Mr. Beckeman's Blog

Do you know what your lexile score is?  Wait…do you know what a lexile score measures?

A lexile measure is a score a student receives after engaging in (our case) the Scholastic Reading Inventory.  Once students know what their current lexile measure is, they can see where they “measure” up to the expected lexile measure range set as proficient for their grade level.

The photo below shows students in the sophomore hallway discussing the bulletin board information on student performance on our initial reading inventory taken in early September.

The photo below shows the actual bulletin board that students are viewing:

Our intent with the bulletin boards is to get students talking about their lexile scores.  With this in mind, the instructional staff have been engaging students in two reading strategies (Direct Vocabulary Instruction and Reciprocal Teaching) to improve reading comprehension. 

We have two more SRI tests planned for students.  The next SRI will be given in late January (progress monitoring) and the final SRI in May.  We’re hopeful that students will see their lexile scores meet or exceed the proficiency range for their grade.

Mr. Andy Hanichen, long time educator for Reeths-Puffer Schools has been, over the past two years,  serving our district as site manager for our Energy Management Program.

With the economy struggling, our district has sharpened the pencil in every area to save dollars for our kids.  The Energy Management Program has been a great asset to our district since September 2005, helping to educate us on ways in which we can save energy costs.

Since September of 2005, our district has been able to avoid costs of $908,765.79!

What does that savings look like at the high school?  The answer is a savings of $123,900.48!  This figure represents a 29.86% savings on what our costs would’ve been if we hadn’t taken advantage of the partnership with our Energy Management Program and the supportive oversite given by Mr. Hanichen.

We are very conscious of turning off lights, closing blinds, alternating when our air handlers, exhaust fans and univents are powered up and down.  The efforts of staff have been tremendous in helping us to conserve energy and save money.

Our goal this year is to improve on our building’s percentage on total energy savings.  The standard is set high but I believe we are up to the task!

Friday, October 16th was resolved through a school proclomation as Dr. Dale K. Nesbary day prior to the start of the varsity football game against Holland High School.  Dr. Nesbary was recently named President of Muskegon Community College after serving as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Albion College.

Dr. Nesbary took time to visit both the middle school and high school during the day and was guest of honor at a reception staged by the band program later in the day.

The real tribute to Dr. Nesbary was giving him the opportunity to direct the best band in the land in the playing of the National Anthem.  Dr. Nesbary (1973 grad) was drum major at R-PHS for three years and an accompished trombone player.

We are very proud of Dr. Nesbary’s appointment at Muskegon Community College and wanted to make his arrival to his Alma Mater one to remember.

The photo below shows Mr. Stephen Cousins, superintendent of schools presenting Dr. Nesbary with a plaque commemorating this day in his honor.  Mr. Mike Weessies, current school board member is also congratualting Dr. Nesbary.

Dr. Nesbary prepares to direct the R-PMS & R-PHS bands in the National Anthem

R-PHS enjoyed another great homecoming week with students engaging in dress-up days, face-painting, powderpuff and homecoming skits.  The annual chicken dinner was a success even with a little rain from mother nature.

The homecoming court had the following students representing the high school: 

Future King & Queen:  Sarah Huiber & Baily Pulos

Freshmen Reps: Courtney McGarey & Sam Faino

Sophomore Reps: Amanda Harger & Ben Wheeler

Junior Reps: Blake Ames & Jameson Neiger-Bickham

Senior Court:

Alexandra Wilson & Caden Beals

Brittany Merritt & John McCleve

Ashley Jakus & Nate Elliott

Harmonei Buckner & Joey Sterritt

And our Homecoming King & Queen:

Kristine Stewart & Derek Gramza

R-PHS was well represented in a recent student art exhibit held at the Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery last week.  Three of our artists presented their work and shared their inspiration in creating their pieces with those in attendance. 

 The artwork will continue to be on exhibit at the Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery through October 30th. 

To view the work of Chelsea Kirksey, Forrest Hanson and Matt Kralevic, scroll down!

Matt’s work with photos in this art piece.

Forrest’s artistic clockwork!

Chelsea’s photo creation using items found in the trash!