Gilkey Elementary -

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.

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!

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.

One of the ways that Mr. Manting (Middle School Principal) and Mr. Hattendorf (Middle School Assistant Principal) celebrate during Reading Month is to read to the 5th grade students throughout the district. Recently, they stopped by all three elementary buildings to read a book. They also spent time sharing information about Middle School and answered questions from the incoming fall 2024 6th graders. It was a great experience for the Koalas, Geckos and Rock Starrs!

The Girls Basketball Skills Camp wrapped up this weekend! The 1st-8th grade athletes had a great time while learning new skills from the PHS coaches and players. Trojans leading Trojans - PLAINWELL PRIDE! 💙🏀💙

Did you know that the 2024 no tax rate increase bond proposal has five focus areas?  - Safety and Security  - New Early Childhood Center  - Two New Gymnasiums (Cooper and Gilkey)  - Replacement Tennis Courts  - Complete Current Projects  We welcome you this evening (3/22) at the Fieldhouse from 5:00-7:30 PM to learn more about these projects, tour the Fieldhouse and hear details about 2024 Bond Proposal. Superintendent Montange, Board of Education members and Building Administrators will be on-site to answer questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join the State Finalist PHS Cheer Team at their Youth Cheer Clinic where your 1st-7th grade athlete will learn stunts, tumbling, jumps & chants! The clinic will be held on Tuesday evenings from April 9-30 at Plainwell High School. Cost is $50 per athlete. To register, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs or scan the QR code. GO TROJANS!

The Gilkey Elementary 5th grade students had a special visitor as Tim Culver stopped by to present a Legislative Tribute from Representative Matt Hall to the Gilkey Live Zone production and broadcasting crew. Mr. Culver shared about his time as a radio host and even took time to help the students film one of their Gilkey Live Zone broadcasts. It was a great afternoon and wonderful experience for the Geckos.

We welcome you to join us for the PCS Bond Open House - Information Night. Join us at the Fieldhouse tomorrow (Friday, March 22) from 5:00-7:30 PM to see the new Pool/Gym project, hear about the ongoing bond projects and learn more about the 2024 bond proposal. Superintendent Montange, Board of Education members and Building Administrators will be on-site to answer questions and share details on the 2024 bond proposal. Learn more about the no tax rate increase bond proposal at plainwellschools.org/page/2024-bond.

Gilkey Elementary held their March Student and Staff of the Month ceremony. Each month, Gilkey teachers select one student and a staff member who they felt did an outstanding job throughout the month and the recipients are celebrated at a special award ceremony with their families. In March, those who were selected did an awesome job with encouragement. Way to go, Geckos!

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 our preschool programs have been at 95% capacity for the past 5+ years? To meet the high demand for early childhood care in our community, the May 7 bond proposal would allow Plainwell to build an Early Childhood Center (ECC). With consolidated resources and a specifically designed space, we could have a strong impact on the future of students and continue to provide programs that support young families. Read more about the proposed ECC and the 2024 bond proposal by visiting plainwellschools.org/page/2024-bond.

“Did somebody say PIE? No, we said PI.” The 5th grade students at Gilkey Elementary celebrated Pi Day today with a special song, activities and lots of delicious pie! What fun for the 5th grade Geckos!

This week, students from Mrs. Hotchkiss’ and Mrs. Bowman’s fourth grade classes at Gilkey Elementary had the opportunity to take a field trip to Lansing. It provided an amazing learning experience for the students as they visited the Michigan Historical Center and Capitol Building. What a great experience for our fourth grade Geckos!

Introducing the Gilkey Live Zone! This fantastic program is all about empowering the 5th grade students at Gilkey Elementary to shine in production and broadcasting. Led by Mr. Boender, Gilkey's interventionist, 25 students have joined the Gilkey Live Zone Crew! They applied for this special opportunity to learn, create and broadcast live morning announcements right here at school! In this program, students learn valuable skills like public speaking, scriptwriting and video production. "It's a chance for our students to be leaders and team players, working together to create engaging content," said Boender. 🦎

Mark your calendar for the PCS Bond Open House - Information Night! Join us at the Fieldhouse on Friday, March 22 to see the Pool/Gym project, hear about the ongoing bond projects and learn more about the 2024 bond proposal. Superintendent Montange and Board of Education members will be on site to answer questions and share details on the 2024 Bond Proposal. Learn more at plainwellschools.org/page/2024-bond.

We are excited to welcome the newest Trojans to Plainwell Community Schools next fall for the 2024/25 school year! Registration is open, for more information about Kindergarten and the Young 5 program at PCS or to begin the enrollment process, please scan the QR code or visit: plainwellschools.org/page/kindergarten. Please mark your calendar for some important upcoming dates for your Kindergarten or Young 5 student. ROUND-UP DATES: - Gilkey: Tuesday, April 30 from 4:30-6:00 pm - Cooper: Wednesday, May 1 from 4:30-6:00 pm - Starr: Thursday, May 2 from 4:30-6:00 pm - PLEASE NOTE: During Round-up, PCS will offer limited Hearing, Vision and Dental screenings. Spots are limited, so please register today! To sign-up, please visit: - Hearing & Vision - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FACAD2AA5FBCF8-48356786-kindergarten#/ - Dental - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FACAD2AA5FBCF8-48350385-kindergarten#/ KINDERGARTEN/YOUNG 5 ACADEMIC SCREENING: - June 11 and 12 (at all three elementary buildings)

We are just two weeks away from the 2024 musical: Mean Girls! There are three showtimes available at the Performing Arts Center: - Friday, March 22 at 7 PM - Saturday, March 23 at 7 PM - Sunday, March 24 at 2 PM Online tickets are available by scanning the QR code or by visiting plainwellschools.ludus.com. Get your tickets today for this amazing show!

We are excited to share the 2024/25 School Year Calendar Highlights with you! Please visit https://5il.co/2g9rq to view the calendar. The full school year printable calendar will be shared with families soon. Have a great weekend and GO TROJANS!

Boys grades 1-6th grade are invited to join us for the 2024 Boys Basketball Fundamentals Kids Camp. The camp, which is hosted by the High School Basketball Coaches, will be held on Saturday mornings in the High School Gym as follows: TIMES: - 1st and 2nd grade - 9:00-10:30 AM - 3rd and 4th grade - 11:00 AM-12:30 PM - 5th and 6th grade - 12:30-2:30 PM DATES: - April 13, 2024 - April 20, 2024 - April 27, 2024 - May 4, 2024 The cost is $25 per athlete. To register, please scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.