Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 The Traverse City St. Francis game has been rescheduled for Dec. 21 with the J.V game starting at 6:00 pm.

 Delayed start on Monday, December 16th Rambler Time!

High School P.E- No class on Monday due to Rambler time! Students will be running the mile on Thursday or Friday! The rest of the week will be the same with stretches, push-ups, sit-ups and running on Wednesday and Friday.  Some activities like volleyball, kick ball, floor hockey, flag football will be played to fill in the remainder of the hour, students just need to be active.

General Shop- On Monday, I will go over cutting the top for the  night stand to fit the top of the night stand. This will include sanding and routering top! I will also demonstrate fastening the top to the night stand. 

* Main goal of the week is to get every ones top done! So we can start drawers after Christmas Break.

Advance Shop- Just make some good progress  on projects this last week before Break!

Basketball this Week-

The season starts Monday with the Varsity and J.V playing Glen Lake home Monday. The Freshmen play T.C West away Monday.

The Varsity and the J.V play Cadillac home on Thursday.


Wednesday, December 11th, all 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be testing in the morning. Seniors are excused for the morning ( except those who go to CTC). 

General Shop- On Monday, I will be going over with all the General Shop students what hardware (hinges, handles and or knobs) they will need to purchase for the their night stand project. Students will not need these items until after Christmas break.
Tuesday we will continue to work on math fractions! Addition and subtraction.. 
The remainder of the week students will focus on the finish construction of their doors and drawer fronts.
We will also start the construction of our nightstand drawer this week.

Advance Shop- On Monday I will look over all Advance Shop projects and set some goals with students.
On Tuesday all students will work on fractions again (addition and subtraction)!
The remainder of the week will be project oriented with students trying to make progress on their project.

High School P.E- Students will continue to exercise on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays!  All students will run the mile again before Christmas Break. Students are preparing by running laps.

"Success is a Daily Task!"

Boys Varsity and J.V are going to Reed City on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd for a Scrimmage!

General Shop- Students are working on doors for their nightstand. If they get their doors done they need to make a drawer front. I gave a handout explaining the door construction process and the dimensions for building a drawer front. Once doors are built students need to square and router their doors! I will be going over that in class!

On Monday I will be giving students a pre-test on fractions. It will  include Addition, Subtraction, Multiplying and Division.

Advance Shop- Most students are doing a great job! I have some who just don't work everyday! I only ask students to try and do one thing each day! For example: Glue together a top, cut out and joint the boards for top or sand a top down and cut to size! They also need to clean up!

*On Monday students will be given a pre-test on fractions! See General Shop above for details.

High School P.E- Those who dress and participate will get an "A"! I have some students who don't do either and will fail this 9 weeks. We will be going in to the weight room.

  Happy Thanksgiving!


General Shop- Things are progressing really well for the part. Students will continue to build doors this week. They will be routering the outside pieces and making the inside door panels. The goal is to have all doors put together by end of the day Wednesday.  Students need to work on sanding when they are done with the next step, or are unable to work.

Advance Shop-  Most students are doing okay and progressing well on projects! I have some students who do very little everyday so I ask that parents check Power School!  I got some students who have never taken shop before who are doing excellent!

High P.E Classes-Looking to have three days of some physical activity and fun! Classes are going well! Just a couple students in first hour who refuse to dress and are going to fail if they don't. 

Boys Basketball Practice starts Monday!!! This is for all boys in grades 9th -12th. The 9th and 10th grade practice right after school (3:00-5:00). The 11th-12th grade practice 5:00-7:00.

Delayed Start on Monday!!


General Shop-Making doors this week. I will review how to build the doors for the nightstand project!
Students will be given a handout that explains what boards need to be cut and how to router them as well as correct raised panel size inside the door. Students can always SAND their project when they cannot do anything or are waiting for my assistance. 

* To much homework being done in class instead of work on project (nightstand).


Advance Shop- Students are doing alot better job on projects! We have a some nice things being built.
Most Advance Shop projects take up a substantial amount of the school year. I encourage students to understand that they just need to accomplish 1 or 2  things each day and by the end of the week they will see good progress. If your student is not getting an "A" it probably is because they do homework or no work.

High P.E- Going back to the weight room this week! The plan is Tuesday and Thursday! Students will need to write down their work in order to get credit! Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's will stay the same with push-ups, sit-ups and running.

* If your son or daughter is getting a poor grade this quarter it is probably because they don't dress or participate! I have students who are not the most athletic getting an "A", because they dress and participate.

 Reminder that boys basketball practice for 9th-12th graders starts on Nov. 18th. Those trying out for the Freshmen and J.V team will practice 3:00 to 5:00. Those trying out for the Varsity will practice 5:00 to 7:00.

All players need a physical before they can practice!

Parent teacher conferences are Thursday, Nov. 14th. 1:00 -7:00 in the classrooms of the teachers.

 General Shop - These next three days will be focused on getting every ones trim around the bottom of their project. Once their trim is on students will be directed to sand their project thoroughly inside and out. Next week students will focus on building the doors for their night stand. No math this past week! Students were working on their trim and some were struggling so I just focused there.

Advance Shop- Students are progressing well on projects now that we had a little focus speech! I didn't get to the math assignment, but plan to get some work on fractions soon with some ACT math questions as well. This week I will review all projects, spend some time with each student and try to drive home to them the idea of paying attention to detail.  

Physical Education-Did not get into the weight room last week because I was gone on Tuesday. I want to get in there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, things are going well for the most part. I still have some students who don't dress and don't participate.
A student cannot pass P.E class without dressing and participating. I give students options to walk if they do not want to participate in the days activity.

 Middle School Boys Green and White game Tuesday Nov. 5th with the 7th grade starting at 6:00 pm followed by the 8th grade.

Varsity/J.V/Freshmen- Start practice on Monday Nov. 18th. I will a have meeting this week for sign-up with info. to follow.

Advance Shop- New clean-up jobs will be assigned. A focus speech is coming! Their needs to be a better work effort put forth by most students.

This week-

• Look for a math assignment this week that deals with fractions and measurement.
• I will review all projects with each student.

General Shop- New clean-up jobs will be assigned this week with a focus on students doing their clean-up job the best they can. I will be going over with all students in General Shop the correct way to build their trim pieces, router them, cut the angles and attach the pieces on to the night stand.

This week-

• Assign clean-up jobs with a emphasis on doing a quality job.
• Review sanding of project.
• Explain how to build and attach trim on night stand.
• Look math assignment on measurement and fractions.

Physical Education- Working back into the weight room two days a week for this the second marking period .(Tuesday and Thursday). Students will focus on 3 prime lifts (bench press, squat and curls) and a couple of secondary lifts. Their lifts will need to be documented.

This week-    

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will still be normal with warm-up (2laps), stretches, Sit-ups and Push-ups and more running followed by a class activity( soccer, basketball, floor hockey, ultimate frisbe etc).
• Tuesday and Thursday will weight lifting days!
• 
  

Class participation is important as well as getting dressed if a student needs wants an (A).          

• Monday, Wednaesdq

Reminder no school Friday, November 1st. Professional  Development Day for the ISD.


General Shop- Things are progressing well with the night stand project. This week students will be working on the face frame pieces outlying the drawer and the doors of their night stand.  Some students still need to get the back on their night stand this week as well. I will put a focus on sanding this week too!.

This week-

• The main focus of the week will be getting every ones face frame pieces on.
• The next thing to get done this week will be to get every ones back on as well.
• When students have that done they need to really concentrate on sanding their project.

Advance Shop- Some good things here, but not the progression I had hoped for with some students and their projects. Monday I will review every ones project before they go to work and set some personal goals with each student.  I want some variety in the type of projects being built, but I also want them to be of high quality as well.

This week-

• Set some goals for each student!
• Work on some Math (fractions).

Physical Education- Dress and participation are the name of the game! Some students do not dress and on top of it do not participate! I strongly suggest that parents and students go on Power School and look at their grades. Points are loss for the day when students fail to dress and participate, which ultimately hurt the students grade. I will not just give out "A's".  Currently, we jog 2 laps, stretch as a group and do sit-ups and push-ups before we run 5 laps om Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Afterwards we do a class (group) activity such as Floor Hockey, Flag Football, Air Force Football, basketball and soccer. Tuesday and Thursday we stretch, run and do a class activity.

Everyday if a student dresses and participates they can get 20 points or lose points for not dressing and participating!

Looking to go in the weight room starting the next 9 weeks. One week to go!

TWO HOUR DELAY ON MONDAY THE 21ST! RAMBLER TIME! STUDENTS WILL HAVE 1ST AND 4TH HOURS!



Middle School boys start practice on Monday the 21st! Players need a physical on file in order to participate. Mr. Lars Fredin is the 8th grade boys coach and Mr. Shawn Murphy is the 7th grade  coach.

General Shop- Things are progressing well on the night stands. Most students are working hard and doing a nice job with the craftsmanship. Almost all students have their projects in a box form now.

This week-

• Students will work on putting on the back of their night stand.
• Students will start work on the face frame of their night stand.
• I will demonstrate this week how to use the pocket jig.
• I also will review sanding as well.
• Look for some math this week.

Advance Shop- We got some nice projects being built and some students working hard, well others are being lazy and non- productive. This will show up on the report card. To much homework being done. No easy A's will be given.

This week-

• Set some goals.
• Look for some Math this week.

Physical Education- Students need to Dress and Participate!! If not this will affect their grade. Report cards come out in two weeks and some students will be upset. I have reminded them weekly. Doing homework can also hurt someones grade.

 This week-

• Students will continue to have stretches, running, sit-ups, and push-ups on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!
• Possibility if going back to the weight room 2-3 times a week.

Quote: A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.

 Two reminders! Middle School basketball for 7th and 8th grade boys starts on Monday, October 21st right after school. The second thing is they need a physical on file in the Athletic office in order to practice!!!

 General Shop- Things are progressing well with the night stand construction! Currently students are putting their projects into a box. The ultimate goal is to get every ones project into a box by the end of the week.

This week-

• Students will work to put their project into a box form.
• After  that they will work to get their back on their project.

Note: I have been trying to hold some students back alittle to keep everyone together.

Advance Shop- Students are working well for the most part. I still have a few who remain unmotivated! It is frustrating when I feel like I 'm doing the most work.  I could use some help, I know some students were put in shop and didn't want it but let's make the best of it.

I do require students to work and clean up!! This s part of their grade!

This week-

• Make progress on all projects.
• Get everyone to clean -up and be productive.

Physical Education- Students ran the mile last week Wednesday!  All students completed the task except for a few. I'm surprised at how well they did. Although the students run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! Along with push-ups and sit-ups. I'm just trying to get students active and moving everyday well gaining some strength.

General Shop- The General Shop classes didn't quite make their goal of having everyone get their sides glued together by the end of last week. That will be the goal this week again! The students are really doing a nice job and things are progressing well.

This week-

• Get everyone's sides glued together.
• Have everyone square up their panel sides once they are glued together.
• Cut the groove in the back of the sides to accept the back later.
• Attach the sides cleats to help in the assembly of the night stand into a box.
• Assemble the night stand into a box.
• Look for some math work to start this week!

Advance Shop- There are some neat projects being made in the Advance Shop classes. Most students again are working hard and doing a nice job. However, I still have a few students who do homework, don't work everyday etc, and this is hurting their grade.

This week-

• I will be talking to each student in Advance Shop one-on-one to set goals for the week.
• Look for some math work to start this week.

Physical Education- I still need the concussion forms! This is a state mandate (law) that I collect these forms and put them into the students CA 60 file.

This week- 

• Students will run the mile! As part of their physical assessment.
• Continue to stretch, due push-ups , sit-ups, and run on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's.
• Activities include soccer, flag football and floor hockey this week.

  

 Parents I need the concussion forms returned in the P.E classes!

General Shop- Students are finishing up their raised panels for their nighstands.  They will start putting their sides together and I will need review the following this week in class.

The General Shop Pre-Test will be on Tuesday!

This week:

• How to glue together project sides so students have a left and a right.
• Where to put the glue when gluing together their sides so panels are free to move.
• How to check to make sure their sides are square when they glue them.
• How to square up their sides of their night stand once glued!

The goal is to get everyones sides to their night stand glued together by the end of the week.

Advance Shop- To many students spending time on homework instead of working and this hurts their grade. So no more homework!
Most students are doing a great shop and are progressing well on their projects. I still have a few who are not working for a variety of reasons ( wood ).

This week:

• Again this week I want to set some goals with students.
• Make an emphasis to make sure we are doing quality work.

Physical Education- Students will be running the mile this week for a time as part of their pre-assessment. I will try to pick a day that doesn't effect their games.

P.E classes have gone real well with student particitpation being excellent!



Until you try, you won't know what you can't do!

Henry James

Parents and P.E students you will be getting a Concussion Fact Sheet that needs to be signed and returned this week! These forms need to returned and put in the students CA60 file until they turn 18 years. This is a State Law passed in June!!
General Shop- Students are working on building their side panel blanks this week. These will become the actual raised panels that fit into the sides. The goal is to get every ones sides glued together by the end of the week. Classes are going pretty well with students working and making good progress. My frustration is the clean-up at that end of the hour.

This week-

• Continue to build the raised panels for the sides.
• Get the sides of the nightstand glued together.
• Make an emphasis to get students to clean up better.
• Take the Pre-test! I know I said we would take last week!

Advance Shop- Everyone has a project and is working!  However, with that said, there are a lot of students who have been using class time to do homework! So if you see grades have slipped for your son/daughter that is probably the reason.

This week-

• On Monday I will review all projects and set some goals with each student as to what I think they should get done this week.
• Take a Pre-test!
• Put an emphasis on clean-up!

Physical Education- Students will continue to be tested on push-ups and sit-ups this week. There will also be testing  on flexibility this week. I just would like to see everyone dress and participate!

This  week-

• Students will be tested on their ability to do sit-ups and push-ups.
• Students will be tested on their flexibility.
• Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday  students will warm-up (jog 2 laps) stretch, do sit-ups, push-ups, and run 6 laps. Getting ready to run the mile next week!

General Shop- Students will continue to work on routering parts A,B,C, and D. Once done with parts A,B,C,and D students will begin to build there raised panels to fit inside there sides. I covered the dimensions and the building process already in class. We did not get to the Pre-Test this week, so hopefully later this week. Students have done an excellent job of working and cleaning up.


This week:

• Students will work on getting parts A,B,C and D routerred.
• Students will work on building panels for there sides.
• Look for Pre-test later in the week.

Advance Shop- Most students have started building their project and are off and running.I have a few students who have yet to get started! This will be reflected in their grade this week. Look for a sheet to come home this week that needs to be signed. It will state what your son/daughter is building in class and an estimate as to what I think it will cost.

        

This week:

• Students are working on selecting a project to build.
• Students are expected to get started building their project.

Physical Education Class- I will continue to test students on sit-ups, push-ups, the sit and reach, bench press, squat and the mile run. Your son/daughter need to be dressed for class and participating.

Important notice!!! All students enrolled in a  P.E class according to a new State Law must read a concussion flyer, have it signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school. It will be put in their CA-60 file in the high school office and must remain there until they are 18.

Quote of the Week:

The most important part of work is the beginning!  Plato

September 9, 2013

Reminder: The 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be testing in the morning on Wednesday, Sept. 11th. Seniors do not have to come to school in the morning.

General Shop- This week students will spend time working on their nightstand cutting out boards A,B,C and D. These are the first boards in the construction process of building the nightstand. To get started students were tested over the Table Saw and the Radial Arm Saw. They also had to make a selection of the type of wood they wanted to use in the construction of their project.

This week-

• Work on project
• Some math work on fractions
• Pre-Test 

 Advance Shop- Students are in the process of selecting a project, drawing it and creating a cutting list. Once a project is selected, students will get a sheet to bring home that shows what the project is and the estimated cost of that project. I will need this signed by a parent!

This week-

• Every student selects a project
• All students are working

Physical Education- Pre-testing week! Students will be pre-tested on their physical attributes( push-ups, sit-ups, bench press and sit-ups). Students just need to give an effort when performing these task.

• Warm-up (2) laps, stretch as a team, do push-ups and sit-ups together, and run 5 or 6  more laps.
• Weight room Monday and Tuesday!
• Play some sports to be physically active on Tuesday and Thursday.

Quote of the week:

Don't give up up! Don't ever give up!

Jimmy Valvano

Welcome Back!  I hope everyone had a great summer! My summer was great and relaxing.

General Shop- On Tuesday I will give all students a handout that covers what students can expect through out the year. Here are a few points about the class I would like to cover right now for parents-

• This class is set-up to be a year long.
• All students make a nightstand  that generally takes a majority of the year.(The project will have paneled sides, a dovetailed draw and two paneled doors.)
• Project cost for students will be $75.00 ( It can be paid all at once, in payments or by the end of the school year.)
• Everyday day students are given a daily grade value of 20 points based on attendance, work ethic and clean-up.

Parents can look for a handout that you need to review, sign and return. Thanks

Advance shop- I will review on Tuesday all expectations regarding work, clean-up and  behavior. The remainder if the week will focus on tool review and project start-up.

Note: Parents I expect all students in in Advance Shop to build a project a project! Some students will be allowed to experiment with the new CADD software. Any questions please contact me.

Physical Education- This first week of school I will be covering class expectations and assigning  everyone a gym locker. Students will not be given an "A" unless they earn it by participation in all activities and show respect for everyone.
Grading- Each day is worth 20 points. To get the 20 points a student needs to do the following three things-

• Be dressed in shorts, t-shirt, with tennis shoes and in their attendance spot by 8:05.(worth 5 points)
• Participate in all activities with effort and a good attitude (worth 10 points)

Show respect to everyone and behave! ( worth 5 points)

GRADES FOR ALL CLASSES ARE UPDATED WEEKLY ON POWER SCHOOL!

Quote of the week:YOU HAVE TO EXPECT THINGS OF YOURSELF BEFORE YOU CAN DO THEM.

MICHAEL JORDAN

There will be Exams in General and Advance Shop!

See exam schedule for times and days.

Advance Shop- There are still a few students who need to push hard here this last week in order to get all projects finished before the end of the year! I also need to collect money from some students as well! Parents and students I need to get all bills paid up before the end of the year and arrangements for projects to go home. Please do not wait until the last day. Thanks for your understanding. Those students who are done with their project need to use the time in class and study or finish up projects do in other classes.

General Shop-It has been a good year! There are only a handful of projects to finish. However, I still need to collect money from some students before now and the end of the year. Most students did a nice job and I look forward to seeing some of them next year. There will be an exam over everything you did to build the nightstand and some math work especially with fractions.

All lockers will be cleaned out of the lockerooms before the end of the year so get your stuff out ! This is so the custodians can clean and sanitize everything.


Advance and High School P.E- There will be an exam! It will be based on push-ups, sit ups, and the mile run. 33% for each category if the student tries and gives effort. Just a reminder that all lockers need to be cleaned out. Students need to take home their clothes. Alot of clothes are left laying around! Parents have your kids check for everything.

Seniors this is it!!!!! Please make sure you get your project(s) done and paid for by Friday if possible!

Advance Shop- Look for some projects to be posted on my Blog as the school year comes to an end! Those seniors who are getting a "B" or better do not have to take the final exam. For non seniors projects look good as far as getting them done by the end of the year. Students who are done can start and build a small project before the end of the year,  or start a project and work on it next year if they know they will be back in shop for sure.

General Shop- It looks like all night stands will get done by the end of the school year! Students who are done with their project completely need to pay for it and take it home. I want all projects to be paid for before they go home! Students who are done now can build something small and finish by the end of the year, or for those students who want to be in shop next year there is the option to start something now and finish it next year. Another option for some is to work on homework.

Advance P.E/ High School P.E- As the school year comes to a close we will work on our conditioning and retest in the areas of push-ups, sit-ups, and running the mile. This will be the final exam.

Advance Shop -The main focus from here until the end of the year will be finishing up projects! Seniors have two weeks left of school and that is my main goal  right now-TO GET THEM FINISHED BUILT AND STAINED SO I CAN SPRAY! (Spraying is a process of actually spraying every project "3" times minimum, sometimes it may be more. I don't really want any projects going home until they are all paid for first! Those students done can either work on homework, help someone or make a small project if they have time.

General Shop- My main goal is to get all projects finished by the end of the year and have them look nice. Those students done with their project or about done can use their time to study, help someone on their project or start another project if it is small or if they plan to come back next year. A reminder that all nightstand projects are $75.00. and I want the project paid for before it goes home.

Advance and General P.E classes- A reminder to all parents that "PARTICIPATION" by your son/daughter directly impacts their grade. "PARTICIPATION" IS :1. Getting to class on time and being dressed for class. 2. Actually being involved by moving about and engaging in the activity. 3. Having a good cooperative attitude with the other students and the teacher. Each day is worth 20 points with a week being worth 100 points. Not dressing and /or participating really brings the grade down!

Advance Shop- Senior projects need to get done and paid for by May 17th!!!!  They only have 15 days of school left. Some of them act as if they have all year and it is very frustrating!! Ditto goes for the the under classman as well. We are on the down side of things and my main objective is to get all projects done and finished, plus I want them to look nice!






 General Shop- Some students need to get hardware for their projects ASAP. Most students are in good shape to get done before the end of the year!! However, there are alot of projects that need to be sprayed three times so it takes awhile.Students who are done can work on home work or help other students or make something small. Your son or daughter may be done with their project and work on homework or help someone.

Reminder all night stands are $75.00 and I want to have them paid for by the end of the year.


Advance P.E/ High School P.E- Real simple students need to participate and be active up to their ability if they want an "A". To many students stand during activities and do nothing and I won't give out an "A" for doing nothing!!


The picture below is a head board for  a bed that Brendon Hortemiller made this year. He also has a foot board to match. Look for other student projects in the weeks to follow.

Advance Shop- Seniors I want things finished before you leave on the 17th of May!!  I also want all the projects paid for if possible as well. Most of you do not want  come back either. Please make arrangements to get things home as well. Seniors you only have 4 weeks left or 20 days!! And the reality is that last week won't really be very productive !!.Parents please help me out too. Everyone else in advance shop seem to be in very good shape as far as getting projects done on time.

General Shop- I will review on Monday who owes what  money on their night stand yet! Students are really starting to get things done now and you should start to see projects coming home!!! Some students need to get hardware yet so we can finish.   There are some really nice projects as far as quality of structure and finish. Now it is time to just get everyone done!

Advance P.E/ High School P.E- Participation, Attitude, and being in Class On Time!!! If students do these three things they will get and "A". It also makes the class fun for everyone when everyone has a good attitude and participates. Do some exercises on three days and be active.

Advance Shop- This a great week for students to get some serious work done on their projects!! The classes will be smaller with seniors gone so there can be more one-on -one time.On Tuesday I will be going over bills and such with those students here now and finishing up with seniors when they get back. A reminder that seniors only have 4 weeks left when they return and I would like to get all their bills and projects done before they are done!

General Shop- From now until the end of the year the focus will be to get projects done! The usual, sanding ,staining, and spraying etc!! Some students need to still get hardware( knobs, handles and hinges!) so we can finish. Reminder that all nightstands are $75.00 and I would like to have that money before the end of the year!


High School/Advance P.E- Trying to make class fun and to get students to participate in some exercise and sport everyday! Most students do a great job and have fun.. Please look at your son/daughter's grade on-line and see how they are doing. Students always have the option to walk laps and sometimes lift rather than do the activity for the day.

Hope everyone had a safe and relaxing spring break.

Hard to believe seniors have only 4 weeks of school after this week! Next week is senior trip and that brings it down to the last 20 days !!!It has been a good year, but it seems like it has gone by really fast.


Advance Shop- Students especially seniors really need to realize that the end of the year is quickly approaching! Two concerns come to mind right away. #1. Getting projects done and finished on time so students don't need to come back after they are out of school. The hard part comes down to making and finishing a quality project, not one that is just thrown together in the last minute. #2. Once a project is done I need to get it home and paid for before the end of the year as well. If I can just get all students to work on task in class this won't be a problem.( Just a reminder,as well, once the project is built and stained it still needs to be sprayed 3 times). I often end up with a log jam trying to get everyone's  projects prayed.

General Shop- Students need to be getting hardware such as hinges, (2pair), and they need a combination of three (handles and / or knobs for their nightstand). Please get everything at one store so the colors match and it's easier to return if necessary! Most General Shop students are sanding and/or are building their drawer. . Some are staining, putting on hardware and are getting close to having their projects sprayed. I really want everyone's project to look nice!



Advance P.E/ High School P.E- Trying to get everyone active and participating! We will work on some cardiovascular and some strength training along with a activity! Monday, Wednesday and Friday's are physical activity days and the rest of the week is activity time. Having fun and being active..

Boy Basketball Last Report Perhaps!

We will have our awards night for boys basketball on March 25th at 6:30 pm in the Multi -Use Room. As a thank you to all the parents I will be bringing in the desserts and drinks, so no one has to make anything. The format will be as follows: Freshmen and Coach Dickerson will go first followed by the J.V and Varsity. It makes for s fun night when everyone attends.


This will be my last post before spring break! I hope everyone has a great and restful spring break.



Advance P.E/ High School P.E- I will say things are going better in class lately. More students are participating and being active. Thank you!  The class format is simple. Students on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are expected to  jog 2 laps ,stretch as a class together, do push-ups and sit-ups together and run 4-5 more laps. After this students are expected to participate in  some class activity. For example, basketball, soccer, flag football, baseball, kick ball, handball, floor hockey or maybe the weight room. Not everyday are all students going to be happy with the chosen activity I know. Tuesday  and Thursday the class just jumps into the given activity. Reminder, students need to dress in gym clothes and actively participate in order to get the full 20 points for the day.


General Shop- Students are expected to work everyday on their  projects. this covers a few things right now like sanding, staining, putting on slides both on the drawer and in the cabinet,setting nails, filling in  nail holes etc. No one is  completely finished so there is work to  do everyday! All students need to get their hardware ( knobs, handles etc and hinges) Any questions please call me at 1-231-920-9700. CLEAN -UP AND A GOOD ATTITUDE ARE ALSO NECESSARY FOR A GOOD GRADE.

Advance Shop- Just get to work and finish projects! Accomplish something every day that is productive. Students need to be thinking about finishing projects and paying for them. Especially the seniors.

Last Basketball Report!!

Well, the players gave it everything! Like I told one concerned parent after the game, I didn't utilize my bench and I got caught up in the emotion of the game. I really try to see things ahead and anticipate where and how I can use certain players and their strenghts, just a bad job coaching this game. I had some players who were struggling and I didn't give some other guys their shot and these guys generally give us that lift. Their bench scored 17 and ours scored 7, again I know I could of used them. Defensively, we did everything well. Our guys took away their transition game, rebounded well, executed on the offensive end and represented McBain  in a very positive manner. Better perhaps then their coach. I really want to say great job to the fans as well! The McBain fans all sat and waited until the Pine River team was presented the district trophy, very classy!

I also want to say thanks to the senior players! Jared Larr, Casey Nicholas, Andy Lucas, Clayton Westdrop, Hunter Powell, Chris Ouwinga and Trevor Lutke for all their hard work, dedication and sacrifices. It was a good ride, 37-9 the last two years and two Conference Championships. I know you wanted more and I apologize, but many players never get to enjoy the successes you young men reached. It was my privilege to have had the opportunity to be your coach and wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

Parents thank you!!! One of the real reasons McBain enjoys the successes it does in basketball is your support and willingness to make sacrifices everyday. You are the best by far. I also want to say thanks for all the food you give to the players after every away game.

Now for the rest of the team. You are a great group of young men with good basketball skills. I look forward to next year because I think all the pieces are there for a very good basketball team. But for now, I want to say thank you as well for your hard work and dedication too! Each of you was very important to the success of this team. Corey Rozeveld, Grant Koster, Lucas Taylor, Grant Gugle, Kyle Heuker, Tristan Wilson, and Cole Powell. And a special thanks to Logan Nielsen for the video taping and on-line video streaming.

To my assistant coaches, THANKS! Jerry Boven a very loyal and hardworking friend for your wisdom and scouting so we could prepare for each game. Roy Dickerson for everything! Mr. McBain because he does anything for all of McBain athletics. George Johnson who is very knowledgeable and should be an inspiration to everyone to do what you love regardless of age!! Drew Bronkema a great player who worked hard and brought that passion to the coaching staff by scouting, watching game film and helping out at practice. They are the the reason we enjoyed the successes we did this year.

Conference Champs, 18-5 a very good season! Our 5 losses were to Cadillac who is now in the class B regional, T.C ST. Francis who lost to Glen Lake in districts, but we beat during the year and two were to Pine River. Who moves into regional play now. The one remaining lost was to a very good Lake City team.



General Shop- Students are working on their nighstands everyday! It is sanding, staining, building and routering a top and finishing their drawer. This will be the routine until at least spring break. Students are in a funk right now, kinda just going through the motions it seems. My goal is to have their nightstands all built by the time spring break gets here, so all we have left is to finish them. (stain,spray)

Advance Shop- It is work and work and work on project time. Most are doing a good job, but some are just going through the motions. Again student s are in a funk! Help me get your son /daughter to work everyday and get something done so we don't scramble at the end of the year.


In the shop classes some student grades are falling because the student doesn't want to work.

Advance P.E/ High School P.E- Just working on staying active and trying to be some what in shape. Student here too are in a funk! Just going through the motions. I will continue to work on some physical fitness and some activities to keep the students active. I'm trying to be flexible by letting students use the weight room, throw for baseball or softball etc.

Basketball Report

Lets talk about the J.V team! A great group of young men who were absolutely a pleasure to work with everyday in practice and during games. I would also like to thank the parents for their support and the opportunity to coach these young men. The season ended with a tough lost to Beal City, an I apologize for not getting everyone into the game. Their overall record was 18-2 and 13-1 in the conference. Stay working hard, lift some weights, work on your game in the off season support each other and many successes will come your way in the future.

The Varsity finished the week beating Evart and Beal City to claim a share of the conference at 12-2, a great finish considering at one time we were 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the conference. With a share of the conference and  goal #1 accomplished the varsity heads into district play tonight at Evart vs Harrison. It is a 8:00 pm start. Wednesday we  would play Manton at 8:00 pm if we win tonight, with the district final on Friday at Evart, game time is 7:00pm. It will be between Lake City and Pine River.

If we play focused and defend well, plus rebound we have a shot to win the district final.

 General Shop- Students continue to work on their tops and their drawers! Some have both finished and are starting to stain! Students need to get their hardware! Hinges,handles and/or knobs. I will get the slides! Stain color and hardware are two things that need to be discussed.

Advance Shop- Pretty simple, students just need to work on their project everyday, clean-up at the end of the hour and be respectful!! If they do those things they will get and "A". Finishing projects and paying for them is critical as we head to the end of the year.

Advance PE/ High School P.E- Running the mile this week in 2nd hour on Thursday! The rest of the week will be physical activities like sit-ups and push-ups and running! After that we will do some activities/ games like soccer, volleyball etc. Participation is key to a good grade!

Basketball Report for this week!

Well, finished off last week with both the Varsity and the J.V both going 2-0 beating Clare and Marion. Now the big week for the Varsity and the J.V!! The J.V want to finish the season at 19-1 and see Mr.Koopman grow his mustache back. Time will tell on that one. The Varsity needs to go 2-0 this week and finish strong going into the districts. There also is the goal of winning the conference. To win at least a share of the conference and keep the conference championships (12)  streak alive they will have to beat Evart at Evart on Tuesday and Beal City at home on Thursday. Also at stake is a 16-4 regular season record.

On the 4th of March  Districts start and are being played at Evart! Our first game is 8:00 pm on Monday.

Advance P.E/ High School P.E- Well, if their is a concern about grades falling it is because of student participation!!! Students show up 1st and 2nd hours whining about doing anything. It is like pulling teeth to get them to do any physical activity. Another reminder that each day is worth 20points!! Students get 5 points if they show up and are dressed to participate and 15 if they actually do something. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are days we do some physical exercises and follow that up with and activity like flag football, soccer, basketball etc. Tuesday and Thursday's we just jog a couple laps and try to get into an activity. In a nut shell, I will not give a student a good grade simply for doing nothing, they need to earn it. If you have questions or concerns call me.

General Shop- Still the same build a drawer and make a top. Students need to do one of 3 things. 1. sand on their project( everything) and get it ready to stain. 2. Build a top! Directions are on the white board in class and we have covered it in class a couple times. 3. Finish building the drawer. No reason to sit and do nothing! Everyday is worth 20 points. Students who sit around and do nothing and don't clean up are hurting their grade.

Advance Shop- Seniors only have about 50 days left of school. So let's get things done. It is simple-Want an "A" work and clean -up everyday! I got alot of students who are just not getting it done! Grades are falling here too.

Boys Basketball Report

After a disappointing lost on homecoming to Lake City, the varsity responded to the challenge beating Manton, Beal City and NMC this past week to put ourselves back in the drivers seat. We are currently tied with Pine River and Beal City for first, however if we win out we will at least win a share of the conference title. Jared Larr has been on fire hitting 7 , 3-pointers against Beal and NMC.(14 total for the two games).We are home on Monday vs Clare and at Marion on Thursday.Another goal is to finish the regular season 16-4.

The J.V played this week winning all three as well to up their record to 15-1, winning the big one at Beal City this week. These guys continue to get better and better from top to bottom. A great group of guys who play hard, have great attitudes and are fun to be around.

Our games this week are Clare, which is home on Monday and at Marion on Thursday.

Advance P.E/ High School P.E- On Monday,Wednesday  and Friday's we will do our routine of Sit-ups, push-ups, stretches and running. Afterwards there will be a class activity such flag football,basketball, soccer, floor hockey etc.All students are expected to participate and be active all hour or lose points. Attitude and respect are huge as well.


General Shop- On Tuesday I will be reviewing hardware for projects( handles, knobs, hinges etc,) again with students because they will be needing them.Wednesday through Friday students will work on their project top and drawer. After that it is sanding and staining and finishing!!


Advance Shop- It is time to work!! We are down to crunch time with seniors only having about 10 weeks of school left. All students need to work everyday and get something done so we are not cramming to finish projects. Also, in order to get an "A" they need to work everyday. Show some respect and be cooperative with me and others.

Boys Basketball Update

 Well, it is amazing how one week can change the out look of team. Last week we were playing well and on top of the conference and a week later we are down a game and looking like the Ramblers form earlier in the year. I take the blame, This team should of performed better on homecoming night. I also didn't use my bench players like I should of, it was a really a bad night of coaching on my part. I will push hard this week, for it is a tough week of three conference games. Tuesday at Manton, Thursday at Beal City and Friday home with NMC. The good thing is we still control our own destiny as far as winning the conference. If we win out we will at the very least have a share of the conference title. THIS IS A BIG GOAL OF OURS!!


The J.V continue to play well beating Lake City 68-25. Tyler Sterk paced the Ramblers with 13pts. Brenden Eisenga had 9pts and Jordan Vanderhoef had 8pts. The J.V are now 12-1. a great group of young players.

Advance P.E/ High School P.E- Last week we ran the mile, tested our endurance by doing as many sit-ups and push-ups continuously until failing out and the students did a great job. Being dressed for class and participating is still a problem with a few students. This week we will have a day of make -ups for those students who missed or were not feeling good last week. I will take students into the weight room to max. out on squat and bench press. I feel even if we don't use the weight room a lot, the push-ups and the sit-ups along with the running, the students will get stronger. I may introduce some P90X.

Advance Shop- My concerns here are students finishing projects and for some getting them paid for before the end of the year. It seems like we have alot of time left in the year, but reality is, for seniors any way is about 9 good weeks of school left. They get out early, have spring break and senior trip, plus other interruptions like P.D days and Presidents day etc. Please see if your student needs any hardware etc and encourage them to work everyday.

General Shop- Students here are working on their tops and drawer. It does take a while to dovetail every ones drawer. I  believe most will start to finish up their drawer and the top by the end of the week. Encourage your student to sand and pay attention to details as we finish the projects because some just like to get done. I will provide the slides for the drawer , but the students need to get their hardware!

Boys Basketball Report

It was a good week for the J.V and the Varsity! Only one game , but a big conference win against Pine River! The win for the Varsity 61-51 put the Ramblers in the top spot tied with the Aggies of Beal City.(6-1) Homecoming this week with the only one game against Lake City.

The J.V. continue to win with a 80-56 win. If they showed a weakness it is at the free throw line 5-23 against Pine River. We will need to clean that up if we are going to beat Beal City. Overall, a great group of guys.

Both teams are playing well and are very coach able. I believe the Varsity can still get better and finish strong.


General Shop-  Students are progressing well. Most are building their drawer and their top. Once that part is finished the construction process is done and students will need to sand and stain. A reminder students need to get hardware ( hinges, handles and/or knobs). They may need to look at stain colors as well!

Advance Shop- This is a different class! All students are building their own project and doing their own thing. Students really need to just come in and try to accomplish one constructive thing a day. Some students are getting alittle bogged down with their project and just need to push through.

Advance/High School P.E- We will continue to max out on push-ups and sit-ups as well as run the mile this week. Wednesday is the day I have planned. Everyday I will have students run, stretch, do some push-ups and sit-ups and run some more. After that we try to do a class activity.

Big week in boys basketball. I feel like the varsity has made some solid improvement over the last few weeks , but we will find out this week. We are on the road at Beal City and Pine River. Two very good teams and must wins for us if we want to stay in the conference race.

The varsity beat Kingsley last Monday 68-47 and Marion on Thursday 69-35.Two solid wins where we were aggressive on defense, ran the floor and executed on offense. The varsity is now 8-3 overall and 5-1 in the conference.

The J.V beat Kingsley 86-47 and Marion 68-27. The J.V's are 10-1 overall. A great group of guys from top to bottom, fun to be around and to coach.

Advance P.E/ High School P.E- I will start  testing on individual  physical abilities this week. They include- sit-ups, push-ups, the mile run, bench press and squat. Students will do as many as they can until they fail out with the push-ups and the sit-ups, I record everything. On the mile run it is do your best, we run everyday so I hope we see improvement. Students can run and walk as long as they try and complete the 13 plus laps. The bench and the squat is try to lift your best. This semester I want to test students every 9 weeks. And I hope they see and feel the improvement.

General Shop- Just plugging away! Students are working on dovetailing their drawer for their night stand and building the top. Once they are done with the drawer and top they are done constructing. Now it is time to sand and stain. Students need to be getting their hardware( hinges, handles and knobs).

Advance Shop- Just working!!!!. The end of the year is fast approaching, with January about over. Students really need to focus on staying on task,working to get something done everyday! Help me to remind students that it is better to work steady and do quality work than to just throw things together. Paying for their project is something else to keep in mind.

DELAYED START ON MONDAY!! 1st and 4th hours in the morning.

Basketball Report for Week of Jan. 14th-18th

J.V boys beat NMC 77-44 led by Seth Barnette with 21 points. They beat Evart on Thursday 55-32 with Tyler Sterk and Austin Eisenga each scoring 11pts apiece and Seth Barnette scoring 10 and taking 3 charges. Again this J.V team is playing exceptionally well right now. The J.V is now 9-1.

Varsity beat NMC 70-59. The offense seems to be playing better, but we still need to cut down on turnovers and execute better on offense!! Hunter Powell and Jared Larr led the way with 25 and 20 points respectively. We got solid play from Andy Lucas and Kyle Heuker. On Friday we beat Evart 70-39. Again the offense showed some promise and the defense is getting better. I think this team has alot of upside, it is just learning to put it together for 32 minutes.Jared Larr had 20, Hunter Powell had 13 and Chris Ouwinga had 12. We are now 6-3, and 4-1 in the conference.

High School P.E/Advance P.E- This week will be just getting everyone set up with a lock and a locker!!! We will cover expectations too!! The 2 big things are Dress and Particpation. Having a good attitude helps too.I do plan to test students physical attributes like strength and endurance as well.

General Shop- Students will get back to work on their projects!! The lumber yard was out of cherry wood for some time, but it is in now. Students are making drawers and  their drawer fronts. Projects look good! Some students should start to finish their project by the end of February.Look for more MATH and some WRITING too.

Advance Shop- Getting the new students and the old ones back to work.There is always a transition phase!!.Students need to realize we are really more than 1/2 way thriught the year and that they need to focus on getting things done!! AND PAY FOR THEIR PROJECTS TOO!

Basketball report for the week of Jan. 4th.

The Varsity won a huge game this week against Lake City in a key conference match-up. This keeps us in the hunt for the conference title. It didn't look good early falling down 21-8 in the first quarter. However, I do think the boys are starting to learn how to play through adversity,as well as coming together as a team. The final was 71-60. Two big conference games this week. Away on Tuesday at NMC and home on Friday against Evart.

The J.V continue to play well!! This group works very well together as a team and is really understanding the whole system on defense!! Only one team has broke 50 and that was Cadillac at 55. The next higest is 44. With the other 5 teams only getting into the 30's. They are fun to watch and coach. Their final against Lake City was 64-33. No mustache is coming back either!(sorry) I do something different.

Exams are 90 minutes this semester. Thursday and Friday school gets out at 2:00!! and lunch is 11:30- 12:15 on those days too!

Advance P.E/High School P.E- Students will do the five following physical activities  this week with each carrying a 20% grade value, This will add up to 100% and be their final exam for the semester. A good solid effort will earn them the full 20% for each. They are sit-ups , push-ups, bench, squat and the mile run. Students already did the sit-ups and the push-ups last week.

General Shop- You will have an exam this week. 3rd hour will be Thursday 10:00- 11:30. 6th hour will be on Friday 8:20 -9:50! This test is all about building your night stand and the equipment. Not hard at all!


Advance Shop- You will have an exam this week too!! 4th hour will be on Thursday 12:15 -1:45 and 7th hour will on Friday 10:00 -11:30.

Boys basketball update!!

Varsity went 1-1 this week beating Manton and losing to Traverse St.Francis. I like the effort and the determination the Varsity showed against St. Francis. This is a good indicator as to how hard we need to work if we want to compete at a championship level. Manton was 59-35,and St Francis was 62-68.

The J.V won both games and are now 5-1! Playing hard, buying in and fun to work with.

Advance/ High school P.E- Students will start testing on their sit-ups and their push-ups this week as part of their physical challenge to see if they can do more now then when they started the class. This is part of their Exam! Do the activities to the best of their ability and get an A or possibly lower by not doing them or giving it no effort! Mile run and the weight lifting will take place next week.


General Shop- Things are going well. Most students are working and progressing on their night stand. Students will need to get their hardware( hinges, knobs and handles) soon. There will be an exam coming up next week too.

Advance Shop-Students are working better since we had a little break!!!As long as they continue to work and progress on their project things are GREAT!! They too have an exam next week and need to take it!