At the end of each regular Board of Education Meeting, board members take a moment to share some of the great things they see in the district while serving on the Board. Here are this month's points of Pride & Progress:
“At the Later Elementary, there was a nice ceremony to honor Patriot’s Day on 9/11, which was picked up by the media. For the third time since I’ve been in the district, students are performing the “Music Man.” First, at the High School, then the Middle School, and now the Later Elementary. I would like to thank everyone across the district for their hard work on Count Day. It’s very important. Lastly, I’d like to invite everyone to attend the Senior Citizens Luncheons at the High School. Many of the staff and administrators serve and multiple student groups also help with the event. It highlights the best of what our district is about and helps us achieve our goal of connecting with the community.” Brent McNitt
“At the Cedar Street Campus, I would like to give recognition to the Rotary Students of the Month, Glorianna Hammel and Brody Hauser, for their success. In other news at Cedar Street, on September 27, the students participated in a Paw Paw Community Scramble. To learn more about the downtown, they visited the library, the chamber of commerce, the police station, businesses, the parks, and other locations. They also interviewed locals, recorded videos, and took photos to commemorate their visits. What a great way to learn more about Paw Paw!” Dale Pease
“At the High School, Principal Tammy Southworth and her team celebrated no tardies in September with sweet treats. On October 3, it was great news to hear there were no cell phones turned into the office due to cell phone policy violations. In other news, On October 8, Principal Southworth served as the announcer for the MSBOA (Michigan School Band & Orchestra Assn.) Districts, which were held at Paw Paw Middle School. She noted that grounds for the MSBOA Marching Band Competition have never looked better! As a band parent, she was proud to host the event.” Ray Martin
“I visited and volunteered in the Early Elementary cafeteria alongside Principal Leah Barnes. We had such a fun time! Kudos to Principal Barnes for being present in the lunchroom every day. We have hired someone truly extraordinary in Leah! She is amazing, and I am sure her team is too. Lastly, I love her “Sunday Scoops” newsletter.” Nate Mitchell
“I’d like to give a shout-out to the custodians. Shannon Brown at the HS has stepped up and taken on some extra duties, so thank you for that. Also, shout-out to Krystal Smith and Rick Kahl as they look for new ways to support the Early Childhood Center. Lastly, in the Transportation Department, I’d like to welcome to our new bus driver, David Zach.” Jon Vick
“I’d like to recognize some of our heroes in the Administration Building. First, I’d like to give a shout-out to Kara Corniel and Jeremy Thompson for their hard work on the audit. Also, I’d like to thank Corey Harbaugh for his work removing obstacles for our students, especially unhoused students. There is a critical shortage of affordable housing for families, and his work in this area is very important. I am incredibly grateful for all he does!” Sarah Thomas
“At the Middle School, I’d like to give a shout-out to Math Interventionist Tim Wicklund for offering to go back into the classroom to teach math until the teaching position can be filled. Also, shout-out to Lisa Shanley for the Attendance Awareness Campaign. In addition, I’d like to give shout-outs to Food Service for organizing Apple Crunch Day, the administration team for doing walk-throughs in the other buildings, the EE for bringing enrichment groups back, Early Childhood for celebrating National Hispanic Month, and Cedar Street for their hard work on Count Day. Lastly, I was proud to see four PPPS students at the VBISD’s Whole Child Summit. They did a great job!” Lindsay Clark