FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT...SCOTT KARAPTIAN, PH.D.

“Where Everybody is

Somebody!”

Dr. Scott Karaptian, Superintendent Mrs. Lisa Wagner, Assistant Principal

600 Park St.

Pentwater, MI 49449 231.869.4100

www.pentwaterschools.net

A publication of Pentwater Public Schools November 2018

OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES EACH CHILD TO SUCCEED BOTH ACADEMICALLY AND SOCIALLY AS A MEMBER OF THEIR COMMUNITY

I think it is safe to say that summer is over and we are well into the fall season and winter is poking its head around the corner as I see the first snowfall from my office window. This has been a very unusual start to our school year due to the storms the week before school began, causing many power outages for days. We unfortunately were not able to host our annual open house which is important and very informative for students and families. However, it has been a decent start to the school year even with our “glitches” and this is due to the remarkable staff that we have here at Pentwater Public Schools as well as the amazing support from our community! I wish to thank everyone for all of the hard work, effort, dedication and support that we have received to make the start of the 2018/2019 a memorable one. We could not be the wonderful district that we are without everyone working together! We had an amazing and very successful Red Ribbon Week celebrated the week of October 29—November 2. Mrs. Erika Fatura and her students were able to provide amazing and dynamic speakers opening on Monday with Mr. Nick Scott. Mr. Scott is a professional bodybuilder and motivational speaker who has overcome some enormous obstacles during his years as a high school student. He was in a horrific car accident resulting in him being in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life but this did not hold him back from achieving success. On Wednesday and Friday, the speakers were incredibly powerful, sharing their addiction stories with our students. Our students were very respectful and attentive and we appreciate how well they received these life changing messages. One of the concerns that I have as your Superintendent is the popularity of vaping (E-cigarettes) in our young people. Vaping is happening in our school and in schools across the country. I want families to know this and help support us in combatting this habit that our students are experimenting with. Vaping is not a safe habit, it is dangerous and addictive. Please help us put an end to the vaping craze, talk to your students! For more information on this, you may google, “CNN vaping epidemic”. On November 9, 2018, our Student Council hosted, once again, our Veteran’s Day assembly to recognize and pay tribute to our area veterans and their families in an exceptional ceremony with poetry, musical and dance selections choreographed by our students. After the ceremony, our veterans and families were invited to attend a light brunch served by our students to say, “Thank you!”. In athletics, our varsity volleyball team had an amazing season with a record of 34-4-2. They captured the MHSAA Class D District title for the 6th year in a row and advanced to regional competition, which was held at Bear Lake. Unfortunately, they were unable to advance out of the region, but we are incredibly proud of them and their success.

- Dr. Scott Karaptian

HOMECOMING 2018 Homecoming 2018 will be celebrated during the week of December 3, 2018—December 7, 2018. Homecoming week will be celebrated a bit earlier in the basketball season. Come celebrate with us as we look forward to a great Pentwater Falcon basketball season! CONGRATULATIONS Our varsity volleyball team won the conference championship as well as the district championship for 2018/2019. This is the 6th year in a row for our girls winning the district championship Our varsity volleyball team is coached by Mrs. Kerry Newberg.

Team members include Breanna Voorheis, Mikaylyn Kenney, Justine Murphy, Jhordan Miller-Rowe, Makaylah Cornelisse, Cienna Ruggles, Terra Cluchey, and Senior Julia Hall! Congratulations, ladies!

The community is invited to Dr. K’s Community Coffee & Conversation gatherings to give parents and the community an opportunity to sit down with Dr. Karaptian and hear about all of the great things that are happening at Pentwater Public Schools as well as answer any questions. The next gather-ing will take place on Wednesday, 12/12/18, at 6:30 pm with other dates for the year being Thursday, 3/14/19, at 10am and Tuesday, 5/14/19, at 6:30pm. All gatherings will take place in Room #303 of the high school.

Each year, the Oceana Center Grange delivers 3rd grade students their own dictionary. We thank them for their faithful support and commitment to the students of Oceana County!

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS—MP1 4.0 PURPLE CAPS 7th Grade: MITCHELL DANIELS (4.0), AUBRIANA FOSTER (4.0), ABIGAIL HUGHES (4.0), MAYA MALBURG (4.0), ELIANA MANDARANO (4.0), JACK ROBERTS (4.0), SAMANTHA SCHAEFER (4.0), EMILY SCHWARZ (4.0), ZACHARY SCHWARZ (4.0), ABIE VANDUINEN (4.0), Ireland Breitner, Hunter Cornelisse, Keelie Fidler, Mackenna Hasil, Alivia Kolenda, Michael Quinteros, Izabella Shelton-Hester 8th Grade: EVALENA JERUZAL (4.0), Jacob Arnouts, Jennifer Costilla, James Davis, Madelyn Green, Matthew Green, Crystie Koehl, Andrew Kolenda, Owen McTiernan, Gavino Olivarez, Elijah Powers, Daria Reitsma, Jocelyn Richison, Marissa Sayles, Michael Sproul, Grace Stoneman, Alexandra Swanger, Anna VanDuinen 9th Grade: HAIDYN ADAMS (4.0), NICOLE DANIELS (4.0), BAILEE HASIL (4.0), MIKAYLYN KENNEY (4.0), BRANDON MACHER (4.0), SHANE ROBERTS (4.0), ALEXIS SETTLER (4.0), AIDEN SHOTWELL (4.0), Crysta Cluchey, Kylee Douglas, Cole Edgcomb, Reydyn Hugo, Aubrey Macintosh, Emma Oliphant, Tyler Plummer-Eisenlohr, Haley Powers, Jack Stoneman, Breanna Voorheis 10th Grade: SHELBY BROWN (4.0), DELANEY BRYCE (4.0), ALEXANDRIA DRECHEN (4.0), BARBARA GRONDSMA (4.0), JUSTINE MURPHY (4.0), GRACE POWERS (4.0), JOHNATHON VANDUINEN (4.0), Elizabeth Arnouts, Jordan Bales, Blake Bringedahl, Dean Bromley, Ally Bruursema, Pat Combs, Khole Hofmann, Robert Klein, Kathrine Linley, Jhordan Miller-Rowe, Lucas Quinteros, Ethan Wilkinson 11th Grade: MACKENZIE BREITNER (4.0), TERRA CLUCHEY (4.0), JULIEN NYBERG (4.0), Jaxon Anderson, Seth Davila, Hanna Hartline, Mika Hugo, Kyle James, Mitchael Kenney, Will Kolenda, Gannon McDonough, Cienna Ruggles, Emme Tarnowski 12th Grade: STEPHEN BOYKO (4.0), JULIA HALL (4.0), AUSTIN HOFMANN (4.0), GLENN MILLER (4.0), TAYLOR RUGGLES (4.0), MAX STONEMAN (4.0), JUSTICE VERSCHUEREN (4.0), MADELINE WAGNER (4.0), Franklyn Adams, Hannah Gebhart, Meagan Grondsma, Kalana Hofmann, Seth Matulis, Madeline Reitsma, Jacob Veine

RED RIBBON WEEK 2018 Red Ribbon Week was held during the week of October 29—November 2, 2018. This annual celebration has become the catalyst to highlight intolerance for drugs in our schools, work places and communities. During this week, more than 80 mil-lion young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug free life by wearing or displaying the Red Ribbon. There were many fun and informative activities throughout the week. Each day there was a theme for dressing up, Monday (wear red) - REDy to live a drug free life”; Tuesday (wear pajamas) - “Follow your dreams! Don’t do drugs!”; Wednesday (wear Halloween costumes) - “Say boo to drugs”; Thursday (wear mismatched clothes) - “Don’t let drugs mix you up!”; and, Friday (wear sportswear) - “Team up against drugs”. There were inspirational speakers and educational games and activities throughout the week. We thank the PTCO and Service Club for sponsoring activities for Red Ribbon Week! One of the keynote speakers was Mr. Nick Scott, Wheelchair Bodybuilding. He shared his incredible life journey with our students. Pictured Right: Nick Scott and Junior Terra Cluchey

VAPING/E-CIGARETTE EDUCATION Use of E-cigarettes higher among high school students than adults

E-cigarettes come in many shapes/sizes, some resembling everyday items

E-cigarettes most commonly used form of tobacco among JH/HS students

Nicotine found in e-cigarettes is ADDICTIVE

Most of them contain nicotine; a young person’s brain is still developing into their 20’s and use in teen years is harmful to the brain

Teens wrongly believe that vaping is safe; manufacturers lie and state that their product is nicotine-free, when in fact they are not

Target teens by offering large variety of flavors (7,000+)

Used without detection and with no signs of intoxication

1/3 of 12th grade students have used a vaping device in the past year

** National Child Safety Council

THE GREAT BIG CRUNCH The Great Big Crunch is a statewide celebration of Michigan apples counting the number of people that are biting into a Michigan apple at the same time. Pentwater Public Schools participated on 10/23/18, at 1:21pm, where staff and students took their first crunch of an apple. By participating in this event, we are supporting Michigan farmers, which, in turn, support Michigan’s economy. It also promotes healthy eating choices and fosters school spirit. We thank our food service department for coordinating this event.

MICHIGAN LOTTERY EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD Science teacher, Erika Fatura, has been awarded the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education Award. Mrs. Fatura is one of 36 teachers in the state of Michigan to receive this award. Teachers receiving this award are nominated by people from the community through an online nomination process through the Michigan lottery. Selected educators receive $1,500 cash prize, $500 grant for the educator’s classroom, school or school district and they get to be featured during a WXYZ broadcast! In addition, all Excellence in Education award winners will automatically be considered for the Michigan Lottery’s Educator of the Year Award and a grand prize of $10,000. Nominees demonstrate the following quality: Excellence—Their work consistently helps students and/or their schools or school districts advance to higher levels of academic achievement; Dedication—They consistently go above and beyond expectations to help students succeed; Inspiration—Their work inspires others around them to exceed expectations either academically or professionally; Leadership—They demonstrate clear leadership skills in their positions with their schools or school districts; and, Effectiveness—The nominee’s work has clear and positive results on the educational advancement of students within the school or district. Mrs. Fatura, along with our other outstanding staff, demonstrates these qualities everyday! Congratulations!

Honoring Our Veterans Student Council and students honoring our area veterans on Friday, 11/9/18

Area veterans and their spouses were honored on Friday, 11/9/18, with a program hosted by our HS Student Council. This inspirational program is well attended and much anticipated each year. The high school students plan and organize the various elements of the program, to include poetry readings as well as musical and dance performances. Our kindergarten students have the honor each year of presenting the American flag to open the poignant program. “God Bless The USA” by Lee Greenwood is sung by our Kindergarten thru 6th grade students. Our band, under the direction of Hilary Hunsberger, perform, “Salute to America’s Finest” and each veteran is asked to stand when their military branch song is played to be recognized with applause by those in attendance. A dance, “American Trilogy” was performed by a group of dance students as well as students citing numerous stirring poetry readings. The ceremony culminates in a breakfast served by students for veterans and their spouses. We thank all of our veterans and families for the sacrifices made for FREEDOM!

FOOD SERVICE UPDATE Pentwater Public Schools is excited about our partnership with Chartwells K12 and Hart Public Schools for our food service program. Director of Dining Services, Caryn Elam, has made the transition a smooth and yummy experience. We feel confident that your student/s will find our food selection choices delicious and nutritious. If you have not completed a food service application, please refer to our website, the federal income guidelines are very generous and many may qualify that have not completed

applications in the past.

Postal Patron

WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULES—Larry Brown, A.D. **Dates/Times are subject to change, please refer to website for up-to-date schedule info.

JV/Varsity Boys Basketball JH Boys Basketball 11/16 Scrimmage @ Shelby 6pm 11/3 Scrimmage @ Brethren 10am 11/30 Baldwin Home 6pm 11/5 Walkerville Home 5:30pm 12/5 Walkerville Away 6pm 11/7 Brethren Away 5:30pm 12/7 Brethren Home 6pm (HOMECOMING) 11/12 Marion Away 5pm 12/12 Marion Home 6pm 11/14 Bear Lake Home 5:30pm 12/14 Bear Lake Away 6pm 11/17 MCE Home 9am 12/20 BRCCA Home 5:30pm 11/19 Manistee CC Away 5:30pm 1/4 Manistee CC Home 6pm (7th Grade Only) 1/7 Hart Away 6pm 11/26 BRCCA Home 5:30pm 1/11 MCE Home 6pm 11/28 Mesick Away 5:30pm 1/14 Hesperia Home 5:30pm 12/3 Baldwin Home 5:30pm 1/18 Mesick Away 6pm 12/5 WMD Conf Trny @ Baldwin 1/22 Baldwin Away 6pm 12/8 WMD Conf Trny @ Baldwin 9a 1/24 Walkerville Home 6pm 1/31 Brethren Away 6pm 2/5 Marion Away 6pm 2/9 Bear Lake Home 6pm 2/12 BRCCA Away 7pm (JV ONLY) 2/14 Manistee CC Away 6pm 2/15 BRCCA Away 7pm (VARSITY ONLY) 2/19 MCE Away 6pm 2/21 Mesick Home 6pm (SENIOR/PARENT NIGHT) JV/Varsity Girls Basketball JH Girls Basketball 11/28 Scrimmage @ Shelby 5:30pm 1/12 Scrimmage TBA 9am 12/4 Hart Home 5:30pm 1/14 Walkerville Home 5:30pm 12/6 Baldwin Home 6pm (HOMECOMING) 1/16 Brethren Away 5:30pm 12/11 Walkerville Away 6pm 1/23 Marion Away 5:30pm 12/13 Brethren Home 6pm 1/28 Bear Lake Home 5:30pm 12/18 Marion Home 6pm 1/30 BRCCA Home 5:30pm 12/20 Hesperia Away 5:30pm 2/2 MCE Away 9am 1/8 Bear Lake Away 6pm 2/4 Manistee CC Away 5:30pm 1/10 BRCCA Home 5:30pm 2/6 Mesick Away 5:30pm 1/15 Manistee CC Home 6pm 2/11 Baldwin Home 5:30pm 1/23 MCE Away 6pm 2/13 WMD Conf Trny @ MCE TBA 1/25 Mesick Home 6pm 2/16 WMD Conf Trny @ MCE 9am 1/30 Baldwin Away 6pm 2/1 Walkerville Home 6pm (PINK OUT) 2/6 Brethren Away 6pm 2/8 Marion Away 6pm 2/12 BRCCA Away 5:30pm (JV ONLY) 2/13 Bear Lake Home 6pm 2/15 BRCCA Away 5:30pm (VARSITY ONLY) 2/20 Manistee CC Away 6pm 2/22 MCE Home 6pm (SENIOR/PARENT NIGHT) 2/26 Fremont Away 4pm (JV ONLY) 2/28 Mesick Away 6pm

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PENTWATER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The PPS newsletter is published 4 times per year with printing by Hi-Lites Graphics, 1212 Locust St., Fremont, MI 49412. It is distributed to all residents of the Pentwater Public School district. Changes of address, suggestions, and questions should be sent to Toni Glover, Pentwater Public Schools, tglover@pentwater.k12.mi.us

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation or transgender identify, disability, age, religion, marital status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively), “Protected Classes”), in its programs and

activities, including employment opportunities.

Pentwater Public School 600 E. Park Street Pentwater, MI 49449 www.pentwaterschools.net PH: 231-869-4100 FX: 231-869-4535

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PAID Pentwater, MI 49449

Permit #4

Calendar December 1 Band Craft Fair (8am-3pm) 3-7 Homecoming Week 7 Students dismiss 11:30am 11 Elementary Music Winter Program (6pm) 12 Dr. K’s Community Coffee & Conversation (6:30pm) 19 Winter Band Concert (7pm) 22-1/4 Christmas Break

January 7 School resumes 16-18 Semester 1 Exams/ Students dismiss 11:30am 21 Poetry Out Loud 7pm

February 1 GBB Pink Out Game (6pm) 7 JH/HS District Band Festival Concert (7pm) 9 Snowman Scram (12pm) 15 No School 18 No School