Paw Paw Public School District

Great News! Paw Paw Public Schools “Schools of Choice” is Open for the 2024-2025 School Year. Openings in PreK – 12 Programs. Paw Paw Public Schools is offering Van Buren County students a chance to experience a wide variety of learning opportunities in a positive learning environment. At Paw Paw Public Schools, you will find: • A 94% student graduation rate • Teachers and staff who care and provide a nurturing learning environment • Numerous opportunities for students to achieve in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities • Award-winning band, music, art and performing arts programs • A District Committed to Academic Growth, Social & Emotional Growth, Kindness, Respect & Safety, Community Connections and a Comprehensive Facility Plan that ensures students are able to learn, create, compete and grow into their unique potential. Make Paw Paw Public Schools Your Schools of Choice! Paw Paw Public Schools is committed to its Core Values of INTEGRITY, COMMUNITY, SUCCESS, INNOVATION AND KINDNESS. Please complete the application form and submit to Paw Paw Public Schools Administrative Office at 119 Johnson Road, Paw Paw, MI 49079 by August 30, 2024. Make Paw Paw Public Schools Your Schools of Choice!

Great News! PPPS “Schools of Choice” is Open for the 2024-2025 School Year.

July 19, 2024

Openings in PreK – 12 Programs! Paw Paw Public Schools is offering Van Buren County students a chance to experience a wide variety of learning opportunities in a positive learning...

PAW PAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS NOTICE OF VACANT BOARD SEAT

July 17, 2024

On July 14, 2024, a Paw Paw Public Schools’ Board of Education seat became vacant. State law requires that the Board appoint a person to fill the vacancy within thirty (30) calend...

SCHOOL BOARD SHOUT-OUTS, JULY 2024 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: “I would like to thank Tom Baney for all his years of service on the Board of Education!” Dale Pease “In the Transportation Department, I am excited to announce that a parent in the district has stepped up to drive a bus for the school year. In the Technology, Maintenance and Custodial departments, the staff and Cedar Street administrators have been working together to improve the Adult Education space. The cost of these improvements were covered by grant funding. Also at the Cedar Street Campus, the playground area was cleaned up and new mulch was added. In a recent online auction, the district was able to free up some space by selling surplus or outdated equipment, furniture and fixtures. Lastly, the custodial team is to be credited for clearing out old paint, tires and chemicals through a recycling program at the Van Buren Conservation District.” Nate Mitchell “At the Later Elementary, 117 students are enrolled in Summer School. PPPS students are fortunate to have this additional learning opportunity. To help staff the program, six “Grow Your Own” future educator candidates are getting experience through unpaid internships, which is an innovative way to keep people in our district and save money. I would like to give a shout-out to Jeremy Davison and Alisa Clark for their work coordinating this initiative. I’m happy to report that Summer Base Camp is also going well. To expand the program, preschool-aged children are also able to attend this year.” Lindsay Clark

SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOUT-OUTS!

July 12, 2024

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 ...

On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once approved by the Board. PPPS Board of Education - Board Meeting Summary July 8, 2024 Regular Business Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm Adjournment at 8:45 pm Board Members Present: Clark Mitchell Pease Vick Baney left at 7:32 pm Board Members Absent: Martin McNitt Public Participation: None Board Approvals Regular Meeting Minutes 6/10/24 Special Meeting Minutes 6/10/24, 6/20/24 & 6/24/24 Financial Reports and Monthly Bills Teacher LOA - Safe School Stipend Teacher LOA - Hannah Arnold Teaching Assignment Tenure - T Criger, T Bovee, Z Daniels, J Farnquist, M Geffre, A Oetjens, J Papa, M Reo, K Smith, J Steciow, D Strey, A Thorbjornsen, K Tremblay & M Wagner N Mitchell designated Van Buren County Association of School Boards Representative 2024-2025 New Position - Adult Ed Clerk Resolution Supporting VBISD Regional Enhancement Millage Annual Loan/Repayment Activity Application/Resolution New Position - EE Library Media Specialist Personnel Arrivals Kayla DePierre - Varsity Ass’t Cross Country Coach Jordan Edwards - 9th Grade Boys BB Coach Departures Tammy Criger - EE Stem Teacher Emily Burleson - EE Art Teacher Victor Gonzalez - 8th Grade Football Assistant Coach Sarah Hunt - Trinity Shared Services Teacher Thomas Baney - School Board Trustee Presentations Spring Sports Review - A Farnquist, Athletic Director Next Regular Meeting August 12, 2024, 7pm, Cedar Street Campus A pre-meeting Meet & Greet with refreshments will begin at 6:30pm and all are invited. "The Secret of change is to focus all your energy, not fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates

Splinters from the Board-July

July 11, 2024

On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once appro...

SCHOOL BOARD SHOUT-OUTS, JUNE 2024 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: “I attended the Year-End PPPS Staff Awards Luncheon. It was great to see everyone in one place. Here’s a shout-out to Alisa Clark and the rest of the team for putting the construction-themed event together. I was honored to help recognize the award recipients, and I’d like to give a special shout-out to Mindy Brennan who has been in education for more than 35 years! At the high school, many things were going on to wrap up the school year. First, I’d like to recognize the band and choir for their performances at the PAC and elsewhere. Also, thank you to the technical teams for all their hard work. We had graduations at the Cedar Street Campus and Paw Paw High School. From all the students of the month, I’m proud to say Dom Hernadez was selected as student of the year at PPHS. Also, Darrin Strey just committed to Kentucky, which is very exciting for our Athletics Department. Lastly, at our Trap Team’s State Finals, we qualified with three men in the nationals, and both of our females were in the top ten in our state division. The entire team qualified for nationals, with two members competing in July. We finished 4th in our conference!” Brent McNitt “I was able to attend the Cedar Street graduation and watched my son graduate. The entire ceremony was fantastic, and I’m super proud of all the kids. Seeing the kids walk across the stage when at one time they thought they were not going to graduate was awesome! ” Jon Vick “I appreciate the budget report from Facilities and Technology Director Dan Grimm as we continue to look for ways to save money across the district.” Nate Mitchell “There were some great photos of year-end festivities at the Early Elementary! Water World took place at the EE on June 4. Students could play sprinkler volleyball, flamingo ring toss, and go down the slip and slide. All students took home a pair of tie-dye socks. Staff members volunteered to sit in the dunk tank and got soaked! On the last day of school, the entire school community lined the halls and “clapped out” our second-grade students. The P.T.O. provided bubbles and balloons and a red carpet for students to exit the building. We’re so proud of everything they have accomplished this year, and we wish them well next year at Paw Paw Later Elementary.” Tom Baney

SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOUT-OUTS!

June 19, 2024

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 t...

Splinters from the Board-June

June 14, 2024

On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once appro...

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2024-2025 BUDGET

June 4, 2024

PAW PAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2024-2025 BUDGET PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on June 20, 2024, at 6:00 pm in the Paw Paw Public Schools Administrat...

build together paw paw. ppps survey results are in.

PPPS Community Survey Results

April 24, 2024

For Immediate Release: Contact: Rick Reo, Superintendent 269-415-5200 rick.reo@ppps.org Paw Paw, MI – At Paw Paw Public Schools, being a part of the community is so importan...

SCHOOL BOARD SHOUT-OUTS, APRIL 2024 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: “I’d like to recognize the March and April Students of the Month at Paw Paw High School, Maya Leonard and Maggie Sheets. Also, congratulations to Cari Houston and Ben Tomlinson, our NHS Advisors, for coordinating a first-rate NHS induction this year. I’d also like to compliment the HS students for helping with the MS musical. Shout-out to 2Paws Robotics Team as their season ends. A personal shout-out to our new Clay Target Team on our first practice round. It’s obvious we have a competitive team. Thank you to the Paw Paw Conservation Club for being so welcoming, and I’m happy to report that team fundraising is going well. Shout-out to HS and MS teachers, staff, and students for making the two weeks before and after spring break run smoothly. Lastly, our book vending machines will be featured in an upcoming Girl Scouts Gold Awards ceremony and will also receive national recognition.” Brent McNitt “With a focus on encouraging environmental responsibility, Earth Day celebrations will be happening all week at PPMS. Weather permitting, science classes will engage in outdoor activities and each day will have a dress-up theme. On Wednesday, April 24, the entire 6th grade class will release the salmon they've been raising into the Paw Paw River on the north side of Maple Lake! Congratulations to Mrs. Fye’s team for winning the annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the middle school. The PEACE Cafe (Practicing Employment, Academics, Communication, and Entrepreneurial Skills) opened at PPMS. Students in Emilee Campbell’s class take orders and deliver goods while learning how to run a business. Thank you, Emilee! Pay it Forward is my favorite school program. Thank you, Cari Houston, for heading that program! Ray Martin “I attended Family Literacy Night at PPPS Early Childhood. The staff arranged the perfect number of activities this year, and it was great to see so many families in attendance! Shout-out to Miss Teresa for her creative craft contributions. At the Later Elementary, Mr. Davison had a great idea to set up a classroom rotation plan to pilot some new, more flexible furniture. Kindergarten Round-Up is coming up on May 7 and 8 at the Early Elementary. Lastly, families will be pleased to learn that preschool aged children will now be able attend Paw Paw Public Schools “Summer Fun Camp” at Paw Paw Later Elementary. An extension of the Before and After School Enrichment (B.A.S.E.) program, this full-day summer childcare program will be offered five days a week throughout the summer for students ages 3-12. This is wonderful opportunity for families and a great way for kids to begin early learning.” Lindsay Clark “At the Cedar Street Campus, student participation in the new gaming club has been great! This club meets on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.” Jon Vick “In the Transportation Department, a new part-time bus driver passed the C.D.L. Test (Commercial Driver’s License) and will be starting soon, and a new full-time driver was also hired. I’ll be excited to hear updates about partnering with METS (Michigan Educational Transportation Services) to solve some of our district’s transportation challenges. Lastly, I was happy to hear our maintenance department worked with contractors over spring break to replace select playground equipment as part of the 2022 Bond projects.” Nate Mitchell

School District Shout-Outs

April 22, 2024

PPPS SCHOOL DISTRICT SHOUT-OUTS, APRIL 2024 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...

Splinters from the Board-April

April 19, 2024

On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once appro...

Parent Update in Student Programming: Tuesday, April 23 @ 6 PM via Zoom

April 15, 2024

Paw Paw Public Schools will host its next online Parent Update in Student Programming program on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 6-7 PM via Zoom. The link for the program is here: Zoo...

Hiring Now! School Bus Drivers. No experience necessary! Paw Paw Public Schools are searching for motivated individuals to join our fantastic Transportation Team! We're looking for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or anyone with an interest in our community and our schools. We're hiring sub drivers, route drivers and trip drivers for sports and field trips. We can offer: • an opportunity filled with the joy of giving back to your community while helping families • help with getting your CDL-Class B with the necessary endorsements • paid training while you get your credentials • competitive wages, flexible hours and benefits; including State of Michigan retirement • matching schedules for drivers with kids in school • If you're looking to join an amazing team and increase your professional skills, this is a great opportunity for you! Complete an application online. For questions or to learn more about the positions available, contact the transportation director by email: angela.vasquez@ppps.org, or phone: 269-415-5220.

Hiring Now! PPPS School Bus Drivers Needed.

April 10, 2024

Hiring Now! School Bus Drivers Needed. No experience necessary! Paw Paw Public Schools are searching for motivated individuals to join our fantastic Transportation Team! We'...

SCHOOL BOARD SHOUT-OUTS, MARCH 2024 Paw Paw Public Schools Board of Education 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: “Congratulations to Paw Paw High School’s student of the month, Katelyn Baney! Also, I would like to give a shout-out to Trevor Ransler, who took home 1 st , 2 nd and 5 th place awards and Ethan Skowronski for receiving a 4 th place award at the Business Professionals of America Regional Competition. Also, congratulations to Amy Gronda and Cari Houston for their Educational Hero Awards! Superintendent Reo and I were able to attend the dinner, and I would encourage other board members to attend in future. It was an opportunity to give some recognition back to these teachers who work so hard. Lastly, I would like to congratulate Lori Reo on her promotion!” Brent McNitt “Congratulations to the entire PPPS band and choir organization for their success in recent festival outings! At Paw Paw Middle School, the new e-Hall pass system has resulted in a decrease in the number of hall passes, resulting in 96 more hours in the classroom from the 1st to the 2 nd trimester. The PPMS Science Department is the only MS in southwest Michigan to be Green School certified! At the high school, Challenge Day was another success for our first-year students and those new to the district. All these things set PPPS apart from other districts. We are leaders in southwest Michigan, and we should all be proud.” Ray Martin “I attended the Cheer Regionals in Allegan, and they were impressive! The Cheer Team placed 5 th in the State Finals. Way to go, cheerleaders! At the Later Elementary, students had fun participating in “Glow-in-the-Dark Pounce,” an annual fundraiser for the Elementary PTO. I would like to give a shout-out to Mrs. Lounsbury and her team for their work organizing “Pounce” and the book fair. Also, I had a positive experience at parent-teacher conferences. Lastly, I was able to participate in the 4 th grade science fair with my son. They made giant bulletin boards that were on display, and many families participated.” Lindsay Clark “At Paw Paw Early Elementary, they celebrated the 1 st grade class as they spent the most PRIDE tickets for Trimester 2! They were able to enjoy some sunshine and popsicles on the playground together. The EE also celebrated Leap Day! Three hundred mini frogs were hidden around the building for students to find and turn in for a prize, a frog temporary tattoo! Classes went out on the hunt and found lots of little green friends. Here are some activities the EE is looking forward to in March: Staff Oreo Madness Bracket, LLN work time & PD presentations, observations of incoming Y5/K students, and visits from author Bill Klinesteker. Lastly, all board members are invited to read to students on March 22 nd .” Tom Baney “I also had a chance to participate in many of the events and activities at the Later Elementary, and they were all great! This is just a reminder, if you know of anyone who wants to drive a school bus, please have them contact our Transportation Department at 269-415-5220, or email angela.vasquez@ppps.org.” Nate Mitchell

PPPS School District Shout-Outs

March 18, 2024

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 t...

Splinters from the Board-March

March 15, 2024

On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once appro...

PPPS Educational Hero Award Winners

March 1, 2024

Paw Paw Public Schools is pleased to announce this year's winners of the 2024 Educational Hero Awards: Music Teacher Amy Gronda and Math Teacher Cari Houston. At last night'...

Angel miller makes pphs history by competing at individual state wrestling finals.

PPHS Wrestler Makes History as First Female to Compete at the Individual State Wrestling Finals

February 28, 2024

Blazing new trails, breaking the mold, shattering stereotypes. Check, check, and check. Angel Miller, a junior at Paw Paw High School, is not afraid to challenge the status quo....

Decorative Text Parent Chat Info Graphic

Parent Update in Student Programming: Thursday, March 7 @ 6 PM

February 27, 2024

Paw Paw Public Schools will host its next online Parent Update in Student Programming program on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 6-7 PM via Zoom. The link for the program is here:...

“BEING A BUS DRIVER - THE MOST GRATIFYING JOB I’VE EVER HAD.”

February 22, 2024

After spending years working in customer service, factory jobs and various management positions, Jen Himmelein prayed that she would find a job she enjoyed. Then one day, she was ...

Splinters from the Board-February

February 16, 2024

On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once appro...

SCHOOL BOARD SHOUT-OUTS, FEBRUARY 2024 Paw Paw Public Schools Board of Education At the end of each regular Board of Education Meeting, the board members each 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. “First, thank you to the board for approving the Clay Target Team. I think that it is going to be a huge, positive addition for the high school and the district. Also, the parent-teacher conferences at the high school were outstanding! In other news, the PPHS Varsity Girls Basketball Team, which is fourteen and two, had five players who scored in double digits in a single game. This does not happen often. They are really playing well together, and it is a total team effort. Lastly, as the Varsity Cheer Team makes their State Title run, they need the support of the entire community to help them get there. Please attend and encourage others to come out and support them in the stands at the district, regional and state level.” Brent McNitt “At the Central Office, I would like to give shout-outs to Kara and Rick for getting a nice jump on the budget and shrinking the deficit this year, both big accomplishments. Hopefully, that will continue going forward. Also, there are some great things happening with grant work, which have not yet been received, but hopefully soon we can talk about that. There is a great deal happening behind the scenes to help the district as we go forward.” Dale Pease “At Paw Paw Middle School, Independence Pro Wrestling made an appearance to support the PPMS Wrestling Team. Way to go PPMS Wrestling Coach Josh Raymond for his backflip off the top rope to finish his opponent! In other news, all grade levels are showing growth in the English Language Arts (ELA) area of the Star Growth Report. Thank you to the entire PPMS staff for their efforts in helping to improve those results. Lastly, the seven-week friendship group was successful in teaching students about friendship, communication, positivity, and other traits that make someone a good friend. These traits are important at any level, but especially during the middle school years.” Ray Martin “I would like to start by giving a shout-out to the custodial staff at the high school. From basketball on Friday night to Cheer on Saturday, the staff had everything set and ready to go. Additionally, shout-out to Amy Gronda and the band for taking time and showing kindness to my son. Also, shout-out to the early elementary staff for sending texts on snow days encouraging students to play outside or challenging them to read in novel places. At a recent Cheer meet, it was great to see Coach Stefanie Miller, the Cheer Team and varsity parents stand up and cheer for the middle school students. At the later elementary, I have heard wonderful things about Mr. Caleb Shaefer. In his role, he is working with kids to show kindness and empathy. Lastly, the high school play “The Lightning Thief” was a huge hit! The performing arts director and students are focused on bringing home more WAVE performing arts awards this year, which is phenomenal!” Lindsay Clark “Through a new, innovative partnership called “Little Connections” at Paw Paw Early Elementary, second-grade students and high school students established pen pal relationships. After writing back and forth for six weeks, the high school students visited the EE to meet the younger students in person, which was wonderful! Also at the EE, grade-level teachers participated in “Data Days,” where groups were formed to review winter benchmarking data that revealed areas of deficit and areas for growth. This sparked some great conversation! Tom Baney

School District Shout-Outs

February 16, 2024

Paw Paw Public Schools Board of Education At the end of each regular Board of Education Meeting, the board members each take a moment to share some of the great things they see...