On August 4, 2026, you will be asked to consider the Non-Homestead Operating Millage, which is set to expire this year. This renewal is not a new tax, but a continuation of the current authorization of 18 mills on non-homestead properties last voted on and approved by Plainwell Community Schools voters in 2014. The operating millage renewal ensures Plainwell Community Schools receives the full per-pupil funding levels established by the State of Michigan and sustains day to day school operations.

🏈 NEW PROGRAM 🏈 We are excited to share a NEW program that is open to 5th-8th graders - GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL! Join us this fall as we kick off this new program. Practices will begin during the week of August 10 (location TBD), and six games will take place in Plainwell or Otsego starting the week of September 13. The participation fee is $50 per athlete, and we need a minimum of ten participants to run the program. To register, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs, registration closes at midnight on 8/1.

🏊‍♂️ TAC UPDATE 🏊‍♀️ The Trojan Aquatic Club (TAC) meet scheduled for tonight (Thursday, July 16) at Otsego has been canceled.

Limited spots are still available for free and low-cost 4 year old preschool (GSRP) at Cooper and Starr Elementary! Learn more or begin the registration process by scanning the QR code or by visiting plainwellschools.org/page/plainwell-preschool.

We are thrilled to announce that, after one month into our summer food service program, we have provided over 7,500 breakfasts and lunches to the Trojan community! This initiative offers our students the chance to enjoy FREE food service throughout the summer, which includes: 🍎 Daily on-site breakfast and lunch at PHS and Starr OR 🍎 A 7-day meal box pick-up If you haven't joined us yet and would like to learn more, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/food-program-details. We look forward to continuing to provide this FREE service to our school community until mid-August.

Registration is open for the Summer Soccer Youth Camp. Students in Pre-K-7th grade (based on grade for 2026/27 school year) are invited to join us to learn from the PHS Men’s Soccer Coaching Staff and Soccer Players. Camp will be held at Gilkey Elementary from July 27-30 with two sessions available: ⚽ Pre-K-1st Grade from 6:00-7:00 PM - Cost is $50 per athlete and includes a camp t-shirt ⚽ 2nd-7th Grade Camp from 6:00-8:00 PM - Cost is $60 per athlete and includes a camp t-shirt To register, scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.

✏️📚🚌 Enrollment Open for Kindergarten & Young 5 Classrooms 🚌📚✏️ Enrollment for our Kindergarten and Young 5 classrooms is still open for the 2026/27 school year—register today! We are excited to welcome the newest Trojans to Plainwell Community Schools in the fall! For more information about our Kindergarten and Young 5 programs or to begin the enrollment process, please scan the QR code or visit: plainwellschools.org/page/kindergarten.

We look forward to welcoming you to the PCS Field House this summer! Please take a moment to review our Field House Summer Schedule, which includes upcoming special events, building schedules, and closures for the Pool, Walking Track and Fitness Room. You can easily access this information by scanning the QR code or by visiting: https://aptg.co/j2LP_y.

Although we said goodbye to the school year and welcomed summer break earlier this month, we still think it would be fun to relive and reflect on the joyous events and celebrations that marked the end of the 2025/26 school year. In the coming week, we will share some highlights - from special events, to celebrations, to conclusions and new beginnings - we are excited to revisit the moments that made the end of the school year so special. 🐨 To start things off, let’s look back at a fun memory from Cooper. During the final week of school, students participated in their annual Fire Truck Cool Off! A special shout-out to the Cooper Township Fire Department for making this event so enjoyable for the Koalas each year. Everyone had a fantastic time, filled with laughter and smiles!

We are excited to share that registration is open for the 2026/27 SAFE program. The School Age Fun & Enrichment (SAFE) Program is a self-funded, licensed child care program for K-5 students. Supervised by a caring and attentive staff, SAFE child care provides before and after school care at all three elementary buildings. Some highlights of the program include: 🕕 Before & after school care from 6:30 AM until the start of school & end of school until 6:00 PM 🏫 Located inside Cooper, Gilkey & Starr Elementary Schools 📅 Available on most no school days, snow days & half days 🌐 For more information or to register, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/safe

🗓️ 2026/27 PCS VACATION PLANNER 🗓️ As you begin to look at your schedules for next school year, we wanted to share our new vacation planner document. We encourage you to take advantage of the breaks listed to plan vacations, wellness check-ups, and appointments that promote regular attendance for your student. Be sure to check-in with your student's school building at the start of school for state-mandated testing windows and other important dates. Please scan the QR code or visit https://aptg.co/6MSCvT to view the document.

Registration is open for the Summer Soccer Youth Camp. Students in Pre-K-7th grade (based on grade for 2026/27 school year) are invited to join us to learn from the PHS Men’s Soccer Coaching Staff and Soccer Players. Camp will be held at Gilkey Elementary from July 27-30 with two sessions available: ⚽ K-1st Grade from 6:00-7:00 PM - Cost is $50 per athlete and includes a camp t-shirt ⚽ 2nd-7th Grade Camp from 6:00-8:00 PM - Cost is $60 per athlete and includes a camp t-shirt To register, scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.

We are happy to announce that we will provide FREE Food Service to PCS families this summer! Two options are available: 🍎 Daily Onsite Breakfast and Lunch at Plainwell High School and Starr Elementary OR 🍎 7-Day Meal Box Pick-up For more information, please scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/food-program-details.

SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER! Wishing our students, staff and families a wonderful Summer Break! Have a great summer, Trojans!

As a friendly reminder, we have a half day of school tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3, as well as on Thursday, June 4, which is the final day of the 2025/26 school year. Half Day Dismissal Times: 📚 PHS - 10:45 AM 🚌 PMS - 10:45 AM 📝 RHS - 11:30 AM 🦎 Gilkey - 11:45 AM 🐨 Cooper - 11:50 AM ⭐️ Starr - 11:55 AM

At Cooper Elementary, a dedicated group of students serve as Peer Mediators. These young leaders demonstrate exceptional leadership both in and out of the classroom, assisting during recess and throughout the school day. To honor their commitment and hard work, the Peer Mediators concluded the year with an ice cream party and a trip to the Growlers baseball game as a token of appreciation. This remarkable group of Koalas has truly exemplified leadership, and we are grateful for their willingness to support others throughout the school year!

🌳 Attention Incoming 6th Graders and Families! 🌳 Check-out this amazing opportunity from the Kalamazoo Nature Center for a FREE household membership for all incoming 6th graders in Kalamazoo, Portage, Parchment and Plainwell Schools for the 2026-27 school year! Sign-up now through August 7 by visiting https://naturecenter.org/trailblazers/. 

‼️ Attention Middle and High School athletes and marching band students! ‼️ As a friendly reminder, Plainwell and Otsego High Schools are joining forces to offer FREE physicals for the 2026/27 school year to PMS/PHS/OMS/OHS athletes and marching band students this Wednesday (6/3) at the Plainwell Field House. Doors open at 5:00 PM - physicals begin at 5:30 PM. You must be in line by 7:00 PM in order to receive a physical. 📋 Forms are available at plainwellschools.org/page/high-school-athletics and in the athletic office (please bring your completed and signed form with you).

Registration is open for our upcoming Summer Tae Kwon Do program. Join us to improve coordination, gain strength and increase your flexibility while learning self-defense techniques, taught by Mr. Mitch. Program is open to participants 7 and up. 🗓️ Monday evenings from June 8-July27 🕠 5:30-7:00 PM 📍 Hick's Gym 💲 $30 per individual or $55 per family 🌐 To register, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs

Last week, the second graders from Cooper Elementary went on exciting adventures that were filled with fun learning experiences, including a: 📚 Visit to the Ransom District Library 🍦 Stop at Plainwell Ice Cream 🚌 Trip to the Book Bus These adventures provided the Koalas with valuable opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom.