Back-to-Back State Champions!
The Dow High Boys’ Tennis Team brought home another Division 2 Boys’ State Championship this weekend. This is back-to-back championships for coach Terry Schwartzkopf and the team. They won individual championships in each of their four singles flights for their second straight state championship and ninth title in school history. Way to go, Chargers!!!!
Midland Public Schools District Vision Statement: Lead with respect, trust and courage. Ensure an equitable, collaborative and inclusive culture. Enable all to achieve success.
October 23, 2023
Volume 11 Edition 11
DHS and MHS Celebrate Rivalry Week with a Competitive Fundraising Challenge!
Inspired by the Battle of the Valleys between Saginaw Valley and Grand Valley, Dow High and Midland High used their competitive nature during rivalry week to fundraise for a local organization. Fundraising activities included grade-level penny wars during lunch hours and a pass-the-bucket collection during Friday's game. The Dow High Student Leadership 3 course designed a trophy, which was named the "Midland Money Maker Trophy" (aka the Triple M Trophy), to be awarded to the school that collected the most throughout the week. This year, both schools collectively agreed to donate all of the money earned to the Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network.
We are excited to announce the results of this first annual fundraiser in today's Communique!
With a grand total of $1,336.16, Dow High is this year's winner!
With an equally impressive amount, Midland High raised a total of $382.48 over the course of the week. Both schools are grateful to everyone who donated and are excited to be able to contribute to the important work done by the Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network. Great job Chargers and Chemics!
MPS Multicultural Calender - October
Dates of Interest for October:
- Midland County Cultural Awareness Month/Global Diversity Month - for more information and activity ideas, click here
- October 24 - United Nations Day - raises awareness to the international organization founded in 1945, for more information, click here
- October 31 - Halloween (also known as Samhain)
- October 31-November 2 - Día de los muertos - Mexican and Central American celebration that honors deceased friends and families, for more information, click here
Celebrating World Cultures with Global Eats Program
Beginning October 17th and continuing the week of October 23rd, Midland High and Dow High students can enjoy cuisine from Mexico, thanks to the "Global Eats" program by Chartwells. Tina Malzahn, Director of Dining Services, introduced Mexico as their first "destination" in the "Global Eats" program, followed by Italy, India, and China for the rest of this year. "Students were excited to try the new options in their lunch routines," commented DEI director Dr. Yang Jiao, "It's a fun and meaningful way to 'sample' a tiny bit of the world with our taste buds, one country at a time, within the convenience of our dining halls... the celebration of cultures doesn't have to take a national festival, a grand movement or revolution-- cultures can be ordinary, natural, and subtle, finely woven into the fabric of our everyday life."
Central Park Explorers "Send Cancer to Space"!
Central Park Elementary's Relay For Life team raised $11,015 for the American Cancer Society over the last year. Our efforts included a school coin drive, a spring t-shirt campaign, and staff participants who fundraised. Thank you to Mr. Seamster for getting pied in the face, Ms. Sauve for getting taped to a wall, and Ms. Stark for getting covered with silly string when we met our coin drive goal. A special thank you to 3rd grader Ava Sanders who designed our purple "Send Cancer to Space" shirts that were worn on Mondays in May. We sold 198 shirts to district staff and CPE students. We hope to replicate our fundraising efforts again next year for a cause that is important to many in the MPS community. Way to go Explorers!
MHS Econ Students Host Guest Speaker
Last week Econ students at MHS enjoyed a guest speaker, Mrs. Tara Knipp, who shared her personal experiences and challenges as a young businesswoman. Mrs. Knipp just celebrated her one-year anniversary at her Bridal Store in Bay City, First Look Bridal. Her first job, at 16 years old, was at a bridal shop in downtown Bay City where she managed the prom apparel selection. She fell in love with dresses and gowns and worked her way up to ordering and inventory management. Last summer, she purchased a building in downtown Bay City, renovated it, and within 3 months opened her own business. Mrs. Knipp is very selective of the bridal gowns she orders and carries some exclusive wedding dress designers as well. She shared a story of applying and interviewing with a top dress designer in order to carry her specific brand.
Students really enjoyed listening to the stories of her journey and were inspired that Mrs. Knipp balances two full-time jobs. Mrs. Knipp is a beloved special education teacher at MHS as well as a business owner. As econ student, Mercedes Stubbs, wrote, "I learned from you what entrepreneurs really look like and how to start my own business." Morgan Ludwig commented, "It takes a lot of determination to start a business...but you just have to do one thing at a time and you'll reach your goals." Congratulations Mrs. Knipp on your one-year anniversary! Thank you for sharing your story with the Econ classes.
MHS Drama Presents: Hamlet
The king is dead, his brother took his throne, ghosts are walking, and revenge is the name of the game.
MHS Drama presents the fall production of "Hamlet" on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Oct. 26, 27th, and 28th at Central Auditorium at 7pm. Tickets are $8 for students and $12 for adults. We are, as always, offering a free ticket to staff members. Use the code "ghost" when you order your tickets. Get tickets by clicking on the button below and enjoy the show!
Missed the Marching Band Showcase?
The Marching Band Showcase held at Midland Community Stadium on October 11th was a spectacular display of the musical talent and skill throughout our region. All the bands were terrific! If you weren't able to attend, watch the recording by clicking on the button below!
Celebrating Apple Crunch Day: MPS is a Bushel of Great Apples!
Come and have a scary good time at Midland High's Halloween Fun Night!
Midland High Student Council invites you to join them for a night of fun celebrating Halloween! There will be games and costumes, and MHS Student Council is collaborating with Mrs. Sugnet to bring back the beloved "Pumpkin Patch"! We hope to see you there!
MPS High School Students - Do you want to share your experience at MPS and have your voice heard?
Consider joining the Superintendent Student Advisory Team (SSAT)!
Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson is creating an advisory team to meet with MPS students to exchange feedback, insights, and ideas.
You can view Superintendent Miller-Nelson's message about the SSAT here:
To complete the SSAT application, click on the button below:
Application Closes Today!
Check this section of the Communique for updated scholarships, open houses, and other opportunities! Here are some upcoming events:
October is College Application Month!
For a complete listing of institutions offering application fee waivers, visit Michigan College Month - Michigan College Access Network.
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.
- October 28th, 10 am - 1 pm - SVSU open house - register in advance here
- November 4th, starting at 9:30 am - Northwood University fall open house - must register in advance here
- 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
2nd Semester School of Choice Applications
School of Choice applications for the second semester (January 3 - May 31, 2024) will be available via your ParentVue account beginning November 6, 2023. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, November 22, 2023. All applications must be completed online through a ParentVue account. If you do not have a ParentVue account, please visit www.midlandps.org/enrollment and select 23-24 School of Choice Application, you will then be prompted to log in or create an account.
Applications for non-resident students and in-district transfers will be available, but availability will be limited based on current enrollment numbers for each building and grade. A list of buildings and grades that are available for School of Choice will be listed on the first page of the application. If you apply for a building/grade not listed, your application will be denied. Families will be notified via email of their application status by the end of the day on December 8, 2023. Please contact Becci Longstreth at enroll@midlandps.org or 989-923-5024 with any questions.