c tradition l a s o f 2 0 1 6 - martin public schools martin we support the arts, from...

Martin Public Schools Newsletter JUNE 2016 martinpublicschools.org

Community

Tradition

Excellence

Coming together for a good cause and to support one of our own

C L A S S O F 2 0 1 6 CLASS OF 2028

O.M. WORLD FINALISTS

M.I.T.E.S. STATE

CHAMPIONS

2 JUNE 2016 martinpublicschools.org

A NOTE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. HARNISH...

Meet Our 2016 Outstanding People For Education The annual Outstanding People for Education Award honors those in Allegan County that have made an impact on their educational community. Individuals can be nominated by anyone, and award recipients are chosen by a selection committee. On June 15th, the following individuals were recognized as the 2016 Outstanding People For Education for Martin Public Schools: Rosemary Andrews ~ Scott Kuykendall ~ Nikki MacVean

Thank you Rosemary, Scott, and Nikki for your selflessness, dedication and continued support of Martin Public Schools!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Administration David Harnish, Superintendent

Ph: 269-672-7194 Fax: 269-672-9263

Jr/Sr High School

David Harnish, Principal Robert VandenBerg, A.D.

Ph: 269-672-5554 Fax: 269-672-9263

Elementary

Rebecca Shuper, Principal Ph: 269-672-7253

Fax: 269-672-5138 Transportation

Deb Kraima, Supervisor Ph: 269-672-5086

Food Service

Barb Elenbaas, Director Ph: 269-672-5556

Maintenance

Keith Cormier, Supervisor Ph: 269-672-5800

Board of Education Tom McLaughlin, President Jennifer Harrison, Vice Pres. Jason Moored, Secretary Vince Tuinstra, Treasurer Rosemary Andrews, Trustee Sarah Brenner, Trustee John VandenBerg, Trustee

As superintendent, it is hard to believe that we are already through another successful school year at Martin. Our students worked diligently in academic preparation and our student-athletes finished a great spring season with track and golf state finalists. Two varsity teams received SAC sportsmanship awards. Our elementary Odyssey of the Mind team finished 15th at the World Finals out of 50 teams from around the globe. Graduation was well attended, and we wish our seniors well as they venture into post-high school opportunities as Martin Alumni.

Throughout the school year, curriculum alignment was the main focus of our teachers’ professional development. During the 2016-17 school year, teachers will continue to focus on individual student growth data, and curriculum adjustments will be made based upon data. We are moving ever closer to standards-based report cards and exploring ways to improve school-to-home communication. In the fall, we will be sending home monthly grade 7-12 newsletters highlighting classroom, office, and athletic updates. We will also establish monthly senior class meetings to ensure students are well-informed on activities and events that affect them. At Martin we support the arts, from extracurricular programs like Odyssey of the Mind to classes in art, music, and industrial arts. Art classes at Martin are second-to-none, and the students are exposed to many elements of fine arts. Music is offered to grades K-12, with instrumental music beginning in sixth grade through high school. Industrial arts at Martin includes a CTE woodworking class. Several woodworking students this year competed at the state MITES competition, and two students were awarded all-around state champions. With Mr. Williston’s retirement announcement, we are working to fill the industrial arts position with the intent to maintain our CTE status. During the past few months the Board of Education, staff, parents, and community members prioritized facility and program needs. On August 2nd, voters will be asked to vote on a district millage. Our school district currently levies 6.98 mills. For an additional 0.02 mills, bringing the total levy to 7.0, the district will be able to address the identified needs through upgraded infrastructure, increased safety and technology upgrades, and new learning programs and opportunities. Please take a look at the bond brochure with this edition of the Ship To Shore. Thank you for your continued support of Martin Public Schools as we work to make a difference in our children’s lives. GO CLIPPERS! Thanks, David

GRADUATION

3 Home of the Clippers JUNE 2016

Congratulations to the Class of 2016! Gold & Silver Cords

Gold Cords ~ Garrett Altman, Magdalena Guevara, Pamela Heijerman, Jazmin Hildebrand, Lauren Hunt, Jackie Klaasen, Jacob Reicherts, Scottie Szczepanek-Kerley, Nicolaas Tuinstra Silver Cords ~ Karlee Curry, Kurt DeMann, Garrett Dill, Jared Klaasen, Tyler Smith, Makalah Zeinstra

Valedictorian ~ Lauren Hunt

Salutatorian ~ Pamela Heijerman

ELEMENTARY NEWS


Brandon’s Buzz Principal’s Corner Mrs. Rebecca Shuper, Principal It has been another amazing year here in Martin! I have said repeatedly how much I value community and the bond that family and friends have with the school; it is so true and such a strong personal conviction for me that it has become my mantra. Brandon

Elementary lives on energy; whether it comes from the 300 students that grace our building as a second home for nine months or the adults that walk through our doors daily because they have a passion for our children and their futures. I am constantly looking for opportunities to share with our students, whether it be enhancing our building and activities, or providing them with new field trips and ideas. We owe it to our children to provide whatever we can for them, not only in experiences but as a solid foundation in character and strength. Not only will these opportunities grow our children, but we as adults benefit in this as well. We become stronger as a community and move forward with our development.

Kindergarten Celebration Mrs. Jonker and Mrs. Anderson put together a terrific presentation, filled with song and dance! We are very proud of our youngest students and look forward to watching them grow and learn over the next twelve years! The Kindergarten teachers went with a 50’s theme this year and the children showed great creativity with their song and dance.

Academic Showcase Is A Huge Success Our students and staff love to share the exciting and innovative projects that are created throughout the year. Many of our teachers have developed ideas they bring to their students year after year, while others find new and interesting ways to teach a basic component of their curriculum. Sharing this with the community emphasizes the strong belief we have in educating our children so they are prepared for a multitude of experiences in the future.


ELEMENTARY NEWS

Our Kindergarteners were invited to connect with community members to plant potatoes in the Community Garden, as well as learn about the benefits of worms. Our older students did an amazing job assisting with the initial set-up of this year’s crops and our little ones will be able to assist with the final product in the fall.

In addition to the second year of Girls on the Run, we also added Heart & Sole this year for our 6th-8th grade girls. This program promotes a healthy way of life through inspiration, showing each individual their true potential and individuality. Our girls participated in the Ottawa/Allegan 5K event on Friday, June 3, at Grand Valley State University. They should be very proud of their accomplishments and we look forward to another exciting season next year!

Field Days for Brandon Elementary were a success once again. The students participated in a variety of activities; everything from timed competitive events to sponge ball! The weather supported us and all of our activities proceeded as scheduled. A HUGE thank you goes out to Mrs. Boyle for organizing multiple days of fun, our staff for their organizational skills and participation, and our many parents that volunteered to help or just showed up to support our children. This is an exciting part of the year and it’s always better when we have community and school coming together in support of our children!

O.M. Team Competes At World Finals

Martin earned 15th place at the World Finals, held in late May at Iowa State University. There were fifty teams in their division, including opponents from the United States and foreign countries. The children performed well, and we are very proud of them!

Girls On The Run Returns For Second Year

Students Learn About Gardening

Brandon Elementary Field Days

BOND 2016



BOND 2016

Safety & Security New security camera system New card access system New lock down system Partial replacement of entry doors/frames/

hardware/glass New scroll reader for announcements Replace select concrete walks and stoops

Infrastructure Exterior masonry and fascia partial

replacement Modify grade level at north entries to avoid

flooding issues Remodel restrooms to comply with ADA Minor upgrades to Wyatt Center Add storage space Partial roof replacement Partial replacement of kitchen equipment

Energy & Operational Efficiency Upgrade plumbing, including new water heaters,

drinking fountains, sinks and hand dryers in restrooms Upgrade ventilation systems in the existing gymnasium,

locker rooms, restrooms and wood shop Upgrade HVAC systems, including new unit ventilators,

boilers and partial air conditioning for IT rooms Upgrade interior and exterior lighting, including new

efficient LED fixtures and sensors Main office renovation and addition

Site Work Parking additions and upgrades Purchase of land adjacent to the

school campus Relocated varsity baseball field Relocated varsity softball field Relocated junior varsity softball field New track (8 Lane) and field facilities Relocated football field and practice field New irrigation system at football field

Learning Environments Upgrade science rooms Upgrade band room to provide ADA access Partial furniture replacement in classrooms Partial flooring replacement in classrooms Upgrade classroom lighting, including new efficient

LED fixtures Upgrade HVAC systems in classrooms Media Center remodeling into 2 collaboration rooms New varsity gymnasium (including locker

rooms), with community walking track New wrestling room New auditorium (400 seats ) Technology

JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL


A Message From the Desk of Robert VandenBerg, A.D./Dean of Students “Behind the Scenes” Are you an avid movie watcher? Do you sit after a movie and watch the credits scroll by? If you thought about it, those Hollywood hits would be nothing without the “behind the scenes people." Martin has people that work behind the scenes that scroll by without much notice but are instrumental in making Martin a “GREAT” place for your kids. One organization that is important to the Athletic Department is the “Athletic Boosters." Their main function in many people’s eyes is to help out with athletic needs. So, what do they do? This year they provided the track team with much needed uniforms, and provided funds for new weight room equipment and other items of

need. Concession stands are stocked and ready to go at home contests by the Boosters. High school classes and organizations earn money from the Boosters by working in the concession stand in the high school. Each spring, an Athletic Booster Award is presented to a deserving male and female senior athlete who will be enrolling in college the following fall. Who keeps the school running year round? Some may say the superintendent. The answer is yes and no. There are administrative assistants, secretaries, attendance clerks, bookkeepers, counselors, and others who are working diligently in their offices making sure the school is functioning on all cylinders. This includes record-keeping of attendance and grades. Keeping the school calendar updated is one of the most challenging jobs for office personnel. Also, making sure the bills are paid keeps the school functioning. Our school counselors are available to provide a listening ear to students who need to discuss personal, academic or social issues. Another group of people often overlooked are the custodians. Can you imagine having to clean up after someone else’s mess on a daily basis? It is a testimony to this crew that the halls and classrooms of Martin Public Schools are just like the first day of school every day of the school year. They also make sure that the building temperature is constant for a comfortable learning environment. During the fall and spring, custodians spend countless hours mowing the grounds that surround the school, including the athletic fields. This is just a few of the tasks they perform for the school. One of the most difficult jobs for parents is to make lunches for their kids. For some, including me, it is an inconvenience. It is just easier to give our kids money and have them buy lunch. How many cold sack lunches and time does the food service department save us over the course of our child’s school career? Each and every day they are providing healthy, nutritional meals. Let me add that their cookies are pretty good! Support staff can be found on many different fronts assisting staff and filling in the gaps. They provide students with extra help in and out of the classroom. Monitoring hallways, entryways, and lunchrooms are also part of their behind-the-scenes tasks. One last credit goes to the bus drivers. This may be one of the most stressful jobs at the school. Each day, drivers are transporting a bus load of precious cargo to and from school while driving a vehicle that has the maneuverability of a tank. Justice has not been served by attempting to give credit to those behind the scenes at Martin Public Schools. Their importance is so much greater than the feeble job description that was given for each. All we need to do is recognize and appreciate that there are people behind the scenes that help to make Martin a “blockbuster” of a school.

Members of the Class of 2016 enjoyed one last school trip together when they ventured to Mackinac Island from May 16-18. Fun was had by all, and memories were made that they will cherish for a lifetime

Senior Class Enjoys Trip To Mackinac Congratulations

George!

Martin Public Schools would like to wish George Williston, High School Woodshop/CTE teacher, many happy years of retirement. George has worked for Martin Public Schools since 2005, and has had an astounding impact on the education of our students. We would like to thank George for his many years of service and dedication to our students, our school district, as well as our community. We will miss you George!


JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL National Honor Society Inducts New Members

On March 30th, 13 new members were inducted into the Martin High School Chapter of the National Honor Society. To be eligible to apply, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students are then selected based on the four tenets of the National Honor Society ~ scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Barb Schipper was the keynote speaker at the induction ceremony this year. Congratulations to the 2016 Chapter of the MHS National Honor Society!

Scholarship ~ Leadership ~ Service ~ Character

Martin Woodworking Students Are State Champions

The Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES) State Finals were held at the Lansing Center in May, and two Martin students were crowned state champions. Andrew Dykstra and Faith Guritz were state champions, Alexis Johnson placed first, and Scottie Szczepanek-Kerley and Jonathan Tuinstra placed second with their projects. The school hosted a reception to honor all of the state finalists, and Senator Tanya Shuitmaker and Representative Mary Whiteford were present to congratulate the students. Andrew and Faith were presented with a proclamation from the legislator for their accomplishments as state champions.

Congratulations to all of our state finalists!

8th Graders Enjoy Time On The Water

It was a beautiful day for the annual 8th grade kayak/canoe field trip on Friday, June 3rd. The 8th grade class, along with Mr. Boyd, Mrs. Monroe, Ms. Postma and Miss Schipper, ventured over to Middle Lake in Hastings where they kayaked, canoed,

and some even did a little fishing. While the staff all managed to stay dry, most of the kids found a way to “tip” over and get a little wet. It was a great way to end the middle school year for this terrific group of 8th grade students!

Martin Band Students Excel

We would like to congratulate the following students for earning medals at the MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival:

Middle School Jason Lautenschleger ~ Division I Elizabeth Nash ~ Division II Kyle Pallett ~ Division II

High School Ethan Jonker ~ Division II Ethan Jonker & Briana Balder ~ Division II

ATHLETICS


For the Varsity baseball team it was a season filled with patience, understanding, and never quitting. After the cancelation of the JV season, seventeen ball players were all vying for playing time. Patience became the key word for some of the freshmen and sophomores due to the lack of playing time. Understanding was key for the original varsity players that had to work with a new coach half-way through the season. This team never quit! Led by seniors Scotty Kerley, Garrett Dill, Caleb Hunderman, Jacob Reicherts, Garrett Altman and Tyler Smith, they set the tone for playing until the last out. Head Coach Youngblood stated he “felt privileged to have coached the players, worked alongside Coach McCarty, and to represent Martin Baseball.”

Varsity Baseball Team Plays Hard Until The Last Out Varsity Softball Team Improves Throughout Season

The main goal for the Varsity softball team was to show steady improvement from start to finish. When the JV season was canceled due to a lack of numbers, the team made strides each practice and game to become more skilled at all facets of the game. Led by seniors Karlee Curry and Jazmin Hildebrand, the team was competitive in the majority of their games and enjoyed victories throughout the season. With a thrilling one-run victory in the district semifinal game, the girls were once again poised to compete for a district championship. Though they did not emerge victorious and their season came to an end, the team did a great job of working together and playing hard until the game was over. The future looks bright for the Martin softball program.

Boys’ Co-Op Golf Team Makes Major Strides

This spring five young men from Martin joined ranks with Delton’s JV and Varsity golf teams. Team members from Martin included freshmen Damian LaFountaine, Alejandro Guevara, and Zeb Veltman, and two veteran sophomores in Drew Mason and Kevin Beaudry. Approximately fifteen golfers were attempting to be one of the six players earning a spot to play at the Varsity level. On a regular basis, Martin’s contribution to the Varsity golf team included three to four golfers in the starting line-up. During the MHSAA district meet, four of the five golfers playing were from Martin. Zeb Veltman advanced to the MHSAA regional as an individual. These kids were the last ones off the course each night after practice and could be found on the weekends playing countless hours of golf. The future is bright for the Delton-Kellogg/Martin golf co-op team.

Congratulations to the Middle School Track Team on an outstanding season!

MHSAA Cooperative Programs

Over the last couple of years it has been one of the goals of the athletic department to help increase the opportunities for athletes to participate in different sports at Martin. Running MHSAA cooperative programs with other schools like Delton-Kellogg has filled that void. At present, Martin has its own girls’ golf team, but have added a cooperative program with Delton-Kellogg in boys’ golf and just recently boys’ and girls’ soccer.

If a student in grades 6 through 12 would like more information about being part of this cooperative program, please contact the athletic office at Martin High School (269-672-5554). Boys’ soccer begins in the fall, and the first day of practice is August 10.

ATHLETICS


Varsity Track Enjoys Highlight-Filled Season The 2016 Varsity track team finished off an excellent season by placing four individuals at the state finals in five different events. Senior Jared Klaasen was the highest finisher, as he placed 3rd in the 1600m run with a time of 4:31. Jared also competed in the 800m run, posting a fine time of 2:04. This capped off a season that saw Jared win both regional and conference meets in the same events.

Also qualifying for state and placing 9th was sophomore Michael Pineda in the 300m hurdles, just one place from being all-state.

Junior Luke VanPutten vaulted 11’6” which was not quite good enough to place, but he has his sights set on improving on his regional runner-up finish and placing in the state next year. Sophomore Danica Pallett qualified for state for the second year in a row in the long jump, while also dual-sporting in softball.

The Clippers return several other key performers from this year’s team, promising a bright future for Martin track .

Congratulations to our outstanding Spring sports athletes!

TRACK

All-State Jared Klaasen

All-Region

Jared Klaasen Michael Pineda Danica Pallett Luke VanPutten

All-Conference Jared Klaasen Michael Pineda

All-Division

Logan Elkins Danica Pallett Jazmin Hildebrand Michael Pineda Jon Hopkins Canton VandenBerg Peyton Hunt Luke VanPutten Hunter Kershaw Jonah Wyche Jackie Klaasen Bryson Young Jared Klaasen

SOFTBALL

All-Division 1st Team ~ Briana Balder Jazmin Hildebrand Hon. Mention ~ Karlee Curry Hanna Dillenbeck Danica Pallet Sophia Shettler

All-District Briana Balder Hanna Dillenbeck

Jazmin Hildebrand

All-Region Jazmin Hildebrand

BASEBALL

All-Conference

1st Team ~ Garrett Dill Caleb Hunderman Hon. Mention ~ Garrett Altman Tyler Smith

All-District Garrett Dill

We would like to thank the community for its overwhelming support of our goal to “Run For Kristy” for the AAESA 5K Run/Walk in May. Martin Public Schools once again won the participation award with 138 of the 305 total participants registered for the event. This is Martin's 5th win in the last 6 years, and there is no doubt that Kristy would be extremely proud. GO CLIPPERS!

AAESA 5K Run/Walk

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID MARTIN, MI 49070

PERMIT NO. 4

MARTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of the Superintendent 1556 Chalmers St.—PO Box 241 Martin, MI 49070 Phone: 269-672-7194 BOXHOLDER— OCCUPANT

If you know of someone that is currently not receiving the Ship To Shore but would like to, or if you would no longer like to receive this newsletter, please contact Chris Blauvelt, Administrative Secretary, at (269) 672-7194 or [email protected] so that we may update our mailing list.

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Martin High School science department would like to send a huge thank you to Marshall Plastic Film for their generous donations that enabled our biology and zoology classes to enjoy a field trip to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park. This is just one of many examples of the successful relationship between our supportive local businesses and Martin Public Schools.

THANK YOU MARSHALL PLASTICS!

Congratulations to the M.E.S.S.A.G.E. Earth Day Poster Contest Winners! Martin Environmentally Sustainable Schools Action Group Elite

1st Place Aubrey Knauss

2nd Place Lilly Willmarth

3rd Place Lauren Smith

High School Students Help Beautify Our Community In mid-May, our high school students took part in a community clean-up day to make our town beautiful for the upcoming Memorial Day celebration. Students painted fire hydrants and curbs, planted flowers, pulled weeds, spruced up Geib Memorial Park, and performed many other tasks. Their team effort and hard work paid off, as the town of Martin looked wonderful for the annual Memorial Day celebration.

Thank you students!

* Doo Dah Parade ~ 9:00 * Live musical entertainment * Library program ~ 10:30-12:00 * Classic car cruise-in * Gilson Memorial dedication ~ 12:00 * Shopping district * Martin UMC BBQ ~ 4:30-7:00 * Ice cream social

c tradition l a s o f 2 0 1 6 - martin public schools martin we support the arts, from...

Documents