🏆🏐 DISTRICT CHAMPS 🏐🏆 Congratulations to the PHS Volleyball team who won the district championship tonight! The Trojans defeated Otsego 3-1 last night to advance to the finals where they swept the South Haven Rams 3-0! Way to go, Trojans! 💙 PLAINWELL PRIDE 💙
Tickets are still available for our upcoming Family Hockey Night at Wings Event Center (3600 Vanrick Drive, Kalamazoo). Join us as the Kalamazoo Wings face off against the Wheeling Nailers at their Lavender Ice Game.
🗓️ Saturday, November 28
🕖 7:00 PM
ℹ️ Families can look forward to enjoying the game, a $5 concession voucher, a complimentary knit hat, and a voucher for a free game of bowling at Airway Fun Center
🎟️ Ticket Information: Adults $17 and children $13, plus FEVO fees
🚘 Transportation is not available and parking is $10 per car at the event (cash only) or $8 in advance online
🏒 For additional information or to purchase tickets, please scan the QR code or visit https://www.plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs. Please note, the deadline to purchase tickets is November 26 at midnight.
Students in Ms. Trahan's Holocaust Literature class at PHS recently had the opportunity to visit the Zekelman Holocaust Museum in Farmington Hills. During a guided tour designed to complement their studies, they deepened their understanding of the Holocaust. Students listened to a second-generation survivor, Jack Calderon, who shared his mother's (Lici) powerful story and emphasized the critical importance of standing up against injustice. It was a profoundly moving day that extended well beyond the classroom, offering numerous valuable learning experiences for the Trojans.
Plainwell Community Schools recently held its first Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisory committee meeting with industry leaders. Joining the discussion were representatives from local industries, Joe Westra from Buist Electric, Shannon Fritz from Goodwill Industries, Michelle Krcatovich from West Michigan Works!, and Marty Adams from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Together, they initiated the rollout of the new Computer Programming Academy, marking Plainwell's first in-house CTE program.
Students enrolled in computer programming at the middle or high school level can access this academy, which will offer industry certifications that enhance earning potential and adequately prepare them for college or trade school - Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders!
🎄🛍️ Looking to tackle your holiday shopping? 🛍️🎄 Join us for a Drop & Shop at our upcoming Winter Cheer Clinic for K-8th grade athletes! Hosted by PHS Cheer at the High School Gymnasium, this clinic provides participants the opportunity to learn a festive routine while enhancing their skills in stunting, tumbling, jumps, and crafts! Register now for the clinic on Saturday, December 5, from 9:00-11:00 AM. After the clinic, the athletes will present a showcase for family and friends at 11:00 AM.
The cost is $40 per athlete. Participants are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by wearing ❤️💚 festive attire or red and green gear. 💚❤️ To register, please scan the QR code to visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.
The PHS Multicultural Club students had the opportunity to attend the El Concilio Dia de Los Muertos "Day of the Dead" Celebration. They learned about Mexican culture, the traditions of Día de los Muertos, and the importance of honoring loved ones who have passed away. Students also had an awesome time trying authentic Mexican food, watching folkloric dances, and listening to community members share stories about their culture and traditions. It was a fun and educational experience that gave students a greater appreciation for Mexican culture!
🏐 Volleyball Milestone! 🏐 Congratulations to PHS Senior Avery Thorp for achieving the impressive milestone of 1,000 career kills in volleyball! Avery’s daily commitment to improvement has been essential to the varsity team's success this season. We are excited to recognize Avery for reaching this outstanding milestone - PLAINWELL PRIDE!
🚒 Learning About Fire Safety 🚒 The Kindergarten and Young 5 students from Cooper, Gilkey, and Starr had an exciting trip to Plainwell Public Safety. During their visit, they enjoyed a tour of a fire truck, had the chance to spray a fire hose, and met firefighters who taught them about the significance of fire safety. A special shoutout and THANK YOU goes out to Plainwell Public Safety for providing such a fantastic visit and an incredible learning experience for the Koalas, Geckos, and Rock Starrs! We 💙 our community!
Yesterday, students in the Middle School 8th grade Spanish classes participated in a variety of special activities to honor Día de los Muertos. They created tissue paper flowers, designed a digital ofrenda (altar) to honor a loved one, and colored marshmallow "sugar" skulls.
Additionally, they sampled Mexican candies, tried Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead), and collaborated on a Calavera (skull) poster. Each student contributed by coloring a different piece, which were then assembled together to create a beautiful collective artwork. It was a wonderful celebration, providing these Trojans with an excellent opportunity to explore and learn about a different culture.
🌊 WINTER TAC REGISTRATION 🌊 We are excited to share that registration is open for our upcoming Winter Trojan Aquatic Club (TAC) program. TAC is a competitive swim team for PCS youth ages 6-18. The TAC program has three age groups that will run from December 1-February 22 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 5:30-6:30 PM.
For more information or to register, please scan the QR code to visit plainwellschools.org/page/tac. We look forward to a great winter at the Field House Pool!
🦎 Celebrating the Geckos 🦎 A very special shout-out to the Gilkey Elementary Students and Staff members of the Month. To end the month of October, Gilkey recognized individuals who demonstrated being helpful at an awards ceremony. Congratulations to these students and staff members who received this recognition!
🎶 💙 STATE BOUND 💙🎶 Congratulations to the Trojan Marching Band for qualifying for their sixth consecutive appearance at the MCBA State Championships, after they achieved an impressive sixth-place finish in the Flight 3 competition on Saturday. The TMB entered the preliminaries ranked seventh in the state and successfully advanced to sixth place at the competition.
Next stop...the TMB will finish their season performing at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, November 7 just before noon - PLAINWELL PRIDE!
Although Halloween has come and gone, we couldn't overlook this fun Gilkey tradition. The Gecko students and staff had a fantastic time at their annual Halloween Costume Parade on Friday. Thank you to everyone who joined us along the parade route to celebrate this fun event!
👏 Next stop…STATE FINALS! 👏 The Plainwell Girls Cross Country team secured a place in next week’s MHSAA State Finals with their impressive runner-up finish at the D2 Regionals today. This marks the first time since 2019 that a girls team has qualified for the finals. The Trojans were led by Regional Champion Natalya Hoffman, who completed the Portage West course in 17:49, nearly a minute ahead of her closest competitor. Additionally, Mai Nguyen earned a medal by finishing in 5th place.
The team will head to Michigan International Speedway next Saturday to compete in the State Finals.
Congratulations and best wishes to the Trojan Girls XC Team - Molly Bruggink, Lillian Lucas, Leigha Weldon, Lillian Szatkowski, Mai Nguyen, Natalya Hoffman, and Fiona Ryan! 💙 TROJAN PRIDE! 💙
In support of ❤️ Red Ribbon Week ❤️, Middle School staff members dressed in red. This campaign for drug-use prevention serves as a reminder for students to “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.”
This year, Starr Elementary brought back their Halloween Parade! 🎃 The morning buzzed with excitement for the Rock Starrs as they had an outdoor parade for family, friends, and the school community. It was magical seeing all the unique ways the Rock Starrs showed their Halloween style. What a great way to celebrate together before the exciting Halloween weekend arrives!
Everyone enjoyed a fantastic time at 🍁 Starr Elementary's Fall Fest! 🍁 The event featured exciting games, prizes, a petting zoo, auctions, raffles, and endless fun! A heartfelt thank you to the staff and the Starr Parents Association for their hard work in creating such a wonderful experience for our students, families, and community! ⭐️
📸 Courtesy of PHS Photography Student: Joshua P
The PHS Holocaust Literature class recently had the privilege of hearing from Cary Mannaberg, the son of Holocaust survivors and the father of a Plainwell High School graduate. Throughout the trimester, the class has been reading Holocaust literature, but listening to someone whose family experienced this history brought it to life in a way that no book could. Through family photographs and personal anecdotes, Cary illustrated his family’s journey and shared their compelling stories.
Thank you, Cary, for sharing your family's narrative with us, and a special thanks to Ms. Trahan for facilitating these important discussions. Classes like this at PHS offer our students a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of our world’s history.
📣 MS/HS Competitive Cheerleading Tryouts 📣 Join the State renowned Plainwell Competitive Cheerleading program! No experience necessary!
📣 MIDDLE SCHOOL TRYOUTS (6TH-8TH GRADE)
📅 Wednesday, November 4 & Friday, November 6
🕠 5:30-7:30 PM
📍 HS Gymnasium
📣 HIGH SCHOOL TRYOUTS (9TH-12TH GRADE)
📅 Monday, November 9
🕔 5:00-8:00 PM
📍 HS Gymnasium
🖤 Wear all black!
If you are interested in attending tryouts, please sign-up using Final Forms. For questions regarding the competitive cheer program, please email kylie.cook@plainwellschools.org. GO TROJANS!
🏐 Volleyball Milestone! 🏐 Congratulations to PHS Senior Anna Overway for achieving the remarkable milestone of 1,500 career kills in volleyball! She reached this impressive achievement earlier this week during the Plainwell Tri held at the Field House.
Anna exemplifies leadership in the gym, consistently showing up every day with the determination to improve. She is an essential part of Plainwell's success and we are incredibly proud of Anna for reaching this milestone - PLAINWELL PRIDE!
