Starr Elementary ended the year with their annual Starr Strut. During the course of their fundraising, they unlocked different prizes as a school including Hat and Sunglasses Day, Duckett Bucket Day, Kona Ice, Outdoor Picnic Lunch, Water Recess and a Glow Dance Party. Individual prize winners got to enjoy a special trip to M-89 Cinema to see Super Mario Galaxy, have a Culver's picnic lunch with Mrs. Luckett and more! Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Carrier's classes both enjoyed a special movie day with popcorn and candy for being the top-earning classes for their grade levels. With massive support from their school community, they were able to raise over $23,000 to support Starr Parents Association which directly benefits Starr students and Staff. Way to go, Rock Starrs! ⭐️

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

🌳 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

📣 Calling all Plainwell Youth Cheerleaders (Grades 3–5 this fall)! 📣 Check out the 2026 Trojan Youth Cheer opportunities, including Rocket Cheer, Summer/Fall Cheer Camps and the 517 Youth Competitive Cheer League by visiting plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs. 💙 GO TROJANS! 💙

We are excited to share that registration is open for our upcoming Summer Pool Programs - Trojan Aquatic Club, Youth Summer Swim Lessons and Aqua Zumba! We look forward to a great summer at the Field House Pool! 🌊 Trojan Aquatic Club (TAC): TAC is a competitive swim team for PCS youth ages 6-18. Program begins Monday, June 8. For more information or to begin the registration process, please scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/tac. 🌊 Youth Summer Swim Lessons: Join us at the Field House Pool for Summer Swim Lessons for children 6 and up! Four sessions available! For more information or to begin the registration process, please scan the QR code or visit https://www.plainwellschools.org/page/swim-lessons. 🌊 Aqua Zumba: PCS Parents and Community - Join us at the Field House Pool on Wednesday evenings from 7:15-8:15 PM for Aqua Zumba. Instructor Amy Baker has 15 years of experience teaching group fitness in aquatic settings and looks forward to welcoming our community to this new class from June 10-August 12. To learn more or to register, please scan the QR code or visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45AFA92FA2FFC61-64021446-aqua.

As a friendly reminder, we have some important calendar dates to note: 🗓️ HALF DAY: There is a half day of school tomorrow - Thursday, May 21 🗓️ MEMORIAL BREAK: There is no school from Friday, May 22-Monday, May 25 We wish our students, staff and families a wonderful break, we look forward to welcoming the Trojans back to school on Tuesday, May 26. 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

⚽ MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER! ⚽ Registration is open for the 2026/27 Middle School Boys Club Soccer team! To register, please scan the QR code or visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs.

After meeting one of their fundraising goals for their upcoming Starr Strut, Starr Elementary Principal Mrs. Luckett transformed into Mrs. Duckett for the day. She visited classrooms where students got a surprise pick from the Duckett Bucket! ⭐️🐥⭐️

REGISTRATION DEADLINES EXTENDED! Registration for our Summer Kickball and Youthball (t-ball and coach pitch) programs have been extended until May 15. Register today for these fun summer programs! ➡️ KICKBALL: Program is open to 9-12 year olds. Visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs to register today! ➡️ YOUTHBALL: T-ball and coach pitch programs available for 5-8 year olds, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs to register today! Please note: Program will not interfere with Little League schedules.

Staff Appreciation Week wrapped up today! Throughout this week, we loved celebrating the AMAZING PCS staff! Please join us in saying thank you to your favorite staff member by giving them a 💙, 👍 or special shout out here. We are so grateful for their daily dedication to our students and district! To each and every staff member at PCS - THANK YOU for your endless commitment to Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders - PLAINWELL PRIDE!

Recently the Allegan County School Board Association held their annual awards dinner where Julie Jackson, Noel Muselin and Caitlin Bunker were presented with the 2026 Outstanding People for Education award! Congratulations to these three exceptional PCS staff members for their endless dedication to our school district! 🍎 To read more about our 2026 winners, please visit plainwellschools.org/article/2878259 - PLAINWELL PRIDE!

We are excited to share that registration is now open for the upcoming 1st-8th Grade Boys Basketball Camp. Camp will be held from July 13-16 at the Plainwell Field House. Two age groups available (based on grade in fall 2026): 🏀 1st-4th Grade: 9:00-10:30 AM 🏀 5th-8th Grade: 11:00 AM-12:30 PM To register, please visit plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs. We look forward to welcoming your Trojan to the 1st-8th Grade Boys Basketball Camp where they will focus on fundamentals of the game, while having fun!

Registration is open for the 2026 Rocket, Flag and Pee Wee Football programs, as well as the 2026 K-6th Grade Rocket Camp. All programs provide an introduction to Plainwell's football program with an emphasis on learning skills while having fun. 🏈 Rocket Football: The Rocket Football program is open to 3rd-6th grade athletes (must be 8 years old by 9/1/26). Practice begins August 17, with Saturday games beginning September 12. Cost is $100 per athlete (includes jersey) 🏈 Flag Football: The Flag Football program is open to 1st and 2nd grade athletes (based on grade in fall 2026). Two practices a week begin August 24 with six Saturday games. Cost is $75 per athlete (includes jersey t-shirt) 🏈 Pee Wee: The Pee Wee Football program is open to Kindergarten athletes (based on grade in fall 2026). Two practices a week begin August 24 with six Saturday games. Cost is $75 per athlete (includes jersey t-shirt) 🏈 K-6th Grade Rocket Football Camp: The Rocket Football Camp is open to K-6th Grade athletes (based on grade in fall 2026). Camp will be held on July 29 and 30 at Streidl Field. Cost is $35 per athlete (includes t-shirt, must register by 7/12 to guarantee a t-shirt) For more information about the programs or to begin the registration process, please scan the QR. code or visit https://www.plainwellschools.org/page/youth-programs. If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact kathy.elliott@plainwellschools.org. For questions regarding the Rocket Football program, please contact Adam Reichow at adam.reichow@plainwellschools.org.