BACK TO SCHOOL BUS REMINDERS: As we prepare for Back to School on Monday, we wanted to share the following reminders from our transportation department:
1. Bus riders should be out 10 minutes before their pick up time.
2. If you do not have a designated bus stop listed on the transportation route, your student can go to the nearest bus stop to be picked-up.
3. If you had a stop last year and you do not see it listed, please find where it would fall within the route schedule on the first day, bus route updates will be made as needed.
4. Please be aware that stops may be adjusted or updated based on overall ridership for each route.
5. Elementary families: Please note that during the first couple weeks of school as the bus routes get established, the buses usually leave the elementary buildings later than normal for the PM routes, causing students to arrive home later than normal.
6. Families can check their email for 2022/23 back to school transportation information
We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday, August 29 (half day). Go Trojans!
PCS APP: Have you downloaded the Plainwell Community Schools app? You can find the latest news, documents, events, staff directory, alerts and food service menus - all in an easy to use and convenient app. Visit your App Store and search Plainwell Community Schools to download it today - It’s everything Plainwell, in your pocket.
BACK TO SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION: PCS Families - Please check your email for the 2022/23 Transportation Information. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday, August 29 (half day). GO TROJANS!
TROJAN FOOTBALL: Plainwell High School Varsity Football kicks-off their season against Otsego HS this week on Thursday, August 25 at 7 PM (gates open at 6 PM) at Bulldog Stadium. Join us to cheer on the Trojans in their season opening game. Please make note of the following information for game day:
- There is currently construction at Otsego by their high school and stadium. Please review the helpful guide (included in the post) of where to go throughout the contest.
- Tickets must be purchased digitally, no cash sales. Please visit https://www.otsegops.org/athletics/tickets to purchase your tickets today!
- Spectators will enter through the main stadium entrance and will have to go down the east ramp to the track and walk up to the visitor bleachers.
GO TROJANS!
TROJAN FOOTBALL: Plainwell High School Varsity Football kicks-off their season against Otsego HS this week on Thursday, August 25 at 7 PM (gates open at 6 PM) at Bulldog Stadium. Join us to cheer on the Trojans in their season opening game. Please make note of the following information for game day:
- There is currently construction at Otsego by their high school and stadium. Please review the helpful guide (included in the post) of where to go throughout the contest.
- Tickets must be purchased digitally, no cash sales. Please visit https://www.otsegops.org/athletics/tickets to purchase your tickets today!
- Spectators will enter through the main stadium entrance and will have to go down the east ramp to the track and walk up to the visitor bleachers.
GO TROJANS!
2022/23 ATHLETIC TICKET OPTIONS: We are happy to share the 2022/23 PCS Athletic Ticket Options with you. There are several ticket options available to join us at an upcoming Trojan athletic event. We look forward to a great fall sports season, GO TROJANS!
1. Student Pass - $23 + one time finance fee
- 6th-12th grade PCS Students
- Use all year for both middle and high school sports
2. Individual All Sports Pass - $93
- Available for high school and middle school games, with the exception of league and MHSAA Tournaments
- One person per pass
3. Family Pass - $163
- Available for high school and middle school games, with the exception of league and MHSAA Tournaments
- Family pass for those living at home, preschool to high school students
4. 10 digital swipe pass - $38 + one time finance fee
- Available for high school and middle school games, with the exception of league and MHSAA Tournaments
- Able to use all year long
5. Elementary Student Swipe Pass - $33 (K-5th grade)
- Must be accompanied by an adult
- Able to use all year long at high school and middle school events, with the exception of league and MHSAA Tournaments
6. Individual Event Tickets - $5 for adults and $3 for K-12 students
7. Grandparents or Gold Card Accepted
8. Conference Passes (Coaches, Admin and BOE)
9. POS (Point of Sale) system is available at gates to swipe debit and credit cards. Visa gift cards are not accepted at Point of Sale systems. NO CASH. If you don’t have a credit card, you can purchase a visa gift card at most stores and then buy an online ticket through PHStrojans.com.
Happy Kidneyversary to Julie Jackson and Sandy Blake! Not all heroes wear capes, and this statement couldn’t be any truer for two of our very own Trojans, as on August 19, 2021, one heroically helped another by donating her kidney. When Mrs. Julie Jackson, an aide at Starr Elementary, heard that her former neighbor and retired PCS teacher was in search of a kidney donation, she instantly knew she needed to help! Although Mrs. Jackson wasn’t a suitable match through the National Kidney Registry, she continued the pursuit to offer her kidney to Sandy Blake, a former Science teacher at Plainwell Middle School, through a Kidney Paired Donation (KPD) - “In KPD, a donor will donate their kidney to another recipient in exchange for a compatible kidney for their friend or family member”.
The journey started when they agreed to the KPD process and testing began…but for Julie, the kidney donation process began decades ago, when her father received a kidney transplant when she was in high school. This transplant was a gift to her father and their family, which extended his life over 31 years and put a stamp on Julie’s heart to give back. With her family’s transplant history and her good health, Julie knew she had to take the opportunity to help a fellow Trojan!
After agreeing to the process, the Kidney Paired Donation journey took over two years and included testing and other preparations for the KPD. Upon receiving the call, on August 19, 2021, the paired donation process was underway, which required donations from Grand Rapids (Julie), to New Jersey, to Washington DC and back to Grand Rapids where Sandy received her donated kidney. The process all took place in one day and within those 24 hours, the process was complete, two lives were changed and healing began.
As if the Trojan spirit didn’t shine enough, the story continues as Julie is now helping other approved donation candidates and through this mentorship she was randomly paired with Jennifer (Stoepker) Jura. Jennifer is a Plainwell Community Schools graduate who was fortunate to have Sandy Blake as a teacher and has now become a science teacher - just like Mrs. Blake!
If ever there is a doubt of how strong the PCS community is, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Blake and Mrs. Jura are proof that once you have the strength of a Trojan, you will always carry it with you! Trojan Pride!
If you would like more information on Kidney Paired Donation, please visit kidneyregistry.org.
2022/23 ATHLETIC TICKET OPTIONS: We are happy to share the 2022/23 PCS Athletic Ticket Options with you. There are several ticket options available to join us at an upcoming Trojan athletic event. We look forward to a great fall sports season, GO TROJANS!
1. Student Pass - $23 + one time finance fee
- 6th-12th grade PCS Students
- Use all year for both middle and high school sports
2. Individual All Sports Pass - $93
- Available for high school and middle school games, with the exception of league and MHSAA Tournaments
- One person per pass
3. Family Pass - $163
- Available for high school and middle school games, with the exception of league and MHSAA Tournaments
- Family pass for those living at home, preschool to high school students
4. 10 digital swipe pass - $38 + one time finance fee
- Available for high school and middle school games, with the exception of league and MHSAA Tournaments
- Able to use all year long
5. Elementary Student Swipe Pass - $33 (K-5th grade)
- Must be accompanied by an adult
- Able to use all year long at high school and middle school events, with the exception of league and MHSAA Tournaments
6. Individual Event Tickets - $5
7. Grandparents or Gold Card Accepted
8. Conference Passes (Coaches, Admin and BOE)
9. POS (Point of Sale) system is available at gates to swipe debit and credit cards. Visa gift cards are not accepted at Point of Sale systems. NO CASH. If you don’t have a credit card, you can purchase a visa gift card at most stores and then buy an online ticket through PHStrojans.com.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE: We are excited to begin the 2022/23 school year on Monday, August 29. Please take a moment to review these updates from our Transportation Department:
1. Bus route information will be shared on Friday, August 26.
2. If you had a bus stop last year and do not have a designated stop listed on the 2022/23 transportation route list, your student can use their same bus stop from last year to be picked-up and dropped off.
3. If you did not have a stop last year, you can still ride the bus. You will need to find a stop closest to you on the first day of school and then we will work on adding your stop to the bus route.
We look forward to another great year at PCS, Go Trojans!
SUMMER OUTINGS: This summer, Plainwell's Community Education department hosted a special Summer Outings program where students had fun-filled days of adventure for students in grades 3-8th traveling to local attractions to experience many new things! Students in the Wednesday group went to Binder Park Zoo, Charlton Park and Holland's Dutch Village while students in the Thursday group visited the Gilmore Car Museum and Air Zoo. The Summer Outing students had a great time on their adventures while exploring and learning.
PCS SAFE IS HIRING: Plainwell Community Schools is now hiring a self-starting individual to work at their before & after school and summer SAFE program. The position is perfect for college students with daytime classes or someone looking for a split schedule.
POSITION DETAILS:
- Be available 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM // 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM (split shift)
- Possess a high School diploma or equivalent
- Morning responsibilities will include planning and implementing activities for children ages K-5th grade before the start of school
- Afternoon responsibilities will include planning and implementing activities for children ages K-5th grade after the end of the school day
- Summer responsibilities will include planning and implementing age specific activities, supervising swimming and water play, attending field trips weekly, etc.
- Desire and skills to make life fun and safe for elementary school children necessary
- Ability to work well with others, take direction when needed, and take the lead when needed
- Must be able to communicate efficiently and effectively with both parents and children. - Additional hours available to those willing to work all student days, 1⁄2 days, non-student days, and snow days.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED:
- Willingness to complete 24 hours training per year as required by Childcare Licensing
- CPR certified or willing to become certified upon hire
JOIN OUR AMAZING TEAM BY VISITING:
plainwellschools.org - menu - pcs employment opportunities
BUILDING OFFICE HOURS: Our Building Offices are open to assist you with your back to school questions, work permit requests or to provide information about PCS. Please see the current hours for each building (normal office hours will resume on August 29):
PLAINWELL HIGH SCHOOL (269-685-9554):
- Open Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM-3:30 PM
PLAINWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL (269-685-5813):
- Open Monday-Friday from 6:30 AM-3:00 PM
COOPER ELEMENTARY (269-349-2674):
- Open Monday-Friday from 7:45 AM-4:15 PM
GILKEY ELEMENTARY (269-685-2424):
- Open Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM -4:00 PM
STARR ELEMENTARY (269-685-5835):
- Open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM -3:00 PM
RENAISSANCE (269-685-1573):
- Open Tuesday-Thursday from 8:00 AM -2:00 PM
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING (269-685-5823):
- Open Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM -4:00 PM
We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday, August 29 (half day). Go Trojans!
MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Do you love volleyball? Have you ever considered coaching? We have a great opportunity for you to join PCS as the Middle School Volleyball Coach! For questions or more information, please contact taylor.termeer@plainwellschools.org.
KINDERGARTEN & YOUNG 5’S ENROLLMENT: Enrollment is still open for Kindergarten and Young 5’s for the 2022/23 school year! Please complete the enrollment process for your student today to ensure a spot for the fall. For more information or to begin enrollment for your kindergarten or young 5 student, please visit
https://www.plainwellschools.org/page/kindergarten.
For families that have already enrolled your student, thank you for your ongoing patience as we finalize kindergarten placement testing!
We can’t wait to welcome our newest Trojans to PCS beginning Monday, August 29!
PCS ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE: We are excited to welcome our elementary students to the 2022 Elementary Open House! Elementary students and families, please mark your calendar to join us on Thursday, August 25 from 5-6:30 PM to meet your teacher and visit your classroom. We look forward to welcoming the Koalas, Geckos and Rock Starrs to their elementary buildings! 🐨 🦎 ⭐️
SAIL ADVENTURE: Last week, the Summer Adventure in Learning 5-12th grade students took a field trip to the Gilmore Car Museum. They explored and learned about the history of the American automobile. It was a great day and fun adventure for these students!
SUMMER ADVENTURE IN LEARNING PROJECT: Students in Ms. Reeber's 6th grade class in our Summer Adventure in Learning (SAIL) program have been working on a fun and educational project this summer. Each student picked a National Park and then planned all the details of traveling to the park - from budgeting, to organizing, to planning - the students had to navigate through their journey to visit their selected location. They completed the project by creating some outstanding dioramas representing their National Park. What a great project for these students as they SAIL through summer!
SAIL FIELD TRIP: The K-2nd grade Summer Adventure in Learning (SAIL) students had a great day yesterday as they took a trip to the Forever Curious Children’s Museum in Fenneville. The students were able to explore and have fun, while learning at the museum. It’s been a great summer at the PCS SAIL program!
PCS 2022/23 SCHOOL YEAR FOOD SERVICE: We are happy to share our 2022/23 School Year Food Service and Free & Reduced meal information with you. For information on our upcoming Food Service Program please visit https://www.plainwellschools.org/page/food-program-details.
Think your child might qualify for free or reduced lunch? You might be surprised that your child qualifies for (at least) a reduced lunch rate! It takes just a few minutes to apply and can help ensure the district gets the funding it needs for at-risk students. To apply, please visit https://5il.co/1cdlb.
We look forward to welcoming the students back to school on Monday, August 29 (half day). Go Trojans!
LETTER FROM THE DISTRICT: PCS Families - Last night we had a fire at Gilkey Elementary School in the outside men's restroom near the baseball field. Thankfully no one was hurt and the damage was not as bad as it could have been. We are in the process of cleaning/repairs and there will be no long term impact to the school.
Please see the following message from Plainwell Department of Public Safety:
Plainwell - On July 19th at approximately 1958 (7:58pm) hours Plainwell Public Safety was sent to Gilkey Elementary School for a report of a fire. Once on scene, a fire was found in one of the rooms within the school. Firefighters were quickly able to extinguish the fire. The fire and smoke damage was confined to one small area of the school. A preliminary investigation appears to show that the fire was intentionally set and officers will continue to follow up leads on the investigation. Anyone having information regarding the fire is asked to contact Plainwell Department of Public Safety at 269-685-9858 or provide information anonymously through Allegan County Silent Observer at 1-855-SILENT-0 or through the Allegan County Silent Observer webpage. A reward is being offered for information in this case. Plainwell Public Safety was assisted on the fire scene by Gun Plain Township Fire Department and Plainwell EMS.
Kevin Callahan
Public Safety Director
Plainwell Department of Public Safety