Oakview’s Sixth Graders Are….Learners Today, Leaders TomorrowThe sixth grade class ended the year on a fantastic note! On behalf of the administrators and staff we are proud to present to our Big Red Family some of the brightest students in the county. We wish each and every student the best as they move on to middle school.

Highest GPA: Joy Rogers 3.90 & Earnest Young 3.50

A/B Honor Roll: Arsean Jackson, Laquan Mack, Tiondra McDaniels, Krystal McGruther, Monserrat Torres, Devin Wilson, Tayla Wilson

Top Mathematicians (2 from each class): LaQuan Mack, Krystal McGruther, Joy Rogers, Monserrat Torres, Tayla Wilson, Earnest Young

Top Scientists:Donovan Johnson, Aleasha Goliday, LaQuan Mack, Tiondra McDaniel, Krystal McGruther, Aryianna Ricks, Joy Rogers, Monserrat Torres, Anthony Walton, Earnest YoungTop Spellers:

Malaki Boerman, Jaylyn Buchanan, Leahja Buchanan, Cody Darwin, Niyara Dozier, Alissa Elkins, Alesha Goliday, Sierra Hutson, Kamiyah Ivy, Arsean Jackson, Tiondra McDaniel, Krystal McGruther, Amani Means, India Mills, Tayshawn Morehead, Andrew Potter, Ariyanna Ricks, Joy Rogers, Monserrat Torres, Camia Tucker, Qua’Nasha Walker, Anthony Walton, Tayla Wilson, Earnest Young

Most Improved:Jamarius Barnett, Iyana Lennox-Brooks, Alonzo Hudgins, Nevin McCustion, Kieona Sims, Desmariah Taylor

Citzenship Awards:Katelyn Hosler, LaQuan Mack, Amani Means, Andrew Potter, Monserrat Torres, Anthony Walton

Physics in the Park Team at Michigan’s Adventure: An annual statewide event that takes place at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park, in Muskegon, Michigan. This activity gives 6th, 7th and 8th grade students a chance to apply math skills and discover physics principles in the real world setting of an amusement park. Students were expected to complete a series of problem solving activities throughout the park. Students measured g-forces, calculated speeds, and discovered the physics behind the thrills.Duane Anderson, Leahja Buchanan, Niyara Dozier, Alissa Elkins, Alesha Goliday, Alonzo Hudgins, Iyana Lennox-Brooks, LaQuan Mack, Amani Means, Neven McCustion, Krystal McGruther, Dakota Murdaugh, Tamareon Oakes, Ariyanna Ricks, JaKiyah Robertson, Joy Rogers, Monserrat Torres, Camia Tucker, Desmairah Wilson, Tayla Wilson, Earnest Young

Michigan State University Leadership Team:Gavin Alexander, Niyara Dozier, Alissa Elkins, Iyana Lennox-Brooks, Arsean Jackson, Tiondra McDaniels, Krystal McGruther, Tamareon Oakes, Ariyanna Ricks, JaKiyah Robertson, Jaxon Roberts, Joy Rogers, Devin Wilson, Tayla Wilson, Earnest Young

Welcome Back and Happy New School Year!!! Please join us on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 for our Fall Title I Meeting/Open House. All parents will have an opportunity to meet with staff, learn more about our instructional programs and support services.

Schedule Changes for the 2016/2017 School YearOakview Elementary students will have longer school days this school year. Students will begin start school at 8:25 am. The school day will end at 3:50 pm. Late Start Days will be on Wednesdays. The school day will begin at 9:45 am every Wednesday throughout the school year.First Day of School: Tuesday, September 6,

2016 8:25 am - 11:50 amFull Day Schedule: Wednesday, September 7, 2016 8:25 - 3:50 pmLate Start: BEGINS Wednesday, September 14, 2016 9:45 am - 3:50 pm Our Family Resource Center (DHS Office) has a new location. This office will now be housed in Room 115. Their main entrance will be on Madison Street. You will need to ring the bell for access to into the building. Please be aware that you may only park on one side of Madison Street (the school side). Please refrain from parking in residential driveways.

Parents are encouraged to join our School Leadership Team. Meetings will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm. The purpose of this team is to allow parents to become decision makers regarding: the programs and services that impact student learning, design workshops for Oakview parents to keep parents abreast of the research based strategies that contribute to learning, and ensure that we are implementing programs and services to improve student achievement. For more information, please contact the main office at 231-720-2450.

Save the date: Parent Teacher Conferences will be held November 9 and 10, 2016.

Parents we need your involvement on the Parent Teacher Association!! Meetings are held once and month for one hour. The purpose of the PTA is to support students and teachers throughout the school year. Fundraisers have contributed to providing free transportation and entrance fees for field trips, purchase of books for classroom libraries, teacher supplies and playground equipment, assemblies and events for Oakview families. It is vital that we keep this organization going. If you are interested, please call Principal Loudermill at (231) 720-2450, or email at: [email protected]

Oakview Elementary

FREE to high school juniors & seniors!

– 16 different career areas– Certified instructors– Academic Credit available– Free college credit

Call 231.767.3613 to schedule a tourLocated at 200 Harvey Street on the corner of Harvey & Stebbins next to the wind turbine

WE LOVEOUR VOLUNTEERS


2011 2011 - 2012 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 2014 - 2015 2015 - 2016Number of Volunteers 7 14 19 16 14 14

Number of Classes 1 2 3 2 2 2

Number of Students 20 41 57 45 53 50

Total Volunteer Hours -- 552 720 653 514 586

Number of Student Contacts

-- -- 1382 1051 932 1163

Total Time with each Student -- 13.5 hrs 12.6 hrs 14.5 hrs 9.7 hrs 11.7 hrs.

In addition to the above, thanks to all the volunteers, the teachers, and the Moon School staff for the work and cooperation we enjoyed during the school year. I’m sure everyone has enjoyed their summer break. Hopefully, everything will come together again in the fall to meet the new first graders.

Submitted by Warren Wickland, Forest Park Covenant Church

As usual, I am distributing the statistics accumulated by the volunteers of the Forest Park Covenant Church reading program for the past school year. This finishes our sixth year at Moon school. We had 14 people participate in the reading program this year plus 2 more in the After-School program. Michelle Wickland worked with the Young Ladies of Excellence program and Gary Tidball worked with the Young Men of Destiny program. Gary also did some specific mentoring with a few of the young boys. In addition, a number of

the After-School participants joined with the young people at Forest Park for an evening of fun and Bible stories with family permission.

We read with the two first grade classes taught by Sarah Holliday and Holly Piesecki. The reading is done one-on-one with the students so in addition to reading, we get to know them personally and watch them grow over the year. One general observation is how

well the students read who were held back last year. They seem to just blossom with their reading skills.

The chart below is a comparison over the six years of reading. In the past, we averaged about 30 minutes each time a student came out to read, and this year we read almost 12 hours with each student. For the most part the students love the attention, are courteous, and are fun to be with.

Important Building Information, Moon School:

Staff Changes:• Eddie Brown – Dean of Students (following Arthur Duren’s retirement)

• Stacy Pallett – First Grade, previously taught Pre-K • We welcome Sarah Kempf – Pre-K • Brenda Davis – Speech Pathologist

PTO Contacts:• Meetings are tentatively scheduled for the 4th Friday of each

month. Please contact Mrs. Sarah Hill at 231-720-2700 or Mrs. Stacy Pallett at 231-720-2715 for further details.

Communication• The best way to communicate with staff here at Moon is via

telephone or email. Please feel free to contact the main office at 231-720-2700 and you will be connected to your child’s classroom. Also, please feel free to access our building website at http://www.muskegonpublicschools.org/schools/moon/. Here you will find a staff directory with classroom phone numbers as well as email addresses. Note: Teachers are expected to keep their phone on forward during instructional times. Please leave a message and a phone number where you can be reached.

• Mr. Eddie Brown is here to serve you as our Dean of Students. Please feel free to contact him at 720-2718. Mr. Brown is the initial contact person for student behaviors and issues with school climate. Mr. Brown is here to serve you from 7:30am-4:00pm. Sarah Hill (main office) is also available to serve you from 8:00am-4:00pm.

Volunteers• We love our Volunteers! Please consider joining the PTO and/or

volunteering here in our building. We are in need of volunteers to help before/after school to help keep our students safe. Volunteer duties would include playground, cafeteria, and parking lot monitoring. Help is also needed in the classrooms throughout the day. If you are interested please stop by the main office to pick up forms. Everyone is required to complete a Criminal Background Form before volunteering in our schools.

Open House• Our Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 15, 2016

from 5:00-6:30. Please come out to meet the Moon School Staff and find out about all the cool things that are going on here in our school. We look forward to seeing you!

Moon Elementary

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless,

but because they’re priceless.~Sherry Anderson


The time is NOW to register your 3-4 year olds for Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Program (GSRP). The Glenside Office is open for enrollment Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:30. Both programs are free.

When you come to register please bring the following; birth certificate, foster/adoption papers, income verification (2015 Taxes, W-2), Insurance Card, and shot/immunization records). Other requirements will be discussed at the time of completing an application.

This year the program design will look at little different with some all day classes for the children who qualify. All of the Head Start programs are housed at Glenside and the GSRP classrooms are located at Marquette, Moon and Oakview.

The Early Childhood Programs utilize the research-based Creative Curriculum for Preschool. The Creative Curriculum is centered on five fundamental principles: Positive interactions and relationships with adults provides a critical foundation for successful child learning, social-emotional competence impacts school success, purposeful play supports essential learning, the physical environment influence the quality of learning, and teacher-family partnerships aid learning.

While you are at Glenside registering for the Early Childhood Programs, take time to play on the playground and introduce your child to the Glenside Building.

For more information about the Early Childhood Programs please call 720-2560.

Parents are important to us and YOUR voice counts. During our Parent Orientation meeting, which is scheduled for August 18th, a survey will be conducted to see what times work the best for parent meetings. Notices will be sent home before the meeting. Also keep in mind that Parent Conferences will be held the week of November 21st.

Glenside Early Childhood Center

Who Makes the Muskegon Mirror Possible?

YOU DO!Local advertising makes a difference! It helps to offset the

cost of the Muskegon Mirror. Advertising allows Muskegon to effectively reach the community with important information about our students and our schools.

Call Mark Williamson today at 231-766-3038, or email him at [email protected]

to reserve your ad in the next publication

MAKE SURE TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESSESTHAT SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL!

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMUSKEGON, MIPERMIT NO. 554

Jon Felske, Superintendent

Muskegon Board of Education Louis Churchwell • PresidentCindy Larson • Vice PresidentG. Lynnette Marks • SecretaryBillie J. Bruce • TreasurerEarl W. O’Brien • TrusteeTasha Bibbs-Oakes • TrusteeZachary Allen Anderson • Trustee

The “Muskegon Mirror” is published three times each year by Muskegon Public Schools, 349 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49440. Muskegon Public Schools accepts advertising to defray the cost of production and distribution and appreciates the support of its advertisers. Muskegon Public Schools does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. Please contact Mark Williamson with inquiries at (231) 766-3038 or email to: [email protected]

*** ECRWSS***POSTAL CUSTOMER

349 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49440231.720.2000 phone • 231.720.2050 faxwww.muskegonpublicschools.org


T he Nancy K. Poppen Program and the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship Fund has been incorporated and will now be known as The Poppen Programs, Inc. Our new logo

was designed by a former Poppen Scholar - Kendall College of Art and Design graduate, Jubenal Rodiriguez. The new logo symbolizes the teacher and student relationship that the Poppen Programs, Inc. make possible for the students at Muskegon Public Schools. The programs are looking forward to supporting the development of fine arts in the students at Muskegon Public Schools through more college scholarships and private lessons for many years to come. If your student is interested in private study in one of the fine or performing arts such as dance, instrumental or vocal music, acting or theater, drawing, painting, sculpting or writing, please complete the application for funding before the November 1, 2016 deadline. Applications can be found in the main office at each school and at the Hackley Administration Building. Eligible applicants include students in third through eleventh grade who demonstrate artistic interest and potential, and whose family meets the income guidelines. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities available through The Poppen Programs, Inc., please contact the Executive Director by phone or email.

Judy Johnson, Executive Director, Poppen Programs Inc.231-720-2040 • [email protected]

uskegon ARTS

BEST WISHES RETIREES - ORPorshalrdproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/03_AUG_MIR… ·...

Documents

Transcript of BEST WISHES RETIREES - ORPorshalrdproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/03_AUG_MIR… ·...