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 25, 2021 Volume 9 - Edition 13

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.

HAPPY

KINDNESS WEEK,

MIDLAND COUNTY!

OCTOBER SHINING STARS

Congratulations to

  • Lindsay Timmerman, Jefferson Middle School Counselor

  • Robin Reinke, Bus Driver in the MPS Transportation Department

who have been named MPS Shining Stars for October 2021! Both of these dedicated MPS team members were nominated for the Shining Star by MPS parents. Thank you to Lindsay and Robin for going above and beyond to make MPS a better place for students. These Shining Star awards will be presented at this evening's MPS Board of Education meeting.

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

Chemic Seniors &

College Applications

Last week, Chemic Seniors worked with their counselors and each Senior completed at least one college application.

We can't wait to see

"the places you'll go!"

Detective Benzing Visits Midland High

What is better than having your science teacher introduce a crime scene investigation unit? How about having a Midland County Detective with a degree in forensic anthropology introduce the crime scene investigation unit! Mrs. McDonald’s MHS Human Body Systems students were thrilled to have Detective Brent Benzing visit their classrooms! Just a few of the topics the Investigator had students thinking about included ... how tv and real-life cases differ, using logic to make sense of the sometimes illogical, what evidence can tell us, and our innate ability to communicate.

After the presentation, there was only one complaint… We wish we had more time to learn from the Detective!

Here are a few of the takeaways as stated by the students:

  • Whenever a human being walks into a room, they leave a part of themselves in there. It's just a matter of forensics being able to find it. There's a lot more than appears with the naked eye.

  • Most of our communication is non-verbal.

  • I really liked the pictures and how we got to guess and identify what happened. I also really liked how so many questions were answered and brought to our attention that tv is not all the truth and can affect potential cases.

  • I learned that there are many parts of being a detective and it can be very challenging, but it is a very important job. I also learned that usually tv shows are not very accurate and they can seriously affect a case when people are not properly educated.


We are grateful for the level of hard work, expertise, and commitment that law enforcement professionals like Detective Benzing bring to Midland County! We are also grateful that Mr. Benzing expanded his investigative job duties to include teaching at Midland High!

This week the Midland High Drama Department presents, Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." Performance and ticket purchase information is below:

  • Thursday, October 28, at 7:00 pm at Central Auditorium

  • Friday, October 29, at 7:00 pm at Central Auditorium

  • Saturday, October 30, at 7:00 pm at Central Auditorium

Tickets may be purchased at https://centralauditorium.ludus.com/

Experiencing the Beauty of Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy has a history of more than 3,000 years. It is both an art and a skill. In their recent Mandarin classes, Jefferson Middle School Huskies were able to experience the beauty of the Chinese characters; learn about Chinese culture; improve observation skills; and cultivate concentration, patience, and attentiveness through their study of the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy. The Jefferson Mandarin classes are taught by Lifang Qiu.

COVID UPDATE -- Every school day, Midland Public Schools continues to post on the front page of our website (www.midlandps.org) the number of positive-tested individuals, the number of close contacts, and a link to the Daily COVID-19 Report by School. This past weekend, public school districts in Midland County received an updated 2021-22 COVID-19 Guide from the Midland County Department of Public Health. The updated guide has been posted on the front page of the MPS website.

Here is the link to the Updated Guide: https://www.midlandps.org/docs/district/Covid-19/MidlandSchools21-22COVID-19FlowSheet_Oct2021.pdf

ELEMENTARY PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES -- Thursday, November 11 -- 1/2 DAY OF SCHOOL FOR ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS Elementary conferences will take place from 1:00-4:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm. (Middle & High School students have a full day of school on November 11).

Midland PS has been using a flyer board system for many years so families know about fun opportunities happening for MPS students around the community. 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.

Did you know that fun Halloween events are posted on the Student Flyer Board? For instance:

  • A FREE PUMPKIN PARTY at Creative 360 on October 27

  • A GOULISH GATHERING at The Rock on October 29

  • A FRANKENSTEIN FRIDAY at CMU on October 29

  • A TRUNK OR TREAT at Midland Recyclers on October 31


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.


Student Flyer Board: https://sites.google.com/midlandps.org/studentflyers/ & Community Flyer Board: https://sites.google.com/midlandps.org/communityflyers

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 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's RenFair at Midland Center for the Arts

  • November 11: ELEMENTARY 1/2 day of school for Parent-Teacher Conferences

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

  • November 20: Midland Santa Parade (MPS schools and high school bands will participate)

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

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

  • December 20-22: High School Exams

  • December 22: 1/2 day of school

Looking Ahead:

  • May 25: High School Graduation at Dow Diamond (DHS @ 4:00; MHS at 7:00)

  • May 26: Rain Date for High School Graduation

"Children need to get a high-quality education, avoid violence and the criminal-justice system, and gain jobs. But they deserve more.

We want them to learn not only reading and math but fairness, caring, self-respect, family commitment, and civic duty."

-- Colin Powell