What a fantastic year it has been at Plainwell Community Schools! If I were to list all the wonderful accomplishments of our students and staff, I could fill this entire page and then some. We have had tremendous success at every level and in all areas: academics, music, and athletics. With amazing, and somewhat surprising speed, the STEM Academy at our middle school has soared to the top. While I never underestimate our teachers and students, I was overwhelmed with the success of this program in its very first year. The commitment to the programming, enthusiasm and drive of the staff is exemplary – and not unnoticed. In April, two of our STEM teachers were inducted into the WMU Hall of Fame for Educator Excellence in recognition of the collaboration with the West Michigan Flight Academy. Our STEM programming is the work of seven teachers, all who are challenging themselves and students to approach learning in different ways. I am so proud of the work they are doing. Their continued success is a foregone conclusion.
We have continued to grow our technology integration throughout our curriculum in ways we could barely imagine a few years ago. From Kindergarten through 12th grade it is becoming an integral part of our instruction and is promoting student growth in all subjects. Beginning next fall, all 9-12 students will be provided with their own iPad. At our Middle School, every core classroom will have one-to-one devices and we continue to expand technology at the elementary level as well.
While summer is the time to slow down and relax, there are plenty of options close to home for keeping the fun and learning going throughout the summer. There are swim lessons at the pool. Ransom Library is offering many activities all summer long for kids of all ages. The Kalamazoo Nature Center has opportunities for students to participate in multiple events. The City of Plainwell is bringing the traveling Smithsonian exhibit “The Way We Worked” to the old mill site from June 6 to July 19. Every Wednesday evening through July, there are free concerts in the band shell. And in their down time, please be sure that your children take the time to read!
I wish all of you a restful, relaxing, safe summer!
