PAGE 1

The AppleseedThe Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

WWW.HUDSONVILLEPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG 616-669-1740

Dear Community Members, It is difficult to believe we are weeks away from completing the 2015-16 school year. One of the most joyous times of the year is the celebration of the tremendous accomplishments of our seniors. On May 26, at the DeVos Fieldhouse at Hope College, we will be recognizing 373 graduates. Thirty-two of these students, representing almost 9% of our graduating class, will be highlighted for maintaining a 4.0 or higher grade point average throughout their high school career. In this edition of the Appleseed, we are honored to provide profiles of these highest honor graduates.

This spring will also be a very important time for Hudsonville Public Schools. On Tuesday, May 3, Hudsonville voters will be asked to consider our non-homestead annual millage renewal request. This is not a millage increase. The renewal request is seeking to maintain current millage status.

In 1994, with the passage of Proposal A, the statewide 6 mill education tax is delegated to Lansing for funding distribution to support K-12 education. The State “assumes” that each local district levies the maximum 18 mills on non-homestead properties. Based on this assumption, the State provides a district’s foundation allowance on a per student basis. If a district does not levy the 18 mills on non-homestead property, a district foundation grant is reduced proportionately.

Consequently, the non-homestead renewal request is something that is before our voters every year. It provides approximately $4.1 million dollars of operational funding. These dollars are vital to our programming for children.

As we close out the school year, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our parents and community. Our school system thrives, in large part, because of the tremendous partnership with our parents and community members. From volunteering in our school buildings, to encouraging our students to reach and exceed high academic expectations, we consider it a privilege to serve our 6,500 students.

Respectfully,

Dr. Nick CeglarekSuperintendent

Hudsonville Public SchoolsOperating Millage Renewal Proposal

This proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance.

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Hudsonville Public Schools, Ottawa and Allegan Counties, Michigan, be increased by 18 mills ($18.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for the year 2016, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2016 is approximately $4,100,000 (this is a renewal of millage that expired with the 2015 tax levy)?

PAGE 2

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

Highest Honor Graduates for the Class of 2016

Daniel KarelParents: Chris & Becky Karel GPA: 4.436 College: Calvin College Major: Engineering & Computer ScienceSchool Extra Curricular Activities: Marching Band, Cross Country, Swimming & Diving, Creation Club, National Honor SocietyPersonal Quote: “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.” ~ Vince Lombardi

Connor BechlerParents: Curt & Shari Bechler GPA: 4.423College: Calvin College or U of M Major: Linguistics, Chinese, and English School Extra Curricular Activities: Marching Band, President of HHS’s Chapter of the Jr. Statesmen of AmericaPersonal Quote: “The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and effort, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad petty little unsexy ways, every day.” ~ David Foster Wallace

Paul SteenwykParents: Michael & Sherry Steenwyk GPA: 4.304 College: Undecided Major: Public Health/Pre-Med/Undecided School Extra Curricular Activities: Marching Band, President of HHS’s Chapter of the Jr. Statesmen of AmericaPersonal Quote: “The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: life is a story about me.” ~ Donald Miller

Riley CostenParents: Rick & Traci Costen GPA: 4.262 College: Undecided Major: Undecided School Extra Curricular Activities: Tennis, Basketball, National Honor Society, Student CouncilPersonal Quote: “Success is simple. Do what’s right, the right way, at the right time.” ~ Arnold H. Glasow

Jager KukowskiParents: Rob & Stacy KukowskiGPA: 4.225 College: University of Alabama Major: Pre-Medicine School Extra Curricular Activities: Football and Soccer Personal Quote: “Players play, tough players win.” ~ Tom Izzo

Katherine StarkParents: Chris & Janet Stark GPA: 4.194College: Michigan State UniversityMajor: Arts & Humanities, EnglishSchool Extra Curricular Activities: GolfPersonal Quote: “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be someone who hates peaches.” ~ Dita Von Teese

PAGE 3

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

Evan SturgeonParents: Timothy & Kim SturgeonGPA: 4.189 College: GVSUMajor: English School Extra Curricular Activities: Drama Club, School Play, SoccerPersonal Quote: “Life without knowledge is death in disguise.” ~ Talib Kweli

Cole PerschParents: Fred & Heather PerschGPA: 4.177 College: Hope College Major: Physics School Extra Curricular Activities: Cross Country, Track & Field, Alternative String EnsemblePersonal Quote: “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little status.” ~ Michael Scott

Laurel TimmerParents: Barry & Velda Timmer GPA: 4.143 College: Aquinas College Major: Psychology, Spanish School Extra Curricular Activities: National Honor Society, Alternative String EnsemblePersonal Quote: “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Zachary RumleyParents: Tim & Sue RumleyGPA: 4.123 College: Grace Bible College Major: Worship Arts School Extra Curricular Activities: Tutoring in Math & BiologyPersonal Quote: “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Morgan StearnsParents: David & Tammi StearnsGPA: 4.112College: Calvin College Major: Speech Pathology and Spanish School Extra Curricular Activities: Student Council, National Honor SocietyPersonal Quote: “The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.” ~ Bertrand Russell

Allyson MesmanParents: Paul & Stacy Mesman GPA: 4.1 College: Calvin College Major: Pre-Med School Extra Curricular Activities: Lacrosse Personal Quote: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” ~ Colossians 3:23

Jacob SwedbergParents: Phil & Amy SwedbergGPA: 4.095 College: Lake Superior State University Major: Conservation BiologyPersonal Quote: “…the pain you’ve been feeling, can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” ~ Josh Wilson

Emily VanDykeParents: John and Jackie VanDykeGPA: 4.091 College: Taylor University Major: Exercise Science School Extra Curricular Activities: Golf, Track, National Honor SocietyPersonal Quote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” ~ Jim Elliot

Highest honor grads continued…

PAGE 4

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

Nathan TimmerParents: Barry & Velda Timmer GPA: 4.089 College: University of Michigan Major: Mechanical Engineering School Extra Curricular Activities: Marching Band, Winter DrumlinePersonal Quote: “I love mankind… it’s people I can’t stand.” ~ Charles M. Schulz

Sophie FoltzParents: Jane & Rugg Foltz GPA: 4.074 College: Grand Valley State University Major: Elementary Education School Extra Curricular Activities: Marching Band, Winter Guard, TennisPersonal Quote: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ~ Mother Teresa

Andrea TillotsonParents: Dr. John & Maria Tillotson GPA: 4.071 College: University of MichiganMajor: Linguistics on an International Law trackSchool Extra Curricular Activities: Secretary of HHS Jr. Statesmen of America, Alternative String Ensemble, MusicalPersonal Quote: “To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” ~ Leonard Bernstein

Madelyn OrndorffParents: Ian & Tami OrndorffGPA: 4.063 College: Hope College Major: Biology (Pre-Med) School Extra Curricular Activities: Marching BandPersonal Quote: “Every experience makes you grow.” ~ Elisabeth Shue

Reyna BreuringParents: Wendy Breuring,

Eugene BreuringGPA: 4.06 College: Grand Valley State University Major: Geology Personal Quote: “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” ~ Oliver Wendell Homes, Jr.

Nicole FoyParents: Landon & Wendy Foy GPA: 4.06College: Grand Valley State University Major: Biology School Extra Curricular Activities: Varsity Golf, Varsity Tennis, Snowboard Club, Jr. Statesmen of America, Chess Club, Pep BandPersonal Quote: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

Derek LubbersParents: Randy & Pamela LubbersGPA: 4.054 College: Grand Valley State University Major: Electrical EngineeringSchool Extra Curricular Activities: TennisPersonal Quote: “It’s better to travel well than to arrive.” ~ Buddha

Natalie WynaldaParents: Dennis & Julie Wynalda GPA: 4.045 College: Cornerstone University Major: Undecided School Extra Curricular Activities: National Honor SocietyPersonal Quote: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” ~ Romans 1:16

Highest honor grads continued…

PAGE 5

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

Grace MichienziParents: Tonino & Angela Michienzi GPA: 4.038 College: James Madison College at MSU Major: Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, EconomicsSchool Extra Curricular Activities: Cross Country, Musical, Student Leaders Initiating Change, National Honor Society Personal Quote: “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and theSorcerer’s Stone

Logan BylsmaParents: Tom & Susan Bylsma GPA: 4.036 College: Hope College Major: Undecided School Extra Curricular Activities: National Honor Society, Soccer, Football, Hockey, BaseballPersonal Quote: “Discipline separates the men from the boys.”

Vincent CalabreseParents: Bill & Leslie CalabreseGPA: 4.033 College: Wayne State University Major: Biological Sciences/Pre-Med School Extra Curricular Activities: Varsity Football, Varsity Wrestling, National Honor Society, Creation Club Personal Quote: “Perfection is unattainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” ~ Vince Lombardi

Camden MinerParents: Daniel & Rebecca MinerGPA: 4.028College: Michigan Tech or WMUMajor: Mechanical EngineeringSchool Extra Curricular Activities: Marching Band, JV Tennis, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Ski Club, Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society Personal Quote: “Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.”

~ Albert Einstein

Ashley PorterParents: Robert & Jennifer Porter GPA: 4.025 College: Central Michigan UniversityMajor: Communication Disorders School Extra Curricular Activities: Varsity Soccer, National Honor SocietyPersonal Quote: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” ~ Albert Einstein

Alisha SpoelmanParents: Dale & Mary Spoelman GPA: 4.012College: University of Michigan Major: Cell Biology School Extra Curricular Activities: Green Team, Science Olympiad, Creation Club, MusicalPersonal Quote: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

Hope ApplebeeParents: Richard & Margaret Applebee GPA: 4.011College: Cornerstone University Major: Exercise Science School Extra Curricular Activities: BasketballPersonal Quote: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Ian BeekParents: Craig & Renae Beek GPA: 4.009 College: Grand Valley State University Major: Geology School Extra Curricular Activities: Drama Club, National Honor SocietyPersonal Quote: “Go wisely and slowly. Those who rush stumble and fall.” ~ William Shakespeare

Highest honor grads continued…

PAGE 6

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

Brianna SmithParents: Todd & Amy SmithGPA: 4.008 College: Loyola University Chicago Major: Psychology School Extra Curricular Activities: Student Council, National Honor Society, Summer Science Personal Quote: “Don’t just dream in your sleep it’s just lazy” ~ Swim Deep

Dario LirioParents: Ruel and Nicole Lirio GPA: 4 College: Northeastern University Major: Business Management Personal Quote: “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” ~ John D. Rockefeller

Jamestown Elementary pioneered a new art show at the 32nd Street Biggby location. Twenty-five student artists were featured and attended with friends and family to vote and celebrate the amazing work of our young artists. Special thanks to Biggby for hosting this incredible night!

Congratulations to our winners by popular vote: 1st place: Olivia Mouser, 2nd place: Luke McCarty, 3rd place: Emery Fridsma and our Barista's Choice winner: Alex Klunder!

Highest honor grads continued…

SchoolMessenger InfoCenter™ allows you to personalize how you receive communications from Hudsonville Public Schools. In addition, InfoCenter centralizes those communications in a unified inbox.

The SchoolMessenger InfoCenter™ app is free to download form Google Play or the iTunes App Store.

Park Elementary Welcomes State Representative

On Monday, March 7, State Representative Daniela Garcia came to Park Elementary to help them celebrate “March is Reading Month”. Each class did a very nice job of listening and asking questions. Representative Garcia read Duck for President and then talked about how she got her job. The students learned that Representative Garcia walked 500 miles and knocked on 9,000 doors while she was campaigning for office!

She also read No Pirates Allowed which is all about reading. She reminded all students of the importance of reading and the key role it plays in her decision-making everyday!

PAGE 7

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

Jamestown Elementary 4th and 5th Grade

Celebration of Learning

On March 22nd, the Jamestown Elementary cafeteria was transformed into the Jamestown Historical Museum. The room was filled with exhibits portraying compelling historical questions such as "Was George Washington the right choice to be the first president?" and "How did a sneeze change history?" This night of learning was the culmination of an interdisciplinary project 5th graders had been working on during their social studies and language arts classes. Allowing students to create an exhibit that centered around their own historical inquiry provided many opportunities for students to examine historical perspectives, determine credible sources, and immerse themselves in nonfiction reading. Some requirements had them writing journal entries as someone from their time period, creating relevant timelines, and even creating artifacts that further elaborated on their topic. They became experts on their topics, even presented to their classes and younger grades. It was an incredible learning opportunity for all involved.

60th Anniversary of Hudsonville Tornado Ceremony

On Saturday, April 2, hundreds of interested residents filled the Gary Byker Library to celebrate and recollect stories for the 60th Anniversary of the horrific 1956 Hudsonville tornado. One of the day's highlights was that of a 30-minute video documentary created and produced by three Hudsonville students. Senior Dario Lirio, Junior Brennan Huizinga, and Junior Blake Harms were a part of that successful ceremony trio. “The documentary was a huge success today. It was screened at both events and awed the crowds,” said Meteorologist Ernie Ostuno, the anniversary's keynote speaker from the Grand Rapids National Weather Service.

Ostuno approached High School Telecommunications teacher Tom VanNortwick early in the school year to help with the project. VanNortwick assisted and advised the students during their six month extensive project. "These guys were awesome. With Dario and Brennan's advanced audio and video knowledge, along with Blake Harms' love and passion for weather, I knew they would do a great job. They exceeded everyone's expectations," VanNortwick expressed. The 60th anniversary documentary is available for rental and/or purchase through Hudsonville High School and the Gary Byker Library for $10.

Ostuno too was amazed, "The video was beautifully done and I have some appreciation for how much work was involved in the editing process. I will be singing the praises of Hudsonville High school and these students for a long time to come!"

PAGE 8

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

Non-Fiction Reading Teams at Park Elementary

As part of their unit on nonfiction reading, students from different second grade classes worked together to choose a research topic, set learning goals, read, and record their learning. Then they created a presentation to showcase that learning. The inter-class project stressed the cross-disciplinary skills of writing, critical thinking, and group collaboration. A few groups were chosen to share their presentations at an assembly before Spring Break to show the school how much they learned and accomplished by working together.

HHS Band Program Wraps Up Season With Impressive Rankings

The high school band program offered 3 competitive ensembles this winter. A total of 52 students competed in 2 winter color guards and 1 winter drum line. All 3 groups finished the season competing at MCGC State Championships in April. The JV guard (pictured) was made up of students with no color guard experience and still managed to finish in 2nd place at state finals! The winter drum line, performing its show “Ringmaster!” finished in 8th place. The varsity color guard, performing its show, “Royalty,” finished in the top 10 at its first national competition. The varsity guard finished in 8th place at MCGC state finals as well.

Lunch and Learn!

Dione Hickok's 7th grade English students chose individual topics to research and write about. They put the facts, along with some neat graphics, on a paper lunch bag. Once the bags were completed, they were delivered to Kids' Food Basket, an organization that provides food for kids at their homes, when otherwise they may not be able to have much of a meal. The organization loves it when the donated bags are decorated, and some kids receiving the meals even keep the bags and hang them on their walls. Mrs. Hickok thought her students might enjoy knowing they are writing for a real life person, aside from herself.

PAGE 9

Hudsonville Residents Enjoy A Great Community Event!

On March 26, the Hudsonville Athletic Boosters hosted nearly 600 runners in the annual GMB Eagle 5K Road Race. Over 300 elementary school kids from the Hudsonville Running Clubs participated in the event. Local businesses donated prizes for all the kids in each grade level. Marathon swimming champion Jim Dreyer was the celebrity spokesman, signing autographs, taking pictures, and giving the crowd of over 1,300 people a pep talk in the Hudsonville High School Gym.

Race Director’s Brian Carlson and Dwight Sweden said the event has grown beyond expectations where all the local businesses are introduced to the crowd. Kids participate and learn about good health. One hundred percent of the money raised goes toward high school scholarships from the race.

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

Kindergartners Reach Out To Their Buddies

The Kindergartners at Georgetown have been spreading words of encouragement to their 5th Grade Buddies while taking their M-Step state assessments. In connecting with our school's Mind-

Up Curriculum, the Kindergartners made and delivered special notes to support their 5th Grade Buddies and let them know that they were thinking of them while taking these very important tests. Some notes of encouragement included Super Hero cards, buddy bracelets, and fun notes with a play on words, such as, "You are a Smartie Pants," "You're a Rock Star," and "Donut Stress, Do Your Best!" Good luck everyone - We know that you all worked hard!

PAGE 10

HHS Students Work Together To End Hunger

On March 24, the HHS students spent their Advisory session volunteering for the Kids Food Basket of Holland. Students collected baggies, cheerios, raisins, cheese crackers, and pretzels ahead of time. Then they bagged 750 lbs. of trail mix during the 40 minute service project. This amounted to 6,500 snack-size portions for elementary students facing hunger throughout Ottawa county. This donation was the largest to date at Kids Food Basket and provided snacks to children for a month.

The Hudsonville Public Schools Board of Education Newsletter May 2016/June 2016

With Hard-Work and Heart Kids at Park Create Great Works of Art!

Park Elementary artists have been quite busy exploring and sculpting mud...clay that is! As the weather has heated up, we were lucky to have just completed all of the firings of the kiln. Clay is one medium that elementary learners get especially excited to experience. It is great to see the enthusiasm for sculpting original designs, hand-building various forms in clay, and finishing such thoughtful detailed works of art.

In connection with the themed curriculum, students molded a myriad of projects - some of which were on display at the 16th Annual Hudsonville Art Show. Kindergartners fashioned clay texture pendants while first graders crafted Asian tea bowls. Second graders also stayed with the Asian cultural theme and rolled, pinched, and pulled Japanese cranes and crane habitats from two different kinds of clay. Third graders took a little different approach and "whipped-up" realism/pop art cupcakes - many of which may have been seen at the Art Show as well. Fourth graders sculpted panda bears continuing with the Asian cultural theme and fifth graders built from rolled slabs formed into

houses and towers making connections to nature in the tradition of Hundertwasser - a renowned artist and architect that we were studying in class.

The results are always exciting to see and are worth the wait. Students in all grades enjoy and look forward to the annual tradition of sculpting and molding clay at Park.