Pictured above: Students attend Midland High's annual Veterans Day celebration on November 10th.
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 20, 2023
Volume 11 Edition 15
Half-Day Reminder and Schedule
MPS Families - reminder that Wednesday, November 22, 2023 is a half day of instruction for students. Please note the schedule information below:
Elementary School Hours:
- Adams Elementary - 8:40 AM - 11:51 AM
- Chestnut Hill Elementary - 8:40 AM - 11:51 AM
- Central Park Elementary - 8:40 AM - 11:51 AM
- Plymouth Elementary - 8:55 AM - 12:06 PM
- Siebert Elementary - 8:55 AM - 12:06 PM
- Woodcrest Elementary - 8:55 AM - 12:06 PM
- Carpenter Pre-Primary Center - 9:00 AM - 12:11 PM
Middle School Hours:
- Jefferson Middle School - 7:55 AM - 11:05 AM
- Northeast Middle School - 8:05 AM - 11:15 AM
High School Hours:
- Dow High School - 7:40 AM - 10:50 AM
- Midland High School - 7:40 AM - 10:50 AM
Parent Information Committee for the 2023-24 School Year
Please consider joining MPS Administration for our 2023-2024 Parent Information Committee sessions. The 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.
The Parent Information Committee Meetings will resume for the 2023-24 school year on November 21, 2023, and the first topic will be the MPS Music Program for grades K-12.
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.
Dow High Drama's Performance of "Pride & Prejudice"
Dow High Drama presented the fall production of "Pride & Prejudice" on November 16th, 17th, and 18th at Central Auditorium. Great job to the cast and production crew on a stellar performance!
MPS Ranked Fifth in the State of Michigan for the Seal of Biliteracy!
The Michigan Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who exhibit language proficiency in English and at least one additional world language. The Seal may be awarded to any student receiving a high school diploma, a high school certificate of completion, or a high school equivalency certificate and who has demonstrated Intermediate High Proficiency on acceptable world language assessments. The purpose of the Seal is to encourage students to study world languages and embrace their native and heritage languages.
Currently, MPS students earn the Seal by showing proficiency in English on the SAT and proficiency in one other language, usually through an IB or AP exam. MPS ranked fifth in the state for students earning the Seal of Biliteracy. Thank you to these students for inspiring excellence in our school district and in our state!
Midland High Celebrates Veterans With Their Annual Veterans Day Event
On November 10th, Midland High School welcomed over 35 Veterans to celebrate Veterans Day! Over 500 students from Social Studies and English classes enjoyed visiting with Veterans of all ages representing all branches of the service throughout the day. Students could choose to visit and hear personal stories from Vietnam Vets, Cold War Vets, Vets who served in the War on Terror (Iraq & Afghanistan), Vets who served in Special Operations, and Vets who served on nuclear subs. We also welcomed two Colonels to join us for the first time; Colonel Kate Reder and her husband, Lt. Col Ed Reder. Students could sit and listen to individual stories of Vets or join in to listen to a panel.
We were all delighted to meet a WWII Veteran, Eugene Karbowski, who is the 100-year-old great-grandfather of one of our Chemics (Ella Karbowski). It was an incredible experience for both the Veterans and the students and staff of Midland High School. A “Heroes Hospitality Suite” was open to all day to welcome any community/parents Veterans who wanted to stop by and say hello! This is the 7th annual Veterans Day Celebration at Midland High School. As one student summed it all up, “It brings the events that happened in the textbooks to life, it’s no longer just something that we read about, now it’s something that we hear about from someone who was there to experience it all.”
Tremendous thanks to our many Veterans who joined us for a half day, a full day, and/or a quick visit! As well, thank you to all those who donated snacks, beverages, and treats for our hospitality suite! Thanks to Great Lakes Bay Orthodontics (Chemic Alums) for sponsoring a lovely luncheon for all our Vets and Guests!
Student Reflections on Veterans Day Experience:
“I was in awe learning about the story of your parachute malfunctioning because it helped me realize just how prepared you are to handle all types of challenging situations 24/7.” (Alyssa Zielinski)
“I loved what you said…fear is a tool. I learned from you (Rocky Maldonado) that when we think we can’t do something…we can always take another step. Thank you. I will never forget this advice." (Sanai Joy)
“Dustin, I was so happy to hear that you built schools for women in Afghanistan and then protected them.” (Claire Campbell)
"Mr. Honekamp, it takes great bravery to come in and talk about something that will always be in the back of your mind. ..Thank you for your service to our country…even though people weren't nice to you when you came back (from Vietnam), I will always remember what you did to save so many others. Thank you for sharing your Purple Heart and soldiers medals with us all. I’m so happy the grenade didn’t detonate." (MHS Sophmore)
“Thank you Chris Bartlett for coming to talk about your experiences in the marines. What interesting stories you shared about your experiences protecting President Bill Clinton!” (MHS Junior)
“I was most interested in seeing what the Veterans did with their lives after they left the service because it was very difficult for so many of them. Learning how to restart and rebuild their lives comprised a lot of challenges and struggles for them.”
“I have a better understanding of what they (Veterans) have gone through to serve in the military and what it costs them. I also think it’s really amazing that they were willing to do some much for our country…and they don’t regret any of it.”
“The best part of the day was talking to a female Veteran who was a very strong woman. She jumped out of airplanes with a 50-pound pack on her back. She was inspiring and made me realize that anyone can serve our country. It doesn’t matter if you are female…you can still make a difference.” (MHS Senior)
Xinying Lee and Sophia Mika, Chief Science Officers of Northeast Middle School, took on the monumental task of creating a “STEMazing Race” for their 8th-grade peers.
Students were placed into teams and given clues to find the STEM professionals who were placed at different locations throughout the building.
Students “raced” to visit as many STEM professionals as they could within the time allotment of one class period, and the most successful group in each race was given a prize.
Xinying and Sophia wanted students to become more aware of the wide range of STEM careers available to them upon graduation and that STEM careers are for all students, from every background and every interest.
Xinying and Sophia would like to thank Lori Flippin, STEM Initiative Director from the Great Lakes Bay Region, for helping to secure volunteer STEM professionals.
They would also like to thank all of the STEM professionals who donated their time. Their willingness to share their enthusiasm about STEM careers was very appreciated!
"Principal For the Day"
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be the Principal? Last Monday, two Plymouth Elementary students, Jusiah and Tyler, did just that when they participated in being "Principal for the Day". They spent the morning completing typical tasks that a principal does in a day from morning supervision and security checks to completing a teacher observation and meeting with Associate Superintendent, Jeff Jaster, to discuss current building concerns. Both boys took the position seriously and did a great job as Principals for the Day! Thank you, Jusiah and Tyler!
Central Michigan University Honors String Orchestra
On October 27th, Jaelynn Alvarez (MHS), Sabrina Gilles (DHS), Anthony Hicks (MHS), and Alexis Hussey (MHS) represented Midland Public Schools in the CMU Honors String Orchestra. This orchestra brings together orchestra students from programs state-wide for the opportunity to study with the CMU string faculty and perform a concert of advanced string repertoire alongside collegiate string musicians. Great job students!
DHS Fall Signing Day
Congratulations to these Dow High students who committed on DHS Fall Signing Day:
- Delaney Belding - Northwood - Softball
- Rex Dingman - Lawrence Tech - Baseball
- Jack Harcek - Albion - Baseball
We wish you the best as you transition to the next phase of your athletic journey!
Dow High Student Leadership 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
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!
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 this 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.
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.