Adrian Public Schools

drian Public Schools
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Adrian MI 49221
Permit #279
August 2015
A publication of Adrian Public Schools • Adrian, Michigan
V
Community input needed
for possible bond proposal
arious focus groups and community conversations took
place this summer with the purpose of determining the
district’s needs related to a possible bond proposal.
A chance for the community at large to share their
ideas will be at 10:30 a.m., September 3rd in the basement
meeting room of the Adrian District Library.
“Voter feedback told us to better balance the needs versus
wants of the district,” Supt. Bob Behnke said. “They challenged
us to look at and prioritize the most important needs.”
The district has partnered with Kingscott, an architectural
firm that is conducting the focus groups to identify the needs
of the community. Kingscott will categorize the information
received from the public meetings and work with a community
bond planning committee. The committee will present findings
to the School Board in November. The school board will then
determine if a bond proposal will move forward.
Technology remains a large part of the need of the district.
A comprehensive infrastructure revamp as well as safety and
security issues are being studied.
The other major concern for the district is
to improve programming while reducing costs
by creating a 5th-8th grade campus on the site
of Springbrook Middle School.
The architects have created a
comprehensive drawing of what the
campus might look like, keeping
the initial concept of a 5th grade
wing with the 6th-8th space in the
existing building.
Other items that must be
addressed are those relating to
infrastructure and facilities. The
Capital and Technology Project
Fund is a key component moving
Community and APS staff forward to fund these types of
members brainstorming
projects within the existing budget
ideas.
in the future.
Students begin the 2015-16
school year with a full day
on Tuesday, September 8.
6:30 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 15th
plus
Maple
Donor
Recognition
AHS Theater
$10 per person
Join the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation
& the AHS Alumni Association
Outstanding Alum:
Outstanding Teachers & Mentors:
for the 8th Annual
Helene Bleecker ‘45
Jeff Condon, Alexander Elementary
Jim Rubley, APS Custodian
Elaine Kaiser, AHS Math Teacher
Tickets: 517/263-2911
Joseph Pullen ‘55
Outstanding Steve Hickman ‘60 & Doug Kapnick ‘61
Terrence Keeley ‘77
Teaching & Mentoring
Aimee Herr Schier ‘90
& Outstanding Alumni Awards
Watch The Daily Telegram each Saturday and listen to radio stations WLEN (103.9 FM), WABJ (1490 AM) and
WQTE (95.3 FM) for a listing of the week’s activities occurring in each school. You may also check the district
web site (www.theadrianmaples.com) for activities, menus, sports schedules and much more.
Year of Growth!
Superintendent Robert Behnke
bbehnke@adrian.k12.mi.us
517/264-6640
T
here is always much excitement across the district and
community as an upcoming school year approaches.
Many advancements have taken place across Adrian
Public Schools that are improving the quality of programming
and services. First and foremost, teachers worked very hard
over the summer to prepare for the start of the school year in the
areas of curriculum development, lesson design, and learning
new instructional practices.
This fall will bring many curriculum and instructional
improvements. Working through the process of school
improvement with the overall goal of college and career
readiness is central to our mission as a school district. Teaching
and learning has advanced greatly in recent years, and the
Adrian model has adapted to emphasize inquiry based teaching
and learning. Teachers are activating student learning through
the study of real-world problems and situations. As a school
district we are working closely with our local institutions of
higher education and employers to continue to place emphasis
on developing those hard and soft skills needed for our students
to be successful.
APS has long prided itself with our Arts for All Program.
This program maps out opportunities and experiences for
students K-12 within the Arts. Some examples include visits
to the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, The Croswell, and having
traveling art exhibits and performers come to the district.
Starting this fall, the district will launch a model similar
to “Arts for All” related to Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Math (STEM). Students in each grade level will have
opportunities and experiences in STEM areas with career
professionals coming into classrooms. Students will also get
the chance to visit businesses and programs in the community
with the purpose of helping to ignite a passion in these subject
areas and career fields through real-world experiences.
We are also in the process of launching a District Culture
and Climate Task Force with the purpose of gathering student,
staff, parent, and community input to help identify the climate
and culture expectations within our school buildings. This
approach is designed to be a collective impact experience so
that two-way communication is enhanced from the school to
our community, and also to improve communication from the
home, parents, students and staff, to the school.
Adrian Public Schools continues to examine the needs
for our district and how to best keep funding focused on
the classroom and student learning. We continue to explore
our needs as a district related to facilities, infrastructure,
and technology. I would encourage you to attend one of the
community and parent focus groups coming up at each building
and share your perspective and thoughts associated with the
possibility of a school bond proposal.
This year is poised to be one of the best years in recent
memory for the students of Adrian Public Schools. Our core
mission of student learning continues to evolve, and we grow
the district’s presence as a leader within the region in the areas
of ACADEMICS, Arts, and Athletics.
Go Maples!!!
You’re Invited
e to attend
m
co k! Building
l
e
W Bac Open Houses
Come see the classroom!
Meet the Teachers and
Learn About Your School!
Wednesday, September 2nd
AMS 5-6 & AMS 7-8: 6-7 p.m.
Alexander, Lincoln, Michener & Prairie
5 - 6 p.m.
APS again offers free breakfast, lunch
Adrian Public Schools is again a part of a federal program
allowing any student to have free breakfast and lunch in Head
Start, grades pre-K through 8 and McKinley. AHS students can
qualify for free and reduced breakfast and lunch by filling out
an eligibility form available at any school or on line at www.
theadrianmaples.com.
2015-16 Board of Education Meetings
Board meetings are at 6 p.m. in the Adrian High School B100 Classroom the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month unless
otherwise stated. 2016 meetings will be set at the Board’s
January organizational meeting. Upcoming meetings are:
August 24 September 14 September 28
October 12
October 26-Alexander November 9
November 23-Prairie December 14
Agendas & meeting locations may be viewed on the district’s website.
APS 2015-16
Theater Season
AMS 5-6 Musical, 7 p.m., Nov. 6 & 7
The Music Man KIDS
AHS Fall Play, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 19-21
Antigone - a Greek Tragedy
Spring 2016 Musicals
AMS 7-8: 7 p.m., March 17-19
Peter Pan Jr.
AHS: 7:30 p.m., May 5-7
Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat
Foundation Night 6:30 p.m., May 5
All performances are held in the
Julianne & George Argyros Performing Arts Center
located in Adrian High School
Community group organizes
to assess Maple Stadium
W
hen faced with the critical issues surrounding
the infrastructure of a 50-year old football field,
a group of community volunteers and school
officials have come together to discuss Maple Stadium.
Stadium updates were a part of last February’s unsuccessful
bond proposal request. Based on voter feedback, taxpayers are
interested in finding opportunities for private or donated funding
to update some of the needs within the stadium. Concession
stand and rest room facilities at the stadium are in dire need
of renovation and other items needing attention are lighting,
bleachers, fencing and improved ticket stands and entry ways.
“We are now putting our heads together to look at different
options for the improvements,” said Operations Director Ken
Tokarz. “Some improvements are necessary because of safety
concerns; others because of aging infrastructure,” he added.
The volunteer committee consists of current parents,
alumni, tradesmen and booster groups so that many perspectives
are brought to the discussion. The group is prioritizing needs
for the stadium.
“There may be ways to get time, talent and treasure donated
to make some of the improvements” said Dane Nelson, AHS
Latchkey Program
A before and after-school care program
will be offered at Alexander Elementary
School by Pathway Preschool & Child Care. Lincoln,
Michener and Prairie students wishing to participate will be
provided transportation to Alexander. Program times will be
before school beginning at 6 a.m. and after school until 6
p.m. For more information contact Pathways Pre-School &
Child Care at (517) 266-1891.
AHS Fall Sport Passes
Home Football Game Reserved Seating Pass
Adults $40
Faculty $20
Students & Senior Citizens $30
Includes:
1 admission to home football games
(4 games total)
1 reserved seat & 1 parking pass per family
Combination Activities Pass
Adults $25
Students $20
Includes:
6 admissions to be used at any fall sporting event (boy’s soccer, girl’s swimming, football, volleyball)
To purchase or for more information
contact the Athletic Office at 266-4507
Committee members tour the Stadium
graduate of the class of 1967, and chairperson of the committee.
“But we need to know what the priorities for the field are and
which projects volunteers might be capable of handling.”
Dane’s father Cliff Nelson, was the original designer of
the stadium in the 1950s when he was athletic director. At the
time, the field was considered a premier field, especially with
the “bowl-like” design.
The committee has identified several crucial needs: They
feel the concession stands and bathroom facilities must be
brought up to current standards. The lighting system is outdated.
Bleachers, fencing and entry ways are also in critical condition.
Additional concerns center on repairing concrete steps and
walkways. The group presented to the Board of Education on
August 24th.
Using limited funds from the district Capital Project Fund,
portions of the concrete that created the highest safety concerns
were replaced in August.
Visit www.theadrianmaples.com
Class
of 2015
Graduates
are
ready for
the world!
M
uch excitement filled the AHS gym this
past June as it hosted the first indoor
commencement since 2003. Top left: the
tradition of mortar board tossing continued!
Top right, Outstanding Senior male and female are
Christian Paneda and Emily Hribar. Middle left: Zachary
Burk, salutatorian; Christian Paneda, valedictorian and
Matthew Clark, salutatorian. Middle right: AHS Students
graduating Cum Laude with a grade point average of
3.5 – 3.79, Back row: John Vitale, Ashton Lucas, Justin
Nguyen, Victoria Mueller, Taylor Felver, Jeffrey Marvin,
Thomas Apling, Kathleen Raab, Jessicca Hofbauer, Alec
Davis. Front row: Kyle Nortley, Brooke Price, Victoria
Frederick, Emily Hribar, Holly Perez, Rachel Grisham,
Sydney Steele, Atlanta Grubbs, Selina Doan, Courtney
Hoxsey. Not pictured: Sierra Grigg, Larissa Harsh,
Kourtney Reynolds, Raymond Riggs. Bottom left: AHS
students graduating Magna Cum Laude with a grade point
of 3.8 – 3.99: Zachary Simon, Karlee Hartman, Lauren
Carlton, Collin Kemner, Katherine Lopez. Bottom right:
AHS students graduating Summa Cum Laude with a grade
point of 4.0 or higher: Left to right: Hannah Barr, Zachary
Burk, Christian Penada, Emily Harke, Ian Moran, Matthew
Clark, Anastasia Fryman, Robert Coy, Carolyn Roberts,
Johnathan Youngs, Haleigh Galnares. Not pictured Carys
Bott.
Maple Pride!!
Positively APS
AHS: The Quiz Bowl team placed first at the Lenawee
County Fair, the final competition of the year. They were
victorious over Sand Creek in a very close competition,
140–110. Pictured are team members Molly Wilson,
Christian Terada, Crosby Slupe, Michael Petterson and Josh
Buchanan. Ty Peck and Haleigh Galnares are missing from
the photo. AP
LES • GO
M
AP
A
LES • GO
Alexander: After great success at the Lincoln Elementary
location, the YMCA of Lenawee County, in collaboration with
Adrian College and Adrian Public Schools, offered a second
AP
M
AP
LES • GO
AHS: The boys basketball team was recognized in state
Class B academic achievement. The cumulative GPA for
all varsity players was 3.512 which is considered 1st Team.
Members of the team were Joel Hill, Mitchell Dempsey,
Jzavion McGowan, Matt Cumbow, Conor Acord, Noah Solis,
Tyler Shephard, Jeff Marvin and Connor Dempsey. The
award is given through the Basketball Coaches Association
of Michigan
District: 4th through 6th grade Project
Lead-the-Way students participated
in an engineering camp in June
which culminated in meeting with
students from other districts at the
ISD Tech Center. Students built
robots, catapults and bridges and
engaged in a friendly competition
with other schools and their structures. M
Lincoln: Mrs. Youtsey’s students exchanged “visual”
letters with a school in China as they learned the art of
communicating through art rather than words. Students
first received visual letters from Chinese students and
interpreted
what
they
thought the message was.
They then studied and
learned more about China.
The class made pictures
that symbolized their life in
America. The artwork was
delivered to China by way
of the Michigan State University Extension Office, which
organized the project.
AMS 5-6: Students in Mrs.
Koelbel’s and Mrs. Hughes’
Language Arts and Science
classes worked on a combined
unit with a final project
incorporating both content areas.
They each created an animal with
adaptations that could survive in
a specific region. Students then
wrote about their animal. Art teacher Mr. Brink also took
part showing how the animal and the writing could come
“alive” through art. He created his own animal, story and
finally, constructed the animal out of recycled materials.
LES • GO
AHS: The International Baccalaureate Sports, Exercise
and Health Science class traveled to Adrian College to
learn about future career
opportunities in the field
of athletics. They met
and toured the facilities
with A-C’s head athletic
trainer, Jamie Fetter. Mr.
Fetter gave the students
a “day in the life” look at
what it’s like to be an athletic trainer at the collegiate level.
Schooling, daily demands, and salary were all topics of
discussion. Students got a behind-the-scenes look at A.C.’s
training rehab rooms as well as a look at the championship
hockey facilities.
“Mini Maples Pre-school” site at Alexander Elementary
School “Mini Maples Pre-school” is an innovative classroom
designed by highly-qualified educators. Ideal for three to
five year olds, the Creative Curriculum supports ongoing
research of children’s learning and development.
M
McKinley:
Students
celebrated
graduation
last spring with an
evening commencement
where several students
addressed classmates on
their successful program
completion.
Game ticket prices
All Adult Tickets $5.00
APS Students $3.00
Non-APS Students $5.00
Senior Citizens $3.00
SEC Senior Citizen Pass - Free
Positively APS continued
AMS 7-8: Students in Mrs. Bahlau’s class created
displays as they researched
kinds of projects using different mediums. Students got to
show off some of the techniques they learned in art class,
and students, parents, grandparents and friends proudly
displayed the creations they made during the evening.
District: The annual Fine Arts Frenzy was held in
August. This year’s theme was a science-infused reader’s
theater with visual and performance arts accompaniment.
The camp culminated with a family luncheon in the
Performing Arts Center lobby and performance on the
AHS stage.
the Holocaust. They used
various ways to tell the story
of the event’s historical
significance. These two
displays depict concentration camps and on the right,
a picture book of the Diary of Ann Frank. Some class
members were able
to visit the Holocaust
Museum in Dearborn
to further study its
place in history.
Michener: Families
enjoyed a make and
take art night with all
APS to develop K-12 STEM initiative
providing science experiences for all
T
he district has designated a person to overseean
initiative that will create a comprehensive Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
program K-12, one that will emulate the “Arts for All”
philosophy at APS.
Derrick Richards, McKinley Alternative Education
Program Director, steps into this role, and will begin with
an assessment of the STEM programs already in place in the
district. He is also consulting with the LISD, area science and
technology businesses and AHS Alumni who have made their
careers in the STEM fields.
The district’s ultimate goal is to have outside the
classroom experiences for all students, similar to what
has been developed in the APS “Arts for All” program. In
that program, students are able to experience professional
performances at the Croswell and Adrian Symphony
Orchestra as well as museum trips during their time at Adrian
Schools.
APS has many existing STEM programs occurring,
such as Project Lead the Way, science camps and clubs. Mr.
Richards’ first focus will be to identify successful experiences
within STEM and explore what partnerships are available
in the community and through alumni to give students reallife experiences in career
fields.
D e v e l o p i n g
internships, exposure
to careers, college
connections and a lecture
series are just some of the
potential components of
the program. Structured
competitions such as
robotics and engineering
builds are also being
considered.
The Adrian Schools AMS 7-8 students have a Rocket
Educational Foundation Club that meets during lunchtime.
will work to obtain funding for this initiative as well as
make connections with alumni in the sciences. Elizabeth
Hutt-Pollard ‘84, welcomed students to her San Francisco
firm in 2013 where they spent time sequencing DNA and
learning about the impact of life science and technology on
cancer and other disease research. She hopes to repeat that
experience in the future.
Alumni and STEM career employers are encouraged to
contact the Foundation, 517/263-2911, to help support this
initiative for our students.
2015-16 ASEF mini-grants support a range of programs!
The Adrian Schools Educational Foundation awarded $51,759 in general classroom and fine arts department grants
this year to APS’s staff and students. With these awards, more than $640,000 in grants, library books and services
have been provided to the district to expand the educational experiences for Adrian’s students.
Site
Teacher
Project Amount
Alexander........ Sabbadini & Vansickle..........Technology Matters............................... 500
Alexander........ Darren LaGore......................Chrome Books...................................... 500
Alexander........ Jamie Rorick.........................Collaboration and Differentiation........... 500
Alexander........ Gonzalez & Wilson...............Kindergarten Connections...................1000
Alexander........ Tracey Gaonzalez.................Beginning Bloggers............................... 320
AMS 5-6.......... Angela Frank.........................So You Think You Want A Job?............ 500
AMS 5-6.......... Gunner & Morin Perez..........Reading & Vocabulary A-Z . ..................275
AMS 5-6.......... Maricela Barrios-Alvarez.......iPad....................................................... 450
AMS 5-6.......... Kathy Hemphill......................About Me............................................... 337
AMS 5-6.......... Kathleen Kessler...................Instruction MOBView............................. 500
AMS 5-6.......... Mandi Esparza......................How Can I Make a Difference............... 464
AMS 7-8........... Denee Hartung.....................Rocket Lunch Club................................ 450
AMS 7-8........... Andrea Morin Perez..............Language Learning and Fluency.......... 500
AMS 7-8........... Amy Bahlau...........................Earth Science Hidden Lake Gardens... 500
AMS 7-8........... Sandi Humphries..................Young Authors....................................... 500
District............. Lauren Gunner......................Extended Learning...............................1000
Lincoln............. Ann Smart.............................Family Maker Night..............................1000
Lincoln............. Chenevey & Huggins............Classroom Maker Space....................... 500
Lincoln............. Natasha Wetzel.....................Reaching Readers With STEM..............418
Lincoln............. Kristin Horky.........................Math Center Materials........................... 350
Michener.......... Tracey DeMeritt.....................Chrome Books...................................... 500
Michener.......... Lisa Overton.........................Books, Books, Books............................ 273
Michener.......... Deb Risner............................Non-Fiction Guided Reading................1000
Prairie.............. Diana Forester......................Classroom Computer Center................ 500
Prairie.............. Sarah Holtz...........................Classroom Computer Center................ 500
Prairie.............. Stacy Arnold.........................Interactive Listening Center.................. 500
Prairie.............. Cindy Marcum.......................Family Literacy Night............................1000
Prairie.............Susan Vellanti.................... Classroom Computer Center..............500
Senior High.....Marie Lucius....................... Plagiarism Education/ Prevention.......280
Senior High...... Lucius & Evans.....................Math Olympics.....................................1000
Senior High...... Michael Graham....................Bongo Boards........................................479
Senior High...... DeLosSantos Team...............Math on a Roll......................................1000
Senior High...... Kristin Vespa.........................Fitnessgram Testing.............................. 599
Arts Endowment
The ASEF Arts Endowment will award $33,065 in grants this year, some listed below.
School
Teacher
Project
AMS 5-6...............Michael Brink................................ Adventure in Painting with Acrylics
AMS 5-6...............Lorri Witenkeller................................. World Musics (Mariachi Music)
AMS 5-6...............Lorri Wittenkeller...................... String Instruments--Inside the Scoop
AMS 7-8................Lorri Wittenkellar............ Music Experiences of the Music Classroom
District..................Annie Howard........................................................ APS, Meet Wyland
District..................Julie Dolan............................................................ASO Pops Concert
District..................Julie Dolan........................................................................Dance Club
District..................Julie Dolan...................................................Early Grades to Croswell
District..................Julie Dolan.......................... ASO Young Peoples Concert Storybook
District..................Julie Dolan...............................ASO Young Peoples Concert Link Up
District..................Julie Dolan............................ Arts Faculty Professional Development
Lincoln..................Ann Smart................................................STEAM & Technology Club
Michener...............Wynne Marsh......Wireless Sound System for Michener Music Room
AHS......................Dan Kesterke........................................................ APS Music Festival
Projects also receiving
funding from the Arts
Endowment are:
• A supply stipend for APS
visual arts teachers.
• A visit to the Toledo
Museum of Art for all
third grade students.
2015-16 District Calendar*
September
1
Teacher First Day
2
Teacher Second Day
3 Teacher Third Day
8
First Day of School for students K-12 - Full Day
October
7
Count Day
15
Teacher-Mentor/Alumni Awards Night
16
Homecoming
Early Release for grades 9-12 at 12:30 pm
20-21 7-12 Parent/Teacher Conferences – Evening
November
24
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 Students dismissed PM
K-12 District Professional Development PM
25
7-12 Exams AM K-12 students dismissed PM
K-12 Records PM
End of 1st Trimester K-12
26-27 No school for Students/Staff - Thanksgiving
December
9-10 K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences - Evening
18
Winter Break begins at close of school day
January
4
School resumes for Staff/Students
18
No school for Students/Staff
20-21 7-12 Parent/Teacher Conferences – Evening
February
10
Count Day
12-15 Mid-Winter Break No school for Students/Staff
March
10
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 Students dismissed PM
K-12 District Professional Development PM
11
7-12 Exams AM K-12 Students dismissed PM
K-12 Records PM
End of 2nd Trimester K-12
22-23 K-6 Parent/Teacher Conferences – Evening
25
No school for Students/Staff
April
4-8 Spring Break
Elementary Schools
Alexander.................. 520 Cherry St.................... 263-9533
Lincoln......................158 S. Scott St.................... 265-8544
Michener....................104 Dawes St.................... 263-9002
Prairie......................2568 Airport Hwy................ 265-5082
Middle Schools
Middle 5-6................ 340 E. Church St................ 265-8122
Middle 7-8..............615 Springbrook Ave............ 263-0543
Senior High
Adrian High....... 785 Riverside Ave. Ste. 3......... 263-2181
McKinley Education Center
Adult Education...... 726 Elm St........................... 263-1332
Pre-School
Head Start Offices....... 239 Cross St.................... 265-5364
11
12
May
18
26
30
June
5
7
8
School resumes
Spring MME HST Testing - Grades 9-12
Early Release at 1:30 pm
Spring Open House – 5/6
Graduating Seniors Last Day
No school for Students/Staff - Memorial Day
High School Graduation
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 students dismissed PM
K-12 Records Day PM
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 students dismissed PM - Last Student Day
K-12 Records Day PM
End of 3rd Trimester K-12
*Draft calendar, subject to change and ratification upon
completion of negotiations.
An area for “gifts of nature” in honor/memory of AHS
students, teachers or alumni is being constructed on the
west end of the high school. This will be a walking path and
seating area for students and the public. The initiative was
begun by the Class of 2014. The area is being constructed
by volunteers. Visit www.adriansef.com to make a donation
to purchase a tree or bench or to memorialize a person
with a name on a perpetual plaque. Pictured above are
members of the class of 2014 and other volunteers digging
out the walking path.
Adrian Public Schools Today
Volume 18, Issue 1 • August 2015
785 Riverside Ave, Suite 1 • Adrian, MI 49221
517 / 263-2115 Fax: 517 / 265-5381
Web site: www.theadrianmaples.com
Superintendent............................................. Robert Behnke
Chief Financial Officer................................ Kathy Westfall
Human Resources.................................. Alice Chamberlain
Board of Education Trustees
President................................................................Jed Engle
Michael Ballard
Jon Baucher
Brian Bott
Deanne Henagan
Janet McDowell
Terry Sheehan