MPSConnect is a convenient communications tool for you to connect with me. Every message comes to my desktop. Either I or another MPS staff members will do all we can to reply to your message within the next work day.

Michael E. Sharrow, Superintendent

MPSConnect Link: https://www.midlandps.org/content2/706

October 11, 2021 Volume 9 - Edition 11

Superintendent Communiqué

Midland PS District Vision Statement

Lead with respect, trust and courage.

Ensure an equitable, collaborative and inclusive culture.

Enable all to achieve success.

Did you know ... MPS has over 45 Career & Technical Education (CTE) classes from which high school students may choose?

One such set of courses is Car Care, Auto Tech 1 & Auto Tech 2. These courses are housed at HH Dow High and are taught by Lance Ransom.

One of the major components of Midland PS being able to offer these high-quality, hands-on automotive courses for students is that the MPS auto program is accredited by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). This is a very time-consuming, detailed accreditation process that ensures the Dow High program maintains the ASE's high standards in instruction and other program standards. We would like to take a moment to say kudos to Automotive Teacher Lance Ransom for a great program and for successfully completing the ASE Accreditation process in 2021. This is a 5-year accreditation that does not expire until 2026.

We would also like to recognize and thank ...

  • Autos Advisory Committee members: Mickell Wiegert, Midland Ford; Ron Kissane, All A's Automotive; Jim Miller, Delta College; Mark Russell, Midland NAPA; Mike Cohoon, MAC Services.

  • On-Site Evaluation Team members: Dave Forbes & Mickell Wiegert, Midland Ford; Tom Hodges, All A's Automotive; Mack Gaut, ASE.

Here is an excerpt from the email the District received from the ASE Education Foundation informing administration of the MPS Auto program's approved accreditation:

Complete evaluation results of the automobile technician-training program H.H. Dow High School have been received and reviewed. We are pleased to inform you that your program meets the strict industry standards required for ASE Program Accreditation. Both the educational and automotive communities should be proud of your commitment to quality.

Congratulations to Lance Ransom!

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Central Park Elementary 5th Grade students virtually attended a performance by Mariachi Herencia de México, as part of the “Windows on the World Series” at the Midland Center for the Arts. This Grammy-nominated youth ensemble performed several traditional songs from Mexico and also highlighted the different instruments needed to create the unique mariachi sound! Our 5th grade Central Park Explorers even participated in a moderated Q & A with the musicians!


Students were able to make numerous connections to the World Language “How We Express Ourselves” PYP unit as well as discuss ties to language arts and music.


Thank you to MPS World Language teacher, Yolanda Collier, for sharing this photo and information!

Admission (at gate):

$5 adults

$3 students (non-perform)

$3 senior citizens


We hope you can join us and watch these student musicians shine!!!

MARCHING BAND SHOWCASE IS THIS WEDNESDAY!

Wednesday, October 13 at 5:55 pm

Midland Community Stadium

Come to the Stadium to see and hear the talented marching bands in the Midland, Bay City, Saginaw and surrounding areas!

Here is this year's performance schedule:

  • 5:55 Star Spangled Banner

  • 6:00 John Glenn

  • 6:15 West Branch-Ogemaw Heights

  • 6:30 Farwell

  • 6:45 Swan Valley

  • 7:00 Bay City Western

  • 7:15 Bullock Creek

  • 7:30 Essexville-Garber

  • 7:45 Meridian

  • 8:00 Bay City Central

  • 8:15 Midland High

  • 8:30 HH Dow High

  • 8:45 Saginaw Valley State University

Have you checked out the MPS Flyer Boards recently?

MPS STUDENT & COMMUNITY FLYER BOARDS

Midland PS has been using a flyer board system so families know about fun opportunities happening for MPS students around the community for many years. The MPS Student Flyer Board has fun things to do for students and the MPS Community Flyer Board is more geared toward adults and parenting types of opportunities.

For instance, currently on the Student Flyer Board, did you know that

  • an event to launch the Voices of Black Midland digital exhibit is being held at Midland Center for the Arts on October 23

  • the ROCK is hosting a Ghoulish Gathering featuring a haunted maze & costume contest on October 29

  • the Freeland SportsZone is hosting a Mother Daughter Event on November 4


These and many more flyers are posted on the MPS Community and Student Flyer Boards.

Community organizations are sending their flyers to us all the time. Check the Flyer Boards often.


Both of these links are located on the District Details page of this weekly Communique.

2022 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED

Wednesday, May 25, is the date set for the 2022 Graduation Ceremonies for HH Dow High and Midland High Schools at Dow Diamond. This year, Dow High's graduation will be held at 4:00 pm while Midland High's graduation will be held at 7:00 pm. In case of inclement weather on the 25th, the Graduation Ceremonies will be held Thursday, May 26. Stay tuned to upcoming Communiques for more specific information as the school year progresses.

King's Daughter's Christmas Closet forms are due to school offices by this Friday--October 15

Community Christmas Closet, sponsored by the King's Daughters of Midland, provides clothing for students. If you are interested in completing this form for your student, gift request forms are available in your school office or on the MPS Community and Student Flyer Boards. Completed forms are due to us by October 15, 2021.

We name MPS Shining Stars every month during the school year. If you know of an MPS team member who goes above and beyond to make MPS a better place for students, please consider nominating them for a Shining Star. Here is the link to the nomination form: https://www.midlandps.org/Content2/shining-star-nomination-form

In this space each week, we will include fun events and happenings around the District that MPS families and community members may like to attend. If you have any questions about these events, please call the school office. Phone numbers for all of the school offices are located on the District Details page of this Communique.

Here are some upcoming events in the District:

  • October 13: Marching Band Showcase at Midland Community Stadium

  • October 22: 1st Marking Period Ends

  • October 28: Northeast Middle School's MUSIQUE A La Mode

  • October 28-30: Midland High's Drama Dept. presents Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

  • November 2: NO SCHOOL -- Professional Development Day for Staff

  • November 4: Jefferson Middle School's Music & More

  • November 6: HH Dow High RenFair at Midland Center for the Arts

  • November 19-20: HH Dow High's Drama Department presents The Bully Plays

  • November 24: 1/2 day of school (check with your child's school for release time)

  • November 25-26: No School -- Thanksgiving Holiday

"October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again."

-- Hal Borland