Pictured Above: Plymouth students participate in "Balloons Over Plymouth!"
Several classes at Plymouth Elementary participated in our very own Balloons over Plymouth. Students learned about the Balloons over Broadway, heard from the expert balloon makers, and looked at this year's lineup. With their inspiration, students decorated their own balloons and classes proudly paraded through the halls. Students were overheard saying: "My heart is beating so fast!" and "I'm so proud of myself!" Way to go, Pioneers!
Midland Public Schools District Vision Statement: Lead with respect, trust and courage. Ensure an equitable, collaborative and inclusive culture. Enable all to achieve success.
November 27, 2023
Volume 11 Edition 16
Jefferson Student Wins District-Wide Chromebook Sticker Art Contest
Phoebe Lai, a Woodcrest Elementary Student at the time of her entry and now a sixth grader at Jefferson Middle School, won the 2023-24 Chromebook Artwork Contest where MPS students had the opportunity to submit artwork for this year’s Chromebook Sticker. The theme of this year’s sticker, “Be You,” highlights the importance of respecting each other and celebrating the unique perspectives we all bring when we feel welcome to be our authentic selves. The artwork is a visual reminder of the school district’s vision and proclamation to support an inclusive and equitable learning environment and an action-oriented continuation of the messages of the prior two years, “Be an Ally” and “Diversity is A Strength.”
The Midland County Inclusion Alliance (MCIA) partnered for the third year with MPS to turn student artwork into a sticker after the success of the initiative during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. “This artwork is a daily, visible reminder that diversity, equity, and inclusion are important and supported in our community,” said Dr. Yang Jiao (Joy), MPS Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “It also further cements our community’s commitment to create space for everyone that attends MPS. This year’s message builds upon the prior two and encourages our students to be themselves and to use their strengths to be the light in someone's day."
“I wanted to help design the Chromebook sticker because I really like to draw and design things. The idea ‘BE YOU’ reminded me of some of my friends. I'd like to tell them that everyone is unique in one way or another and standing out is okay.” - Phoebe Lai
Middle School Robotics Update
The middle school robotics (FTC - FIRST Tech Challenge) kicked off in early September with the reveal of the 2023-24 game, CENTERSTAGE. Teams compete at Qualifiers throughout November and early December. Qualifiers are large competitions with 30+ teams. Competitions are made up of three major elements: the judged interview, the Engineering Portfolio, and robot gameplay.
Although we celebrate the journey most of all, we do want to recognize and congratulate the teams on their achievements so far this season. Team 9931, The Northeast Viking Vortex were Alliance #3 Captains, winners of the Connect Award, and 3rd place Inspire Award in Freeland. They were also competition Finalists and Think Award winners at Bullock Creek. Team 12722, the Northeast Viking Warriors, competed in the playoffs on Alliance #4 both times and were Captains of that alliance at Bullock Creek. Team 10309, the Jefferson TechnoHuskies, were Inspire Award winners at Bullock Creek and 2nd place Think Award in Freeland. Team 10615, the Jefferson CyDogs were Alliance #2 Captains and competition Finalists at Freeland. They were on Alliance #4 and 3rd place Design Award at Bullock Creek. Team 12603, the Jefferson Wired Wolves are only just getting started! They are headed up to Pellston on December 2-3 to compete in their second event. The Viking Vortex, TechnoHuskies, and CyDogs are also making adjustments and preparations to compete at the NW Michigan State FTC Championship on December 15th.
All of us involved in FIRST Robotics at Midland Public Schools are grateful to our sponsors, coaches, parents, volunteers, and Midland Public Schools educators and administration for making this amazing experience available to our students. When not preparing for competition, the FTC students can often be found demonstrating their robots, visiting with STEM professionals, volunteering in their community, or doing fundraisers. They are building critical thinking and communication skills, learning about compromise and inclusion, and becoming confident and compassionate leaders. One of the wonderful things about the program is that students can join any year. No previous participation is required. Everyone learns together through collaborating and leaning into each other's strengths and individual capabilities. To borrow a saying from FIRST's leadership, robotics IS more than robots. In the end, it isn't about building robots, it's about 'building' our students. If you are reading this and wondering how to get involved, or how to become a coach/mentor or sponsor, please reach out to Annette Murray at amurrayFIRST@gmail.com.
Midland High Shares Chemic Pride
Since the beginning of the school year, students at Midland High have been participating in activities to demonstrate their Chemic Pride!
Chemic Car Show
On October 19th, Midland High School Varsity Leadership, under the guidance of Cayden Nieto, Porter Pritchard, and Chase Jenkins, held a car show featuring students and their vehicles from both H.H. Dow High School and Midland High School. Despite the continual downpour, the students enjoyed sharing their vehicles with each other and the football spectators during the Freshman game between the two schools.
Trivia Night
On October 21, 10 teams of Chemics competed in a friendly trivia competition. There were ten categories of challenging questions over a wide variety of topics. In third place was a tie between the Know-it-Alls and the House Divided, runners up were the Rage Quizzers, and coming out on top, in first place, was the Rain of Terror made up of the MHS teachers Dave McPeak, Henry Muller, Jim Woehrle, and Ryan Wontorcik. Out of the kindness of their hearts, they forfeited their prizes to the top student team, Rage Quizzers. The team members are Alex Ritter, Josh Thurlow, Trevor Hallberg, and Isaac Leasher. Thank you to all the Chemics who attended the event!
safeTALK Training
On November 8th, a group of Midland High students voluntarily completed safeTALK training with Barb Smith, the executive director of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network. The students attended a 3.5-hour training in the Midland High School Media Center. safeTALK teaches participants how to identify someone who may be thinking of suicide and how to link persons with suicidal thoughts to local suicide intervention resources. Participants learn four basic steps that begin the process of getting help and link the person with thoughts of suicide to a trained professional. The training was facilitated by registered trainers from LivingWorks Education, well-known developers of award-winning programs for suicide prevention education. safeTALK trained helpers to know that they should not keep the knowledge of another’s suicidal thoughts secret. They also know that they do not have to take on the responsibility to do a suicide intervention, since they learn how to make a quick connection to local intervention resources trained to do that work. Great job, Chemics!
Dow High Student Leadership Happenings
Members of Dow High Leadership and Girl Up Club Attend the 2nd Annual MASSP Women's Summit
On November 12-13, members of Dow High Student Leadership and the new club, Girl Up, attended MASSP's 2nd annual Women's Summit in Grand Rapids. This event allows female leaders in education ranging from students to administrators to come together and spend two days discussing and learning about important topics related to women in leadership roles both in and out of school. The following students attended this year's event with Dow High Leadership teachers Chelsea Berg and Kim Outinen: Kari Ackerman (10), Zailey Archbold (11), Clara Beck (12), Elizabeth Callihan (11), Jessica Chai (11), Maddy Everett (10), Keira Hillman (10), Delaney Kepsel (11), Katie Kerr (11), Olivia Mayer (12), Anya Narayan (11), Callie Outinen (11), Ella Schulz (10), Allison Sheets (12), Lauren VanSumeren (12), and Olivia Wagner (11). Way to go, Chargers!
Jessica Chai Speaks at MASB Annual Leadership Conference
On November 11, Dow High Junior Jessica Chai participated in a student panel at the Michigan Association of School Boards Annual Conference in Lansing. Jessica was selected to participate in this panel through her role on the MASC/MAHS Student Board of Delegates. During this event, Jessica participated in a moderated discussion with current and former members of the Board of Delegates where they shared their thoughts on a variety of important education-related topics with over 500 school board members from throughout Michigan. Congratulations, Jessica! Thank you for representing Dow High and Midland Public Schools!
Winter Gear Drive
We are excited to announce that Dow High's Student Leadership is organizing a Winter Gear Drive from December 4th through the 20th. In an effort to support our community during the colder months, collection bins will be conveniently placed at Dow High School, Jefferson Middle School, Northeast Middle School, Woodcrest Elementary School, and the school Administration building. We encourage you to contribute to this initiative by donating gently used or new winter gear such as; coats, gloves, hats, snow pants, socks, snow boots, scarves, and sleds. All donations will be given to the Midland Shelter House. Your generosity will undoubtedly make a significant impact, helping those in need in our city. Thank you for your support in fostering a warm and caring community - Dow High Student Leadership
Parent Information Committee for the 2023-24 School Year
Parent Information Committee (PIC) sessions have resumed for the 2023-24 school year. These sessions cover current relevant topics in education that are of importance to the MPS mission. Administrators will present information and have an open discussion on the topic with parents to gather input to assist us in our plan of work. All meetings are from 12-1 pm at the MPS Administration Center, 600 E. Carpenter St., and will be recorded for viewing on the MPS website.
The first PIC session for the 2023-24 school year was held on November 21, and the topic was the MPS Music Program for grades K-12. Missed this session? Click on the button below to view the recording.
Stay tuned to the Communique for upcoming PIC session dates and topics!
Central Auditorium News
As a reminder - any event held at Central Auditorium requires tickets to attend. This includes all band, choir, orchestra, and drama events. Even if there is no charge for the tickets, (such as many band/choir/orchestra performances) tickets are still required to reserve seats.
Click on the button below to visit the Central Auditorium Box Office to order your tickets for upcoming holiday season events!
Check this section of the Communique for updated scholarships, open houses, and other opportunities!
Students and families looking for help paying for college are encouraged to register for a Virtual Financial Aid Presentation to gather information on FAFSA applications, federal/state financial aid and scholarships.
- Adults ages 21 to 24 who have not yet earned a college degree can enroll in Michigan Reconnect, a tuition-free community college scholarship program. Governor Whitmer temporarily lowered the age for those eligible from 25 to 21. For more information, click here
Map your future with Pathfinder!
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training created the Pathfinder online career planning tool to connect Michigan residents with high-quality, in-demand careers and credentials. Visit Pathfinder by clicking on the button below!
MPS Early Middle College Program
MPS offers Early Middle College experiences with Davenport University, Delta College, and new this year - Northwood University. For more information, contact your school counselor. To complete the application, click on the button below.