TROY School District
Volume 4, Issue 1 NEWS FROM THE 2021 TSD GRADUATES!! SUPERINTENDENT Co r tul tio s If anyone had tried to predict the challenges schools would face over the past year, no one would have believed it. A pandemic, shutdowns, cases spiking, then dropping, only to spike again. Mandates from the state, changing CDC and local guidance, teachers reimagining the way they engage with students— Dr. Richard Machesky only to reinvent it again as conditions and needs shifted. It would be easy to focus on what we couldn’t do this year. But I would rather focus on the incredible On a glorious June day at the outdoor DTE Energy Music Theatre, 1,000+ TSD seniors from all things we DID do—and what we can take away as we four Troy high schools received their diplomas in four separate graduation ceremonies. enter a much more “normal” environment in the fall. Congrats, class of 2021! You did it! See inside for stories and more photos. As you’ll read in this issue, there were many successes in the TSD this year. Elementary GOING THE EXTRA MILE TO CELEBRATE OUR 8TH GRADERS! students made gains in literacy. Middle and high Our administrators and teachers went the school students won state and national awards. extra mile to ensure that our soon-to-be freshmen High school student athletes were able to compete. wrapped up their middle school experience in style. Student musicians and performers found creative Staff from all four middle schools visited students’ ways to use the Arts to bring people together. We homes to deliver congratulatory yard signs, were able to celebrate the Class of 2021, with a fantastic in-person graduation. surprising students and their families, who were moved by We never accepted that things couldn’t be this personal touch. done. We saw problems and developed solutions. We created L.I.V.E. and WIFI access centers. We Middle school ensured that no TSD student was left behind during graduates and their quarantines or shutdowns. We provided voluntary WELL-BEING TO ATTEND families were also treated vaccine opportunities for staff and students. We fed to a “8th Grade Parade” thousands of children and families—and provided where staff celebrated their critical assistance on everything from internet access to basic needs to mental health. accomplishments and wished them well in their new adventures. Did we get everything right? No. There are certainly things we would have changed. But through it all, our focus on our students and the health and safety of all never wavered. ELEMENTARY STUDENTS SUCCEED DESPITE UNUSUAL YEAR When our youngest elementary students returned consistency of high-quality instruction and the District’s I’m proud of what we accomplished this year— to school this fall, teachers knew there would be gaps emphasis on literacy, regardless of whether we could and that we did it together, in true ONE Troy fashion. Our staff demonstrated extraordinary exibility in their learning. After all, when the state abruptly shut meet in person or over zoom. and our students showed incredible resiliency. We down schools last March, our Kindergarten and The results speak for themselves. Eighty pushed one another to think differently and never First Grade students were just hitting percent of students who were identi ed as said never. And because of that, we succeeded. their strides in reading and writing. reading below grade level in September have But thanks to the incredible work advanced so far that they are indistinguishable All of these things we will carry with us—and make us stronger, better educators, students and of our classroom teachers and reading from their peers in any other “typical” year. For members of this community. specialists, students are back on track. those who are still progressing, our teams are It is an amazing feat, given the obstacles providing multiple supports to ensure that the Have a fantastic summer, ONE Troy— schools have faced with quarantines “pandemic year” doesn’t have a lasting impact the best is yet to come! and learning disruptions as coronavirus on student success. Dr. Richard Machesky cases ebbed and owed. The key, for TSD students are thriving despite the Superintendent our lower elementary students, was the challenges of a challenging year! Troy School District 2 — Troy School District, June 2021 www.troy.k12.mi.us SCHOOL BOARD CORNER
What an incredible 15 efforts worked, with infection rates dramatically Learning Center, replacing the disintegrating months since COVID-19 lower than our surrounding community, with no Niles Center. The TLC has allowed us to expand forced us to re-think signi cant spread in buildings. Walking school community programs and shift our Troy College how we deliver a quality hallways, I was surprised by how “normal” things and Career High School students to a state-of- education. Yes, it’s been felt for the kids. They were happy, learning, and the-art educational facility with rst-in-district extremely rough for our engaged. In spite of visible safety protocols, opportunities. Niles has been removed and the administration, teachers, classrooms looked welcoming as teachers lot rehabilitated, providing new space where our support staff, parents, and adeptly served both in-seat and remotely- preschoolers can run and play. students—but working engaged students. Our Employee Services and Business Karl Schmidt, President together allowed us to meet Services Teams recently secured new long-range Board of Education phenomenal challenges. contracts with every employee group, freeing us Let’s take a moment from labor negotiations for the next 3 years—a to celebrate some of the District’s notable situation we haven’t achieved in more than 10 accomplishments during this crisis. years. Now everyone can focus together on Thanks to a collaborative effort with the Troy providing a world-class educational experience Educational Association, Troy developed and for our kids. executed one of the few hybrid teaching systems None of this happens by accident—it is in the state allowing real time learning for both the result of many people keeping their heads remote and in-seat students. Beyond preserving clear in a crisis and working committedly for our a sense of common community between our children. As I speak with counterparts in other “roomies” and “Zoomies,” it allowed us to Michigan districts, I am struck by how exemplary quickly pivot to 100% remote teaching if a class our District team’s performance has been. The required a short quarantine. For its entire second year, our new Preschool Board of Education is sincerely grateful and we Our state-approved Return 2 Learn Plan safely executed in-seat learning for all students. want our entire community to know just how kept our staff and students safe. Our mitigation Last September we opened our new Troy good you are. Three TSD Schools Named Schools of Character BAKER STUDENTS Three Troy School District schools Cottone, “We strive to empower students to learn REIMAGINE FOOD DRIVE were named Schools of Character about and take action in the world through our Each year, as part of Baker Middle for 2021 by Character.org, a national CULTURE traits while fostering positivity amongst School’s social studies unit on food advocate and leader for character. Athens our community. Our staff has spent the past insecurity, students host a huge food drive to High School, Bemis Elementary, and Troy several years documenting and re ecting on how bene t the District’s “Bridge the Gap” food Union Elementary achieved State School we have implemented the standards articulated pantry. Students start collecting food the of Character, and Bemis and Troy Union in Principles Framework for Schools. None of summer before and compete to be “Super were also named National Schools our successes happen without a beyond Donors.” However, this year’s food drive, of Character. amazing staff, supportive parents and like so many other things, had to change due Athens’ Principal Lara hardworking kids.” to COVID. Baker students decided to hold WELL-BEING TO ATTEND Dixon acknowledged key staff “The Character Education a ONE Troy food drive at Morse Elementary in her building who went above process has been such a meaningful where folks could drive up, pop their trunks,
WELL-BEING TO ATTEND and beyond: “I am proud of experience,” said Bemis’ Principal and students could unload, sort, and store all the all of us on this school-wide Jeremey Whan. “We are excited food at once. Baker students felt so strongly about effort and am especially grateful because our students are bene ting and making this re-imagined food drive successful that for Jessica Blake, Eric Flessa, and Asst. understanding how they can help to make they invited the community and other schools in Principal Dan Mills, as they have helped lead our world a ‘little bit’ better each day by being the District to help, and together they collected this work. It has been gratifying to watch our purposeful people who care about others.” enough food to ll the pantry--and feed families for commitment to character grow throughout the Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky praised the entire school year. years.” the staff at each school, especially for their strong Each year, Character.org certi es schools leadership during the challenging environment and districts at the state level that demonstrate of COVID-19. “Congratulations on being named a dedicated focus on character development and Schools of Character. I know you and your teams have a positive effect on academic achievement, worked hard to make this a reality. Given the timing student behavior, and school climate. According and manner in which you had to work, earning to Troy Union’s Principal Mike these distinctions is even more impressive.” www.troy.k12.mi.us Troy School District, June 2021 — 3 Schroeder Robo-Dragons Create Playground Communications Board “Log Off & Lace Up!” Can you imagine not being able to the communication board, kids can combine to Encourage talk with your friends at recess and tell pictures to create many messages, such as “I them what you want to do? This is the want swing,” “I like you,” “I go on playscape,” “I problem that the Schroeder Elementary want help,” and “I get ball.” Health and Fitness Robo-Dragons Girl Scouts team wanted The Scouts held a Pajama Day where students to x. The Robo-Dragons—Megan Hatto, To encourage physical activity and donated $2 to wear pajamas at school, which screen breaks during COVID quarantine, Elementary PE teachers created “Log Off & Lace Up,” a virtual walk and run that WELL-BEING TO ATTEND WELL-BEING TO ATTEND could be planned and executed when convenient.
Routes were established in area parks and Troy Schools’ tracks, and raised over $200! They also wrote a grant for the families were Samantha Downs, Isha Chawla, Shalini Srinivas, Troy Women’s Association for $312. Two Girl encouraged to Tatum Sheckell, Lily Bastien, Lila Sieber, and Edy Scouts members created a small neighborhood participate. Mayotte—have been a robotics team together business for making and selling handcrafted since Kindergarten. They settled on helping soap. Between the grant, the Pajama Day kids with disabilities for their innovation project fundraiser, and the soap sales, they met their goal in their First Lego League Robotic competition. to purchase the communication board. The Girl Scouts’ goal was to help kids with severe communication delays, such as students with Can eld was proud of his students, “It is autism or Down syndrome, have fun at recess. impressive to not only see our students excel at Schroeder, but for students to really embrace The girls did research and they found that the helping others and serving the best way to make this happen was a Playground Communication Core board. One member of the school.” The Robo-Dragons Girl Scouts team, Megan Hatto, explained that, “It’s a board team is so thankful for the support from Girl that has pictures representing words. If kids Scouts Southeastern Michigan, Mr. Can eld, can’t talk or have limited language, they point to a Troy Women’s Association, and the Schroeder picture with a friend and then they will be able to community. Said Scout Samantha Downs, “It’s so play if the word says ‘play.’” Speech Pathologist exciting, because we worked hard on it and it was Jenny Michalek said, “This is a good way for nally on the playground so Schroeder students Participation was FREE, online training plans kids with a communication delay to be able to can use it at recess and be social together.” let people know what they want. This can help Scout Megan Hatto agreed, “I am so proud of our were available, bibs were provided, and prevent tantrums or an isolated feeling.” Using team’s accomplishment! I hope this will help the running attire was available for purchase. Schroeder community for years to come.”
TFEE HIRES FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 3,413 In May, the Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence (TFEE) participants from hired Alison Hendry to be its rst Executive Director. Mrs. Hendry was 28 states and 7 most recently the Executive Director of the Birmingham Education countries joined, Foundation and has worked in both the nonpro t eld and as a logging a grand teacher in Northern Michigan. She is also the mother of a Martell total of 6,959 second grade student. When asked about leading the TFEE, Mrs. miles! Hendry said, “I’m thrilled to have been chosen as the rst Executive Director for the TFEE and am excited to lead the Foundation as we seek to connect teachers and our schools with community support!” To learn more about the TFEE, visit TroyFoundation.org. 4 — Troy School District, June 2021 www.troy.k12.mi.us TROY HIGH ALUM ISABELLA TFEE PROVIDES TECH TOOLS 4 TEACHERS HOM ACHIEVES EAGLE SCOUT Troy High graduate (‘20) Isabella Hom The Troy Foundation for Educational achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, one of Excellence (TFEE) held a gift card raf e the rst 1,000 female scouts and one of fundraiser in December to support an exciting 35 in Michigan to receive this honor. Her new program for Troy School District teachers
LEARNING for the 2020-2021 school year. All classroom
STUDENTS Eagle project was providing hygiene kits, touchless thermometers, pulse oximeters, teachers had the opportunity to choose one blood pressure monitors, and naloxone item from a “Technology Innovation Menu” medical supply cabinets to a homeless aimed to impact, enhance, and support shelter in Pontiac. To fund these activities, the virtual learning experience for over 800 she organized Scouts to return over classrooms. 21,000 bottles and cans. In addition, as According to TFEE Grant Committee EMPOWER PRIORITIZE an alumnus of the TCMB, Hom was asked Chair Jennifer Gottlieb, “Our teachers have to be the Bugler for the “Be the Change” had some time to determine instructional connect with their students and with each other.” online celebration of the induction of the rst practices that work (and don’t work) in the ever- McClure was proud that this program touched each female Scouts. changing environment that de nes 2020-21, and classroom/teacher/student in the district with these may be thinking…… ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if I had a ll- needed technology tools. in-the-blank?’ So, the organization engaged TSD’s Teaching and Learning and Technology Services To fund the program, the TFEE held their rst departments to brainstorm what might be useful.” raf e, with 1,000 tickets at $5 each (they sold out!) for the chance to win $1,000 in gift cards. The winner The result was a “menu” of 14 technology was former IAE teacher Jennifer Gebbie. Stay tuned supports such as new webcams, Bluetooth- to see what the TFEE will do next and to support their compatible mouse/keyboards, and USB connectivity mission of “strengthening the educational excellence devices, among others. Said TFEE President Julie of TSD K-12 students by funding innovative learning McClure, “It is important now more than ever to opportunities through private support.” provide the means for our teachers to be able to ENROLL TODAY! Register at https://troy.ce.eleyo.com/preschool FOR MORE INFORMATION THE TROY DIFFERENCE (248) 823-3000 Authentic literacy and play-based curriculum 205 W. Square Lake Road Troy, Michigan 48098 World-Class, brand-new facility [email protected] Expert teaching teams Extensive indoor & outdoor natural gross-motor space
Continued commitment to prioritizing health & safety https://tsdpreschool.troy.k12.mi.us 0397-2103
NROLL E ME EN N T T For Kindergarten R - ENROLLING NOW TSD PODCASTS INFORM S A G C Enrollment information R A
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& ENTERTAIN K Do you live in Troy School District TSD produces dozens of top-rated podcasts and have a child who will be five years old by Sept. 1, 2021? that take you behind the scenes and introduce If so, call your neighborhood you to interesting people & places. Finding a elementary school to get on their Way highlights how we navigate challenges; mailing list or contact us. Sidelines takes you inside Additional Questions? sports; Speaking of Equity
and Inside TSD discuss OR (248) 823-4002 important issues—there is (248) 823-4004 something for everyone! Search TSD World Class TSD Central Enrollment Podcasts wherever you get 4400 Livernois, Troy, MI 48098 your podcasts. [email protected]
Not ready for Kindergarten? Ask us about the TSD Preschool www.troy.k12.mi.us Troy School District, June 2021 — 5 TSD PRESCHOOL DELIVERS ALL YEAR LONG TROY BOASTS 52 Learning won’t stop for many of Troy’s NATIONAL MERIT tiniest learners as our Preschool Summer Program kicks off with a fun and engaging SCHOLAR FINALISTS experience on June 21. Students aged 3 Fifty-two Troy School District students to 5 will explore, create, laugh and learn each week in a literacy-rich environment. A were named 2021 National Merit Finalists by separate “First Friends” parent/tot play group the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. will also be available for parents and little This honor is bestowed to less than one ones 18 months to 3 years old. percent of students nationwide, based on Both of these programs are designed their scores on the Preliminary SAT. Over 1.5 with world class learning for students and million juniors in about 21,000 high schools maximum exibility for families. Parents can take the PSAT every year. As nalists, our sign their children up for only the weeks they
EARLY CHILDHOOD INVEST IN EARLY students were eligible for the 7,500 National need and be assured that they will spend their Merit Scholarships of at least $2,500 each. days in a nurturing, FUN environment with For more information, visit nationalmerit.org. a state-of-the-art facility and the highest quality teachers. “I am amazed by the large numbers of If you are looking for a top-notch preschool for students from the TSD who are recognized your child for the fall, enrollment is still open, but annually for this national honor,” said Troy space is limited. From letters and sounds to science Schools Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky. and art, our classrooms are lled with the sights “This speaks to the dedication of our students, and sounds of students developing a true love of parents and teachers across our learning learning. Our experienced teachers guide your child community who work using with developmentally appropriate lessons together to provide directly aligned to our K-12 curriculum, so that your the best educational child will have a seamless transition to Kindergarten. opportunities for our Simply put, there is no better start for your child than TSD Preschool. students.” Visit tsdpreschool.troy.k12.mi.us or call 248- Students are 823-3000 for more information. listed alphabetically by high school: BARNARD STUDENTS SWEEP ART CONTEST ATHENS: Poulomi Dey, Krishna Kottai, There’s something in the water at Prize Winners, 37 have been Monthly winners, 32 Esha Munagala, Nicholas Simon, Matthew Barnard Elementary in Troy. The popular have been Honorable Mentions, and 47 have been Villavicencio 2021 Oakland County Kids’ Clean Water Special Acknowledgement winners. That’s a lot IA: Harika Billa, Iyer Diksha, Mahith Calendar Contest has resulted in yet another of Bluejays, and this contest has become part of Kanuri, Heeweon Kim, Kishan Patel sweep by Barnard the fabric of what they do over STUDENTS Elementary School at Barnard. “We are grateful TROY HIGH: Nina Aitas, Marcus Chung, students. Out of that the Water Resources Sneda Dinda, Prashanti Donthireddy, Alaina nearly 200 4th and 5th Commission continues to Favret, Archita Girmannagari, Annie He, grade art submissions honor our students for not Madhavan Iyengar, Shruti Jain, Achyuth from across the only their beautiful artwork, Kashyap, Arjun Kashyap, Raj Khuperkar,
EMPOWER County, Barnard 4th but also for the important Minseong Kim, Amol Kirtane, Nathan Kovacs, grader Aditya Yogesh messages they share about Sophia Liang, Elliot Liu, Shifa Malik, Sandhya won the grand prize protecting our waterways,” Manivasagam, Parvathi Nagappala, Aarti with his artwork titled, “Save said teacher Gwen Simon. Phatke, Prajna Polamarasetti, Lauryn Prokup, Water, Save Nature” and is The 2021 calendar artwork Sohil Ramachandra, Navneet Ramadurai, featured on the cover of gallery can be viewed at www. Swarith Reddy, Surya Sanjay, Sabrina Song, the 2021 Kids’ Clean Water oakgov.com/water/resources/ Sohan Vittalam, Allison Wei, Josiah Wong, Calendar. education/calendar-contest, Jasmine Wu, Alexander Xu, Sarah Xu, Lily This is something students and staff and calendars can be ordered Yang, Ruicheng Yang, Dorothy Yin, Michael at Barnard have been on top of (literally) and picked up at the listed local Young, Darren Zeng, Anna Zhao, for years. Out of the last 12 years 5 libraries, including the Troy Public Katherine Zhao, Erik Zhou. Barnard students have been Grand Library. 6 — Troy School District, June 2021 www.troy.k12.mi.us Celebr ti Se iors www.troy.k12.mi.us Troy School District, June 2021 — 7 Celebr ti Se iors 8 — Troy School District, June 2021 www.troy.k12.mi.us Stude ts Ste i U , Givi B ck The Costello community raised care packages for the homeless. money for Beaumont Children’s Each bag had a special message and Hospital by creating archways contained a winter hat, gloves, mask, of holiday water, food, and $5. lights in the neighborhood. Attendees Bemis 1st grader Shaurya Lohia donated money made 50 holiday cards for frontline to take in the workers to bring smiles to the faces sights while of these awesome people and to which was distributed through Morse helping to brighten up their stressful day. The Elementary’s “Bridge the Gap” support the cards went program. cause. to doctors, nurses, medical assistants, Athens Student Council members “Holiday Helpers,” mail carriers, TCCHS wrote letters to Troy Beaumont working with Troy People Concerned, police of cers, patients and also collected $2,000 re ghters, and in gift cards to aid the Troy Police grocery store Department with their Operation Blue delivery people Sleigh. across Troy and Detroit. Troy’s Key2Finesse student group raised over $75,000 for organ and In September and April, IAE’s Key Club had a successful roadside clean- up along 15 Mile with Troy Kiwanis Club. Our volunteers collected trash off the roads to keep our community clean. raised $2,000 for families in need and delivered their donations on their new one-of-a-kind school bus, which has been uniquely designed by the tissue donation, signed up 107 new school’s art teacher. organ donors, and had 250 people attend their virtual awards United Girls’ Hockey traded their Troy ceremony. hockey helmets and facemasks for Santa hats and COVID masks and sorted and packed up enough food Baker 6th grader to feed 80 families over the holidays, Brady Langston made www.troy.k12.mi.us Troy School District, June 2021 — 9 TSD SENIORS COMPETE FOR 2021 Best Community COCA-COLA SCHOLARSHIPS Three TSD seniors at Troy and Superintendent Dr. Rich Machesky for Music Education Athens High Schools are among only 23 is also proud of these future leaders: “I’m semi nalists in the state of Michigan chosen extremely impressed by and proud of these for the 2021 class of the prestigious Coca- wonderful students who will be incredible Cola Scholars Program. Athens senior ambassadors for not only our District, Audrey Apahidean and Troy seniors Abigail Liang and Om Shah WELL-BEING TO ATTEND
It’s been quite a year. And even though many ne arts ensembles were unable to meet, practice, and perform as they were used to doing, Troy was still named a 2021 Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. This award recognizes the but for the whole City of outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, Troy.” students and community leaders who have made The Coca-Cola exemplary music education part of the curriculum. Scholars Program is were singled out for the an achievement-based This is the 14th consecutive year Troy has received honor by the Coca-Cola scholarship awarded to graduating high this designation, and it is especially impressive given the Foundation. school seniors. Students are recognized for challenges of the pandemic that changed so much of how “We are lucky to celebrate young their capacity to lead and serve, as well as our music programs functioned. Said TSD Instrumental people who push themselves beyond their commitment to making a signi cant Music Coordinator Joe Havrilla: “We’ve seen adaptation what they have been given to achieve impact on their schools and communities. and growth for performing arts teachers in the Troy great success,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, THS semi nalist Abby Liang is proud School District, as we have adapted to teaching and Foundation President. of this designation. “Being recognized as a learning in new settings. We’ve incorporated technology “The Coca-Cola system is dedicated to semi nalist is an honor. At Troy High, I lead such as iMovie, SmartMusic, and Note ight to engage giving back to the communities they serve, several clubs such as Project Lead, where and collaborate with student groups, until we can all and the foundation is proud to be a part of I raised over 2,600 items for a holiday food meet again in a classroom setting.” that commitment.” drive in 2018.” IAE STUDENT SELECTED AS SEMIFINALIST IN NASA’S “ARTEMIS MOON POD ESSAY CONTEST” International Academy East and NASA’s Artemis Moon Pod Essay 1,000 eligible judge volunteers comprised land on the moon and what is crucial for Junior Siddharth Gupta has Contest. This prestigious national of educators, professionals, and space their survival and for future expeditions. been named one of only 155 competition challenged K-12 students enthusiasts helped review essays. “The most exciting thing about going to semi nalists in Future Engineers to think about leading a one-week As a semi nalist, Gupta received the Moon is the possibility of living there expedition at the Moon’s South an Artemis Prize Pack lled with space- substantially and having people land on STUDENTS Pole, including writing about themed prizes plus the opportunity to the moon after 50+ years.” their expedition’s crew and attend a series of virtual Artemis Explorer He has always had a natural curiosity for technology, and imagining Sessions with NASA experts. But there science, technology, and space, and credits leaving their technology behind was one more surprise in store for all the the International Academy community to help future astronauts explore students who submitted an entry: NASA with “helping to embrace my curiosity the Moon.
EMPOWER will y a digital copy of all 14,000 essays about the natural world and encouraging Approximately 14,000 around the Moon aboard Artemis I. me to take part in this competition.” To essay submissions were Gupta was thrilled to learn his essay see a listing of the 155 semi nalists, received from K-12 students was going up into space and felt he had visit https://www.futureengineers.org/ across the country and over learned what astronauts would need to artemismoonpodessay 10 — Troy School District, June 2021 www.troy.k12.mi.us 2021 TROYBERY WINNERS ANNOUNCED You’ve heard of the Newbery And, as is tradition, a special guest author TCCHS Stude ts Shi e Reading Award, but have you heard of was invited to ZOOM with the students in Senior Kayla Sage received a the Troybery? A mock-Newbery medal real time. This year, Alicia D. Williams, author partial scholarship from The Women program, Troybery has encouraged of Newberry winner Genesis Begins Again, of Tomorrow, a group dedicated to mentoring young women. As a
STUDENTS Troy middle schoolers since 2000 to spent an hour virtually with students sharing read the best middle grade books her story of how she became a story-teller dual enrollment student, Sage has published that and encouraging successfully completed two college classes at Macomb Community year and then students to have College while in high school. She vote on their the courage to has been involved in Student
EMPOWER favorites. The be “bold, daring, Leadership and participated in a contest usually courageous and summer study program through Hillsdale College in begins in the fall, DREAM big” and Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Gettysburg. She with students reading not let others’ has also been competitively participating in the sport of nominated books and opinions sway fencing since she was 11 years old. The St. Clair Shores then voting for them in or distract them resident is planning to attend Oakland University in the a March Madness-style from writing. She fall to prepare for a career in a science-related eld. tournament. But this took questions year was different. from the students “BOOST GRANTS” 3 TCCHS SENIORS Seniors Casey Gabriel, Chlaudio For the 21st Annual and ended her presentation with Grishaj, and Paije Ruff are recipients Troybery Award Program, of the rst-ever “Boost Grants” from a quote from the TSD middle school media specialists Troy Youth Assistance. The Grant will Wizard of Oz “You’ve always had the power, Christina Chatel and Kathy Loch decided to pay for Gabriel’s college computer choose a reading theme that would make it my dear, you just had to learn and nd it programming class and related easy for all students (whether in-person or yourself.” textbooks, and Grishaj and Ruff will virtual) to access books to participate, and While certainly different like many things each receive a laptop to assist them chose the theme “Team Troybery vs. Team this year, Loch and Chatel felt this year’s as they begin college classes in the Newbery.” Students were challenged to read Troybery program was a success: “The 2021 fall. “I am very grateful to be given the Newbery AND the Troybery winners from Troybery reading program involved timeless a chance to pursue and be introduced to a eld 2001-2020 and vote on which books they award winners and classics; books that have I am interested in,” Gabriel said. “It is a chance I would not have had otherwise.” TYA’s “Boost Grant” seeks to liked best. The winners were The Hunger been cherished over the years by generations honor high school students and support them in moving Games by Suzanne Collins (Troybery) and of readers.” toward their life goals. New Kid by Jerry Craft (Newbery). TROY ROBOTICS TEAMS COMPETE VIRTUALLY, BRING HOME AWARDS AND ACCOLADES Members of the Troy FIRST Robotics St Joseph District Competition: before playoff rounds. At the St Joseph District Teams (FRC 226, the Hammerheads) • District Engineering Inspiration Award Event, students Harshini Padala and Nidhi Jaison brought home 3 Blue banners & 1 • District Event Winner (Blue Banner) were both interviewed by ESPN between playoff Engineering Inspiration Award to Troy Troy District Competition: matches. Harshini has just been selected as our
STUDENTS High School & Athens High School, • District Chairman’s Award 2020-2021 FRC 226 Team President, and Nidhi including their second consecutive State Michigan State Championship: will be attending the University of Michigan in the Championship Chairman’s Blue Banner, fall studying Computer Science! Furthermore, • District Chairman’s Award ending the season ranked in the Top 3 of Harshini individually quali ed for the World The Hammerheads were ranked 2 out of 40, Michigan’s 560 competitive high school Championship as a FIRST in Michigan Dean’s after a day and a half of quali cation matches teams. List Finalist – an award only received EMPOWER Although competitions couldn’t by 15 students in the state of Michigan. take place in person, FIRST made COVID won’t keep the Hammerheads it possible for team members to continue from competing, and if any parents are competing for the Chairman’s Award interested in getting their kids involved at District and State levels. Here is a in FIRST, it is available for all grades breakdown of the awards from our 2020 from Preschool to 12th. Information season: can be found on their website: www. hammerhead226.org. www.troy.k12.mi.us Troy School District, June 2021 — 11 SPORTS Congratulations TO ALL OF OUR 2020-21 ATHLETES! Troy High Signing Day Athletes Athens Signing Day Athletes Chris Baxter - Lacrosse - Adrian Ethan Emerzian – Basketball - Madonna Clara Shoales – Women’s basketball – Olivet College Jessica Green – Soccer - Lawrence Tech Jake Emerzian - Basketball - Madonna Hunter Pidek – Baseball – Oakland University Alexandra Armin – Soccer - Kalamazoo College D’Anthony Hamilton – Basketball - Concordia Andrew Pokley – Baseball – Heidelberg College Marian Croci - Track - Univ. of St. Francis at Fort Wayne Chris Worrell – Soccer - Northern Michigan Riley Weber – Baseball – Kalamazoo College Paige Anderson – Cross Country - Kalamazoo College Ryan Peluso – Football - Central Michigan Miranda McKee – Women’s golf – Albion College Lauren Gumma – Basketball - St. Mary’s College Gabe Brown – Men’s tennis – Boston University Angela Anderanin – Tennis - Lawrence Tech Jake Thompson – Bowling – Rochester University Manny Al-Nsour – Hockey - U of M Dearborn Waides Ashmon III – Football – Adrian College CJ Noon – Baseball - Hope College TJ Renaud – Men’s Soccer – Rochester University Brody Parker – Basketball - Oakland University Adrian Lekocaj – Men’s Soccer – Northwood University
Fall All State: Fall Academic All State: Ryan Gruca (AHS Soccer) Olivia Hemmila (AHS Golf Athens Girls Golf Team Chris Worrell (THS Soccer) Anthony Kopolo (AHS Soccer) Andrew Howard (THS Soccer) Zach Chbihi (THS Soccer) Troy Girls XC Team Adrian Lekocaj (AHS Soccer) Andrew Wang (THS Tennis) Mitchell Chang (THS Soccer) Paige Anderson (THS XC) TJ Renaud, (AHS Soccer) Samay Achar (THS Tennis) Jacob Gimm (THS Soccer) Charlotte Guillion (THS XC) Gabe Brown, (AHS Tennis) Rucha Deshpande (THS Swim) Andrew Howard (THS Soccer) Aileen Liu (THS XC) Shray Naik (AHS Tennis) Ryan Peluso (THS Soccer) Ryan Peluso (THS Football) Yousef Turf (THS Soccer) SPORTS DURING A YEAR OF COVID Adaptable. Persevering. Strong. Determined. These words describe our student athletes during this unprecedented year. But pictures are worth a thousand words, so here are some of our favorites: 12 — Troy School District, June 2021 www.troy.k12.mi.us District Rou d U Athens High: Athens TV students, Smith Middle: Smith’s Science Martell Elementary: Martell 5th taught by Adam Burns, made fi lms and PSAs, Olympiad team participated virtually in the graders will be honored in a safe, socially earning 71 state and national awards and 2021 National tournament which took place distanced, outdoor promotion ceremony at scholarships this year. Innovation, passion, at Arizona State University and placed 32nd the end of the year, having worked all year adaption, creativity, and something to say! out of the top 60 national schools. long to fi nd ways to be leaders in the building in safe ways. IAE: Even through the pandemic, the IA Barnard Elementary: 5th Grade Egg Drop was live-streamed. Students East Forensics Team continues to grow both Morse’s Tina designed capsules to protect an egg from Morse Elementary: in participants and in successes. This year M. Houser Bridge The Gap Pantry will serve breaking when dropped from the roof. the 16-member team earned 5th place in Cameras on the roof and ground-level the TSD community this summer every Forensics Finals!! helped “zoomies” feel as involved in the Wednesday at Morse (475 Cherry St Troy MI action as the “roomies.” 48083) from 6-7PM! Pantry food is FREE to TCCHS: TCCHS recently established an all TSD families in need! exciting partnership with “HighScores!”, an Bemis Elementary: Congratulations esports company to build a technology lab to Bemis Elementary parents, students and Schroeder Elementary: this summer as the district training grounds staff on being named a National School of Students continued Character Education by for establishing an esports “eco-system” in Character and for supporting our vision to participating in Dragon Den lessons within the TSD. develop the academic--as well as the social their classroom, supporting our core values of emotional--intelligences of our students. kindness, perseverance and respect. Troy High: The 2020 Gladiator Yearbook and 2021 Chariot Newspapers won Costello Elementary: Students Troy Union Elementary: In March, impressive MIPA awards, including a Silver have been sharing favorite song selections Troy Union unifi ed staff, students and families Medal/Spartan Award for last year’s Gladiator, on the schoolwide sound system during around a community wide book study using and the Chariot swept the illustration morning arrival for Cardinals Music Share Wish Tree by Katherine Applegate. The book Days. Music is a terrifi c way to bring our category for individual awards. highlight many of our character education community together and an inspiring way to traits like being caring and empathetic. Baker Middle: Partnered with a meal start our day! delivery group called “Lasagna Love,” a Hamilton Elementary: 3rd grade Wass Elementary: All students grassroots organization that aims to fi ght teachers piloted a new writing unit for participated in our annual Running with the food insecurity by connecting those in need the Teachers College Reading and Writing Wolves event for fi rst time since 2019. The with neighbors who can provide homemade Project associated with Columbia University, focus was for all students to do their personal lasagnas. inviting renowned literacy expert Lucy best and improve upon their former time on a Calkins to confer with Hamilton students 1-mile course. Boulan Middle: BPMS held its fi rst over Zoom. live music event of the year! Thanks to the Wattles Elementary: Students hard work and ingenuity of Mr. Havrilla and Hill Elementary: Hill students will and staff painted rocks unique to themselves his students, the band performed LIVE on the create a summer passion project combining for their OneWattles Anchor rock garden football fi eld on June 7th! what they love to do with core academic as a way to demonstrate their sense of areas. In August, they will present their community. Larson Middle: Larson Middle ideas to the Passion Project Team and School’s Science Olympiad team recently receive a certifi cate of completion. TSD Preschool: Is so proud to send completed its most successful season in nearly 200 preschool kiddos on to TSD Leonard Elementary: The many years, fi nishing 6th at the Michigan Leonard family is proud to celebrate all the Kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year! State Science Olympiad! amazing learning that has happened this We know you’ll continue to be safe, kind, school year! Students, staff, and parents responsible students who make us proud! have come together to support each other, succeeding in the face of challenges!
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