Pictured above: students at Adams Elementary participate in a PYP Luminary Peace Walk.
Midland Public Schools District Vision Statement: Lead with respect, trust and courage. Ensure an equitable, collaborative and inclusive culture. Enable all to achieve success.
December 4, 2023
Volume 11 Edition 17
Superintendent Search
As you may be aware, Midland Public Schools has initiated its search for a new superintendent. To guide us through this important process, we have retained the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a consulting firm that specializes in assisting School Boards with the consideration of candidates for superintendent. A key part of this process is to gather information about the characteristics we will be seeking in our new superintendent. We would greatly appreciate your input and ask that you complete the survey linked below. This survey will be open from December 4 - December 20, and will also be posted on our website as well.
Thank you for your participation!
MPS Multicultural Calender - December
Dates of Interest for December:
- December 1 - Rosa Parks Day - commemorates her contributions to the civil rights movement and specifically the Montgomery bus boycotts. For more information, click here.
- December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities - promotes awareness and accessibility. For more information, click here.
- December 7-15 - Hanukkah - Jewish festival of lights lasting 8 nights. For more information, click here.
- December 10 - Human Rights Day - This year the marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For more information, click here.
- December 21 - Yule/Winter Solstice Day - Longest night of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. For more information, click here.
- December 25 - Christmas - Celebration with many diverse traditions including both Christian and secular. For more information, click here.
- December 26-January 1 - Kwanzaa - African-American celebration lasting 7 days focusing on history and unity. For more information, click here.
Midland High Students Attend 2023 MASSP Women's Summit
On November 12th and 13th, a delegation of 12 Midland High School students representing four distinct groups (FOCUS, Marketing, National Honor Society, and Student Leadership) had the privilege of attending the 2023 MASSP Women's Summit in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Summit featured a range of esteemed speakers during the general sessions, including a panel of female legislators, a recent college graduate who holds the unique position of Player and Family Engagement for the Detroit Pistons - only the third woman in league history to assume such a role, a medical physician who provided insights into women's health throughout the ages, and four high school students who are active members of MASC/MAHS (The Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies).
In addition to the general sessions, participants had the opportunity to engage in a variety of breakout sessions covering topics such as financial management, empowering female leaders, college life, self-defense and proactive personal safety, LGBTQ+ rights, the Period Hygiene Network, and lessons derived from the recent blockbuster film, Barbie.
Beyond the educational opportunities, the Summit provided ample time for dining, socializing, and relaxation. Following the breakout sessions on Sunday, attendees had the option to partake in activities such as dancing, Zumba, yoga, games, canvas painting, and vision board creation.
The 2023 MASSP Women's Summit proved to be an enriching experience for all who participated. A special note of gratitude is extended to the All in Fore Chemic Pride Foundation and the Midland Area Youth Area Council for their generous support, which enabled three NHS students to attend the Summit.
Primary Years Programme (PYP) Learning in Action!
Interactive Learning Experiences at Siebert Elementary
Fifth-grade students at Siebert Elementary recently attended an interactive presentation provided by the Chippewa Nature Center. Students participated in inquiry-based learning experiences centered around how Michigan’s Indigenous people created tools, prepared hides, and found food sources in nature. The fifth graders were able to make connections to their current unit of study, Sharing the Planet, which is concentrated on Indigenous people and their utilization of resources available in their area.
Take a look at some of the fun below!
Siebert Play-Based Learning Invitations
Students in Ms. Wojtkiewicz’s Kindergarten class at Siebert Elementary were invited to explore and investigate different materials during learning centers. Students painted fall trees with materials such as broccoli, paper rolls, and bubble wrap. This play-based learning invitation allowed students to follow their interests when creating their art pieces.
Take a look at some of the final products below!
Adams Luminary Peace Walk
Throughout the week of November 13th, members of Adams Elementary's fifth-grade leadership team, under the guidance of Ms. Stacie Capua, Ms. Jenna Dulude, and Mr. Ernest Seebeck, planned activities for World Kindness Week. The week’s culminating event was a Luminary Peace Walk with lanterns decorated by the students at Adams Elementary. When designing the luminary lanterns, students were encouraged to reflect on what peace meant to them and how they would be able to share kindness with those around them. Students decorated the lanterns in art and added quotes and drawings about peace and kindness for all to enjoy.
In addition to creating luminary lanterns, Ms. Dulude worked with students to create a video in which students shared positive quotes to spread the message of peace and kindness. Students enjoyed seeing their peers on screen and hearing the inspirational messages while walking the lantern-lit path. The result was a powerful experience that allowed students and staff to reflect on the events of World Kindness Week.
MPS Students Earn Microsoft Certification
Business students enrolled in Computer Technology courses at Midland High and H. H. Dow High were recently given the opportunity to earn internationally recognized industry certification in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word. This latest round of exams saw students earning a total of 118 certifications! Microsoft proficiency is one of the most requested job skills across all occupations and industries, so certification enhances the MPS students’ education and career prospects. During the Spring semester, Computer Technology students will be working toward both Microsoft Word and Excel certifications. Congratulations!
Michigan All-State Ensembles
Congratulations to the following Midland Public School band and orchestra students who were selected for the Michigan All-State Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band! A total of 27 MPS students either earned a seat in the ensemble or were honorable mention. These students had a blind audition back in October to compete against thousands of other students from around the state for a few select spots. Now that they have been accepted, they will rehearse and perform with the All-State ensembles at the Michigan Music Conference in January. Great job!
- Mia Bayardo – Dow String Bass
- Cara Bucci – Midland Tenor Saxophone
- Katie Cai – Jefferson Viola
- Raymond Chai – Jefferson Violin
- Alvin Chen – Jefferson Viola Honorable Mention
- Owen DeLong – Dow Jazz Trombone
- Kanushi Desai – Dow Viola
- Sera DiMuro – Jefferson Viola Honorable Mention
- Emilia Garces – Jefferson String Bass
- Anna Gessford – Midland Clarinet
- Asher Goldberg – Midland Bass Trombone
- Sarah Grimley – Northeast Viola
- George Gu – Dow Viola
- Emma Huang – Jefferson Clarinet
- Louis Huang – Dow Clarinet
- Elliot King – Northeast Trumpet
- Henry Kosick – Northeast Trumpet Honorable Mention
- Matthew Lee – Dow Clarinet
- Sarah Li – Dow Viola
- Cailyn Liu – Dow Viola
- Sydney Ma – Jefferson Viola and Violin Honorable Mention
- Jun Park – Jefferson Trumpet
- Sam Tate – Northeast Baritone
- Ricky Wang – Dow Alto Saxophone
- Roman Wolters – Northeast French Horn
- Joshua Yoo – Jefferson Violin
- Seoyeon Yoo – Jefferson Viola
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
Book Drive
Dow High Student Leadership is sponsoring a book drive to benefit the Midland County Foster Closet. Donate your gently used or new books for all age levels to children in foster care. Book donations will be accepted on December 20th at Dow High at the start of both Dow High versus Midland High basketball games, at 5:30 pm and 7 pm. Anyone who donates 5 books will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card. Thank you for your support!
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.