SCHOOL BOARD SHOUT-OUTS – May 2023 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. “Congratulations to Amanda Towne, the PPHS Student of the Month. I would also like to recognize 2PawRobotics for all of their great work this year. I try to watch as many matches as possible. Congratulations to Team #5462 on another magnificent season! Lastly, I had a great time working at Prom. I delivered chips to the gaming tables as part of the “Vegas” theme. It was a lot of fun! It was great to see the kids enjoying themselves. It was nice to see all of the kids at their best!” Brent McNitt “Later Elementary Teacher Sarah Crawford and the Specials Teachers are planning a S.T.E.A.M. Day at PPLE on June 6. Presentations and experiments will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. School clubs, community organizations, and corporations will be participating in the event.” Tom Baney “I would like to give a shout-out to the Early Childhood Education Team at the Cedar Street Campus. Also at Cedar Street, Lacey Jackson, the director of the Before and After School Education (B.A.S.E.) Program and the new PPPS Summer Camp, mentioned that it was great to work with Director of Business Kara Corniel on the development of the Summer Camp, which is great to hear! I have been receiving a lot of communication from the Early Childhood Education program, and all of the parents I talk to are happy with the program and planning to return. Young 5’s and Kindergarten Round-Up was great! Thanks to all of the teachers who are hosting field trips again. It is great to see field trips returning post-COVID. My favorite field trip was the third-grade trip to the zoo! Lastly, I love the Senior Class Shout-Outs at the High School. This is a great way to honor our students.” Lindsay Clark “It is great to see the implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program at the Middle School. Also at the Middle School, 7th-grade students had a chance to learn about colleges and career opportunities. From the paraprofessionals to the principals, kudos to the entire PPMS staff for keeping the kids engaged! Also at PPMS, Congratulations to Michelle Olsen for receiving the Excellence in Education Award for Special Educator, and special thanks to Alex George for working concessions at the Detroit Lions vs. F.O.P. game. Lastly, thank you to PPHS Media Center Clerk Nikki Vanderburg for demonstrating the new poster printer.” Nate Mitchell “Lisa Shanley does a great job putting out positive things about PPPS. She is always at many events always with a positive smiling face. It is always nice to visit the administrative building. Everyone is welcoming, positive, and always willing to take time to speak with me. Kindergarten Round-Up was fantastic! Seeing a photo of my grandson signing his “letter of intent” to start PPPS in the fall was amazing!” Ray Martin

School Board Shout-Outs!

May 23, 2023
SCHOOL BOARD SHOUT-OUTS – May 2023 Paw Paw Public Schools Board of Education At the end of each regular Board of Education Meeting, the board members each take a mom...
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​On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new 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 May 15, 2023 Regular Business Meeting called to order at 7:02 pm​ Adjournment at 8:56 pm​ Board Members Present: Baney Clark Martin McNitt Mitchell Vick Board Members Absent: Pease Public Participation: K. Jones R. Rodriguez J. Abnet M. Miller J. Abnet J. Coady V. Benzie R. Mitchell T. Tapper J. Tapper B. McDonald N. Atwater B. Tomlinson A. Goodwin W. MacKeller H. Olivares S. Thomas-Vick Board Approvals Regular Meeting Minutes 4/10/23​ Closed Session Minutes 4/10/23​ Financial Reports and Monthly Bills $750 Donation to Robotics from Bloomingdale Communications​ $500 Donation to Robotics from Ralph Moyle​ ​$1300 Donation to Robotics from Paw Paw Service League $500 Donation to Robotics from Honor Credit Union Van Buren ISD General Fund Operating Budget 23/24 International Educational Trip to Spain First Reading Spring NEOLA Policy Updates New Position - LE Math Interventionist ISD Election Resolution​​​​​​​ Personnel Arrivals Michael Northuis - MS Special Ed Teacher​ Aaron Beery - MS Special Ed Teacher (23/24)​ Jacob Crow - MS Literacy Coach (23/24) Dan Thornton - Varsity Girls BB Coach Aaron Beery - Varsity Boys BB Coach​​​ Departures Michael Northuis - MS Special Ed Teacher​ Allan Blank - HS ELA/History Teacher​ Ernie Ramirez - Varsity Girls BB Coach​ Phyllis Murray - JV Boys Tennis Coach​ Board Discussion 10 Minute Team Builder Questions for Survey​ Presentations Spanish Presentation by Z. Daniels, Spanish PLC Liaison​ Gold Award Project Donation, Book Vending Machines Presentation by M. McNitt, PPHS Senior​ Pride & Progress Citizens of the Month - April 2023: Taylor Spicher - 6th Grade Lucas Turanzas - 7th Grade Jarrod Schulz - 8th Grade Next Regular Meeting(please note the date change) June 12, 2023, 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 - May

May 22, 2023
On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once a...
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social media graphic

Community Open House

April 28, 2023
Community Open House You're invited! If you would like to preview the 2022 Bond Projects and learn more about the exciting progress that is being made, then be sure to...
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success. congratulations, julie dolezan paw paw early elem. special ed. parapro. , v.b. i.s.d. excellence in education award winner. build together logo. photo of julie dolezan. united with our community to build success

PPPS Special Ed. Paraprofessional named Van Buren I.S.D. Excellence in Education Award Winner

April 26, 2023
For Immediate Release: Contact: Leah Barnes, Paw Paw Early Elementary Principal leah.barnes@ppps.org 269-415-5300 Paw Paw, MI - J...
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Sophia Miller, PPHS Art Student chosen for Kalamazoo Institute of Arts exhibition. The exhibit will be open to the public from April 22 - May 21. Admission to the KIA will be free on April 22 and 23 to celebrate the opening of this exhibit. Photo of Miller and teacher, photo of artwork. K.I.A. and PPPS logos

Artwork by PPHS Student Chosen for Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Exhibition

April 21, 2023
Paw Paw, MI – Sophia Miller, a talented art student in her junior year at Paw Paw High School, recently learned that her artwork would be included in a prestigious exhibition at...
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ECE Flyer

Paw Paw Early Childhood Education Enrollment

April 17, 2023
Come Grow With Us! Paw Paw Early Childhood Education 2023-2024 ENROLLMENT INFORMATION Serving PPPS Staff and PPPS district families Breakfast, lunch, and snac...
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School Board Shout-Outs

School Board Shout-Outs!

April 17, 2023
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 s...
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On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once approved by the Board. Please join us when you can in person, but if you cannot attend, full videos of the meetings are posted on our Youtube channel within a few days. PPPS Board of Education - Board Meeting Summary April 10, 2023 Regular Business Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm Adjournment at 9:58 pm Board Members Present: Baney Clark Martin McNitt Mitchell Pease Vick Board Members Absent: None Public Participation: None Closed Session for Negotiations Board Approvals Regular Meeting Minutes 3/13/23 Special Meeting Minutes 3/27/23 Financial Reports and Monthly Bills New Position - Accounting & Grants Support Specialist New HS Courses Advanced Robotics Career, College, & Community Exploration College Exploration & Readiness Creative Career & Collective Introduction to Robotics Forensic Science Pay It Forward/Community Partnerships Officiating 101 AP Literature & Composition SEL Program - Character Strong Resolution for Spending Threshold for Superintendent Approvals for Bond Project Adjustments Support Staff LOA Stonegate to provide Safety Consulting Services Critical Incident Mapping Contract Authorize OAK to issue Notice of Pending Awards to bond project contractors and suppliers Personnel Arrivals Lisa Karau - HS JV Softball Coach Miranda Leach - EE Special Education Teacher Jessica Reagan - EE Behavior Management Specialist Departures Levi Britton HS Freshman Basketball Coach Beth Covey - MS Math Interventionist Teacher (retirement) Sara French - LE 4th Grade Teacher (retirement) Board Discussion 10 Minute Team Builder Key Takeaways from Effective Governance Training Presentations Critical Incident Mapping - J. Hanson, Critical Response Group 6-12 Grade Secondary Music Program - A. Gronda & K. Cort Winter Sports Review - A. Farnquist, Athletic Director Pride & Progress Citizens of the Month - March 2023: McKenzie Bass - 6th Grade Tyler Pentland - 7th Grade Andrew Marler - 8th Grade Next Regular Meeting(please note the date change) May 15, 2023, 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 - April

April 14, 2023
On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once a...
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PPPS Student Named as Top Ten Finalist in West Michigan Art & Poetry Contest

PPPS Student Named Top Ten Finalist in West Michigan Art & Poetry Contest

April 10, 2023
For Immediate Release: Contact: Corey Harbaugh, Curriculum Director corey.harbaugh@ppps.org 269-415-5200 Paw Paw, MI – Kylee Soto, a talented tenth-grade student at ...
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Congrats, Alan Farnquist, Athletic Director receives designation

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR RECEIVES NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

March 30, 2023
For Immediate Release: Contact: Rick Reo, Superintendent rick.reo@ppps.org 269-415-5200 Paw Paw, MI – The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association...
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On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once approved by the Board. Please join us when you can in person, but if you cannot attend, full videos of the meetings are posted on our Youtube channel within a few days. PPPS Board of Education - Board Meeting Summary March 13, 2023 Regular Business Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm Adjournment at 9:25 pm Board Members Present: Baney Clark Martin McNitt Mitchell Vick Board Members Absent: Pease Public Participation: S. Thomas C. Davis Board Approvals Regular Meeting Minutes 2/13/23 Special Meeting Minutes 2/15/23 COW Work Session Minutes 2/27/23 Financial Reports and Monthly Bills JUUL Litigation Settlement Schools of Choice Resolution 2023-2024 Lounsbury Excavating $1500 Donation Paw Paw Area Rotary Club $500 Donation Harvey House Salong $500 Donation Personnel Arrivals Elley Kooienga - MS Assistant Track Coach Justin Mullins - MS Track Coach Christopher Roach - MS Tennis Coach Josh Leyanna - Varsity Assistant Softball Coach Dan Bauer - JV Boys Golf Coach Shelby Engler - JV Girls Tennis Coach Keaton Ruppert - Varsity Boys Golf Coach Departures Deborah Doyle - EE Behavior Management Specialist Lori Roth - MS Assistant Track Coach Board Discussion 10 Minute Team Builder - Civility Presentations National Honor Society - C. Houston, B. Tomlinson and NHS Member(A. Cowin & T. Meier) SEL Program Presentation - SEL Committee Members Pride & Progress Citizens of the Month - February 2023: Piper Lassin - 6th Grade Selena Butler - 7th Grade Serenity Tabor - 8th Grade Next Regular Meeting April 10, 2023, 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 - March

March 17, 2023
On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once a...
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gabe salazar motivational speaker to speak at paw paw performing arts center on 3/23 at 6 p.m. image of gabe salazar

PPPS TO HOST NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED YOUTH MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

March 10, 2023
For Immediate Release: Contact: Rick Reo, Superintendent rick.reo@ppps.org 269-415-5200 Paw Paw, MI – On Thursday, March 23, 2023, Gabe Salazar, a national...
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On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once approved by the Board. Please join us when you can in person, but if you cannot attend, full videos of the meetings are posted on our Youtube channel within a few days. PPPS Board of Education - Board Meeting Summary February 12, 2023 Regular Business Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm Adjournment at 8:09 pm Board Members Present: Baney Clark Martin McNitt Mitchell Vick Board Members Absent: Pease Public Participation: H. Olivares M. Sons B. Tomlinson T. Schultz S. Thomas Board Approvals Regular Meeting Minutes 1/09/23 COW Work Session Minutes 1/23/23 Special Meeting Minutes 1/29/23 Closed Session Minutes 1/29/23 Financial Reports and Monthly Bills Letter of Agreement Tenure Owners Rep and Development Supervision Agreement with The Barton Group Authorized OAK to issue Notice of Pending Awards to bond project contractors and suppliers Personnel Arrivals Calib Shaefer - LE Behavior Management Specialist Mike Geffre - MS Boys Tennis Coach Chet Vandenberg - Varsity Assistant Boys Basketball(Split) Jorden Edwards - Varsity Assistant Boys Basketball(Split)​ Departures Abigail Pliley - CS Online Special Education Consultant Board Discussion MASB Winter Institute - February 24-26, 2023 Board Member Enrollment Information given to Alisa by Friday Presentations Bond Update - Shawn Parshall(TowerPinkster), Anastasia Wojcik & Tom Stanek(OAK) 2022-2023 SY Benchmark Assessment Results & Progress Update - Corey Harbaugh, Curriculum Director Pride & Progress Citizens of the Month - January 2023: Lydia Killam - 6th Grade Ava Sweitzer - 7th Grade Liliana Brausch - 8th Grade Next Regular Meeting March 13, 2023, 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 - February

February 17, 2023
On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once a...
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Jennifer “Jen” Carra, a paraprofessional at Paw Paw Early Elementary, is being celebrated and recognized as a hero

Paraprofessional Hailed as a Hero for Saving a Child’s Life

February 3, 2023
For Immediate Release: Contact: Rick Reo, Superintendent 269-415-5200 rick.reo@ppps.org Paw Paw Early Elementary Paraprofessional Hailed as a Hero for Saving a Child’...
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​On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once approved by the Board. Please join us when you can in person, but if you cannot attend, full videos of the meetings are posted on our Youtube channel within a few days. PPPS Board of Education - Board Meeting Summary January 9, 2023 Regular Business Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm Adjournment at 10:06 pm Board Members Present: Baney Clark McNitt Mitchell Pease Vick Board Members Absent: Martin Public Participation: T. Schantz C. Houston B. Tomlinson M. Baleja A. Becker K. Perkins A. Webster A. Stewart L. Baleja J. Bowers H. Olivares B. Ladewski Board Approvals Regular Meeting Minutes 12/12/22 Closed Session Minutes 12/12/22 Financial Reports and Monthly Bills Elected Board Officers for 2023 Board Committee Assignments for 2023 Annual Organizational Business Second Reading of Neola Policy 5330 Purchase ECollect and Enrollment Forms Purchase Bus D. Paquette - Mentor Contract Personnel Arrivals 2023/2024 Fall Coaching Staff Departures None Board Discussion ​New Business Office Position Special Board Meeting Presentations High School Robotics Team - B. Tomlinson, HS Robotics Coach Strategic Plan Update - Lisa Shanley, Communications Director Fall Sports Review - Alan Farnquist, Athletic Director Pride & Progress Citizens of the Month - December 2022: Isaac Selle - 6th Grade Ellie Jones - 7th Grade Eliana Verhage - 8th Grade Next Regular Meeting February 13, 2023, 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 - January

January 11, 2023
On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once a...
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Leah Barnes

PPPS Welcomes New Early Elementary Principal Leah Barnes

January 9, 2023
For Immediate Release: Contact: Rick Reo, Superintendent rick.reo@ppps.org Paw Paw Public Schools is proud to welcome Mrs. Leah Barnes as its new Early Elementary Principal. ...
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school bus images

PPPS & Hoekstra Transportation Team Up to Host Bus Driver Recruitment Event

December 1, 2022
For Immediate Release: Contact: Angela Vasquez, Transportation Director angela.vasquez@ppps.org 269-415-5220, ext. 5223 Paw Paw, MI – Anyone with a license can drive...
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Parent Chat December 2022 Info

Parent Chat: Reading for Success

November 22, 2022
On December 1, 2022, from 6-7 PM via Zoom, Paw Paw Public Schools will hold its next Parent Chat program on the topic of Helping Students Read for Success: Strategies, Services,...
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Summary of the November Board Meeting: On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once approved by the Board. Please join us when you can in person, but if you cannot attend, full videos of the meetings are posted on our Youtube channel within a few days. PPPS Board of Education - Board Meeting Summary November 14, 2022 Regular Business Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm Adjournment at 9:37 pm Board Members Present: Baney Martin McNitt Meier Vick Board Members Absent: Clark Public Participation: A. Johnson T. Meier M. Remillard D. Doyle Closed Session for Superintendent Evaluation Board Approvals Regular Meeting Minutes 10/10/22 Special Meeting Minutes 10/24/22 COW Meeting Minutes 10/24/22 Financial Reports and Monthly Bills New High School Course - Creative Writing First Reading of Fall Neola Policies (0144.1, 6108, 6460, 6700, 7440.03, and 9150) Strategic Plan SOC Open for the 2nd Trimester November 15 - November 23(See SOC form on district website for grade level openings) Personnel Arrivals Katey Sampson - First Grade Teacher Departures Stephanie Walker - Executive Director of Business Operations Melissa Remillard - Early Elementary Principal Brent McNitt - School Board Member Note: B. McNitt took his newly elected school board seat immediately. Presentations Qualtrics Presentation by Jace Johns Student Academic Data Update by Corey Harbaugh Pride & Progress Citizens of the Month - October 2022: Paige SHolander - 6th Grade Roman Sonnenberg - 7th Grade Karleigh Stamp - 8th Grade Next Regular Meeting December 12, 2022, 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 - November

November 18, 2022
On behalf of the Board of Education we are pleased to provide these new quick summaries of our meetings for review. Full minutes will continue to be posted on the PPPS site once a...
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Student winners

PPHS Students Win 1st & 2nd Place in Van Buren Courts Art Contest

November 4, 2022
Paw Paw, MI – During the month of September, Van Buren County Courts held an Art Contest for all Van Buren County High School students. The theme of the contest was “Blind Jus...
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