Cub Connection
Wildcat Cub Edition - April
Annnnnd...We're off!
I hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement as we embark on a new school year. We are thrilled to share the start we've had to the academic year and express our gratitude for the exceptional collaboration between our dedicated teachers and staff, our supportive parents, and the incredible Wildcat community that has made this beginning such a resounding success!
Our teachers and staff have been working hard to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for our students. Whether it be through expanding capacities through the Capturing Kid's Hearts trainings, or further development of our Professional Learning Communities, our dedication to fostering a culture of learning and growth is unwavering. Your child's success is our goal!
However, a thriving educational community requires more than just our wonderful teachers and staff. We have been fortunate to witness the tremendous support of our parents, who have actively participated in their child's education, attended parent-teacher meetings, and volunteered their time to enhance the school experience. This collaborative effort between parents and teachers has allowed us to create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere that is crucial for our students' development. Whether it be through the amazing support of our Mattawan Public Education Foundation, parent groups, or booster groups, the team effort is alive and well!
The broader Wildcat community has also played a pivotal role in making this school year's start a tremendous success. From local businesses supporting our school initiatives to community members attending school events, your presence and engagement have enriched the lives of our students and reinforced the sense of togetherness that defines Mattawan.
As we continue this exciting journey through the school year, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with you, our wonderful parents, and further deepening our ties with the supportive Wildcat community. Together, we will ensure that our children have every opportunity to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your story; we can't wait to see what remarkable achievements and adventures the rest of the school year will bring.
With gratitude,
Mr. Fleenor
Late Start Wednesdays
The district is seeking feedback on the idea of implementing late start Wednesdays next year. Late start days would provide district staff with common and structured time to collaborate on a number of items, including best practices for impactful student learning. This would also reduce the number of half-days in our district. Currently, we have 8 half-day professional development (PD) days, but a late start model could eliminate all of them (a few half-days for conferences and records days would remain).
Typically, on a late start day, the school day would begin one hour later than usual. For example, middle and high schools would start at 8:40 a.m., and elementary schools would start at 9:45 a.m. most Wednesdays. I.e., Buses would run one hour later than usual on normal routes. Dismissal times would remain the same as on regular scheduled days. Other districts around the state have implemented this model and found it to be effective in providing common collaboration time while reducing the inconvenience of multiple half-days for families.
It's important to note that this is still an exploration, and the district is seeking feedback from staff and parents on the number of current half-days. We also welcome your initial feedback on this concept. There will be more opportunities to provide feedback on the academic calendar in the near future.
October 30, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. in the Middle School Cafeteria
Stakeholders,
We are excited to invite you to our third Community Forum regarding the upcoming bond! Your input and engagement are vital as we plan for the future of our community. Let's come together to shape the path forward!
📅 Date: Monday, October 30, 2023
🕡 Time: 6:30 p.m.
🏫 Location: Middle School Cafeteria
🤝 This meeting is an opportunity to:
✅ Learn about the projects;
✅ ask questions on the bond and the proposed projects; and,
✅ collaborate with fellow community members and staff on this exciting opportunity!
🗣 Your voice matters, and we want to ensure that everyone is informed and involved in the decision-making process. Whether you're a parent, teacher, student, or a concerned community member, your perspective is valuable.
Please spread the word and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to attend as well. Together, we can make informed decisions that will shape the future!
We look forward to seeing you at the Middle School Cafeteria on Monday, September 25th, at 6:30 p.m. Let's work together to build a brighter future!
#FutureFocused #CommunityEngagement #FuturePlanning
September/October Board Meetings
September General Session Highlights
Action Items
- Consent Grouping...minutes, monthly financials
- Approved employment of Olivia Weatherwax. Welcome!
- Approved MHSAA Annual Membership
- Ratified Bid Process for Chiller
Presentations
- Curriculum & Instruction - updated the board on professional development, Panorama Survey, and ELA review
- Fiscal Stewardship - updated on fiscal audit
- Site Planning Ad Hoc - updated on steering committee meeting, forming project list, and bond work timeline
October General Session Highlights
Action Items
- Consent Grouping...minutes, monthly financials
- Elected MASB Board Delegates (annual)
- Approved vendor for High School Chiller project (bond contingency funds)
- Approved vendor for security camera upgrades at EES/LES playground (safety grant funds)
Presentations
- Middle School AMLE Presentation - Principal Shuman and Dean Engels presented on the recent and prestigious award the middle school received in August. Congratulations!
- Curriculum & Instruction - updated the Board on recent professional development day activities
- Fiscal Stewardship - updated the Board on 22-23 fiscal audit (complete); auditors will be presenting in December
- Site Planning Ad Hoc - updated the Board on recent site planning meeting, as well as the last community forum and steering committee meetings.
- School Board Update - comments on recent governance training the board participated in with consultant Gary Rider and recent attendance at a 'behind the scenes' legislative meeting
Next Board Meeting: Monday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. at Central Office Board Room
Fall Update
The District strives to update the community on the progress being made on the dynamic strategic plan. Click on the 'Goal Tracker' link below for current progress updates.
The Board of Education ratified the existing dynamic strategic plan in 2022 after an extensive process gathering input from staff, students, parents, and community members. This plan is reviewed each year, and updates are made to stakeholders. Please click on the button below to view the dynamic strategic plan goal tracker.
Mr. Wolfe Builds a Strong Foundation for Strong Writers
Early Elementary First Grade Students Work on Mechanics of Writing
In the first grade classroom, Mr. Wolfe breaks down sentence mechanics in a way that his young writers can grasp. In these early stages of learning, it’s all about laying a strong foundation for writing. Mr. Wolfe focuses on simplicity and the basics of helping his students learn how to construct sentences and use punctuation like periods and capital letters. Moving about the room, Mr. Wolfe affirms his students’ good efforts, listening skills, and leadership. “Your writing is really great!” Wolfe encourages his kids to search their work like detectives looking for clues about grammar and structure. Gradually, he is teaching students to develop a keen eye for detail in their work. Learning to use dictionaries was front and center, too, inspiring students to expand their vocabulary. This essential instruction sets the stage for success in their journey with language and writing. Thank you, Mr. Wolfe, for helping your students understand how thoughts and words come together to express themselves in writing.
Collaborative Learning
Science Comes Alive with 5th Grade Co-Taught Lessons
In our Later Elementary classrooms, fifth grade students are beginning a fascinating journey as they embark on the world of matter and energy in an ecosystem. In a collaborative lesson, taught by Mrs. Glasser and Mrs. Hagenbarth, kids are delving into discovery. “What do you think matter is?” “What do you think energy is?” Mrs. Glasser and Mrs. Hagenbarth are leading the exploration of solids, liquids, and gases, energy, and ecosystems, helping their students to connect the relationships between living organisms and their environments. Mattawan Later Elementary fifth graders are not just absorbing knowledge; they are becoming curious scientists. With that knowledge, we’re confident they will become good stewards of our environment too! We are proud of the collaborative efforts of our teachers who partner up to maximize learning potential!
🚶♂️🚶♀️ Step by step, we conquered the Mattawan Walkathon!
🎉 A HUGE shoutout to all our amazing sponsors and supporters who made this event a smashing success! 🙌 Your generosity kept our spirits high and our steps steady. 💪 We couldn't have done it without you! 🤗 #MattawanWalkathon #CommunityStrong #ThankYouSponsors #StepByStepToSuccess 🚶♂️🚶♀️👟💃🏁🏆
Mattawan Middle School Book Tasting: A Literary Feast
Ms. Smith’s Students Open a New Book, Open a New World
Ms. Smith’s Middle School students had a fantastic day "tasting" different genres in Language Arts. “Tasting” books is an experience that allows readers to sample and find new books that they will love. Ms. Smith’s students were introduced to many different authors, genres and styles of books. Engaging in all aspects, the students were able to discuss why they thought each book was placed at their table. They were able to compare and contrast genres while immersing themselves in the book tasting. Ms. Smiths puts thought and effort into lessons that are fun and engaging for her students. Because of the creative learning environment in her classroom, Mattawan Middle School students are excited to come to class each day to learn about new books and authors. Thank you, Ms. Smith, you open a new book and a new world for Wildcats!
Students Find Inspiration in 7th Grade Choir
Mr. Gottschall Strikes a Chord in Middle School Students
Mr. Gottschall, our dedicated middle school choir teacher, and his 7th grade students are preparing for an upcoming performance that promises to be Mattawan memorable. With unwavering passion, commitment, and energy, Mr. Gottschall guides his talented students to refine their voices and express themselves through every note. The classroom setting is filled with zest and authentic joy of song. Honing in on the song “Brave,” the students build vocal skills, techniques, and confidence, knowing they all have a place at Mattawan Middle School. The marks of kindness, empathy, and being brave can be felt behind every lyric because those qualities exist in Mr. Gotschall’s classroom. Mattawan Middle School choir students are having fun building a lifelong love for music, and our community will have a front row seat to watch it grow in an unforgettable performance.
Michigan Apple Crunch Day in Mattawan
Taking a Bite Out of an Apple: A Way to Support Local Farmers
The Michigan Apple Crunch Day is an annual event hosted by MSU Extension and the Michigan Farm to Institution Network to promote National Farm to School Month and celebrate the iconic Michigan Apple. Mattawan students were able to participate by having a locally grown Michigan apple with their lunch. In partnership with KVCC Valley Hub, apples were purchased from Schultz Fruitridge Farms located in Mattawan. The apple varieties available included: Crimson Crisp, Jonathan, Golden Delicious and Fuji. What a great way to promote healthy eating habits and to support local farmers. It is also a fun and educational event that teaches students about the importance of agriculture and nutrition. Special thanks to our food service team for supporting this fun event!
Mattawan Level Up College Visits
A Must-Do for Any High School Student
Mattawan Level Up students with different interests, united by their desire to learn more about post-high school opportunities, have been visiting area colleges. Their journeys to survey college campuses and discover their post-high school path have been thrilling. Exploring college campuses is a valuable investment in your future and can help you find the right school for you. Way to Level Up Wildcats!
Grateful for Your Sizzle-Tastic Support
MEA Annual Hot Dog Fundraiser Success
The Mattawan Education Association would like to thank the Mattawan Community for your support this year at the Annual Homecoming Hot Dog Sale. We raised $4,700 that will be used to award deserving seniors with scholarships to further their education, and send deserving students from all 5 of our buildings to summer camps. This was only possible with the help of so many people and community businesses who donated supplies and monetary donations. Special thanks to Biggy-Mattawan; Chartwell’s; Main Street Pub; Mattawan Chiropractic Clinic PC; Ralph Moyle, Inc.; Pizza Hut @ McGillen’s Crossing; Qdoba West Main; Red’s Rootbeer Stand; Schultz’s Fruit Ridge Farms; Shell-Flemming Brothers Oil; Subway-City Center; Target-West Main, and United Bay Community Credit Union. It was a GREAT night! If you were unable to attend and would like to still make a donation you can do so via our QR code. THIS IS MATTAWAN!
Mattawan Public Education Foundation
Get involved today!
MPEF exists to bridge the gap between the funding MCS receives from the state and the funding necessary to provide quality educational experiences to all students across the five buildings in our district. If you feel inspired to join us in enhancing education at Mattawan, you can find out more about how to get involved at www.mpef.org.
Important Dates
- October 27 - 1/2 day
- October 30 - No School (Staff Professional Development)
- October 30 - Community Forum #3, 6:30 p.m. @ Middle School
- November 8 - 10 - Parent Teacher Conferences (see building schedules)
- Nov 15 - 1/2 day Professional Development
- November 20-24 - No School Thanksgiving Break
- November 27 - Classes Resume
- December 12 - 1/2 Day Professional Development
- December 25 - January 5 - No School Christmas Break
- January 8, 2024 - Classes Resume
Mattawan Consolidated School
Email: rfleenor@mattawanschools.org
Website: https://www.mattawanschools.org/
Location: 56720 Murray Street, Mattawan, MI, USA
Phone: 2696683351
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattawanCSD
Twitter: @mattawancsd
