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

Students in Ms. Cole and Mrs. Amaezechi 4th grade classes at Starr Elementary had the opportunity to go to Swisslane Farms today. They were able to take a wagon ride and tour the whole farm where they learned about cows. They even had a chance to meet and feed the calves…which was a class favorite! What a great field trip filled with fun learning opportunities for the Rock Starrs!

The Gilkey Geckos have a new addition to their building - A BOOK VENDING MACHINE! 📚 This morning, they held a special ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the new addition to their students. Two students were selected to be the first to pick a book from the vending machine, congratulations to Rhianna (5th grade) and Avery (3rd grade). Through learning, positive behavior and hard work, students can earn “coins” to purchase a variety of different books that are available for all K-5 grade levels. The vending machine was purchased thanks to the support of many local businesses: Ransom District Library, Parker, HyTech, TruVista, Bennett Family Agency, Cornell Associates & Realtors, and Amy Hamilton from Jaqua Realtors. The Geckos are excited for this awesome addition to Gilkey Elementary!

Registration is open for our Youth Kickers Soccer program for K-5th graders. Program runs from October 28-December 16. Cost is $60 per athlete. For more information, please view the flyer or visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs. To register, please scan the QR code or visit plainwell.revtrak.net/Community-Ed-Rec/.

The Boys Varsity Tennis Team had a great week! Earlier this week, they hosted and defeated Otsego with a team score of 5-3! At the match, the senior athletes were also recognized. The following players won their matches: - Number 1 Singles: Calvin Strader - Number 1 Doubles: Andrew Hampton and Teagen Wilson - Number 2 Doubles: Bradley Jeffreys and Austin Susens - Number 3 Doubles: Anthony Kolhoff and Brayden Triemstra - Number 4 Doubles: Lincoln Benson and Sean MacRitchie Throughout the week, they also traveled to Niles and Sturgis where the following players brought home a win: - Number 1 Singles: Calvin Strader - Number 1 Doubles: Andrew Hampton and Teagen Wilson - Number 4 Doubles: Lincoln Benson and Sean MacRitchie - Tristan Starret and Caleb Braybrooks also brought home a Doubles win for the JV Tennis Team - JV Number 2 Singles: Caleb Braybrooks Way to go, PHS Tennis - Trojan Pride!

It was a great morning as we kicked-off the Lifelong Learners program for our community senior citizens at Christian Neighbors. In partnership with Christian Neighbors, Ransom District Library and Otsego Public Schools, we are excited to offer this program to community senior citizens who are looking to get involved and active in our community! During the kick-off event this morning, attendees had the opportunity to tour the new Christian Neighbor's facility, play games, enjoy "school" breakfast and workout with Ace-Certified Group Fitness Instructor Sharrin Schultz. It was a great morning with many wonderful community members. Throughout the year, we look forward to offering additional Lifelong Learner programs. For additional information and upcoming programs, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/lifelong-learners. New events and information will be updated frequently, so please stay tuned as our Lifelong Learner program grows! Have questions or suggestions for our Lifelong Learners program? Please contact Jason Herbert at jason.herbert@plainwellschools.org.

Join us at the Ransom District Library tomorrow (9/22) for the Help Me Grow “Books, Balls, Blocks and Bounce” event from 11:00 AM-12:30 PM. Children 0-5 can join us for fun activities, screenings and free goodies to take home! For more information, please visit https://5il.co/20mff.

Students in Mr. Herbert’s 6th grade Tinkering Class have been working on building cars powered by mousetraps. Learning is fun for Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders at Plainwell Middle School!

The Girls Cross Country team split results in their Tri-Meet with Niles and Vicksburg yesterday. The girls fell to Niles, 24-31 and defeated Vicksburg, 25-34. Emma Taggett was the top Trojan finisher, with a PXC Course personal best time. Other strong race performances were given by: Anna Hall, Brooke Carpenter, Hannah Erlandson, Gwen Todd and Alexa Salo. Way to go, Trojans!

Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Volleyball team! Last night they won at the East Kentwood Tri - beating East Kentwood in three sets and Calvin Christian in two sets. Great job, Trojans!

The Cooper Koala’s left their mark! The Young 5, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students at Cooper Elementary each made a dot for International Dot Day last week! Here is the beautiful display decorating one of the hallways at Cooper. Way to go, Koalas!

REMINDER - LIFELONG LEARNERS FALL KICK-OFF IS THIS WEEK! Join us for the first Lifelong Learners event on Thursday, September 21. This Fall Kickoff event will include food & fun, a tour of Christian Neighbors, volunteer opportunities and much more! Event will begin at 9:45 am with a tour of Christian Neighbors (282 12th St, Plainwell). What is Lifelong Learners? We are excited to introduce the Lifelong Learners program! This program is available to Plainwell and Otsego community senior citizens who are looking to get involved and active in our community! For more information, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/lifelong-learners. Have questions? Please contact Jason Herbert at jason.herbert@plainwellschools.org.

We are excited to share the Plainwell Middle School Students of the Week! We are proud of your hard work and dedication. Way to go, Trojans! Wyatt (8th Grade) - Wyatt is one of those students who always does what is expected of him, and he always does it with a positive attitude. He's not only a hardworking and respectful student, but he's a great person as well. He is kind, encouraging, and helpful to those around him, no matter who it is, and he isn't afraid to be himself. He is such a pleasure to know and to have in class. Henry (7th Grade) - Henry is always ready with an encouraging word for his peers He is kind, empathetic, and funny. Henry doesn't play favorites, he is nice to everyone who crosses his path. He is careful with the feelings of others and is sure to apologize if he feels he has hurt a peer's feelings. He manages all this while also doing his best work each day. Henry is a strong advocate for himself, knows when to ask for help and is quick to help others. He is thoughtful and respectful to his teachers. Henry makes any classroom he enters more kind and more fun. Violet (6th Grade) - Violet is a highly motivated student. She is willing to help her peers when they need help in class. She gives her absolute best effort when completing work. Throughout the year, we look forward to sharing our outstanding Middle School Students of the Week! GO TROJANS! Special thanks to our Student of the Month sponsors: Fly Inn, Mayor's Joint, Barbed Wire Cafe and Taqueria San Francisco. We greatly appreciate your support of PCS and our students - Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders!

On Friday, during the Varsity Football game against Sturgis, the PHS Cheer team held their Junior Cheer Night. Over 75 junior (K-8th grade) cheerleaders participated in cheering during the first quarter of the game. It was so much fun for our younger Trojans and an awesome night filled with Plainwell Pride!

Students in Mrs. Stoll’s 2nd grade class at Starr Elementary have been working on their math skills. They made rekenreks in class and played Addition Clash! We love to see our Rock Starr students being creative while learning!

The Boys Varsity Tennis Team hosted Three Rivers and Thornapple-Kellogg this week and the following players won their matches: - Number 1 Doubles: Andrew Hampton & Teagen Wilson - Number 2 Doubles: Bradley Jeffreys & Austin Susens - Number 3 Doubles: Anthony Kolhoff & Brayden Triemstra - Number 4 Doubles: Lincoln Benson & Sean MacRitchie Next up, they will be traveling to Wayland for a quad tournament this Saturday.

This week is the first week of TCB enrichment classes and clubs at the Middle School. Here are some snapshots of advanced woodworking, art club, eco club, sports skills and jazz band!

Attention Trojan Fans! The 2023 Rivalry Football Game against Otsego HS is on Friday, October 6 at 7:00 PM. Mark your calendar to join us to support the Trojans at Otsego HS for the big game! Need some new gear? B & C Trophy created special "Beat Otsego" apparel, let's show our Trojan Pride and support their "Rivalry Contest". Visit https://ohsphsrivalry.itemorder.com/shop/sale/?fbclid=IwAR2XkEzyeiNLk6c7fE6BAG-Xrd_3YTJG5h2o3rwm2ZKhHzcCNPENni0WAjQ to order today! The winning district will receive $3.00 per shirt purchased.

Congratulations to the PHS Swim and Dive team on winning their conference meet against Sturgis last night! The team competed strongly and ended the meet with a 104-81 win! Great swims by Izzy Stewart, McKenna Soderquist, Ellah Anderson, McKenna Mitzel, Addison Williams, Heidi Ragainis, Liv Perrin, Gabby Northern, Lily Inquilla and the rest of the team. The PHS Coaches are so proud of how the entire team stepped up and did their best. Way to go, Trojans - Plainwell Pride!

The Boys Varsity Tennis Team hosted Paw Paw today and the following players won their matches: Number 1 Doubles: Andrew Hampton & Teagen Wilson Number 2 Doubles: Bradley Jeffreys & Austin Susens Number 4 Doubles: Lincoln Benson & Sean MacRitchie Next up, the Boy Varsity Tennis Team is hosting Three Rivers tomorrow at 4:00 PM. Join us to cheer them on, GO TROJANS!

Registration is still open for several of our Youth Programs! To learn more about these programs or to complete your student's registration, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs. REGISTRATION DEADLINES: - Junior Cheer Night registration closes 9/14 - Sharp Shooters Basketball registration closes 9/15 - Spikers Volleyball registration closes 9/29 - Tae Kwon Do registration closes 9/30