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SSSS HHHH SSSS

� Ron Ehlers, Principal � High School office:

� Jessica Bucklin, Assistant Principal (269) 659-1515 � Guidance office: (269) 659-1520

April 2016

Greetings SHS students and families -

As we enter the spring season, please be aware of a couple important items:

• Your student will soon be receiving information regarding scheduling for 2016-2017. Please take time to meet with your student to assist them in deciding what courses to take next year. Our guidance department appreciates any assistance you can provide during this process.

• You have been provided information recently describing dual enrollment opportunities both here on our Sturgis High School campus as well as at Glen Oaks Community College. Please note that tuition and fees up to $515 as well as textbooks are covered by the district.

• We are in the process of making preparations for the SAT/PSAT testing that will occur on April 12,13, and 14. Please note that letters have been sent home with the schedules for grades 9,10, and 11. Included were permission slips to allow your student to be dismissed when not testing on April 12 and 13.

Please make note of some important dates in the near future:

• March 30,31 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 5:00-8:00pm

• April 4-8 Spring Break

• April 12,13,14 SAT/PSAT/M-STEP testing

• April 24 Honors Convocation, HS Main Gym, 2:00pm

• May 5 Senior Awards, Sturges Young, 7:00pm Continue to check our school calendar on our website for details of these and other events. Thank you for your continued support of our students and programs here at Sturgis High School.

Sincerely,

Ron Ron Ron Ron Ehlers, PrincipalEhlers, PrincipalEhlers, PrincipalEhlers, Principal

STURGIS

HIGH SCHOOL

216 Vinewood Avenue Sturgis, Michigan 49091

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From the office of Mrs. Bucklin, Assistant Principal…

Survey results…WE HEARD YOU! Thank you so much to those of you who participated in our recent parent

survey. We plan to continue to offer this survey at least once a year to get your input to help us grow. Here are some of the highlights of the survey and our response to your suggestions –

- You indicated you’d like more ways to get information on key classroom topics, understanding social media and

safety with social media so we are working on plans to host after school mini-sessions - presented by SPS staff

and/or community members - to address your questions.

- You told us that you would like to see us expand our after school programs and activities. If you have any specific

suggestions, please contact our office. Remember, you can pick up a student sports calendar in the office, and also

check our announcements for extracurricular activities that are scheduled.

SHS Handbook… Just a reminder, the handbook is available on our webpage and is a good source of

answers to many of the general questions you might have. In addition, we have added a page called

Bullying/Harassment that clearly defines the behaviors that constitute bullying/harassment. If you know someone

who is being bullied, or who you feel is bullying another student, please use the link at the bottom of that page to

anonymously report the information. You may also follow these links:

Link to the Handbook: http://sturgispsshs.ss7.sharpschool.com/high_school/high_school_student__parent_handbook/

Link to the Bullying/Harassment page: http://sturgispsshs.ss7.sharpschool.com/high_school/bullying___harassment/

Dress code reminder!

We understand that with the warmer weather comes a fashion change... Please make sure the clothes your student wears to school are school appropriate according to the handbook: Shorts, skirts and dresses must be mid-thigh in length, shirts must not expose cleavage or the midriff; boys must have shirts with sleeves (girls, your straps must be at least 3" wide and undergarments must be covered;) no hats, bandannas or sunglasses in the building.

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you for your cooperatfor your cooperatfor your cooperatfor your cooperation!ion!ion!ion!

Early Middle College Update!

Sturgis High School is well represented in the St. Joseph County Early Middle College. We have 8 juniors who started classes at Glen Oaks this fall and 19 sophomores who will be participating in pre-college activities this spring and summer and starting classes when we get back in September. This is a very exciting opportunity for our students to earn a certificate or Associate Degree in the career area of their choice. They take a combination of high school and college classes their junior and senior years and commit to one year after high school at Glen Oaks Community College. All tuition, textbooks and fees will be paid for during that time, so the entire degree could be free! We were well represented at Signing Day and are still accepting applications from interested and qualified students. If you would like more information, see the Guidance Department before April 15 or call Anita Schlabach, the program coordinator at Glen Oaks.

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Notes from the Band Notes from the Band Notes from the Band Notes from the Band and Orcheand Orcheand Orcheand Orchestra stra stra stra

departmentdepartmentdepartmentdepartmentssss…………

Band students who participated in State Solo and

Ensemble. Pictured at right are Jacob Rheinheimer;

Brittany Lalone, Noah Franks, Meg Scheske, Michael

Fitzsimmons , Lily Pantoja, Dylan Schwartz,

Jasmine Miller, and Aimi Hettinger.

Orchestra sophomore harpist Ellie Clemons received a first division rating at the state solo and ensemble festival on Saturday, March 19 in Grandville. Ellie received a score of 99 out of 100 on Proficiency I meaning that she had to play scales and arpeggios as well as sight read. Very few students score this high in proficiency tests. Congratulations to Ellie for this great accomplishment! The photo at left was taken earlier this year at a harp workshop at MSU.

News from the SHS Art World!

Students who were selected to participate in Art Bounce this fall. From left to right: Guadalupe Zuniga, Aleese Rohr, Sydney Strawser, Faith Hazlewood and Osvaldo Montoya.

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News from Business Professionals of America (BPA) We are very proud of all the students who participated in the Business Professionals of America (BPA), Michigan BPA Regional Competition in January, and the State competition in March. The students were GREAT, their behavior was OUTSTANDING, and I'm VERY proud of their positive attitudes. HUGE thank you to Laura Penner who helped to coach and mentor students, as well as volunteered her time at our BPA Regional Competition. The following students are our SHS National qualifiers:

A. Patrick Anderson 1.Gold Medal (1st Place) Information Technologies 2. Gold Medal (1st Place) Computer Programming 3. Bronze Medal (3rd Place) Business Spelling 4. 2nd Place Visual Basic/C# Programming

B. Video Production Team 2nd Place > Noah Kinsey > Allison Harker > Dylan Kunce > Jesse Campos

C. Torch Award (Documenting total student accomplishment in school, life, etc.., very complicated) 1. Courtney McClain 2. Allison Harker

The following is a list of students who are our SHS State qualifiers: Administrative Support Concepts (290) 1st Place Patrick Andersen

2nd Place Daniel Shane Administrative Support Team (255) 1st Place Hannah Bowen, Baleigh Brazo, Janeht Carrasco, Brookelyn Wheeler

Business Spelling (90) 4th Place Jeremy Frohriep 3rd Place Daniel Shane 2nd Place Patrick Andersen

Computer Programming Concepts (390) 1st Place Patrick Andersen Economic Research Individual (S) (155) 1st Place Lydia Oman Computer Security (320) 1st Place Jacob Wegner

3rd Place Michael De Young Economic Research Team (S) (160) 2nd Place Soraya Diaz, Jaqueline Garcia, Alyssa Hammond, Lynda Unterkircher

Extemporaneous Speech (525) 3rd Place Nyah Campos 2nd Place Lydia Oman

Financial Analyst Team (150) 1st Place Sean Kosman, Ethan Pattison, Jesse Pattison, Hersh Vakharia Financial Math & Analysis (190) 3rd Place Nyah Campos

4th Place Jesse Pattison Fundamental Accounting (100) 3rd Place Liam Adams Fundamental Word Processing (200) 1st Place Rachel Webb

2nd Place Alyssa Lopez Fundamentals of Web Design (405) 1st Place Erick Montoya Graphic Design Promotion (410) 2nd Place Austin Baldwin Human Resource Management (535) 1st Place Dylan Kunce

3rd Place Ryan Mayo 4th Place Jonathan Markus

Interview Skills (515) 2nd Place Alaina Cholometes Intermediate Word Processing (205) 1st Place Ethan Pattison Legal Office Procedures (245) 3rd Place Kayla Thornton Mgmt/Mktg/Human Res. Concepts (591) 1st Place Daniel Shane Parliamentary Procedure Concepts (592) 2nd Place Allison Harker Payroll Accounting (125) 1st Place Ryan Mayo

2nd Place Jesse Pattison 4th Place Morgan Pueschel

PC Servicing & Troubleshooting (305) 4th Place Jarrett Delarye Prepared Speech (545) 2nd Place Katie Horn

3rd Place Matt Polzin 4th Place Nyah Campos

Presentation Management Individual (555) 4th Place Steven Orrostieta Small Business Management Team (510) 1st Place Luis Jurado, Jonathan Markus, Courtney McClain, Erick Montoya Web Site Design Team (435) 2nd Place Ashley Kuhlman, Darleen Lumadue, Alec Robinson

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Business Meeting Concepts 4th Place Daniel Shane Video Production Team (430) 2nd Place Jeshua Campos, Allison Harker, Noah Kinsey, Dylan Kunch Broadcast News Production Team (445) 3rd Place Liam Adams, Alaina Cholometes, Morgan Pueschel, Kayla Thornton C++ Programming (335) 1st Place Patrick Andersen Java Programming (340) 3rd Place Steven Orrostieta Visual Basic/C# Programming (330) 1st Place Patrick Andersen

3rd Place Hersh Vakharia

Quiz Bowl… a great success! The 2016 St. Joseph County Quiz Bowl competition

was held on Tuesday, February 2, at the St. Joseph

County ISD.

Sturgis High School sent a competent and competitive

team, coached by Mrs. Stephanie Harker-Schau, that

included Patrick Andersen, Andrew Burg, Allison Harker,

Ethan Pattison, Jesse Pattison, Matt Polzin, Michael

Scheske, and Hersh Vakharia.

Others schools competing included Centreville, Colon,

Howardsville Christian, Constantine, Three Rivers,

Mendon, and White Pigeon.

After some fierce competition, Sturgis took second

place after losing their only round to the 1st-place Three

Rivers team.

Learning can take place anywhere…!

Students in Mrs. Wheeler’s Mythology class took advantage of the 60 degree weather this spring and read their ‘Myth of the Day’ on their iPads outside in the sunshine!

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Youth in Government

On March 9-13th the Michigan Youth In Government

Spring Conference took place. Mrs. Saunders (the YIG

Advisor) took 10 students from the high school up to

the capitol in Lansing.

“These fine students did an exceptional job representing

the Sturgis Delegation at this year’s YIG spring

conference. This program allowed students to

experience government ‘hands on.’ Our students

simulated all phases and positions of the actual state

government. Some even sat in the actual chairs of our

representatives and senators. We had a lot of first year

members this year and it was awesome seeing our

students step up and debate while using parliamentary procedure even as newbies. Not only did they do

an exceptional job at defending their beliefs but they listened to different viewpoints of others and were

really respectful. This year’s early spring conference had over 500 students from all over the state. Our

students not only learned about government but made some awesome friends. YIG is such a great

program and one that I too did as a high schooler. I love that I can experience it all over again as an

advisor. I’m already looking forward to next year and hoping to expand the club in coming years.”

Athletics Action! SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE… The Sturgis Athletic Department in cooperation with the Sturgis Area Community Foundation have scholarship monies available for student athletes who plan to attend summer sports camps. Scholarship application deadline is Friday, April 15. Please visit the Sturgis High School Athletic Website or the Athletic Office for Scholarship packets. It will be a busy spring season for the Sturgis Athletic Department. We will be host to the Division 2 Regional Track Meet on Friday May 20. Fourteen area schools will be coming to town to “run their best” in quest of a Regional Championship. Sturgis High School will also host the 2016 Division 2 Baseball & Softball Districts on May 31 and June 4. If you would be interested in volunteering for these events, please contact the athletic department 659 1535. Many volunteers are needed.

Congratulations to our own Austin Robison. Austin, a junior at Sturgis High School

won all four singles matches to be crowned Division 2 Individual State Champion at

Super Bowl in Canton Michigan. We are proud of you Austin!!!

The 2016 spring sports schedules are available on-line at the Sturgis High School Athletic Website.

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Life Sports and Fitness classes swim like fish…

Each semester, Greg Stone from Elkhart's Hart City Scuba, brings his equipment and expertise to the Sturgis Community Pool to give an intro to scuba lesson to the Life Sports and Fitness classes. The students learn to snorkel prior to his visit, then they get to take it under water with scuba. Thanks Greg!

… And Dance with Hoops!

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Once Upon a Mattress…

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Communication… always worth repeating!

We have many ways for families to stay connected with SHS. Please check out the following list. If you are unable to access

any of the options, feel free to call the office and someone will be happy to walk you through the sign up process!

- Power School - You can find up-to-date information on your student’s grades and attendance, plus email links to their

current teachers. The log in page can be accessed via our website.

- Autocall system - When a student is absent for one or more classes during the school day and we have not had a call

from a parent/guardian to excuse the absence, we send an autocall phone alert to the phone number we have listed in Power

School. It is VERY IMPORTANT that we have up-to-date contact information for all our students and their guardians. If you

have moved or changed phone numbers, please contact the school!

- SHS Website - http://sturgispsshs.ss7.sharpschool.com/ Navigate the many tabs for general information about our

school, the calendar and the calendar of upcoming events. In addition, there are tabs specifically designed with information

for Parents, Students, and Athletics.

- SHS Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Sturgis-High-School-142556292445255/?fref=ts We update our

page almost daily with interesting news and events. Feel free to message us there if you have any questions; we strive to reply

within 24 hours.

- Twitter - For general SHS news, follow us here: @sturgisps. And remember, our Positive School Culture team has

their own Twitter account too: @shsgoodvibez1.

SHS Calendar

Remember – you can always access our calendar from the webpage!

Check there for any last minute changes! April

4-8, NO SCHOOL Spring Break 15 Choir, State Vocal Solo & Ensemble 24, 2:00pm - Honors Convocation 29, Fun Friday May

5, 7:00pm - Senior Honors Night 7, Prom! 12-14, Choir - All state 16-20, Senior Portfolio Week 18, Band/Orchestra to Chicago, Chicago Symphony open rehearsal 22, Choir, Spring Concert, Sturges-Young Auditorium 27, Seniors Last Day Fun Friday 30, NO SCHOOL Memorial Day

June

3, 8:15am - Senior Breakfast and graduation rehearsal 5, 12:30pm - Baccalaureate 2:00pm - Graduation of the Class of 2016 8, HALF DAY Students Last Day!

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NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: In Compliance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1977, it is the policy of the Sturgis Public Schools District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment. For information, contact: Julie Evans, Assistant Superintendent, 107 W. West Street, Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-659-1500

DECLARACION DE NO DISCRIMINACION: En cumplimiento con el Titulo VI del Acta de Derechos Civiles de 1964, el Titulo IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972, Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, la Ley de Estadounidense con Discapacidades de 1990 y la Ley de Derechos Civiles de Elliot-Larsen de 1977, es la política del distrito de las Escuelas Públicas De Sturgis que ninguna persona por motivos de raza, color, religión, genero, origen nacional o ascendencia, sexo, discapacidad, altura, peso o estado civil sea excluida de participar en, ser negado a los servicios de, o ser sujeto a discriminación en cualquier programa, actividad, servicio o en el empleo. Para tener más información, comuníquese con: Julie Evans, Sub Directora General, 107 W. West Street Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-659-1500