October Fulton Flyer 2015

October 30, 2015
The Fulton Flyer
2015 Homecoming Celebration
On October 2nd, Fulton Schools celebrated their 2015 Homecoming. The temperature was cold,
but the skies were clear for a night of celebration with family and friends. Many positive
comments were heard on the wonderful turn out of alumni and fans at both the parade and
football game.
Many groups participated in the parade to showcase their business, sport, club or hobby.
Spectators were able to view fire trucks, antique tractors, school clubs, and many other fun and
exciting parade entries. Of course, a large quantity of candy was given out to all the Little
Pirates who attended the parade. It was obvious; a great time was had by all.
The parade was followed by the football game between the Fulton Pirates and Laingsburg
Wolfpack. Unfortunately, Laingsburg defeated the Pirates in a hard fought game. The highlight
of the evening was the recognition of the 2015 Homecoming King and Queen during halftime of
the football game.
Halftime began with the recognition of Class Representatives, who were chosen by their class
members. Freshman Representatives were Lyndsi Wolfe and Ian Schaffer. Lyndsi is the
daughter of Lori and Greg Wolfe. Ian is the son of Pamela and Donald Schaffer. Sophomore
Class representatives were Emma Wiser and Hudson Friesen. Emma is the daughter of Darcy
and Dale Wiser. Hudson is the son of Robin and Scott Friesen. Representing the Junior Class
was Jordan Billings and Caleb Walden. Jordan is the daughter of Autumn and Melvin Billings,
and Caleb is the son of Natasha and Chad Walden.
Junior Float
Jordan Billings and
Caleb Walden
King Jeremy Thompson
And
Queen Connor Proctor
Freshman Float
Lyndsi Wolfe and
Ian Schaffer
Homecoming King and Queen Crowned
During the Halftime show, the 2015 Homecoming Court Members were introduced.
Introduced first was Jeremy Thompson, with his parents Matt and Tina Thompson. Jeremy’s
future plan was to be crowned Homecoming King. Next year, he plans to attend Western
Michigan University to pursue an Aerospace Engineering degree. Jeremy has participated in
Student Council, National honor Society, ABC, SADD, Above the Influence and Student
Leadership activities; Jeremy was also the 3rd Grade Spelling Bee runner-up! Joining Jeremy
was Chloe Fife. Chloe is the daughter of Jennifer Fife and the late Mark Fife. Chole was
escorted by her mother Jennifer and brother Gavin. Chloe’s future plans are to attend MSU to
study veterinary medicine. Chloe has participated in basketball, softball, ABC Club, SADD,
Above the Influence, National Honor Society, Student Council, Super Student Recipient, and is
active in her church Youth Group and Choir.
Next was Colton Antes, with his parents, Doug and Cena Antes. Colton’s future plan is to
attend MSU and become a Physical Therapist. Colton has been a member of the football,
basketball and baseball teams for the past four years. He has been named a Super Student the
past three years, and is a member of SADD, Student Council, ABC and the National Honor
Society. Joining Colton was Kirsten Maniez, she was escorted by her parents Terry and Kim
Maniez. Kirsten plans to attend Western Michigan University to study Occupational Therapy.
She has been a member of the softball, volleyball and basketball teams. She has also been a
Super Student for the past three years, a member of the National Honor Society, Student
Council Vice President, SADD, Above the Influence, and a underclassmen homecoming
representative.
The next couple was Mason Fitzpatrick, with his parents Doug and Shelley Fitzpatrick.
Mason’s future plan is to attend Michigan State University to study Animal Science. During
high school, Mason has been a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams. He has
also been a member of the ABC Club and National Honor Society. He was joined by Teagan
Batis, who was escorted by her parents Bob and Sally Batis. Teagan plans to attend Michigan
State University next fall to study nursing. She has been a member of the volleyball,
basketball, track and softball teams. Teagan also has been a leader in the ABC Club, President
of the Student Council, President of Business Professionals of America, Vice President of
National Honor Society, a member of SADD and the Above the Influence organization.
Our fourth couple was Jacob Litwiller, with his parents Dave and Kandy Litwiller. Jacob plans
to attend LCC and transfer to MSU to study education. During high school, Jacob participated
on the football, basketball and baseball teams. He has been a member of the National Honor
Society, ABC Club and has been named a Super Student. Walking with Jacob was Connor
Proctor. She was escorted by her parents Steve and Amber Proctor. Connor plans to attend
LCC next year to play softball and transfer to Ferris State University to continue her studies in
Pharmaceutical medicine. Throughout high school, Connor has played on the varsity softball
and basketball teams for four years; has been a member of the ABC Club, Student Council,
National Honor Society, SADD and Above the Influence organization.
Fulton Schools –
There Is No Better
Place To Learn!
Homecoming Continued
Our last representatives were Evan Schneider, with his parents Dan and Jill Schneider.
After high school, Evan plans to attend LCC and transfer to Saginaw Valley State
University. Evan has been a member of the basketball and football programs, and the
National Honor Society, SADD and Above the Influence. He was also a Super Student the
past three years. Joining Evan was Kerin Tabor, escorted by her parents Tom Tabor and
Amy Gaskill. Next year Kerin plans to attend Baker College to study Neonatal Nursing.
Throughout high school, Kerin has been a member of Student Council, Business
Professionals of America, SADD and the ABC Club.
Joining Fulton Schools for the crowning was last year’s Homecoming King and Queen
Gregg Jones and Emily Fife. Gregg is currently attending Mid-Michigan Community
College and will be a member of the Men’s Basketball team this winter. Emily is attending
Central Michigan University studying to be a Physician’s Assistant.
Congratulations to our 2015 Homecoming King, Jeremy Thompson and Queen, Connor
Proctor.
Sophomore Float
Emma Wiser and
Hudson Friesen
Back Row (L to R): Mason Fitzpatrick, Jacob Litwiller, Colton
Antes
Middle Row (L to R): Chloe Fife, Kerin Tabor, Connor Proctor,
Teagan Batis and Kirsten Maniez
Front Row (L to R): Evan Schnieder and Jeremy Thompson
Senior Float
Gregg Jones and
Emily Fife
Daughters of the
American
Revolution
Winner
Announced
All of the FULTON
SCHOOLS teaching
Staff meet the Highly
Qualified criteria set by
the State of Michigan
and Federal regulations.
The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political
volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American
history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
DAR members volunteer millions of service hours annually in their local communities including
supporting active duty military personnel and assisting veteran patients, awarding thousands of
dollars in scholarships and financial aid each year to students, and supporting schools for
underserved children with annual donations exceeding one million dollars.
Fulton High School has named senior Connor Proctor the 2015-16 Daughters of the American
Revolution (DAR) "Good Citizen Award". Connor, the daughter of Amber and Steve Proctor of
Perrinton, was selected by the faculty of the school as the senior that best demonstrates the four
qualities the organization identifies as criteria for selection; leadership, dependability, service and
patriotism. Connor will complete an essay and application to further her competition regionally.
A recognition reception will be held at the Michigan Pathways Chapel, inside the Michigan
Masonic Home, 1200 Wright Avenue, Alma, Michigan on November 4, 2015, at 6 p.m.
The following are past Good Citizen winners from Fulton High School:
Carol Glazier
Mary Zelinski
Connie Todd
Cathy Loudenbeck
Patricia Guernsey
Wanda Benner
Karen Garner
Sharon Kresge
Janelle Davis
Marcia Freed
Jennifer Bolyard
Lana Yoder
Joseph Stafford
Rebecca Wetmore
Patrick Daniels
Allison Price
Cierra Allen
Morgan Madden
Koryn Walden
Connor Proctor
Frances Tuyls
Ruth Avery
Sharon Hoffer
Connie Aungst
Linda Drake
Debbie Gager
Deborah Collins
Denise Davis
Karen Ruff
Sheila Welch
Jennifer Miller
Tracey Towslee
Adam Priest
Jason Smith
Casey Mungall
Kathleen Stephens
Laura Smith
Devon Rossman
Alysee Schneider
Louise Britten
Delores Clark
Lois Perdew
June Wright
Jacalyn Feighner
Joleen Hiebert
Elaine Smith
Cynthia Burr
Vonda Harlow
Janice Kresge
Sara Bolyard
Trisha Warner
Erica Shepard
Matthew Wetmore
Joseph Stephens
Nicolas Wiseman
Meredith Merritt
Zachary Baker
Zachary Bates
CROSSING GUARD NEEDED
The Gratiot County Sheriff’s Department is looking for an individual or individuals who would
like to be a Crossing Guard to assist the Fulton Schools and their students. The position operates
throughout the school year in the morning and again in the afternoon for approximately 45
minutes each shift. The hours are 7:15 to 8:00 a.m. and afternoons from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Work
days are every day the school is in session with students.
Duties include monitoring students crossing M-57 and Ely Highway to and from school.
Interested individuals need to be dependable and able to work both shifts, or the shifts can be
split if more than one individual is interested. To apply for the position, please contact
Undersheriff Earl Hunt at (989) 875-5211. Pay rate is $11.50 per hour, and time sheets are
calculated as 2 hours per day.
FULTON SCHOOLS WELCOMES
GERMAN EXCHANGE STUDENTS
The Fulton High School had 10 students from Wittenburg, Germany visit our school district.
The students arrived on Thursday, October 15th and stayed for twelve days with their host
families. During their stay at Fulton Schools, students attended classes and took site seeing
trips to Central Michigan University, Frankenmuth, Chicago and Lansing to see the Capitol.
This is the 15th year Fulton Schools has participated in the Gratiot Isabella Exchange Program.
Fulton Schools has welcomed over 100 students from Germany to visit our school and
families. The students are from a small town that is larger than Maple Rapids, but smaller
than Ithaca. Due to its size, most families travel a great distance to work. The town and
business locations are very similar to our community, so the German students fit in very well.
Fulton School students are also encouraged to travel to Germany to visit the exchange
student’s school district, Christian-Ludwig-Liscow Gymnasium, and their families. If your
high school student would like to attend a two week visit to Germany, they need to contact
Mr. Jim Goodspeed at Fulton High School for information on how to apply to the Gratiot
Isabella German Exchange program two week trip. Our students are responsible for the cost
of the flight to and from Germany and possible field trip costs. If accepted on the trip, the
host family of your child will be responsible for providing meals, a bed, bathroom facilities,
transportation, friendship and support during their short stay.
Parents Right to Know
In accordance with ESEA Section 111 Parents Right to Know, the Fulton School District
would like to inform all parents, who have a child attending the Fulton Elementary Title I
School, of the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their
child’s classroom teacher. The following information may answer the questions you have:
1. All of Fulton Schools Teachers are deemed Highly Qualified for the area of
instruction they are assigned.
2. Fulton Schools does not employ any teaching staff who do not possess a teaching
degree for the area they are assigned.
3. All of Fulton Schools Teachers possess a degree or certification for the area they
instruct and for the age level of students they are instructing.
4. All of Fulton Schools Instructional Paraprofessionals possess a paraprofessional
certificate or meet the required number of postsecondary hours to be deemed
highly qualified.
Fulton Schools will also notify parents if a child has been taught for four (4) or more
consecutive weeks by a teacher not deemed Highly Qualified. This situation can occur with
substitute teachers, who do not possess the correct teacher qualification for the class load they
are teaching. Fulton Schools works hard to not allow this to occur, but due to the low number
of qualified substitute teachers available it cannot always be avoided.
SOUP KITCHEN ON WHEELS
Do you know of someone who is hungry and could benefit from a good hot meal? If
so, please let them know of the area “Soup Kitchen on Wheels”! The soup kitchen is
located in Pompei on the third Thursday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
and will be parked in front of the Pompei Church.
Two local woman from Ashley had an idea, and have worked very hard to make it a
reality. Both Jenny Fleischer and Tara Malek, created the Soup Kitchen on Wheels to
help their fellow man. They do not care who you are or what your financial status is.
They just want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to stop by and get a hot
bowl of soup.
If you would like to help or provide needed supplies to the Soup Kitchen, you can
contact Jenny Fleischer or Tara Malek at 989-544-5764 or 989-533-9535. They would
love to hear from you.
National Honor Society Induction
Fulton High School recently held the 2015-2016 National Honor Society (NHS)
Induction for students in grades ten through twelve. Ten (10) students were inducted
into the group of twenty-nine (29) active members, for a total of thirty-nine (39) NHS
students. The NHS is overseen by advisor Ms. Crystal Ballivian. The new inductees are
Jonathon Baker, Abigail Case, Matthew Craft, Katie Good, Dylan Lewis, Jair EnriquezLopez, Leslie McAlvey, Tatym Plath and Kylie Slavik.
NHS student candidates must apply to the National Honor Society by completing a short
application and essay. High School teachers reviewed the student’s application to
determine if he/she is modeling the four pillars of the NHS organization: scholarship,
service, leadership and character. The final procedure was to confirm the students
overall grade point average is 3.5 or above. If the student is approved by the selection
committee, the student is invited to become a NHS member.
The induction featured guest speaker, Mr. Chad Walden, who discussed two different
mindsets students and adults can exhibit when facing a challenge in life.



A fixed mindset believes all personal abilities, such as intelligence, personality
and character are set in stone and cannot be changed. Individuals with this belief
refuse to challenge themselves. They are afraid of taking chances because they
may fail. Instead, they make safe decisions that will make them look successful
to others.
The second mindset is a growth mindset. A growth mindset believes
intelligence, personality and character can be developed. This means an
individuals true potential is unknown. It is constantly developing and improving
over time. This mindset learns from failures and difficult situations. They use
the information they gained to improve decision making for future situations as
they arise. They take chances.
Mr. Walden also used a metaphor of a rubber band to help students understand
the growth mindset. Rubber bands have to stretch to perform their function.
Having a growth mindset allows an individuals hard work and character to
stretch even in the most difficult and uncomfortable times. They in turn learn
from those situations to improve their future performance and tasks.
Thank you, Mr. Walden for taking time to provide good sound advice to our inductees.
Athletic
Boosters Need
Your Help
The Athletic Boosters are always looking for help with the
many athletic contests they assist the school with. The two
areas help is needed are in concessions and gate workers.
If you are able to help in one or more of these areas; all you
need to do is sign up at www.signupgenius.com. Once you
are at the website, click “Find a Sign Up” and enter the
email address [email protected]. A list
of all the sign up dates and events should come up. This
will allow you to choose which event you would like to
help at.
If you do not have internet access, please contact Mindy
Thomas at 989-534-1021 for sign up assistance.
Thank You Firefighters
For Your Support
The Fulton Elementary School would like to thank the Perrinton Fire Station and its firefighters
for holding Fire Safety Training for our Preschool, Kindergarten, First and Second Grade
students. The students had a wonderful experience learning about the protective gear firefighters
are required to wear during a fire, and the capabilities of the fire trucks. Students also loved the
replica fire hats the station provided for fire safety.
Once again, thank you to the firefighters for taking the time to educate our students on the
dangers of a fire and how they can escape a fire in their home.
Please Do Not Cross Highway 57
We’re on the Web!
See us at:
fultonpirates.net
Fulton Schools is once again asking all students to
avoid crossing M-57, due to the danger of being
injured by an automobile. A crossing guard is
available to assist walkers, but please be aware
Fulton Schools has a bus that travels to Middleton
each morning for pickup and each evening for drop
off. Riding the bus is safer than crossing the busy
highway. For their safety, all students are asked to
utilize our school busses to avoid being injured by an
automobile.
YMCA CAMP for 6th GRADE STUDENTS
The Fulton Elementary 6th Grade students attended an overnight
camp on September 15-18, 2015. The four days were filled with activities to create
cooperation, team building and to reacquaint themselves to their classmates.
During their stay, students were able to complete many challenges. They completed a
Climbing Course and a Ropes Course to challenge their mind and physical abilities.
They also participated in Pond Studies and Canoeing. Other activities included a Night
Time Nature Hike, Dutch Auction, Swimming and Boating.
The students had a great time during their four days and many commented they would
love to return next year to camp. On behalf of the Fulton Schools, I would like to give a
special thank you to the 6th grade teachers Susan Cook and Jenifer Heinze for all of their
hard work in assisting students with fund raisers and for volunteering their time to make
this event possible for our students.
The 5th grade students will begin fundraising this year for their 6th Grade Camp
adventure. If you are able to help with fundraising or willing to provide a small
donation, please contact either Susan Cook or Jennifer Heinze at the Fulton Elementary
School. Your gift will be used to help support students who do not raise enough funds to
attend the event.
Early Release
2:00 p.m. dismissal
Nov. 11, 2015
Dec. 09, 2015
Jan. 13, 2016
Feb. 10, 2016
March 09, 2016
April 13, 2016
May 11, 2016
Important Dates
to
Remember
Half Day Release
11:25 a.m. dismissal
Nov. 25, 2015
Jan. 22, 2016
Jan. 25, 2016
Feb. 12, 2016
March 3, 2016
March 4, 2016
April 8, 2016
June 9, 2016
June 10, 2016
Sinking Fund Update
The Fulton School District received bids for the Middle-High School Building and Site
Sinking Fund Project on June of 2015 to complete an addition to the Middle-High
School Building. The project consisted of two science rooms, a hallway and a new
Middle-High School Office that would direct all visitors into the office before entering
the building. Unfortunately, the bids were higher than were anticipated. Because of
this, the project was put on hold to allow the Science Construction Committee to meet
and discuss their next steps to control costs.
The committee reconvened and recommended the school board reduce the project to the
addition of two science rooms and hallway on the East end of the Middle-High School
building. They also recommended looking at a different general contractor to supervise
the building process and to gather bids for the project. The school board agreed with
both of the committee’s recommendations.
The district is contacting possible general contractors to discuss the proposal and review
the current architectural plans. The goal is to have bids for the science room project by
late December or early January. The possible start date will be in late May or June.
The committee determined the Middle-High School Office would have to be completed
in a second phase if funding could be generated from a future Building and Site Sinking
Fund Millage. If the millage would be approved by the community, the office project
would also include an elementary school office addition. It would be constructed to
have all school visitors enter the office to be checked and approved before they could
enter the main building.
FREE AND REDUCED MEAL
GUIDELINES
Established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the new income guidelines are
effective through June 30, 2016, and apply to free and reduced price meals and free milk
available through the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Special Milk, and Child and
Adult Care Food Programs.
Those automatically qualifying for free meals include: adults, children, or foster children who
are recipients of various programs such as Michigan’s Family Independence Program, Food
Assistance Program, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations; and Head Start, an
At-Risk after-school center, or an emergency shelter enrollees.
Households with incomes less than or equal to the following eligibility guidelines qualify for
free or reduced price meals or free milk:
Scale for Free Meals or Free
Milk
Total
Family
Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Scale for Reduced
Price Meals
Annual
Monthly
Annual
Monthly
$15,301
$1,276
$21,775
$1,815
$20,709
$1,726
$29,471
$2,456
$26,117
$2,177
$37,167
$3,098
$31,525
$2,628
$44,863
$3,739
$36,933
$3,078
$52,559
$4,380
$42,341
$3,529
$60,255
$5,022
$47,749
$3,980
$67,951
$5,663
$53,157
$4,430
$75,647
$6,304
For each additional family member add:
$5,408
$451
$7,696
$642
For more information or an application, please contact your child’s school office.
FULTON SCHOOLS
8060 Ely Highway
Middleton, Michigan
48856
BULK RATE U.S.
POSTAGE PAID
MIDDLETON, MI.
48856
PERMIT NO. 01 NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
Carrier Rte. Pre- Sort
Elementary PTO
The PTO meets the third Tuesday of each month
at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary media center.
Come and join us!
Your School Board
President: Phillip Hyde
Vice President: Lee Williams
Secretary: Dee Grover
Treasurer: Amy Case
Trustee: Dan Rossman
Trustee: Matt Vusich
Trustee: Karla Childers
“No Better Place To Learn
FULTON SCHOOLS
ADMINISTRATION
Superintendent
Daymond Grifka
236-7300
Middle/High School Principal
Paul Hungerford
236-7232
Elementary School Principal
Paul Avery
236-7234
Community Education Director
Mike Myers
236-5130
Director of Support Services
Greg Wolfe
236-7676
FULTON SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
DATES AND TIMES
School Board Meetings are held in the
Middle-High School Media Center on
the second Monday of the month. All
meetings begin at 7:00 pm. Upcoming
dates include:
November 09, 2015
December 14, 2015
January 11, 2016
February 08, 2016
The public is invited to all meetings.
Director of Athletics
Chad Podolak
236-7232
Director of Food Services
Debbie Dayringer
236-5642