Prior to Spring Break, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Ruimveld led the implementation of Unified Champions at Plainwell Middle School, a program that promotes inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities. Inclusion week kicked off with "Hats off for Inclusion" on Monday, "Be Comfy, Be You" Diversity on Tuesday, and Acceptance "Inclusion Revolution Pledge" on Wednesday. Students led announcements each morning to share the theme, define it and explain the activity of the day. A game of bocce ball was played during lunch and students signed an Inclusion Revolution Pledge!
We are excited to offer swim lessons this spring at PCS! Whether you are looking for a beginner lesson or you are looking to improve your swimming capabilities, Plainwell Community Schools' Swim Lessons will help you learn or grow. Cost is $60 per student, per session. Register today! To register, please scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.
REMINDER! Registration is still open for the 2024 Summer Youth Volleyball Camp! PHS Volleyball invites students in 1st-12th grade to join them for a volleyball camp from June 10-13 at Plainwell High School. Cost is $50 per player. To register, please scan the QR code or visit: https://www.plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.
REMINDER! Join us at PHS for Plainwell Softball’s annual Soup with Sluggers event on Wednesday, April 10 from 5:30-7:30 PM. Come enjoy a variety of soups, salads and desserts while supporting the PHS Softball team. All donations accepted. 🥎
Throughout the district, students enjoyed the amazing experience of witnessing the solar eclipse today! Classes learned about the special event, had fun activities and ended the school day with viewing the eclipse. 😎
Voting has begun for the May 7 election. Absentee ballots are now being mailed to Michigan voters who requested them and are available in city and township clerk offices. As a reminder, all registered voters have the opportunity to participate in absentee voting.
Looking for more information about voting in the upcoming election? Learn more about registering to vote and voting absentee by visiting michigan.gov/vote. Interested in learning about the 2024 bond? Please visit plainwellschools.org/page/2024-bond to learn more!
More winter sports recognitions, this time from PHS Swim & Dive. Here are some highlights from their season:
- The team had 16 athletes, all of which were underclassmen
- 13 out of the 16 athletes earned All-Conference recognition, placing the team in the top 8 at the league meet
- Sam Harper, Alex Steele, Davis Nooney, Henry Cox, Austin Susens, Aidan Ranger and Brandon Courtney all competed at the state meet
- Sam Harper, Sophomore Team Captain, was ALL STATE and finished 4th at the state meet. He was also All-Conference in all four events at the SCC league meet, winning the 200 free, 500 free and 200 free relay events
Congratulations to the Swim & Dive team on a great season. Trojan Pride! 💙
Reminder registration closes Monday, April 8! Calling all PCS parents (21+ year old adults)! The PCS Community Ed/Rec team invites you to register today to join them for a Parent's Night Out to enjoy a date night at Gun Lake Casino on Friday, April 12 from 6:00-10:00 PM. Attendees will receive a FREE $10 gambling credit per person + $10 FREE food credit per person. Must have a minimum of 25 people registered to host the event. Scan the QR code or visit https://forms.gle/NMTxgCx6aPi1jv9F9 to register today!
On May 7, 2024, PCS will be pursuing a NO TAX RATE INCREASE bond proposal to continue to improve our facilities and prioritize the educational experiences of our students, families and staff.
Did you know that currently the gymnasiums at Gilkey and Cooper are shared gym and cafeteria spaces? Due to the number of students and the sizes of classes and programs that we offer, we are not able to service the correct number of students at the correct time. Separating the cafeteria from gymnasium programs would allow us to service more students at one time. Additionally, this would allow students at Gilkey and Cooper to have the same level of access to facilities that the students at Starr have, equalizing facility support across the district.
Read more about the proposed gymnasiums and the 2024 bond proposal by visiting plainwellschools.org/page/2024-bond.
Next up, some highlights from the PHS Ski season. To summarize, the team made the most of the season with difficult weather conditions. They were unable to ski as much as they would have liked, but they got out when they could to compete and have FUN…including skiing in Hawaiian shirts and costumes…all with lots of smiles and making it fun for everyone on the team. They also competed in three races up north. To end of the season PHS Senior, Liam Troutner, won the Andy Miller award for most outstanding participation in the Southwestern Michigan High School Ski Race League. Congratulations to Ski team and Liam for your resiliency and Trojan Pride throughout the season! 💙
Trojan recognition! 💙 The Varsity Cheer team had an amazing season with many outstanding recognitions! Here are some highlights to summarize their season:
- They were District Champs for the first time in 7 years.
- They took 3rd place at Regionals which landed them a spot at the State Finals hosted at CMU.
- At the State Finals, they finished in 7th place. This was the first time in 21 years (since 2003) that Plainwell Cheerleading made it to state!
- Two Cheer athletes earned All-State honors: Raya Mergen-Henry (1st Team) and Jillian Comer (2nd Team)
- The team earned All-State Academic honors from the Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan
- Nine cheer team members earned Individual Academic honors from the Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan: Zoey Bennett, Jillian Comer, Ella LaPenna, Raya Mergen-Henry, Brooke Pazaderka, Emerson Rentfrow, Danika Sayles-Devine, Brooklyn Wagenaar and Abigale Westerhouse
- The team has five seniors that have committed to cheerleading at the college level next year: Kailynn Mejeur, Larissa Meyers, Abigale Westerhouse committed to Central Michigan University’s Cheer Team, Jillian Comer has signed with Alma Cheer and Raya Mergen-Henry will be Cheering at Western Michigan University
Way to go Trojan Cheer - PLAINWELL PRIDE! 💙
Recognizing the PHS Trojans! The Girls Basketball team wrapped up their season with two players receiving Wolverine Conference recognition.
- Alyssa Weldon - Second Team All Conference
- Anna Overway - Honorable Mention All Conference
In addition, Alyssa received Honorable Mention for the Kalamazoo 2024 Girls Basketball Dream Team via MLive. Way to go, TROJAN PRIDE!! 💙
Prior to Spring Break, the 1st and 2nd grade Gilkey Elementary classes performed at their spring concert. From rehearsal to showtime, the students put on a wonderful show. Way to go, Geckos!
Unable to attend? You can view the concert by visiting the Plainwell Performing Arts Center Facebook page.
Spring sports are underway, but throughout this week we want to take some time to recognize our winter sports teams. First up are highlights from the PHS Varsity Boys Basketball team. The team had a strong season, making it to the District Finals. Individual end of season accomplishments include:
- Most Improved Player: Shawn Nelson & Drew Rayman
- Best Defensive Player: John Amaezechi & Shawn Nelson
- Best Teammate: John Amaezechi
- Coach Award: Chad Winenger & Nolan Edgell
- MVP: Chib Amaezechi & John Amaezechi
In addition, John Amaezechi received Second Team All Conference and Chib Amaezechi received Honorable Mention All Conference. Congratulations on a great season, PHS Varsity Basketball - GO TROJANS! 💙
The Cooper Koalas have a new addition in their library - the BOTB trophy! Last week, the Bookshelf Bandits received their trophy for winning the 2024 Battle of the Books competition! It will be proudly displayed in the library until next year! Once again, congratulations to the Bookshelf Bandits! 🐨📚🏆
The Cooper 5th grade students in Miss Wright’s class had a special way of celebrating reading month by making a book chain. Each link or chain represents a book or chapters that students read in the month of March. This was a great way to encourage reading as it provided a visual representation of how reading can grow their minds. The class had over 100 links as a class! Keep reading, Koalas! 🐨📚
Due to mechanical issues, the Rabbit bus route will be delayed by 25-30 minutes for the afternoon route today (Wednesday, March 27).
As a reminder, our Spring Break is from Thursday, March 28-Friday, April 5. We wish our students, staff and families a wonderful break! We look forward to welcoming the PCS students back to school on Monday, April 8.
Have a great Spring Break and GO TROJANS!
Congratulations to Lydia, A'aliyah and Hannah (Mr. Hattendorf filled in for Hannah since she was absent) as they are Plainwell Middle Schools' "Book and a Bonus" winners. "Book and a Bonus" is a monthly reading incentive program for MS students that is supported by Ransom District Library. Their support allowed PMS to award THREE winners! Keep up the great reading PMS students! Special thanks to Ransom District Library for your ongoing support of PCS and the “Book and a Bonus" program! PLAINWELL PRIDE!
Registration is open for our elementary athletes to join us for the upcoming Summer Youthball program for 5-8 year olds. There are three programs available: Girls & Boys T-Ball (age 5/6), Girls Coach Pitch (age 7/8) and Boys Coach Pitch (age 7/8). The focus of the Youthball program is recreation and to learn the fundamentals of the game. Cost is $55 per player.
Registration is open through May 13, please scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.
