h students honor local veterans h

February Issue 2015 • Fennville Public Schools • (269) 561-7331 • www.fennville.org •
www.facebook.com/fennvilleschools
H STUDENTS honor local veterans H
Veteran’s Day 2015
Local veterans were invited to Fennville High School on Veteran’s Day where they were
honored by being served a special breakfast. Students were able to ask questions of veterans and listen to their stories and experiences while serving our country.
More Veterans
Honored on
page 12
Central Office Hours:
7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Office will be closed if there are extreme weather conditions.
HORARIO DE VERANO OFICINA DEL SUPERINTENDIENTE
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Esta oficina estara cerrada si las condiciones del tiempo son muy severas.
Central Office
2
Central Office:Superintendent
5 Memorial Drive
Dirk Weeldreyer
(269) 561-7331
Fax (269) 561-5792
Fennville Elementary:
8 Memorial Drive
Principal, Albert Lombard
(269) 561-7236
Fax (269) 561-7271
Middle School:
1 Memorial Drive
Principal, Kim Zdybel
(269) 561-7341
Fax (269) 561-2143
High School:
4 Memorial Drive
Principal, Jim Greydanus
(269) 561-7241
Fax (269) 561-6901
Special Education: Director, Lori Chapman
(269) 561-7331
5 Memorial Drive
Fax (269) 561-5792
Migrant/Bilingual:Secretary, Alice Rodriguez
5 Memorial Drive (269) 561-7331
Fax (269) 561-5792
Adult Ed/Star:
5 Memorial Drive
Mitch Overway
(269) 561-7331
Fax (269) 561-8630
Food Service:
8 North Street
Director, George Siedis
(269) 561-7231
Fax (269) 561-2356
Facilities:
5 Memorial Drive
Director, Jon Carr
(269) 561-4832
Fax (269) 561-5792
Transportation:
3 Memorial Drive
Director, John Schlack
(269) 561-8131
Fax (269) 561-5636
Athletics
Director, Travis Spaman
(269) 561-7241
Fax (269) 561-6901
Community Travis Spaman
Athletic Center:
(269) 561-2708
(269) 561-6901
Website: www.fennville.org
Follow us on face book
www.facebook.com/fennvillepublicschools
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the
basis of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability
or age in its program, activities or employment. Further,
it is the policy of this District to provide an equal
opportunity for all students, regardless of race, color,
creed, age, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, national
origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the
District, or social or economic background, to learn
through the curriculum offered in this District.
Direct questions to Civil Rights Officer,
Wendy Dubuisson
Note from the Superintendent
Dear Parents and District Residents:
Spring will soon be here, and for members of the Class of 2015 this means their school
careers will soon be culminating in graduation!
As these students look beyond graduation, they are faced with a number of important
decisions. For more and more students, further education following high school is the
direction to pursue. As developments in the economy over the past few years demonstrates,
the job market continues to change and young people today must have the skills and
credentials to make themselves as viable and adaptable as possible.
Some parents and students make decisions about the future solely based on perceptions of
the cost of a college education, but often those perceptions are wrong. In fact, community
colleges are a very affordable option for students, and a wide variety of financial aid sources
are available at nearly every institution. Parents of all high school students are encouraged
to contact our counselor, Tara Coffindaffer, to learn more about these many opportunities.
It’s never too early to begin planning!
We are excited to announce that Allegan County will begin offering a new “Early College”
option for certain qualifying students in the fall of 2015. This program will offer a diploma
and an Associate’s Degree to students who complete one more year of schooling after
their senior year. Information on this outstanding opportunity is also available from Mrs.
Coffindaffer.
Finally, please don’t forget to participate in the election scheduled for Tuesday, May 5. While
the state road funding question will also be on the ballot, of particular local importance
in the annual Headlee renewal request on non-homestead property within the Fennville
school district. More information on this renewal request can be found on the next page.
Improving opportunities for our students is always our top priority, and we appreciate your
support of Fennville Public Schools! As always, our door is open if you have any questions
or concerns. Please be sure to come by often and see the many great things happening!
Sincerely,
Dirk Weeldreyer
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS - 2015
President. . . . . . . . . . . David Johnson
Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . Juliet Michele
Vice President. . . . . . . Mark Ludwig
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . Julio Almanza
Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . John Raak
Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . Tobias Hutchins
Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Westenbroek
FENNVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS FOR 2015
Dates, Times, and Locations of Board Meetings
Monday, January 19, 2015 Monday, February 16, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Monday, May 18, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015*
Monday, July 20, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Monday, October 19, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
The Budget Hearing in June will be at 6:30 p.m. All special meetings and work sessions
will be scheduled as necessary. Upon request to the Superintendent, the District shall
make reasonable accommodation for a person with disabilities to participate in this
meeting. Unless otherwise posted, all regular meetings to be held at 7:00 p.m. in the
Board Room located at 5 Memorial Drive, Fennville, Michigan 49408. For questions,
please contact (269) 561-7331.
district
Clifford Paine
Volunteerism
Award
The Board of Education of the Fennville
Public Schools, in its desire to provide a
lasting recognition to Clifford E. Paine, Jr. for
his nineteen years of dedicated service to
the school district, established the Clifford
E. Paine Volunteerism award in 1989.
The purpose of this award is to promote
the concept of community volunteerism by
the students of the district, and to provide
special recognition for others who may
volunteer their time and talents toward the
improvement of educational opportunities
in the district.
This is an annual award and will be presented
to a member of the Fennville community
who has distinguished himself or herself
through community volunteerism and/or
toward the improvement of educational
opportunities for students in the District.
Since the award was established in 1989,
these community members have been
recognized for their services: 1990 – Samuel
F. Morehead; 1991 – Donna Earl; 1992 –
Martin “Bo” Mason; 1993 – Willis Mullen;
1994 – Robert Hutchinson; 1995 – Margaret
Sessions; 1996 – Mark and Martha Schrock;
1997 – Betty Barnes; 1998– Frances and
Vincent Carver; 1999 – Ron Schipper; 2000
– Jan Landry and Kathy Morrow; 2001 – Al
Lashell; 2002 – Rebecca Crane; 2003 – Linda
Stennett; 2004 – Sally Bell; 2005 – Cassandra
Garpow; 2006 – Margaret Sessions; 2007 –
Kelly Korman and Ray Diffenderffer; 2008
– Leslie Obbink; 2009 – Larry Morse; 2010
– Sarah Clark; 2011 – Sandy Busscher; 2012 –
Carol Josefowicz; 2013 – Darlene Hollander;
and 2014 – Constance Laaksonen.
Any person may submit the names(s) of
a candidate for this award. Nomination
forms are available in the office of the
Superintendent of Schools from 7:30 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. or on the district website at
www.fennville.org. Completed forms must
be returned to the Superintendent’s office
by April 1, 2014.
A committee, appointed by the Board of
Education, will review all nominations and
make the final determination as to the
recipient for the award.
3
Non-Homestead Millage Renewal Election
May 6, 2015
What is the ballot proposal?
A “Yes” vote restores the millage to the rate
of 18 mills as annually voted by the Fennville
residents. This is a one-year renewal of the 18
mills on business/vacation property only. FPS
is required by law to seek this renewal in order
to avoid a detrimental loss of revenue.
How DOES Headlee work?
When Michigan voters approved Proposal A
in 1994, they changed the way that our public
schools receive their funding. Because property
values have I increased greater than inflation,
our millage is reduced annually without this
vote. The district has lost as much as $100 per
student in the past by non-renewing the 18 mills
on business and vacation properties
Does the 18 mills apply to the taxes on my
home?
The 18 mills does NOT affect the property taxes
homeowners pay on their own residence or any
agriculture property. It only applies to vacation
property, second homes, and businesses.
Does every Michigan school need to ask
for this 18 mills?
Yes, if they wish to receive full funding.
Without it, a district would face a reduction
from the State in the student foundation
grant.
Why the 18-Mill Renewal?
In 1995, Fennville residents first approved
the 18-mill levy on non-homestead property
as was required by Proposal A. Last year,
Fennville residents again approve an operating millage of 18 mills for one year. Most
surrounding school districts also renew the
28 mills on an annual basis.
What happens if the proposal fails?
Fennville Public Schools would lose over
$2.0 million in operating revenue. This
would result in drastic programming cuts
for students
The 18-Mill Renewal Results In No Tax
Increase for Local Residents
Outstanding People for Education Award 2015
In 2015, the Allegan County School Board Association will present the 7th Annual “Outstanding
People for Education” Awards. The purpose
of the award to recognize and honor people in
education who are excelling in their field and/or
are making an impact on the quality of education
in Allegan County. Examples of individuals to
nominate could include the following:
• exhibiting an attitude that promotes a positive
working and learning environment
• making an impact on the quality of an individual student’s educational experience by
demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of individual students
• providing service that is “above and beyond”
their job description
• A teacher, classroom aide, administrator,
secretary, board member, volunteer, bus driver,
custodian, food service employee, support staff
member, social worker, therapist, consultant,
community member, or anyone supporting
education.
The award seeks to recognize persons who
have made a difference in the overall quality
of education by:
• demonstrating knowledge and skill in their
area of responsibility,
• developing unique programs that enhance the
classroom experience
• playing a leadership role in education
• being a true “team player” in the school setting
• providing significant support for a program
or service
Nominations can come from anyone (students,
parents, school staff and community members)
and will be kept anonymous. Each school
district in Allegan County is participating in
this award. Recipients will be honored at the
Allegan County School Board Association
Recognition Banquet in June. They will each
be presented with an award created by students.
Any person may submit the name(s) of a
candidate for this award. Nomination forms
are available in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, on the district website at
www.fennville.org, or are available by emailing
[email protected]. Competed forms must
be returned to the Superintendent’s office by
April 1, 2015.
4
Elementary School
September Students of the Month
October Students of the Month
Pictured (left to right): Gabe Gonzalez, Rosalio Ruiz, Emmanuel Osorio, Ximena Aguilar,
Amiah David, Sophie Skerbeck, and Anna Roa
Pictured (left to right): Karlie Tamura, Quinn Rosema, Ivan Sward, Tyler Schut,
Abraham Deleon, and Samantha Giles
November Students of the Month
December Students of the Month
Pictured (left clockwise): Briella Bogseth, Cassandra Ponce, Joselin Flores, Armando Garcia,
Logan Demaray, Yasid Izquierdo, and Alea Maciel
Pictured (back row): Lila Rosema, Ariana Garcia, Joey Skerbeck, and Meghan Johnson
(front row) Analia Deleon, Zachary Sneller, and Anahi Sanchez
Shop with a Cop
Troopers from the Wayland State Police Post selected four students from Fennville Elementary to
participate in its annual “Shop with a Cop” program. Troopers from the Wayland Post picked up the
students from school in a State Police Patrol car and took them first to lunch at Arby’s. Following lunch,
the troopers took the students Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart in Plainwell to buy gifts for their family.
The students even got to choose a gift for themselves! The lunch and shopping was provided from
funds raised by Wayland Troopers. Students selected this year were: Second Grade: Emilee Pena; Third
Grade: Jasmine Russell; Fourth Grade: Andrew Pena; Fifth Grade: Michael Pena.
Elementary School
5
Festival of Trees at Camp Kidwell
Fennville Elementary Student Council members helped
showcase their school by participating in the Annual Festival of Trees at Camp Kidwell in Bloomingdale. Volunteers
from across Allegan and VanBuren Counties decorated
trees in an effort to help raise money for the camp. Fifth
grade students created Christmas tree decorations with
the help of our elementary art teacher, Ms. Voss. The tree
was based on the theme “100% Recycled” and included
pine cone decorations and garland made out of old
dictionaries. Fifth grade Elementary Student Council
members who participated in this program include:
Bryan Garcia, Trista Lindley, Sarah Pitts, Carter Mokma,
Gabe Martin, Katelynn Potts, Isabelle Warnock, and Alex
Flores-Calderon.
Middle School
Elementary & Middle School “Buddies”
Mrs. Schmidt’s kindergarten class has been busy practicing their literacy skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)! They worked with
Mrs. DeRoo’s 4th grade students to write letters to Santa. This was followed by a partnering with Mrs. Blake’s 7th grade class (2nd hour) that
included the writing of letters and reading of holiday books.
7th Grade Digital
Stories
Instead of just reading science fiction
stories, Mr. Nykerk’s and Mrs. Blake’s
4th hour (7th grade English Language
Arts class) have created their own
in digital form! These stories not
only tapped into the students’
creativity, but also served as a way
to practice with literary elements
and technology. Students used a
variety of programs, websites, and
technology to create and present
their science fiction stories. The
results were fantastic!
middle school
6
Michigan’s New OK2SAY Program
Fennville Public Schools
is proud to support
Michigan’s new OK2SAY
program. OK2SAY is
a program designed
to empower Michigan
students, school personnel, community mental
services and law enforcement to share and respond
to student safety threats.
A Culture of Silence. In the majority of violent
incidents that occur in our schools, someone other
than the wrongdoer knows of a threat before it’s
carried out but fails to report it. Often, students
choose to keep quiet because they fear retaliation
or stigmatization by their peers. The result is a
culture of silence in which students suffer harm
that could have been prevented if another had
chosen to speak out.
A Commitment to Safety. The goal of OK2SAY is to
stop harmful behavior before it occurs by encouraging students to report threatening behavior to
caring adult authorities who can help. Featuring
a comprehensive communication system that
1st Quarter
6th Grade- Principal’s
List (All A’s)
Loghan Howard
Maci Judge
Colton Maccune
Alexis Melching
Cielo Morales
Juan Sanchez
Amalia Suarez
Alyson Swingle
Katlynn Trevino
Elijah Vallejo
Bailey Winsemius
Andrew Zachery
6th Grade- Honor
Roll (A’s & B’s)
Maritza Aguilar
Becky Ajcuc
Ramses Arispe
Fred Estrada-Arriola
Ashly Benedict
Aaliyah Cordova
Chase Crawford
Easton Deroo
Ulises Diaz
Genesis Echevarria
Ace Flores
Lizeth Flores
Cruz Caledron-Flores
Blanca Garcia
Vanessa Guerra
Rachel Haywood
Alexis Hoggard
Aalaziah Kimber
Gail Logsdon
Monica Garcia-Lopez
Karina Martinez
Jonathan Mendoza
Christian Huynh-Mendoza
Ryan Nolan
Jesus Rojas-Novoa
Cian Ortega
Brody Peterson
Monserrat Pinon
Everardo Salamanca
Arelly Sanchez
7th Grade Principal’s
List (All A’s)
Selena Capman
Coryne Howard
Morgan Latchaw
Parker Machan
7th Grade Honor Roll
(A’s & B’s)
Roberto Bloom
Christal Castillo
Adriana Clark
Taylore Cole
Adeline Crace
Madison Dalton
Kirstin Dekker
Jazmin Diaz
Raymundo Diaz
Andy Estrada
Adam Hernandez
Jacquelen Jaimes
Alonna Lee
Diogenes Urioso-Lopez
Jose Madrid
Liliana Marquez
Malia Marquez
Yulissa Martinez
Julie Mendoza
Enedelia Morales
Luke Obbink
Quinna Perkins
facilitates tip submissions
through telephone, text,
website, e-mail, and multimedia technologies, OK2SAY enables Michigan
residents to confidentially
report student safety threats to trained program operators, who forward tips on to local
law enforcement agencies, school officials, or
community mental health service programs
for a timely response.
A Call to Say. Ultimately, it’s about early
intervention and prevention. When students
make the courageous decision to break
the code of silence and speak out against
harmful behavior, they equip authorities with
the information needed to respond to threats
and avert tragedy. And that’s a good thing for
Michigan schools, communities, and families.
So, let’s stand up for student safety. Remember: it’s OK2SAY!
More information can be found at
http://www.michigan.gov/ok2say.
MS Honor Roll
Madison Radabaugh
Haley Rowder
Ethan Slawson
Yesenia Suarez
8th Grade Principal’s
List (All A’s)
Ashlynn Cluchey
Jace Cossey
Danielle Davis
Jovanna DelaRosa
Nataly Grose
Macy Ilmberger
Matthew Mcallister
Alison McKellips
Clay Rosema
Matthew Sanchez
8th Grade Honor Roll
(A’s & B’s)
Brittney Adams
Nadia Allen
Adriana Almanza
Alexis Clark
Dakoyta Emelander
Jovita Almazan-Gonzalez
Christopher Hicks
Erik Korman
Julie Lara
Allison Martin
Tabitha Martinez
Mikinsey Maya
Maya Ortiz
Analilia Peralta-Salinas
Austin Scovill
Sierra Till
Aisley Vanhowe
Hunter Yetzke
6th Grade- Honor Roll
(A’s & B’s)
Becky Ajcuc
Ramses Arispe
Christian Augustyniak
Kiela Bond
Easton Deroo
Ulises Diaz
Genesis Echevarria
Marcelino Estrada
Ace Flores
Lizeth Flores
Cruz Flores-Calderon
Emili Garcia
Joel Gonzalez
Marsha Gonzalez
Vanessa Guerra
Rachel Haywood
Alexis Hoggard
Gail Logsdon
Monica Lopez-Garcia
Karina Martinez
Eduardo Jr. Mendoza
Jonathan Mendoza
Christian Mendoza-Huynh
Cielo Morales
Ryan Nolan
Brody Peterson
Monserrat Pinon
Jesus Rosas-Martinez
Juan Sanchez
Julissa Soriano
Tanner Tabor
Katlynn Trevino
Elijah Vallejo
Addison Wentzell
Andrew Zachery
Another Successful
Book Fair!
The Library staff would like to
thank all of those who purchased
books from the Book Fair. Many
students were able to
continue working on
their reading skills with a
new book, and a $200
bonus was received
for going over last year’s
sales! All profits help
supply our library with
new books each year.
Thank you for your
continued support!
2nd Quarter
6th Grade Principal’s
List (All A’s)
Maritza Aguilar
Fred Arriola-Estrada
Ashly Benedict
Logahn Howard
Maci Judge
Colton Maccune
Alexis Melching
Cian Ortega
Amalia Suarez
Alyson Swingle
Bailey Winsemius
7th Grade Honor Roll
(A’s & B’s)
Connor Barnes
Roberto Bloom
Christal Castillo
Adriana Clark
Adeline Crace
Katelyn Dewulf
Jazmin Diaz
Alexis Downer
Didyano Esteves
Adam Hernandez
Morgan Latchaw
Alonna Lee
Parker Machan
Jose Madrid
Jade Murphy
Yesenia Suarez
7th Grade Principal’s
List (All A’s)
Selena Capman
Taylore Cole
Coryne Howard
Yulissa Martinez
8th Grade Honor Roll
(A’s & B’s)
Nadia Allen
Adriana Almanza
Alexis Clark
Ashlynn Cluchey
Travis Cossey
Jovita Gonzalez-Almazan
Kambria Knikelbine
Erik Korman
Holly Laraway
Jacob Maas
Tabitha Martinez
Jessica Mendoza
Maya Ortiz
Julian Rosendo-Islas
Analilia Salinas-Peralta
Matthew Sanchez
Austin Scovill
Sierra Till
Hunter Yetzke
8th Grade Principal’s
List (All A’s)
Danielle Davis
Jovanna Dela Rosa
Nataly Grose
Macy Ilmberger
Mikinsey Maya
Matthew Mcallister
Alison McKellips
Clay Rosema
Ashlyn Cluchey
Middle School /high school
7
Motivational Speaker Brett Eastburn Speaks to Fennville Students
in the audience. After drawing
applause early in the show by
opening a can of pop and taking a drink, he told the students
that he was the only speaker all
year who would draw applause
for drinking pop from a can.
In September over 750 students
from Fennville Middle and High
Schools enjoyed a presentation
by special guest, Brett Eastburn.
Brett was born with a condition
he calls Quadmembral Limbs Deficiency, which means he has no
arms and no legs.
Students were surprised to learn
that when he was in school, Brett
played baseball, football and basketball. He also became an accomplished swimmer and wrestler. In 1988, Brett took fourth
place in the nation for wrestling
in the Amateur Athletic Union
and became a captain on his high
school varsity wrestling team.
Brett has since earned a green
belt in the martial arts and is a nationally-recognized artist.
Throughout his engaging presentation Brett spoke of various challenges he overcame in his life. He demonstrated his athletic skills
by dribbling and throwing a basketball, breaking a board using karate skills, and throwing a beautiful spiral football pass to a student
He explained that a handicap
was a thing that only made success more difficult and believed
that you are handicapped only
if you allow yourself to be. Brett
encouraged students to overcome the challenges in their
lives with perseverance and determination.
Brett began speaking professionally in 1990 and has done
over 3500 presentations worldwide to over a million people. He
and his wife, Chrisa, have owned and operated their company, No
Boundaries, Inc., since the year 2000. In 2011, Brett published his
story in a book entitled I’m Not Missing Anything. You can learn
more about Brett at his website www.bretteastburn.com.
FPS Leadership!
Mrs. Jocelyn Leonard, Fennville High School and Middle
School choral director, was a presenter in October, 2014, at
Aquinas College for the FIRE UP CONFERENCE for current
student teachers in our Michigan schools. Mrs. Leonard
presented on two different topics: 1) How to Build and
Maintain Your Music Program and 2) Are you ready to
handle medical emergencies in your classroom? Mrs.
Leonard will be presenting again in the spring, 2015, at
Grand Valley State University.
Mr. Paul Andrews, Fennville High School and Middle
School band director, has been the Managing Director for
the International Trumpet Seminar held at Grand Valley
State University for three years. He also was the Director
of Operations for the highly-acclaimed International
Trumpet Guild Conference held in Grand Rapids.
Ms. Melissa Kenney, Fennville High School Spanish
Teacher, was a presenter for the annual Michigan World
Language Association Conference in Lansing in October
2014. Ms. Kenney’s topic of presentation was entitled Making Music: Using the Target Language Within the
Classroom and Beyond. ​
Mrs. Sharon Stratton, Fennville High School Art
Teacher, plays an active role in Michigan Arts Education
Association (MAEA). She serves as the Recording
Secretary on the Executive Board. She also is one of three
co-chairs for the 2015 State Conference which will take
place in Grand Rapids. Mrs. Stratton teaches methods
and assessment workshops at the state conference each
year to other art educators and pre-service teachers.
Hour Of Code
Fennville Middle School sixth and seventh grade students participated in
the Hour of Code initiative to help get more students interested in computer
programming. Schools around the world took part in the event with a goal of
having 10 million students complete the Hour of Code.
Students learned how to make a simple ping pong program using free online
software. Students were truly engaged in the activity and had the opportunity
to learn the basics of putting together a simple program while using their
creativity. Each hour of code was a huge success and students left the computer
lab wanting to learn more about computer programming. We are looking
forward to participating again next year and continuing our efforts in getting
more students interested in computer programming.
FMS will also be participating in another related initiative coming this spring
called Bitcamp, which will focus on getting seventh and eighth grade girls
involved in programming. They will travel to Hope College where they will be
involved in a hands-on introduction to software development.
High School
8
Salmon in the Classroom
Salmon in the Classroom is an interdisciplinary, hands-on program
that allows students to interact with a living resource. It is a unique
opportunity for students to learn about Michigan’s Great Lakes,
freshwater resources, and the salmon life cycle while they learn to
become active, engaged stewards of our natural resources. This is
a free program sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources. There are over 200 schools involved in the program
state-wide. Schools receive approximately 200 Chinook Salmon
eggs in the fall, raise and care for the fish throughout the school
year, and release the young salmon smolts into a local river in May.
Ms. Bartig and Mr. Greydanus attended the training in early
November 2014 and brought back the eggs to put them in the tank
where they began the growth process. The tank and equipment is
housed in Ms. Bartig’s room at the high school, and was purchased
by the Kalamazoo Chapter of Trout Unlimited. For more information
on this program, google “MI DNR Salmon in the Classroom”.
Our salmon population has had its ups and downs. In December 197
eggs hatched and started life as sac fry. The fry are the most sensitive
when they’re moving from feeding off their yolk sac to eating solid
food. During that transition, FHS unfortunately lost most of our
salmon babies due to Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS). Even though
it’s such a sad experience, the students have learned a lot about
water chemistry and how it affects wild life. Tank maintenance is
being done by several interested students and members of the
National Honor Society (NHS), under the supervision of Ms. Bartig.
The DNR is looking into giving us replacement fish so we can
continue the program with a large population again. When that
happens we’ll have the “salmon cam” up and running on the school
website. We’re still planning on having a “Science Fair/Release Day”
in late April/early May.
Congratulations To National Honor Society Recipients!
The Fennville chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed fourteen new members at the
Fall Induction Ceremony on Thursday evening, November 20. Pictured from left to right are: Mr.
Ryan Ondersma (chapter advisor), Aaron Scovill*, Alex Overhiser*, Sydney DeJonge, Mitchell
Leonard, Allie Chappell, Kelsy Overhiser*, Aaron Overhiser, Lindsay Cossey*, Jacob Morse*, Eliya
Pantoja*, Amerika Del Toro*, Judy Almanza, Clifford Morse*, Kortny Overhiser*, Hailey Martin*,
Rowan Brown*, Abigail Beissel*, Danielle McKellips*, Artemis Brown*
* New Inductee
Middle School/ High School
9
A Busy Year for Fennville Choirs!
Chamber Choir with Fenntastics, December 2014
State Honor Choir members Gustavo Morales, Mrs. Leonard,
Roberto Gonzales, Angelo Patterson, and Donovan Saylor
Fennville Middle School choirs have
performed twice this school year and are
looking forward to learning and performing
a musical about the American Revolution
during the 3rd Marking Period. Their Fall
Concert was performed jointly with both
Fennville High School Choirs, Fenntastics
and Chamber Choir. The choral department
concluded the successful concert by hosting
a “Cake Auction” where the audience bid on
cakes made by our own choir members and
their families. Coach Ryan Klingler was our
auctioneer and we raised $1,000 for care
packages for our FHS alums who are currently serving in our military. (See cover for pictures and related story.)
In December the Middle School Concert had the Chamber Choir as guests and
everyone present enjoyed a fun evening of
holiday and secular songs. The Fenntastics
and Chamber Choir, several days later, followed up with their Winter Concert. The FHS
choirs, numbering over seventy members,
have worked very hard on improving their
sound and singing skills. Their December
concert really showcased that growth with
the conclusion piece, the “Hallelujah Chorus”
from Handel’s “Messiah”.
The Chamber Choir has also been highly
successful and busy. Seventeen members of
the twenty enrolled auditioned for Region B
Honor Choir, one of four honor choirs in the
state of Michigan. Eleven of those members
made this prestigious choir and during the
rehearsal day for that choir’s performance,
four of the eleven were selected to participate in the State Honor Choir. This involves
three days of rehearsal concluding with a
concert at DeVos Performance Hall in downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday, January
24th, 2015.
This is a first for Fennville High school
choral department and quite a reflection on
the hard work these four gentlemen put into
their rehearsal time to be selected from the
entire state! Those members are: Donovan
8th Grade Choir
Saylor (2nd year of State honors), Angelo
Patterson, Gustavo Morales, and Roberto
Gonzalez. We can be very proud of these
young men!
The FHS choirs will be participating
again in State Choral Festival, and several
members of Chamber Choir will be taking
two solos for solo and ensemble in February.
The Fenntastics will also be traveling to St.
Joseph on February 23rd or 24th for District
Choral Festival. If you have not been able to
attend our concerts, Chamber Choir will be
performing the Star Spangled Banner at several home basketball games in January and
February.
Thank you for supporting our fundraising in the early fall. We were able to purchase
new dresses for both high school choirs, as
well as adding tuxedos and changing ties,
vests, and shirts for the men of these groups.
We could not continue our growth without
the support of staff and community.
It’s a Great Day to be a Blackhawk!
high school
10
High School Semester 1 Honor Roll
9th Grade, Maegan Anderson,
Douglas Bellenger, Mckayla
Brenner, Jacob Brown, Alexis
Burt, Kylie Clark, Toni DeLuca,
Madyson DeRoo, Josie Galiger,
Desiree Garcia, Braden Griffin,
Molly Latchaw, Marcus
Martinez, Matthew Morales,
Samuel Osgood-Nieboer,
Angel Perez, Maite Salamanca,
Alexander Tietsort, Kamryn
Vandyke.
10th Grade, Destiny Aguilar,
Jada Allen, Edith Alvarez, Kiley
Burt, Hannah Canfield, Rebeca
Castillo, George Castle, Amanda
Chappell, Carlos De La Rosa,
Maria Delucas, Anna DeMann,
Garrett Dragan, Andres Garcia,
Kirsten Harrison, Alex Holtsclaw,
Emily Laguna-Perez, Marissa
Latchaw, Adam Marriott,
Julian Martinez Grigg, Vanessa
Martinez, Kimberly Morales,
Allyson Moralez, Francisco
Orozco, Dan Palencia, Alyssa
Perez, Tara Perry, Kelsey Phelps,
Alejandra Pinon, Madison Raak,
Licet Romero, Lauryn Saylor,
Nathan Suarez.
11th Grade, Dylan Aalderink,
Pablo Barrera, Abigail Beissel,
Artemis Brown, Lindsay Cossey,
Taylor Davis, Jessica Erlandson,
Roberto Gonzalez, Alison Gort,
Hunter Guzman Shaw, Tori
Machan, Hailey Martin, Miguel
Maya IV, Danielle McKellips,
Cynthia Meza, Gustavo Morales,
Clifford Morse, Jacob Morse,
Jessica Nickoles, Cameron
Obbink, Alex Overhiser, Kelsy
Overhiser, Kortny Overhiser,
Elliana Sauceda, Donovan
Saylor, Hannah Schneider,
Aaron Scovill, Bobby Tillery II.
12th Grade, Seith AlbinNash, Lashoune Allen, Aurora
Almanza, Hannia Almanza,
Judy Almanza, Preston Brewer,
Rowan Brown, Allison Chappell,
Sydney DeJonge, Andrea
Harrell, Naomi HerscoviciScherman, Ruth HerscoviciScherman, Hope Judge, Missie
Latham, Mitchell Leonard, Jose
Martinez, Catlyn Mayou, Angela
Mendoza, Siclali Mojica, Mariah
Null, Ismael Olvera, Aaron
Overhiser, Nicole Raak, Haven
Taylor, Jacob Templeman,
Tamara Turner, Galdino Vidal,
Victoria Willey, Kira Zugel.
Congratulations DAR Recipient!
Aaron Overhiser was chosen as Fennville High
School’s (DAR) Daughters of the American Revolution
Good Citizen Award recipient. Aaron was nominated
by FHS staff and voted on by his peers as our senior
student who demonstrates qualities of leadership,
dependability, and responsibility. Aaron is the son of
Allan and Kim Overhiser. Congratulations, Aaron!
Notes from the Band Room
As the snow starts to fall, the Blackhawk Bands have moved their music making inside where it is nice and warm!
The Blackhawk Marching Band can be seen again next year at their August showcase performance. Now all band
members (7-12) are working to improve their basic music skills and prepare for the annual Band Festival (the bands’
standardized test).
Congratulations to Nadia Allen, Macy Ilmberger, Luke Obbink, Andy Estrada, and Selena Capman for being selected
to the District 10 Middle School All-Star Band. The bands consist of the best musicians from across West Michigan.
In only three rehearsals, the bands prepared an entire concert’s worth of music. Great job!
Good luck to student musicians that will be attending District 10 High School Solo and Ensemble on January 31st
at East Kentwood High School!
To keep up to date on all of the happenings with the Fennville Bands, please like us on Facebook at www.facebook.
com/fennvillebands
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
11
Fennville Alternative / STAR Family Literacy
Students of the Month Award
A longstanding tradition of recognizing student achievement continues this year at the Fennville Alternative High School, Pearl / STAR
Family Literacy program. Selections are made on the basis of the three
“A’s” – Academics, Attendance, and Attitude. The student is given
a certificate of recognition from the State of Michigan’s 88th district
representative, along with a special reward. Through the generosity
of Linda Barnes, owner of a local business, “Hop N,” we are able to give
a free large pizza to each award winner.
STAR Family Literacy Teacher and Director, Mitch Overway, along
with Lead Daycare Provider, April Buck, and Secretary / Classroom
Assistant, Dana Mains, are proud to announce Yesenia “Rubi” Tapia
as our November 2014 Student of the Month and Alex Emery as our
December 2014 Student of the Month.
Yesenia “Rubi” Tapia: Yesenia made excellent progress in her Edgenuity coursework from the time she began with the STAR program.
“Being pregnant is my big motivation right now. I really want a better
life for me and my baby. The best thing about STAR is being able to
do everything at your own pace. It all depends on you. You even get
to be more responsible for your own education. Also, if you need any
help, there’s always someone there. The STAR program helps me stay
relaxed because I know I will be able to finish my high school education when my baby is born (due date May 8th). My baby will be able
to interact with other kids; I’m very thankful for a program like that.”
Yesenia’s short term career goal is being a Certified Nurse Assistant.
She also has a special interest in traveling the world. Congratulations,
Yesenia, you deserve it!
Alex Emery: Alex has made steady progress and maintains excellent
attendance. He shows grit by continuing to work on his classes, even
when they get difficult. His note-taking skills have improved since
beginning the program and he’s completed three courses. “My education is important so I may get smarter and I will always be motivated.
In the alternative high school, I can do work at my own pace.” Alex has
a long-term goal of going to Michigan State University to be a Tech
Educator. He enjoys helping his family by babysitting for his cousin.
Keep going, Alex, we’re proud of your achievement!
H H H H veterans H H H H
Care Packages from FPS
The Fennville High School and Middle School held their first ever Cake Auction
during their fall conference. Choir members decided to use the cakes as a
fundraiser to send care packages to the Fennville High School alumni who are
currently serving in the military.
The Fennville community was very generous with their bids for cakes. Choir
members were able to provide FPS t-shirts, water bottles, wine from Fenn Valley
Winery, candy/jams from Crane’s Pie Pantry, Wes Leonard Heart Team t-shirts,
and sweatpants, along with many packages of jerky, candy, gum, mints, cookies,
etc. Thanks to Mrs. Laaksonen who was a huge help in guiding the purchases
and helping to find current addresses for the Fennville alumni currently serving!
The Middle School Choir students made out cards of appreciation to all of the
service men and women, and community senior citizens dropped off cards
wishing the alumni a safe, happy holiday season. Included in the packages
was a picture of the Fenntastics and Chamber Choir. These helped to make the
military alumni know that they are appreciated and loved by their hometown
and school. What an outpouring of gratitude we received!
Sierra and Tara assembling care packages.
12
H H H H veterans H H H H
Shawn Angers
Class of 1992
Jamie (Sisson) Nelson
Class of 1994
Adrianna (Hitsman) Hopkins
Class of 2012
I cannot thank you enough for the care package you sent on behalf of the Fennville Choir
Students. I’ve been in the Air Force for over
22 years now and although I’ve received several care packages over the years, this is the
first one I’ve received from my Hometown
addressed to me. Attached you’ll find some
pictures of me and my family. My wife Micki
(also a ‘92 FHS grad) and my two daughters,
Kinsey and Dana live in Anchorage, Alaska and
I am stationed at Elmendorf AFB where I serve
as the Operations Group Deputy Commander
and fly the F-22 Raptor. (For more of Lt. Col
Shawn Anger’s letter, please visit the HS display case by the front entry)
I want to first start by saying how grateful and
appreciative I am for you all to take the time to
put this package together and send it to me.
I was very surprised when it was on my front
steps, and even more surprised by all of the
wonderful things inside of it.
My name is A1C Adrianna Hopkins. Many of
you know my brother John Hitsman. I graduated in 2012 and I joined the USAF. I went
through basic training and then firefighter
tech school. After firefighter training my husband and I got moved to Holloman Air Force
Base in New Mexico. We have been here for
two years and I am getting ready for a deployment to Honduras!
I can honestly say I love what I do and who I
work with. I’d really like to encourage all of
your students to consider time spent serving
in our great military. Whether they make it a
career or a stepping stone to a civilian career,
the experiences are unlike any you will find in
civilian life. Please keep up the great work!
I am very proud to say I am from Fennville,
Michigan and that I am a Blackhawk. I may be
over 2,000 miles away, but I will never forget
where I came from.
Once again, I want to thank you and the Fenntastics, Chamber Choir and Middle School
Choir students for thinking of me and for
your appreciation for what we do as military
members of the Armed Forces. I have served
in the Marine Corps for over 18 1/2 years and
have received many care packages from family while deployed, but when it comes from
the members of your church that you grew up
with, and from members of your community,
it means so much more.
As an Air Force firefighter, my job is just like
civilian firefighting but I also have to respond
to aircraft fires! I have learned a lot and I have
meet a lot of wonderful people!
Thank you again for the wonderful gifts! I
hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and
a very happy start to the New Year! I miss you
all and as everyone always says (and it’s very
true)....
ONCE A BLACKHAWK, ALWAYS A BLACKHAWK!!!!!
Care package cards.
Mike Ptak
Class of 2010
Seth Schut, Class of 2013 and MS choir members
athletics
13
SAC North Champions!
The seed was planted at a team meeting way back in March. Coach Sackett handed each player a picture of the football banner that hangs
in the gymnasium. It showed that Fennville had won only one conference championship in football since 1994.
“One conference championship in 20 years! It’s on us to change it!”
CHANGE THE BANNER became our slogan and the team worked every day to achieve that goal!
The season took the team through an emotional roller coaster: handing Lawton its first home shutout in 8 years, a thrilling come-from-behind
victory on the road in Marcellus, and a goal-line stand to seal the Homecoming victory over Bangor. With a record of 4-3 entering the final
two games of the season, the Blackhawks had to win out in order to make the playoffs and have a shot at a conference title.
The first roadblock was the SAC North leaders and state-ranked Gobles Tigers. With a total team effort, the Hawks were able to exit Gobles
with a decisive 22-12 victory. This left Bloomingdale as the final hurdle to clear in order to “Change the Banner.” The Blackhawks took care
of business on the road once again, making their road record 5-0 for the regular season. The win clinched a playoff berth as well as a SAC
North Championship, but most importantly, the team achieved its ultimate goal and CHANGED THE BANNER.
After three consecutive seasons finishing 2-7, the Blackhawks understood that work had to be done in the offseason. All of their hard work
in the spring and summer molded the Blackhawks into a team to be reckoned with. The senior-heavy team was fortunate to have great
leadership throughout the season. Each and every player contributed to the successful season of 2014.
athletics
14
Volleyball Team Wins Academic All-State Honors!
Help Wanted!
Do you want to make a difference? Do you like to help out? Do
you enjoy sports? Volunteer with
the Fennville Athletic Boosters!
There are currently open board
positions available for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year.
If you’re looking for volunteer
opportunities, we are also looking
for help in the concession stand
during all home games. If you’re
interested, contact Elizabeth
Guzman at 269-355-0535 or Amy
McAllister at 269-512-2230.
For the second year in a row, the Fennville Varsity Volleyball Team, coached by Jennifer Lanphear,
received Academic All-State honors from the Michigan Volleyball Coaches Association. This year’s
team has a 3.475 team grade point average. Congratulations, ladies!
2015 LITTLE LEAGUE
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
REGISTRATION
There are two ways to register your baseball or softball player. Complete the form on the
reverse of this sheet and:
1. Mail your completed form with payment, postmarked by February 27, to
Fennville Community Rec
5 Memorial Drive
Fennville, MI 49408
2. Drop your form off with payment by February 27 to any Fennville Public School office
or at the Fennville Community Athletic Center.
 Playing age is based on the player’s age on April 30, 2015 for Boys and December 31, 2014 for Girls.
T-Ball: Combined girls and boys for all 5 and 6 year old players. (T-Ball deadline is April 24)
Minor 1: Coach Pitch for 1st and 2nd Grade (7 and 8 year old) players.
Minor 2: Player Pitch for 3rd and 4th Grade (9 and 10 year old) players.
Major: This level is for 5th and 6th Grade (11 and 12 year old) players.
Junior: Regulation size field for 7th and 8th Grade (13 and 14 year old) players.
 The cost for the first child for
T-Ball (5-6 years old) = $25
Minor 1 (7-8 year old) = $35
Minor 2 (9-10 year old) = $35
Major (11-12 year old) = $35
Juniors (13-14 year old) = $50
 1st child = full price, 2nd child = $5 off, 3rd child = $10 off
 If you do not register by February 27 you will be charged an additional late fee of $25 up
until March 1. We will try to get all late registrants placed on a team. This late fee is to cover
extra set-up for printing an extra hat/jersey. Register by February 27 to avoid this fee. (T-ball
deadline is April 24.)
If you have any questions, please contact Joe Rodriguez, Rec Director at 561-7241, or
[email protected] or contact Julie Cossey, Rec Secretary at 561-7231 or
[email protected]
FENNVILLE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
REGISTRATION 2015
Player Information
____________________
Player’s Last Name
_______________________
First Name
( / / )
Birthdate (MM/DD/YY)
___________________________________
Address
_____________
Zip
M F
Sex (Circle one)
________________________________
Mother’s Name
____________________
Phone
________________________________
Father’s Name
____________________
Phone
________________________________
Email Address
_________ (YS, YM, YL, AS, AM, AL, AXL)
Shirt Size
Are you interested in coaching? (Circle one if interested): Head Coach Assistant Coach
Cost
T-Ball: $25
Minor 1 & 2: $35
Major: $35
Additional Fees: $25 for late registration after February 27.
Total Paid: _____________
Junior: $50
(T-ball deadline = April 24)
PLAYING LEVEL REQUESTED:_________________*
*Players will need to demonstrate an appropriate ability level if they desire to play at a level above
where the player’s birthdate places them.
WAIVER OF PHYSICAL DAMAGE OR INJURY
In consideration of accepting this activity the volunteer, intended to be legally bound for themselves
and their heirs, executors, and administrators, waive and release any and all rights for any injuries and
damages they may have against Fennville Public Schools, its officials, and the Fennville
Baseball/Softball Program representatives, successors, and assigns for any and all injuries or damages
suffered in the connection with the activity of Baseball/Softball. The participant attests and verifies
that they are physically fit and capable of said activity and they understand that this activity could be
hazardous.
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Date:
alumni
15
Class of 1954
Classes Of 1965 And
1990 – Anniversary
You are invited to return to Fennville for a special
anniversary celebration in your honor, to be held on May
22, 2015! Watch for an invitation coming soon! Contact
us at any time to give us your updated information so
that you won’t miss this invite! You may call (269) 5617331 or email [email protected].
Class Of 1990 Reunion
Seated (L to R): Don Nye, Ronnie (Halack) Van Dyke, Kay (Fleming)
Bushee, Marjorie (Guptil) Griffin. 2nd Row (L to R): Joyce (Jones) Jeffrey, Marilyn (Hutchins) Nye, Judy (Renkema) Grams, Erma (Barnes)
McCarty, Jean (Bouwman) Bogard. 3rd Row (L to R): Gregory Crippin,
Teacher, Nelle Tenbrink, Don Scurio, Sylvia (Hirner) Scurio, Liz (Troutman) Blanchard, Avis (Schultz) Sebright, Shirley (Meyer) Steanburg,
Allan Rasmussen, Dean Johnson, Lester Rawson, and Barbara (Fosdick)
Birkholz.
There will be a class reunion held on May 23, 2015 at The
Piper, in Holland, Michigan. If you have any questions,
please contact Charlene Mohr at (269) 650-0099 or email
her at [email protected] Also, please be sure to
send her your current contact information so you won’t
miss any updates!
The members of the Class of 1954 , along with spouses and guests met
in August at The Trestle Stop. Nineteen were present. This class meets
once a month for lunch and every five years for their class reunion!
community
Purchase a Personalized Brick!
BUY A MEMORY TODAY
ORDER FORM
Preserve a memory and enhance our entryway into the Fennville Please Print
community Athletic Center!
Name______________________________________________________
Personalized bricks are the perfect gift for any occasion with no shop- Address_____________________________City____________________
ping, no wrapping, and no mailing! You may remember special people, State ___________ Zip ___________Telephone___________________
special occasions, or have your business or family name engraved.
BRICKS
Engraved bricks are 4”x8” and are only for a donation of $75.00.
4”x8” @$75.00 each
If you are interested in ordering a brick, forms are available at the
Community Athletic Center or the Central Office. You may also contact Margaret Sessions at (269) 767-0040. Checks can be made out to
Fennville Public Schools-CAC.
Total Bricks ______ @ $75.00 =______________
Total Amount Paid______________
Thank you in advance for your support of this project! All money
from brick sales is used to support activities and programs at the CAC.
COMMUNITY SOCIALS
Join us every Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
for coffee, juice, sweets, conversation, and excellent presentations. Community Social events are posted weekly on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fennvillepublicschools.com.
Check in and find out what exciting presentation is coming next!
If you have any questions or have something you would like to
share with the community, please contact Margaret Sessions at
(269) 767-0040.
Make checks Payable to:
FENNVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL CAC
Phone 269-561-7331 • 4”x8” BRICK . . . . . . . 14 SPACES/3 LINES@ $75.00
Print exactly as you would like the engraving to appear. Use one
character/letter per box, leaving a box blank for each space between
words.
Position and/or center exactly as you would like it to appear.
Fennville Co-op
Preschool and
Round-Up!
Working together, learning,
playing, preparing for
Kindergarten!
Preschool will be your
child’s first experience
at school. The Co-op
Preschool offers a fun
learning environment to
assure that children have
a positive experience
and are well prepared for
kindergarten. The Co-op
provides a structured
routine while teaching a
combination of social skills,
life skills, and academics.
There are programs for
both 3 & 4 year olds.
Coming In March!
Kindergarten Round-Up!
Come and join us in March to enroll your child in Kindergarten!
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Last Names A-L
Thursday, March 19, 2015
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Last Names M-Z
Children who will be at least five years old by September 1, 2015 are
eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the 2015-16 school year. Additionally,
parents of a child that does not meet this age requirement may request a
waiver under certain circumstances permitting their child to attend.
Please bring your child with you for readiness testing
Very Important – Other Items to Bring with You:
• Proof of Residency (current utility bill, house buy/sell agreement,
rent/lease agreement, any bill with your name and address on it)
• Certified Birth Certificate (must be original state-issued certificate
with raised seal)
Round-up for the Co-op
Preschools will be:
Wednesday, March 18,
2015
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Call (269) 561-4243 to see if
your child qualifies.
Allegan County Free Preschool
Head Start & Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).
Allegan County offers Head Start and GSRP preschool for income eligible
families with children turning 3 or 4 years of age by September 1, 2015.
Children of all abilities are encouraged to apply. Transportation may
be available. Enrollment begins March 2015. For more information,
call: 888.824.0032 or visit www.alleganaesa.org/earlyed.
Fennville Public Schools
5 Memorial Drive
Fennville, Michigan 49408
Non-Profit Org
US Postage
Paid
Fennville, MI 49408
Permit 12
Postal
Patron
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www.facebook.com/fennvillepublicschools
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