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The AppleseedThe Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

WWW.HUDSONVILLEPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG 616-669-1740

Dear Hudsonville Community,

On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, South Elementary was named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School (NBRS) in Washington, D.C! Representatives from South Elementary celebrated as United States Secretary of Education, Dr. John King Jr., congratulated the 329 schools from across the nation receiving this prestigious honor.

After several years of not participating in the NBRS program, the Michigan Department of Education rejoined the program in 2013, at which time it was determined that only 13 of the top public schools in the state would receive a nomination based on the following criteria:

Performance of all students and each of the school’s subgroups on state assessmentsAttendance for elementary and middle schoolsGraduation rate in high schools

As evidenced by other Hudsonville schools receiving NBRS status, this honor is a reflection of an entire district committed to providing the highest quality of education for all students. This would not be possible without incredible teachers and staff who care deeply about student success and are committed to delivering a guaranteed and viable curriculum. We believe ALL our schools are blue ribbon schools and it is an honor to have an outside organization recognize the hard work of our students, staff, and parents.

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we have launched the process of gathering data and community input to guide our long-range plan for improvement; SOAR III. Over the course of the last month, 149 randomly selected students, parents, staff, and community leaders have assisted us by participating in one of eleven focus groups. The thoughts, ideas and perceptions gathered from our focus groups will inform the development of survey questions which will be released early in 2017. The District’s long-range strategic plan will be developed using the survey data over the summer months.

A consistent, positive message from the focus groups indicated that “relationships and connections are at the heart of the culture and shared values within Hudsonville Public Schools.” This affirms the emphasis our staff places on developing authentic, caring relationships with our students and families. Students experience greater success in and out of the classroom as a result of these healthy, supportive relationships. Another common theme celebrated the incredible involvement and support of our parent community. One teacher stated, “As a teacher, it is amazing to know the vast majority of my students’ parents are at home reinforcing our work in the classroom.”Topics identified as possible areas of growth were also identified. Additional data will be gathered around the areas listed below in an effort to determine ways improve the system.

Helping parents support their children’s learningGrowing enrollment and extracurricular opportunitiesTransitions to middle school and high schoolNumber of students per classroom

Conducting focus groups not only helps determine areas of strength and improvement, but also provides an avenue to understand general perceptions, and at times, helps clear up any misconceptions. For example, for parents with students in our elementary grades, there is a perception that with growing enrollment, fewer students are involved in extracurricular activities. Parents are quite surprised to learn that 86% of our high school student body is involved in at least one extracurricular activity at Hudsonville High School (data from 2014 SOAR II survey). Recognizing the importance of student involvement, this is an area we continue to support through appropriate programming.

Through engagement in focus groups and the survey process, our students, staff, parents, and community leaders have a strong voice in setting the direction of our district. Thank you for your care and passion around celebrating our many successes and providing ideas to strengthen our system! Please be looking for the survey to be released in late January/early February.

Respectfully,

Dr. Nick Ceglarek, Superintendent

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The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

English Learner Family Night 2016

Reading, writing, and vocabulary strategies that parents can do with their students were shared at the 2nd Annual English Learner Family Night on October 6, at the Freshman Campus. The English Learner (EL) students and their families from kindergarten to 12th grade proudly represented their diverse languages and cultures. Participants enjoyed games, a photo booth, door prizes, and a free book. For more information about the EL program visit our blog.

Turkey Trot 2016! Can you say "TURKEY MON TROT?" It was incredible this year! We had great weather and a great turn out of runners and parents. Georgetown had 180 participants entered for the race. District wide we had just over 1,000 runners from all of our elementary schools. A BIG thanks to all the area businesses and PTC'S for being sponsors. We also, APPRECIATE all of our staff volunteers (over 80) who work to make this a great Hudsonville community event for our elementary students.

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The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

Walk-A-Thon Goals Are Met!

Each year elementary schools across our district hold an annual walk-a-thon to raise money to support field trips, literacy, and classroom initiatives which will help our students continue to learn at high levels.

Walkathon Success at JamestownWalkathon 2016 had unprecedented success this year at Jamestown Elementary! With the expansion into two buildings, our PTA and school staff collaborated to develop a plan that had students from both buildings walking and interacting together.

Each grade level from Jamestown Upper paired with a grade level from Jamestown Lower and students walked the path between our two buildings. We had a huge group of parents donate their time to participate as some joined in the event and others were stationed at both ends of the trail to provide snacks and water.

Excitement for the event was built by the use of multiple strategies. There was a kick-off assembly for students at both buildings. Each principal set some goals to increase student excitement and motivation. After the event, there were also two bounce houses at each school to celebrate our students’ hard work. In the end, Jamestown raised over $24,000. Mrs. DeGroot participated in the ice bucket challenge and Mr. Secor shaved his head!

Special thanks to Kellie Kidwell, who was the Walkathon chairperson, the Jamestown PTA, and our parents and staff who made it a fantastic

event! Most of all, thank you to our students for getting the donations, participating in the event, and celebrating Jamestown Elementary!

Top 10 sellers at Bauer

Alward walk-a-thon participants

Mrs. DeGroot completes the ice bucket challenge! Mr. Secor had his head shaved!

South Elementary teacher, Brad Nederveld, promised to sleep on the roof if students raised $15,000 - goal met!

Education Is Happening At The Transportation Department!

September brings excitement about the start of a new school year with cooler temperatures, pretty fall colors, and a school bus fleet that hits the road transporting students to and from school. Anticipation takes over as students wait for their bus for the first time. As the routine of the new school year takes hold, the Transportation Department continues to familiarize themselves with bus routes and students. Drivers take great pride in their job and we continually train our staff throughout the school year. Included in our most recent bus driver safety meeting, drivers received training on EpiPen's and appropriate usage of the medicine. Safety is our number one goal, and training all drivers to recognize the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic allergic reaction reinforces this goal. If your child has a severe allergy and carries an EpiPen, please contact our department at 669-7757 or email us: transportation@hpseagles.net so that we may update our records.

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The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION & INFORMATION NIGHT TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 6 P.M. - 8 P.M.

Hudsonville Public Schools offers a play-based kindergarten readiness preschool curriculum that teaches positive self-concepts, social, physical, intellectual, and emotional development, language skills, and self-expression through large and small group learning. Programs offered through Early Childhood are: • 3 & 4 Year Old Half Day Preschool (1-4 Days) • Young Fives (MWF) • 3 & 4 Year Old Full Day Preschool (w/childcare) • Before & After School Childcare • Summer Childcare • Early Childhood Special Education • Little Learners Playgroups (Free) • Speech & Language Early Intervention

• Preschool registrations for the 2017-2018 school year will be accepted at the information night. • Registration for Young Fives, Before & After School, and Summer Care will also be accepted. • Registration forms accepted that evening with a $40 registration fee per child.

For more information, please call the Early Childhood office at 616-797-0842, ext #1.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017 Hudsonville Early Childhood Center

5535 School Ave. (main entrance off of Madison Ave.)

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Hudsonville Education Foundation would like to announce the Inaugural “Eagles of Excellence Gala” which will be held October 10, 2017 at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville.

This event will be an annual event to celebrate Hudsonville students and staff members and to raise funds for the Hudsonville Education Foundation.

The mission of the Hudsonville Education Foundation is: To foster educational opportunities for Hudsonville Public School students by providing funding for resources that enhance education and encourage innovative learning.

Also, on October 10, 2017 the first inductees will be made to the Hudsonville Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Individuals considered for induction will be nominated in one of the following criteria:

Cultural/Performing, Career Accomplishments (including military), Service to Hudsonville Public Schools/Community, and Honorary Achievement/Contribution to the Hudsonville Public Schools/Community

More information will be coming on this signature event.

Save the Date!

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The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

POOL INFORMATION Classes are held at the instructional pool, patrons should park in the visitors section and check in at the main office to get into the high school. Please pay at the pool office.

Lap SwimMonday/Wednesday/Friday - 5:30 a.m. - 7 a.m. Tuesday/Thursday - 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.Saturday - 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Cost: $2.50 per person or $40 - 20 visit pass

Open SwimSaturday - 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: $2.50 per person or $8 family

Adult Water AerobicsMonday and WednesdayEach class is 55 minutes in length11 a.m. - Shallow & deep water w/lifebelts

Tuesday and Thursday7:00 p.m. - Shallow & deep water w/lifebeltsCost: First class is free! Age 60+: $2 59 & under: $4

LessonsSemi Private - December 6, 8, 13, 15 - Tu/ThSemi Private - January 10, 12, 17, 19 - Tu/Th

Visit www.hudsonvilleaquatics.com to register or for further information regarding our swim programs.

"TOGETHER WE LEARN. TOGETHER WE LEAD.”

That is the motto at Bauer Elementary School. Students are taught the Seven Habits of Happy Kids, outlined in Sean Covey’s book. The faculty is always on the lookout for students that exemplify being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, seeking first to understand prior to being understood, working in synergy with others, and balancing the responsibilities in their lives. Students are recognized with words and also by giving out “Habit Cards”, which are placed in a bin in the office. Each Monday, seven cards are drawn out as "Habit Winners". The seven students who have a card randomly drawn, lead the school in the Pledge each morning for a week. The "Habit Winners" also celebrate with a “Pastry with Principal” event on Friday morning! This time allows for the children to enjoy a treat, visit in a small group, and discuss our building-wide vocabulary word of the week.

“Hi, my name is D.C. the South School eagle mascot. I was very busy traveling around Washington DC, the beautiful capitol of the United States. I saw the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial, Capitol Building, the Bill of Rights, and I visited Arlington National Cemetery. The highlight of my trip was riding the airplane... just kidding! I mostly loved watching my friends at South receive the National Blue Ribbon Award. It was a very proud moment. Way to go South School!”

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30 SECOND TIMEOUT “THE GAME OUTSIDE

THE GAME” ~By Kevin Wolma, Athletic Director

My heart was pounding, my hands were sweating, and I found myself

wanting to pace. However, I knew my pacing would probably make him more nervous than he already was. My son had just lost three games of tennis in a row shrinking his set score to 5-4. He ended up winning the next game which ended the match. Whew! I could breath again! Why as parents do we get so caught up in our child’s performance? For some parents it is because of the time and money spent on the sport. They are looking for a return on their investment. Other parents find their child’s success as a way for their social status to increase. For me, and many other parents watching our kids struggle and fail is difficult because we love them and want the best for them. I once heard a golf parent say, “ This is the most difficult thing I have ever endured,” as he watched his daughter score a 10 on her first hole. This parent later explained that he could not fix her problem or console her emotions. This proves how powerful the emotion of sports can be.

What we do not realize is that our actions have a direct influence on how our child performs. Our kids are extremely perceptive and can be affected by our body language and verbal cues. This past fall, I witnessed an example of this at the MHSAA Golf State Finals. I observed a player who hit an errant iron shot only to see her dad raise his arms in disbelief. The same girl then missed an easy putt and while looking back saw her dad put his head down in his hands. On the next hole, after another errant shot, her dad walked away in disgust. The player continued to struggle hole after hole because she was more concerned about her dad’s body language than focusing on her game.

Another example of a parent impacting a game by their body language happened at a basketball game last winter. This dad was standing up in the bleachers pacing back and forth behind the bench as the game was coming down to the final minutes. The more he paced (there was only a handful of people behind the bench) the more the team panicked down the stretch. His nervous energy was mirrored by the girls on the court. The girls continued to make mistakes and hurried their shots. The team’s lack of poise ultimately lead to their defeat.

As we move into another season, here are a few ways we can control our body language/emotions while watching our student athlete play:

1. Proximity. Where you sit or watch a contest can have a huge influence on your body language. The further you are from the competition the easier it becomes to control you body language, and the less your child will notice you.

2. Stand or sit. Some sports you’re required to sit while other sports allow for more free movement. If you are standing, be sure to avoid pacing, because it is very distractive. Your child will sense this and you will see their anxiousness increase as your pacing increases.

3. Who are you sitting with? If you are sitting with negative people, you are also going to become negative. This negativity will be on full display for everyone to see including your child. Let the negative people sit alone.

4. Watch the team. We get so caught up with watching our own kid, we forget the success of any team is based on more than one person. If your child is involved in a team sport, spend more time watching the ball and spend less time watching your child. In individual sports (like tennis, golf, and cross country), take time to watch all the players compete. Watching other athletes can bring your focus more on the team and less on the individual. This will also bring your stress level down because you can use your nervous energy to cheer on others, rather than focusing only on your child.

Nobody ever said being a parent of an athlete is easy. Remember how much of a privilege it is to watch our sons and daughters compete on the athletic field. Time goes too fast. Before we know it, this opportunity to watch our kids will be over. Let’s all take a 30 second timeout to bring a new, fresh, and positive attitude as we watch our children participate in the sports they love.

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

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The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

S t a y C o n n e c t e d ! Become a fan of Hudsonville Public Schools on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest news and updates.fffff fffff

New Bike Path Dedicated in Jamestown

The Jamestown Community recently celebrated a new bike path. Deputy Sarah Flick, who is battling a courageous fight with cancer, was instrumental in the construction of this new path which will allow Jamestown students to both bike and walk to school. Thank you Deputy Flick, for your amazing efforts and continued service to our community!

Project Calvin For the third straight year, the first grade team at Park Elementary has decided to sponsor a boy from Africa. Calvin, is a 7 year old boy who lives in an orphanage in Ghana. With limited funding available, our classes have decided to raise money to help pay for Calvin's school tuition (about $800 per year). We started Project Calvin about three weeks ago. To date, we have already raised over $600! Isn't that amazing? We are completely blown away by the passion and kind hearts of our first graders, as well as the Hudsonville community. Park Elementary's theme for the

school year is "Our School Is Better Together". Project Calvin is just another example of what can be accomplished when we unite, as one, for the good of others. We will continue to collect donations for Project Calvin throughout the fall and winter, until we reach our goal.

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The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

“You’re Hired! The fourth graders at Jamestown had an experience unlike any other! Through a unique partnership with the Hudsonville Chamber of Commerce, students created resumes, cover letters, and practiced their interviewing skills with over twenty local businesses and organizations. This event, which was a capstone to an economics unit, provided students an opportunity to see what they learned in the classroom in a real-world situation. Students were asked interview questions by the businesses and were given a "job offer" if they interviewed well and answered vocabulary questions about economics correctly. The kids were excited to be "hired" for their first jobs and were so proud of all that they accomplished!

Thank you to the following businesses for making this experience special for our students:

RE/MAX Premier, Royal Technologies, Hudsonville Public Schools, Jet's Pizza, Love INC, L & L Tarp, Community West Credit Union, Hudsonville Jimmy Johns, Healthy Choice

Family Chiropractic, LLC, Schreur Printing & Mailing, Aim Up, MFP Automation Engineering, Primerica, Zach's Barber Shop, Grand Office Supply, Chowhound, VanDyk Mortgage, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Auto Body Xperts, Jehovah Jireh Ministries, Hudsonville Lanes, Grand River Bank, and Visser Family YMCA

Who let the Dogs Out?

Baldwin Street Middle School students have been busy learning about Michigan's Career Pathways. Recently, the 7th grade computer classes contacted local businesses and had several speakers come in and talk about their careers. The speakers ranged from Engineers, Business owners, a Doctor and a Pediatric Dentist. One speaker, Randy Adams, (pictured right) was even a retired K-9 Officer who owns his own dog training business now!

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The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

SERVANT LEADERSHIP PERSONIFIED AT HUDSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Through a unique classroom experience, Hudsonville High School students have partnered with the UGive Foundation to put theory into action. The UGive Foundation is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to community support organizations. UGive has empowered Hudsonville High School’s Leadership Academy class to help create awareness and recommend awarding monetary assistance to local area non-profit organizations.

A variety of district and building administrators engage students around twenty-six different leadership principles focused on servant leadership. A primary goal of the class is to identify and practice ways in which students can make a lasting impact within our community.

The UGive Foundation has generously donated $6,500 and empowered the students to help identify the most deserving local organizations.

“The student engagement with the process has created a culture of giving back and supporting our local community. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have been a part of in my twenty years of education.” says lead instructor and athletic director Kevin Wolma.

Reinforcing teamwork and collaboration, the class was divided into ten groups where each group selected and researched a local non-profit. Each team was tasked with identifying, interviewing, and researching the non-profit. Then, students had to synthesize the purpose, present the mission, and convince fellow classmates and a panel of judges the worthiness of their non-profit.

Morgan Renkema, a student in the Leadership Academy said, “This has been a really great opportunity for our class to grow our leadership skills, collaboration skills and our presentation skills. My group mates and I are so thankful that UGive has given us this unique opportunity”.

On November 9, representatives from the final three non-profit organizations receiving funds were in attendance to hear the final presentations and announcement of the award winners. The first place award was $5,000, and went to Team Jarod/Team Caleb, the Sanfillipo Hope Initiative. The second place award received $1,000 and was awarded to P.O.R.T. (Pediatric Oncology Resource Team of DeVos Children’s Hospital). The third place award received $500 and went to myTEAM TRIUMPH, helping individuals with disabilities through the teamwork environment of endurance athletics.

PE C.A.R.E.S. Food Drive Underway

During the month of November, the elementary schools in Hudsonville take part in our annual PE C.A.R.E.S. non-perishable food drive. Over the years, the students in our physical education classes have helped countless members of our community who have been in need. At Park Elementary with our school theme #PESbettertogether our efforts as a whole school have increased! The students at Park have discovered when we act as a large group, the difference that can be made is much larger! When we consider that all of our elementary schools in HPS are doing the same thing that we are here at Park, the difference that we can make is pretty

spectacular. The students at Park have set their goals for the food drive higher than ever before. Last year, we had a little over 2,000 items brought in. The students have set their sights on breaking that record and setting a new all-time-high. We know they will give it their all because Park kids and all of our elementary phys. ed. programs are #PESbettertogether!

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The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter December 2016/January 2017

Love of Learning Begins With a Love of Reading. Alward Elementary Fosters the Love of Both!

A love of learning begins with a love of reading, and what better place to do both than at Alward Elementary? It is no secret that the key to learning, the key to success, and the key to a future of endless possibilities is a solid foundation in reading. It is also no secret that in order to build a solid foundation for reading, you need to enjoy it. Students and families at Alward Elementary know how to enjoy reading, and Mrs. Fellows, our Librarian, and our Parent Teacher Club make it possible every day!

Each year Mrs. Fellows creates a themed atmosphere for students that grabs their interest and gets them into the library. This year the theme is pirates.

Students “Walk the Plank” to check out books, have pirate names on their check out cards, and follow the anchors to find their books. Parent Club continued the theme at our Fall Book Fair, and students followed the treasure map to the library for a room full of book treasures! To keep the treasures pouring in for themselves, and to provide “book treasure” to students less fortunate than those who attend Alward, students participated in a coin war to raise money for “One for Books.” They raised over $1,000 this year, which brought books into their own classrooms and provided books for students in communities that cannot afford this valuable resource.

Our Parent Club continued the emphasis on literacy, and promoted a walk-a-thon where students raised over $9,000. The money was used to purchase books for the library and teacher’s classrooms that support K-5 curriculum and student interest.

Recently students participated in a pumpkin decorating contest, where they depicted characters or scenes from the books that they were reading. These pumpkins decorated our library, creating an atmosphere for readers that encouraged conversations about all the good books that were read in order to create these creative pumpkins!

Come join us for some fun at Alward. Come read with us! Come learn with us!

TITLE I PARENT INFORMATION

Each year, the federal government provides funding for support services and materials for students identified as falling behind in grade level content standards and expectations. District assessment and standardized test scores are indicators of those students who would most benefit from these services. If your child has been identified for receiving the services provided in the building, you will receive a letter in the mail from your child's building principal or staff member. A plan will be put in place to assure your child will receive the appropriate support in order to achieve the academic goals of that grade level or course in the areas of reading, writing, or math. The support received may be short term or long term depending on the individual needs of each student. We believe each and every student can be successful in their academic journey if provided the right opportunities and with the help and support of parents.

As a parent of a student identified to receive support services, you are strongly encouraged to be involved in any of the planning for your child's success. On the Hudsonville Public Schools district website, you will find a tab for Title I. Under this tab, you will find our Board Policy language on Title I parent involvement and your rights as a parent to ask questions and be involved. Please contact your building principal if you would like to discuss how to be involved. Title I information meetings will be announced for you to attend in your child's building.

The Hudsonville Public Schools staff devote their time and effort to helping all students be successful. We are grateful for federal and state funding that allows us to add support services for any student falling behind. We know the power of working together as staff, students, and parents as we blend our contributions for the same common goal.Hudsonville Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:Human Resource Director, Hudsonville Public Schools, 3886 Van Buren, Hudsonville, MI 49426, (616) 669-1740