Plainwell Community Schools - Today's Learners Tomorrow's Leaders

Last Friday, the newly formed Plainwell delegation of Youth in Government participated in a training conference at KVCC, gaining valuable insights into the inner workings of state government. Through this program, students can explore their interests, including bill writing, mock trials, lobbying, and press activities. The program will culminate in a three-day conference at the Capitol in Lansing later this year, where the PHS Youth in Government students will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in various governmental roles. What a great experience for our Trojan students!

The PXC girls cross country team competed at the Wolverine Conference meet at the US131 Motorsports Parkway in Martin yesterday. Coming into the race seeded second after the regular season, the Trojan girls were led by League Champion Nya Hoffman, League Runner-up Mai Nguyen, and All-Conference runner Molly Bruggink to a second place finish in tonight’s meet. Offering HUGE support to the first three runners and helping the Trojans grab the second place finish were Fiona Ryan, Leigha Weldon, Lillian Szatkowski, and Samantha Corbin. Congratulations Trojans! Nya Hoffman becomes half of the first parent/child Wolverine Conference duo in history. Nya’s father, Nathan Hoffman, was a two time Wolverine Conference champion in the 90’s for Allegan. Pictured is (L-R) Mai Nguyen, Molly Bruggink, and Nya Hoffman

We are excited to share that registration is open for our upcoming Hoopsters Basketball program for 3rd-5th graders. Hoopsters Basketball is the official developmental league for the Plainwell Trojans boys and girls basketball programs. Hoopsters is a 3 v 3 format, which is organized as a way to develop the skills necessary for youth basketball players to compete at the next level while keeping fun at the center of every player’s experience. The program will run from December 7-February 20 Practice will be held during the week, with games held on Saturdays in Plainwell, Allegan, and Otsego (specific practice and game day schedules, times & locations TBD). Cost is $60 per athlete. To register, please scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs (registration closes at midnight on November 20).

🎶 What an incredible opportunity! 🎶 Last Friday, our 8th Grade Band joined the High School Marching Band for an exciting halftime performance of “Shout It Out” from Drumline! We loved seeing the next generation of Trojan Marching Band members take the field to be part of the action. The future is looking bright for the TMB!

Join us for Starr Elementary’s Fall Fest on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and enjoy a fun day filled with fall festivities. Highlights of the event include: 🍁 Delicious food options 🍁 Fun games and prizes 🍁 A petting zoo 🍁 A silent auction 🍁 Raffles 🍁 And so much more! Everyone is welcome! Tickets are available for just $0.50 each. Please remember that all parking will be located at the back by the Bus Loop. We can't wait to see you at Starr on Saturday for a day of family fun!

⚽️ It's Game Day! ⚽️ Good luck to the Varsity Soccer team as they head to Grand Rapids South Christian to compete in District Semifinals! The Trojans will take on the Wayland Wildcats beginning at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $8 per person, cash only! GO TROJANS! Unable to attend the game, you can still support the soccer team at their Dine-to-Donate fundraiser. Stop by Culver's from 5:00-8:00 PM this evening (10/20) to support Plainwell Boys Soccer.

Plainwell High School counselors emphasize the importance of having a plan for life after graduation and celebrate all post-secondary paths, whether that includes college, career, or military service. Throughout the month of October, PHS counselors and the school registrar collaborated with all seniors to: 🎓 Complete Educational Development Plans (EDPs) 🎓 Learn how to send transcripts 🎓 Understand the basics of the college application process 🎓 Familiarize themselves with financial aid fundamentals Michigan College Month is an integral part of the American College Application Campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at ensuring every graduating high school senior has the chance to apply for college and financial aid. This month serves as a pivotal moment for students, motivating them to take essential steps toward higher education during their senior year. It highlights the connection between college applications and funding, while also addressing some of the most frequently encountered obstacles to attending college.

As the November 3, 2026 election approaches, we invite you to meet and learn about the Board of Education candidates to prepare for voting. The PCS Board of Education has four openings and five candidates that will be on the November 3 ballot, each opening is for a four (4) year term. Please feel free to reach out to the candidates to learn more, contact information can be found at plainwellschools.org/article/3199575. ☑️ Andrea Barrows (Incumbent) ☑️ Julli Bennett (Incumbent) ☑️ William A. Geresy ☑️ Rex Hall Jr. (Incumbent) ☑️ Kyle Lyke We look forward to seeing you at the polls on November 3, 2026. Thank you for your support of Plainwell Community Schools and the PCS Board of Education.

Cooper highlighted Literacy during their three nights of parent teacher conferences. Families stopped by and created a packet with fun games and learning activities that were tailored to each child's individual learning goals. Mrs. Smith, Cooper's Interventionist/Instructional coach, managed the tables and was there to greet families and encourage learning. Students walked away with their packets filled with games and free books. Thanks to everyone that stopped by to take advantage of this great learning opportunity for students and families. 🐨📚

Middle School Trojans - checkout this important information for Boys' Basketball players! If your athlete is participating in Middle School Boys’ Basketball, please check Final Forms for details about the upcoming season and make note of the following important dates: 🏀 Conditioning Sessions: October 19 and October 21 from 3:00-4:00 PM at the Middle School Gym 🏀 Annual Basketball Kickoff: October 24 from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Field House, will include a parent game 🏀 Tryouts: October 26-28 in the Middle School Gym - 6th & 7th Grade from 3:00-4:45 PM and 8th Grade from 5:00-7:00 PM

That’s a wrap on Plainwell’s FIRST Girls Flag Football season! 🏈 Yesterday they finished their inaugural season at home at Streidl Field! We are so proud of these girls for being part of something new, making memories, growing as a team, and helping pave the way for the future of Plainwell Girls Flag Football. 👏👏 Here’s to the first of many seasons to come!

Congratulations to the Trojan Marching Band on a great performance at the Rockford Invitational on Saturday! The band placed 4th in Flight III ahead of Mt. Pleasant HS and behind Holland, Cedar Springs, and last year's state champions Reeths-Puffer HS. It was a close competition with the 2nd thru 5th places all within 2.5 points of each other. Plainwell competes at State Semi-finals in 2 weeks at DeWitt HS where they will look to qualify for their 6th straight trip to State Finals! 🎶 GO TMB - PLAINWELL PRIDE! 🎶

The second-grade students from Starr Elementary recently went on a field trip to Charlton Park, where they had the opportunity to experience life as children did in the late 1800s. They explored a one-room schoolhouse, prepared and cooked soup, churned butter, made candles, and discovered the town! It was an incredible learning adventure for our Rock Starr students!

💙📣 PLAINWELL BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY REGIONAL PERFORMANCE 📣💙 The Plainwell Middle School Cross Country teams turned in strong performances at the regional meet, competing against a large field of talented teams from larger schools! The boys finished 7th overall as a team, led by an outstanding performance from Ben Stroup, who captured 1st place overall in 10:53.4, earning both conference and regional champion honors! CJ Stroup finished an impressive 6th, and Brock Hansen placed 17th. All three boys earned regional medals! Also representing the boys were Elijah Lawrence, Abbott Smith, Easton Weldon, Kai Ruimveld, Nick Schmittling, Daniel Case, and Mav Mull. The girls finished 12th overall as a team, led by Brinleigh Hafer, who ran 13:32.3. Adeline Koziatek followed closely, with Ava Butzirus, Kenzie Mull, and Jayla Kidder rounding out the top five scorers. Also representing the girls were Lexie Dunn, Briana Ryan, Ryleigh Kuipers, Livy Potter, and Quinn Potter. Congratulations to all our Plainwell runners for their hard work, determination, and competitive spirit throughout the season. They wrapped up their season yesterday by having their final run together to Plainwell Ice Cream! 👏👏 Way to represent Plainwell with TROJAN PRIDE!

Registration has been extended until midnight on October 22 for the ⚽️ 2026 Kickers Soccer Program ⚽️ for K-5th graders. The goal of the Kickers program is to experience the sport, understand the rules, and have fun! The program runs from October 31-December 19. Cost is $60 per athlete. For more information, first day practice schedules, or to register, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.

Today’s Leaners, Tomorrow’s Leaders have been hard at work. Students in the Housing and Interior Design class at Plainwell High School have been exploring and learning about different layouts and presentations tailored for clients and contractors. They have been practicing using scale to determine the correct way to draw a basic floor plan and are now showing their skills by redesigning classrooms!

We are excited to announce that tickets are now 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.

What a spectacular evening for the 2026 PHS Homecoming Football Game! Friday night was filled with school spirit and TROJAN PRIDE! Here are some highlights from the event: 🎶 Outstanding performances by the PHS Band and Choir 🏈 A well played football game against Sturgis under the lights 🎉 Recognition of the 2026 Homecoming Court: Freshman: Andrew Barrows and Alayna Bernard, Sophomore: Cole Dunlop and Kaelyn Seibert, Junior: Dan Groner and Nyra Cross 📣 Announcement of the 2026 King and Queen Nominees: Chase Bergsma, Liam Harris, Trever Allen, Landon Naas, Jordyn Erdody, Morgan Lord, Dylan Guarisco, and Alayna Ranney 👑 Crowning of the 2026 Homecoming King and Queen: Landon Naas and Alayna Ranney 💙 Streidl Field was filled with school spirit, thanks to our enthusiastic Trojans fans and the fantastic PHS cheerleaders What a wonderful week of Homecoming festivities! A heartfelt thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for your support – PLAINWELL PRIDE! 📸 Courtesy of Ryan Lindsey Photography

Dinner tonight = ☑️! Join us from 5:00-8:00 PM this evening (10/12) for a Dine to Donate fundraiser at Culver’s to support the Plainwell Volunteer Christmas Project.

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, October 12. We look forward to welcoming the PCS students back to school on Tuesday, October 13. Have a great weekend - GO TROJANS!