Harper Creek News Winter 2007 • Vol. 2, No. 2 A Newsletter for Friends of the Harper Creek Community Schools District Website Has New Look and Expanded Functions For many years the eChalk™ is a web- • a teacher profile, and Harper Creek website was hosting company committed • an area for class developed and maintained to providing school members and the teacher by a handful of enthusiastic administrators, teachers, to participate in a students, and parents threaded discussion (safe with the tools, blogging). resources, and access Many items on a to information teacher’s web page can be they need. Harper accessed without the use of Creek chose to pilot passwords/logging in. web pages for the Visitors link on class pages district, high school, from either the high school and middle school or middle school site, then sites. Twenty-four select a department, and then teachers participated the specific teacher/course. in the pilot, creating Information posted by that individualized web teacher will become available. pages for their Teacher web pages using classrooms. eChalk™ in grades 5-12 is District and a natural progression from high school students; first building web pages provide the use of Powergrade™, Inside under the supervision of site visitors with: the district’s gradebook Honor Roll the district Technology • a calendar of events program. Use of eChalk™ 2-3 Director, Merry Ellen • a listing of appropriate web pages by teachers District Eason, and later guided by resources to facilitate and expand 4-5 high school multimedia • timely announcements instruction may be used instructor, Michael Rio. • building/district to meet the “on-line Elementary Thanks to these volunteers, locations, and experience” in the new 6-7 an address in cyberspace • directory information. state-mandated Michigan Middle School was established. While Teacher web pages high school graduation 8 the district’s website was provide teachers with a requirements. High School informative and each calendar to post: Students in grades 5-12 9 year evolved with a more • class activities/ will receive eChalk™ email Alumni professional look, district assignments accounts starting in the 10 leadership wanted a • course descriptions second semester. They will Athletics consistent signature-look • class resources (handouts, use their eChalk™ email 11 to district and building rubrics, directions, address and a password Calendar web pages. In spring 2006 Powerpoint files, video to login to participate in 12 eChalk™ was launched as a clips, student created instructionally related pilot. projects, photos, etc) discussions. Superintendent’s Corner Positive School Relationships On January 15 and 16, the staff of Harper Creek Community School participated in a two-day training focused on character education initiatives linked to the District’s strategic plan. This training will assist staff in focusing on K-12 action plans that build positive relationships and character education structures for everyone in the learning community. A common language, with procedures, will be designed to support a relationship-centered framework for teaching and learning. While many of these structures currently exist in the district, our new focus will be to establish a John Severson consistent model in every classroom, district-wide. During this training, teachers also Superintendent received current brain research on how students learn and how to implement the best environments for student success. State and federal mandates continue to set high expectations for our district. Staff members will continue to work on meeting this challenge. As we establish new programs and structures, let me assure you that academic achievement for every child will continue to be our main focus. As I write this letter to the community, I think of how fortunate we are to have this opportunity to work with the youth of Harper Creek. Please continue your support of our staff members and students as we enter the second half of the school year.

481 High School Students Named to Honor Roll Congratulations to the following students who achieved honor roll status during the first quarter of school. 9th Grade Faber, Tyler Giese, Daniel Weidner, Amanda Seaman, Crystal Muma, Kristin Faust, Mary Giese, David Wesley, Arielle Seppanen, Elizabeth Musolf, Thomas Highest Honors Fields, Glidden, Taylor Wilk, Elizabeth Shirey, Eamonn Myers, Tracy Baker, Joseph Gancer, Michael Griffith, Nathan Wilkerson, Alyssa Sims, Ashley Nelson, Ashlee Bjornson, Kaila Goddard, Michael Hamilton, Elizabeth Wilkey, Sherry Smith, Benjamin Palmiter, Ashton Eckert, Zachary Green, Camieo Hinton, Jennifer Williams, In’Dia Smith, Kirsten Pope, Joseph Garlock, Kelsey Holm, Justin Hoard, Thomas Wood, Jessica Trevino, Joshua Rink, Cynthia Geraffo, Monica Hookway, Ashley Holbrook, Christopher Woodman, Jennifer Vaive, Nicholas Salyer, Shannon Holm, Jeffrey Hopkins, Jason Holder, Jessica Wygant, Kelsey Wetzel, Justin Saylor, Colton Lantz, Marshall Hubbard, Jordan Hoskin, Sterling Wilkerson, Jesse Schragg, Alicia Mahoney, Zachary Letters, Chase Huggett, Raymond Wilkins, Daniel Smith, Tate Mann, Jeremy 10th grade Markham, Elizabeth Johnson, Zachary Ziegler, Kayla Spear, Christopher Martin, Lauren Masters, Kalsee Jones, Jonathon Highest Honors Zull, Kaitlin Swincicki, Andrew Mott, Dennis McMillon, Casandra Kim, Kunwoo Bartow, Jordan Talentino, Zackary Probst, Jamie Rodgers, Kelsie Klusty, Zachary Basore, Olivia Taylor, Benjamin Rees, Zachary High Honors Sackrider, Kelsey Mairs, Kristen Bevins, David Timm, Adam Rial, Madison Adamson, Daniel Saporito, Kimberly McAllister, Blair Brenner, Kayla Uldricks, Hillary Riess, Emma Baker, Travis Sparrow, McElhenie, Brandon Brunner, Katherine Veich, Scott Saito, Rei Boyd, BrieAnn Stubbs, Chantilly McKenzie, Michael Clifford, Quinn Walter, Brittany Schneider, Jenee Brannon, Ashley Tuck, Megan Meier, Nicole Crumpton, Evan Wilson, Kara Simonovic, Matthew Bullock, Kevin Van Patten, Vicki Miller, Bradley Dragone, Karla Winter, Andrew Springer, Walter Burton, Keli Way, Patrick Newling, Brandon Eberhard, Rachel Wiseman, Sara Straley, Eric Church, Ashley Wheeler, Bronte Palmer, Ashley Evans, Allison Weimer, Jillian Gilson, Cheyann Conine, Corey Willbur, Eric Pearsall, Sierra Danke, Cassandra Honors Yeko, Brent Pearson, Taylor Gottschalk, Jordan Gunning, Patricia DeLoof, Bradley Abajian, Alexander High Honors Sanford, Cody Dennis, Kayleigh Barnes, Kaley Anderson, Brittney Hancock, Haley Schoendorf, Matthew Eastman, Melissa Blattner, Brandon Baker, Roderick Honors Harris, Caitlyn Bailey, Megan Seaman, Sabrina Furgason, Andrew Davis, Andrea Blaskie, Ty Kiessling, Kaitlyn Blincoe, Rebecca Seedorff, Luke Hookway, Kylie Dunham, Caleb Chapman, Travis Lower, Kayla Brownlee, Damon Seume, Alyssa Jones, Zachary Durham, Amanda Clemence, Clarissa Metzgar, Ethan Campbell III, James Shiery, Tyler Kail, Kendra Fay, Alexander Cook, Dustin Moore, Laura Chapman, Andrea Shive, Ian Kelley, Margaret Ferguson, Kylie Cruz, Kayla Mudge, Austin Cruz, Sean Smith, Alexis Lee, Katherine Freds, Steven Cummins, Charly Mueller, Bryan Dunbar, Brandon Somerville, Shane Manta, Cameron Fulton, Kaelin DePew, Jon Ostergren, Rachel Dunlap, Kerri Taylor, Tara Bobby McNeil, Alyssa Gann, Kathryn Draper, Cameron Plushnik, Ashley Fields, Clara Thurston, Thomas Miller, Anthony Garnett, Mitchel Dudgeon, Charles Ramsey, Ryan France, Nathanial Turner, Autumn Montague, Sydney Gault, Brenna Evans, Brandon Verpooten, Eric Redmond, Frost, Britnie Schmanske, Christina Moore, Brittany 2 Weber, Ashlee continued on p. 3 Thank You Board of Education Members Please take time to recognize and thank our local school board members for their time, hard work, and dedication to the district. They work to establish a vision for our education program, ensure that the district is accountable to the community, and strongly advocate continuous improvement in student learning. Their jobs entail an endless string of meetings and school functions; reams of reports, agendas, proposals Join with others from throughout our district as we salute the men and women who and other information; and a host of provide grassroots governance of public schools. Standing left to right: Gary Lincoln, difficult decisions. Their role as a board Al Miller, John Bailey, and Steve Yurisich. Seated left to right: George Taft, Rea Abajian, is to consistently strive toward helping and Dawn Zande-Brady. students achieve.

Honor roll, continued

Griffin, Amber High Honors Shephard, Brandon Pascoe, Bradley Borgerson, Erin Counts, Casey Grodavent, Aaron Adamson, Michael Shepperly, Christopher Pelfrey, Joshua Britten, Kevin Cummins, Gary Hamlin, Hannah Aebli, Bethany Sherban, Christyn Richardson, Ashlyn Brown, Blake Downey, Alyssa Hartlerode, Nathan Baker, Andrew Shumate, Joshua Ritchie, Zachary Burdette, Jordan Eberhard, Sarah Howell, Kayla Baker, Jenna Singh, Gurpreet Sanders, Amanda Chrenenko, Jennifer Einhardt, Bobbi Hubbard, Brock Bays, Andrew Stump, Grace Sanford, Scott Conrad, Amber Everest, Hughes, Deanna Belland, Lauren Swanson, Lauren Shehabi, Zachary Cross, Angel Frantz, Karlie Hughes, Linnea Berning, Hope Taft, Katelynn Shirton, Jordan England, Jessica Gerhardy, Kathleen Jacob, Elaina Birmingham, Daniel Thompson, Joshua Silvers, Katey Faber, Travis Gilmore, Sean Lewis, Tyler Bonifer, Danielle Wiltse, Tyler Smith, Kevin Force, Jessica Graham, Preston Lightfoot, Crystal Bradley, Jeffrey Wine, April Strough, Kristen Fox, Ashley Graham, Westley Ludwick, Caitlin Bradley, Jordan Wolcott, Allison Talbert, Rebecca Greve, Nicholas Gunning, Joshua Miller, Kasandra Bronsink, Jacob Wygant, Kristi Taylor, Teia Hudson, Lacey Hanson, David O’Brien, Kimberly Campbell, Steven Tudon, Tony Ivany, Thomas Heikkila, Mitchell Ritchie, Radney Chapin, Daniel Honors Van Geison, Joseph Kerschen, Paige Helmig, Katharina Seeberger, Brooke Clark, Allison Bell, Rebecca Williams, Letters, Calvin Holt, Shannon Smith, Jacob Collins, Morgan Brabant, William Wood, Shelly Lewis, Amber Huge, Katelyn Stout, Daniel Crusciel, Tray Bridge, Andrea Ziegler, Evan McCarty, Megan Hunert, Stephen Thurston, Jessica Dadow, Heidi Brown, Megan Meier, Kelli Hunnaman, Andrew Walling, Zachary Depew, Heather Brunner, Austin 12th grade Montague, Alyssa Hurley, Johnna Wilson, Morgan Eastman, Christopher Burke, Sandra Peters, Caitlin Jones, Ryan Wilson, Shaunalee Flynn, RaeAnna Highest Honors Peters, Sofia Kail, Brandon Cary, Holly Abajian, Nicole Ganger Jr, Michael Case, Melinda Pifer, Kathryn League, Carol Garavalia, Jonathan Barry, Jonathan Plaunt, Douglas Loza, Yvette 11th grade Davis, Ian Bean, Ryan Garnett, Tyrone Diget, Brianne Porter, Joshua MacDonald, Kerstin Highest Honors Gonzales, Brian Burgie, Ticia Ramirez, Alicia Mainstone, Amanda Barry, Christina Farnham, Ryan Burkart, Joe Hainline, Mitchell Ferguson, Cara Rollenhagen, Jennifer Manta, Stephanie Bennett, Kyle Hanson, Kayla Campbell, Eric Ryan, Danielle McConville, Jessica Burdick, Mitchell Frantz, Abbey Collins, Carly Hosking, Ellen Green, Ashley Schultz, Trent McMillon, Shane Grimes, Jessica Howard, Stefanie Marko, MaryJane Sechrist, Hillary Merlihan, Lindsay Hardenburg, Haley Gunn-Jackson Moore, Brian Hubbard, Justin Hamlin, Caleb Simmerman, Laura Messner, Kathleen Hargis, Kevin Huge, Cody Ostergren, Brad Singh, Sandeep Metzgar, Marcus Hartel, Vanessa Heddon, Norman Peterson, Daniel Huggett, Heather Hurt, Sarah Smith, Nathan Montagu, Reenea Haver, Krystal Keller, Kelsey Roth, Brian Thompson, Tina Mowry, Sara Hawthorne, Brittany Kinne, Cory Russell, Kelly Kiessling, Kodie Klusty, Tobin Tuck, Connor Palmer, Lance Heikkila, Brooke Lawson, Andrew Seppanen, Michael Wilbur, Adrianna Phillips, Jordan Kincaid, Taslyn Lambert, Kevin Smith, Brittany Lepper, Gabriel Marshall, Justin Wilson, Adam Rial, Kaitlyn Labrecque, Alexandra Marshall, Michael Swyrtek, Michelle Zaharion, Katie , Jeffrey LaForce IV, William McCleary, Nicholas Taylor, Scott McClure, Kimberly McDuff, Sara Robinson, Sarah Lawson, Krystina Merwin, Darrin Valiatida, Rosa Silvers, Kelley Markusic, Jeanne McFadden II, Sidney Whitten, Krista Honors Moody, Carla McGann, Katherine Aebli, Hillary Smith, Travis Niecko, Chelsie Muirhead, Andrew Woodworth, Diema Stump, Caleb Reynolds, Benjamin McLiechey, Amber Zebell, Alyssa Bailey, Courtney Muma, Kimberly Miller, Ashlee Bilanow, Jacob Taylor, Collin Sanford, Emily Paupore, Morgan VanHorn, Barry Straley, Elizabeth Mosby, Ashley Cerball, Sandra Ray, Lauren Norton, Benjamin High Honors Chen, Jinjie Wiseman, Lisa Waterman, Bailey Richardson, William Allwardt, Joshua Wright, Jacob Owens, Jaymes Coppersmith, Nicholas Schepel, Andrea Page, Wesley Bartow, Jaimee Cory, Amanda Schultz, Brittany 3 Local Veteran Visits School Wall of Honor Dennis Rocho (retired army Lt. Col.) recently Creek was the Calhoun Rural Agricultural School) to visited his family for the holidays. During this visit, the present war in Iraq. he visited Harper Creek High School where he During his visit, Rocho had the opportunity to graduated in 1965. The trip was very meaningful see a flag given to the school by U. S. Army Sergeant because he wanted to see the new Military Hall of Paul Fleury which was flown over Fleury’s unit in Fame envisioned and Bagdad in April 2002. created by Harper As a U. S. Veteran Creek employee, of the Vietnam War, Larry Quick. Rocho is recognized In 2005 Quick on the Wall of Honor approached school right below a plaque officials with the idea honoring friend of recognizing Harper Larry Beebe, who Creek graduates died in Vietnam in in a way similar to 1970. After Harper other schools. School Creek announced the officials were very creation of this tribute supportive of this to Harper Creek idea as a method of veteran graduates, showing their respect Ruth Rocho, Rocho’s and honoring those mother who lives in serving our country Standing in front of the Wall of Fame is (from left) Superintendent, Ceresco, contacted and preserving our John Severson; veteran alumni Dennis Rocho; teacher Larry Quick; and the school with his way of life. The wall HCHS Principal Steve Guerra. military information. demonstrates their Mrs. Rocho and beliefs to the students and community and recognizes Rocho’s wife, Kathleen, joined Rocho on his visit to veteran graduates serving from WWII (when Harper his former high school.

Peace Like a River Comes to Harper Creek

The official novel chosen for deeply religious man raising his Books of the community-wide Battle Creek three children and working as a Year and was Reads is Peace Like a River by Leif school janitor. After an altercation named best Enger. Students in English III Jeremiah has with two local bullies, book of the with Chris Iavelli and Jennifer Jeremiah’s 16-year-old son, Davy, year by The Peterson are reading the book. decides to take the law into his Christian The program officially began Dec. own hands and commits a terrible Science 12 and ends with a visit from the crime. Davy runs from the legal Monitor, the author on Feb. 28 at Burnham officials into the Badlands of Denver Post, and the Los Angeles Brook and another appearance at North Dakota. Jeremiah and his Times. 10 a.m. on March 1 at the Harper other two children go in search of The novel affords discussion Creek High School auditorium. their missing son/brother. on both the literary level with Peace Like a River is the story The novel was the winner of allusions and metaphors in of Jeremiah Land and his three the 2001 Book Sense Book of the its beautifully crafted prose to children in Minnesota during Year Award. It was also named one discussion of responsibility and the early 1960s. Jeremiah is a of Time magazine’s 2001 Top Five consequence of actions. 4 Our Mission Parent The mission of Harper Creek Community Schools, the cornerstone of our community, News honoring the past, excelling in the future and focusing on the future, is to ensure that each student New Harper Creek Grad achieves optimal academic growth and is a responsible Requirements Approved citizen of a global society through a system characterized by: On Jan. 22, 2007 the Harper Creek Board of Education approved new • A rigorous, relevant graduation requirements for next year’s incoming freshman. These changes curriculum are reflective of the new Michigan Merit Curriculum that was signed into • A meaningful instructional law by Governor Granholm last April. delivery system Getting students prepared and ready to take their place in the world is • A highly qualified, caring and challenging. The knowledge and skills required to either enter college or enthusiastic staff land a well-paying job 10-20 years ago have changed. Today, there is little • A physically secure difference between the skills students need to enter college or those needed environment, and for the workplace. • The active participation of To better meet these challenges, Harper Creek Community Schools is in our families and community. the process of realigning the English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies curriculum to address the State’s revised Grade Level Content Expectations. In addition to changes in the core content areas, all Harper Creek students in eleventh grade will be required to take the Michigan Merit Exam Strategically (MME). This exam replaces the Michigan Educational Assessment Plan (MEAP). Speaking… Unlike the MEAP, the new Michigan Merit Exam combines several tests into one. For the first time, it will provide students with: The Harper Creek • A free ACT college entrance exam score that can be used to apply to Community Schools’ new college. Michigan parents will no longer have to pay for their child to take three-year Strategic Plan is in the ACT. Students will also be allowed one retake test at no charge. the first year of the three-year • A free ACT WorkKeys assessment that connects work skills, training, implementation cycle. This and testing to improve student’s education and job opportunities. community-developed plan Incoming freshman families will begin receiving information about class highlights a District Mission, selection in the spring. If you have questions, please contact Harper Creek Beliefs, Parameters, Objectives, High School or visit www.mi.gov/mme. Strategies, and 70 Action Plans. During the 2006-07 school New Harper Creek Graduation Requirements starting with the 2007-2008 freshmen: year, 21 Actions Plans will be implemented. Credits Required Subject Area Brochures are available on 4 ...... English Language Arts the website at www.harpercreek. 4 ...... Mathematics net, under the ‘Board of 3 ...... Science Education’ link as well as at each 4 ...... Social Studies building. 1 ...... Health/Physical Education For more information about 1 ...... Visual/Performing/Applied Arts Strategic Planning, contact the 1 ...... Computers Assistant Superintendent’s office 11 ...... Electives at 441-6550. 18 Required Credits / 29 Total Credits required to graduate. 5 Elementary School News

Tony is Gr-r-r-eat at Beadle Lake Beadle Lake’s “Caring Character Assembly” on Dec. 8 highlighted the importance of nurturing and caring for babies. The example used was a stuffed baby tiger. Students were told that if the tiger were cared for properly, it could grow up to be something great. Boys and girls went into the “time machine” and to the theme of “2001 A Space Odyssey,” they came out on stage with Tony the Tiger. The students were very surprised. Tony greeted all students, and the Kellogg Company provided free cereal and energy bars for students. Tony was made available to Beadle Lake Elementary because one of their families won a raffle sponsored by Walmart and the Kellogg Company. Kelly Fogle and Shannon Morris’s sons, Shawn Fogle and Brandon Morris, each received a giant Toucan Sam and a new backpack stuffed Accepting the $1500 check is Principal Ben Barkema with school supplies. (center) and students Brandon Morris (left) and Shawn And then, talk about gr-r-r-eat!, Beadle Lake was presented Fogle (right) with a representative from both Walmart with a giant check for $1,500—part of the prize from the raffle. (left) and the Kellogg Company (right) and Tony the Tiger.

Cultural Story Night: Knitting Club Keeps Students Holidays Around the World Busy After School Beadle Lake Elementary School Third and fourth graders at Wattles Park Elementary are learning to library hosted a story night for Beadle knit through a newly established Knitting Club. More than 40 boys and Lake families. Students heard a funny girls signed up to participate in this afterschool activity which started story called Three French Hens by right after the new year. Margie Palatini, enjoyed hot cocoa The group meets every other Monday after school to learn the craft and cookies, completed a craft, and of knitting and explored a variety of cultural booths. socialize and spend The evening was organized to promote time with staff in diversity and reading and concluded a non-academic with a drawing for a gift bag filled with situation. Katie ethnic foods and a cultural storybook. McCann, Kathy A big THANK YOU goes out to Griffioen, Joene the following community members Joostberns, Mary sponsoring a booth: Jo Lawson, Maria • Janna Nunn: Continental Pastries Farkas, Susan & Delicatessen—representing the Swaton, Jodi Netherlands VanSyckle, and • Rachelle Myers, DC: Myers- Chris Beaver are Gymer Chiropractic Clinic, all on hand to share representing New Brunswick their skills. Parent • Saraswati Sabbani and family volunteers Melissa representing India Rau and Rebecca • Temple Beth El representing Schneider also lend 6 Hanukkah their expertise. Elementary School News

Sonoma Takes a Ride on Voyageur Rendezevous at Wattles Park Elementary The Polar Express Fourth grade students in Jim To celebrate the holidays Principal Cyndi Mead went into each Eckert’s class at Wattles Park learned of the first- through fourth-grade classrooms to read The Polar Express about the trading industry by earning by Chris Van Allsburg. They discussed that this book is a Caledecott “furs” of muskrats, fox, and the prized Award winning piece beaver by answering questions, of literature and what following directions, and earning 100 that means. The book percent on tests and assignments. They reading was followed teamed up with three other partners by a viewing of the to pool their furs into a fur trading movie by the same business, build birch-bark canoes, and name. attempt to become the “richest” fur After the trading company at Wattles Park. movie, the students They concluded their Fur Trading returned to their Expedition behind the school. The classes and discussed teams had to purchase maps, blankets, similarities and gunpowder, and musket balls for their differences between adventure, hunt for food, and then the book and the traverse the “Straits of Mackinac.” movie—discovering Once across, they had to canoe to which they liked Mackinac Island and St. Ignace to buy better and why. Principal Mead talked with each class about what it and trade goods. Those that bought takes to be critical thinkers. It was meaningful to the students to use this low and sold high were rewarded with holiday activity to practice their critical thinking skills. Most students great profit. The Golden Falcons team commented that they preferred the movie over the book because it earned the most furs, starting the day had so many more details in it, however, a few still preferred the book with 19.5 beavers and finishing up with because of the special feeling they got when they were first introduced to over 30 beavers. the story. The whole experience left everyone saying “I Believe!” Sonoma Students Save Snowman from Slush Despite the warmer weather we had during this holiday season, Sonoma first- and second-grade students kept the vision of snowmen alive in their wonderful production of “Melton, the Warm-Hearted Snowman.” Under the direction of music teacher Betty Picard, students performed this heart-warming musical in the High School Auditorium. Everyone watched as the children sang and tried to figure out a way to keep Melton, the warm-hearted snowman, from melting. They consulted elves, reindeer, and even Scrooge himself. In the end Melton decided to give his warm heart to the mean kid of the school to help him find joy instead of anger, but with this Melton became frozen solid. But as Santa so often does, he brought the perfect present to Melton, a special defrostilator heart, which helped him become animated once again. 7 Middle School News National Geographic Bee Winner Advances to Middle School JOOI, Washington Competition Drama Club Serve Eighth grader Jen- Community nifer Donais won the The Junior Optimist Octagon Beadle Lake Geography International Club (JOOI) has Bee this year and was joined with the Middle School invited to National Drama Club to become an active Geographic headquar- youth service organization. The goal ters in Washington, of the club is to make our community D.C. in late May to better—one service project at a time. compete in the national Students will be working to promote finals for scholarships in positive change in their community. the amount of $25,000, Their motto is “Kids Serving Kids.” $15,000 and $10,000. The club will be governed Competitions are with its own local leadership. Liz held at the school level Jaques, Julie Chantrenne, Victoria first. Once a winner is selected at Geographic Bee included: Unger, Peggy Myers and Dr. the school, that student takes a • Fifth grade—Logan Ashley, Josh Jeromy Myers (president of the state written test that is sent to Knoll Harper Creek Optimist Club) will the National Geographic Society. • Sixth grade—Josh Bass, be helping to facilitate the club. By The top 100 students (based on Matthew Norris, Alex Pritchard keeping the leadership in the hands qualifying scores) then represent • Seventh grade—Andrew Brady, of the students, they will learn to their schools and compete at the Elizabeth Newburn to make positive decisions to serve state level at the end of March. • Eighth grade—Alex Canterbury, fellow youth and their community. The 10 finalists and the Carson Sweet, and Jennifer Involvement and awareness of local winner in the 2007 Harper Creek Donais (winner) issues will help to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. The drama aspect of the club The Secret Garden Comes to will help students develop public speaking skills and give them HC March 2 and 3 confidence to voice an opinion and Harper Creek Middle School Junior Optimist /Drama Club, under the be able to lead others. direction of Victoria Unger and Peggy Myers, will be presenting the play “The Secret Garden” by Francis Hodgson Burnett, March 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. “The Secret Garden” is a timeless tale of a magical place where hope and love grow. A young British girl born and raised in India loses her neglectful parents. She is returned to England to live in her uncle’s ancestral manor. Her uncle is distant because of the loss of his wife 10 years before. Neglected again, she explores the manor and discovers a garden. She tries to restore the garden with the help of some of the servants and eventually discovers some other secrets of the manor. A portion of the ticket price will be given to Children with Cancer as part of a community service project for the Middle School Optimist/ Drama Club. Show Times: Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. • High School Auditorium 8 •Tickets $5 at the door High School News

Celebrity Lunch Supports Local DAR Essay Winner Congratulations to Alyssa Food Bank Efforts Zebell for entering the winning essay in the local Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest. Alyssa’s essay is now moving on to regional competition.

HC Student Story is Scene Magazine Publisher’s Choice The Season of Giving written by Harper Creek’s Elizabeth Straley was featured in the Holiday Issue of Scene Magazine (Vol. 31, No. 11). The story is a delightful story about Santa, elves Eddie and Back row: Rocky Weaver, Nate Smith, and Ed Greenman. Center row: Connor Tuck, Sean Gilmore, Trent Schultz, Darrin Merwin, and Beth Greenman. Front row: Jessica Bitsy, and the Society of Elves McConnvile, Angel Cross, Erin Borgerson, and Alyssa Downey Longing for Fortune (S.E.L.F.). Congratulations to Elizabeth for d Greenman, Harper Bonnie and Shawn DeYoung, having her story chosen as the Creek’s athletic director, Lisa (Verne’s daughter) and “Publisher’s Choice.” Eand his wife Beth, recently Swims, and Jamie Brock served lunch at the annual Home- (Verne’s daughter) also were North Central Accreditation town Celebrity Server Event ben- servers. Process Moving Ahead efiting the Food Bank of South Harper Creek High School Harper Creek High School Central Michigan. This event is students have been involved with is currently in the fourth year a buffet-style luncheon held at this event over the last several of a five-year cycle of North the Battle Creek Country Club. years. The “cloakroom girls” and Central Accreditation. NCA is a Community members are able to the “valet-boys” hold a friendly teacher-led school improvement participate by paying a certain competition to see who can raise process. Harper Creek High amount for their lunch. After the most through tips (of which School teachers are involved in lunch, they leave a tip based on 100% benefits the Food Bank). committees (reading, writing, the level of service they received. This year the girls raised $210 transitions, respect/responsible/ All tips benefit the food bank. and the boys raised $84. Great reasonable, and data) that write This is the fourth year that job! To-date, this event has raised and implement strategies to reach the Greenmans have been over $21,000 and is still growing. school improvement goals. servers. They became involved The Food Bank’s mission is to It is within these committees in this event through Verne feed hungry people by collecting that decisions are made and DeYoung, who was instrumental and distributing food and grocery programs are adjusted to meet in working with the Food Bank products, advocating for hunger- the needs of our students to or South Central Michigan. relief programs, and collaborating increase student achievement In addition to the Greenmans, with others groups addressing and success, as well as to guide members of the DeYoung basic human needs. students to become responsible family volunteered as waiters, For more information visit citizens. Brian Herr is the NCA in memory of Verne DeYoung. www.foodbankofscm.org. Chairperson. 9 Alumni News Harper Creek Graduate Reunion Information The Harper Creek Alumni web page (www. Dies in Line of Duty harpercreek.net) is a great place to post and find reunion and alumni information. If you are from the Staff Sgt. Michael A. Dickinson II died on July following classes, please contact Melody Askew at 17, 2006 when his dismounted patrol encountered 269-441-6550 or [email protected] with your enemy forces small arms fire in reunion information: 2002, 1997, 1992, 1987, 1977, Ramadi. Michael was a 1998 1967, and 1962. graduate who knew he wanted to join the Army when he was • Class of 1972 is currently planning their 35 in 11th grade. He participated year reunion for Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007, at the in football, basketball, wrestling, American Legion Post 54. tennis, and band. Dickinson is • Class of 1982 is currently planning their 25 remembered as someone who was year reunion for Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, at the always friendly, outgoing, had a Medalist Golf Club. positive attitude, and was admired and respected by • Class of 2006 has graduation videos available for both staff and students. sale in the High School. A memorial fund in Staff Sgt. Michael Dickinson • Harper Creek drama teacher, Jennifer Peterson, II’s name has been established through the Battle is seeking alumni to participate in the Rydell Creek Community Foundation. For more information alma mater song during the high school spring call 269-962-2181 or visit their website at presentation of “Grease”. If you are interested, you www.bccfoundation.org may contact her at the high school or through email at [email protected]. • If you are an alumni veteran, please let us know so HC Grad is Rhodes Scholar we can honor you and your service on our alumni Congratulations to Shaan Gandhi, 2003 Harper web page. Creek graduate, one of only 32 college students in the United States selected as a Rhodes Scholar for 2007. Gandhi was very involved in the Academic Quiz Bowl for all four years and his team How to won the state championship for Class B during his senior year. He is known as a person Contact Us… who is very sincere, modest, www.harpercreek.net and academically inclined. Gandhi is currently at Case Western Reserve University where he majors in Biochemistry and Administrative Offices Chemistry and is deeply committed to cancer 7454 B Drive North research. At Oxford, Gandhi plans to complete the Battle Creek, MI 49014 M.Sc. in Integrated Immunology. Phone: 269-441-6550 Fax: 269-962-6034 10 Athletic News Athletic Awards Congratulations to the following 2007-Fall All-City, All-League, and/or All-State Athletes. Teamwork Brings Football Scott Taylor—All-City Players Together Justin Boughton—All-League, All-City Golf There is a unique bond growing Shae Hamilton—All-City Paul Koski—All-League, All-City between the special education Alex Latta –All-City Calvin Letters—All-City students in Christina Vincents’ Conor Lewis—All League, Gabe Lepper—All-City class and the girls in the volleyball All-City Brian Mueller—All-City program. Under the direction of Darren Merwin—All-League, Head Coach Terra King and her All-City Soccer assistants, Melissa Nordine and Trent Schultz—All-League, Ryan Bean—All-League, All-City, Becky Gardner, the ninth, JV, All-City All-District and varsity volleyball teams are Nate Smith—All-State, Justin Hubbard—All-League all wearing matching clothing at All-League, All-City Brad Miller—All-League each practice. This is one of the Rocky Weaver—All State, Connor Tuck—All-League, All-City, All-League, All-City ways they are coming together as All-District Adam Wilson—All-League a Harper Creek team. For the first few weeks of practice the coaches Swimming Cross Country (Girls) were laundering the clothing. Then Bethany Aebli—All Division Team Amanda Weidner—All-League, All- Erin Borgerson—All Division Team Mrs. Vincents’ class came along and City, All-Regional offered their help. Cayla Counts—All Division Team Paige Kerschen—All Division Team Mrs. Vincents’ class works on Cross Country (Boys) Lauren Ray—All Division Team daily functional living skills and Jon Barry– All-League, All-City Emily Sanford—All Division Team the volleyball team needed their Ryan Bean—All-City practice uniforms laundered. Coach Brian Moore—All-City Basketball Tindol and Mrs. Vincent met and Brad Ostergren—All-League, Megan McCarty—All-League, came up with a win/win solution All City, All-Regional All-City for both the volleyball team and the class. Now, the girls are leaving their practice clothing in bags in Greenman is Coach of the Year the athletic office every night and Congratulations to Coach Ed Greenman who Mrs. Vincents’ class is washing them was selected as Division 4 Regional Coach of during the next day. When the girls the Year and the All-City Football Coach of the return for practice, they have fresh Year for 2006. Coach Greenman has been Head clothing to wear and Mrs. Vincents’ Football Coach at Harper Creek for the past 22 class is learning some great hands- years. His football coaching record includes 141 on skills. The class is also washing wins with 79 losses, eight Team Championships, their game uniforms. The players three District Championships, and two Regional truly appreciate the support of Mrs. Championships. Coach Greenman has led Vincents’ class and will be honoring his teams to the playoffs 11 times and has had five teams who were them at one of their home games. undefeated during their regular season. He has been named Regional Please join us during the District Coach of the Year 9 times and currently serves as Director for the volleyball competition being held Michigan High School Football Coaches Association for Region 8. here on March 1 and 3. Coach Greenman’s Secretary, Sandy Yeck, says that he For more information, visit the is the “best boss in the world.” It seems that no matter which hat Coach athletic link at www.harpercreek.net. Greenman wears, he wears it well. 11 2006-2007 Important Calendar Dates NO SCHOOL ...... Feb. 16 Middle School Conferences ...... March 26-28 No School for Students, Teacher PD Day ...... Feb. 19 26–3-8 p.m.; 27-28–3-5:30 p.m. Sonoma McEducator Night , Beckley Rd...... Feb. 20 Spring Break ...... March 30 – April 6 McDonalds 5-7 p.m. Middle School CiCi’s Pizza Fundraiser, all day ...... April 5 High School Pre-Festival Band Concert ...... Feb. 22 Beadle Lake Sonoma McEducator Night ...... April 17 Auditorium, 6 p.m Beckley Rd. McDonalds 5-7 p.m. Family Movie Night, Sonoma, 6-8 p.m...... Feb. 23 High School Conferences, 4:30–8:30 p.m...... April 25 BC Reads Author Leif Enger Assembly ...... March 1 Middle School CiCi’s Pizza Fundraiser, all day ...... May 3 Auditorium, 10 a.m. High School Spring Band Concert ...... May 24 Middle School CiCi’s Pizza Fundraiser, all day ...... March 1 Last Day for Seniors ...... May 25 Poetry Night, Sonoma, 6:30–8 p.m...... March 1 NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day ...... May 28 MSBOA HS Band Festival ...... March 3 Graduation, W.K. Kellogg Auditorium, 2 p.m...... June 3 Beadle Lake “One Night” Fund Raiser with QSP ...... March 5 Last day of School – ½ day ...... June 8 HS State Band Solo and Ensemble ...... March 24

Elementary Conferences, 4–7:20 p.m...... March 26-28 24-hour information line (269) 979-5317 www.harpercreek.net

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