May 2014, Touchstone Newsletter

May, 2014
Mt. Pleasant Public Schools
www.mtpleasant.edzone.net
MISSION STATEMENT
Mt. Pleasant Public Schools, together with our community,
inspires each student through exceptional educational opportunities
to become an engaged citizen in a diverse, changing world.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
May 14
2 Hr. Delayed Start Day for all
students, full day for all staff
May 17
INSPIRE – World’s Largest Recess
May 26
No School – Memorial Day
June 1
MPHS Graduation Ceremony, MPHS
Gymnasium, 1:30
June 11
K-6 full day
7-12 half day - MPHS & West Int.
Exams in a.m.; teacher prep in p.m.
June 12
K-12 half day - MPHS & West Int.
Exams in a.m.; Teacher PD in p.m.
June 13
K-12 half day – Last day of school
MPHS & West Int. Exams in a.m.
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A FEW WORDS FROM SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL PUNG
I hope this note finds everyone well and excited for the new season! I
think Spring has finally arrived. I have almost forgotten what snow looks
like and I am excited to do outside work at home! Our school year seems
like it is in hyper mode as we count down to the end. Baseball, softball,
soccer, tennis, track, and other spring sports have begun. It seems good
to have students engaged in these outdoor activities again.
You will soon see some different folks mowing our grass and trimming.
We have chosen to hire a private firm to do that work for us. We went
out for bids and compared this to our cost and decided to go with a local
firm for a two year contract. This will allow our maintenance department to concentrate on
work that has been suffering as a result of no available hours. We will be looking at doing
some preventive work in our buildings over the summer with the hours that were previously
spent cutting grass.
Our building administrators and staff have been busy working with John Hartwig, our state
consultant, to learn to manage our test data and use it to help our students improve. We are
working toward a long range plan for student achievement that fits within our District Strategic
Plan. Each building team is being trained and our consultant is helping staff to develop their
lessons based on the formative assessment data from each student. This will be managed within
our data warehouse and will follow each student through the school system from year to year.
This is a complete change in standardization of how we use our data in the district. The entire
process will take some time, but I am confident the results will be worth the work!
I would like to congratulate our graduating class of 2014 and wish you the best of luck in your
pursuit for happiness. I look forward to congratulating each and every one of your as you walk
across the stage on June 1st!
Also, at the end of this school year we will be saying goodbye to a few of our staff members. I
want to thank those of you who are retiring for your dedication to our students and your
commitment to the district. You will be missed!
To our students, parent and community, I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing summer!
Go Oilers!
Michael H. Pung
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MT. PLEASANT PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD
Change is inevitable. It is the one constant in life. In my time on
the Mt. Pleasant School Board I have always tried to keep an
open mind and continue to look for better ways to educate our
students.
With that in mind, we have recently begun exploring the idea of
creating a year-round school on a test basis. Please understand
that this would involve just one elementary school, and it would
give parents the CHOICE of trying the concept or continuing
with our traditional calendar. The earliest this could be offered
would be the 2015-16 school year.
Kids in year-round schools attend classes for anywhere from six to nine weeks in a row,
broken up by two- to four-week vacations. That, say some educators, keeps the
learning process ongoing with minimal disruption. A Duke University study even
suggested kids attending year-round schools are at a slight advantage, because they
don't forget what they learned during the long summer break. The concept also has
disadvantages that must also be considered.
Please understand that every aspect of the issue will be considered before a decision is
made, and your input is an essential part of the process!
Regards,
Don Chiodo
MPPS School Board Trustee
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News from the Human Resources Department
Please join us in welcoming Tammy Carrier to the HR Department! Tammy is our
new Human Resources Specialist. She has been with Mt. Pleasant Public Schools for
19 years in many capacities. She started as a Special Education Aide sub and has
worked in many different roles since then. Most recently, she was a secretary at
Mt. Pleasant High School. She welcomes your questions and will be happy help
anytime.
We often get questions regarding our hours. They are 7:00 - 3:30 during the
school year. Since we know that this schedule doesn’t work for everyone, just let
us know if you need an appointment outside of our regular hours. We are happy to
help!
Since our office is only staffed with two people, there will be times when both
Jennifer and Tammy will need to be out of the office. To assist you, we have
installed an HR drop box outside of the office for your convenience. This box locks
and will only be accessed by the HR Dept. Please feel free to leave forms and
messages. We appreciate your busy schedule and want to be as user friendly as
possible.
Coming to HR soon:
**Staff accessible employee pictures! (Easier to put a name with a face.) 
**New on-line employee application program!
Please let us know how we can help you! Hope to see you soon!
Tammy & Jennifer
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MPPS KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP
Going to school is an important event in the life of a child. There is much to see, do and experience. The early
childhood school experiences shape a child’s attitude toward school and learning.
Mt. Pleasant Public Schools offer a choice for incoming students. Parents may request that their child be placed
in either the Developmental Kindergarten or Kindergarten program. Priority for Developmental Kindergarten
will be given to students with birthdays between July 1, 2009, and December 1, 2009.
Do you or someone you know have a child that will be five years of age by October 1, 2014? If so, it’s time to
get scheduled for kindergarten in the fall. The State of Michigan also allows admittance to DK/Kindergarten
with a “waiver” if your child’s birth date falls between October 2 and December 1, 2009.
During round-up, parents attend an information meeting conducted by the building principals and other school
personnel. Children are divided up into groups and are in actual kindergarten classrooms under direct
supervision of current kindergarten teachers and aides. While in this setting, each student is given a brief
assessment to gain general information that will assist the buildings with class placement. Students also have a
speech and language screening performed by the technicians from our school district.
At the conclusion of the round-up, students receive a special bag of “fun stuff” to work on over the summer, a
free book from the Mt. Pleasant Education Association, and have the opportunity to take a quick bus ride.
Round-ups have already been held at Ganiard, Pullen and Vowles. There are still three (3) more opportunities
to bring your child to round-up. Future dates are: May 8 at Ganiard; May 15 at Vowles and May 20 at
Pullen. Please call 775-2302 to schedule an appointment.
This group of students attended the
April 24 round-up at Vowles
Elementary. The bus ride has clearly
been the hit of the round-ups. This
group of enthusiastic students are
waiting for their turn for a bus ride.
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PEACEMAKING AWARD CEREMONY
The weather outside of the High School Gymnasium was cold, rainy and windy on Monday, April 28,
2014, but the atmosphere inside the east side of the gymnasium was nothing but pleasant, cheery and
friendly smiles as 160 students from kindergarten through high school seniors assembled for the
Peacemaking Ceremony.
Students were greeted by members of the Peacemaking Committee and Officer Mike Williams who
ushered students to their special seats on the floor of the gym while family and friends found seats in the
bleachers to view the hour long ceremony.
The audience entered the gymnasium to the musical talents of the Mt. Pleasant High School Jazz Band,
under the direction of Mr. Matt Taton. Board President Tim Odykirk brought the ceremony together
before Miss Brogan Sprague, a Mt. Pleasant High School student, sang the National Anthem. City of
Mt. Pleasant Mayor Sharon Tilmann read the Proclamation from the City declaring April 28, 2014, as
Peacemaking Day in the City of Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Albert Kaufmann spoke on behalf of the Community
Foundation giving a background of how the Foundation became involved in promoting Peacemaking in
our district.
Peacemaking certificates and a copy of the City’s proclamation were presented to the students
nominated as they were congratulated by Superintendent Michael Pung and members of the Board of
Education; Don Chiodo, Rosa Johnson, Christine McKnight, Brandon McQueen, Sheila Murphy, Tim
Odykirk and Patty Strong.
Second grader, Emilee Wezensky is
congratulated by Superintendent Pung as she
receives her Peacemaking Certificate and the
City Proclamation.
Second graders from Pullen Elementary, Kaylyn King,
Emilee Wezensky and Jerzie Brakenberry, proudly show
off their Peacemaking Certificates
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Nutrition Club – Thank You!
Research shows students learn better when they’re well nourished. Healthy eating has been
linked to higher grades, better memory, more alertness, faster information processing, and
improved health leading to better school attendance, according to registered dietitian Elisa Zied,
author of “Feed Your Family Right”. 1
More than 350 students…more than 2500 pounds of food… and more than 250 families with
food for weekend breakfasts and lunches each time—that’s what the Mt. Pleasant Public
Schools’ Nutrition Club program provides for kindergarten through sixth grade students twice
each month.
Nutrition Club is made possible by a continuing partnership among Mt. Pleasant Public
Schools, Community Compassion Network, and generous area businesses, individuals and
organizations. This year more than 50 different sponsors helped provide meals for our students.
Contributions both large and small have helped Community Compassion Network purchase
food through Greater Lansing Food Bank; a multitude of community volunteers have packed
the bags, and teachers from the five elementary schools have assisted with distribution.
Thank you again to everyone for their continued support of Nutrition Club! This program
would not be possible without everyone’s help!
Interested in finding out more? Interested in making a donation? Interested in volunteering in
some way? Contact Kim Funnell at 989-775-2302 or kfunnell@mpps.edzone.net or Sarah
Gilbert at sarah@ccnhome.org.
1 http://www.livestrong.com/article/497063-research-on-healthy-eating-habits-student-learning/
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Student of the Month
March
Noah Humphrey
Noah was nominated Student of the Month by Mr. Driggers, instructor of
the Machine Trades Program. “Noah is an exceptional student with a
great deal of machining skill, and getting better every day.” He was
inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in February. He is
also part of the Machine Trades Planning Team preparing to go to
Chicago in September for the International Machine Trades Show.
According to Mr. Driggers, “This young man knows how to work and when to work. He is always willing to
lend a hand to teachers, staff, and other students. If I had my own business I would have hired Noah long ago.
Because of his excellent work ethic, he was recently hired through our Co-op program as a machinist at Kenny
Machining of Shepherd. Noah is a fine example of how far a student can go, if they want to learn.”
Student of the Month
April
Marissa Mullet
Marissa Mullet was nominated as Student of the Month by her teacher,
Mrs. Denise Arnold. Marissa is a senior at Mt. Pleasant High School and
a second year student of the Health Careers Program at the Mt. Pleasant
Area Technical Center. She completed her Certified Nursing Assistant
(CNA) program last year and this year is taking a deeper look at various
health career options. Marissa is always up to the challenge of learning
about new opportunities in the field and developing her skills.
Mrs. Arnold shared, “Marissa volunteers as the skill actor in the CNA
testing facility for state licensure at the Mt. Pleasant Area Technical
Center. She is always ready to lend a hand to the Level 1 students, offering advice to help them succeed in the
course. Marissa plans to further her education in the health care field.”
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Mr. Anderson’s Electronics Class get a hands-on learning experience with
J. Ranck Electric Inc.
The Mt. Pleasant Area Technical Center Electronics class took a field trip to J. Ranck Electric Inc. to participate
in a hands-on learning experience. J. Ranck is expanding renewable energy generation by constructing solar
panels. While visiting this Mt. Pleasant-based electrical and communications contractor, the students were able
to complete a safety training as well as assist with the installation of the rack and panels.
Alex Davidson, MPATC student, shared “It was a cool experience! They talked about safety and how the solar
panels power the factory.” Connor Jones said, “I enjoyed how much time we got to work on the project.”
Stacey Hughes offered, “I had a blast putting up the solar panels.” The students really enjoyed participating in
this learning opportunity. Mr. Anderson states, “J. Ranck Inc. exemplifies the collaboration between industry
and CTE programs. We are thankful for companies like J. Ranck Electric providing such an outstanding handson learning experiences for our students!”
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Mt. Pleasant BPA Students Excel in Indy!
The BPA National Leadership Conference was
held April 30 – May 4, 2014, in Indianapolis, IN.
Over 5,000 high school students from across the
country participated in over 70 business related
contests. Twenty one students from the Mt.
Pleasant Area Technical Center AM/PM chapters
competed at the BPA National Competition.
Highlights from the conference included two
teams being crowned BPA National Champions
and twelve other competitors placing as BPA
Finalists (in the top 10).
2014 MPATC/MPHS BPA National Results listed below (National Champions highlighted & bold):
Marissa Beadle
Samantha Berryhill
Jake Bigard
Kenna Boyd
Jamison Campbell
Sydney Cox
Christian Driessnack
Katie Flanagan
Abby Geisthardt
Grace Horton
Xiaoyi Huang
John McCarthy
Kyle Montgomery
Kate Odykirk
Nick Prin
Casey Purtill
Mitch Ridley
Gavin Thayer
Ishan Vashishta
Kiegan White
Michael Wyman
1st
3rd
1st
-
National Champion!
National Champion!
4th
3rd
3rd
4th
6th
1st
12th
1st
-
National Champion!
National Champion!
7th
1st
1st
1st
3rd
10th
10th
1st
3rd
5th
National Champion!
National Champion!
National Champion!
National Champion!
Economic Research - Team
Ambassador Torch Award
Global Marketing Team
Ambassador Torch Award
Ambassador Torch Award
Presentation Management - Team
Ambassador Torch Award
Insurance Concepts
Global Marketing Team
Global Marketing Team
Digital Media Production
Project Management Concepts
Ambassador Torch Award
Presentation Management - Team
Ambassador Torch Award
Prepared Speech
Economic Research - Team
Ambassador Torch Award
Insurance Concepts
Economic Research - Team
Ambassador Torch Award
Presentation Management - Team
Ambassador Torch Award
Ambassador Torch Award
Presentation Management - Team
Ambassador Torch Award
Digital Media Production
Global Marketing Team
National Merit Scholar
Ambassador Torch Award
Ambassador Torch Award
Presentation Mgt. - Individual
Ambassador Torch Award
Economic Research - Team
Advanced Accounting
Payroll Accounting
THANK YOU to all administrators, teachers, staff, community, and family members
for your support and assistance in preparing the students for the BPA National Competition!
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-Mt. Pleasant Area Technical Center BPA Advisors: Debb Leasher-Ross & Pat Onstott
Congratulations Mr. Pat Onstott
Barbara Chambers – Outstanding Advisor Award
Business Professionals of America (BPA) – Michigan Association
Pat Onstott received the Barbara Chambers Award at the State Business Professionals of America Leadership
Conference in Grand Rapids on March 22, 2014. This award recognizes outstanding advisors for their faith,
inspiration and personal exemplary service to Business Professionals of America. Mr. Onstott has been an
advisor for 10 years for the Mt. Pleasant Area Technical Center BPA chapter. Mr. Onstott was nominated by
Samantha Berryhill, senior at the Mt. Pleasant High School. Diane Benford – CTE Director stated, “Pat is
extremely well-respected by his peers and students. He is an outstanding educator and role model to high
school students. Although his expectations for his students are high, he is able to motivate them while still
making their learning experience enjoyable. The Mt. Pleasant Area Technical Center BPA chapter’s success is
in great part due to the knowledge, commitment, enthusiasm, and guidance of Mr. Pat Onstott.” Thank you and
congratulations!
EIGHTH GRADE JAZZ BAND SIZZLES AT DEBUT
The West 8th grade jazz band had its debut performance during Jazz
Night on Friday, February 28th. The ensemble is new this year,
generated out of interest for this unique American art form. Rehearsals
started in October with students coming together during third hour band.
The ensemble also rehearses once a week after school. Selections from
the evening’s show included Easy Cookin’, and other jazz favorites.
Featured soloists were Robert Alm (tenor), Blayze Courtney (trumpet),
Alan Hung (alto), Clarrissa Klein (alto), Alex Prout (drum set), Gage
Shellenbarger (trumpet), Logan Smith (tenor), and Stephaine Warner
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(alto). Heather Ellenwood, director, stated the ensemble did a fantastic job and that she’s very proud of the
group! Although there wasn’t a lot of rehearsal time the students are very dedicated and worked diligently
towards the performance. The band was joined by several high school students and special guest Mr. Matt
Taton on trombone. The group and Miss Ellenwood wish to thank the Instrumental Music Boosters for the
uncountable hours needed to organize the event. Special thanks are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Pung and Mr. and
Mrs. Okykirk who were among the attendees for the evening. Anyone interested in joining the group should
contact Miss Ellenwood. Please catch the band at the upcoming spring band concert and until then, keep
swingin’!
West Intermediate Band and String Members Receive Top Honors at Solo & Ensemble
Congratulations to the West Intermediate Band and String Solo & Ensemble Participants for their outstanding
performance at Solo and Ensemble Festival. The festival was held at West Intermediate on Saturday, April 26,
2014. Fourteen students from the 8th grade band, 11 students from the 7th grade band, and 17 students from the
strings represented West Intermediate at the festival. Students worked very hard to prepare a solo, duet, or trio
and performed for an adjudicator. After performing they received written and verbal comments as well as letter
grades in the areas of tone, intonation, rhythm, technique, and interpretation. They also received an overall
division rating for their performance. The students worked diligently to prepare for Solo and Ensemble –
coming in before or after school, practicing during lunch, and holding extra practice sessions in their homes.
Many students also went above and beyond the level of expectation by participating in multiple events!
Overall, there were 25 events that performed from West Intermediate. Of the 25 events, 20 received a first
division rating and 5 received a second division rating. Band participants were: Robert Alm, Amber Brough,
Sam Desjardins, Teresa Flohr, Addison Goecker, Lauren Horning, Abi Jensen, Clarrissa Klein, Mara Leak,
Chloe McKinley, Alisha Melcher, Gabby Phillips, Hilary Prout, Lily Reimer, Kylin Sprague, Amy Vandermey,
Stephanie Warner, Kaylee Warren, Anika Wiley, and Taylor Williams. String participants were: Kaitlynn
Burnham, Sana Gala, Haylee Geisthart, Madi Hansen, Chloe Huetig, Taylor Idema, Emma Lindahl, Sarah
Meadows, Amber Miller, Hanna Pelles, Molly Slusher, and Sarah Smith. Congratulations to all the students
who participated. You worked extremely hard and you should be proud of your accomplishments.
LUNCH STUDY
Crossing Cultural Borders
Illumination Lunch Study
embarked on an illuminating
trip to the Holocaust Memorial
Center in Farmington Hills.
After long lunches wrestling
with the daunting subject of
genocide in the present and not
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so distant past, participants departed West Intermediate to visit the Holocaust Memorial Center and listen to the
experiences of a Holocaust survivor. Participants left with the poignant message in our hearts and on our tshirts of "Never Again," which "is a clarion call to moral action for all people, in all places, at all times; let us
write a new history for humankind," UN Secretary, General Ban Ki-moon. Upon our arrival, Ms. Fisher, our
docent, greeted us. She shared her passion for hope and humanity and her knowledge of the Holocaust with us
as we ventured through visual reminders of hate. After a sobering tour, we met Mr. George Zeff, our Holocaust
survivor. Mr. Zeff introduced himself and immediately captivated his audience with his experiences, natural
talent, and pure charismatic charm. He spoke of an eight-year-old boy, who was encased in a--disappointingly
empty--wine barrel for transport, who clung to the rope of an old water well to avoid capture, a boy who hid in a
barn, who lived in an attic, and a boy so loved by his mother.
Mr. Zeff, an entertainer extraordinaire, once
performed on the Ed Sullivan Show, but on
this day, he motivated a group of individuals
to "not forget him" or his story. After the
presentation, Mr. Zeff rendered West
students speechless with a rendition of
"Thank Heaven for Little Girls." We held
our breath and laughed while sharing in Mr.
Zeff's incredible life, and vowed to "write a
new history for humankind" through our
actions. Our visual journey can be found at
mrsroed.weebly.com under the Crossing
Cultural Borders tab.
Participants:
Joy Kriss, Lillie Reimer, Bekka Christie, Mara
Leak, Abby Jensen, Harry Fu, Devin Dysinger,
Hannah McIntosh, Sarah Zhao, Haylee Geisthardt,
Dallas McDonald, Aaric Fairchild, and Nathan Pittman
Thank you to the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe for funding this once-in-a-lifetime endeavor.
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STUDENT COUNCIL
West Intermediate 8th Grade Student Council went to work making a difference in our school and beyond.
Members began in early March making posters with uplifting and motivational quotes. Those posters now hang
on West walls as a powerful
reminder that words and
actions can make a difference.
In early
April,
council
members
reached out to
the victims of the Oso,
Washington mud slide. With
Channel One News, we see
tragedy as it unfolds; yet, we
seldom reach out to those in
need. Hugs for Hope, a new
endeavor for Student Council,
can make a difference. Council
Members invited all West
Intermediate students to
participate, receiving an
overwhelming response. West
students signed the banner, and
created inspiring cards of hope.
Two Hugs for Hope packages
were sent: Our first package
filled with blue and gold ribbons,
cards, and lots of chocolate went
to the Oso Fire Department and
first responders; our second package over
flowing with blue and gold ribbons, colorful
cards, and the banner went to the Darrington
Elementary School. Tracy Franke, the
Darrington Principal, responded by saying,
"Please extend a huge '“Thank You”' to
everyone. We truly appreciate your kind
words that you send to our community."
As we wrap up the 2013-2014 school year,
West Intermediate 8th Grade Student Council
will hold Freshmen Senate elections on May
15
8th during advisory with candidate speeches and class voting. Good luck to all candidates; you possess the
qualifications necessary to make a difference!
Thanks to you, our extended community, for your continued support.
G.I.R.L.’s Club at West Intermediate School
G.I.R.L.’s Club wrapped up our literary year, closing the covers of another fantastic journey! Throughout the
year, we made fabulous friendships, enjoyed reading a variety of novels, writing literary reviews, and sharing
our interpretations. We attended the premier of Divergent, ranting about the liberties directors take with great
books. Overall, members enjoyed the social
experience while celebrating the winter
holidays, Valentine’s Day, and every day in
between. We extend an enormous “Thank
You” to the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe
for funding this academic endeavor. Before
we depart, check out the following critiques of
our final 2014 reads:
Left: Madi Hansen, Chloe Huettig, Sarah
Zhao, Haylee Geisthardt, Abby Jensen, Allie
MacGregor, Jade Barnard, Mara leak, Lillie
Riember, Peyton Brookens, Hannah
McIntosh, Joy Kriss, Shailyn Pontiac, Bekka
Christie, Hannah Peless, Nick Huettig and Devin Dysinger
from Divergent Critique
By Hannah McIntosh
Divergent, by Veronica Roth was an incredible book. I believe the main idea of
this novel is to be the best you can be even if discouraging words surround you.
Veronica Roth did succeed in reaching her goal.
In a dystopian Chicago, there are five factions: Abnegation (The selfless),
Dauntless (The Brave), Erudite (The Intelligent), Candor (The Honest), Amity (The
Peaceful). At age 16, Beatrice is to take an aptitude test along with all the other people
her age. Beatrice’s test results come back inconclusive, which means she is divergent and must keep her
divergence a secret. Coming from Abnegation she chooses the Dauntless faction which was a surprise to
everyone causing more feuding between Erudite and Abnegation. Arriving to the Dauntless compound was not
easy and in the first stage of initiation she did poorly. Will Beatrice survive the initiation or become factionless?
Veronica Roth did appeal to me. Beatrice was not very strong or coordinated, but she was brave. Her
strength to overcome obstacles makes me like her even more. At first, I did not like that she chose Dauntless,
but I see how the Dauntless faction provided the strength to match her compassion.
I did really enjoy this novel and would recommend it to ages 13 and up. I rate Divergent a 5 out of 5
metal beans.
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Nil Critique
By Madi Hansen
Nil by Lynne Matson was a very intriguing book. I think it tells a great story that
pulls you in from the beginning. I believe that the main point in this novel is sometimes
evil things can hide behind beauty. I think that Matson succeeded in explaining this danger
through her portrayal of Nil.
Charley is a 17-year-old girl that lands on an unknown island called Nil. Nil’s
beauty takes Charley’s breath away, but she soon finds out all of Nil’s deep, dark secrets. Thad is the first
person to find her, and takes her to the city where all of the teens that washed up on Nil live. Charley learns that
on the island, you have 365 days to escape or you die. While trying to get off the island, Charley and Thad find
themselves falling hard for each other, but Thad’s time is running out.
The author did successfully appeal to me because she wrote something smart and adventurous. This
story has adventure, fear, excitement, and romance. I thought it was a great refreshing story. I have read this
genre and enjoyed reading this book. However, Thad and Charley were too much alike; they seem to have had
the same personality. Even though the plot remained logical, they fell for each other too fast.
I value Nil and would recommend it. It is exciting and full of adventure with mellow parts when needed.
Readers can anticipate a good read and cool characters. I give Nil 5 out of 5 chocolate chip cookies.
Danger Critique
Abinglynn Jensen
Dangerous, by Shannon Hale was a fabulous read. I enjoyed it from start to
finish. I liked this book because of its witty characters, entertaining plot, romance, as
well as the well-developed characters that I could relate to on a personal level. I think
the main idea of this book is to overcome your shortcomings and create your own
destiny.
Maisie Danger Brown is normal, nevertheless anything but. She goes to school,
hangs out with her friend Luther, suffers through her dad’s puns, copes with the struggle
of only having one arm, and dreams about being an astronaut someday… Then
everything changes when she finds a sweepstakes for an astronaut boot camp on the
back of a cereal box.
Hale successfully appealed to me with Dangerous! I loved the witty humor and nerdy references in this
book. I also enjoyed it because of the entertaining story. It was adventurous, exciting, and more than just your
run-of-the-mill sci-fi novel. I feel that Hale was able to weave comedy and adventure. She could create a
serious mood and still keep the reader laughing. I also liked some of the side-messages of this novel.
I loved Dangerous by Shannon Hale, and I will definitely recommend it to others for a great source of
entertainment. Again, I liked this book’s humor, the well-developed characters, the entertaining plot, and the
smidge of romance. I also appreciate Hale’s devotion to making this book as clean as possible. I would
recommend this novel to readers 12 and up. I rate Dangerous, by Shannon Hale a 5 out of 5.
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West Peace Mosaic Dedication Ceremony
Please join us on May 23, 2014 at 8:15 a.m. at
West Intermediate
440 South Bradley, Mt. Pleasant, MI
to dedicate
The West Peace Mosaic
(You can watch the short video on You Tube under the heading West Peace Project!)
We will be recognizing and honoring
The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council
and
The Board of Trustees of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation
for their generous support of the Peace Mosaic
The West Miles for Miracles Walk/Run begins at 9:00 a.m.
You are welcome to stay and participate if you can.
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GANIARD WELCOMES MRS. DeLORENZO
During Reading Month, Ganiard students were treated to a visit from Mrs. DeLorenzo, a professional
story teller from Mount Pleasant. Mrs. DeLorenzo combined her own enthusiasm with fun props and excited
student volunteers as she shared oral stories with classrooms. Following each story telling experience, Mrs.
DeLorenzo guided students as they used a variety of interactive Thinking Maps™ to organize, sort, and
sequence information from the story.
Ganiard’s Read and Feed
During “March is Reading Month” Ganiard students participated in many fun
and exciting reading activities. One of the favorite activities for both students
and families was the first annual “Read and Feed”. Students were able to invite a
parent, grandparent, or even a high school brother or sister to come in for the
event. Students and their special person got to eat lunch together and enjoy some
reading time. Teachers opened up their classrooms so that everyone could enjoy
the inside ‘picnic’ style lunch. There was a ton of excitement and smiles all over
Ganiard. The “Read and Feed” was a wonderful event that was enjoyed by over
230
special
visitors!
What a
great day
to be a
Gator!
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If you have the opportunity to walk the halls of Pullen or McGuire Elementary Schools you will
most likely find adults from our community engaged in tutoring and activities to encourage
students. Kids Hope USA is a national program that has been in existence for over 20 years
that partners one child with one adult for one hour each week during the school day. The
mentors spend the hour reading, talking, listening, and playing with their “one-and-only child”.
Together the mentor and mentee plan their time so that the child feels that they own the lesson
for the day. Mentors then help the child focus on the material provided by the teacher or work
on reading, vocabulary, spelling, or math that the mentor understands will be helpful to the
child’s academic progress. The mentor also supplements the academic work through the use of
learning games and other strategies that may be more accessible and engaging for the child.
Fourteen mentors began with Kids Hope USA in January of 2011 at Pullen School. This year
for the first time this program spilled over into McGuire as the Pullen third graders moved there
as fourth graders.
The response to Kids Hope support at these two schools has been nothing less than amazing as
90 mentors are now partnered with 90 students. Many of the mentors have been with their child
for more than just one school year. All of the mentors come from Mt. Pleasant Community
Church with a desire to help and connect with our community while hopefully changing the
lives of kids. If you ask the students involved, they often inquire why the mentor can’t come
every day because they enjoy the experience so much. They look forward to their time each
week and the activities that the mentors bring with them. The mentors will tell you that they get
as much out of the experience as the kids, makes this program a win-win for everyone!
McGuire Elementary School Receives “Books for Schools” Award!
Joey Shirely, an executive team leader at the Mt. Pleasant Target (Store #0924), notified McGuire
Elementary School that they received a $500 "Books for Schools Award" in January, 2014. The
Target staff voted on and selected McGuire from four eligible schools in the district. The award
allowed the school to purchase books for their library from Firstbooks…a website that offers high
quality children’s books at a greatly reduced price making the $500 award go even further. The
books arrived last week and our librarian aide, Jim Sunderland, has been busy cataloging the books
for inclusion in our library and classroom libraries.
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Students from Ms. Sheahan-Stahl’s class along with Mr. Sunderland proudly show off our new
collection of library books!
BLAST OFF WITH A GOOD BOOK AT PULLEN SCHOOL
Students at Pullen School celebrated March is Reading Month with an outer space theme this
year! Our halls were decorated with astronauts, martians, rockets, and stars as we transformed
from Pullen School into Planet Pullen. We had a kick off assembly in the beginning of March to
motivate students and share all of the exciting events that were to take place. There were 180
guest readers in our classrooms throughout the month of March and 148 students who met
their reading goal for 3 weeks got to have ice cream with an astronaut at the end of the month.
Our students also participated in D.E.A.R. Time (Drop Everything and Read) in which they
received outer space bookmarks and also had munchies delivered by martians! Students loved
blasting off with good books throughout the month of March at Planet Pullen!
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Students participating in D.E.A.R. Time (left) had munchies delivered by martian teachers
(right)!
SOCIAL STUDIES ARTICLES ON DISPLAY AT CITY HALL
Pullen’s 2nd graders are proud of our community! And they will tell you all about it in their writing project that
was on display at City Hall. The project is a compilation of 2nd grade Social Studies outcomes relating to
community, writing standards related to opinion writing, and the reading anthology theme “Around the Town”.
In this unit of study, students learned about wants versus needs and goods versus services. Each student then
selected a local business that he/she thought made “Mt. Pleasant a pleasant place to live”. Students wrote an
opinion piece about their selected business giving 2-3 supporting reasons as to why it helps to make Mt.
Pleasant so pleasant. The 2nd grade teachers felt the community should see how much it is appreciated and
decided to seek a place to display the student work. City Hall seemed the ideal location! With the help of
Heather Smith in the City Manager’s office, the writing projects were displayed in the Chamber Meeting Room
at City Hall through April 25th. The students all agree, “Mt. Pleasant is a pleasant place to live.”
Pullen Second Grade Teachers
From left to right: Michelle Rupe, Judy Baker, Andrea Bowen, and Tanya Bork
Pullen 2nd graders writing projects were displayed at City Hall.
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This banner was displayed on a fence by the Pullen School playground. Students tied a ribbon to
the fence for each hour they read at home. By the end of the month, there were 1,398 ribbons
tied to the fence!
PULLEN HAS TALENT
On Thursday, April 10th, Pullen enjoyed its annual Talent Show. The show took place in the High School
auditorium, and was filled with a great variety of entertainment.
Performances ranged from dancing and singing to poetry reading and acting. Hosts Lilly Chiodini and Jackson
Connors, who were dressed in the finest attire, were stunning and hilarious! The grand finale featured a group
of Pullen Staff, who danced along to the song “Happy” from “Despicable Me 2.” A great evening was enjoyed
by all!
Pullen Talent Show participants included (in order of appearance)
Madason Fisher, Hope Stevens, Julez Wilson
Madigan and Caden Anderson, Kaylee and Brooklynn Neff
Courtney Hitpas, Anna Mozurkewich
Emilee Wezensky, Kara Skonieczny, Kaylyn King
Daniel House, Elizabeth Pamp, Lillie Laney, Izzy House
Katy Zimmer, Serina Theisen, Sedona Thayer
Natalie King, Victoria Smith, Raynee Richards
Jerzie Brakenberry, Jeremiah Toney, Logan Zeneberg
Aaliyah Mena, Jaydin Ruhle, Isaac Finch, Nevaeh Flory
Joe Melinowski, Dominik Finney, Ava Elliott
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Lillie Laney and Izzy House
Hosts Jackson Connors and Lilly Chiodi
Vowles School Carnival
Vowles had their annual carnival on Friday, April 14th. Fun was had by all! The carnival consisted of all games
and prizes imaginable such as: face painting, cup stacking, WII dancing, fortune telling, minute to win it, ring
toss and many more exciting activities. Vowles students, siblings and family friends enjoyed earning prizes all
night. The event was made possible by the Vowles PTO, teachers, numerous CMU volunteer groups and
volunteers from MPPS-HS Key Club.
Tuba Tales Assembly
Vowles students enjoyed the Tuba Tales assembly during the month of
April. The Tuba Tales performance was an enthusiastic program
focusing on story telling and creativity using big books, props and
music!
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Vowles Family: We Are a Rainbow
On April 14th, Vowles Elementary School kicked off Autism Awareness month with an all school
assembly. With the help of our music teacher, Nicki Taylor, the whole school sang, We Are a Rainbow with
lyrics such as “People with Autism need our help, It’s time to understand. Let’s celebrate our differences and
give a helping hand. The fourth grade Peer to Peer groups in Mrs. Wilson’s and Mrs. Ouellette’s class as well as
Mrs. Ervin’s first grade class have already been giving their helping hands to fellow peers on the Autism
spectrum that need a little extra help in class and on the playground. Fourth grade Peer Buddies, Mrs. Allen
(resource room teacher) and 1st grade teacher Mrs. Ervin, helped raise money for Peer to Peer to support
activities and materials by having a bake and craft sale. Throughout the month, activities and materials, such
as Autism/Aspergers books, video clips and sensitivity lessons will be made available to help students become
more aware. The crafts were made by peers and support staff and many parents and teachers contributed
baked items for the sale. If you happen to be at Vowles, look at students’ lockers to see what kind deeds
students are being recognized for doing in The Many Ways I Care activity.
Mrs. Ervin’s First Grade Peer to Peer Classroom
Mrs. Ouellette’s Fourth Grade Peer to Peer Group
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We Love
You to
Pieces!!
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