Congratulations to Pentwater School Counselor, Cara Kuipers!
Cara was recently selected as the Pentwater Education Association’s “Friend of Education,” a well-deserved recognition of her impact on our school community.
Those who nominated Cara shared:
“Cara supports students by equipping them with valuable tools and by being a trusted adult they can talk to. She also works closely with teachers, actively seeking input on what they’re seeing in the classroom and how she can help create a better learning environment. Cara truly cares about all members of our school community and is always willing to go above and beyond to support others while finding creative solutions.
She consistently makes time to listen to both students and staff with genuine care. Cara has an incredible ability to build meaningful relationships with students, helping break down barriers and support their individual needs. Her SEL lessons provide important, eye-opening perspectives that help elementary students better understand themselves and one another.
Cara’s sincerity and compassion leave a lasting impact on everyone she works with. She is kind, empathetic, knowledgeable, and a true problem solver—helping both students and staff overcome challenges and encouraging everyone to become their best selves.”
Congratulations, Cara, and thank you for everything you do for Pentwater Schools!
"Heidi is an excellent teacher and is very caring. Heidi is an educator that leads with love and kindness in her heart that can be seen in her unique way that she reaches and connects with her students, their parents, and her colleges. She has an amazing gift in the way she is able to communicate through, and to, so many different people. Her students adore, and look up to her with admiration! She's a true bucket filler! Heidi is a kind teacher! She loves her students."
Congratulations to the student artists that won the Earth Day Art contest today, 4/22/26! Kindergarten-Henry VerVelde; First Grade-Spencer Vanderstelt; Second Grade-Arlo Radvansky; Third Grade-Draco Santana; Fourth Grade- Edie Mazur; Fifth Grade-Hadley Clark. Well done!
It turned into a tight battle for the top spot with Grand Traverse Academy. In the end, we came up just short, finishing second by a razor-thin margin—187 to 185.
Leading the charge was Gavin Macher with a steady 44, mixing in two pars with consistent, reliable bogey play to keep things under control. Bode Powell found his rhythm as the round went on, catching fire late with back-to-back birdies on holes #7 and #9 to finish with a 46. Aiden Henry stayed aggressive throughout, posting a determined 48.
Izzy Kolenda battled in the top group for much of the day, fighting through a challenging stretch of sand traps before closing with three pars for a 49, rounding out the team score. Brody Austin opened strong with a smooth birdie on #1 and finished close behind with a 50, while Carson Stein added a highlight of his own with a clean par on #3.
In the conference standings, Pentwater now sits tied for first with Grand Traverse Academy, with Bear Lake in third and Mesick in fourth—setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Our theme this year is Different, Not Less and all things Temple Grandin.
JH/HS: :
- Each day, we will be giving out two prizes during WIN for the best dressed students.
- On Friday, there will be a quiz with WIN classes. Class to get the most correct first gets a goodie bag.
Softball was back in action as the Pentwater Falcons traveled up north for a cold and windy double header against the Benzie Huskies. Game one provided plenty of offense as Aubrie Adams and Charlie Swanger led the way with big hits. Aubrie roped three sharp line drive singles up the middle, plating three crucial RBIs. Charlie had the highlight of the game, when she turned on a pitch sending a deep drive over the outfielders heads for a triple, which she extended all the way home on a wild throw in, sealing the victory for Pentwater 18 to Benzie 10.
Pentwater kept the momentum cruising into game two as they jumped out to an early lead 4 to 1 in the second inning. A fine running catch by center fielder Lauren Davis stopped Benzie’s offense from surging in the bottom of the second. Riley Swanger captured her first hit of the season as she laced a single into left field, later scoring on an Adam’s Single. Benzie was able to keep it close however, by adding runs in the third and fourth inning by taking advantage of a few fielding miscues. Even though Pentwater was able to respond in the top half of the fifth led by Karina Olivarez, a late Benzie surge put the game out of reach when it was called for darkness. Pentwater 8 - Benzie 9
Included in the packet is a volunteer paper from Pentwater Schools that would only need to be filled if you are interested in coaching or assisting. Individuals that are interested in participating and are not students of Pentwater Schools packets are available in the front office of the school. Forms can be dropped off in the schools front office or the village building
If you have any questions please email Craig Barter at cbarter@pentwater.k12.mi.us.
A huge shoutout to Arlo Radvansky (2nd grade) for taking the crown as our overall winner—way to go! 🏆✨
Spelling Bee participation is totally optional, which makes it even cooler to see so many students practicing at home, building their skills, and showing the courage to shine in the spotlight. That’s a win in itself! 💪🌟
2nd Grade Stars:
Jaxon Barrett, Charlotte Miller, Kameran Kirk, Amelia VerVelde, Colton Butler (3rd Place), Yvette Kokx (2nd Place), and Arlo Radvansky (1st Place)
3rd Grade Standouts:
Adeline Ustick, Violet Reid, Ellis Jaeb, Keaton Bigsby, Grayson Adams, Camden Jobbins (3rd Place), Anika Acuna (2nd Place), and Alona DeVries (1st Place)
4th Grade Champions:
Alex Hughart, Waylon Grondsma, Scarlett Rodgers, Maci Ford, Lilly Cross, Harris Powers, Elin Orde (3rd Place), Eveliina Kainulainen (2nd Place), and Cora VanDuinen (1st Place)
Whether you took home a trophy or simply took on the challenge, every single participant should feel proud. You showed confidence, determination, and a love for learning—and that’s what it’s all about! 💙👏
Way to go, spellers! Keep shining! ✨
Pentwater Falcon softball kicked off the season with a double-header against the Brethren Bobcats. In Game One, Pentwater strung together a number of patient at-bats, setting the table for a few crucial hits. Karina Olivarez led the way, going 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs. In the bottom of the third, Grace Riggs blasted a ball over the left fielder’s head, scoring Lauren Davis all the way from first after her sharp single to start the inning. These runs proved to be enough as Aubrie Adams took control, striking out six batters while only walking two.
Final Score of Game One: Pentwater 9, Brethren 5
The Falcons fell behind early in Game Two after Brethren took advantage of a few fielding miscommunications. Pentwater surged back late, putting pressure on the Bobcats in the later innings. Amelia Barter led the offensive charge, lacing two sharp singles through the left side. On defense, Bella Oviedo made a fine catch in the outfield, going back to her left and bringing momentum back to the Falcons. Even with the late-inning comeback, the Falcons were unable to escape the early hole.
Final Score of Game Two: Pentwater 12, Brethren 14
