School Matters

A Publication of Fremont Public Schools

http://www.fremont.net

February 2009

AdministrationS

Give them RootsGive them Wings

Just a few short weeksago, many of your friends andneighbors wrapped-up onelabor of love and prepared tobegin another as our Fremont

Public Schools Board of Education agreed to send a bondproposal for a new high school to state treasury officialsfor approval.

This decision marked the end of a year-longinvestigative effort by the Future of Fremont citizen’scommittee. This committee took up its task in October2007 by extensively reviewing the school district’s facilityneeds. Last spring, the committee suggested the districtneeded a new high school and asked permission to researchpossible building sites.

The research was meticulous - involving committeeand community meetings, presentations, discussions,community forums, and one-on-one conversations. Thecitizen’s committee, with more than 100 people involved,collected as many as 1,500 responses during the researchprocess.

Now, after making its recommendation for a newhigh school to be built on the Wagenmaker Farms property,the committee is about to begin again. This time, thecommittee is working to make sure information isdisseminated regarding the proposal and the anticipatedMay vote.

As I have said before, it is wonderful to watchpeople come together to decide and work for what theyfeel is best for their children and for their community.Today, I want to thank each of them for taking the timefor our children in this way.

There is a special quality toFremont. Many of you who have livedhere all of your lives have always sensedit. There is a reason we are all here.

I believe we share the desire –as noted in an old saying - to give our

children two things: roots and wings.Roots keep them grounded through tough

times. Wings enable them to soar aboveeverything, explore new worlds, and fly farther than weever did.

I look forward to working with our communitythrough the coming months – giving our children bothroots and wings.

For more on the ‘Future of Fremont’ committeeand its proposal, please refer to page 6.

- John D. Kingsnorth, PhD, Superintendent(231) 924-2350, jkingsnorth@fremont.net

Planning Ahead

As mentioned in mylast article, Fremont PublicSchools is anticipating a deficitof approximately $300,000this year and a $1.3 milliondollar shortfall for the 2009-2010 school year. We have,unfortunately, becomeaccustomed to budgetreductions and working withless each year. However, afterseven years of less and less, it

is very difficult to find additional areas to reduce.Over the course of the next six months, our entire

staff will be looking at all programs in order to determineif there are more efficient ways to offer instruction in anyarea. We are also keeping our ears open for any new wordon the Federal economic stimulus package that is beingproposed. However, at this point, we do not know whatthis package means to public education or if it will provideus with any relief for the 2009-2010 school year.

Unfortunately, what comes next is probably moreof the same. While we must continue to work on finding

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Administration ......................................... 2

Pine Street Primary ..................................... 9

Pathfinder ................................................... 12

Daisy Brook ............................................... 13

FMS ........................................................... 18

FHS ........................................................... 23

Quest High School ......................................... 26

Packers’ Pride Childcare & Preschool ............... 29

Recreation Enrichment .................................. 30

FPS Calendar - At A Glance ............................... 31

Administration ................................ (231) 924-2350Pine Street Primary ........................... (231) 924-3530Pathfinder ........................................ (231) 924-7230Daisy Brook ..................................... (231) 924-4380FMS ................................................ (231) 924-0230FHS ................................................. (231) 924-5300Quest High School ............................ (231) 924-0470Packers’ Pride Childcare & Preschool .... (231) 924-7435Recreation Enrichment ........................ (231) 924-3750Maintenance ...................................... (231) 924-7410Transportation ................................... (231) 924-4390Food Services ...................................... (231) 924-8160Technology ......................................... (231) 924-7350

District Contacts

School Closings & DelaysTo inquire about school closings, delays, or other school

emergency situations, please call (231) 924-7317.

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In This Edition...

answers for education, the reality of our state’s economicsituation is grim for the next few years. We believeeducation is a critical factor to the success of individualstudents and to the economic vibrancy of our communityand state. As a community, we must continue to seeksolutions at the local level. We at Fremont Public Schoolsare dedicated to the search for creative ways to meet thischallenge. We choose to concentrate on the positive ofour students, our district, and our employees inthese tough times.- Bing Hanson LakeDirector of Financial Services

New Look for a New YearAs we venture into a new year, we are

pleased to unveil the new look of your SchoolMatters. We have updated the look – both insideand out – as well as made a couple of additionswe hope you enjoy!

On the Cover…

Despite below zero temperatures, members ofQuest High School’s Ski Club ventured on their firstski trip of the year – to Caberfae Peaks on January 16.

For more information, see page 28.

From the Desk of the Athletic Director

Fremont recently hosted the first Lakes 8 Conference Competitive Cheer meet ofthe season. I had never had the opportunity to see a competitive cheer match. With over20-years of football coaching experience under my belt, however, I must admit I had a presetnotion of what I thought competitive cheer was going to be like.

I barely took notice on Monday when Coach Tammi Kolski called to be sure wehad a good sizeconcession standready to go for

Wednesday’s meet. She also reminded me thatteams would begin arriving about 4:30 p.m. - afull two hours prior to our 6:30 start time - andthat judges would start arriving around 5:00p.m.

I should have seen the writing on thewall at our Lakes 8 Athletic Directors meetingthat took place earlier the day before the meet.Tim Kisner, the athletic director at Tri-CountyHigh School, said, “You had better get readyfor a full gym. These events are huge.”

About an hour after that meeting, Ireceived a call from a parent wanting to knowwhat time we opened the doors for spectators.The first fans showed up an hour early.

My first experience with a competitive cheer meet will stay with me for some time. The six schools in the Lakes8 Conference that fielded teams puton a show for a packed house. Bothvarsity and junior varsity teamscompeted.

Competitive cheer involvesteams competing in three rounds ofcompetition. Points are earned forpresenting various skills in each round.A panel of five judges watches closely– deducting points for miscues. Thethird, and final round, is the mostdifficult, as points are earned forsynchronized gymnastic routines andaerial throws and catches - youngladies held in sync and tossed high inthe air.

This sport is not for the faint of heart. In one evening of competitive cheer, we bandaged a sprained wrist, anankle, and an injured shoulder. We also had one case where a tooth got knocked loose by a girl coming back down froma throw without her catchers being ready.

The teams competed for nearly three hours - one minute in front of the judges and the next minute hustling backto the warm-up gym to practice the next routine.

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At the end of the evening, thejudges added up and compared scores, whileall the competitors climbed back on themat one more time. This time, however,the competitors circled up and begancheering, dancing, and singing songs.Seniors from Fremont, Tri-County, SpringLake, Fruitport, Newaygo, and Grant ledthe procession. Mixing together, they gavehigh fives, clapped for each other andgenuinely enjoyed themselves. I had never before witnessed such camaraderie among athletes. I have since been told thistakes place at every cheer meet.

In the sometimes cold world of Interscholastic Sports, where the difference between winning and losing is oftencompared to life and death, this camaraderie was wonderful to see.

The message I received: Work hard. Do your best. Celebrate life.

- Ken Haggart, Executive Director of Student Services/Athletic Director

Board SpotlightFremont Public Schools Board of Education

Superintendent Kingsnorth recently recognized the Fremont Public Schools Board of Education members inhonor of Board Recognition Month. Kingsnorth presented each Board member with a certificate of recognition and abook to be placed in the media center of the building each member represents…

♦ Anita Osterman – Pathfinder – Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken by Kate Dicamillo

♦ Phil Harmon – High School – The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

♦ Karla Gilliland – High School – Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama

♦ Matt Hendrie – Quest – Six Most Important Decisions You’ll Ever Make by Sean Covey

♦ Linda Blais – Middle School – The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

♦ Jim Featherstone – Pine Street – to be announced*

♦ Ed Wosinski – Daisy Brook – to be announced* *Waiting for the announcement of Newberry and Caldecott winners.

In addition, Kingsnorth presented Board members with certificates of appreciation from MASB and sharedthe State of Michigan proclamation and resolution adopted October 14, 2008 by Governor Granholm in honor ofLocal School Board Member Recognition Month (January 2009).

State Gives Early Thumbs-Up to Bond ProposalIn the first of two state steps, treasury officials in early January gave their go-ahead to Fremont’s proposed bond

vote for a new high school. Final state approval is expected in February.“The school district’s application was well received by state officials, and we have their support to return to

treasury for final approval,” elaborated Fremont Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John Kingsnorth.The Fremont Public School Board of Education voted January 19 to seek that final okay from the state. Once

approved by the state, the Board is expected to vote to place the issue before the public in May.“In its first look, treasury made only minor changes to the proposed ballot language,” Kingsnorth said. “The

state is comfortable with the size of the proposed building and the size of the bond request,” he furthered.According to Kingsnorth, the Michigan Treasury Department forecasts student enrollment over a five-year period,

beginning with the current school year, and using historical averages and county birth data. “The size of the proposedhigh school - 170,000 square feet - is based on these figures,” Dr. Kingsnorth noted. “The present high school is 155,000square feet.”

The community will be asked to vote on twoproposals on May 5, 2009. Proposal 1 will request $39.9million to build a new high school. Proposal 2 willrequest $3.975 million for much needed improvementsto district technology. These improvements will updateantiquated technology at Pine Street, Pathfinder, DaisyBrook, Fremont Middle School and Quest.

“A new building would provide the space, layout,and flexibility needed to modernize the facility andincorporate the technology needed for education today,”Dr. Kingsnorth said. “Right now, we don’t have the

electrical or technological capacity, nor do we have adequateroom size to accommodate a 21st Century learningenvironment.”

The Wagenmaker Farms’ property on 56th Street,just west of the county fairgrounds, is the suggested sitefor the new high school. According to Kingsnorth, buyingthe property, for approximately $350,000, is contingentupon the bond vote being passed. That cost could be lessby $80,000 - $108,000 with the help of a state programto protect wet lands located on the property, which wouldbe donated as part of the purchase.

“The citizen’s committee that recommended a newhigh school also has suggestions for making use of the

current high school,” said David Byrne, volunteer committee co-chair. According to Byrne, the committee’s ideasinvolve “repurposing” the building for other uses that would “preserve part or all of the historic nature of the building andits connection to our community.”

In making its recommendations, Byrne said the volunteer committee completed “exhaustive” studies that includedreviews of the existing high school and of several building site options. “We looked at the current high school in light ofsafety, teaching, and learning, as well as in light of the economic needs of our community,” said Byrne.

In all, more than 100 people participated on the committee, and it is estimated that as many as 1,500 peopleprovided direct input into the process.

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The proposed site combines the bestattributes of the two most popular location choicesfor a new high school: the county fairgrounds andthe middle school property.

The proposed location minimizes concernsof traffic congestion at the middle school, as well asensures the availability of the fair grounds. TheWagenmaker property also offers visibility and accessto M-82 and enhances learning opportunities througha ‘large campus’ environment for students. “We feelwe have a really good proposal that will ensure thatFremont students receive a competitive education,while improving the economic needs of thecommunity,” said Byrne.

The Future of Fremont Committee is now focusing its efforts on making sure the community is fully informed ofthe proposals made. “Our goal is to have a conversation with every voter and organization,” Byrne said. “We will dowhatever we can to reach out in a timely manner.”

Anyone who would like to set up a time for a committee member to discuss this matter - either individually orwith a group of friends, family members, neighbors, or with a service organization - may contact Byrne at (231) 924-9290 or via e-mail at davebyrne22@sbcglobal.net or you may contact Mrs. Bonnie Erber at (231) 924-3371 or via e-mailat berberjr@yahoo.com.

Fremont Public Schools

Kindergarten Round Up

PINE STREET PRIMARY CENTER

HELPING CHILDREN GROW

Do you know a boy or girl who resides in the Fremont Public School District and who will be five (5) years old on or before Dec. 1, 2009? If so, please complete the form below. During the last week of February, information will be mailed to all who respond. This information will explain enrollment procedures, dates for screening (in April) and further information for parents. Please complete ALL information below and return by Feb. 27, 2009.

Full Name of Student ___________________________________________________ Birth Date _____________________________ First Middle Last Parents’ Names: Father _______________________________________ Mother ________________________________________ First Name Last Name First Name Last Name

Address ______________________________________________________ Phone # ______________________________________

# Street City Township ___________________________ County ________________________________

Mail completed form to: “Kindergarten” - Pine St. Primary Center - 450 E. Pine - Fremont, MI 49412

Using Less – Saving MoreFPS Energy Management

Fremont Public Schools continues to make huge strides in reducing energy costs! In just the first quarter of the2008-09 school year, FPS was able to experience a cost avoidance of $43,828.75 – that’s a 27.76 percent savings! Thisfigure accounts for all FPS utilities - excluding water - and is a testament to what our teachers and staff can do whenworking together.

Due to the age and condition of the different facilities, the types ofprograms operating in the facilities, and the overall use of the buildings, somewere able to experience more savings then others, but the bottom line… Everystaff member in every building pulled together to use less and save more –more than $43,000 just last quarter!

Cost AvoidanceAugust – November 2008

Building Cost Avoidance $ Cost Avoidance %Administration Building $207.18 10.33%Bus Garage $218.62 9.07%Daisy Brook Elementary $3,003.47 23.86%Fremont High School $16,643.41 24.72%Fremont Middle School $2,791.87 10.51%FPS Maintenance $4,880.99 86.29%Pathfinder Elementary $12,754.84 43.25%Pine Street Primary $1,556.35 27.98%Quest High School $1,772.02 27.41%W432 Fields $84.01 76.30%Total $43,828.75 27.76%

Beyond saving money, FHS studentsare also learning to be wise stewardsof our natural resources. Picturedhere is student artwork (made ofrecycled materials), as well as FHS

students exploring the great outdoors.

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Pine StreetPrimary Center

Holiday Traditions

Students and staff have settledback into their routines following theholiday break and are hard at work atPine Street Primary Center.

Pine Street Primary had manyactivities before Christmas, including our

annual gingerbread contest, a visit to Church’s Tree Farmin Grant, and our “Holiday Traditions” activities.

The 2008 Gingerbread House Contestwas a huge success this year with a record 40entries! Those who viewed the houses voted fortheir favorites by placing money in theaccompanying bowls. First-place t-shirts wereawarded to Joseph and his father, Gary.

In all, the voting collected $372.79. TheFremont Area Community Foundation matchedthis amount, making the total $745.58. Themoney was donated to the NCCS 2009Christmas Children’s Fund!

Due to a snow day on the scheduled dateof our Christmas programs, we held ourprograms on January 7, 2009 – after theholidays.

We would like to thank all theparents, grandparents, and friends who setaside the time to participate in our holidayactivities and share the special days with us. Your time and involvement are so importantto our students’ success! Thank you!

Pine Street Receives VIPVisitors

Every month is a great month to be astudent at Pine Street Primary Center!

During the months of January andFebruary, ‘Community Helpers’ are studied. ‘VeryImportant Persons’ from the fire department,medical and dental professions and from the policedepartment share information about theiroccupations.

Students will also take a field trip to thepost office and mail postcards to their homes to seehow the mail system works. The students will alsovisit the Fremont City offices to tour the variousdepartments there.

Pine Street Primary Center students and staffwould like to say a special “Thank You” to our VIPpresenters and to our hosts at the post office and cityoffices.

Pine Street, Pathfinder & Daisy Brook Schools Present…

Spring Carnival 2009March 13

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Volunteers Needed. Please contact Pathfinder at (231) 924-7230.

Mark you Calendar Today!!

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Kindergarten Round-Up

Do you know a boy or girl who residesin the Fremont Public School Districtand will be five-years-old on or before

December 1, 2009? KindergartenRound Up is now in progress. Please see

the form on page 7 for moreinformation.

Ready, Set, Snowshoe

On Monday, January 19, Mrs. Haveman’sclass ventured out - wearing snowshoes!

It was a beautiful afternoon with the sunshining (a rare sight this winter). Mrs. Haveman’sclass really enjoyed this outdoor activity.

PathfinderElementary

Celebrating in Comfort

Purple pod students atPathfinder Elementary recently

celebrated the halfway point of the schoolyear with Pajama Day.

Students and teachers alike worepajamas to school and participated in a variety ofactivities. Reading buddies listened to snow-relatedstories and enjoyed an activity involving ice cream. The students also read together as they laid onblankets or cuddled with stuffed animals.

It was a great way to stay warm on a verycold day!

Students Teaching Students

Miss Marianne Larsen, an exchange student from Norway,has been working closely with first-grade students in Mrs. NancySchwingler’s classroom.

Marianne has been able to participate in the classroom aspart of Ms. Cheryl Falkowski’s FHS Pre-Teaching Internshipprogram.

The first graders love working with Miss Larsen individuallyand in small groups. She is teaching our whole class Norwegian!

Thank you Marianne and thank you to the FHS Pre-Teaching program!

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Pathfinder Families SupportNCCS Food Pantry

For two weeks in November, Pathfinder studentsand their families, as well as staff members, generouslycollected groceries for the NCCS food pantry.

Every morning, as part of Pathfinder’s annual fooddrive, cheerful children with gleaming smiles arrived withvarious canned goods and brightly-boxed donations thatwere then displayed in long rows along the white walls ofthe school’s corridors. A friendly competition between allfour pods developed as each pod attempted to have themost donations.

Two days before Thanksgiving, eager and energeticstudents from Mrs. Kempf’s third-grade class swiftly packedall the cereals, toothpastes, soaps, spaghetti, soups, ramennoodles, peanut butter and jelly, and other special goodiesinto 123 bags and 32 boxes and then loaded everythingonto a Fremont school bus.

During what was probably the mostgratifying field trip of their year, Mrs.Kempf ’s students personally delivered allof the groceries to NCCS, where each andevery box and can went to families withinthe Newaygo County community.

Sparks JoinsPathfinder Team

Teacher TriciaSparks recently joined thePathfinder Elementaryteam…“I am excited to work at

Pathfinder because thestudents and staff are

extremely caring and excited about learning! I was raisedin Fremont and did my undergraduate work at MichiganState University. After graduating, I married my husband,Nate, and taught in Muskegon for several years. We havetwo young children – Mason and Ellen. Nate and I feelblessed to be able to work and raise our kids in Fremont.”– Tricia Sparks

Daisy BrookElementary

Annual DB Spelling Bee

There was excitement in the air as the 29th Annual Spelling Bee took place at Daisy Brook Elementary. Forty-onestudents earned the right to participate in this year’s event.

All fifth-grade students were given the opportunity to participate in the spelling bee by spelling all 30 qualifyingwords correctly during the month of December.

The spelling bee was then held in the Daisy Brook gymnasium with the entire student body looking on andsupporting classmates. Mr. Tom Huissen was the pronouncer this year with Mrs.Leane Blake, Mrs. Jean Matthews, and Mrs. Kellie Deluca serving as our judges.

First place went to Kathryn in Mr. Mull’s room. Second place wasearned by Kaitlin from Mrs. DeKuiper’s room. The winning words spelledcorrectly by Kathryn were “expertise” and “popularity.” Both Kathryn and Kaitlincompeted through the thirteenth round before Kathryn was pronounced the winner.

Both Kathryn and Kaitlin are invited to attend the regional spelling bee, whichwill be held at NCRESA on Tuesday, February 24. The girls will have the chance toearn a trip to Washington D.C. for the National Spelling Bee.

All of us here at Daisy Brook wish Kathryn and Kaitlin the best of luck!A great big thank-you goes out to Schwanns, McDonalds, and Fremont

Cinemas for sponsoring this event with prizes for our contestants.

Students EnjoyMagic Show

On Friday, December 12, as a reward for all thestudents’ hard work during the fall fundraiser, the ElementaryParent Group sponsored a magic show for all the elementarystudents. Several students even received the thrilling treat ofassisting the magician. Over all, Daisy Brook students reallyenjoyed the show!

Thank you Elementary Parent Group for providingthis opportunity!

Pirates Take Over Daisy Brook Stage

On January 20, the Daisy Brook Fifth-Grade Choir performed its production of ‘Pirates,’ a musical.Nearly 50 fifth graders were involved in the production. Those involved had a great time learning ‘how to be a

pirate’ and even competed in a ‘pirate singing contest.’Two performances were held – one in the morning for fellow students and Daisy Brook staff members and one

in the evening for parents. Both performances were held on the Daisy Brook stage.Congratulations to all who participated. You put together

an amazing production!

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Age of Exploration VideoconferenceBy: Fifth-Grade Student Elijah

In November, at Daisy Brook Elementary School, there was avideoconference to teach fifth graders about the Age of Exploration.

We used lots of equipment - such as screens, microphones, cameras,and plenty more. Mr. Phillips helped us by setting up the equipment.

Explorers explored for many reasons. A couple reasons why theyexplored were for gold, to claim land, to spread Christianity, and to findthe Northwest Passage.

The explorers also searched for spices because they were valuable.When the fifth graders learned about the spices, they were able tosmell some samples of the spices. Cloves were used to help relievepain. These spices were also used to keep food fresh because theydidn’t have freezers back then. Spices also helped with smell andfragrance because they didn’t take very many baths back then and theythrew their garbage on the streets.

It was very hard for explorers because of pirates, weather, taxes,and even bribes. It took them three years to get to the Spice Islandsand three years to get back.

In conclusion, the fifth graders had a fun and great experienceat the video conference about the Age of Exploration.

Fremont Public SchoolsPrototype Classroom Uses New Technology

Today’s social studies students at Fremont High School may look back on this time and remember they were thefirst local students to benefit from an innovativemethod of instruction that combines both old andnew ways of teaching.

Fremont’s first 21st Century LearningClassroom is a model of what Fremont PublicSchools officials hope will soon become thestandard for teaching and learning here.

“What we have is a prototype classroomthat was developed primarily for college-levelcourses,” said Dr. John Kingsnorth, Fremont PublicSchools superintendent. “Along the way, we’vediscovered it is ideal for all learning.”

According to Kingsnorth, the room and theinstruction techniques are markedly different from

traditional classrooms and, although the learningresults are backed by educational research, schoolshave struggled to obtain the necessary hardwareand classroom space. The Fremont AreaCommunity Foundation, an anonymous donorand the district’s sinking fund financed the $45,000cost for the first-of-its-kind classroom here.

“We are very grateful,” Kingsnorth said.Instruction began in January in Kay

Brennan’s social studies classes. Four other teachersare completing their orientation to the classroomand to its teaching methods.

The square room, by itself, presents adifferent way to teach. The room has no ‘front.’Four tables - seating six or seven students each -are aligned like the spokes of a wheel.

“I would say this is a much more flexible environment,” Brennan said. “For example, I’ve seen students’ attentioncaptured more easily by the large images we can project on these larger screens, and I think they find it easier to focus.”

Data projectors hang from the ceiling and video screens are triangulated. Students are never more than 10 feetfrom the point of instruction. A ‘smart’ board - a large, computerized screen that reacts to the teacher’s touch - isprojected onto the video screens.

Spotlighting the Exceptional

“It is difficult to drawstudents’ attention to a19-inch screen in a smallclassroom where everyonemust move their chairs to see while I’mtrying to darken the room,” Brennan said.“In this room,” she continued, “students mayselect the most easily viewed screen and theimage is large and sharp.”

“I can project large images of maps,draw lines and even highlight, all of whichprojects on all three screens in the room,”Brennan explained. “Students don’t have totry to see where my finger is pointing on the

map to understand what I’m trying toillustrate.”

Whiteboards are also mountedaround the room. Huddleboards,smaller versions of the whiteboards, areattached. The huddleboards can beremoved and taken to the tables, wherestudents cluster around with magicmarkers. The results of this group workare returned to the whiteboard for laterdiscussion and review.

“Almost everyday I have students takehuddleboards to their tables and write group responsesto a problem,” Brennan said. “I may even have themdraw pictures to reinforce their responses. The systemalso makes it easy for students to explain their groupresponses using the demonstration easel on thehuddleboard cart.”

Video cameras installed in the ceiling capturepictures of the white boards and huddle boards, storingthe day’s lessons for later use, even via a website.

MiddleSchool

FMS Spelling Bee

The Fremont Middle SchoolSpelling Bee was held on Tuesday,January 20 in the Fremont MiddleSchool Media Center.

Following the classroom competition, thefollowing students became contestants in the final spellingbee: Dominic, Joey, Ashley, Colton, Allison, Ian, Heidi, Mahathi, Kenzi, Keera, Troy, Ashley, and Brittany.

After many rounds of difficult words, our winnerand runner-up emerged! We congratulate Allison,who is our school winner, and Ashley, the runner-up.

Both girls will receive a year-long subscription tothe Encyclopedia Brittanica online. In addition, Allisonwill be able to join other winners from across the area atCraig’s Cruisers in Grand Rapids for an afternoon ofcelebration!

Both girls will be able to compete in the RegionalSpelling Bee at NCRESA on February 24.

Congratulations Girls!

FMS Half-Graduation

Fremont Middle School sixth-grade students andteachers celebrated animportant day onJanuary 16 – the daythat marked the sixthgraders’ half- way markto high schoolgraduation.

January 16was a half day at theend of the firstsemester – half waythrough the year. Thestudents were called tothe stage by listening

for half their name. They were then given congratulationsand best wishes by their teachers, along with half a diploma!

The students were then treated to half a donut onhalf a plate, with half a glass of milk. Half the tables weredecorated and teachers wore half of a graduation robe.

It was a fun way to celebrate being half way there!

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Mouse Trap Mania

The students in Mr. Henry’s sixth-grade science class recently spent threeweeks designing, building, and testing mouse trap-powered vehicles.

A mouse trap car works by converting the stored potential energy of themouse trap into moving kinetic energy. The students had two problems they weretrying to solve: how to get a mouse trap to power a vehicle and how to keep thecost of the project low.

Many students started scrounging around at home and brought in anassortment of different materials to try to build the body of their vehicles. Someof these materials included cardboard, shoe boxes, paintstirrers, pencils, dowels, old rulers, and old cassette disks.Students got to work with these materials and a lot ofhot glue and started constructing the bodies of theirvehicles.

Once the body was completed, the students thenhad to figure a way to attach their wheels and axles tothe bodies of the vehicles. This proved to be a littlemore difficult than many thought it would, but everyonecame up with many different solutions.

After the students had their cars’ bodies running‘straight,’ they attached mouse traps and arms from their

mouse traps to their bodies. The finalhurdle was then attaching lengths of stringto the arms and attaching them to the rearaxles.

After many test runs, students usedproblem-solving techniques to figure outdifferent ways to make their vehicles gofarther and farther. When testing daycame, each student had three runs to gettheir mouse trap car to go as far as it could.Many students made minor adjustmentsafter the first round - such as starting theircars on one side and letting them drift tothe other side so they didn’t run into lockersor anything. Many students had verysuccessful runs, but Billy’s mouse trap carwent farther than anybody else’s - almost20 meters (about 66 feet)!

This project allowed students touse their problem-solving skills, creativity,and hands to show just how much funscience can be.

FMS CelebratesInauguration Day

This year, Fremont Middle School studentsresponded to the request of President Obama tohonor Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of serviceto others.

Mrs. Thomas’ American History classesworked to make this Inauguration Day special forthe residents at the Newaygo County Medical CareFacility and the students at Fremont Middle School.Students recorded patriotic songs, recited AbrahamLincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Martin LutherKing’s “I have a dream” speech, and made patrioticcenterpieces, placemats and pins. Orchestra and band

students shared their talents, and choir members sang amoving song based on King’s memorable speech. ADVD of the performances, as well as the hand-madecrafts, were given to the residents in time for the January20th inauguration.

On Inauguration Day, school started with a reciting of the Gettysburg Address and an explanation of howLincoln’s 200-birthday would be reflected in the theme of the inauguration – “A New Birth of Freedom.”

Students then gathered together to watch the swearing-in ceremony on the big screen during a school-wideassembly. Excitement continued after school with our own Neighborhood Inaugural Ball for seventh and eighth graders.

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FMSParent-Teacher Conferences

March 30 & 31Mark Your Calendars Today!

Fremont Packer Leo Club

Ten new members were inducted into the FremontPacker Leo Club at Fremont Middle School prior to ChristmasBreak. These students, along with all other Leos, arecommitted to a life-style of community service.

The new inductees include: Kara, Brad, Bethany,Ashley, Kasey, Kayley, Dakoda, Dakota, Emily, andMelissa.

The Leo Club has been active with the following on-going service activities: recycling all plastic bottles, aluminumand tin cans at FMS; sharing “Goodie Bags” with all FMSsubstitute teachers as a means of thanks for their unselfishgiving; maintaining the outdoor school sign even in the bitterlycold winter temperatures; providing free, safe and cheerful childcare so parents can attend school-sponsored meetings, assistingfamilies, sorting toys/games and general cleaning at NCCS duringthe Children’s Christmas Program; and the on-going collectingof used eyeglasses to be refurbished and shared in countries lessfortunate than the United States.

In addition to these recent activities, the Leo Clubalso works hand-in-hand with the Fremont LionsClub during White Cane Awareness (April), Adopt-a-Stream Clean-Up (July), Candy Days (September),

and other Lion’s Club functions throughout the year. Finally, the Leo Club had a successful holiday fund-raising event where they sold Coriancutting boards. The money earned was shared with the following organizations: WorldWild Animal Relief (to help save polar bears); Juvenile Diabetes Association (to help find acure for young people); Disabled Veterans of America (supporting those who fought forour freedoms and lost limbs or mobility); and bi-monthly dinners shared at the MuskegonRescue Mission for Women and Children. The Fremont Packer Leo Club is open to all youth ages 12-17. Meetings are held on thefirst and third Fridays of each month from 3:15 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. at Fremont MiddleSchool in the choral room. Please contact Advisor Laurene Homsher at (231) 924-8177(weekdays) for additional information.

23

HighSchool

Introducing Peace Jam

A local PeaceJam group was organized at FremontHigh School this past November. PeaceJam, aninternational organization, is focused on creating a newgeneration of young leaders committed to positive changein themselves, their communities, and the world throughthe inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates.

The students involved in this group study the causesof violence and look for ways to bring human rights to allmembers of the community. The students are then askedto design and carry out a “Call to Action” project, which ispresented to a Nobel Peace Laureate at the spring conferencein Kalamazoo.

Jody Williams,a Peace Prize winner forher work towards aglobal ban on the use oflandmines, will be theLaureate in attendancethis year.

There arecurrently 12 studentsinvolved in the groupand new members arewelcome. Two studentsattended the fallleadership conference atWestern MichiganUniversity and broughttons of information andexcitement back to thegroup.

Meetings are held on Wednesdays at lunchtime.Teresa Caliguri and Birgit Near are the facilitators. Pleasecall (231)924-7380 for more information or check outPeaceJam.org.

Main StreetChamber Singers

The Main St. Chamber Singers,under the direction of Laurene

Homsher, performed a collection ofpatriotic songs at the November

Naturalization Ceremonies at the Gerald R.Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. This was the Main StreetChamber Singers’ eighth appearance for the honor.

The ceremonies were held at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30p.m. In between the ceremonies, the singers were allowedto visit the Ford Museum - learning more about Michigan’sonly President of the United States. The Singers were also invited by “special request”to perform on December 11 at the Dogwood Center forPerforming Arts for the Nestle-Gerber employees at theirannual winter awards event. The Nestle-Gerber personnelwrote personalized lyrics to Alabama’s song, “Forty-HourWeek” and then the Singers learned the song in less than sixdays! The ensemble was thrilled with the spontaneous,

standing ovationfrom the Nestle-Gerber employees,who then invitedthe choir to sharesome Christmascarols before theyreturned to school.

Each choirmember waspresented with apersonal VISAtraveler’s check (forholiday spending),and the choir waspresented a checkto assist in thepurchase of musicfor festival and

concert performances. The choir is very appreciative of the generosity of

Nestle-Gerber - for the “surprise” monetary gifts and thewonderful reception following the performance. Thekindness shared will be remembered by the students andtheir director for years to come.

FHS Art StudentsEarn Top Honors

In December, 12 pieces ofart work from FHS were sent toKendall College in Grand Rapids tobe judged in the Annual ScholasticArt Awards Contest. Thiscompetition included seventh-through twelfth-grade art work fromschools in 11 West Michigancounties.

Of the 12 FHS piecesentered, five took awards. All wereblack and white photos produced byFHS art students in theirphotography class. Each of thestudents shot their pictures,developed their film, and printedtheir final pieces in the high schooldarkroom.

Senior Alyssa entered a dynamically contrasting photo oftwo pair of hands, which earned anHonorable Mention award. Alyssaalso entered a striking shot ofa shooting star tattoo that earned a SilverKey award.

Senior Jessica entered ahighly detailed still life of a saddle, whichalso earned a Silver Key award.

Junior Alicia entereda positive/negative pin hole photo of herflip-flop (produced with a camera shemade out of a box) and was awarded aGold Key award.

Finally, Senior Karawas also awarded a Gold Key award forher close up photo of a hand on arailing.

By winning top Gold Keyhonors, both Kara’s and Alicia’s photoswill go on to be judged at the nationallevel of the Scholastic Art AwardsCompetition, which is held in NewYork.

Congratulations!

25

Rick TankFHS Industrial Arts Teacher

We are pleased to introduce the new FHS Industrial Arts Teacher, Rick Tank…

I was born and raised in Sandusky, Michigan, which is a quaint town just likeFremont, but on the east side of the state. I earned my teaching degree from CentralMichigan University with a major in Industrial Education and a minor in PhysicalEducation.

During my time spent here in Fremont – completing my student teaching andcoaching JV football, I have felt right at home. Citizens of the community have beenextremely helpful and welcoming.

I am honored and grateful for this opportunity and will continue to strive tohelp our students and community grow to achieve great things.

Junior/Senior PromMoss Ridge Country Club

April 258:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Wood Shop Donates Sleds

FHS wood shop students recently turned plywoodinto wonderful presents for families throughout NewaygoCounty.

Teacher Rick Tank, under the master eye of MarkHouston, organized a group of students who turnedplywood – donated by Nestle – into sleds. The sleds werethen donated to NCCS to be given to disadvantagedstudents throughout the county.

QuestFirst Trimester Awards

Celebration

After many rescheduled days(due to snow days), Quest High School

finally celebrated its first trimester successeswith an awards breakfast.

Students ate a delicious breakfastof pancakes and sausage, which wasprepared by Quest High School staffmembers. Quest High School PrincipalJim Hieftje made his famous waffles,which are always a big hit with students.

Following breakfast, awards weregiven for academic achievement (earningall credits in a trimester), for Honor Roll(earning a 3.0 grade point average orhigher) and for character (Quest CharacterAwards). In addition, awards were givenout to the top students in Computers,English, Math, Science and Social Studies.

Congratulations FirstTrimester Graduates

Quest High School is proud toannounce the following Quest HighSchool Seniors have completed theirgraduation requirements during the firsttrimester…

JoeMike Robert Josie

Jessica

These students were honoredat the November 24 Fremont PublicSchools Board of Education meeting.We wish them all the best as they moveon to their post-secondary goals.

27

All School Writing Process

In order to help Quest High Schoolstudents become better writers, Quest hasadopted a school-wide writing process.

As part of an ongoing schoolimprovement initiative, all instructors at QuestHigh School will be using the same writingprocess. Quest students will be writing at leastfour essays for each class every trimester.Additionally, we will be having two ‘All-SchoolWrites’ where all students will be writingpersuasive essays. These writes will occur twicea year in order to help measure and trackimprovement in student writing.

On January 15, 2009, Quest HighSchool held its first ‘All-School Write.’ All students participated by writing persuasive essays regarding their opinions ofsome ways to reduce our school district’s budget. Students worked very hard and had some very persuasive opinionsregarding budget cuts.

In order to inform students of the budget facts (prior to writing the essays), Dr. Kingsnorth and Mrs. HansonLake visited Quest High School, presenting district financial information to the students and answering many questionsthe students asked.

We would like to thank Dr. Kingsnorth and Mrs. Hanson Lake for their help with this school improvementinitiative, and we would like to congratulate Quest High School students for a great first ‘All-School Write. ‘

New Technology forQuest

Students at Quest HighSchool are being introduced to CPStechnology received from a mini grantby the Fremont Area CommunityFoundation.

This new technology is being usedin ACT preparation to simulate testtaking situations. The technology isalso being utilized in math classes.

The system allows immediatefeedback and students have been veryreceptive to this “hands-on” way oflearning.

Quest Ski Club Braves Arctic Blast

Despite below zero temperatures, members ofQuest High School’s Ski Club bravely participated in theirfirst ski trip of the year.

Students ventured to the slopes of Caberfae Peakson January 16 and actually stayed warm thanks to extralayers of clothing and plenty of hot food and drinks.

Ski Club members look forward to upcoming skitrips and hope conditions will be a bit warmer.

A New BeginningBy: QHS Senior Kayla

It’s a new start and a new year for Quest HighSchool. Many students have already graduated and are eithergetting into great colleges or going off into the military.

After Christmas Break, the staff made a wonderfulbreakfast for us with pancakes, waffles, sausage, orange juice,and chocolate milk. We also had an awards assembly. Iam pleased to say that many students were handed awardsfor character, receiving all credits, and for earning a GPA of3.0 or higher.

I’ve always been told, “Never judge a book by itscover.” Many of my friends have attended Quest, and I’veeven had a sister come here. I’ve always thought of it as aplace where all the “bad kids” go - a place where there wasalways drug, violence and rude behavior. Now that I gohere myself, I see that things are NOT at all as I thoughtthey were. There are no “bad kids.” I now realize that myperception was completely wrong. This school has gottenme to where I need to be, along with a lot of other students.Students come here when no one else will help them becausethey are so far behind. It’s hard to set goals for yourselfand try to accomplish them when you have no one thereto help you with them. At Quest, the staff is willing towork with you. We are now almost half-way through oursecond trimester and everyone here is setting goals forthemselves and doing a great job at working hard to achievethem.

On January 15, 2009, we had an all-schoolassembly regarding the affect the economy ishaving on our education and our school system.We all wrote persuasive essays on a schoolbudget issue. The students had many great ideasfor both sides of the argument. School maynot be our favorite thing to wake up to everymorning, but we do strongly believe thateducation is important to teenagers like us andto generations to come.

The year 2009 has so far been going great.There has been no trouble at Quest andeveryone has been moving along in their studiesamazingly. Keep encouraging us as we keepmoving forward and keep in mind that youshould “never judge a book by its cover” andthat this year is going to be a new beginning.

29

PackerPride

Chilly Opportunities

Due to the Arctic Chill,outdoor play had to be moved indoorsfor a few days at the Packer Pride Child

Care Center. While most people dreadthe frigid blast, we saw it as an opportunity!

During those sub-zero-wind-chilldays, we read about how arctic animals live in that

type of weather every day - all year. We experimented with how blubber keeps the arctic animals warm - even when theygo swimming - by having the children put on a rubber glove and then slide their gloved hand into a baggie of lard. Fromthere, the children submersed both hands into icy water. After a few seconds, they removed their hands. They wereamazed to find the hand covered in “blubber” was still warm!

One thing the children couldn’tquite understand was why they couldn’t playoutside. They did, after all, have boots, snowpants, jackets, hats and mittens. So, we triedanother experiment. This time, we placedan ice cube on a tray in the middle of thetable and a tray of water outside where theyplay. We made predictions as to whetherthe ice would melt or the water would freezefirst. After just 15 minutes, the tray of water(one inch) was frozen solid. Pre-schoolchildren really don’t understand howdangerous the temperatures are to exposedears, cheeks, and fingers, but they really lovedhaving ice and snow in the classroom toscoop, measure, and build mini snowmen.

Finally, we read a book about snowand ice and learned about how all snow flakeshave six sides, but - depending onhow windy it is outside – could have eitherpointed or flat sides. Of course, this was agreat opportunity to get the magnifyingglasses out and take a closer look!

The temperatures are starting to rise,so it’s back out to ‘Mount Packers’ Pride’(the snow ‘mountain’ out back). I thinkwe’ll practice writing letters with squirtbottles of colored water on the side of thesnow heap!

Looking forward to even warmerweather, we are already beginning oursummer and fall enrollment. Please feel freeto call (231-924-7435) or stop in for a visit.

Please sign me or my child up for Winter 2009 programs

Parent Name (if youth)____________________________________ Home Ph.__________________ Email______________________

Address________________________________________ For scholarship: does Child/sibling qualified for: __Free Lunch __Reduced

Class #______________ Name_____________________________________Shirt Sz.____ Birthdate_________Cost:_____________

Class #______________ Name_____________________________________Shirt Sz.____ Birthdate_________Cost:_____________

Class #______________ Name_____________________________________Shirt Sz.____ Birthdate_________Cost:_____________

Pd. By Cash___ Check #___________ CC___ TOTAL $______________

To pay by Visa/MC (not Discover) #__ __ __ __- __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ Expires ___ /___

Name on card print)_______________________________________Signature____________________________________________

Make checks to: Fremont Public Schools FAX (924-9334) or mail to: Comm. Ed. Recreation, 350 W. Cedar St., Fremont, MI 49412

FREMONT COMMUNITY EDUCATION u 350 W. Cedar, Fremont, MI 49412 - 924-3750 - FAX 924-9334

TENNIS898 Young Stars (Gr. DK-K) W 3:15-4pm 2/4-2/25 $20 Pine 899 Rookie Netters (Gr. 1-3) W 3:30-4:15pm 2/4-2/25 $20 Path 900 Gamers (Gr. 4-5) W 3:30-4:15pm 2/4-2/25 $20 Daisy

Bring a racquet or purchase one of ours ($12). Limited quantities!

SIGN LANGUAGE50012 Baby Sign Sat. 11-12 PM 2/7-2/28 $25 PF Med 5002 Beg. Sign (ASL 1) Sat. 1-2:30 PM 2/7-3/14 $35 PF Med

Baby sign is for use w/babies age 9-18 mo. Come with or without baby.

KARATE8006 Kids (age 6-11) M/Th 6:00-6:45 PM 3/9-5/21 $25 PF Gym 8007 Karate (12-adult) M/Th 6:30-8:30 PM 3/9-5/21 $40 PF Gym

COMPUTER / FINANCIAL5014 Digital Camera T 7:00-9:00 PM 1/27 $20 MS # 6 5015 Buy on E-Bay Th 7:00-9:00 PM 1/29 $20 MS # 6 5013 Sell on E-Bay T/Th 7:00-9:00 PM 2/3-2/5 $35 MS # 6 5017 On-Line Banking W 6:00-7:00 PM 2/11 $15 CE # 5 5003b Don’ t Fear the Bear Th 7:00-8:00 PM 2/26 $7/cpl DB Cafe 5018 Beg. Computer M/W 4:00-6:00 PM 4/27 & 4/29 $35 CE # 11

SHAPE-UP6000 Fusion W 6:00-7:00 PM 2/25-4/1 $22 CE Gym 6001A Basic Training M 7:00-8:00 PM 2/23-3/30 $22 Fit Cnt 6001B Basic Training Th 7:00-8:00 PM 2/26-4/2* $22 Fit Cnt *On Mar. 5th, the Thursday Basic Training class will be held at 6-7pmFUSION is cardio, strength train., pilates, kickbox & core work with a warm up & cooldown. A fun-filled, calorie-burning hour!

50+ CLASSES4001B Water Ex. M/W/F 8:30-9:15 AM 2/23-4/1 $30 HS Pool 4002B Water Ex. T/TH 8:30-9:15 AM 2/24-4/1 $25 HS Pool 5001B Aerobics M/W/F 9-10 AM 2/23-4/1 $30 CE Gym 5018 Sr Computer M/W 4-6 PM 4/27 & 4/29 $35 CE #11

Younger people are also welcome to 50+ classes. Cancelled if no school. Golden Passes: Free to FPS residents 60+ years, free entry to sports events

OPEN & LANE SWIM HOURS: Call 924-7318 for pool schedule 24-hrs. day

TABLE TENNIS: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30pm, CE gym Cost $3/night. No pre-registration. Play is for the somewhat serious player. Min. age 16. Bring paddle. Questions ph. Tim VanKoevering.

FREMONT COMMUNITY EDUCATION WINTER II 2009

RECREATION / ENRICHMENT SCHOLARSHIPS for FPS youth who get Free Lunch (50% off) or Reduced (25% off)

1 class/season/child. Scholarship requests must be made in the office, by phone or fax. Scholarships made possible by a grant from The Fremont Area Community Foundation.

On-line signup at https://communityed.fremont.netw/Visa/MC (not Discover)

31

Fremont Public SchoolsAt a Glance...

FebruaryMonday, February 9 Early ReleaseFriday, February 20 No School

MarchFriday, March 6 Half Day

Last Day of Trimester(FHS)Tuesday, March 10 Juniors Only Attend

MI Merit ExamFriday, March 20 Last Day of MarkingPeriod

AprilFriday, April 3 No SchoolApril 6-10 No School (Spring Break)

MayMonday, May 25 No School (Memorial Day)

JuneJune 4 & 5 Half DaysFriday, June 5 Last Day of School

Administration

Dr. John Kingsnorth, Superintendent .......................................................................... (231) 924-2350

Jim Hieftje, Director of State/Federal Programs, Curriculum/Instruction & HR ......... (231) 924-2350

Bing Hanson Lake, Director of Financial Services ........................................................ (231) 924-2350

Ken Haggart, Exec. Dir of Student Services/Athletic Dir. ........................................... (231) 924-8184

Jan Kandler-Kartes, Athletic Secretary ...................................................................... (231) 924-8029

Nancy Sparks, Pine Street Primary Principal ............................................................ (231) 924-3530

Bob Cassiday, Pathfinder Principal .............................................................................. (231) 924-7230

Nancy Sparks, Daisy Brook Principal ............................................................................. (231) 924-4380

Carolyn Hummel, Middle School Principal .................................................................. (231) 924-0230

Scott Sherman, High School Principal .......................................................................... (231) 924-8032

Debra Wightman, High School Assistant Principal ..................................................... (231) 924-5300

Jim Hieftje, Quest High School Principal .................................................................... (231) 924-2350

Eva Houseman, Director of Special Education ................................................................ (231) 652-3834

Ryan Ergang, Director of Maintenance ........................................................................ (231) 924-7410

Don Vincent, Director of Transportation .................................................................. (231) 924-4390

Denise McDaniel, Director of Food Services .......................................................... (231) 924-8160

Dianna Dakin, Technology Coordinator ...................................................................... (231) 924-7390

Board of Education

Anita Osterman ......................................................................................................... President

Karla Gilliland ................................................................................................. Vice President

Jim Featherstone..................................................................................................... Secretary

Phil Harmon .......................................................................................................... Treasurer

Ed Wosinski .......................................................................................................... Trustee

Linda Blais.................................................................................................................... Trustee

Matt Hendrie........................................................................................................................... Trustee

Regular School Board Meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the

administration building. Please call (231) 924-2350 or check the district website at www.fremont.net for

more information. The public is invited to attend.

School Matters is published five times each year.

Amber Hogancamp, Editor - Printed by Hi-Lites Graphic Inc.

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of

1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Ameri-

cans With Disabilities Act of 1990, it is the policy of Fremont Public Schools that no person shall, on the

basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, be excluded from participation in, denied the

benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment, programs or activities.

School MattersDistrict Newsletter

On the Back Cover…

Pine Street Primary Studentsrecently enjoyed an afternoon inthe snow. For more Pine Street

fun, see page 11.

Fremont Public Schools220 W. Pine StreetFremont MI 49412

NonProfit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDFremont, MI

PERMIT NO. 72

RURAL ROUTE BOX HOLDERPOST OFFICE BOXOR OCCUPANT

A Publication of Fremont Public Schools

School Mattershttp://www.fremont.net

Student Centered Learning Focused World Ready

February 2009