Information leaseA Publication of the Otsego Public School District July 2011 Vol. XLIV, No. 4

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2011!

GOOD LUCK IN RETIREMENT!

IT’S SUMMER!

Minimize the SlideAs we move into the summer months, I hope you have planned some fun activities for your family. It is certainly great to experience all that Michigan has to offer in the summer. As educators, we also want the best lifetime experiences for our students. On that note, you may have heard or read about the concerns of “Summer Slide”, a well documented result of the length of time students are

away from school. As an example of the slide, research shows how kids tend to fall back in reading and math over the summer months. With this information, we are increasing our summer school programs. I encourage parents to look for ways to incorporate bits and pieces of math and reading in activities that challenge your kids minds. Perhaps helping household budgeting (like grocery shopping) or neighborhood book studies could be fun for them. In addition, OPS has committed to increased physical activities for all students. Our Jump Start! and PE4Life have been in place for a few years and we are seeing excellent results with individual behavior and student achievement. Over the summer months, I am also concerned about summer slide in this area of student growth and well being. There are several ways that parents can encourage their kids to be outdoors and active. A big part of our district’s success with physical activity with young students is your participation – elementary and middle school Mileage Club is huge. Walking a few times per week is a perfect way to keep your kids moving and can be a great opportunity for bonding with them. Parents are a key partner and we need your help in minimizing the effects of the “Summer Slide” on both of these fronts. To see an example of how physical exercise is helping our students, watch this video on our JumpStart! program.

From the SuperintendentDennis M. Patzer, Superintendent of Schools

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Otsego Schools Website Redesigned

New layout selected with students, parents, community in mind

The Otsego Public Schools website has a new look and is built with you in mind. It was designed internally with the goal of

easier navigation.You’ll notice more categories on our

homepage to choose from and special-ized sections such as a section for parents, where you can find accelerated reader information, newsletters, the lunch menus and much more. There is a similar section tailored to Students.Right on the front page is an ever-chang-

ing news section. Look back often to find out new and exciting projects, awards, opportunities or happenings within the district. All pages and news stories can also be shared via email or on facebook.With drop-down menus, and more tabs,

you’ll be able to quickly locate items within the district, academics, athletics, fine arts, community education, calendars, etc. We invite you to take a few minutes to

check it out and explore all that it has to offer at www.otsegops.org. If you have any questions, email

ops@otsegops.org.

Sophomores Search for Solutions The sophomore english classes finished out their school year taking steps into new territory - getting out into the community and making a difference. The students have a research assignment called “Search for

Solutions” in which students must research a problem/issue as well as the solutions currently practiced. They then have to offer their own solution. The final phase of the project is an “action step” where students actually do something related to their topic. This year, students helped out with a food drive, picked up garbage in a park, spent time with the elderly, and attacked other problems such as teen suicide, cyber bullying, air pollution and more. Teacher Chris Strayer says it shows them they can have a real impact on their community and society. Many of the students agree, saying it’s helped them as well as their cause. This project received media attention as well; students were interviewed on WWMT and for the Kalamazoo Gazette.

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It has been a pleasure and honor to serve as the Otsego Public Schools’ Director of Instruction for the past 11 years. However, this will be my last “Curriculum Corner” entry. After the last 18 years here in Otsego as an admin-istrator, and a total of 37 years in public education, I will

retire on June 30, 2011. As I prepare to leave my duties, I have taken time to reflect on my years here in Otsego. What I have seen over the 18 years has been a tremendous tribute to the community of Otsego and the Otsego Public Schools.Starting in 1993 when I was hired as the principal at the newly re-opened Alamo

Elementary, I was extremely impressed that the community had approved a mill-age election that year. It allowed the district to not only renovate Alamo, but to look to the future by funding the installation of a technology network in all the district schools. As the years passed, the community continues to look to the future of technology in our schools and in our world. With the renovations of all buildings in the district and the opening of the new

Otsego High School in 2007, the district stands at the forefront of many area schools in our integration of technology into instruction and learning. There is an on-going commitment from our staff to make sure that we are not only linking students to the world, but that we are preparing them to take leadership roles in a world of technology.Thank you to the school district and the community for the opportunities my

family and I have had here in Otsego!

Curriculum CornerDan Bushouse, Director of Instruction

Heather Kortlandt, Incoming Director of Secondary Instruction

Melissa Koenig, Incoming Director of Elementary

InstructionThe days are warming up and getting longer as we head into summer full

steam ahead. Summer is a traditional holiday for American school children stemming from the days before heavy industrialization when kids were needed at home to help out with the farming needs of the family. While the tradition of the extended vacation in the summer still remains honored in most school districts today, much research has been conducted on the summer slide. This

time away can have a negative impact on student achievement. Unfortunately, the higher the grade level, the bigger the backwards slide. Duke University Professor, Harris Cooper, states that “Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. Low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement, despite the fact that their middle-class peers make slight gains.”

To help combat the summer slide, here are a few things parents can do to keep their children on track. Keep your children engaged in mathematics, writing, and encourage them to read, read, read! Since research indicates the greatest slides occur in mathematics, we suggest an increased summer focus in that area. Incorporate mathematics while doing routine things like driving on a trip. Secondary parents - have your child calculate things like miles remaining, gas mileage, or picking numbers from road signs and approximating square roots. For the younger children, have them create fun flashcards reviewing their basic arithmetic skills. Children love music and can easily retain information through rhythms. Playing musical math cd’s while traveling will help your child academically while keeping them occupied. Elementary parents - don’t forget to check out www.otsegops.org for a listing of educational websites.

What can schools do to combat the summer slide? One option is to offer instruction during the summer. This year Otsego Public Schools will be offering a three to four week summer school class at all levels with hopes to increase this opportunity in the future. Until then, please continue to immerse your children in great literature, fun math activities and unlimited writing opportunities while you enjoy the summer sun.

Dan Bushouse, who has many nicknames, sat in a giant chair as the “Big Kahuna” June 17th, as he was celebrated for his 37 years of service in education.

About 75 peole attended a special retirement party at The Silo in Allegan. A few co-workers and friends shared funny and heart-warming stories about their time working with Dan and handed out a bit of advice.

A slideshow topped off the program highlighting some of his greatest moments in his life and career.

Thank you, Dan, for all you did for Otsego!

Good luck, Dan!

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Top Ten Seniors:Aaron Clemens, Christopher Howe, Tyler Jubenville, Marisa Kaugars, Andrew Miller, Carl Nord, A.J. Pruis, Mark Pula Jonathan Rickli, Raymond Scarff.

National Honor Society:Tara Allard, Aaron Clemens, Michelle Dutton, Matthew Higgs, Marisa Kaugars, Kyle Kent, Leah Knibbe, Sarah McCarten, Carl Nord, Nolan Potter, A.J. Pruis, Mark Pula, Jonathan Rickli, Raymond Scarff, Justin Schwartz, Molly Sleeman, Alexandra Weeldreyer.

Raymond Malvitz Otsego Rotary Club Scholarship: Anthony TrobeckJack Warner Otsego Rotary Club Scholarship: Emily Judge Otsego Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: Tara AllardRod Morrison Scholarship: Molly SleemanLeo Watters Award: Matthew LaughlinComet Scholarship: Rahel Busch, Rebecca Cramer, Anthony Folk, Marisa Kaugars, Samantha Maronek, Amy Obreiter, Ryan Rakowski, Justin Schwartz, Molly Sleeman, Mariah Sutton, Alexandra Weeldreyer,

Christin Weirick, Katrina Whitelow

Victors Scholarship: Raymond Scarff

Robert Stewart Memorial Scholarship:

Marisa KaugarsOtsego Public Schools Foundation Scholarship:

Matthew Higgs, Andrew Miller, Charity Potter,

Nolan Potter, Mark Pula, Jonathan Rickli, Taylor Smith,

Brook Staley

Charles and Wilma Cushman Scholarship: Kaitlin CotaOEA Scholarship: Brook StaleyStudent Council Scholarship: Tara AllardRed Cross Scholarship: Tara Allard, Nolan Potter, Molly SleemanOtsego Athletic Boosters Scholarship: Nathan Lisak, Nolan Potter, Molly Sleeman, Tyler WelcherAllegan County Technical Education Awards: Joshua Blanchard - Student of the Year Award Justin Burgwalk - Perrigo Math/Science Scholarship & Outstanding National BPA Competitor Award Benjamin Campbell - Perfect Attendance Award Steevi Etherton - Red Cross Award Adam Reed - Student of the Year Award Departmental Awards: Art: Julie BaptisteBusiness: Nolan PotterEnglish: Alexandra Weeldreyer

Class of 2011

Adult Education Graduates 38

Graduates of Otsego’s Adult Education Program, Even Start, and West Campus High School received their diplomas in a ceremony on May 19, at the High School Auditorium. To enroll, call the Community Education Office at 269-692-6225.

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Graphic Arts: Ryan Rakowski

Instrumental Music: John Philip Sousa Award – Mark Pula Arion Award – Christopher Howe

Life Management: Nathan Lisak

Mathematics: Tyler Jubenville

Physical Education: Koty Hatten

Science: Marisa KaugarsSocial Studies: Carl Nord

Vocal Music: Tara Allard World Language: Brook Staley

Athletes of the Year:Female : Molly Sleeman

Male: Nolan Potter

Otsego Public Schools Foundation “O-Zone” Scholarship: Whitney SherwoodPerrigo Scholarship: Aaron Clemens, Carl NordFriends of the Otsego Library Scholarship: Kaitlin CotaVFW Post 3030/Ladies Auxiliary of Otsego Scholarship: Mariah Sutton

Awards & Scholarships

Student Council President Tara Allard presents Business Teacher Dan Cleypool with the Class of

2011 Honor Recognition at Swingout.

Masonic Temple Scholarship: Christopher Kline, Charity PotterDon Knight Memorial Scholarship: Renee Marcum, Molly SleemanPatti Sholler-Barber “The Power of One” Scholarship: Sarah McCarten United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award: Tara AllardOtsego Running Club Scholarship: Taylor Smith, Alexandra Weeldreyer Harry’s Foundation Scholarship: Amy Obreiter, Ryan Rakowski

O.H.S. Leadership Award: Nathan Lisak, Christin WeirickNational Merit: Marisa KaugarsStudents Entering Military After High School: Matthew Cline, Jessica D’Amore, Justin SchwartzJohn and Lorna Mac-Endowed Chair Scholarship: Tyler JubenvilleKnights of Columbus Scholarship: Emily JudgeMichigan Elks Association Scholarship Marisa KaugarsLloyd Welcher Memorial Scholarship Tyler Welcher

Alamo “Boyz on the Move” - Going in the right direction... Growing up isn’t easy. But eighteen 4th and 5th graders know how to handle it all with a little more confidence, courage

and compassion thanks to a newly formed group called “Boyz on the Move.” Modeled after Girls on the Run – a national program for girls that teaches self-esteem, healthy behaviors and good

decision-making while training for a 5K run – Boyz on the Move is a local effort for Alamo Elementary 4th and 5th grade boys, organized by Alamo Elementary teacher Mary Reitenour.

“One day in class, a comment was made by a male student about how he wished there was a program like ‘Girls on the Run’ for boys,” she says. He wasn’t alone and Reitenour decided to start the program, “I agreed with him, too, knowing how important it is for boys to also have positive experiences and guidance.”

It’s a 6-week program designed to enhance self-esteem, promote positive leadership skills and good sportsmanship. The boys are encouraged to participate in motivational activities and team-building skills.

Each week focused on a different character trait: • Self-esteem • Sportsmanship • Teamwork • Anger Management • Gentlemen Skills • Power of Positive Thoughts They started April 18, and got together every Monday and

Wednesday after school. While these lessons took place, the boys trained for a 5K Triathlon (bike 1 3/4 mile, run 1 mile, and swim 1/4 mile.)

“It is so rewarding to hear all of the positive comments from the boys who are participating in this program. They are all very excited to be a part of it, and we all consider ourselves winners for taking the initiative to make a difference in ourselves and in others,” Reitenour said.

The triathlon was a huge success, held Friday, May 27th at 6pm on the OPS Main Campus. There are plans to not only have the program next year, but expand it.

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Band Members Europe Bound

L-R: Alexa Burleigh, Ellie Seelye, Beth Bieszka, Grace Freeman, Mark Williams, Kaelyn Black, Brent Morrison. Inset: Seth Rose

Band students live for performing, but they’re about to embark on a whole new stage as a trip to Europe approaches. Seven Otsego band members, and teacher Brent Morrisson, will fly off to Europe this summer for a visit to seven different countries with performances in five of them.

“We’re going to have a great cultural experience,” says Alexa Burleigh.

Most of the students have never been out of the country, Beth Bieszka has never been on a plane, “I’m so excited,” she

said with a huge smile on her face. Others joined in with the same word - excited!

The students will be a part of the Southern Michigan Ambassadors of Music group. “The students will perform in the Band and in the Choir in some of the most beautiful and prestigious churches and venues in Europe,” says Morrisson who is on staff with the group for the third time. This is the third tour for the SMAM, which travels abroad every other year. For 2011, the ensembles are comprised of 115 band and choir students who were nominated by their high school band or choir directors throughout southern Michigan.

The students will be in Europe for 16 days and visit England, France, Lichtenstein, Austria, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. They will perform in five of those locations, but enjoy extensive sightseeing and educational tours as well.

If you ask the students which country they look forward to the most, a different one is yelled out by each. Some can’t wait for Venice, another Germany and another England. “Since I was little, I’ve been obsessed with Europe, so just taking the trip is fantastic,” says incoming Senior, Ellie Seelye.

Before they leave, the entire group will perform a home concert at Mattawan High School on July 12, 2011.

Washington Street Holds Party for the Planet

All year, students at WSE learned about the “go green” movement and got right into it. The second grade science class composted, art classes made yard art out of recycleable materials, and there were several opportunities throughout the school to recycle. For the first time, the school decided to celebrate Earth Day in a big way with a Party for the Planet. Students spent the day going from classroom to classroom learning about our environment such as where our water comes from and travels, what happens in a landfill, the outdoors, and planting flowers and recycling. One of the lessons was a song and dance to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Check out the online newsletter to see the performance at www.otsegops.org. The party was such a success, the planning has begun for next year!

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PROJECT: SIERRA LEONE Teacher’s Peace Corps past connects students with African school

to help kids today. In just a few weeks, a classroom across the world will get new books and a book shelf thanks to middle school students’ efforts this Spring. It all started with a simple lesson. Library Media Specialist Bev Rannow talks to the 7th grade social studies classes each year about her time as a Peace Corps volunteer (1974) in Sierra Leone, Africa. But this year, after learning that volunteers in education are once again being placed in Sierra Leone schools – after halting for 16 years due to a civil war – Rannow approached social studies teacher Lisa Eldred to see if a class would want to sponsor a volunteer. Eldred’s all-girls class signed on. The class was matched with Katie Haas, a volunteer at Holy Rosary Secondary School for Girls in Pujehun in southern Sierra Leone.

The girls set up a 10-day bake sale at lunch, and a donation jar at Project Palooza, and raised more than $450 for books. The students will be keeping up with the

school as they enter 8th grade, and hope to eventually Skype with Haas, but internet and computer use is limited so it’s been difficult to schedule. In addition to the money, Rannow is returning to Sierra Leone. Through an organization called Schools for Salone, she will hold a training session to teach teachers there how to run a simple library program, how to organize a library and how to use books in research. She will join other teachers, who are doing training in the classroom, for this one-week workshop July 25-29 and hopes to check in on the school the kids helped sponsor. (Picture left: Rannow provided CNN a photo from her time in the Peace Corps. She was featured in a February 23, 2011 article on CNN.com “50 Years of the Peace Corps.”)

Alamo’s DI Team Makes School History

The “Bald Fuzzy Lizards” crawled around the University of Tennessee in Knoxville May 25-27 as the Alamo Elementary DestiNation Imagination team competed in the Global Finals competition. It is Otsego’s first appearance in the DI finals. The team placed 33rd out of 58 teams from all over the world. A team from South Korea won. DI is a program that focuses on creativity and problem solving. These kids developed an 8-minute skit describing the water cycle.

Students Committed to Service Efforts raise thousands, feed area families

Dix St. Elementary, High School Collect for Japan

On March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit off the east coast of Japan triggering a 30-foot tsunami that killed thousands and devastated the entire country. It was a disaster that then trig-gered an outpouring of support and help, including from those right in our district.

A classroom penny war, with local business matching funds, net-ting $2,200. A 4-day high school donation drive added almost $600 for the American Red Cross Japan Relief Fund.

Food DrivesOtsego students make giving back a large part of their educational experi-

ence. Several food drives take place throughout the year. Just before Christmas, the Middle School held a food drive collecting

11,376 items for Christian Neighbors Food Pantry. The OHS National Honor Society also sponsors a food drive at Christmas. The three elemen-tary schools hold food drives every spring for Christian Neighbors.

High School Saving LivesThree times this year, the High School Student Council

brought the American Red Cross into the high school auxiliary gymnasium for a blood drive. There is no shortage of participa-tion in these events; the collected 186 units of blood which also led to a Red Cross donation of $3,000 in student scholarships.

Jump Rope for HeartIt’s a favorite childhood activity - jumping rope. When it came time to

do it for charity, the students lined up to jump! They hit new heights this year in their annual effort.

Combined, the three elementary schools raised $13,364 for the American Heart Association.

Alamo Collects Coins for Clean Water

In one week, students collected coins and raised $1224 for Clean Water for the World, a non-profit organiza-tion that provides water purification systems to developing countries.

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Students Committed to Service Efforts raise thousands, feed area families

Efforts for Sylvia’s Place The safe house for women who are victims of abuse is a place Otsego Schools support in various ways. The entire district collects essential items to put Easter Baskets together for the women; the second graders made the children who come into Syl-via’s Place their focus for their annual community service project collecting toys, toiletries, school supplies and more and assembled shoe boxes for the kids. The middle school also does an annual donation drive and this year raised $2,450 which the shelter plans to use to buy a new slide and sandbox.

Otsego Goes Purple, PinkBulldog Stadium was a sea of purple this past fall

when the football team and fans donned the color that represents cancer research at the Van Andel Institute.

Over several weeks, students collected donations and sold apparel to raise more than $10,000 for VAI. Ameri-can Idol alum Matt Giraud signed autographs and sang the national anthem.

The effort may return in 2013.

During basketball season, the boys and girls put on the pink and took on breast cancer. Otsego joined forces with Vicksburg for Bulldogs Believe - an effort that raised more than $12,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Homecoming Battle for CharityInstead of a spirit competition between grades, they

put local charities in the winners circle. Each grade chose a charity to feature on their float and raised money throughout Homecoming week to benefit their organization.

Buddy Poppy Days for VeteransEach year, Mrs. Stenger’s class offers Buddy Pop-

pies for donations, which go to the local VFW Post 3030 to help veterans. The national distribution dates back to 1922.

The poppy is the of-ficial memorial flower of the VFW of the United States.

BY TH# NUMB#RS... IN 2010-11$41,960 - Amount raised for charity.558 - Number of lives potentially saved through OHS blood drives

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Several honored at ACSBA Recognition Dinner

Along with the other school districts in Allegan County, Otsego’s three winners of the Oustanding People for Education awards were honored June 15th at the annual Allegan County School Boards Association Dinner and Banquet.

This award began three years ago to recognize anyone who has an impact on a student’s education. From maintenance staff to volunteers to teachers and administrators, everyone is

eligible to be nominated. Each school district can choose up to 3 winners.

This year, Otsego recognized a volunteer, an administrator and a teacher.Julie Aldrich was a Kindergarten parent at Dix Street Elementary who helped

enhance the science curriculum. A science instructor at GVSU, she developed new, hands-on, interactive science lessons for the kids. She also came in each week to teach them.

Cindy Mills is an elementary music teacher who puts countless hours and unmatched dedication into her classes, the Otsego Stars children’s choir and other musical programs throughout the year. She has been with the district for 24 years.

Dan Bushouse has been involved in education in Allegan County for 37 years, 18 years were spent at Otsego schools; he began his career in Otsego as an Elementary School Principal and is retiring this year as the schools Director of Instruction and Transportation. He has touched thousands of young lives throughout his career and is always met with a smile when he comes in to read Dr. Seuss books.

The 2011 OP4E winners, L-R, Dan Bushouse, Cindy Mills and Julie Aldrich, pictured with Supt. Denny Patzer.

Outstanding People for Education

Anna Starr was one of the three winners for the AAESA. She was honored for her work with the Birth-age 5 programs but she spent some time as a social worker at Otsego Middle School this past year; and she will be an elementary social worker in Otsego for the 2011-12 school year.

The Michigan Association of School Boards recognized three of Otsego’s Board of Education members as they reached new levels of certification in the MASB course work. President Renny Ransbottom received the Master Platinum Award, a distinction only 24 current board members in the state hold. Vice President James Herm received Level One Certification and an Award of Merit. Secretary Donna Weeldreyer received the Award of Distinction.

Board Members reach new levels of certification

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Administration Office, 400 Sherwood Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1281Superintendent Dennis M. Patzer ........................................................(269) 692-6076Director of Elementary Instruction, Melissa Koenig.............................(269) 692-6149Director of Secondary Instruction Heather Kortlandt ............................(269) 692-6066FAX ........................................................................................................(269) 692-6074Director of Business Rhonda Plumley .................................................................................(269) 692-6070 Accounts Payable ...............................................................................(269) 692-6078 Payroll .................................................................................................(269) 692-6079 Director of Technology Michelle Triemstra ...............................................................................(269) 692-6222Transportation Office, 560 Washington Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1284 Carrie Barnhart, Dispatcher .................................................................(269) 692-6245 Communications Director & Newsletter Editor Holly McCaw.........................................................................................(269) 692-6073Otsego High School, 550 Washington Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1271 Principal Hervé Dardis .....................................................................(269) 692-6166 Attendance .......................................................................................... (269) 692-6170 Guidance Office ..................................................................................(269) 692-6175 Athletic Director John Kubiak ............................................................(269) 692-6163 FAX .....................................................................................................(269) 692-6188Otsego Middle School, 540 Washington Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1270 Principal Bill Houseman ....................................................................(269) 692-6199 Attendance ...........................................................................................(269) 692-6203 FAX .....................................................................................................(269) 692-6228 Special Education, 540 Washington Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1270 Director Alice Hoekstra ......................................................................(269) 692-6233 FAX ....................................................................................................(269) 692-6234Otsego Community Recreation & Adult Education 501 Grant Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1286 Director Tim Syrek .............................................................................(269) 692-6225Alamo Elementary, 8184 N. 6th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-8808 Principal Melissa Koenig ....................................................................(269) 692-6150 Attendance ...........................................................................................(269) 692-6148 FAX .....................................................................................................(269) 692-6144 B.A.S.E. Supervisor Amanda Stone ....................................................(269) 692-6140Dix Street Elementary, 503 Dix Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1500 Principal Mark Rollandini .................................................................(269) 692-6099 Attendance .......................................................................................... (269) 692-6110 FAX .....................................................................................................(269) 692-6130 B.A.S.E. Supervisor Lacey Stout ........................................................ (269) 692-6114 O.S.R.P. Teacher ................................................................................(269) 692-6140Washington St. Elementary, 538 Washington St., Otsego, MI 49078-1279 Principal Heather Badders .................................................................(269) 692-6069 Attendance ...........................................................................................(269) 692-6080 Learn ‘N Grow Preschool Teacher Kelli Pfefferman .........................(269) 692-6092 B.A.S.E. Supervisor Kaleigh Hoisington ...........................................(269) 692-6088 FAX .....................................................................................................(269) 692-6123Board of Education Renny R. Ransbottom, President ........................................................(269) 685-6993 James W. Herm, Vice President ..........................................................(269) 694-5721 Donna M. Weeldreyer, Secretary ........................................................ (269) 375-6116 Wendy E. Stafford, Treasurer ..............................................................(269) 694-4291 Bryon L. Campbell, Trustee ................................................................(269) 692-2820 Michael L. Cronen, Trustee ................................................................(269) 694-3061 Scott C. Sleeman, Trustee ...................................................................(269) 694-6475OPS Website .................................................................................... www.otsegops.orgOPS Foundation website ......................................................... www.opsfoundation.org

Facebook......................................................................www.facebook.com/otsegops

Who to CallRUNNING PAST RECORDS

Four students topped 100 miles this year at Washington Street Elementary. L-R: Chayse Brown,

Jordan Markley, Noah Khanfar, Jordan Myers.

Washington Street Elementary students continue to break records in their Mileage Club. They charged past their overall school record this year, reaching 16,914 miles! The individual school and JumpStart! records were also broken. Noah Khanfar holds the school record with 115.9 miles and Jordan Markley holds the JS! record with 109 miles. Two other students ran past the 100-mile mark - Jordan Myers and Chayse Brown. Two days a week, students have the opportunity to run, and count up their mileage. This is voluntary, but every student participated this year, running at least 4 miles. But more kids are hitting big numbers: 34% of the students reached 40 miles - and got a pool party; 20% of the students earned a t-shirt for hitting the 50-mile mark. “The students at Washington Street Elementary continue to amaze me every year!” says WSE PE teacher Amy Nieuwenhuis, “Just when I think we’ve hit the year that we won’t break the record they step up, literally, and blow me away with their dedication to this program.” This was the 7th year for Mileage Club. Washington Street isn’t the only school doing this, about 60 students are involved in the Middle School Mileage club.

Summer School in Full Swing It might be summer vacation for most of the country, but many students are continuing their education through Otsego’s summer school program. It can help students retain what they learned over the last year, and build their confidence and proficiency in certain subjects. Otsego runs a summer school at the elementary level at Washington Street for specific students who need that boost in the summer.

The middle school also offers two sections of summer school, and the high school is offering two, 4-week sections of summer school which concentrate on math.

Information Please is published 4 times per year with printing by Premiere Printing Corporation, 720 N. Main St., Plainwell. It is distributed to all residents of the Otsego Public School district. Residents in the district who live north of “F” Avenue receive their newsletter via the Community Shopper’s Guide. Residents who live south of “F” Avenue and residents with Allegan and Gobles addresses receive their newsletter via the U.S. Post Office. Changes of address, suggestions, questions and contributed articles should be signed and sent to Holly McCaw, Information Please editor, Otsego Public Schools, 400 Sherwood Street, Otsego, MI 49078-1281. For more information, call Holly at (269) 692-6073.

The Otsego Public School District complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, or physical or mental handicap. Upon request to the Director of Operations, the District shall make reasonable accommodations for a disabled person to participate in any building activity.

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PAIDOtsego, MI

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From: Otsego Public Schools 400 Sherwood Street Otsego, MI 49078-1281

Otsego’s Learn ‘N Grow Preschool Expands

Otsego is excited to announce the expansion of the district-run preschool Learn ‘N Grow. The tuition-based program began in 2007 with a class offering for 3 year olds and 4 year olds at Washington Street Elementary, but this fall it will be expanding to all three elementary schools.

Alamo Elementary will offer a 3-year-old class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-1pm, and a 4-year-old class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-1pm.

Dix Street Elementary will offer a 4-year-old program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am-1pm. Transportation and scholarships are available for the Dix Street class. Special state funding allows many of the students to attend tuition-free.

For registration and tuition information for these new offerings, go to our website, www.otsegops.org, or call 269-692-2072.

ENROLL NOW!