Kalamazoo Public Schools

October 2016 www.kalamazoopublicschools.com Volume 19, Issue 9 Like us on KPS Expands Mentoring Program to Include Community Organizations IMPORTANT DATES Four churches have volun- Pastor Jesse T. Herron of New teered to help Kalamazoo Public Life said that two years ago he Board of Education Meeting Schools expand the successful helped start a mentoring program Thursday, Oct. 6 and 20 mentoring program it created at Spring Valley, and he was 7 p.m. last year to help boost the en- happy to have the opportunity Administration Building gagement and achievement of to enlist some of his church students. members in this new effort. For more information call New Life Fellowship “Many of our young men do (269) 337-1572. Church of God in Christ and not have role models at home,” the Tabernacle Church of God Herron said. “Without role Conference Schedule in Christ volunteers will work models, they might not be able with students at Spring Valley to see the career they desire, The middle school parent/ Center for Exploration. Trenches and if they do not know about it guardian and teacher Community Church is expanding they’ll never pursue it. Without conferences will be held on its volunteer efforts to include vision, people perish. You have Wednesday, Oct. 19. mentoring at Northeastern to give them options for different Elementary School, and Stones careers, and put different people Hillside Church will launch its mentoring in front of individuals. If they 12:30-3:30 p.m.; 5-8 p.m. Phoenix High School principal Mark Hill, center, worked with students Reynardo efforts at Woodward School for Dixon, left, and Travonte Brown as part of the Kalamazoo Public School male can see it, they can be it.” Linden Grove Technology and Research. mentoring program last year. (continued on page 3) 1-4 p.m.; 5-8 p.m. Maple Street 12:30-3:30 p.m.; 5-8 p.m. Sports Stars Derek Jeter, Nancy Lieberman Milwood Magnet Dedicate DreamCourt at Northeastern Elementary 1-7 p.m. A new basketball court on Kalamazoo’s The multi-use, outdoor basketball court ALP Eastside is not just a place for kids to play will serve the entire community, especially 1-4 p.m.; 5-8 p.m. ball but for them to build dreams and those in programs run by the Boys & Girls remember the dreams of others. Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo. The high school conferences New York Yankees star and Kalamazoo At the dedication ceremony, Lieberman will be held on Central alum Derek Jeter and Basketball talked about her childhood: growing up Thursday, Oct. 20. Hall of Famer and two-time Olympian poor, discovering her love of sports, and Kalamazoo Central Nancy Lieberman were in Kalamazoo on (continued on page 4) 12-30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 1 for the dedication of a new basketball court at Northeastern Elementary School. New York Yankees star and Kalamazoo Central 4:30-7:30 p.m. graduate Derek Jeter spent several days in The basketball court was built with Loy Norrix Kalamazoo in September for his Turn 2 Foundation the support of the Nancy Lieberman activities, including the dedication of a new

12:30-3:30 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.

Foundation and Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation. basketball court at Northeastern Elementary School.

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will be held at the 49008 MI Kalamazoo, St., Howard 1220 Schools, Public Kalamazoo 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 17 NonProfit 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Nov. 28 Kalamazoo Public Library, downtown, on Oct. 1, 2016, from 2–3:30 p.m. The Anniversary of 9/11 Helps Us Remember the Best of America On 9/11, Dr. Rice gave the Kennedy was Whose wife grew up for people walking home, from in lower Manhattan. keynote address at the 15th killed, and much of her childhood in the lower Manhattan, to Brooklyn, I remember 2002, one year annual memorial ceremony they will likely city. and the Bronx, and New Jersey. after 9/11, in patriotic Clifton, for 9/11 in Bronson Park. His recount vivid- Who, along with my wife, I remember the stories of New Jersey, where I had become remarks appear below. ly the details. went to graduate school in the some who stayed in New York superintendent of schools. For those in city. City that day. I remember Valley Road, Good afternoon. I want to the next gen- Who returns to New York I remember the stories of Clifton, from which you can thank the committee and its eration — our every year to see my mother-in- those who were never found. see the New York City skyline, Michael F. Rice, Ph.D. chair, Lorence Wenke, for their generation — law and friends. I remember that my wife and from which residents saw Superintendent work on this important event. I the signature I remember as someone who and I watched night after night the burning towers, 20 minutes particularly want to thank our moment of tragedy was 9/11. was living almost 700 miles away of telecasts, in disbelief and from Midtown Manhattan. first responders 15 years ago: The cry “Never again”from New York City — in Lansing profound sadness. I remember the Clifton our firefighters, our emergency appears so simple in its meaning — when 9/11 hit. I remember her reaction the firefighters, brothers, who medical technicians, our police and yet resonates so differently I remember a Lansing first time she saw the New York responded with heroism at the officers. Fifteen years ago, they for people around the world. School District administrative City skyline without the towers scene....and who tragically died. did a great job that day and in To ensure “Never again,” in meeting turned vigil when we that had been there since her I remember the memorial the ensuing days and weeks. whatever context, we need to received the first news. youth. service that first anniversary, We appreciated their work, remember. I remember that we called I remember thinking that and the rabbi, now dead, who commitment, and heroism then; And we remember through every friend and family member the Empire State Building looked eulogized the Clifton first we appreciate them today as our unique lenses. in New York City over the next lonely and old, by itself as it responders who gave their lives well. I remember as someone, few days. were, in the skyline. in an effort to help others. Every generation has its sig- who was born in New York City. I remember the stories of And I remember driving I remember thinking that nature moments. For my parents Who grew up in the Midwest those who, like my friends, saw into the area of the bombing, we needed greater security and many of their generation, the — dare I say in Ohio? — but as the plane hit the second tower. eight months later, late at in our schools there and was signature moment of tragedy was someone who visited the city — I remember the story of the night, an unintended detour surprised when no one disagreed President Kennedy’s assassina- The City — and my uncle who person who saw, incredulously, when we were back in the city when we installed buzzer/ tion. Ask people from their gen- lived there many times when I the plane hit the first tower. and reliving in some sense the intercom/ camera systems at eration where they were when was a boy and young man. I remember the stories of horror, literally a war scene still (continued on page 3)

PARTNERS Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo Despierta Kalamazoo Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan Saturday, October 1 Great Start Collaborative Great Start Collaborative Parent Coalition Healthy Babies Healthy Start Kalamazoo 2–3:30 pm, CEN Hispanic American Council Kalamazoo in Bloom Take your family to the library the first Saturday of each month! Get your library card Kalamazoo Civic Theatre or pick out some books to check out. Enjoy stories, activities, special guests, and door Kalamazoo County Ready 4s prizes. Something different each month! First Saturday is a partnership program for KPL Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Kalamazoo Literacy Council and Kalamazoo Public Schools. Each monthly event is co-hosted with an organization Kalamazoo Public Schools serving children and families in Kalamazoo. In October, we will collaborate with our host, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Kalamazoo Valley Museum WMU’s McGinnis Reading Center! KRESA The Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo NAACP Northside Ministerial Alliance October 2016 Parents for Public Schools of Greater Kalamazoo SW Michigan AEYC WMU Haenicke Institute for Global Education Western Michigan University Reading Clinic

2 EXCELSIOR October 2016 www.kalamazoopublicschools.com The Anniversary of 9/11 Helps Us Remember KPS Expands Mentoring Program to the Best of America (cont. from page 2) school entrances, locked school Include Community Organizations (cont. from page 1) doors, and required people to be “As profoundly The district-wide mentor- “The trend we have in “Just having another person buzzed into the schools. tragic as 9/11 ing program began last year. Kalamazoo is not unique,” who can be some version of an I remember increasing our Male employees within the dis- Edwards said. “You’ll findadvocate for them in school police presence there. was, the events trict were asked to meet with similar trends across the country makes a huge difference.” Five years later, in 2007, of that day and groups of five students once a and, by extension, across the With the success of the I remember moving back to week during lunch, said Johnny state. Their graduation rate is program, Rice developed a plan to Michigan, to Kalamazoo....and their aftermath Edwards, director of secondary substantially lower than their expand the mentoring by reaching thinking that, though 700 miles education. Over the school year peers or any other cohort, out to community members, away from New York City, we have taught us 141 male staff members met with namely African-American including presentations to the needed to beef up our security certain lessons … 629 students during 2,822 week- females and both caucasian Northside Ministerial Alliance here as well. ly sessions. males and females.” and the Metropolitan Kalamazoo I remember the cameras which have been Although the program While the focus was on Branch of the NAACP. In addition that we installed, first in our important to us as last year was open to any male academics and setting career to the new community mentors, high schools and on our buses in student, the district’s efforts goals, the mentoring sessions the program will grow this year 2008, then in our middle schools individuals and as targeted African-American were mostly about building to include groups for female in 2009 and 2010. males, because they continue relationships that help the boys students. The district hopes the I remember the reaction of a country in these to lag behind all other student feel a connection to their schools support of the churches is just a few of our elementary school turbulent times.” groups in the district in terms of and their communities, Edwards the beginning of community principals: were we really going graduation rates. said. involvement in the mentoring to install buzzer/intercom/ freedom of the press, freedom “There are a lot of needs across Pastor Herron said that program. camera systems at the entrances of assembly, and freedom of ethnic groups but the greatest sometimes mentees come in a “Ultimately we want of THEIR schools in THEIR petition, our First Amendment need is among our African- little suspect of the adults. “They the mentoring to focus on neighborhoods? And yet, just freedoms. American male students,” said wonder are you real? Do you the students’ goals, career a few weeks after Newtown in Second, 9/11 brought KPS Superintendent Dr. Michael really care? You have to work aspirations, and the like. We 2012, all of our schools had either us together, in sadness but F. Rice. “This is a program to through those kinds of issues,” want to try to help them see any had these systems put into place, also in resoluteness, like address those who have the he said. “They do want to try career goal or job they want to or had their entrances physically nothing else in my lifetime greatest needs. To whom much is you because they want to know have in the future all begins with re-routed through their offices. has. World War I did it for our needed, much needs to be given. if you really care and really want education and ultimately a high I remember more and more grandparents. World War II did It’s a riff off of Luke from the to listen. It takes time. It’s not school diploma,” Edwards said. schools and school districts it for our parents. Ironically, Bible.” going to happen overnight.” “We want to connect their career taking similar measures, as new in our sorrow, 9/11 brought us The district’s overall “It is an organic process as goals and dreams to doing your ultimately became normal. together for several months as graduation rate in 2015 was 71 students feel more connected best in school today.” Fifteen years after 9/11, we well. An outgroup threat, and percent. The rate for African- to their schools and begin to If your community orga- still have a very different routine particularly one so significant, American females is at 77 identify another person in the nization is interested in joining at airports, again a new normal. can do that. percent, but the graduation rate building with whom they have a the mentoring program, please I don’t mind. My mom does, Third, no act of terrorism for African-American males is relationship and can lean on for contact Secondary Education at though. She laments the new is great enough to make us only 52 percent. advice and help,” Edwards said. (269) 337-0168. normal; I concede it. give up the charity and the And yet..... diversity, the brotherhood As profoundly tragic as and the sisterhood, that make 9/11 was, the events of that day this country so special. We and their aftermath have taught will not let 9/11, or any other us certain lessons, lessons that act or acts of terror, drive us we would never have wished into insularity or isolationism to have learned but which we or xenophobia. We are better learned nonetheless, sadly, and than that. We are bigger than which have been important to us that. We are the greatest as individuals and as a country in country in the world not in these turbulent times. spite of our diversity, but in First, as a nation, we are large measure because of it. stronger than any act or acts of And we will rise and respond, terrorism. No event or events as a nation, to our better will so shake our country that angels. As a country, we are we will give up those aspects of better, bigger, wiser than that. America that make our country And no, we will never forget, the greatest nation on earth: not simply 9/11, but the spirit the combination of freedom of of heroism.... and tolerance speech, freedom of religion, that make this country great. www.kalamazoopublicschools.com October 2016 EXCELSIOR 3 Sports Stars Derek Jeter, Nancy Lieberman Mobile Health Clinic Dedicate DreamCourt at Northeastern Elementary (cont. from page 1) honing her skills at Rucker Park in Harlem. She held fast to her Schedule for October dreams and encouraged the audience to do the same. The Family Health Center 10/6 - El Sol “I had nothing but I had has a mobile health clinic to 10/7 - Parkwood-Upjohn everything,” she said. “I had serve Kalamazoo Public Schools 10/10 - Prairie Ridge these guys who looked different students and their families. It 10/11 - Northglade from me but who believed in me. provides physicals, immuni- 10/12 - King-Westwood This dream, this DreamCourt zations, well-child visits, and 10/13 - Kalamazoo Central with my partners, WorldVentures other services. The clinic takes 10/14 - Loy Norrix Foundation, is real meaningful to insurance and offers a sliding 10/17 - Milwood Magnet me. You can read on this piece fee scale. Below is the clinic’s 10/18 - Hillside of paper all the really nice things schedule for October. For more 10/19 - Linden Grove that have happened to me in information, go to fhckzoo. 10/20 - Maple Street my life. I’m just blessed to be a com. Appointments are avail- 10/21 - Lincoln kid, a girl from New York that able by calling (269) 349-2641 10/24- Northeastern something special happened to or by contacting the CIS coordi- 10/25 - Washington and God blessed. Lift when you nator at your school. 10/26 - Woodward rise. When good things happen to Basketball star and coach Nancy Lieberman spoke at the dedication of the 10/3 - Edison 10/27 - Woods Lake you, take other people with you.” DreamCourt at Northeastern. 10/4 - Milwood Elementary 10/28 - Spring Valley Her abilities eventually dation’s 30th basketball court. said “When you have something 10/5 - Arcadia 10/31 - Edison turned into a career as a college “This DreamCourt is alike this in the neighborhood player at Old Dominion Univer- tremendous thing for our and people have generously sity, a two-time Olympian, a foundation and a good moment contributed to the betterment of commentator for ESPN and Fox for the community,” Jeter said. a neighborhood, it only goes to Sports, and now an assistant “This is a place where not only the build that neighborhood and the coach for the Sacramento Kings. kids can come play ball but they strengths of that neighborhood.” Lieberman’s foundation has can learn and grow, and they can Ezelle will be retiring at been creating DreamCourts in develop friendships and they can the end of the year, and the socioeconomically challenged achieve their goals.” Lieberman Foundation made a communities since 2010. The Robert Ezelle, executive $10,000 donation to the Boys & Kalamazoo location is her foun- director of the Boys & Girls Club, Girls Club in honor of his career.

visit: www.juliemrogers.com re-elect

On Nov. 8 re-elect 2016 JULIE M ROGERS 2016 for 5th District MONDAY Speak with more than 90 college Kalamazoo County OCTOBER 10 and university representatives LOCATED AT Commissioner 6:00–7:30 PM Kalamazoo Valley Community College www.kvcc.edu/collegenight Texas Township Campus

Paid for by Committee to Elect Julie Rogers, 3428 Marlane Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49006

4 EXCELSIOR October 2016 www.kalamazoopublicschools.com Loy Norrix PeaceJam Students Have NOTICE ‘Life-Changing’ Experiences in South Africa Kalamazoo Public Schools welcomes all students and staff of any religion, race, This summer was an my eyes to the world around color, national origin, age, sex, preg- unforgettable experience for us and made real the struggles nancy, gender identification, height, weight, familial status, marital status, 16 Loy Norrix High School people face in South Africa and at sexual orientation, and disability. PeaceJam students, who traveled home,” said senior Maria Egloff. The District will not tolerate or to South Africa for two weeks Senior Lauren Cole added condone any act of bias or discrimina- tion toward any person on the basis of of volunteering and cultural that the trip, “showed me that religion, race, color, national origin, exchange. there are young people all over age, sex, pregnancy, gender identifi- The students and advisor the world that just want to cation, height, weight, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, and Sveri Stromstra May met Nobel make a positive impact on their disability in any of its activities, hiring Peace Prize winner Archbishop community and the world.” practices, programs or services. Desmond Tutu, volunteered, Mentor, the PeaceJam Inquiries by students and/or their par- and learned about South Africa’s advisor in Cape Town, said, ents/guardians should be directed to: history of apartheid with trips to “Meeting the Loy Norrix group Assistant Superintendent of Soweto and Robben Island, where was an amazing experience. Student Services Kalamazoo Public Schools former South African President I have learned to share my 1220 Howard Street Nelson Mandela was imprisoned innermost feelings with a group I Kalamazoo, MI 49008 for his work to end apartheid. have come to trust.” (269) 337-0161 “This whole experienceLoy Norrix PeaceJam students and advisor Sveri Stromstra May met with He praised the Loy Norrix All other inquiries should be directed to: Archbishop Desmond Tutu during their trip to South Africa. during our visit in South program as extremely powerful, Assistant Superintendent of Africa was totally awesome, African groups bonded over to see joy come from someone especially the beach clean-up Human Resources Kalamazoo Public Schools but what impacted me the songs, games and activities in that almost has nothing,” May project. He said he hopes to 1220 Howard Street most was making connections the community, which included said. “ I’d like to help make their collaborate with the students Kalamazoo, MI 49008 and relationships with the volunteering at two preschools, whole lives like that.” in the future — perhaps even (269) 337-0177 Peacejammers all the way across cleaning up the beach and streets The students learnedtraveling to Michigan one day. District Directory at : www.kalamazoopublicschools.com the world. Seeing how they live of Oceanview, and holding a about South Africa’s history of May said she also hopes to and making connections with community meeting for more apartheid, and had the chance to continue the connection between Board of Education them is truly a life-changing than 100 township children. meet with Lionel Davis, who was the two groups, and she’d love experience that I will remember Sophomores Ella Klute and a prisoner on Robben Island at the to host her new South African President and value throughout my life,” Mia May said that volunteering at same time as Nelson Mandela. The friends. Patti Sholler-Barber said senior Ella Cavey. the preschools was a highlight of highlight of the trip for May was “The two days with the Loy Vice President May said, “They reallythe visit. The children were filled attending a church service led by Norrix High School were the Carol McGlinn connected as Peacejammers with joy and that helped inspire Archbishop Desmond Tutu at St. best days of my life,” Mentor Secretary when sharing the common goal the Norrix students to want to George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. said. “I came to learn that we are Jennie Hill of coming together to make our do more for the children in South At his request, the students had all one and the same — human Treasurer world a better, safer and more Africa. the opportunity to meet with the beings with the same dreams Dr. Martha Warfield peaceful world.” “These kids were theNobel Prize winner and to have and aspirations in life. Thank Trustee PeaceJam is a community happiest I’ve seen when we their picture taken with him. you LNHS for a life-changing Craig Herschleb service organization that returned, and you’d never expect “This trip has really opened experience.” Trustee emphasizes peace building on Ken Greschak a school, community, state, Trustee national and world level. May TiAnna Harrison helped start the Great Lakes SUPERINTENDENT PeaceJam with funding from the Fetzer Institute and the Kellogg Michael F. Rice, Ph.D. Foundation almost 15 years ago. In addition to organizing about 35 service projects each year, the group has traveled to international PeaceJam meetings, and the group has hosted PeaceJam conferences in Kalamazoo. The trip to South Africa came about after May made contact with Earl Mentor, the PeaceJam (Above) Loy Norrix senior Maria Egloff traveled with PeaceJam in advisor in Cape Town earlier this South Africa. Here she volunteers with preschoolers. year. (left) Joanna Yiu, Loy Norrix Class of 2016, worked with preschoolers The Loy Norrix and South on a PeaceJam trip to South Africa. www.kalamazoopublicschools.com October 2016 EXCELSIOR 5 KPS Welcomes Three New Administrators to the District Three new administrators most about being an educator are have joined Kalamazoo Public the students and families I have Schools, and another seven met and come to know along the administrators have moved way,” she said. “Each student I to new positions within the meet, every family I work with, district. Below, meet the new helps me gain a new perspective administrators and see who has and appreciation for cultural, lin- changed roles in the district. guistic and personal diversity.” She earned a bachelor’s Linda Howard degree in secondary educa- Principal, Lincoln International tion, with majors in French and Studies School Spanish, and a master’s degree Linda Howard Elizabeth Spaner Ramona Fletcher in counseling and student per- Howard said she decided sonnel services administration. to go into education because of particular student was not able Elizabeth Spaner joined the Kalamazoo Regional She began her education her experience as a substitute to read and lacked confidence,” Coordinator of Early Childhood Educational Service Agency in career at Kalamazoo Valley teacher. she said. “As I incorporated Education 2013 and left her job there as Community College. She also lived “When I began my career various strategies and worked early child specialist in July. in Puerto Rico for 10 years, where as a substitute teacher, I closely with the parents, the Spaner knew she was going “One of my goals for this she taught at a bilingual school immediately became passionate student began to read. One to be a teacher from an early age. new school year is to get to and then joined the Department about helping students to be day as I was walking to my car, “I decided to be a teacher know the amazing staff who of Defense Schools. For the successful, she said.” one of the parents jumped out when I was in seventh grade teach in our PEEP classrooms majority of her educational career That experience prompted the car and ran up to me and and nothing could change my and provide instructional she was a school counselor and her to go back to school to gave me a hug thanking me for mind,” she said. “Teaching support and leadership to all guidance director with Osceola further her education and to helping their child to read.” preschool was one of my greatest our classrooms, children, and County Schools in Central obtain special certifications. It Howard earned a bachelor’s experiences. I learned so much families,” Spaner said. “I am Florida, working with students also gave her the drive to try degree in English from Wayne about the importance of building humbled and honored to be a pre-K through 12. She eventually to help build capacity among State University, and master’s relationships with children and member of the powerhouse that became a Spanish teacher at teachers. degrees in education in special families. I kept in touch with is Kalamazoo Public Schools.” Parchment High School, her alma “One of my favorite education, secondary education several of my former students mater. encounters with a student was and education administration and even watched some of them Ramona Fletcher “I always knew I wanted helping that child to read. This from Grand Canyon University. shake President Obama’s hand Coordinator for Bilingual to be a teacher,” she said. “I She has been in education for 12 when he delivered the 2010 Education, ESL, and World loved school and was amazed years, and her experiences include commencement address at Languages at the knowledge, kindness and working as a substitute teacher, Kalamazoo Central High School.” patience of my teachers. I loved special education teacher, After earning a bachelor’s Languages have always reading and was always excited literacy coach, technology and degree in child development, been a big part of Ramona to help others read as well. infrastructure grant coach, she taught for Head Start. But, Fletcher’s life. Her goals for the new year and adjunct instructor with as much as she loved being in “I remember sitting with my include being of service to KPS Marygrove College. the classroom, she said she father at the kitchen table, while families and to explore new As she starts her first year saw a need for change and had he was speaking and teaching ways to increase academic at Lincoln, some of her goals a desire to support teachers. me Croatian and Slovak, along achievement. include promoting a positive She moved from teacher with my grandmother teaching “I will also, along with our A free program school culture and climate, to education coordinator, me poems and songs in French. I amazing world language staff, where grieving children increasing student achievement supporting 11 classrooms. She knew then that being a language be looking for ways to inspire and test scores, improving earned a master’s degree in early teacher would be the natural even more students to explore & teens attendance, and decreasing childhood education, and she career for me to pursue,” the fascinating world of other belong, laugh, cry, behavior referrals. became director of Head Start in Fletcher said. languages, to include French, share, remember, Kalamazoo County in 2012. She “What I have enjoyed the Spanish, Latin and new this year, Chinese.” play, sing, and Administrators who have taken new positions within the district: heal.

Cindy Green Reuquiyah Saunders Nkenge Bergan Barry Smith Janine VanStee Dylan Patterson Greg Straka hospiceswmi.org • 269.345.0273 Assistant Superintendent Director of Special Director of Student Administrator of Coordinator of Kalamazoo Central Kalamazoo Central of Teaching & Learning Education (Interim) Services (Interim) Student Services Special Education Athletic Director Assistant Principal

6 EXCELSIOR October 2016 www.kalamazoopublicschools.com Linden Grove Eighth Graders Mentor Sixth Graders — And Both Benefit When Linden Grove Middle sicians, writers, athletes, video School launched its student-to- game players, and kids who just student mentoring program, want to help. The mentors will Where Everyone Belongs (WEB), keep an eye on the students, and the goal was to help ease the they will respond to requests transition into middle school for from teachers to help students sixth graders. they identify as needing support. The program has indeed ac- Two of this year’s mentors complished that. When sixth are Harmony Holt and Humberto graders come into Linden Grove Zamora. they are matched with eighth- Humberto Zamora, Linden Harmony said she always did Grove WEB mentor grade students who can help well in school, so she didn’t need them with everything from mak- to take advantage of her student ing friends to organizing their mentor, but she said she will be binders. keeping her eye out for kids who The school has seen decreas- might need help with organiza- es in the number of behavior re- tion and keeping up with their ferrals and improved academic homework. achievement—not just among Humberto said he’s just the sixth graders, but more sig- looking forward to helping sixth nificantly, among the eighth graders with the transition to graders as well, said Courtney middle school. Sometimes it can WEB mentor Sierra Ward chooses students to participate in a getting-to-know-you activity at Harmony Holt, Linden Eiseler-Ward, a Spanish teacher sixth-grade orientation at Linden Grove. Grove WEB mentor be difficult, he said, to get used who coordinates the WEB pro- to multiple teachers and making gram at Linden Grove. need to be as they move on to your own style, whether that may sometimes leading small-group new friends in a new school. “The year we launched high school.” be in the way you pop balloons or discussions about how to handle The transition can be tricky, the program we expected to During a recent sixth-grade how you act in school. There also middle school. but it can be managed, Eisler- see significant changes, not orientation, parents headed to were questions about whether a More than 175 students ap- Ward said. KIds can be eas- just in academics but in office the library to meet with Princi- student would take $10 right now plied to be WEB mentors. From ily overwhelmed by the larger discipline referrals for sixth pal Craig McCane, Eiseler-Ward or $50 in 12 weeks? And then that group 80 were selected for school and getting used to mul- graders. We saw that, but what and other staff. The sixth graders there were comparisons of those the program, which includes tiple teachers, who are respon- surprised us is that the program went to the cafeteria where they choices to one-time offers to join several days of training in the sible for large groups of children. had more of an impact on eighth participated in songs, getting- a sports team, and long-term summer. If you’re looking for a But through the WEB program, graders than sixth graders,” to-know-you games and small goals such as getting good grades common denominator between sixth graders and eighth graders she said. “No other program group sessions lead by art teacher on a report card, which require a the student mentors, it is this: alike can gain a degree of inde- gives you this bang for your Mandy Clearwaters, other staff, commitment of time and energy. They are kind, said Eisler-Ward. pendence and self-esteem. buck in terms of keeping eighth and the eighth-grade mentors. During the activities, the “The only criteria is they The goal for all of the stu- graders in class, having kids be There were relay races to older students intermingled have to be kind to kids and to dents is simply this, she said: “We connected to school and making pop balloons, which segued into among the younger ones, some- grown-ups,” she said. Other have to help them take owner- sure their grades are where they a discussion about discovering times cheering and singing, and than that the group includes mu- ship for their studentship.”

Kalamazoo Central’s Kiera Parkman VOTE NOV. 8 ELECT Wins $4,000 Scholarship from The Links Kalamazoo Central gradu- in the Black Arts Festival, New LAUREN FREEDMAN FOR TRUSTEE, KALAMAZOO PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION ate Kiera Parkman has been Year’s Fest, walks for the home- “As an educator of 42 years, I am running for Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of named the recipient of the 2016 less and several other community Education to work with parents, families, students, teachers, administrators, fellow Gloria R. Smith, Ph.D. Memo- and school service activities. She board members and the wider Kalamazoo community to establish policies that make the KPS motto, “Every Child, Every Opportunity, Every Time” a reality.” rial Scholarship. Parkman will was president of her class for four

use the $4,000 scholarship at years, publicity chair of the stu- Endorsed by: Oakland University in Roches- dent leadership council, senior -Kalamazoo County Democratic Party -Marcy Peake, Former KPS School Board Trustee ter, where she will be studying captain of the varsity basketball -Don Cooney, City Commissioner -Lisa Minnick, AAUP President accounting and finance. team, a member of the volleyball -Ron Crowell, retired WMU professor Parkman is a 2016 K- team, and homecoming queen. -Heather LeDuc and April Zapata,Teachers -Deanna Roland, WMU McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic Central honors graduate and a She is the daughter of Sheila -Katrina Goodall, Coordinator of Pre-Internships, WMU. member of the National Honor and Eric Parkman. Kiera Parkman, winner of the 2016 Society. She won the Dr. Lewis The scholarship is sponsored Gloria R. Smith, Ph.D., Memorial website: lauren-freedman.ruck.us Walker Award for Community by the Kalamazoo Chapter of The Scholarship from the Kalamazoo email: [email protected] Service and volunteered with Links, Incorporated Scholar. Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. www.kalamazoopublicschools.com October 2016 EXCELSIOR 7 Celebrity Greeters Add Element of Fun and Excitement to the First Day of School More than 100 community volunteers showed up at Rikki Saunders Min. Morris Brooks Kalamazoo Public Schools’ 17 elementary schools to celebrate Alice Gordon Gary Start Sheriff Rick Fuller and Judy D’Arcangelis the start of the school year and to greet returning students. deputies Kevin King For the 19th year, celebrity greeters clapped and sang Ronald Reid Mary McCormick and high-fived their way through the morning, making the Howard and Robin Erin Knott first day of school festive and welcoming for students. The Robinson Libby Heiny-Cogswell Janine Van Stee Dr. Terina Harvey celebrity greeters included community volunteers and leaders Ken Greshak Pam Kingery who donated a few hours on the first day of school to provide Angela Justice Rep. Brandt Iden students with a memorable start to the school year. Sue Warner Elder Karen Moorman Julie Rogers Pastor Jesse Herron Thank you to the 2016 Celebrity Greeters: Lauren Langwell Tracie Hall Sheila Dorsey Patty Smetana Jim Hess Bob Jorth Amanda Miller Kathy Edlefson Patti Huiskamp Winchell Elementary students were greeted by Kalamazoo County James Ritsema Larry Schlack Joann Yochim Rev. Doreen Gardner Barry Smith Prosecutor Jeff Getting, A.J. Gretz of Third Christian Reformed Church, Denise Posie Linda Thompson Paul Babladelis Min. Keisha Gardner Michael Evans Kalamazoo Public Schools board member Dr. Martha Warfield, and State John Brandon TiAnna Harrison Adrian Vazquez Von Washington John Dillworth Rep. Jon Hoadley. Judge Alexander Lipsey Mary Oudsema Mary Balkema Bob Miller Jennie Hill Dr. Ming Li Ramona Fletcher Bill Caskey Pat Coles-Chalmers Jack Urban Willie Mae Pearson Joe Barth Deb Newsome Rep. Jon Hoadley John Faul Jeff Getting Patti Sholler-Barber Pastor Ken Baker Marcy Peake Amy Terzino Judge Curtis Bell Dr. Martha Warfield

Photo Credit / Christian Baker Colleen Loc Carol Weber Toni Daniels and Slappy Belinda Tate Sid Ellis Dave Campbell Stephanie Moore Steve Springsdorf Dodie Raycraft Greg Ayers Melissa Best Teresa Johnson Jeff Patton Edie Trent Marc Schupan Regina Miller Rev. Bobette Hampton Nkenge Bergan Cindy Green Mayor Bobby Hopewell Remenyi Williams Pam Roland Tracy Miller Pastor Strick Strickland Elyse Brey Mollie Peterson Kalamazoo Township Supervisor Ronald Reid welcomes Lars Lagoni to Mattie Jordan-Woods Members of Stones Fifth grader Azaria Thomas high fives members of Stones Church on the first Indian Prairie Elementary on the first day of school. Church day of the 2016 school year.

QD PHARMACY 1710 West Main St. “I’m committed to helping ensure Kalamazoo, MI 49006 the Promise of a bright future for all Kalamazoo Public Schools students” P: 269-459-9648 F: 269-459-9716 Jennie Hill will work for continuing improvement in: • High School graduation rates BRING IN THIS AD FOR YOUR • Early childhood literacy • Adequate state funding • Alternative education paths Jennie Hill’s history of community involvement: FREE • KPS School Board Trustee (2011-Present) • Board member of local League of Women Voters • Chair of LWV Voter Education Project Bottle of Nature’s Blend Vitamins • Past PTO Co-president of Parkwood-Upjohn ElementarySchool and Loy Norrix High School. Open Mon-Fri 10am – 6pm Sat 10am – 3pm

Paid for by Jennie Hill for KPS, 2330 Midvale Terrace, Kalamazoo MI. 49008. Find me on Facebook or email [email protected], Tracy Steffler.

8 EXCELSIOR October 2016 www.kalamazoopublicschools.com Celebrity Greeters (cont. from page 8) Chef Shaun • kps food service chef Baked Apples

Hello Kalamazoo, welcome to October and National Farm to Schools Month. Please try out this recipe for family and friends. Enjoy! Best Regards, Chef Shaun

Ingredients 4 tart green apples Zahir LaBarre accepts a pencil from Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Sgt. George Slappy from the K-Wings has a hug for ½ cup brown sugar Beuckelaere, who was one of the celebrity greeters at Indian Prairie Elementary Marie Carter, on the first day of school at 4 tablespoons butter Shaun Robinson is the district chef School on Sept. 6. Zahir’s mom Demecia LaBarre accompanied him. Milwood Elementary School. 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for Chartwells at KPS Food Service.

Kindergartener Elayne Seaman Directions impressed all of 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. in a shallow baking dish and the members of 2. Scoop out the core from sprinkle with cinnamon. Stones Church the top of the apple, leaving 3. Bake in preheated oven for with her spunk a well. Do not cut all the way 15 minutes, until sugar begins on the first day of school. Church through. Stuff each apple with to caramelize and apples are members were 2 tablespoons brown sugar tender. celebrity greeters and 1 tablespoon butter. Place Yields: 4 servings at Woodward School for Technology and Research. All About Tree Fruits We’ve all heard of apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines and oranges. But did you know that pomegranates, coconut, star fruit, fig, and jackfruit are also in this category? In addition, nuts such as pistachios, pecans, and cashews are classified as tree fruits even though nutritionally they are very different. As part of a healthy eating plan, between 1 and 2 cups of fruit are recommended every day. More active adolescents and adults should consume closer to 2 cups and younger children who don’t need as many calories should consume slightly less at 1 cup. Tree fruits are naturally full of nutrients including fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

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Reducing your overall Limit one gift per person. Coupon has no cash value. While supplies last. Expires 10/31/2016 cost to clean. Coupon Code: Excel1016 Come visit our new Kalamazoo location: 5053 Sports Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Across from Wings West Chemicals Cleaning Supplies Cleaning Equipment Paper Products & More! Call us today or visit our website www.kssenterprises.com www.kalamazoopublicschools.com October 2016 EXCELSIOR 9 Kalamazoo Public Schools 2016 Retirees Not Pictured

Nancy Baca Tina Garrett Glenna Murphy Milwood Elementary Prairie Ridge Prairie Ridge Ron Cooper Philip Gomez Kathie Nabors-Chenault Transportation Transportation F acilities Management Cherri Corning Margaret Hunter Maxine Pio Parkwood-Upjohn Student Services Facilities Management Richard Craig Theresa Jacobson Kathryn Seifert Edison, Indian Prairie, Communications Winchell Lincoln Ann Kaskinen Diane Tucker Beth Belleville Madinah Edmonson Julie Ermatinger Sharon Ferrari Sheila Curry Kalamazoo Central Hillside MLK-Westwood Phoenix High Linden Grove Parkwood-Upjohn Milwood Elementary Pamela Kiewiet Pamela Ward Donald Dillion III Transportation Arcadia Spring Valley Dawn Moleski Photos courtesy of Anthony John Foster Food Services Dugal Photography teaching and Learning Services

Lift Up Through Literacy offers parents of newborns through high schoolers an opportunity to learn and grow together through the use of hands-on literacy and numeracy strategies. Lift Up Through Literacy’s fall sessions begin Sept. 27 at nine locations throughout Kalamazoo. Grandparents, parents, and caregivers are encouraged to attend. Free books, a light meal, child care, and Denise Higginbotham Gertrude Johnson Mark Reid Elois Renner-Lewis door prizes are offered each week. An end-of-session incentive is Winchell Winchell Washington Hillside provided for parents who attend all eight weeks. Call (269) 337-0833 for locations, more information and to sign up.

Sara Schoolmaster Carol Stoeffler Gail VanderWeele Gary VanStreain Parkwood-Upjohn Edison Kalamazoo Central Facilities

10 EXCELSIOR October 2016 www.kalamazoopublicschools.com Kalamazoo-area EFE Students Bring Home 8 Awards from UM Vehicle Design Contest freedom Kalamazoo-area students possible. The team was coached from Kalamazoo Central were: snagged eight awards for by teacher Marvin Gage. Christopher Nguyen (2016), their efforts designing a fully- Jeremy Frey, Loy Norrix Karley Reed, Mitchell Stevens from payments functional lightweight vehicle Class of 2016, drove the vehicle (2016), Sydnie Bodzianowski and a self-driving vehicle for the during the Figure 8 portion of (2016), and John van den 2016 Innovative Vehicle Design the challenge. Hombergh. Other students 90 Day No Pay* auto loans Mobility Challenge Competition “The car was amazing,” Frey from across the county also held in Ann Arbor. said. “The stability was reassur- participated on the team. The Education foring, the steering was precise and This was the first year Employment Drafting and the brake was very responsive. for EFE to compete in Design Technology students I felt confident after driving the the autonomous vehicle competed in the Full Scale Figure 8 competition the team competition — previously they Innovative Design competition, and I had given it our all.” helped the drafting and design taking first place in the Figure 8 Loy Norrix junior Ben team with their electronics. event at 4.19 miles, presentation, Holmes said, “After finishing Teacher Kenneth Briggs and the Square One Award the competition, it felt great, said the students used the body for overall excellence, and like if we were the first to win of a drivable child’s toy car and second place for engineering the Indy 500 — except at only 25 installed it with a programmable and craftsmanship. The EFE mph. It didn’t matter if we won controller. The students Electronics and Robotics class or lost; all that mattered was the then programmed the car to took first place in presentation, feeling that we did it together as complete several tasks, such as vehicle performance, and Brose a team and gave it our best.” parallel parking, navigating a Mechatronics for their work The Drafting and Design maze, driving in a straight line, on a self-driving vehicle. They team consisted of Frey, Holmes, and stopping if an object passed received second prize in design and Holmes’ fellow K-Central in front of it. and innovation. students: Jackson Russcher, The students also had to Both classes are housed at Frederick Miller, Cody Smith, outfit the vehicle with items Kalamazoo Central High School. Mohammed Mohmand, Mo- such as a servo motor to control The Drafting and Design hamed Bzizi (2016), Tristan the steering, a gyro sensor to students had to design, engineer Hunt (2016) and Brandon How- detect angular movement, and build a fully functional one- ard (2016). Assisting the team distance sensors to measure person vehicle, while taking into with welding was Mitch Taber, how close it was to other take a vacation from your consideration elements such as a K-Central graduate who is objects, and a color sensor to safety, body styling, and driver studying welding at Kalamazoo monitor stoplights. car payments! comforts. A specific challenge Valley Community College. “It was great to see the kids for this year’s competition was The members of thedo this together and work as a When you’re approved for a new or used auto loan to make the vehicle as light as Electronics and Robotics team team,” Briggs said. from KCCU, or if you refinance from another financial institution, you can take advantage of our 90 Day No Pay* option. You’ll experience the joy of having NO car payment for the first 90 days!

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Frederick Miller prepares to take the Kalamazoo EFE Full Kalamazoo Central students Karley Reed, left, and *To qualify member must have a credit score of 640 or higher, be current on all loans, the minimum loan value must be $10,000 or greater, and the loan must be closed at KCCU. Offer does not apply Scale Innovative Design vehicle for a spin in Ann Arbor. Christopher Nguyen test the sensors on the self-driving to refinancing of existing KCCU loans. Other restrictions apply. vehicle before sending it into the random obstacle course. www.kalamazoopublicschools.com October 2016 EXCELSIOR 11 FIRST SATURDAY Lord of the Gourd, Family / Drop in, watch Pat Harrison Disc Golf Club / Monday, October 3, 10, 17, 24 / 4:30 pm / return and carve up beautiful designs. OSH / No experience necessary. Registration required. Saturday, October 1 / 2 pm / CEN / Enjoy stories, activities, Gr. 5–12. special guests, and door prizes! Tuesday, October 11 / 4–7 pm / OSH Tech Tuesday / Tuesday, October 4 / 4:30 pm / This Wednesday, October 12 / 3–6 pm / POW STORYTIMES month’s project is “LittleBits”. Gr. 5–12. Thursday, October 13 / 4–7 pm / CEN Adult caregiver must accompany babies and toddlers. Breakdance with Kalamacrew / Tuesday, October 4 / Siblings attend as guests. Info: KPL.gov/storytimes. Thursday, October 27 / 4:30 pm / CEN 6:30 pm / CEN / Learn some sweet moves from the crew! Little Scientists / Monday, October 12 / 10:30 am / CEN / Code Lab / Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26 / 4 pm / EVENTS Registration required. Teen Area / CEN / Different coding challenges posted every week, lets work on them together! Gr. 5–12. Halloween fun events can be found at: KPL.gov/kids. Wee Code / Thursday, October 13 / 10:30 am / CEN /

1-2-3 Play with Me / Mondays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 / Coding for ages 3–6. Registration required. Zumba / Saturdays, October 8, 15, 22 / 10:30 am / OSH / Get your Zumba on, Adults too! Gr. 5–12. 10:30 am / OSH / One month workshop for child Maker Mondays / October 17 / 4:30 pm / CEN / Tinker, development with children 1–3 years and their caregivers. create, explore. Ages 6–11. Teen Read Week Celebration / October 9–15 / All Please Register. Locations / For every program attended during this week, Musical Storybooks, The Maestro Plays / Story, craft, Play and Learn / Engage and play for early learning. overdue fines will be eliminated on one returned item. and performance with Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Drop-in! Gr. 5–12. For children 1–5 with caregiver. string quartet. Ages 3–6.

Mondays, October 3, 10, 13, 24, 31 / 5:30–7 pm / EAS Teen Book Club / Tuesday, October 11 / 4:30 pm / Tuesday, October 18 / 9:30 & 10:30 am / CEN POW / Pick up a book, read it, come back for discussion. Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 / 10:30 am–12 pm / EAS Wednesday, October 19 / 9:30 & 10:30 am / CEN Registration required. Gr. 5–12. Storybook Character Election / Ages 3–11 are called Thursday, October 20 / 10:30 am / EAS Speak It Forward Presents: Leading through Poetry / to vote for their favorite storybook character. Create a Tuesdays, October 11, 25 / 4:30 pm / CEN / Youth poetry campaign poster, supporting commercials and more. Bats in the Library / Thursday, October 20 / 4 pm / WSQ / workshop. No expertise necessary. Registration required. Dates and times: KPL.gov/kids. Learn the truth about bats with the experts! Free ticket Gr. 5–12. required. Family. Squirrels: Watch Their Tails and hear Their Tales / Teen Mom Night / Tuesday, October 11 / 6 pm / POW / Delicious snacks provided. KSO Carnival of the Animals / Saturday, October 22 / Bring your babies for stories and crafts. We’ll do hair and 10:30 am & 12 pm / CEN / Explore animals through nails! Registration required. Gr. 9–12. Tuesday, October 4 / 4:30 pm / POW music! Registration required. All ages. / Wednesday, Thursday, October 13 / 4:30 pm / EAS Meet the Author: Gary Schmidt Ramona Quimby / Saturdays, October 22, 29 / 1 pm / CEN / October 12 / 6:30 pm / CEN / Meet the author of Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos! Make papel Three workshops with the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Orbiting Jupiter, and The Wednesday Wars. picado, and learn about this Mexican tradition of Registration required. / Drop in and make crafts with friends. honoring our ancestors. Ages 6–11. Crafternoon Cinema Shorts / Saturday, October 22 / 3 pm / Gr. 5–12. Wednesday, October 5 / 6:30 pm / WSQ Sesame Street presents A Magical Halloween Adventure. Registration required. Wednesday, October 19 / 4:30 pm / POW Tuesday, October 25 / 6:30 pm / OSH Monster House / October 31 / 4 pm / POW / An “exciting Thursday, October 20 / 4:30 pm / EAS Zumba for Kids / Zumba for different ages. and hilarious thrill-ride.” Family. Maker Mondays / October 24 / 4:30 pm / CEN / Teen Wednesday, October 5 / 4:30 pm / POW / Ages 6–11 Area / Create Candy Crafts! Gr. 5–12. Friday, October 28 / 4:30 pm / CEN / Ages 4–8 TWEEN/TEEN EVENTS S H A R E Book Club / Monday, October 24 / 6 pm / CEN / Stop by and pick up the new graphic novel The Black Oshtemo Fall Festival / Saturday, October 8 / 1–4 pm / Teen’s Top 10 / Want to read pre-published books and Panther by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Registration required. OSH / Drop in for activities and storytelling with local write book reviews? Join this! KPL.gov/teen-top-10. Co-sponsored by SHARE. Gr. 5–12. author Frances Kozlowski. KPL Teen Volunteer Team / Love the Library? Need volunteer hours? Join our team today! Baby / Kid Tween / Teen Family All Ages Letters to the Next President 2.0 / August 29– November 2 / All Locations / Gr. 5–12. Drop in and write Ticket Required Registration Required a letter to the next POTUS.

Central Library (CEN) Eastwood (EAS) Oshtemo (OSH) Alma Powell (POW) Washington Square (WSQ) 315 S. Rose St. 1112 Gayle Ave. 7265 W. Main St. 1000 W. Paterson St. 1244 Portage St. 553–7800 553–7810 553–7980 553–7960 553–7970

12 EXCELSIOR October 2016 www.kalamazoopublicschools.com