Today, the Plainwell Girls' Cross Country team competed in the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals at Michigan International Speedway. The team delivered a strong performance, led by All-Stater Natalya Hoffman, who finished in 12th place. They concluded the event in 13th place, marking the third-best result for the program in the last 25 years. Congratulations to Natalya, Mai Nguyen, Molly Bruggink, Fiona Ryan (who achieved her season-best time), Leigha Weldon, Lillian Lucas, and Lillian Szatkowski for their outstanding efforts today! 💙 TROJAN PRIDE 💙
The PHS Multicultural Club had the wonderful opportunity to host Colton Lee, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served as a Foreign Language Educator in Armenia. Mr. Lee shared his experiences of life in Armenia, providing our students with an insightful look into Armenian culture and everyday life.
We extend our gratitude to Mr. Lee for dedicating his time to share his journey, offering our students a fantastic chance to broaden their understanding of the world beyond our local community!
🪄🎩 Learning is magic! 🎩🪄 The students and staff at Starr Elementary were thrilled to welcome a special guest, Magician Alan Kazam, who presented his Buddies Not Bullies show. Throughout the performance, he surprised them with entertaining magic tricks while emphasizing the significance of kindness, encouragement, and including others. It was a wonderful learning opportunity and a truly magical experience for our ⭐ Rock Starr ⭐ students!
🇺🇸 HONOR & CELEBRATE 🇺🇸 Plainwell High School invites Veterans and their guests to a Veterans Day Breakfast on Wednesday, November 11. The breakfast will be held at the PHS Cafeteria starting at 7:30 AM. Let’s come together to honor and celebrate their service and sacrifice. ❤️🤍💙
Join us in wishing the Girls Swim and Dive team GOOD LUCK as they head to Otsego to compete in the SCC Conference Championship Meet today and tomorrow. 💙 GO TROJANS! 💙
🏆🏐 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.”
