Oct - Fowler Schools

October 2010
Volume 3, Issue 1
Eagle Flyer
WWW.
FOWLERSCHOOLS.NET
2010 HOMECOMING A SUCCESS
Homecoming was held Saturday, October 2, 2010 and even though the weather was a bit cold, wet and windy, it
was still a great success. This year’s theme was “Board Games.” Homecoming festivities started with the Jeff Wieber Memorial 5K run/walk and the parade on Friday night with local businesses judging the floats. Taking first
place with their Candyland float were the seniors. Second place went to the freshmen, with their Hi Ho Cheerio
float, and the sophomores and juniors tied for third place with their Sorry and Operation theme floats.
Class representatives were chosen earlier in the week and they are as follows:
Freshmen: Terin Becker, Kelsie Feldpausch, Macy Wieber, Dylan Armbrustmacher, Logan Thelen & Austin Feldpausch
Sophomores: Allison Myers, Alissa Schafer, Madison Platte, Kevin Koenigsknecht, Cameron Bongard & Jonathan
Schafer
Juniors: Olivia Feldpausch, Courtney Rudat, Elizabeth Thelen, Keegan Bengel, Garrett Mueller & Blake Snyder
Senior King and Queen Representatives were: Kayla Becker, Liz Blackwell, Krista Jandernoa, Krista Miller, Alexis
Schmitt, Jacob Dell, Devon Feldpausch, Ben Halfman, Matt Jandernoa & Kameron Riley
Once again the football game was held on Saturday with the crowning of the king and queen during the halftime
show. Following the game was the homecoming dance where the king and queen were once again crowned at
9:30 p.m. in front of the student body and several community members.
Congratulations to the 2010 Homecoming King and Queen: Devon Feldpausch & Krista Jandernoa
King Devon and Queen Krista
To top off the afternoon, Fowler defeated the Bees of Bath 42 - 0. Thank
you to everyone who made this day a success, especially all of the Student
Council members, class advisors, float building site owners and the chaperones for their assistance during this exciting week.
Senior Court
From the
Pg. 13
The Waldron Buzz
Pg. 2-6
Athletics
Pg. 7-8
HS News
Pg. 9-
Home-
Pg. 14-
Board
Minutes
Pg. 12
Eagle Flyer
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The Waldron Buzz
.PTA BINGO NIGHT IS OCTOBER 23
On Saturday, October 23, the PTA will host a
Family Fun Halloween BINGO Night in the Waldron cafeteria. This year’s BINGO party will
take on a Halloween theme as kids and parents
are encouraged to come in costumes. Wear a
costume, get a prize! Doors will open at 6:30
p.m. and BINGO will begin at 7 p.m. A $1 donation per person is suggested, which will get you
a BINGO card (worth 6 games of BINGO), a bag
of popcorn and a drink. This event is not meant
to be a fundraiser, just an affordable great night
of family fun. We hope to see you there! (All
children must be accompanied by a parent/
adult.)
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent/teacher conferences are coming soon.
Students will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. on
Wednesday & Thursday, November 10 & 11.
There will be no school for students on Friday,
November 12. Conferences will take place at
the following times:
Wed.,
November 10
Thurs., November 11
Fri., November 12
2:30 – 5:00 p.m.
2:30-5:00 p.m.
& 6:00-8:00 p.m.
No School
Elementary teachers will be sending home conference notices to parents with pre-scheduled
conference times. If you have a problem with
your scheduled time, please call the Waldron
office and we will work out a solution. Middle
school conferences (grades 5-8) will be held on
a drop-in basis. Feel free to visit during conference hours and drop in on whichever teachers
you would like to see. We hope to see you
there! Please know that you are welcome to
contact your child’s teacher any time of the
school year, and you are not just limited to parent teacher conference days.
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES, OCTOBER 29
SCHOOL DISMISSED AT 11:30 A.M.
This year’s Halloween parties will be held on
FRIDAY, October 29 . This will be a half-day of
school with dismissal at 11:30 a.m. Your child’s
classroom teacher will be sending home a note
with more specific details on what their class
will be doing to celebrate. Also, back by popular
demand is the Halloween parade, which will
begin at 10:00 a.m. Please remember to use
good taste in choosing a costume for your child
to wear to school. Buses going home will be
carrying students in grades K through 12. Kindergarten students who live in town will be
dropped off at the designated town stops, and
may have to walk a couple blocks to get to
their home/daycare. Please call Mr. Schmitt in
the bus garage if you have questions or concerns regarding the bus routes at 989 640-3230.
(There will be several kids going home with their
parents on this day, as many elementary parents come to the Halloween festivities and pick
their children up at the end of the half-day.)
MEAP TESTING AT WALDRON
MEAP testing began Tuesday, October 12 and
will run through Thursday, October 28 for 3rd –
8th grade students. As always, please make sure
your student gets plenty of rest and a nutritious
breakfast before coming to school each morning, and knows the importance of trying his/her
best. Obviously, this is good practice not only
on MEAP test days, but on all school days.
MEAP scores are used to make educational decisions regarding our student body and accurate
scores are important. MEAP scores are one of
the few ways our schools are evaluated as compared to other districts, and just like our sports
teams, bands, and academic team, we want to
represent our community well. Thanks for your
help and support!
Eagle Flyer
PAGE 3
BLUE/WHITE FUN RUN
The annual BLUE & WHITE FUN RUN was held in conjunction with the high school homecoming festivities. A
BIG “thank you” to Mike Spicer for planning this event and also to Jeff Crowe and Playmakers for making this
event so much fun for the students of Waldron. There was Eagle Pride everywhere as students, parents, siblings and friends gathered on the playground for an afternoon of racing, music, cheering and family fun. We
would also like to express our appreciation to Farm Bureau of Fowler for sponsoring this event and providing
water bottles and popcorn for all the students. The band played, students cheered and a great time was had by
all!
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Eagle Flyer
SPARTAN SADIUM CLEAN UP—WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The PTA needs 60 more volunteers to help clean Spartan Stadium on Sunday, November 21. The college offers non-profit groups $1,000 to complete the job. The clean up itself takes approximately two hours and will
start at 7:30 a.m. Carpools will be arranged for those who volunteer. Please contact Patty Feldpausch (5932240) or Marcy Wieber (593-2160) at [email protected] if you can help!
A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY COME FORWARD!
Andros, Therese
Miller, John Fred
Simon, Amy
Boyd, Jenny
Miller, Madison
Simon, Nick
Boyd, Two
Miller, Makenna
Snyder, Aubrey
Braun, Cindy
Miller, Mason
Snyder, Bill
Braun, Mark
Myers, Grandpa John
Snyder, Blake
Calkins, Terese
Myers, Marci
Snyder, Deb
Calkins, Tryon
Phillips, Kristin
Spicer, Mike
Feldpausch, Dawn
Pike, Chris
Ward, Erin
Feldpausch, Jace
Pike, Katie
Weber, Mindy
Feldpausch, Patty
Pohl, Annette
Weber, Alexis
Feldpausch, Samantha
Rademacher, Curt
Weber, Britney
Hamilton, Josh
Rademacher, Tami
Wieber, Jim
Hamilton, Rob
Schafer, Brett
Wieber, Jolie
Hamilton, Sherry
Schafer, Mindy
Wieber, Marcy
Jackson, Kathy
Schmitt, Josh
Wieber, Nolan
Miller, Amy
Scott, Matt
Wirth, Randy
FOWLER ALUMNUS SECURES FLIP VIDEO CAMERAS FOR WALDRON LIBRARY
Cisco Systems Incorporated, through the efforts of alumnus Rick Hamilton, has very generously donated two
MinoHD Flip Video cameras to the Waldron Library. The cameras will allow teachers and students to integrate technology into the curriculum and make learning authentic and meaningful. Using this technology
also helps students in attaining the technology skills that will be needed in college and in the work force.
This collaborative effort came about through a discussion between Mrs. Pohl and Mrs. Hamilton about the
need for more video cameras to use for student projects. I would like to
thank Sherry Hamilton for initiating the request and to Rick Hamilton for
making this possible. Fowler Public Schools is very fortunate to have
alumni, such as Rick, who are so willing to give back to our school system.
Mrs. Annette Pohl, Librarian
Eagle Flyer
PAGE 5
SPIRIT SHOP REMINDER
The PTA is selling FOWLER EAGLE stadium blankets, drawstring bags, sweatshirts (crew & hooded),
T-shirts and football jerseys. Order forms are on the Waldron website at www.fowlerschools.net (click
on the Waldron tab). These items make great holiday gifts!
MIDWEST ACADEMIC TALENT SEARCH (NUMATS)
The NUMATS is an above-grade-level testing program for students who do very well in school and
score high on tests. Middle school students who participate in the NUMATS program will take an SAT
or ACT test and if their scores are high enough, the students will be encouraged to find academic programs to challenge their abilities. Information on the gifted and talented program will be available in
the counselor’s office at Waldron. This is an entirely volunteer program for students in grades 6-8.
Teacher or parent nominations, achievement test scores or state achievement test performances are
the ways students qualify for the NUMATS program. Students who have previously participated in the
NUMATS program are encouraged to retest and try to improve their scores. The NUMATS SAT testing
date is January 22, 2011 and the ACT testing date is February 12, 2011.
Applications for the Midwest Talent Search testing program are available from the counseling office at
Waldron. The completed applications can be returned to Mr. O’Rourke by October 25. He will check
them for accuracy and send them in. The postmark deadline for the application to be sent to the NUMATS program is October 30. Students can register online at www.ctd.northwestern.edu/numats .
The NUMATS program also has tests for students in grades 3-5. We haven’t had any students in these
grades participate in the program. If you have any questions about the program, call Tom O’Rourke at
Waldron (593-2160) on Tuesday or Thursday during regular school hours. The NUMATS program is a
great chance for gifted students to be challenged and to advance their education.
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Eagle Flyer
UPCOMING EVENTS AT WALDRON
Fri.
Oct. 22
Marching Band Light Show – 1:30 (Piggott Gym)
(No MHT Kids – MHT closed for the day)
Sat.
Oct. 23
PTA Halloween Bingo Night (Doors open at 6:30 p.m. – BINGO at 7 p.m.)
Fri.
Oct. 29
Half Day of School – Dismissal at 11:30
Halloween Parties – Check w/ Teachers for Time
Halloween Parade – 10 a.m.
Wed. Nov. 10
1:30 Dismissal (for students in grades 1-12)
Parent/Teacher Conferences (2:30-5:00 p.m.)
Thurs. Nov. 11
1:30 Dismissal (for students in grades 1-12)
Parent/ Teacher Conferences (2:30-5:00 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.)
Fri.
Nov. 12
No School
MRS. PUNG’S KINDERGARTEN CLASS LEARNS ABOUT BEARS
Mr. Jim Koenigsknecht came to Waldron on October 7 with some bearskins to show Mrs. Pung’s kindergarten class. During gym class, they “went on a bear hunt” and asked him questions about the bears.
Thank you, Mr. Koenigsknecht, for sharing your interests with the children!
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Page 7
WALDRON BOOK FAIR A HUGE SUCCESS
Mrs. Annette Pohl
Thank you to everyone who supported the fall book fair at Waldron. Students and parents were able to choose from a large selection of quality books from Scholastic. Middle school students were able to stock up on some good books in anticipation of the Spartan fans vs. the Wolverine fans upcoming read-off. The library added 100 new books worth $720.35 to its collection. We also
earned $1,153.63 in Scholastic Dollars to be redeemed for books from the Scholastic catalog. It is vital to have new and exciting
books to encourage and develop readers; from the reader who is on the beginning end of the reading spectrum to the more advanced reader who is moving through the reading spectrum. With a reduced library budget and the costs of books increasing, the
book fair helps to keep quality, up-to-date books in the library collection.
Being a role model for your child is very important. Showing your child the importance of reading will have a tremendous effect upon
him/her. Taking an active part in your child’s reading development is also important. With older students, asking about what they are
reading is important and opens up valuable dialogue. Another important way is to check with the school to see if they have an extra
copy of a classroom novel that your child is reading so you may read it and be able to discuss the book with your son/daughter. Reading
to younger children is very important in building a literacy foundation. The following article was taken from the Book-It Program web site
and provides valuable information to help you help your child gain the most from a read aloud experience.
How to Read Aloud
Effective storybook reading is an interactive process. If we wait until after reading to discuss the story, we are missing out on valuable
literacy opportunities. When you precede the reading by inviting predictions and personal connections, you are creating context for the
reading. Taking time to discuss and clarify difficult concepts during the reading can prevent misunderstanding further on, and encouraging your child to respond during the reading enhances both comprehension and interest in the story. Pausing to confirm and revise predictions, ask questions, and make inferences lay the groundwork for independent reading. Your child will learn that understanding text is
a process that occurs before, during, and after reading.
Before Reading




Preview the book and practice reading it with fluency and expression.
Plan an introduction—find links to personal experiences.
Introduce the title, author, and illustrator.
Introduce any information that may be necessary to facilitate understanding of the story.
Set a purpose for listening to the story (e.g., “I wonder” statements, such as I wonder what the wolf wants to do with the pigs, provide us focus for listening).
During Reading
Read fluently and expressively. Hold the books so your child can see the illustrations.









Try to establish frequent eye contact with your child.
Draw attention to the illustrations and features of the text.
Pause occasionally to revisit predictions, express curiosity, or comment on something interesting.
Invite your child to question and comment but keep it focused on the story.
Explain words and ideas you think your child might not understand.
After Reading
Allow time for discussion
Encourage various levels of response with questions
Make personal connections to the text (e.g. “What did this story remind you of?”).
Retell the story or reread it to enhance comprehension.
Jamison Rog, Lori (2002). Early Literacy Instruction in Kindergarten. Interactive Storybook Reading: Making the Classroom Read-Aloud
Program a Meaningful Experience, 6, 49-55.
Eagle Flyer
PAGE 8
HIGH SCHOOL PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
It’s hard to believe that the end of the first marking period is already upon us. Parent teacher
conferences will once again be held in November. The conferences will run after student dismissal on November 10 and 11, 2010. The dates and times are as follows:
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
1:30 student dismissal
2:30-5:00 p.m. conferences
Thursday, November 11, 2010
1:30 student dismissal
2:30 –5:00 p.m. conferences
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. conferences
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2010
NO SCHOOL
If you have any questions or concerns about the dates and/or times, you can reach any of your
son/daughter’s teachers throughout the day at 593-2250 or by accessing their email through the
webpage at www.fowlerschools.net .
ACADEMIC LETTERS
Once again, students will be eligible to receive an academic letter from Fowler High School at the
academic awards ceremony. The first time a student meets the academic letter requirements
he/she will receive a letter resembling an athletic award letter. Any additional time a student
meets the requirements he/she will receive a pin with the year indicated. A student can earn
this award four times throughout their high school career. The criteria to earn an academic letter are:
1. 3.5 grade point average
2. No grades below a “B” (Quarter grades only)
3. No in school or out of school suspensions due to exhibiting poor behavior.
FOWLER HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS WREATH SALE
The holiday season is fast approaching, which means that the beautiful balsam fir Christmas wreath sale is
about to begin. The science classes at the high school will again be selling wreaths beginning on November
10. Each handcrafted wreath averages 23'' in diameter and comes adorned with three pinecones and a red
velvet bow. Each wreath costs $19.00, with proceeds going to fund projects in the science department. Previous sale proceeds have helped purchase stream-testing equipment and bring educational presentations to our science classes.
Science student sales representatives will take wreath orders and payments from November 10 through November 29. Wreaths will be delivered by your salesperson in
early December and will look great throughout the holiday season.
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Eagle Flyer
HIGH SCHOOL PICTURE RETAKES
OCTOBER NEWS FROM SADD
The picture retake day for high school students is Wednesday, October
27 at 1:00 p.m. If your student was absent or missed the first day, he/
she can have pictures done on the retake day. There is a $5.00 fee for
retakes due to expressions, hair, clothing, eyeglass or dental changes.
Be sure to return your complete package directly to the photographer
on the scheduled retake day with your $5.00 payment.
Every month, SADD (Students Against
Destructive Decisions), focuses on an
issue that affects the lives of many
teenagers. October is Domestic Abuse
and Dating Violence Awareness
Month. Did you know that one in five
couples reported mental and physical
abuse in their dating relationships?
This abuse can be physical, like hitting
or punching, or emotional, such as
controlling your partner’s activities,
destroying his or her self-esteem or
threats of any kind.
FOWLER HIGH SCHOOL RENAISSANCE
REWARDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Hopefully in the past you have become acquainted with the Fowler
High School Renaissance Program. It is an incentive program that rewards students for their academic achievements. The Renaissance
card is awarded to students who either (1) attain a 3.0 (or higher) semester GPA or (2) increase their semester GPA by .5. This formula
means that Renaissance can be attainable for everyone.
Since the beginning of Renaissance in 1994 we have seen a steady increase in student participation. Currently more than 70% of our students benefit from Renaissance. Your donation helps to sponsor a
variety of activities such as cash/prize drawings, Renaissance breakfast, quiz bowl awards, treats for exam week, freshmen welcome,
scholarships, and eagle madness week.
As in the past, the Fowler High School Renaissance Program has been
funded entirely by donations. Once again, the Renaissance committee
is inviting everyone to participate with contributions. All monetary
rewards, gift certificates and other numerous donations are greatly
appreciated.
Fowler High School is looking forward to another great year with Renaissance. But as always we need YOU! Your continuing support will
enable us to reward our students in their academics endeavors. If you
would like to make a contribution, please phone the FHS office (5932250) or mail to:
Fowler High School Renaissance, Attn: Donna Piggott, 700 S. Main,
Fowler, MI 48835.
Please make checks payable to Fowler High School Renaissance.
All contributions will be recognized in the Eagle Flyer.
THANK YOU! Your support makes all the difference.
Sincerely, Fowler High School Renaissance Committee
If you feel that you are a victim of any
kind of sexual, physical or emotional
abuse, get help immediately. Talking
to a friend or an adult you can trust
can help you find a way to get out of
that relationship. You can also get free
help by calling the Domestic Abuse
Hotline at 800 799-7233. Dating
should be fun, and there is no reason
for you to put up with someone who
constantly brings you down.
At the end of the month, students at
FHS are also celebrating Red Ribbon
Week. This is a week to promote
awareness about saying no to drugs
and alcohol. Students who wear red
to school will be able to get out of 4th
hour five minutes early to race to the
head of the lunch line on Wednesday,
October 27. SADD members have
other plans for the week as well, but
those will be a surprise to students
and staff.
Lauren Buhr, SADD Secretary
Eagle Flyer
FOWLER HOMECOMING/JEFF WIEBER MEMORIAL 5K RESULTS
Overall Female
Sharon Becker 16:44
Female 14 and under
Overall Male
Tim Becker
21/38
Kiah Becker, 10
27:55
Masters Female
Pam Fink
23:12
Cassie Steingreaber,9
33:41
Masters Male
Ron Alleman
20:48
Taylor Schroder, 8
33:42
Courtney Hughes, 10
33:44
Male 14 and under
Drew Bierstetel, 13
20:13
Alexis Grace, 12
33:47
Jacob Pung, 14
20:30
Kalli Feldpausch, 13
36:38
Garret Scott, 12
22:28
Taylor Schmitt, 13
36:38
Tony Hufnagel, 10
22:45
Female 15 to 19
Derek Bengel, 13
22:47
Jeannie Esch, 15
Charlie Boak, 10
23:11
Female 20 to 24
Will Schafer, 11
24:13
Stefanie Wieber, 23
28:20
Tyler Rademacher, 10 25:12
Stephanie Silm, 23
32:40
Zachary Bertram, 13
26:08
Theresa Sisung, 24
35:19
Elijah Becker, 12
27:49
Female 25 to 29
Logan Feldpausch, 11
30:32
Corey Werner, 28
22:55
Logan Schroeder, 12
32:27
Katie Pike, 26
28:20
BrianArmbrustmacher 32:37
Abby Wieber, 28
28:21
Jack Orozco, 13
Becky Rehmann, 25
30:47
Christine Sisung, 26
41:19
33:47
Male 15 to 19
Nolan Pung, 18
19:59
29:16
Female 30 to 39
Male 20 to 24
Sherine Lance, 39
22:36
Tyler Simon, 22
20:13
Kathy Boak, 39
24:22
Kent Dell, 22
20:21
Jenny Boak, 36
28:23
Penny Goerge, 34
28:53
Teresa Simmon, 36
28:56
Teri Wieber, 33
33:09
33:42
Male 25 to 29
Brian Rehmann, 27
Page 10
21:26
Male 30 to 39
Shaun Schneider, 34
21:17
Sara Schroeder, 33
Dennis Kreis, 38
25:21
Female 40 to 49
Curt Rademacher, 39
28:19
Cindy Schmitz, 40
27:50
Ryan Goerge, 36
28:56
Karen Bengel, 45
30:48
Bill Sillman, 34
33:53
Treena Wisniewski,40 33.20
Male 40 to 49
Lynda Esch, 40
39:18
Leon Esch, 40
23:01
Female 50 to 59
Don Gilbert, 44
25:07
Kathy Simon, 55
31:00
Troy Miller, 47
25:18
MaryAnn Baxter, 53
35:05
Jeff Bierstetel, 45
25:26
Male 50 to 59
Bill Snyder, 43
25:46
Dean Schrauben, 53
24:48
Larry McCaskey, 61 26:27
Steven Thelen, 47
27:21
Doug Thelen, 50
24:57
Dave Thurston, 62
Ross Feldpausch, 40
27.48
Leon Schneider, 57
25:00
Dave Schroeder, 41
32:28
Tom Stumpfig, 59
26:39
Male 60+
37:15
Eagle Flyer
PAGE 11
THANK YOU FOR DONATIONS TO WALDRON AND HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES
Mrs. Annette Pohl
I would like to thank everyone who has donated to the Waldron and High School libraries. Your thoughtfulness and generosity has helped us provide many resources
to our students, especially in these challenging times, when budgets are very tight.
There are many different ways you may choose to make a donation to one of the libraries. Our birthday book program is very popular among students and staff. A
book or a donation to purchase a book is made in honor of a person’s birthday. A
birthday book plate with the person’s name is placed on the inside cover of the
book. Books or donations can be made at Christmas time or for any other occasion.
Again, a book plate is placed on the inside cover designating the person who has donated the book. Donations can also be made in memory of a loved one. Family
members can decide how they would like the dedication to read on the book plate.
If you have any questions about making a donation, please don’t hesitate to contact
us at one of the libraries. We truly appreciate the support of students, parents,
community members, local businesses and alumni.
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BOARD MINUTES IN BRIEF
September 13, 2010
REGULAR MEETING

Pledge of Allegiance and roll call (6 of 7 board
members present).

Approved the minutes of the August 9 regular
meeting.

Approved the bills paid and monies transferred.

Superintendent/High School Principal’s report
presented by Neil Hufnagel.

Elementary/Middle School Principal’s report
presented by Kriss Naumann.

Teresa Pline discussed the 2009-10 audit.

Approved hiring Kristopher Ernst as athletic
director and social studies teacher.

Approved hiring Jeffrey Seguin as part-time
high school computers teacher.

Approved hiring Christopher Tipps as 5-hour
Waldron evening custodian.

Approved 2010-11 board of education goals.

Approved hiring Nathan Goerge as varsity girls’
basketball coach.

Designated $35,351 of general fund balance to
athletics as mandated.

Entered into executive session to discuss contract negotiations.
To obtain a copy of the minutes, contact the business office at 593-2296.
WINTER WALKERS WELCOME
With the cold season upon us, an invitation is
extended for anyone interested to use the
high school gym for walking. The gym is available each weekday morning when school is in
session from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and again
from 9:00 a.m.to 11:00 a.m. (except on halfdays of school). Please notice the time
change from previous years. We do have a
first hour gym class that runs from 8:05 a.m. –
8:56 a.m. For your safety and ours, please
check in at the office.
Eagle Flyer
Page 13
FOWLER HS VARSITY/JV/9TH VOLLEYBALL 2010
Date
Opponent
Time
Location
Sat 10/ 23
Ctrl Montcalm Invite (V) 8:30 a.m.
A
Thur 10/ 28
Car City-Crystal (9/JV/V) 5:30
A
Sat 10/ 30
CMAC Tournament (V) TBA
A
Mon 11/ 1
Districts
A
TBA
The following middle school coaching
positions are open for the 2010-2011
winter season:
7th grade boys’ basketball coach
8th grade boys’ basketball coach
Apply in writing to Mike Spicer, Middle
School Athletic Director, PO Box 408,
Fowler MI 48835.
FOWLER HS VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY 2010
Date
Opponent
Time
Location
Sat., 10/23
Sm Class D St Champ
TBA
A
TBA
A
The following coaching position is open
for the 2010-2011 winter season:
@ Allendale
Sat., 10/30
Regionals @MIS
Apply in writing to Kris Ernst, HS Athletic
Director, PO Box 407, Fowler MI 48835
by November 1, 2010,
FOWLER HS VARSITY FOOTBALL 2010
Date
Opponent
Time
Fri., October 22
Carson City-Crystal 7:00
JV girls’ basketball coach
Location
A
THANK YOU, ATHLETIC VOLUNTEERS
Thank you to the many volunteers who have helped with the fall athletic program. These volunteers do many duties, some of which are: gate workers at home games, the chain gang, stat keepers,
announcers, operating the scoreboard, keeping the scorebook, etc.
The list of names is endless, but I want everyone to know that your time and service
is appreciated.
Thank you!
Kris Ernst, Athletic Director
Eagle Flyer
Page14
SUMMER READING HAS BIG REWARDS
Mrs. Annette Pohl
This past summer the Michigan Education Association teamed up with the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit
Redwings and the Detroit Pistons to promote a summer reading program entitled, Michigan Reads. Students
who read ten books between June 14 and August 22, 2010 were eligible to receive a special reward from their
favorite team. Brianna and Taylor Schmitt, seventh and eighth graders this fall, and the daughters of Kevin and
Joyce Schmitt, accepted the challenge and read their way to free tickets to see their favorite team, the Detroit
Tigers. They enjoyed a beautiful day at Comerica Park and the special privilege of being recognized with all the
other students who had been a part of the Michigan Reads Program. They are sharing with us how easy it was
to read ten books and how awesome it was to be at the game.
READING OUR WAY TO A TIGERS GAME
By Brianna & Taylor Schmitt
Before school ended, our librarian, Mrs. Pohl, came to every class and told us about reading
books and handed out information about the Michigan Reads program. If we read ten books, then we could
go to a Tigers game, a Pistons game or a Redwings hockey game. We chose the Detroit Tiger game on the 12th
of September. The tickets were free, which saved a lot of money!
During this past summer vacation, we would read out in the sunshine on our deck. When we
went up north to our cottage, almost every weekend, we brought the book we were working on and read out
by the lake. We didn’t just read books all summer. We still had time to go to our cousins’ houses, hang with
friends and play the piano. When we were at our cottage, we went tubing, drove jet skis, swam in the water,
laid out in the sun to tan, and much more! Reading books was easy.
Going to the Tigers game was so much fun! The weather was perfect; 75 degrees with the sun
shining! We got there early enough to watch the players in batting practice. It was so cool! We had cameras
and took pictures of them batting and in the dugout. When we entered the ballpark, we both received Tiger
binders which were free to everyone who participated in the Michigan Reads program. The binders have Austin Jackson, Paws (the mascot), Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Rick Porcello, Max Scherzer, Jose Valverde
and a picture of the entrance to Comerica Park. We got right down by the dugout when the players came in
from the field and tried to get our binders autographed when the players went into the dugout, but we weren’t able to. While we were there we drank pop and frozen lemonade. We sat high in the upper deck a little
down the first base line. There were three pop flies that were just a few rows over and down from us! We are
both definitely reading ten books next summer!!
Page 15
Eagle Flyer
FINDING OPPORTUNITY IN THE MEAP
By Neil Hufnagel, Superintendent
While much attention and some debate swirl year-round regarding the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP), new content area tests, and the MEAP’s role in determining school accountability, it generates
the most activity here in the Fowler Public Schools in mid-October. As we are now in the midst of the threeweek window during which we administer the test to our students in grades 3 - 9, this is a good time to share
with you the practical effects of this assessment on our school program and the opportunity it presents our
school and students.
Discussions of the merits of the MEAP often lean either toward applauding the benefits of heightened accountability, or decrying the test for perceived faults and inappropriate applications. For the last several years, the
MEAP has been the major component in the Education YES! state level school accountability measure. This is
the state version of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation, enacted nearly 10 years ago which calls for an
annual review of each student’s yearly progress in grades three through eight. While lauded for increasing expectations, it also includes a worthy though likely unattainable goal of every student being proficient in every
area by 2014.
State level discussions are now focusing on a potential transition from the MEAP to the NEAP (National Educational Assessment Program), a national test that would allow for comparisons and accountability across states.
Regardless of political debate and activity, the MEAP is a current reality and can provide the greatest benefit to
our students and school when looked at in terms of the opportunities it presents. Parents and community
members may benefit from a clearer understanding of the test itself, and how results are used to benefit our
school and students.
Opportunities for our schools include the use of student’s raw scores to help evaluate the student’s relative
strengths or weaknesses and contribute to discussions regarding their individual program. Specifically, student
scores assist the staff in identifying students who might benefit from additional support in certain areas, as well
as determining which students would be most likely to succeed in more advanced programming. All students
benefit from the opportunity to gain the feeling the confidence and competence that comes with showing their
mastery of the curriculum.
MEAP results are also used to evaluate curriculum and modify instruction. Each question on the test corresponds to a specific component of the state standards and benchmarks. Analysis of how our students did on
specific test questions help identify portions of our curriculum that need to be covered in more depth. This
item analysis is one of the most valuable tools available in assuring that classroom instruction is appropriately
aligned with our adopted curriculum.
The merits of the MEAP and its use as an accountability measure will continue to be debated at the public
level, and we know that changes are likely on the way. In this political climate it is tempting for schools to be
distracted by the debate and miss out on the opportunity to use the data generated by the MEAP to improve
service to our students. Here in the Fowler Public Schools we recognize that the MEAP and other accountability measures are a reality. By focusing on the positive attributes of the test and utilizing the available data, we
plan to reap the educational benefits for our students. If we do this, the political benefit of the publicly reported scores will take care of itself.
EAGLE FLYER...ON A NEED TO
KNOW BASIS
FOWLER BOARD OF
EDUCATION
2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR
President
Tim Becker
Vice President
Jeff Thelen
Secretary
Dan Schmitt
Treasurer
Dan Bengel
Trustee
Mike Fedewa
Trustee
Lynne Feldpausch
Trustee
Ryan O’Rourke
Superintendent/HS Principal
Neil Hufnagel ……………...593-2250
FOWLER BOARD OF
EDUCATION REGULAR
Elementary & Middle School Principal
MEETING DATES
HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA Kriss Naumann……………..593-2160
CENTER, 7:00 P.M.
Transportation
Mike Schmitt...……………...593-2360
NOVEMBER 8, 2010
DECEMBER 13, 2010
JANUARY 10, 2011
FEBRUARY 7, 2011
MARCH 7, 2011
APRIL 11, 2011
MAY 9, 2011
JUNE 13, 2011
Athletic Director
Kris Ernst………... …………...593-2250
Building & Grounds Supervisor
Mike Schmitt………………..593-2250
Director of Food Services
Sandy Greenhoe…….…...593-2160
Business Manager
Teresa Pline………..………..593-2296
Fowler Public Schools
11214 West Kent Street
Non-Profit Organization
PO Box 408
U.S. Postage Paid
Fowler, MI 48835
Permit Number 5
Fowler Public School District Mission Statement
Fowler Public Schools, in partnership with the surrounding community, will work to provide all students and staff with a safe educational
environment that focuses on a well-rounded, technology-oriented curriculum. Our staff will help create responsible citizen by giving all
students the opportunity to develop the skills for success in family, life, work, and community.