Cub Connection
Wildcat Cub Edition - April
Attitude of Gratitude
Dear Mattawan Families & Community:
As we approach Thanksgiving, it is with great appreciation that I reflect on the many blessings we share here at Mattawan. Our school is not just a place of education; it is a community where care, thoughtfulness, and support converge to create a nurturing environment for our students. I am grateful for the dedicated staff who go above and beyond to ensure the well-being and success of every child. Their commitment to fostering a love of learning is truly commendable, and it is evident that they genuinely care about the growth and happiness of each student.
Equally inspiring is the unwavering support we receive from our parents and the broader Mattawan community. Your involvement, encouragement, and shared commitment to the best interests of our students are the pillars that uphold our educational journey. It is heartening to see how our community comes together with a shared vision for the future, one where our children can flourish and reach their fullest potential. We look to a promising future; it is my hope, as we move forward for the betterment of all, we do so together!
This season (and all year!), let us be grateful not just for the tangible things we possess, but for the intangible gifts of care, support, and opportunity that surround us. Each day presents us with a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. Whether it's a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need, these small acts collectively shape the fabric of our community.
Read on for lots of news for what we have to be thankful for!
Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
With gratitude,
Mr. Fleenor
🌳💙 The Kindness Tree is blossoming at LES! 🌿 Today, our amazing students shared their heartfelt advice on simple ways to spread kindness every day. From small gestures to big smiles, they're proving that kindness is the language that everyone understands. 🌟💛 Let's nurture a culture of compassion together! 💖👫 #KindnessMatters #SpreadLove 💙🐾💛
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Stay tuned for more information after the December Holidays!
November Board Meeting
November General Session Highlights
Action Items
- Consent Grouping...minutes, monthly financials, new employment
- Teacher, Maya Bidelman, Welcome!
- Approved purchase of steamer for High School Cafeteria to replace old one
- Approved overseas travel request
Presentations & Discussion
- Curriculum & Instruction - updated the board on achievement data, MICIP goal progress. See presentation below
- Fiscal Stewardship - updated the Board on 22-23 fiscal audit (complete); auditors will be presenting in December
- Site Planning Ad Hoc - updated on bond scope and dollar amount; the board discussed a bond of roughly 94-96M as the tentative amount.
- School Board Update - comments on recent MASB conference attendance
- Discussion on Parent Concern
- Two Public Comments
- Closed Session - Superintendent's Evaluation
Next Board Meeting: Monday, December 11, 6:30 p.m. at Central Office Board Room
✨ Dive into the magic of literacy at Mattawan Early Elementary School! 🌟
This week was extra special as our fantastic 8th graders teamed up with their second-grade buddies for an incredible reading experience. 📖💕 The enthusiasm and engagement were off the charts!
Picture this: 8th graders sharing captivating stories with their younger friends, sparking imaginations and fostering a love for reading. It was a heartwarming sight to see the exchange of knowledge and the bonds forming over the pages of cherished books.
💬 The joy of learning echoed through the halls as these kids embraced the magic of storytelling. From animated discussions to shared laughter, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and curiosity.
🍎🏫 Moments like these remind us that education goes beyond textbooks—it's about building connections, fostering a sense of community, and instilling a passion for lifelong learning. Kudos to our incredible students for making this literacy rendezvous a memorable and enriching experience!
👏📚 Celebrate the power of reading and the joy of shared learning at Mattawan Early Elementary School! 🎉📚
Science Alive Visitors Promote Scientific Literacy
Mattawan 5th Grade Students
Science Alive, the hands-on science education organization, has long established itself at the forefront of Michigan's educational resources. Our fifth grade students were excited and ready to learn from the personalized, interactive classroom presentations with live reptiles, amphibians, and mammals with the help of biologists Mr. and Mrs. Neil. With visitors like Cupcake the chinchilla, Goji the baby alligator, and Rolo the 3-banded armadillo, hands-on learning gave students the opportunity to see, touch, and interact with animals. Fifth graders were motivated, eager to learn about life on earth, adaptations that animals make to survive in their environments, and observe the animal's physical characteristic and behavior. Memorable learning is the kind of learning that sticks with you long after you leave the classroom, and that helps you to grow and develop as a person. We’re certain Ms. Eicholtz and Ms. VanWienen will remember their visit with 50 lb. Goldie the Python. This deep learning opportunity was possible through the work of the Mattawan Later Elementary Parent Association. Support your local parent association and help them provide our students with the classroom extras they need to thrive!
Ms. Ponicki’s AP Biology Lesson Unveils the Wonders of Water
Juniors and Seniors Enhancing Research Skills
Mattawan juniors and seniors in Ms. Ponicki’s AP Bio class know that water is essential for life. They also know about the number of unique properties that make it essential for life on Earth. Rotating through six lab stations, Ms. Ponicki’s students are learning about water particles, hydrogen bonds, polar molecules, and more. “Which is liquid water and which is ice? And why?” She challenged her class of biologists to collect data, run a lab experiment, and understand water properties. This knowledge will prep them for a written essay to lock in what they’ve learned and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of water in life. This lesson provides students with exposure to conducting their own research projects. That experience will help them develop research skills like data collection and analysis, scientific writing, and presentation skills. Thank you Ms. Ponicki, for building a strong foundation in biology and setting up nothing less than success for Mattawan High School students.
Behind the Scenes at Mattawan Early Elementary
The Front Line: Megan Pease, Kenzi Christensen, and Renee Moses
We celebrate the Behind the Scenes work that happens everyday in our schools. Remove those quiet champions, and our organization just won’t tick. Amidst the hallways and lively classrooms of elementary schools, our front line team in the main office at Mattawan Early Elementary work to ensure the smooth success of the school day. Megan Pease, Lead Secretary (inset); Kenzi Christenson, Attendance & Enrollment, and Renee Moses, Health Room Coordinator are the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the scenes to support the needs of students, parents, and teachers. They provide a listening ear to children who may be feeling anxious or lost, offering words of encouragement and guidance. They assist teachers with preparing materials, and managing paperwork, freeing up valuable time for teachers to focus on instruction. They are key to parents who navigate the school year. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of Mattawan Early Elementary School. We are grateful for their daily contributions to provide a nurturing, welcoming, and service-oriented environment in our school!
Another Great Season for our Marching Band and Color Guard!
🏆 Rocked it at 3 competitions, securing 2nd place in class and overall each time! 🥈 Plus, our streak continues with a 45th consecutive Division I rating at the marching band festival. 🎺🥁 Cheers to the team's dedication and success! There journey in Florida was nothing short of amazing. 🎉 We are grateful for and proud of all the accolades and the fantastic team that made their presence in every space unforgettable. 🌟
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.
Interested in Being a Guest Teacher or Paraprofessional at Mattawan?
This survey is designed to gather valuable feedback from individuals interested in contributing to the enriching environment of our schools. If you have the availability and passion to contribute to our educational environment, we encourage you to complete the form below and join us in this rewarding venture.
📚🌟 Exciting News from Mattawan Middle School! 🌟📚
We are thrilled to share the incredible transformation of our Middle School Media Center, thanks to the unwavering support of the Mattawan Public Education Foundation and our generous donors!
Our Media Center has undergone a complete renovation and overhaul, providing students with a state-of-the-art space for learning, creativity, and exploration. This transformation wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and generosity of our donors, whose commitment to education shines through in every corner of the new space.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MPEF, every donor, volunteer, and supporter who made this dream a reality. Your contributions have a lasting impact on our students, empowering them with a vibrant hub for knowledge and innovation. Thank you for believing in the power of education and the future of our community!
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.
Mattawan Area Pantry
Our Mission
The purpose of Mattawan Area Pantry is to provide an opportunity for neighbors to help neighbors by providing grocery assistance to families in need who reside in or have students who attend the Mattawan school district . MAP will operate a pantry as an independent, faith-based, not-for-profit corporation in order to serve those who need assistance in Mattawan, MI.
Who do we serve?
Anyone living in the Mattawan Consolidated School District can receive food from our pantry.
Where are we located?
The Mattawan Area Pantry is one of three nonprofit organizations housed in the Community Services Building on the campus of Mattawan Schools, located at 56720 Murray St, Mattawan. We share the facility with Wildpaks and Supplies For Success, and we all work together to support various needs facing many of the families in our community.
When do we serve?
The pantry offers a food distribution on the first and third Saturdays of each month. People will be served on a first come, first served basis and receive a variety of perishable and non-perishable foods for their families. The distributions begin at 8:30 a.m. and run through 11:15 a.m.
Upcoming distributions will be held on November 4th, November 18th, and December 2nd.
Wildpaks!
Wildpaks is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization which supports students who are at risk of going hungry over the weekends throughout the school year in the Mattawan Consolidated School District. We directly serve over 200 students (and counting) among the ECEC, Early El, Later El, Middle School and High School.
Every Friday each participating student receives a food pack filled with healthy, kid-friendly meal and snack items that provide nutritional support on the weekends.
In our Mattawan community we value:
- Fighting hunger when resources are lacking.
- Sustaining overall nutritional, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Providing food for students each weekend during the school year.
Supplies for Success
There is a Need
School clothing, coats and backpacks are everyday items many take for granted. These items are instrumental for a child’s development. Supplies for Success was created to help assist families and children in need at Mattawan Early and Later Elementary, Middle and High Schools by supplying new and gently used clothing.
Our Mission
Supplies for Success is a volunteer organization whose purpose is to help the children at Mattawan Early and Later Elementary, Middle and High Schools by providing appropriate school clothing and supplies. By caring for their basic needs, we encourage self-esteem and promote academic success. Our goal is to give these children the confidence they need to succeed and to relieve economic stress on their parents.
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
