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Kalamazoo
Public
Schools
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
November 2014
Board of Education Meeting
Thursday, November 13, 2014*
7:00 p.m.
Administration Building
*Only one regular meeting
this month.
No School
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
For more information call
(269) 337-1572.
Upcoming Events
CHADD November Meeting
to Focus on Life with
an ADHD Child.
See page 3.
A good Time at the Hoopla
on November 7.
See page 3.
Loy Norrix Cabaret
Concert on
November 14 and 15.
See page 4.
K-Central Presents
“Shrek the Musical”
in November.
See page 7.
Loy Norrix Presents
“Noises Off”
in December.
See page 8.
National Merit® Scholarship
Corporation (NMSC) officials
have announced the names
of high achieving students as
semifinalists in the 2015 annual
National Merit® Scholarship
Program. Included in this group
of academically talented high
school seniors from Kalamazoo
Public Schools are Cameron
Andrews and Laura Mortensen
of Kalamazoo Central High
School.
The nationwide pool of
semifinalists, which represents
less than one percent of U.S.
high school seniors, includes
the highest-scoring entrants in
each state. The program honors
individual students who show
exceptional academic ability
and potential for success in
Cameron Andrews
Laura Mortensen
rigorous college studies.
To become a finalist, a
semifinalist must have an
outstanding academic record
throughout high school, be
endorsed and recommended by
the high school principal, and
earn SAT scores that confirm the
student’s earlier performance
on the PSAT.
Cameron and Laura have
an opportunity to continue in
the competition for some 7,600
scholarships, worth more than
$33 million that will be offered
next spring.
Laura and Cameron excel
academically and both are
involved in many activities.
Laura is in the choir (including
MSVMA Honors Choir outside of
school), Link Crew (a freshman
mentor program), and French
club. She takes AP classes
and serves as treasurer of the
National Honor Society.
Cameron
is
in
Dual
Enrollment at WMU and attends
KAMSC, where he has received
several awards. His artwork
was accepted for the KIA High
School Area Show and Cameron
was offered a scholarship to
(continued on page 4)
Darianna Browning to Represent Kalamazoo
at the National All-American Miss Competition
Darianna
Browning,
5th
grade student at Woods Lake
Elementary: A Magnet Center for
the Arts, recently participated
in the 2014 National American
Miss Michigan competition. Out
of 100 young ladies, Darianna
placed 4th runner-up in the
queen’s court and 1st runnerup in each of the following
competitions:
actress,
top
model and casual wear.
Because of her successes at
the Michigan state pageant, she
has been invited to participate
in the seven-day National All-
FIRST SATURDAY @ KPL On November 1
The next First Saturday @ KPL event
will be held at the
Kalamazoo Public Library, downtown,
on November 1, 2014, from 2 – 4 p.m.
American Miss competition.
The competition will take place
in Anaheim, Calif., during the
week of November 22-29, 2014.
Darianna will represent the city
of Kalamazoo as City Queen as she
competes for the title of National
All-American Miss Queen.
Darianna Browning
Kalamazoo Public Schools, 1220 Howard St., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
IMPORTANT DATES
®
NonProfit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
Kalamazoo, MI
Permit 709
and get closing
information first.
KPS Seniors Are Named 2015 National
Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
**ECRWSS**
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
Like us on
Volume 17, IssuE 10
Election Season Is a Time for Self-Reflection
Every election year, voters are
confronted with choices that
make them in turn confront
their values.
This year, I have begun
to consider more carefully
what I look for in candidates.
For local (city and county
commissioners) and national
(president, U.S. senator, and U.S.
representative) offices, I’m most
interested in candidates whose
values seem to resemble, at
least roughly, my own. For state
offices (governor, lieutenant
governor, attorney general,
secretary of state, state senator,
and
state
representative),
values are very important as
well, but I am also interested
in certain specifics: namely,
what commitment candidates
have to public schools, and how
they have supported and will
support public schools in their
votes and in their public actions
2
in the future.
Since 2005 in Michigan,
the buying power of a
school district’s foundation
allowance—a school district’s
primary source of revenue—has
steadily declined. For example,
the buying power of the KPS
foundation
allowance
has
declined by almost 20 percent
since 2005. Since 2010, districts
all across the state, from Lake
Michigan on the west side to
Lake Huron on the east side,
from the Upper Peninsula up
north to the Indiana border
down south, have cut and cut
substantially. This is not my
opinion; this is a matter of public
record, evidence for which
exists in classrooms, schools,
and school districts across the
state and in newspaper articles
across the state. Google “school
budget cuts” in any community
in the state over the last few
years, and you
can see what
has
taken
place as state
education
revenue has
failed to keep
pace with the
Michael F. Rice, Ph.D.
cost of doing
Superintendent
business
in
school districts, the consequence
of which has been local school
budget cuts, and significant
ones, throughout the state.
We can debate whether
total education funding is
higher than four years ago if we
include contributions directly
from the state treasurer to
the state retirement system,
whose costs and benefits are
controlled entirely by the state,
or lower than four years ago, if
we do not include contributions
directly to the state retirement
system. One way or the other,
what is clear to most educators
across the state, those that
have lived with the last decade
and particularly the last four
years, is that the 1.5 million
public school children, and the
tens of thousands of dedicated
educators and support staff who
work daily with our children in
public schools, have much more
difficult circumstances under
which to learn and work than
they did just a few years ago.
When I consider candidates
for local and national offices,
I want to make sure that my
values are respected in my
choices at the polls. When I
consider candidates for state
offices, I want to make sure
that my choices at the polls
are people who consistently
support public school children
and public schools, not cut
funding for them substantially
in 2011 and inadequately
increase funding for them in
subsequent years. If school
districts have to cut to balance
their budgets, particularly after
years of having to do so in the
state, it is of little value to them
and, more importantly, to the
children whom they serve, that
there was a nominal increase
in revenue to the district. In
the end, what matters is what
children experience in their
classroom resources.
2015 is right around the
corner. I want to make sure
that I support candidates who
are most likely to support and
respect what I hold especially
dear:
strong,
well-funded
public schools, without which
many of my 13,000 children
won’t have a chance to realize
their dreams for their lives.
For me, elections are
personal; they matter. How
about for you?
First Saturday
@ KPL
Saturday, November 1, 2-3:30 pm
Central Library
315 S. Rose St.
Enjoy musical activities and fun with
the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.
The KSO Percussion Duo will perform
from 2:15-2:45 and the KSO String
Quartet will perform from 3:00-3:30
Partners
Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo
Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan
Great Start Collaborative
Great Start Collaborative Parent Coalition
EXCELSIOR
November 2014
Hispanic American Council
Kalamazoo in Bloom
Kalamazoo Civic Theater
Kalamazoo County Ready 4s
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Kalamazoo Literacy Council
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
RESA Head Start
NAACP
Northside Ministerial Alliance
Parents for Public Schools of Greater Kalamazoo
SW Michigan AEYC
Western Michigan University Reading Clinic
WMU McGinnis RC
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
A Good Time for All at the
Annual Parkwood-Upjohn
Hoopla on November 7
Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary invites you to its 10th
annual Hoopla. Hundreds
of items will be up for auction, with the proceeds from
the auction and the evening
funding the various programs
supported by the Parent
Teacher Organization.
The evening also includes
a highly–spirited basketball
game between the Parkwood
Upjohn Elementary staff and
the staffs of Milwood Magnet
School and Maple Street
Magnet School for the Arts.
Several special guests are
scheduled to be in attendance.
Parkwood’s 5th grade
class will provide food at the
concession stand to raise
funds, as well, for camp at
Sherman Lake.
The fun starts at 6 p.m. on
Friday, November 7, 2014, at
the Milwood Magnet School:
A Center for Math, Science
and Technology, 2916 Konkle
Avenue, with entrance of $2
at the door.
KPS Seniors Recognized in
National Scholarship Programs
Quincy Page, Loy Norrix, is
an outstanding participant in
the National Achievement®
Scholarship Program and Anna
DeRango, Loy Norrix, and Isaac
Bertman, Kalamazoo Central,
have been named as commended
students in the National Merit®
Scholarship Program. Both
scholarship competitions are
conducted by 2015 National
Merit® Scholarship Corporation.
These students are recognized for the exceptional academic promise demonstrated by
their outstanding performance
on the PSAT used for program
entry.
Quincy Page
Anna DeRango
Isaac Bertman
CHADD November to Meeting Focus on Life with an ADHD Child
Kalamazoo County CHADD’s
(Children and Adults with
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) free monthly program will be held on
Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
The topic of the program is
“Life with An ADHD Kid: It Is
What It Is.” The speaker will be
Diane Dempster, co-founder of
Impact ADHD. Target audience
are parents, educators, daycare
providers, and therapists.
All meetings are held from
7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Wile Auditorium at K/RESA (Kalamazoo
Regional Educational Service
Agency), 1819 E. Milham Avenue. (Enter on the west side
of the building at ground level.) For more information, call
(269) 384-2270, or visit their
website at www.kazoochadd.
com.
Anniken Holm (left) and her sister Nina look over a basket of Lego sets that
was offered in the silent auction at last year’s event.
KALAMAZOO PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS SEEKING
SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
We offer paid training, flexible hours, competitive wages,
medical benefits, retirement package and uniforms.
Applicants must have a safe driving record,
pass a criminal background check and
have a physical examination.
APPLY TODAY AT:
Kalamazoo Public Schools
1220 Howard Street • Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 337-0177
Kalamazoo Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
November 2014
EXCELSIOR
3
Hats Off to Stryker Medical and United Way
KPS appreciates the many employees
at Stryker Medical and United Way of
the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region
for the numerous boxes of school
supplies given to our students. From the
traditional crayons, paper, and pencils to
calculators, backpacks, and tissues, the
items brought a lot of smiles as they were
delivered to the buildings.
Christopher Riker, director of
marketing and communication of United
Way of the Battle Creek & Kalamazoo
Region, related how the supplies were
gathered. “On September 6, 2014, local
members of organized labor gathered
at Binder Park Zoo for the annual
United Way Organized Labor Kick Off
Event,” said Riker. “Led by a planning
committee, local members were asked
4
to bring and donate new school supplies.
IBEW Local 445 also bought and donated
school supplies that added to the total.
Those supplies were then delivered to
Kalamazoo Public Schools with the intent
of positively affecting local youth.”
Stryker Medical has done a school
supply drive for a couple of years for
different organizations and wanted
to benefit KPS this year. Stephanie
Copeman, associate regulatory affairs
representative for Stryker Medical,
explains how the drive works. “We put
a couple of boxes out and communicate
to employees through our divisional
newsletter and our TV message boards,”
she said. “Our employees enjoy helping Students at Milwood Elementary have fun looking in all the boxes of school supplies that was given
the community out and look forward to to their school. The children are (L to R) Akeir Watson-Burney, Roberto Garcia, Josefina Ramirez,
the school supply drive.”
Jacob Hyde, Odisey Burnett, Clinton Dangler, Ah’Navion Johnson, and Antonio Gonzalez.
Project Find Is Looking for
Special Needs Individuals
If you suspect your child:
• has a disability;
• is in need of special attention; or
• is a student with special-education
services and has dropped out of
school and would like to return,
call Kalamazoo Public Schools’ Project
SAVE BIG MONEY!
Find Coordinator Cindy Green at (269)
337-0161.
Project Find helps locate individuals
ages birth to 26 years old with special
needs and works with families to
provide appropriate education services.
Multiple services are available.
EDUCATOR
DISCOUNT PROGRAM!
SAVE THOUSANDS
ON A NEW CAR!
November Service Special
“YOU SPEND, YOU SAVE!”
$50.00 - $99.99
$100 - $199.99
$200 - $299.99
$300 - $399.99
$400 - $499.99
Save $500
Save $1000
Save $2000
Save $3000
Save $4000
Excludes all other offers. Restrictions
apply. Offer Ends 12/31/14. EX144
EXCELSIOR
November 2014
Loy Norrix Cabaret Concert to
Entertain on November 14 and 15
The Loy Norrix Cabaret Concert will
be held on Friday and Saturday,
November 14 and 15, at 7 p.m. in the
school’s auditorium. The cost is $10
for adults and $5 for students and KPS
staff, which includes the show plus
desserts.
The vocalists will be presenting as
soloists and in small groups, and the
LNHS choirs will sing songs that have
appeared on the Billboard charts from
the 1950s to today.
Come to the performance and
enjoy an evening of music.
Miles
Ahead
in serving community.
We’re proud to offer the tireless
education community the GM Education
Discount.* If you’re a current educator
or part of the staff of a public or private
school, college or university, this program
is exclusively for you. It provides the same
price our suppliers receive on the purchase
or lease of eligible New Chevy vehicles. Plus,
you can combine this discount with most
current offers for even more value. See
DeNooyer Chevrolet for Details.
5800 STADIUM DRIVE
269.372.3040
2015 National
Merit Scholarship
Semifinalists
(continued from page 1)
WMU’s Frostic School of Art.
He is a member of the National
Honor Society and was a finalist
in the American Chemical
Society Competitive Scholar
Competition and the Michigan
Mathematics Prize Competition.
Cameron is on the cross country
team, swim and dive team and
in jazz band. He is involved
in the Kalamazoo Civic Youth
Theatre and volunteers with
many community events.
Kalamazoo
Central
Principal Valerie Boggan said,
“We are really proud of Cameron
and Laura. It is exciting to have
students excel academically and
at the same time be active in the
KC community.”
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
NOTICE
Kalamazoo Public Schools welcomes all
students and staff of any religion, race,
color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender identification, height,
weight, familial status, marital status,
sexual orientation, and disability.
The District will not tolerate or
condone any act of bias or discrimination toward any person on the basis of
religion, race, color, national origin,
age, sex, pregnancy, gender identification, height, weight, familial status,
marital status, sexual orientation, and
disability in any of its activities, hiring
practices, programs or services.
Inquiries by students and/or their parents/guardians should be directed to:
Assistant Superintendent of
Student Services
Kalamazoo Public Schools
1220 Howard Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 337-0161
All other inquiries should be directed to:
Assistant Superintendent of
Human Resources
Kalamazoo Public Schools
1220 Howard Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 337-0177
District Directory at :
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
Board of Education
President
Patti Sholler-Barber
Vice President
Carol McGlinn
Secretary
Jennie Hill
Treasurer
Dr. Martha Warfield
Trustee
Craig Herschleb
Trustee
Ken Greschak
Trustee
TiAnna Harrison
Winchell Student Joshua Boggan
Competes in Wrestling at National Level
Joshua Boggan, 5th grader at
Winchell Elementary, took 4th
place in a national wrestling
competition. He is 10 years
old and started wrestling with
the Parchment Wrestling Club
when he was only 7 years old.
He practices two times a week
during wrestling season.
In March, Joshua competed
at the state level at the MYWA
(Michigan Youth Wrestling
Association) in Battle Creek,
Mich. He wrestled in the 0403 division, set by birthdate.
Fifteen other athletes competed
in Joshua’s weight class of
150. He placed second, which
qualified him for the national
competition.
“Wrestling is fun, but it’s
really hard,” stated Joshua.
“When I win, and it depends
on how hard the competition,
sometimes I almost jump up and
down when they hold my hand
up. Most of the people I wrestle
are kind of my friends because
we wrestle each other all the
time. Sometimes, I feel bad for
the person who lost, especially
if they lose a lot.”
Joshua has always enjoyed
wrestling. When he was only 1,
Athlete Joshua Boggan
Ballet Arts Ensemble
Cathleen Huling, Artistic Director
Joe Boggan, Loy Norrix Class
of 2014, wrestled for four years
while in high school. Joe is a
big part of Joshua’s wrestling
proficiency.
“Jojo,” said Joshua referring
to Joe, “always tells me to stay
low. After each match, he walks
me thru what I did right and
what I shouldn’t do again.
There is a move he told me
to never do again,” said Joshua
chuckling. “He wrestles with
me and, he (usually) doesn’t
let me win. But if I’m learning
a new move, he’ll let me win.
But when I learn the move, he
resists me more and more.”
Thinking about his future,
Joshua said, “I plan to wrestle at
Loy Norrix and get a wrestling
scholarship at the University of
Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa or
Wisconsin.”
Joshua is the son of Jeff
(principal of Maple Street
Magnet School for the Arts) and
Valerie (principal of Kalamazoo
Central) Boggan.
Vote for
Jon on
November
4th
Read my education
plan and join the fight
for our schools:
www.jonhoadley.com
Saturday & Sunday
November 22-23
2:00 p.m.
Chenery Auditorium
As your next State Representative I will:
-Reinvest in public education,
-End tax breaks for companies that ship jobs
overseas, and help companies here in Michigan,
-Reduce violence and promote social justice.
Special ticket rates
available for groups
of 20 or more
SUPERINTENDENT
Paid for by Friends of Jon Hoadley, 2720 Parkview Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Michael F. Rice, Ph.D.
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
he started collecting wresting
figurines. He watches WWE with
his father on Monday and Friday
evenings.
Joshua’s older brother,
The
Claire Amat as Cinderella
Full-length ballet with music by
J. Strauss and S. Prokofiev
Featuring Cameos by Celebrity Guests
Andy Dominianni & Lori Moore
Ask About The Cinderella Tea
$10-$18 reserved seat tickets available in advance by calling 269-387-2300
Additional information is available at <balletartsensemble.org>
Fresh flower bouquets available at the door by Schafer's Flowers while supply lasts.
Kalamazoo
Children’s
Chorus
2014-15 Concert Season
Serious
Music,
Se
DEC 14 Holiday Concert
DEC 20 Sounds of the Season with the KSO
rious Fu
n!
FEB 14 Heart to Heart Cabaret
APR 19 Spring Concert
269.547.7183
www.kalamazoochildrenschorus.org
November 2014
EXCELSIOR
5
The Greg Jennings Foundation
Challenges Youth to BE GREAT
Through the BE GREAT School
Challenge, The Greg Jennings
Foundation
recognizes
and
celebrates GREAT youth at
GREAT schools with a special
visit from Greg Jennings to the
school or classroom. In addition,
up to three winning schools
or classrooms are awarded up
6
to $1,000 in funds to purchase
additional classroom supplies or
equipment.
The
Greg
Jennings
Foundation would like to support
the students and teachers and
their goals by contributing to
their schools, so they can have
the books and supplies necessary
to focus on GREATness.
All elementary, middle,
and high schools, classrooms
or school groups located in the
Greater Kalamazoo community
are invited to submit proposals
to The Greg Jennings Foundation
at
www.GJenningsFound.org
beginning November 3, 2014.
Are You Looking for
Quality Education and Care
for Your Preschooler?
You are invited to see the
great learning and care that is
happening at the Loy Norrix
Child Care Center (LNCCC).
LNCCC is a 5 Star-rated Kalamazoo County Ready 4s
program. It provides an exceptional start for your preschooler daily between the
hours of 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Registration
for
the
2014/2015 school year has be-
gun. The reasonable tuition rate
— full-time of $140 per week;
part-time (5 hours or less per
day) of $90; and daily rate of $37
per day — is an added bonus.
There is no school district
residency required and LNCCC
is open to the public. To visit
and/or for enrollment information call (269) 337-0264 or email
Rylan Moan brings fall colors into
hentschlearlym@kalamazoo. the classroom at Loy Norrix Child
k12.mi.us.
Class Center.
Kalamazoo Central students compete at the Special Olympics.
Greschak
Committed to KPS Students, Parents and Teachers!
Proud KPS parent |Over 10 years active involvement
in schools and Parent Advisory Councils at Parkwood
Upjohn, Milwood Magnet and Loy Norrix.
Current Trustee, KPS Board of Education.
Paid for by Greschak for KPS, 2425 Law Ave. Kalamazoo MI 49008
Vote Kenny G! Tuesday, November 4!
Celebrate diversity by creating crafts and gifts
from around the world.
kalamazoomuseum.org
269.373.7990
The Kalamazoo valley museum is operated
by Kalamazoo valley Community College
and is governed by its board of Trustees
November 2014
to participate in the Southwest
Michigan event. There are plans
to make this an annual affair with
a larger number of entries from
KPS. Andrew Loy is the teacher
in charge with Jill Rogowski and
Tina Kocefas assisting. Mr. Loy,
Ms. Rogowski and Ms. Kocefas
are special education teachers at
Kalamazoo Central.
Trustee | Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education
November 15, 2014
12-4 p.m.
EXCELSIOR
KPS unified sports team in District
16 traveled to Mt. Pleasant to
compete in the Special Olympics.
The regular/special education
students from Kalamazoo Central
and Loy Norrix high schools
played soccer in the competition
and returned home with 3rd and
4th place.
This is the group’s first year
Elect Ken
It’s a
Small World
november 15, 2014
Soccer Players Compete
at Special Olympics
Residential and Commercial
CustomersWelcome!
Visit Our Showroom:
616 E Vine St
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
269-349-6637
www.kssenterprises.com
Prepare for the Winter Season
Our Mats Keep Ice
and Snow Off Your Floor!
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
K-Central Presents
“Shrek the Musical”
Winchell’s Science Fair
Promotes Learning Excitement
Everyone’s favorite upsidedown fairytale comes to the
Kalamazoo Central (KC) stage
in November as the students
and staff present “Shrek the
Musical.” This fantasy kingdom
of far, far away has many
hilarious, irreverent twists.
Instead of a knight riding a
noble steed, the hero is Shrek,
a swamp-dwelling ogre teamed
up with a chatterbox donkey.
And the princess? She’s the
slightly temperamental Fiona.
For the KC production, Lisa
Colgren is the director, Anthony
Hamilton is the choreographer,
When Winchell Elementary
held their annual science fair,
the children could hardly wait
to tell the judges all about
their projects. There were a
total of 90 projects with 100
students participating. Every
student and student team were
interviewed by a scientist judge.
Winchell parent Jennifer Moon
was chairperson for the event.
Savannah Robert wanted
to know if different kinds
of water made a difference
to the growth of plants. Her
conclusion showed that plants
watered with purified or rain
water had the biggest growth,
upstaging the plants watered
with tap water and with salt
water, which had no growth at
all.
Whether something floats or
sinks was the project investigated
by John Bijani. John discovered
that it depends on its density.
“Density measures how heavy
something is for its size,” he
wrote in his conclusion.
Ariana and Katie wanted
to know if store bought or
farm fresh eggs would bounce
the highest. “In order to make
the eggs bounce,” they wrote
in their report, “we had to
dissolve the calcium on the
outer shell by soaking them in
vinegar.” When the eggs were
ready, the two girls dropped
them at different heights onto
two different surfaces, grass
and cement.
The
students
learned
and Theresa Williams-Johnson
is the vocal director.
The performances will be
held in the KC auditorium on
November 14, 15, 21, and 22
at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on
November 16 and 23 at 3 p.m.
Ticket prices are $12 for general
admission, $10 for students and
seniors and $35 for a family
of two adults plus unlimited
children.
This entertaining, familyfriendly show has fun for the
whole family. Shrek proves that
beauty is truly in the eye of the
ogre.
Starring in the Kalamazoo Central production of “Shrek the Musical” are: (L to
R) Justin Addison as Lord Farquaad, Maddie Pierce as Princess Fiona, Havier Hill
Roller as Donkey, Isasc Bertman as Shrek, Madeleine Mozina as Pinocchio, and
Lauren Thorpe as Gingy.
Kalamazoo Public Schools
Needs Substitute Teachers
about science as they put their judges are appreciated for their
projects together and talked to expertise and listening to the
the judges. All of the science fair children.
Benjamin Whitsett explains to the science judge how the alterations of
ingredients made little difference in his rock candy science project. Looking on is
his classmate Wen Wadsworth-Curcuru.
Zaria Barrow (left) and Addisen Gardner inspect a science project that explains
how to make crystals using common household items.
Professional Educational Services Group (PESG)
who provides substitute teachers to KPS is hiring
qualified candidates.
Interested or want more information?
• Go to www.subpass.com
• To apply, click on “apply now”
Questions: Call Charles at (866) 782-7277
Press 1, then ext. 3351
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
November 2014
EXCELSIOR
7
League of Women Voters
of the Kalamazoo Area
Wins National Award
Chef Shaun • kps food service chef
Turkey Corn Crisp
Hello, Kalamazoo. I hope your November is kind to you. Please
try this recipe after your Thanksgiving Holiday is done, a nice
comfort food recipe that is quick and easy. Enjoy with family and
friends. Best regards and stay warm, Chef Shaun.
The League of Women Voters
of the Kalamazoo Area won the
Strengthening Democracy Award
at the 51st National Convention of
the League of Women Voters in
dish with melted butter.
Ingredients
Dallas.
Add leftover stuffing to the
2 tablespoons butter, melted
The LWVKA award was
bottom of the pan, squishing it
3 cups leftover stuffing
received for the Young Adult Voter
down a little bit. Then smooth a Shaun Robinson is the district chef
1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
for Chartwells at KPS Food Service.
Education project conducted
3 cups leftover mashed potatoes layer of cranberry on top of that.
in the Kalamazoo Public High
Layer the mashed potatoes
2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
Schools, Phoenix High School
melted butter Place the dish
over the cranberry sauce.
1 1/2 - 2 cups leftover gravy,
and the Young Adult Program
In a large mixing bowl, mix on a cookie sheet in the oven
warmed
for special needs students in the
1 1/2 cups leftover cornbread, up the turkey and gravy, then and bake until golden brown
fall of 2012. League members
cut into big crumbly chunks pour over the top of the stuffing and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
gave presentations to high school
Chop up some fresh
and cranberry layer.
juniors and seniors about the
Use the leftover corn rosemary and sprinkle on top
Preparation
voting process and provided
bread, scatter over the top, for a great flavor enhancer
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
information
about
voting
Brush an 8x8 inch baking then drizzle with the remaining and aromatic.
resources, including the Voter
Guide and how to use Vote411.
Chef Shaun’s recipes are available online at kalamazoopublicschools.com/chefshaun
org, the League of Women Voters’
online voter resource.
Students who will be
eighteen by Election Day
completed voter registration
The Loy Norrix Performing Arts Department December 13. The event will be held at Kasdorf
forms to register, and younger
Auditorium.
Tickets are
$5 for students
and EXPERIENCE LEADERSHIP INwill present
“Noises
Off” on Dec.
11, 12, andINTEGRITY
DERSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
students completed facsimiles.
13 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. on seniors and $8 for adults.
SHIP
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
INTEG-able
Over 800
students were
Mark Your Calendar for an Upcoming Loy Norrix Performance
INTEGRITY
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INTEGRITY
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EXPERIENCE
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EXPERIENCE
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• Past President
of the Arcadia
School
Parent Association
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
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EXCELSIOR
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
FOR PROBATE JUDGE
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Loy Norrix students register to vote in the mock election held in their school in 2012.
• Past President
of the
KalamazooLEADERSHIP
Central Parent
Association
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
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EXPERIENCE
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• Co-Chair
2013
KPS BondEXPERIENCE
Initiative
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INTEGRITY
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SHIP
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to vote in a mock election
using voting machines. The
Kalamazoo City clerk’s office
trained 50 interested students
as poll workers, and they
assisted at the mock election
and at polling places around the
city on Election Day.
“This project educated
young people in understanding
the
voting
process
and
hopefully sparked an interest
in participation in future
elections.” stated Paula Manley,
co-president of the League of
Women Voters of the Kalamazoo
area. “We thank the Kalamazoo
Public Schools Administration
and
Kalamazoo
Regional
Educational Service Agency
who allowed us to come into
their buildings to conduct this
project, as well as the Kalamazoo
city and county clerk’s offices
who loaned the voting machines.
This was a collaborative project
which we look forward to doing
again this fall.”
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
INTEGRITY
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EXPERIENCE
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VOTE
NOVEMBER
4TH!
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
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EXPERIENCE
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November 2014
INTEGRITY
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What pre-kindergarten provides
meals and delicious learning?
LEADERSHIP
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
Paid for by the Committee
to Elect Namita
Sharma, P.O. Box
2066, Kalamazoo,
MI 49003
EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP
EX-
EXPERI-
KPS PEEP
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
(269) 337-0095
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
LEAD-
LEADER-
LEADERSHIP
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
Kalamazoo Central Graduates …
Winchell Celebrates
Return to Their Alma Mater as Staff Constitution Day
A group of Kalamazoo Central
(KC) staff recently gathered in
the library for a photo take, to
sing the schools’ song and to
have a few laughs together. The
men and women are proud of the
status that binds them together;
they are all KC graduates.
Their names and last names
at graduation (in parenthesis if
different), graduation year and
current position at KC are:
Amier Alexander, 2008, Food
Service
Lisa Boulding, 1986, Family &
Consumer Science Teacher/
FCCLA
Tiffany Brown (Roberts), 1998,
Campus Safety Officer
John Buchanan, 1991,
Attendance Interventionist
Christopher Caldwell, 1976,
Special Education Teacher
Mary Carter, 1975, Athletic
Office Secretary
Angela Cegers (Mitchell), 1988,
Food Service
Kawanna Dixon, 1995, Food
Service
Janet Echols (Carter), 1966,
Food Service
Jessica Griffioen, 1997, Special
Education Teacher
Pamela Hampton-Wright
(Hampton), 1980, Lead
Campus Safety Officer
Jessica Jackson, 1999, Food
Service
Tina Kocefas
(Androutsopoulos), 1993,
Special Education Teacher/
CVBE Coordinator
Cynthia Moore, 1975,
Paraprofessional
Alexander Plair, 1968, Building
Substitute Teacher
Jennifer Preston (Savage),
1992, Special Education
Teacher
Michael Reck, 1990, Campus
Safety Officer
Leroy Robinson, 1968, Campus
Safety Officer
Michael Schrum, 2003, 504
Plan Coordinator
Kathleen Taylor-Singleton
(Doris Kathleen
Cunningham), 1976, Campus
Safety Officer
Lisa Varnesdeel (Smith), 2002,
Paraprofessional
Murel Wallace, 1969, Audio/
Visual Secretary
Jim Westley, 1974, Special
Education Teacher
Karen White (Maze), 1975,
Spanish/French Teacher
Jennifer Wyrick, 1995, Math
Teacher
On September 17, the students at Winchell Elementary studied our
nation’s principles and laws as they recognized Constitution Day.
Over 150 students arrived at school wearing red, white and blue
attire to show their patriotism.
Winchell Principal Michael Hughes stands with a few of the students who showed
their nations colors on Constitution Day.
visit: www.juliemrogers.com
re-elect
This group of Kalamazoo Central staff has the distinction of also being KC graduates.
Scholarship Programs Enhance Art for Area Youth
KRESA Education for the Arts
annually administers two student scholarship programs: The
Irving S. Gilmore Arts Scholarship and the Irving S. Gilmore Student Artistic Equipment Scholarship. Combined,
these scholarships award up to
$100,000 annually to help fund
and enhance arts initiatives for
Kalamazoo County students.
• The Student Arts Scholarship
allows students the opportunity to develop and explore their
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
artistic interests in and out of
the classroom.
• The Student Artistic Equipment Scholarship enables advanced level students to gain
access to equipment that might
otherwise be unavailable.
The following KPS students
won the Artistic Equipment
Scholarships in 2014:
Christian Heintzelman, Loy Norrix junior
Emma Fergusson, Loy Norrix
freshman
Emily Bosak, Linden Grove 7th
grader
Applications for the Irving
S. Gilmore Student Arts Scholarship and the Irving S. Gilmore Student Artistic Equipment
Scholarship are available beginning December 1 and must
be submitted by 4 p.m. on
Thursday, January 22, 2015. For
more information, please visit
the EFA Grants Program page
at, www.kresa.org/efa, or call
(269) 250-9244.
On Nov. 4 re-elect
JULIE M ROGERS
for 5th District
Kalamazoo County
Commissioner
Paid for by Committee to Elect
Julie Rogers, 3428 Marlane Ave.,
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
November 2014
EXCELSIOR
9
Where Are They Now?
Jordan Klepper, K-Central and KAMSC Class
of 1997, Comedian, Writer and Correspondent
Jordan Klepper can add another
job title to his profile since he
has joined The Daily Show with
Jon Stewart as a correspondent.
The Daily Show is a satirical
television program on Comedy
Central. The late-night show
focuses on politics and the
national media and is the
longest-running program on
Comedy Central. It has won 18
Primetime Emmy Awards.
Speaking of the new
position, Klepper said, “I’m
involved in performing pieces
on the show with Jon, as well
as taped segments out in the
field. It was an incredible honor
to be asked to be a part of the
show; it has been the utmost.
The work environment on the
show is incredibly exciting.
From the writers, producers,
performers, and all involved.
Everyone approaches the topics
on the show with thoughtful,
10
intelligent
and
humorous
angles. It’s inspiring to be a part
of such a dedicated crew.”
Jordan lives in New York
where he has taught and
performed at the Upright
Citizens Brigade Theater, one of
the big comedy theaters. Before
New York, he spent nine years
in Chicago where he studied
improv at Improv Olympic and
Second City in Chicago. He met
his wife, Laura Grey, while they
were working as performers
with Second City. Together
they have created the short
films “TMI” and “Peepers.”
He has also worked as a writer
and contributor to the Big Ten
Network show “Friday Night
Tailgate.”
During his early years,
Jordan
attended
KingWestwood, Northglade, and
Lincoln
(currently
Lincoln
International Studies School).
T H E R E
I S
He moved on to Hillside Middle
School and later attended
Kalamazoo Central (KC) and
Kalamazoo Area Math and
Science
Center
(KAMSC).
During his high school years,
Jordan was a member of the
Mock Trial Team that won
Nationals. He also played tennis
for four years at Central.
“There are many teachers
who made an impact on my
life, too many to count,” said
Klepper. “I played basketball and
football at Hillside and was lucky
enough to have Steve Dunning as
my coach for basketball. Coach
Dunning was an incredible
coach and motivator, but above
all, he exuded empathy and
compassion for all he worked
with. Coach Dunning made me
feel cool and important, and he
Jordan Klepper
made me feel respected. My time
at KAMSC set me up to succeed in was a big part of that.”
college, and Mr. (Mike) Sinclair
After
graduating
from
Kalamazoo Central in 1997 as a
Heyl scholar, Jordan attended
Kalamazoo College as a math
major. He found his love of
theater there, completed a
double major in theater and
math in 2001. He did his foreign
study in London, England,
S T I L L
where he became a huge fan of
British humor.
He gets back home to
Kalamazoo several times a
year. Klepper is the oldest of
his siblings and is followed
by sister, Caycee Klepper
Sledge, KC Class of 2001. She
is an instructional lead for the
Chicago Public Schools and
married to Josh Sledge (KC and
KAMSC Class of 2001). Jordan’s
brother, Max, Loy Norrix and
KAMSC Class of 2010, is the
youngest and graduated from
the University of Michigan in
E
D
May. He is currently working for
CO
T
the Detroit Lions for the season.
AC
Klepper has a family
history with KPS. His father,
T I M E TO
REGISTER!
www.kvcc.edu/register
MATTHEW B. GENERAL STUDIES
EXCELSIOR
November 2014
Mark Klepper, was raised in
Kalamazoo and graduated from
Loy Norrix, Class of 1971. Mark’s
brother and sister are also Loy
Norrix alumi — Gary (1969) and
Gay (1975) — and his mother,
Dorothy Boers Klepper was a
student at Kalamazoo Central.
Klepper’s
mother,
Betse
Klepper, is the lead secretary at
Loy Norrix.
“My
experiences
with
KPS are too many to count;
they make up a third of my
life,” Klepper reflect. “I look
back on them with joy. They
are also combined with great
memories of my family. My
parents and grandparents made
it a priority to support every
activity that their kids were a
part of. Whether it was tennis,
mock trial, choir, or public reenactments of historical figures
in the cafeteria, they were
there. My mom is there right
now, working at Loy Norrix
making sure those students feel
supported and taken care of.
They are the best.”
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
K-Central Students Place in
National Skating Competition
girls made it into the final rounds
and only two, Nicole and Amy,
medaled. There were only four
skaters in Michigan who came
home with medals.
Amy recognized her coaches
for their efforts. “My coaches believed in me,” she said, “and kept
pushing me all season. They knew
I could have success if I skated all
out and didn’t hold back. That’s
what I did at nationals.”
Nicole said, “I was beyond
excited to have my hard work
all season pay off with two of my
best skates ever at nationals.”
Amy is a two-time national
medalist at Solo Ice Dance and a
member of the KC varsity soccer
team. Nicole is a three-time national medalist at Solo Ice Dance
and a three-time state champion
in ice dance. She is a member of
the KC varsity track team.
Hope
Nicholas
The Excelsior is proud of the KPS students
whose art was on display at the Kalamazoo
Institute of Arts for the annual High School
Area Show. Hope Nicholas, Loy Norrix senior,
was among the 90 high school students whose
art was chosen for this event. Her art was
created under the direction of art teacher
Cindy VanLieu.
Flower, photography
Little Girl, photography
Probably the best preparation for KPS Kindergarten?
The KPS Pre-kindergarten Early Education Program: PEEP!
For children 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2014. (269) 337-0095
A lot of kids
struggle
with school.
They shouldn’t have to
struggle with life.
Contact Bethany Christian Services
To leArn more ABouT foSTer CAre And AdopTion.
269.372.8800
bethany.org/kzoofostercare
© Bethany Christian Services GR-150-AD-10793a
Kalamazoo Central (KC) students,
Nicole (senior) and Amy Czuhajewski (sophomore), have each
brought home a medal from the
National Solo Dance competition
in ice skating. The national competition took place in Colorado
where Nicole took 2nd in Intermediate Free Dance and Amy
took 3rd in Novice Free Dance.
The sisters have been skating for several years, Nicole for
12 years and Amy for 10 years.
They are members of the Greater
Kalamazoo Skating Association (GKSA) and skate at Wings
and Wings West facilities. They
skate five-to-six days a week for
two hours each day. There is no
specific skating season, so Nicole
and Amy practice year round.
GKSA had 12 girls qualify for
nationals by being in the top six
in the Midwest region. Ten of the
Nicole (left) and Amy Czuhajewski
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
November 2014
EXCELSIOR
11
12
Drop-in Holiday Crafts / Sat, Nov 15 / 11 am / CEN /
Drop in after the holiday parade and make a craft!
EVENTS
LEGO @ the Library / Build with other LEGO fans.
Sat, Nov 1 / 10:30 am / OSH
Mon, Nov 10 / 4:30 pm / POW
FIRST SATURDAY
Nov 1 / 2:00 pm / CEN / Music and activities
with Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.
STORYTIMES
Adult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers.
Siblings may attend as guests.
Baby Talk / Wednesdays, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26 / 1:30 pm /
OSH / Talk about baby care with other parents.
Thurs, Nov 13 / 4:30 pm / EAS
Sat, Nov 15 / 10:30 am / CEN
Tues, Nov 18 / 6:30 pm / WSQ
Drive In Movie / Mon, Nov 3 / 10:30 am / OSH /
Decorate a cardboard box car and enjoy a short film.
Ages 3-6.
Read with Bailey / Wednesdays, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26
/ 4 pm / WSQ / Read to everyone’s favorite, lovable
Schnoodle dog.
Bookworms / Thurs, Nov 20 /
4:30 pm / CEN / Read Frindle
by Andrew Clements. Books
available the first of the month
preceding the meeting.
Thanksgiving Crafts / Nov 24-26
Open Hours / OSH / Drop in
and create Thanksgivingthemed crafts.
TWEEN/TEEN EVENTS
Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) / Mon, Nov 3 /
3:30 pm / CEN / Plan program and service projects.
Grades 6-12.
Baby Steps / Tuesdays, Nov 4, 18, 25 / 10:30 am /
CEN / Rhymes, songs and books for walkers24 months. Siblings welcome.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party / Tues, Nov 4 / 4:30 pm /
POW / Celebrate the release of Book 9. Play games,
and listen to a reading from the book. Snacks
and prizes.
Toddler Talk / Wednesdays, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26 /
10:15 am / OSH / Toddlers play while adults talk
care of 1-3 year-olds.
Slam Session / Mon, Nov 10 / 3:30 pm / CEN /
Experience poetry and learn from local experts how
to express yourself with words. Gr. 6-12
Family Storytime / Stories and activities designed
for birth-5. Siblings welcome.
INTERNATIONAL GAMES DAY
Sat, Nov 15 / 12 pm / CEN / Celebrate
the 7th Annual International Games
Day with hours of non-stop game
fun. Compete in tournaments with
players from around the world.
Snacks and prize giveaways.
(Teens only.)
Wednesdays, Nov 5, 12, 19 / 10:30 am / POW
Thursdays, Nov 6, 13, 20 / 10:30 am / EAS & OSH
Fridays, Nov 7, 21 / 10:30 am / CEN & WSQ
Yoga Storytime / Mon, Nov 10 / 10:30 am / CEN /
Yoga and stories for kids ages 3-6.
J-Pop Club / Mon, Nov 17 /
3:30 pm / CEN / Enjoy
Japanese anime, manga,
Pocky and food. Gr. 6-12.
Musical Storytime / Mon, Nov 24 / 6:30 pm / CEN /
Songs and stories with Mr. Bill.
Miss Lisa: Stories & Dance / Movement and stories
for preschoolers. Wear comfortable clothes.
Mon, Nov 24 / 10:30 am / OSH
Wed, Nov 26 / 10:30 am / CEN
Central Library (CEN)
315 S. Rose St.
553-7800
EXCELSIOR
Eastwood (EAS)
1112 Gayle Ave.
553-7810
November 2014
MEET THE AUTHOR: TODD PARR
Thurs, Nov 13 / 6:30 pm / CEN /
This best-selling
picture book author
and illustrator
will share some
stories with kids
and families.
Oshtemo (OSH)
7265 W. Main St.
553-7980
Alma Powell (POW)
1000 W. Paterson St.
553-7960
Cartooning with Kenjji / Thurs, Nov 20 / 4:30 pm /
EAS / Learn how to make your own graphic
novel. Supplies provided. Gr. 5-12.
Baby / Kid
Tween / Teen
Ticket Required
Family
All Ages
Registration Required
Washington Square (WSQ)
1244 Portage St.
553-7970
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com