February Central Issue 2009

CentralIssue The

February 13, 2009 Volume XLI / Issue 4

P r o u d ly S e r v i n g T h e C e n t r a l M o n tc a l m

C o mm u n i t y

1480 S. Sheridan Road Stanton, Mich. 48888

School Board Leads http://www.qualityschool.org

Board of education leads district toward 21st Century with workshops aimed at reinventing Central Montcalm Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the State Board of Education have recognized January as School Board Recognition Month, and Central Montcalm Public Schools is joining 552 local and 57 intermediate school districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their untiring dedication to public education. “The foundation of school leadership is ensuring equal learning opportunities for all students,” says Jacob Helms, Superintendent. “School board members serve countless hours working to make public education the best that it can be. They Central Montcalm’s make decisions Board Members are Doug on tough, complex educational and Bowen, Bill Simpson, Joe Kohn, Roxanne Switzer, social issues that affect the entire Chris Wetherington, Mark Christensen, and Mike community and Williams impact individual students.” Board members bear responsibility for an annual budget of $15.6 million, 1,800 students, 200 employees and six buildings. “We proudly join educators and community members in saluting these education advocates as they provide vision and leadership for student achievement, academic programs, district funding, and school facilities. Their service ensures that decisions about local public schools are made by those most familiar with the needs of our community’s children and families,” said Helms. “They preserve the core of our democracy, public education.” The men and women serving Central Montcalm are Doug Bowen, Bill Simpson, Joe Kohn, Roxanne Switzer, Chris Wetherington, Mark Christensen, and Mike Williams. The Central Montcalm Board of Education meets monthly, usually the third Monday of each month. Recently, the Board of Education has conducted workshops with the administrative team, teachers, and support staff members to reimagine education at Central Montcalm. Board meetings and workshops are open to all members of the public. Please watch for additional information about community forums later in the month of February to share information about possible changes in our school district and to allow community members the opportunity to share their concerns.

CMUE students were lucky to have the very last Michigan United Conservation Club presentation. This wonderful program has brought enlightenment to many students over the last eight years about endangered and threatened species in our Michigan woodlands and wetlands. T h e C M U E P a r e n t Te a c h e r Organization has always paid for this program and this year the club is discontinuing the school visits.

Central Montcalm to offer one bus run beginning with 2009–10 school year The Board of Education voted 5–1 to provide reduced mileage on the bus fleet due to shorter one bus run, beginning next school year, at its and fewer bus runs, lower fuel consumption, Board Workshop on Saturday, January 31, in the more ability to accommodate family schedules, high school. and an overall improved condition of the bus A committee made up of board members, fleet. administrators, supervisors, and teachers has The board will be seeking public input at met to discuss the future of Central Montcalm community forums held at both Sheridan and Public School. The committee made the Stanton elementaries and the upper elementary recommendation to Superintendent Jacob school later in February (see article on page 3). Helms, who recommended it to the board. The next board meeting is scheduled for One major change already in place for next Thursday, February 19 at 8:30 p.m., in the high year is the transition to one bus run. Building school library media center. schedules will change; however, times Nonprofit Organization have not been determined yet. Please U.S. Postage Paid watch The Central Issue for times. Central Montcalm Public School Stanton, Mich. 48888 1480 S. Sheridan Rd. More information will be Permit #34 Stanton, Mich. 48888 forthcoming, so please watch The Central Issue for additional information. Reasons for the change include the improved student day,

CentralIssue

Postal Patron, Local

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Inclement Weather Information School cancellation information is released to the media as soon as possible. The best way to get school closing information is by checking our Web site or watching TV. Please check with the school district Web site at http:// www.qualityschool. org/schoolclosing/ index.shtml Television and Web sites 44 WOOD–8 44 WZZM–13 44 http://www. woodtv.com — click on “School and Event Closings 44 w://www.wzzm13. com/ — click on Event Cancellations

School Times Upper Elementary 7:30 a.m.–2:40 p.m. Middle School 7:30 a.m.–2:25 p.m. High School 7:30 a.m.–2:25 p.m. Sheridan Elementary 8:55–4:05 p.m. Stanton Elementary 8:55–4:05 p.m.

Board meeting with DSIT, administrators The Board has been busy meeting with administrators and District School Improvement Team (DSIT) members. Together, we are brainstorming ideas to improve our school, i.e., better programming and shorter bus runs, creating a vision to give direction and working together openly to formulate “What’s Best for Kids.” The Board is willing to hear new ideas and we would like your input. If you have an idea that you would like to share, please email us at www.qualityschool. org, click on “Staff” and scroll near the middle of the page to “Central Montcalm School Board,” call the Central Office at (989) 831–2000, or send us a letter directed to Reinventing CMPS, c/o Mr. Jacob Helms at P.O. Box 9, Stanton, Michigan 48888. We want to officially welcome Tom Torok as our new middle school principal. Tom has successfully served as our interim principal since school began in September. He welcomed the opportunity to serve as interim principal, and is an effective educational leader. It was made official at the Board’s January meeting. Torok previously served the district as a middle school teacher for nine years. Torok and his wife, Buffy, have three children, Hannah, Sarah and Elizabeth. Please stop in and introduce yourself and say, “hello.” We look forward to working with him. At the January meeting, the Board accepted monetary donations and we are grateful for the continued generosity of the many folks in our community. A special thanks goes out to the Sons of the American Legion Squadron Post #452, First Congregation Church of Stanton Women’s Fellowship, CM Community Foundation, William Simpson, Penny Barber, Stanton Lions Club, Hope Lutheran Church, Faith Lutheran Church, Central Montcalm Community Church, St. Bernadette’s – Stanton, Stanton American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Penny Thomsen Coat Tree. Many people benefited from these donations. Please look for our next “Board Notes” and become involved with the youth of our community.

Hello and Happy New Year: Many choices and changes are on the horizon for 2009 at Central Montcalm. I invite and encourage you to get involved and come alongside us to catch the vision of change — not simply for change sake, but change for the better and for the benefit of our students. Our goal is to explore new avenues of access, presentation, and implementation in technology, curriculum, and fiscal efficiency to insure that we are not only getting the most out of our current resources, but also to clarify the big picture with Central Montcalm as the leading school in the area in terms of the quality of education and opportunities we offer our students. The world around us operates seemingly at warp speed, and we face immense challenges in preparing our kids to take their places in the real world beyond Central Montcalm. Two statements from recent books ring true: it does “take a village to raise successful kids”and “there is no such thing as a self–made man— we all owe our successes, at least in part, to the sacrifices of others.” We at Central Montcalm want to be contributors to that success by providing our students a solid foundation. One of the best rewards for our efforts will be seeing the kids who received their education here as happy, successful and contributing adults who can be proud of their association with Central Montcalm. The Board of Education, Staff, and Administration are working together through a series of workshops to assess and realign current programs and needs in curriculum, technology, and budgetary commitments, as well as infrastructure, maintenance, and improvements. We are also making plans to hold community meetings to receive everyone’s input in this process as we all work to make Central Montcalm a first–rate 21st Century school. As always, my door is open; please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I am looking forward to seeing the good things we will all help to achieve in this New Year! Sincerely,

Board of Education Board of Education meetings will be held monthly and will begin at 7 p.m. Meetings will be in the high school library media center.

Membership 2008–09

President—Doug Bowen Vice–President—Bill Simpson Secretary— Roxanne Switzer Treasurer—Joe Kohn Trustee—Mark Christensen Trustee—Mike Williams Trustee—Chris Wetherington Meeting Dates Feb. 18, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15

ƒƒ Board of Education.......... (989) 831–2000 Jake Helms, Superintendent Jill Folsom, Business Manager

ƒƒ Community Education..... (989) 831–7902 Kathy Betts, Director

ƒƒ Food Service . .................. (989) 831–2312 Dianne Mitchell, Supervisor

Submitted on behalf of the Board,

ƒƒ High School ..................... (989) 831–2100

Roxanne Switzer

ƒƒ Middle School ................. (989) 831–2200

Board Secretary

Superintendent

John Kearney Principal Dave McLoughlin, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Thomas Torok, Principal

Published by CMPS Superintendent: Jake Helms Editor: Rick Heitmeyer The Central Issue is published six times during the school year from August–May. If you have any suggestions, or questions, please contact the Board of Education Office at (989) 831–2000 between the hours of 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

All content copyright © MMIX by Central Montcalm Public School. Web Site: http://www. Qualityschool.org

ƒƒ Sheridan Elementary........ (989) 831–2500 Rick Heitmeyer, Principal

ƒƒ Stanton Elementary.......... (989) 831–2400 Marty Combs, Principal

ƒƒ Transportation.................. (989) 831–2240 Val Conklin, Supervisor

ƒƒ Upper Elementary............. (989) 831–2300 Susan Koster, Principal

Administration and Supervision

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Focus group meetings scheduled for moving CMPS in 21st Century You’re invited to have a voice in the “renovation” of programming here in your school district. We will review where we have been and review some ideas that your school leaders are considering for the future of our students, from birth to adulthood. Among the topics to be considered include the high school student schedules, kindergarten schedules, building alignment by grade level and balanced class sizes. The Board of Education has charged the superintendent with bringing a plan to improve learning for your students while maintaining or reducing spending. There has been some discussion at the building level with school staff; however, we have not yet had an opportunity to receive input from you on these ideas. Again, we invite you to explore ideas and the research behind them, to assist us in forming a plan for moving our school into the 21st Century!

Please watch for information regarding when and where we will hold these important focus group meetings! We plan to present information beginning the week of February 16. After school snack program growing by leaps and bounds Central Montcalm Public Schools is now offering free after school snacks for students at the CMUE and also in the CMMS cafeteria for secondary students. Dianne Mitchell, food service director, noticed that many students were staying after school for correctives, meetings, games, band practice, and much more. She figured that these kids have to be very hungry by the time they get home at night. From that, came the after school free snack program, which began on December 8, 2008. Any student may stop by the CMMS cafeteria between 2:30–2:45 p.m. for a free snack and milk. The middle school cafeteria services high school and middle school students. Central Montcalm Upper Elementary is averaging 50–55 students each day, and the middle/high school crowd has had a high of 90, and is expected to grow. The students have been so appreciative of the snacks. Many students have commented to the staff about how much they appreciate the snack, and many have inquired, “Why are you doing this?” Our reply is, “Because, it’s the right thing to do.” Enjoy! Your Food Service Department is very interested in parental feedback from this program. If you have any comments or suggestions, please call Mitchell or Tarry Everingham at (989) 831–2235.

2008–09 School Year Key Dates

Keep a close eye on upcoming CMHS dates 44By John Kearney, Principal

Academics Graduation Date for seniors has been set for Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m. Seniors, make sure you check with counseling about scholarships. Important Dates •

Monday, February 16: No school for students — Professional development

44 Feb. 16—No school for students, Professional Development 44 March 6—No school for students, Professional Development 44 April 6–April 12—No school due to Spring Break

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Wednesday, February 18: Parent/teacher conference — 4 – 7 p.m.

44 May 25—No school due to Memorial Day observation

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Friday, March 6: No school for students — Professional development

44 May 29—Last student day

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Tuesday, March 10: Michigan Merit Exam Week

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Friday, March 20: Early release at 12 noon — End of third marking period

44 Sept. 8—First day of school for 2009–10 school year

Athletics Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Tournament at CMHS: Girls’ basketball district tournament: March 2, 4, and 6. Two games will be played both March 2 and 4. Spring sports will be starting in less than two months. Spring head coaches are: baseball, Bob Luginbuhl; softball: Rick Heitmeyer; boys’ track: Kris Kolbe; girls’ track: Amy Kolbe; boys’ golf: Gary Buchholz. Student–athletes, make sure you have your physical form, activity code and emergency card on file if interested in participating in spring sports. Hornet Athletics is always looking for help at athletic events. If you are interested in helping with the concession stand, selling raffle tickets, Hornet track relays, or state tournaments, please call the athletic office at (989) 831–2142. You can look up any sport schedule on the district web page. The district web page is www.qualityschool.org. Get involved with Hornet athletics by joining the Hornet Boosters. We have our meetings second Monday of each month. We will be looking for you in March. The meetings are held in the high school media center. Come out and show your support for Central Montcalm athletics. People with scheduling or other questions may call the athletic office at (989) 831–2142

Hornet

Pride

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Yellow Ribbon mixes it up at the UE 44By Angela Breese, Counselor

Please take a moment to register in the Edvantage Program by following the simple instruction below. Your involvement, coupled with fellow members, could generate a significant amount

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where students were directed to sit. Students sat with other students from other classes, truly “mixing it up” at lunch. A high school student was at each table to play games and do activities with the students working on finding similarities and getting to know each other. Students discovered new things about old friends, and many made new friends and talked to kids that they had never talked to before.

Mixing it up were Tara Williams, Hona van Schagen, Brooke Brasington, Mindy Parkin, Tori Ellis, Kyla Bratty, Chloe Rivett.

igh school students understand and experience cliques and friendships better than most; they have survived middle school and all of the social pressures that come with it. hey also are a little bit older and a little bit wiser, and many of them have figured out what is truly important: tolerance, compassion for others, and acceptance of differences. One of the high school Yellow Ribbon groups has focused on trying to teach tolerance and acceptance to kids throughout the district. Wednesday January 8, seven high school Yellow Ribbon members went to the CMUE lunch periods to do a fun activity to address this issue. Completely organized by the students, it was a big success. Each student was issued a colored card with their name on it at lunchtime. The colors corresponded to color coded tables

of additional support for our school. So tell alumni or individuals about this Edvantage and help the athletic program. Go to http://www. EdvantageProgram. com/MIAAA/ CentralMontcalm On the bottom left of your screen, click: “Click here to access the registration form>” Once on the registration form page, fill out the required information. Should you be required to enter an “Access Code,” please use the following: CentralMontcalm.

At the end of each fall season, the Hornet Football Program issues a G.P.A. award to three deserving football scholar athletes. One each from the Sophomore, Junior and Senior Classes. Cody Nyp was mistakenly overlooked as the recipient of the Senior G.P.A. award. Therefore, on behalf of the Hornet Football Community, Coach Marty James would like to congratulate Nyp for obtaining a lofty 3.75 grade point average!

CMUE students’ Christmas project was a collection of food items and toiletries. A group of students wrote, produced and performed a puppet play that was related to the project and made available to each class. Other students advertised the event with posters, and others picked up the collected items each day. The items were dispersed through various agencies the week of Dec. 15–19. Students and staff enjoyed the play! Left— The Geobee champion and runner up were awarded after Christmas break.

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Go Central Montcalm Hornets!

Interview Day The four photos on the left are CMHS juniors taking part in interviews. Junior Interview day was a success at the high school. All juniors received a one– on–one interview and many business/ retirees volunteered for the event. All career pathways were supported for the students to receive knowledge needed for their future. The photo at the top is an MUCC bird from a recent performance at the upper elementary school. Below are the students who took part in the Exploring the Theatre class at CMMS.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown ... live! 44By Deb Dieckman

Exploring the Theatre, an exploratory course for eighth graders, recently staged three performances of their end–of–quarter class play, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Wednesday evening, January 14, the class performed their play for parents and other family members. They followed up with presentations for the district’s fourth graders and for the middle school on January 15. Twenty–nine student actors were enrolled in Exploring the Theatre during second quarter: Steven Barkley, Falisha Booth, Sawyer Bowers, Autumn Button, Becca Clery–Kroneck, Breanna Collins, Jessica Croley, Sonya Damaso, Christa DePue, Sydney Eedy, Bre Fadden, Carolyn Feuerstein, Jenny Fike, Jacob Hagen, Amber Husted, Allison Kazmerski, Cheyenne Kronewitter, Kyler Linderman, Stephanie Marlin, Alexis Moore, Tim Moravik, Bruce Reames, Dominique Reynolds, Kasey Sinclair, Tyler Sleet, Thomas Soles, Reghan Springsteen, Chris Swanson, and Hope Wiggers. They worked hard throughout the quarter, learned some useful communication skills, gained confidence, and created some memorable performances.

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Show your Hornet Pride!

MACC preschool has openings Montcalm Area Career Center Preschool has openings in our morning preschool session running from 8:15 to 10:00, Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday. Age appropriate activities and snack provided for children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years. The cost is $25.00 per month. For an enrollment packet or more information call Dorothy or Lu at (616)–225–5720.

MEL.ORG Did you know that the state of Michigan provides free research materials to all residents? Mel.org has a variety of resources, including full text newspapers and magazines. It also has many practice tests and tutorials. You can prepare for an ACT test, work on your GED, practice for a cosmetology exam, improve your math skills or use any one of the other twenty three tests and tutorials. To use the site, all you have to do is type in your driver’s license number, to prove that you are a resident of the state. Be sure to check out http://mel.org.

CMCF offers scholarships The Central Montcalm Community Foundation has over $6,000.00 in scholarships to award to qualified CM seniors. You may pick up an application in the counseling office or download one from the Web site: www. cmcommunityfoundation.org. Please contact Mrs. Thwaites in the middle school library if you have questions. The application deadline is March 29.

Breaks ahead Please remember that we will not have classes on Monday, February 16 or Friday, March 6, as those are both professional development days for staff members. Central Montcalm plans professional development for five days per school year, including two days during the summer and three during the school year.

CMUE supports community CMUE students participated in a month’s activity that brought in mittens, hats, and scarves for children in need of those things. In conjunction with another community organization, we are also collecting basic need items like tissues, soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc.

Show Summer youth Information will be available soon regarding CM Youth League and the Sheridan Youth your the Baseball League. Forms will be available in school offices soon, and you will be able to sign Education Showcase on Thursday, Hornet upAprilat 2.theQuestions can be answered by youth league officials at the Showcase. Pride!

Foreign exchange students visit CM

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any Central Montcalm families have opened their homes to foreign exchange students. Assylay Gubaidullina, from Kazakhstan, is the new family member of John and Susan LaLonde of Vestaburg. Visiting from Germany are Amelie Daub and Yasmin Malekzadeh. Amelia will be joining Billy and Christa Wright’s family L–R (Front Row) Rodrigo Abad, Anh Do, Yiwei Niu (Back Row) Yasmine Malekzadeh, Irene Oran de las Heras, Daniela Pareja– and Yasmin lived with Tim Gomez, Assylay Gubaidullina (Not Pictured) Amelie Daub. and Amy DeBerg. Both families are from Stanton. Wes and Betty LeMarble have welcomed home to Yiwei Niu of China. Yiwei will be living in Sidney. Visiting from Colombia is two students to their home in Sheridan, Daniela Pareja–Gomez. Her host parents Anh Do of Vietnam and Rodrigo Abad of are Levi and Sheena Sanders of Stanton. Spain. We also have Irene Oran De las Central Montcalm High School Heras visiting from Spain. Her host parents welcomes you and hopes your stay in are Ron and Cindy Partlo of Stanton. David and Mary Boyer have opened their America meets all your expectations.

Earthquake cake at Stanton The third graders at Stanton Elementary had their cake and learned from it too. The students conducted an experiment with “earthquake cake” to see what happens when the ground shakes and cracks. The cakes were frosted to represent lawns, lakes, rivers, roads, and even had some lego buildings. Everyone had fun, learned, and ate cake too. The activity was a part of the Earth unit in the science curriculum.

Tom Woodruff visits Sheridan Local illustrator Tom Woodruff visited with all of Sheridan Elementary School’s students on Tuesday, December 16. He taught students in Young 5’s through third grade about drawing. Woodruff visits the school nearly every year. Students enjoy spending time with the local illustrator. In addition to being an illustrator, Woodruff has also authored numerous books and hosts many workshops for school–aged children each year. Woodruff, from Fenwick, enjoys working with the students, as well. “I had a good day,” he commented when he left. “I’m already looking forward to coming back next year!”

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Voice of Democracy winners honored at banquet

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he annual Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Program for the 2008–2009 school year has concluded with an awards banquet given by the Sheridan Lester J. Sitts Post 5065 and Ladies Auxiliary who sponsor the local Voice of Democracy audio–essay competition for students in ninth through twelfth grades. The essay competition was conducted during the fall school term. Through this competition, Central Montcalm students were given the opportunity to win valuable scholarships and awards while expressing their opinions on America. Several students wrote and then recorded a short, three to five minute speech covering the patriotic theme assigned by the National Voice of Democracy Program, “Service and Sacrifice by America’s

Veterans benefit today’s youth by...” The annual Voice of Democracy Award’s Banquet was held on January 11, 2009, at the Sheridan VFW post. All students who participated and their families were invited to attend the banquet. Koby Grider was awarded a $750.00 scholarship for first place; Amanda Martin was awarded a $500.00 scholarship for second place; and Bailey Wilcox and Abby Clery– Kroneck tied for third place and both were awarded a $300.00 scholarship.

Other students honored included Spencer Bigler, Kelsey Clingenpeel, Kacie Denman, Emily Dyer, Morgan Ferguson, Abby Fitzgerald, Katie Gilchrist, Hannah Jorgensen, Alexa LaLonde, Sherry Nassif, Cody Nyp, April Parks, Ian Parks and Alice Snively. Thank all of you for your participation! The students, staff, and administration would like to thank the Sheridan VFW Post and Auxiliary for their unending support of Central Montcalm Public Schools.

Annual Education Showcase to Celebrate Student Success Thursday, April 2, 2009 6 – 8 p.m. Central Montcalm Middle/High School campus The library, media center, and computer labs at the Upper Elementary School are in use every day. Students have access to books, reference materials, and the world wide web for daily projects, writing projects, and research projects. The upper elementary also have three lap top carts that are checked out by each teacher so that projects can be worked on in the classroom. Teachers in CMPS have a lap top that is used at staff meetings, for professional development, and for daily record keeping. Teachers also use the laptop as they teach. Many have a projector connected to their laptop so that all students can benefit from immediate access to the internet as the teacher uses it as a teaching aid.

Teachers at Central Montcalm have been trained in Thinking Maps, which are a copyrighted graphical organizer technique. The eight maps that make up Thinking Maps are based on the eight fundamental thinking processes. The eight maps are: Circle Map Bubble Map Double Bubble Map Flow Map Brace Map Tree Map Multi–flow Map Bridge Map

You may hear your children talk about the maps. If you have questions, ask them. Our students are in their second year of learning using Thinking Maps. If you have any questions about Thinking Maps, please contact your student’s teacher. They can tell you all about them!

Thanks!!!

Michigan Merit Exam is on its way at Central Montcalm HS 44 By Steve Guikema, Counselor

Ah, spring time! For high school students and staff, spring time is testing time. Like last year, students in grades 9–11 will be taking tests during the second week of March (see testing schedule below). Students in grade 12, however, will not be required to take any test; therefore, seniors will not be required to be on campus during the testing times on March 11 and 12. Freshmen will be taking the EXPLORE Test, which tests students’ skills in English, math, reading, and science, as well as an interest inventory (for career planning). Sophomores will be taking the PLAN Test (or pre–ACT) which assesses students’ skills in English, math, reading, and science. These two tests are preparatory assessments for the high–stakes Michigan Merit Exam (MME) that students will take their junior year of high school. The MME, a state– wide, required assessment, is a three–part test that students take, in parts, over a three–day period. Students who score proficient (2) or advanced (1) in all areas of the test will receive early installments of the $4,000 Michigan Promise Scholarship to use during their first and second years at any Michigan post–secondary educational institution. Testing Schedule March 10 – Day 1 •

Juniors are the only students tested; it is day one of the MME and they will take the ACT plus writing.

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Testing (ACT plus writing) for juniors begins at 7:35 a.m. and ends at 11:45 a.m. Juniors are free to leave campus after they complete the test at 11:45 a.m.

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All other grades will have a normal school day. However, the location of some classes will change to accommodate testing (please check the room–change locations in the hallway prior to class so that instructional time is not interrupted).

March 11 – Day 2 •

Juniors will take the MME (WorkKeys).

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Sophomores will take the PLAN Test.

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Freshmen will take the EXPLORE Test.

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The testing time is 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

March 12 – Day 3 •

Juniors will take the MME Math, Science, and Social Studies Tests.

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Sophomores will take the PLAN Test, Freshmen will take the EXPLORE Test.

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The testing time is from 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Test Taking Tips •

Be well rested. Get a good night’s sleep the night before each test.

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Eat a healthy breakfast each morning.

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Make sure you have at least two, sharpened number 2 pencils and a calculator (if you are using one).

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Arrive on time. Check in starts at 7:15 a.m. Students will not be admitted to the room once the test booklets have been distributed.

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Pace yourself during the test; if you find yourself spending too much time on one question, move on to the next question.

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Bring snacks to school during testing days. Use breaks to get a drink or to eat a snack; food and drink are not allowed in the testing rooms. A snack and drink will be provided for the juniors, during their break, on the first day of testing (ACT test plus writing).

Voters will be asked to renew Non–homestead millage on May 5 After Proposal A was put in place as a way to fund Michigan schools, each district voted to approve a millage of 18 mills on non–homestead property as part of the funding plan. People who own only the house and property where they live, or own qualified agricultural property, are not affected by this millage. They will not see any tax relief if the renewal does not pass, nor will they see a tax increase if the renewal passes. Non–homestead property includes property within our school district, such as vacation homes, rental properties, businesses, or any other property without a primary residence located on it. Based upon the 2008 taxable value of non–homestead property in our district, the 18 mills will generate $1,405,615. This amount is approximately 9.07% of the school district’s total revenue. The State will not increase its portion to make up this difference should the millage not pass.

Community to Elect School Board Member on May 5 The annual election for Central Montcalm Public School will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. The term of Board of Education member Mark Christensen is expiring. Any legally qualified elector residing within the Central Montcalm Public School District is eligible to be elected as a member of the Board of Education. Deadline for filing nominating petitions and an Affidavit of Identity with the County Clerk was 4:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 10. Nominating petitions for persons seeking a Board of Education position are available in the Board of Education office located in the Central Montcalm Middle School, or at the Montcalm County Clerk’s office, 211 W. Main Street, Stanton, Michigan. For more information call (989) 831–7339.

Central Montcalm Public School Kin derg arten Roun d– Up Points of Pride Certified and experienced early childhood teachers Highly qualified paraprofessionals Certified speech and language teachers Licensed professional elementary counselor Certified school social worker Teacher consultant services Small class sizes Computers in classrooms Physical education, music, and art classes Young Fives program

Students must be five-years-old by December 1, 2009 Call now to register! April 28 and 29 @ Stanton Elementary — (989) 831–2400 May 5 and 6 @ Sheridan Elementary — (989) 831–2500 Please bring your child’s birth certificate, immunization record, and proof of residency