Peach Plains - Our School
Our History
When Peach Plains humbly began as a one-room schoolhouse complete with an outside pump and pail for drinking in 1919, there were 100 children and one teacher. Soon a two-room brick schoolhouse was built in 1922 on our original five acres formally owned by area settler and fur trader Rix Robinson but was torn down in 1965.
Our current building, constructed in 1953, originally consisted of four rooms. As the community grew, so did the need for additional space. Five additions have allowed us to utilize a kitchen, office space, and multipurpose gym, along with a media center with full computer lab and more classrooms. Peach Plains Elementary has grown from a one-room schoolhouse on five acres to our present structure with 22 classrooms serving preschool through fourth grade, a special education resource room and before/after Open Door child care.
Our School Family
Throughout Peach Plains history, our school family has continued to have great expectations for student learning and has reaped academic success. A highly qualified staff offers educational experiences utilizing best practices for diverse learners. Outstanding performances on local and state assessments, an "A" on our state’s report card, and Reward School status are only a few examples of our school’s achievements.
Much of this success can be attributed to our talented staff, exceptional resources and involved families. Peach Plains educators have become knowledgeable about the on-going changes in education today, are using data to drive instruction and are utilizing well-developed, researched curriculum aligned with state standards.
Our Community
Thanks to community support of recent bonds, renovations with energy and technology focuses were completed summer 2011. An extensive heating/cooling remodel, window replacements and climate control allow us to become more efficient. In addition to building improvements, technology continues to play a large role in the way we support children. While we currently offer multiple computers stations, labs and mobile laptop stations in our building with wireless internet, our classrooms also use voice enhancements, document cameras and interactive white boards. Our students received 1:1 devices in the 2015-16 school year. Technology enhances learning and promotes different, creative learning styles for students.
Our Parents
Further, the opportunities our Parent Teacher Organization provides have been integral in assisting our students and staff in numerous ways. Our strong PTO offers volunteer opportunities and garners support for experiences like field trips, assemblies, family-friendly events as well as supplying classroom needs. With the recent installation of a climbing wall, our PTO also recognizes the importance of movement in student learning and healthy habits. This group provides a vehicle for students to learn more about philanthropic opportunities and donations, locally and globally, via monthly events called “Fun Fridays”. Additional volunteers are welcomed, via our Kids Hope mentoring program and Grand Haven High School students, many of which attended Peach Plains.