AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 CommunicatorThe Comstock COMSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL | COMPASS HIGH SCHOOL & ADULT EDUCATION | COMSTOCK MIDDLE SCHOOL | COMSTOCK ELEMENTARY | STEM ACADEMY

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From the District School Board District Class of Comstock Superintendent Contacts Board Briefs Annual 2019 Library Turn over to read pages 2-3 pages 4-5 Feature pages 8 Notifications Senior News Center Point pages 6-7 page 9 Scholars page 14 A newsletter about the Comstock pages 10-11 Community Center 2 The Comstock Communicator August/September 2019 From the Superintendent Dear Comstock Community, Below are summaries of the many positive changes happening in the district. If you have COMSTOCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS As I begin my second year of service at the helm questions about any of our programming for the a school district dedicated to kids of Comstock Public Schools, I want to welcome 2019-20 school year, please feel free to reach out www.comstockps.org everyone back to school for the 2019-20 school to me either via email, phone call, or personal year! As superintendent, I am sincerely grateful visit. I can be reached at thoenesj@comstockps. Dr. Jeff Thoenes for the collaborative partnership between our org or 269-250-8906. I look forward to our Superintendent school board and community. In unity with these conversation! two key groups as well as with our administration, BOARD OF EDUCATION teachers, staff, and parents, this past year, we made Dr. Jeffrey J. Thoenes Pamela Dickinson, President many positive strides forward and as a result the Superintendent Shirley Amos, Vice President outlook for this year looks brighter and more Karen Howes, Secretary promising than ever. “It’s a great day to be a Colt!” Paul Lamphear, Trustee Saralynn Brown, Trustee Matt Schreiner, Trustee DISTRICT RECONFIGURATION ically, and educationally. Additionally, a single Dori Scholly, Trustee Comstock Early Learning Academy (CELA) elementary school lends itself to higher efficiency Faye Goldner, Appointed Recording Secretary Starting with this school year, CPS will be for same-grade staff collaboration and specials centralizing early childhood programming and scheduling. CES will be led by Principal Susan daycare services in the former Green Meadow Caswell and Assistant Principal Courtney Boyce. Elementary building. The new program, called the Comstock Early Learning Academy or CELA, will Comstock Middle School house our federal Head Start and state Great Start We are pleased not only to reconfigure and MISSION STATEMENT Readiness programs. restructure our middle school programming but The mission of Comstock Public Schools is to serve our community by supporting, inspiring, and Additionally, CELA will house our county’s Early reimagine it as well. We will be offering students challenging every person within the school district Childhood Special Education program that collab- a seven-period schedule with four core and three to reach his/her full potential through education. oratively serves a number of preschool children elective courses each day for every student or with special needs. CELA will also offer innovative 12 elective blocks for the year. In the previous VISION STATEMENT new options for parents including STEM (Science, schedule, students had about half that many The vision of Comstock Public Schools is to be Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Chinese elective options. an educational community where every person is Language and Culture tuition-based preschool CMS will house grades 6-8 and with the new empowered to reach his/her full potential. options as well as affordable daycare for infants to schedule, students will be able to take traditional fifth graders from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CELA’s Director electives such as band, choir, and art but also many QUESTIONS? will be Meadow Nuyen (NIGH-en). new and exciting elective learning opportunities. If you have questions concerning your schools, the answer is only a telephone call away: These options include Leader in Me, College and 269-250-8907 Comstock Elementary School Career Academy, Project Lead the Way (a program Placing all the elementary grades in one building is focusing on engineering, robotics, and computer STORIES OR INFORMATION a sound and prudent financial decision and makes sciences), Project-based Learning, and dance, as The Comstock Communicator complete educational sense as well. Located in well as “core plus” courses designed by individual is published by Comstock Public Schools. the former middle school, Comstock Elementary teachers around an area of personal interest directly Information may be sent to Dr. Jeff Thoenes at School combines North and Green Meadow related to their area of certification. [email protected] or by fax at 250-8908. Elementary Schools. Staff will be able to forge We are also pleased to announce that Spanish, It may also be e-mailed to Phyllis Rose at earlier relationships with students and families, health, and computers will be offered for high [email protected]. and students with one another. Combining school credit. CMS’s principal will be Mark Wilke students in kindergarten precludes having to do (WILL-key). so in sixth grade at the middle school when it is With bond monies, various remodeling projects @comstockPS much more challenging emotionally, psycholog- Continued on page 3 The Comstock Communicator 3 at CMS are already underway with the largest programs. being the construction of a new high-school-sized Again, educational research is driving this gymnasium. This project is set to break ground in decision. Students who are involved in extra and the late spring of 2020 with expected completion co-curricular programs perform better academ- at or about the time of the start of winter sports ically, have higher levels of satisfaction with school, season in November, 2020. behave better, improve attendance, and have fonder memories of school than their non-involved peers. Sinking Fund As a direct result of the fee elimination, partici- Given the costs associated with the upkeep of pation in spring sports teams was up 18 percent in our facilities, we are truly appreciative of the spring, 2019, compared to spring, 2018. We hope community’s support for the district’s sinking fund the same or better for this fall’s teams! ballot proposal approved by voters this past May. This fund will generate approximately $500,000 a Expansion of Extra-curricular Options year for 10 years. Per Michigan Law, sinking fund Hand in hand with the elimination of the athletic monies are limited to certain uses. The district will participation fee, the administration expanded use the sinking funds to upgrade and repair our extracurricular programming options to encourage infrastructure and buildings. Sinking funds may greater student, family, and community partic- New Starting Times not be used for wage, salary, or benefit increases. ipation. Varsity boys and girls bowling, middle school boys and girls soccer, and middle school Set for All Buildings New School Day Start Times boys and girls cross country all moved from club Aligning our district’s practices with educational status to district sponsorship this past year. Because of research showing that research, we are excited to announce new school most teens aren’t getting enough start times for this year (see chart to the right). The Full Funding of K-12 Visual sleep, the district is changing the evidence is overwhelmingly clear. Teens need a lot and Performing Arts starting times for all buildings for of sleep to be optimal learners. Sufficient sleep for After meeting with the visual and performing arts the 2019-2010 school year. teens correlates with better grades, higher levels of teachers and learning of their fiscal challenges, satisfaction with school, increased engagement, the administration decided to fully fund the Here are the new starting times: better attendance, fewer tardies, and better mental classroom and material needs for these programs. health - all factors we want to see in our children. This decision creates a better and more balanced Comstock High School Additionally, since teens often drive to school, relationship between the district and these K-12 later start times are connected to lower accident programs allowing teachers and booster groups Full Day - 7:55 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. rates. If you have any questions about how the start to truly “boost” programs rather than attempt to Half Day - 7:55 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. times impact your particular building, contact cover budgetary shortfalls. We expect this will also your principal for more information. increase participation. Comstock Middle School Full Day - 7:40 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Elimination of the Athletic Participation Fee Full Funding Extra-curricular Transportation Half Day - 7:55 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Last August with the support of our Athletic Finally, the administration decided to discontinue Director Justin Ansel, the Administration no the previous extracurricular transportation policy Comstock Elementary School longer charges students and families an athletic in favor of transporting all teams all the time all the Full Day - 8:45 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. participation fee. way to and from events. We also believe this will Half Day - 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. Students may now take part in any of our athletic make participation substantially less burdensome or interscholastic programming without paying for coaches, parents, and students resulting in a fee. Our goal is to remove barriers preventing increased participation. Comstock STEM Academy or dissuading students from taking part in these Full Day - 7:45 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Half Day - 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Compass High School CES Open House Full Day - 8:05 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Comstock Elementary School will be having an Open House on Wednesday, August Half Day - 8:05 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. We are all looking forward to seeing students and families at our new facility at 1423 N. 28th Street. Comstock Early Learning Academy Families will get to meet teachers and discover the location of their children’s Full Day - 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. classrooms. It will be an exciting way to kick off a new school year. Half Day - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 4 The Comstock Communicator August/September 2019 Comstock Public Schools Contact Information School Administrators STEM Academy Comstock High School Chris Chopp, Principal David Kirksey, Principal 175 Hunt Street 2107 N. 26th Street Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Telephone: 269-250-8560 Telephone: 269-250-8700 [email protected] [email protected] Mary Jane Craves, Administrative Assistant Jennifer Enos, Administrative Assistant

Comstock High School Comstock Elementary School Justin Ansel, Athletic Director Susan Caswell, Principal 2107 N. 26th Street 1423 N. 28th Street Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Telephone: 269-250-8711 Telephone: 269-250-8600 [email protected] [email protected] Lisa Watson, Administrative Assistant

Compass High School/ Comstock Elementary School Adult Education Courtney Boyce, Assistant Principal Jay Birchmeier, Principal/Director 1423 N. 28th Street 3010 Gull Road Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Telephone: 269-250-8600 Telephone: 269-250-8930 [email protected] [email protected] Kelly Noteboom, Administrative Assistant

Comstock Early Learning Academy Comstock Middle School Meadow Nuyen, Director Mark Wilke, Principal 6171 East “MN” Avenue 3100 N. 26th Street Kalamazoo MI 49048 Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Telephone: 269-250-8960 Telephone: 269-250-8550 [email protected] [email protected] Christine Freed, Administrative Assistant Linda Grogg, Administrative Assistant The Comstock Communicator 5 Comstock Public Schools Contact Information CENTRAL OFFICE Technology Director 3010 Gull Road, Kalamazoo 49048 Mark Peeters Superintendent 3010 Gull Road Dr. Jeff Thoenes Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Telephone: 269-250-8907 Telephone: 269-250-8885 [email protected] [email protected]

Executive Assistant Student Information Data Coordinator to the Superintendent Angelina Sabatino Faye Goldner 3010 Gull Road Telephone: 269-250-8907 Kalamazoo, MI 49048 [email protected] Telephone: 269-250-8912 [email protected]

Human Resources/Curriculum Food Service Department Jill Ansel, Assistant Superintendent Holly Wait, Director Telephone: 269-250-8911 2107 N. 26th Street [email protected] Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Stefanie O’Connor, Telephone: 269-250-8719 Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Transportation Supervisor Director of Finance Office Darlene Christy Sliger Telephone: 269-250-8905 Telephone: 269-250-8690 [email protected]

SUPPORT SERVICES Director of Special Education Custodial Services Brian Deller Sean Gillette, Facilities Manager 3010 Gull Road Telephone: 269-250-8715 Kalamazoo, MI 49048 [email protected] Telephone: 269-250-8923 [email protected] 6 The Comstock Communicator August/September 2019 Meet Your Comstock School Board Shirley Amos Saralyn Brown Pamela Dickinson With six years on the Saralyn Brown has only With six years of service on school board, Shirley Amos been on the school board since the board of education, Presi- has found it to be a challeng- January, 2019, but she has a dent Pamela Dickinson enjoys ing experience. long history with the district, being an advocate for the dis- “The most important thing having graduated from Com- trict. I have learned from being stock in 1991. Her husband, “I also enjoy the process of a board member is that it is Todd, graduated from Com- coming to consensus with my not as easy as it might appear,” she said. “There is stock in 1990. Their son, a student at Comstock fellow trustees,” she said. “This involves listening homework to do and emails to read to be prepared Elementary, is the fourth generation of the family to all involved parties and coming up with a win- for board meetings.” to attend Comstock. win situation.” Doing that preparation is important to her be- Because of that longtime connection to the dis- She initially ran for the board out of a genuine cause she wants to make the right decisions. trict, she ran for a seat on the school board last interest in the local community and public edu- “I ask questions and try to get all the informa- fall. cation. tion I can before making a decision,” she said. “I also decided to run because I wanted to give Now, as president of the board, Mrs. Dickinson One of the most important decisions the board back to my community and to the school district has the goal of insuring accountability, transpar- has made is voting to start the STEM Academy, that gave me so much,” she said. ency, diversity, and performance. she said. What she’s enjoyed about being on the board so Working with the superintendent and commu- Despite the work required, Mrs. Amos is glad far is that she is always learning. nity stakeholders, she has a shared vision of the to serve the community. In fact, that’s one of the “The most important thing I have learned as district that emphasizes high achievement for all reasons she ran for a seat on the board. a board member is things are not as easy as one students. “I thought I would enjoy serving the commu- might think they should be,” she said. “There are “I would also like to see the community regard nity,” she said. a lot of factors and thought that go into each de- the board as acting in a manner that is dignified As a board member, she enjoys hearing about all cision.” and worthy of trust,” she said. “I also desire to the district’s successes. Important accomplishments during her time on build inclusivity in our schools so that all students “However, there are also challenges and op- the board are the bathroom upgrades being com- have a voice.” portunities for improvement,” she said. “Facing pleted, the school district buildings being recon- Important accomplishments during her time on those challenges head on is important.” figured, and the passage of the sinking fund. the board include the bond which passed in the A 1972 graduate of Loy Norrix High School, “I’m also excited to see the ten-year plan be- last general election, hiring the new superinten- she is married to Jerry Amos, a 1967 graduate of come reality,” she said. dent, and the district restructuring. Comstock, the last graduating class from the old As a board member, she hopes to see the reading “All these are milestones and investments to- Comstock High School on 26th Street. Jerry is a and math scores improve and for more building ward future improvements in the district,” she trustee on the Comstock Township Board. updates to be completed. said. They have two sons, Brian and James, who are Mrs. Brown has been married for 22 years to Of what she’s learned while on the board, she also Comstock graduates. Brian, an electrician Todd, her high school sweetheart, who is a resi- said, “It’s always listen to my constituents and in Wabash, Indiana, and his wife, Heather, have dential builder. stakeholders.” three children. James, an IT tech at WMU, and She enjoys spending time with her family play- Mrs. Dickinson has been a social worker for his wife, Joan, have two children. ing games, boating, visiting, having cookouts, and more than 30 years in Kalamazoo and Battle Mrs. Amos is a decorating consultant at Doug- watching her son play sports. Creek. She was executive director for the Warm las & Son, a paint and wallpaper store in Kalam- “Family is very important to me and creating Kids Project for over 25 years. She currently works azoo. memories is priceless,” she said. for the VA Medical Center. She is a Master Gardener and has organized gar- Following her father’s example, she has become She and her husband, James, have lived in den walks in local gardens. a gardener. Comstock for over 25 years. Their son, Ashleigh She has been a Sunday school teacher, Vacation “My father always had a lovely garden,” she Tillman, graduated from Comstock in 2001 and Bible School director, and a Cub Scout leader. She said. “I find that it is good exercise, is relaxing and is now employed in the Chicago Public Schools. is also part of a team working with at-risk youth at gives me a sense of pride when prepping meals She enjoys quilting, running, traveling, and gar- Michigan Youth Challenge Academy. She and her from what was grown.” dening. husband enjoy traveling and have visited almost 40 of the 50 states. The Comstock Communicator 7 Meet Your Comstock School Board Karen Howes Paul Lamphear ers, staff, students and parents face every day. Working as a substitute Having served on the So, first of all, she wants to be a spokesperson teacher at Green Mead- school board from 2015- for teachers and students. ow several years ago, Karen 2017, Paul Lamphear was re- “I want to be able to help my fellow profession- Howes gained an insight into cently appointed to the board als in any way possible,” she said. “If that means the challenges facing stu- to fill the seat left vacant by bringing in cake during testing weeks, reading dents, their families, and the the resignation of Dr. Bran- during Literacy Night, or helping during a Book community. dy Brown. He has also been Fair, I want to be the one they call first.” That insight made her realize she had to find on the STEM Academy Advisory Board since the With only a few months on the board, she’s another way to support the schools. So, in the fall school was first established. enjoying meeting former students and parents at of 2016, she ran for a seat on the school board and Mr. Lamphear applied for the vacant board po- various events in the district. was elected. sition because he wanted to help the district make The most important thing she’s learned so far is In her three years on the board, she has en- meaningful improvements in students’ academic to “stay positive and listen first,” she said. joyed many aspects of the work, including work- proficiency and socio-emotional skills. “I also like getting to know our new superin- ing collaboratively with Superintendent Dr. Jeff “We have so many opportunities to make a tendent and promoting all the positive changes he Thoenes, the administration and staff, she said. positive difference in the outcomes for our stu- has made,” she said. “The Leader In Me program has been the most dents,” he said. “When you look at the results Among the changes she noted are reinstating enjoyable for me to watch grow and evolve,” she in our Comstock and Michigan Dashboard and the teachers’ sick bank, eliminating pay-to-play said. “The paradigm of Living The Seven Habits Accountability Scorecard, we need to move the in sports, and purchasing transport vans for the has been instrumental in so many students’ lives needle forward.” district. K-12. “ While board membership involves long hours “I am really happy about the changes he has Among the Board’s major accomplishments, and many meetings, he enjoys the opportunity to made and look forward to working with him and she lists the reconfiguration of the buildings and work with the superintendent and the board to other board members in the future,” she said. passing the sinking fund. sort through the difficult and complex issues fac- Mrs. Scholly is also grateful to the community “The reconfiguration and sinking fund go hand- ing schools and to celebrate successes. for approving the sinking fund. in-hand as we work together to put all of our stu- “I wish there was a ‘miracle’ pill – one thing we “These funds will go a long way in helping us dents in the best possible facilities,” she said. can do so that all our students are properly pre- meet the needs of our district,” she said. As a board member, she has also grown as a per- pared for college and/or the work environment,” While she has retired from teaching in Com- son, parent, and a board member, she said. he said. “This is hard work, one step at a time. stock, Mrs. Scholly is still in the classroom, work- “Being on the board requires patience, respect If it was easy, Comstock, and every other school ing as a long-term substitute teacher in the Cli- and most importantly collaboration,” she said. district in the country wouldn’t have to ask the max-Scotts district. “Board members must look past their own in- question every day, ‘How can we be better?’” She has been married for 25 years to her hus- dividual ideas and do what is best for the entire In his short time on the board, Mr. Lamphear band, Ron, who works in the Forestry Depart- district.” has been impressed with how all the board mem- ment in Kalamazoo. Their son, John, a graduate Mrs. Howes is a 1984 graduate of Comstock bers care “deeply for our community, our district, of Comstock, has his own landscape business, JJS High School. She and her husband, Bruce, moved and out students and want to work as a team to Lawn Care. back to Comstock to raise their family. Married move forward.” In her free time, Mrs. Scholly enjoys cooking, for 28 years, they have two children. Grant gradu- His wife, Sam Lealofi, is executive director of reading novels and going to their cottage in Wa- ated from Comstock this year and Michael will be Eastside Youth Strong and is the CEO of Lakeside ters, Michigan, where she likes to golf and “laze in the eighth grade at the STEM Academy. for Children. about.” In her free time, Mrs. Howes enjoys watching Mr. Lamphear, a senior project manager at Perri- “Up North is my happy place, but I do like re- her son play hockey and cheering on the Colts at go, enjoys sailing, cross-country skiing, home-im- turning home to Comstock,” she said. the school’s sporting events. provement projects and recreational league soccer. An avid reader, Mrs. Howes names “Kite Run- Matt Schreiner ner” and “The Glass Castle” among her favorite Dori Scholly With four children attend- books. As a retired Comstock ing Comstock Schools, Matt Mrs. Howes has a degree in finance from West- teacher, Dori Scholly ran for Schreiner decided to run for ern and has been a hairstylist for 21 years. Her the school board last year the school board four years husband is a pipefitter. because she saw the need for ago. someone to be on the board “We had just passed the who’s been in the schools and 2016 bond initiative and I has seen firsthand what teach- Continued on page 12 8 The Comstock Communicator August/September 2019

Board Briefs

regular meeting • Approved resignation of Gerielle Stewart, CHS playground equipment from North and Green May 13, 2019 principal. Meadow to Northeast Middle School. • Recognized seniors Audrey Rabick and Brandon • Jill Ansel, assistant superintendent, presented • Approved Trosper Construction to relocate portables Willis as recipients of the Excellence in Education information on curriculum, instruction and from Green Meadow to the STEM Academy at a award. assessment. cost of $134,307. • Recognized Justin Ansel for being selected by • Approved supporting the KRESA 2019-2020 • Approved a bid from ElectroMedia, Inc., to update Brandon Willis as his significant educator. budget. the district video camera server hardware, instal- • Recognized Tanner Clements as Comstock’s • Approved a bid of $168,000 from J. Allen & lation and migration at a cost of $91,539.94. Education for Employment Outstanding Senior. Company to pave the access loop at the high school. • Approved a bid of $18,200 from J&S Solutions to • High school physics teacher, Ryan Warner, and • Approved a trip to Disney World by the high school replace network UBS batter units and dispose of physics students Brendon Blades and Dexter band for the spring of 2020. removed batteries. Stanley, shared their experiences from the physics • Approved the senior class trip to Cedar Point. class trip at Physics Day at Great America. • Approved submitting a $20,000 grant proposal to board candidate interviews • Approved retirement of Sharon Nichols-Hicks, MCACA in support of their Leading Education June 18, 2019 CHS teacher. through Arts and Discovery (LEAD) program at • The Board interviewed Dr. Richard Hathaway, • Appointed Trustee Dori Scholly as the board’s voting Comstock Elementary. Jackie Wahl, Jeff LaBrie, and Anthony Bates. representative in the KRESA Biennial Election on • Approved a resolution in support of adequately funding Michigan schools. June 3, 2019. President Pam Dickinson will be the board session alternate. • Approved a resolution supporting Early/Middle June 19, 2019 college students to take a math or math-related • Approved creating a director of virtual and • Superintendent Dr. Jeff Thoenes requested a closed course in their fifth year. work-based learning and naming Pamela Dudley to session for discussing his evaluation. the position. Her current position as Director of the • The Board moved into closed session, returning to College and Career Academy will be eliminated. budget hearing the open session at 8:30 p.m. • Moved into closed session to discuss the non-renewal June 10, 2019 of a teacher’s contract. Following the meeting, the • Ken Greenwood, director of finance, presented the board candidate interviews board voted not to renew the teacher’s contract. preliminary 2019-2010 budget. • Moved into closed session to discuss negotiations June 20, 2019 with the CEA. • Interviewed Richard Hudson, Jeff VanGoeye, and regular meeting Paul Lamphear for the vacant board position. June 10, 2019 • Approved Paul Lamphear to fill the seat left vacant minutes of ADvance superintendent • Approved Morgan Fleming as the CES music by the resignation of Dr. Brandy Brown. He will evaluation training teacher. serve until the November, 2020, election. May 15, 2019 • Approved Jordyn Mott as the middle school Spanish/ESL teacher. • Sara Shriver from the Michigan Association of regular meeting School Boards, facilitated board training on the • Approved resignation of Karen Cleveland, Green June 24, 2019 Meadow second grade teacher. School ADvance Administrator Evaluation System • Welcomed new board member, Paul Lamphear. • Approved resignation of Jennifer Kramer, North which the board will be using to evaluate the • Accepted following resignations: Elementary early childhood special education superintendent this school year. - Kristina Spanding, high school special education teacher. teacher • Approved the preliminary 2019-2010 budget. - Nick Sasak, Green Meadow fifth grade teacher special meeting • Approved a five-year contract with Chartwell for • Approved authorizing issuance of notes in antici- May 28, 2019 food services starting in the 2019-2020 school year. pation of state school aid. • Superintendent Thoenes reviewed documents as • Approved the purchase of Ready Mathematics by • Accepted bid from Morse Movers in the amount of part of the superintendent evaluation process. The Curriculum Associates at a cost of $57,372.67 for $77,488 for relocating Green Meadow, NEMS, and meeting was recessed until after the regular meeting. Comstock Elementary and $11,641.80 for the North Elementary. STEM Academy. • Moved into closed session for discussing the regular meeting • Approved a three-year contract with Enviro-Clean superintendent’s evaluation. May 28, 2019 for custodial services at a cost of $2,101,937 for the • Approved the superintendent’s evaluation with an • Approved resignation of Robert Einhardt, North three years. overall rating of “effective.” Elementary physical education teacher. • Approved the bid from Midwest Recreation Products in the amount of $77,488 to move the The Comstock Communicator 9 DISTRICT ANNUAL NOTIFICATIONS

Confidentiality of Educational Records • Request a hearing to challenge the content Administrative Policies and Procedures The school district has compiled records on of the student’s record. Complaint Procedures all students for use in the provision of The district does not discriminate on the appropriate education programs and services. Access Procedures basis of disability, sex, age, or race with regard Federal and State legislation provides parents Parents or eligible students who wish to to admission, access to services, treatment, or and eligible students (18 years and older) with review the student’s educational records shall employment in programs and activities. certain rights regarding the confidentiality of request at the attending building. A review school records. shall be scheduled within a reasonable time The district has a coordinator responsible not to exceed thirty days. for Section 504, the American Disabilities Act Student Records and Special Education. Contact your building • Personal and family data Disclosure to Third Parties principal for that person’s name and telephone. • Health and immunization records Personally identifiable information from the • Test data including aptitude, interest, educational record of the student shall not be The district policies and procedures are on intelligence, and achievement testing released without the prior consent of the file in the superintendent’s office and may be • Achievement and attendance records parent or eligible student. Information may reviewed there. • Anecdotal records be released to certain individuals or agencies as • Records of conferences permitted by law. You may file a complaint regarding a district • Copies of correspondence concerning a policy or procedure. Please contact the student superintendent and receive the specific process • Student questionnaires for the legislation for which you believe the • Other records which may contribute to the district is in noncompliance. understanding of the student • Past school records from other districts Weapons-Free School Zone • Individualized educational plans for Comstock Public Schools is a Weapons-Free handicapped students School Zone. Violators may face expulsion and/or criminal prosecution. Firearms of any Procedures Relating to Retention, Directory Information type are prohibited, as are knives, bow and Destruction, and Disclosure of Records The district provides directory information arrows, and any type of explosive devices. Records are maintained at the building in which includes: name, address, telephone, which the student is enrolled or last attended. date and place of birth, weight and height, Drug Prevention Each record is kept in an individual file open participation in school activities, dates of In accordance with Federal and State Law, only to those personnel who have a need to attendance, awards received, and other similar the Comstock Public Schools Board of know. Information on grades, attendance, information. Directory information may be Education hereby establishes a “Drug-Free and courses completed are kept forever unless released unless parent or eligible student School Zone” that extends 1,000 feet from the transferred to another school district. Portions refuses such release. The refusal must be made boundary of any school property. The Board of a record may be destroyed when it is no to the superintendent’s office within 10 days prohibits the use, possession, concealment, longer appropriate to retain them. of the publication of this notice. delivery, on property, within the Drug-Free School Zone or at any district-related event. Parental and Student Rights Special Education and Furthermore, the Superintendent shall take Parents of a student or an eligible student Section 504 Notifications the necessary steps to ensure that an individual, have the right to: It is the policy of the district to actively find eighteen (18) years of age or older, who • Inspect and review the educational records and provide services to handicapped students. knowingly delivers or distributes controlled of the student The district will provide appropriate substance on designated and prohibited by • Request information contained in such evaluations, identification and services for all Michigan statute within the Drug-Free School records be amended if it is inaccurate, eligible students under Section 504 of the Zone to another person is prosecuted to the misleading or violates the privacy or other Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or fullest extent of the law. rights of the student. current special education laws. 10 The Comstock Communicator August/September 2019 Congratulations, Senior Scholars Class of 2019 Comstock High School extends congratulations in her junior year Name: Vien Hang to the Top Scholars, Class of 2019. The Top Future Plans: Attend University of Michigan to Parents: Xeng and Yana Scholar designation is determined by a formula major in psychology and minor in Ukrainian; Hang which combines grade point averages and ACT wants to become a clinical psychologist. Future Plans: Attend scores. Kalamazoo College to major This year’s top scholars are (in alphabetical Name: Madelyn Caswell in computer science. order): Parents: D.J. and Susan Caswell Name: Jeztrelle Abella Achievements/Activities: Name: Janice Harper Parents: Jeff and Joy Gamble 4.0 GPA Parents: David Harper and Achievements/Activities: National Honor Society Ariana Chaffin 4.0 GPA Member of the student Achievements/Activities: National Honor Society board for the First Day Shoe Dual enrollment and Tennis, 4 years; BCS Foundation Advanced Placement classes Honorable Mention, MVP, Four-year tri-athlete Future Plans: Attend WMU Team Captain Captain in volleyball, basketball, and softball or Ohio State to major in Future Plans: Attend Kalamazoo College All Conference honors in volleyball; honorable forensic psychology and minor in sociology. mention in basketball; all-district in softball Name: Daisy Ansel Received five departmental awards Name: Abby House Parents: Justin and Jill Ansel Future Plans: Attend Wayne State University to Parents: Rich and Tammy Achievements/Activities: major in nursing; plans to earn her doctorate in House 4.0 GPA nursing practice and to become either a pediatric Achievements/Activities: Received Athletic Scholarship or neonatal nurse practitioner. Academic excellence awards at Grand Valley State in chemistry, geometry and All State Honors and Name: Emily Dodson girls fitness Conference MVP in three Parents: Doug Dodson and Kalamazoo Section 2018 years of varsity basketball Jean Bogard Competitive Exam Finalist in Chemistry Future Plans: Attend Grand Valley State Achievements/Activities: All-Conference in basketball, softball, golf, University to major in mechanical engineering MVP honors in tennis bowling, and volleyball with a minor in biomedical engineering Coach’s award for golf Qualified for Golf State Finals two years in a row Qualified for state Qualified for state in bowling Name: Keilani Baumgartner championship in golf Future Plans: Attend Lourdes University to Parents: Joseph and Kelli Most improved athlete in volleyball and golf major in nursing. Baumgartner Honorable mention in golf and tennis Achievements/Activities: Future Plans: Attend Eckerd College to major in Name: Jack Kendall Solo and ensemble marine biology and to become a marine biologist. Parents: Ian and Laura Flight Champion at the Loy Kendall Norrix Invitational Name: Lily Hall Achievements/Activities: Future Plans: Attend Parents: Terrell and Lora National Honor Society Davenport University to major in nursing and to Hall Varsity baseball, wrestling become an anesthesiologist Achievements/Activities: Future Plans: Attend Early Middle College KVCC. Name: Andrea Behrmann Parents: Daniel and Teresa Behrmann Achievements/Activities: 4.0 GPA Received five departmental awards Conference tennis champion The Comstock Communicator 11 Congratulations, Senior Scholars Class of 2019 Name: Tyler Kuivenhoven Name: Audrey Rabick Name: Branden Willis Parent: Kristen Kuivenhoven Parents: Greg and Meredith Parents: Justin and Michelle Achievements/Activities: Rabick Willis Member of Comstock’s Achievements/Activities: Achievements/Activities: wrestling team when it won Member of the World 4.21 weighted GPA the school’s first conference Championship Robotics Departmental awards title Team in personal finance, AP Future Plans: To become Second place at Southwest chemistry, Trigonometry/Pre- nationally certified for auto mechanics; open his Michigan Intel Science Fair Calculus own shop. Departmental awards in world history, AP Academic All-State in baseball and soccer History, choir All-District soccer player Name: Gabby Langejans Published short fiction inBlue Marble Review, a All-Conference soccer player Parents: Scott and Lynn literary journal for young writers Future Plans: Attend either WMU or University Langejans Future Plans: Attend Miami University in of Michigan to major in mathematics and to Achievements/Activities: Oxford, Ohio, to major in chemical engineering; become an actuary. PE Departmental Award wants to work in the pharmaceutical industry. Two-time basketball conference champ Honorable mention in bowling and soccer Rookie of the year in soccer Future Plans: Attend WMU or Manchester University to major in business or Comstock High School communications.

Name: Alex Mason Graduate Completes Project Parents: Larry and Monique Mason Achievements/Activities: SEARCH Program Merit Scholarship recipient Future Plans: Attend KVCC Hannah Gettys, a 2018 CHS graduate, has com- to become a computer pleted the Project SEARCH program and earned programmer. her Certificate of Completion. Project SEARCH is a transition program which Name: Emma Otto trains individuals with disabilities to perform com- Parents: Bill and Amanda plex jobs and supports them in finding competi- Otto tive employment in the community upon comple- Future Plans: Major in tion. Specifically, the project assists disabled youth nursing at Grand Valley State in learning about employment firsthand though University. on-the-job training, job-search activities and re- sume writing. Project SEARCH works with over 30 employers in the Kalamazoo area. After leaving the program, 87 percent of the stu- dents maintain employment. Hannah Gettys with Sharon Nichols-Hicks, special Hannah completed her job training and life skills education teacher. activities during her internship in the Emergency Room and EVS at Bronson Hospital. She is now employed at the Wee Care Day Care in Portage. Project SEARCH in Kalamazoo is a collaboration with Kalamazoo RESA, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Disability Network of Southwest Michigan, and Bronson Methodist Hospital. 12 The Comstock Communicator August/September 2019 STEM Academy Comstock STEM Creates Monarch Waystation School Board Continued from page 7

wanted to be involved with the upcoming chang- es,” he said. As a board member, he enjoys being part of all the positive events in each building and seeing chil- dren’s achievements. Just like the students who are learning each day, Mr. Schreiner has learned some things along the way as he’s served on the board. “I’ve learned that changes do not happen over- night,” he said. “You also have to be consistent, patient and diligent. I have also confirmed knowl- edge I already had which is that we have an amaz- ingly talented and dedicated staff who work hard for all of our students.” Reviewing his four years on the board, he sees a number of accomplishments including hiring Dr. STEM Academy teachers and students planned The Memorial Fund honors Nancy Small, Jeff Thoenes as the new superintendent and seeing and planted a monarch waystation for butterflies co-founder of the Kalamazoo Chapter of Wild the changes he’s making that are benefitting the and other local pollinators. Ones. Grants are awarded to projects in which students. The STEM Academy partnered with the Ka- outdoor classrooms or demonstration areas are “The makeover of the high school locker rooms lamazoo Audubon Society, and received a grant to created. and training areas and the new secure entrances purchase plants, and equipment. According to the group’s website, “We desire at all of our school buildings have been points of “Restoring native plant habitat is vital to pre- not only to educate Michigan youth and the pride,” he said. serving biodiversity,” says the Audubon Society. general public in recognition, preservation, and His goals as a board member are to make Com- “By creating a native plant garden, each patch of restoration of endangered and threatened native stock the “go to” district in the county and to con- habitat becomes part of a collective effort to nur- species, but also to support projects that promote tinue to guide the district’s growth in a positive ture and sustain the living landscape for birds and appreciation and respect for Michigan native flora way. other animals.” and thus help to ensure their survival in this time A stay-at-home dad, he has been married for 22 The STEM Academy also partnered with the Ka- of climate instability and great stress on native spe- years to Rebecca, a primary care physician. They lamazoo Area Chapter of Wild Ones, and received cies and natural systems.” have four children - Abby, Anna, Ava, and Austin. a Nancy Small Memorial Fund grant. Abby graduated from Comstock and will soon be a senior at Saginaw Valley State University where she is studying to be a science teacher and High School Registration Day coach. Anna will be a freshman this school year while Ava is entering the seventh grade and Austin High school students can register on That same day, seniors will have a class is starting Young 5’s at the new Comstock Elemen- August 26 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. in the meeting at 5:30 p.m. tary School. Besides being on the school board, he is in charge auditorium. Forms will be mailed to CHS Incoming ninth graders should also plan of Eastwood Little League. He often volunteers at families in mid-August, Those completed on attending the freshman meeting at Comstock STEM Academy where his youngest forms can be turned in during registration. 6:15 p.m. in the auditorium. children are students. During registration, students can also There will be a cookout immediately As a family, the Schreiners enjoy traveling. Next pick up their schedules for the 2019-20 afterward in the courtyard. summer they are going to Germany with their school year; learn more about the Leader church youth group. in Me Lighthouse team; get pictures It’s going to be a big day to help kick “We also spend a lot of family time in service to taken for student IDs; register to vote; off the 2019-20 school year. We hope the community at our schools, our church or at buy Comstock Spirit Wear, and more. everyone can join us! Eastwood Little League,” he said. The Comstock Communicator 13

Northeast Middle School NEMS Teacher Selected as Grosvenor Teaching Fellow

Middle school teacher, Cindy Bloom, doesn’t historical sites, she said. like being interrupted by the PA when she’s Leading the activities were naturalists, teaching. So, when the office staff came over the ornithologists, marine mammal specialists, PA last February to tell her she had a phone call, historians, archaeologists, and underwater she reminded them she was teaching. However, she specialists, who traveled with the Fellows on the was told she really needed to take the call. expedition, she said. “I grumped all the way back to my desk,” she After the day’s adventures, they would gather on recalled. “Soon I’m dancing at my desk and the the ship to recap what they had seen and done that kids are wondering what’s going on.” day. What was going on was that she had just been Back at Northeast Middle School, Mrs. Bloom’s Mrs. Bloom stands on the bow of the National Geographic notified she had been named one of 45 Grosvenor students were following her adventures through Explorer as it leaves the Thames River and enters the Teacher Fellows, a program of the National photos that she emailed. English Channel. Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions. “Every day they could see the pictures,” she said. The Fellowship is a two-year commitment “I signed them up for the daily expedition report that begins with an expedition through Lindblad posted by the ship so they were able to follow the Expeditions followed by sharing the experience expedition that way, too.” with students and the community, and developing Before leaving on the expedition, Mrs. Bloom lessons and other materials that can be used by had to formulate questions about what she wanted other educators. to bring back to her students and the community. Fellows must also serve in leadership roles within One of her questions was, “Why do people live National Geographic Education such as mentoring where they do?” teachers who are going through the National “You look at these neolithic sites going back Geographic Teacher Certification process, said 5,000 or 6,000 years on these incredibly remote Mrs. Bloom. islands,” she said. “You have to work to get to Sheila Gear, ranger on Foula, one of the Shetland Islands, Applying for the Fellowship was a lengthy some of the islands we went to, yet they have these shows visitors a Shetland pony mare, and her four day old foal. process involving a number of things. neolithic sites. How did they get there? Why were “You have to think about your practices and they there?” how you’ve been affecting students, getting them What she learned was what she called a paradigm out and doing things outside the classroom,” she shift in how she thinks about the world. said. “One of the more difficult things is that you “What people don’t realize is at the time of the have to create a video of yourself, That’s one of the neolithic, the climate was better in Ireland and the harder things - getting used to having yourself in British Isles than it is now,” she said. “They were front of a camera.” able to grow grain. That’s why they were farmers In April, all 45 Fellows met in Washington, and the dangerous places were the center of Ireland, The National Geographic Explorer, the ship Mrs. Bloom D.C., for a pre-trip conference. the center of England. It was easy to move along sailed on, stands at anchor at Arranmore, Ireland. “There, we talked about the requirements,” she the coastline by boat. We think of things from a director of an international school. Before flying said. “We video-chatted or chatted in person with road-based mentality. For them, there were no home, she made a presentation to the seventh naturalists who would be aboard our expedition. roads. These places that we consider remote were graders in the school about her adventures. We got more experience with photography. the easiest places to get to.” Mrs. Bloom has been a teacher in Comstock We had National Geographic photographers She plans to develop lessons on the importance for 29 years, the last 27 at the middle school. and videographers there to tell us about how to of these prehistoric sites and why people today She teaches ancient world history and geography. chronicle what we were doing.” should be concerned about them. Each year, she coordinates the National Geographic Then, in May, she flew to London to board the “I’m going to have kids look more fully at why Geography Bee for middle school students. She is ship, National Geographic Explorer, for a 15-day people live where they do and the climate issue and certified asNational Geographic Teacher and is also tour, sailing around the southern coast of England, the fact that climates change,” she said. “Climate involved with the Michigan Geographic Alliance. the west coast of Ireland and then to the Inner and change has happened a lot.” Even with all this experience, back in February, Outer Hebrides and Orkney and Shetland Islands. Mrs. Bloom will also be preparing a presentation little did Mrs. Bloom realize that what started as an Each day, they would disembark about 9 a.m. for the community about her experiences. annoying interruption of her class would end up and then have a choice of activities whether taking At the end of the expedition, the ship docked being the beginning of an incredible life-changing a walk, shooting photos, birding, or visiting in Norway, where Mrs. Bloom’s sister-in-law is the experience. 14 The Comstock Communicator August/September 2019

Athletic Department News

2019-20 Physicals a call at 269-250-8711 to let us know if you school starts. Session I for girls is the Sharp Physicals for the 2019-20 school year will be are interested in working. Shooters season which begins playing games offered on August 7 at Comstock High School mid October. Session I for boys is the Sharp from 6-7 p.m. The cost will be $20. All Hall of Fame Nominations Shooter season which begins playing games Comstock students in seventh grade through The Comstock Hall of Fame committee the beginning of November. All fall sports twelfth grade planning on playing a fall sport is accepting nominations for the 2020 being played are a priority and until the fall must have a physical dated after April 15, induction. Nominations must be received season is over, kids try to make what they can. 2019, on file with the athletic office before by the athletic director by November 1 to Session I will cost $50 along with the cost of they can participate in practice or games. be included in the process for the 2020 a uniform which is $55 if you don’t already induction. A nomination form is on page have one. It is a great program to learn a lot TJ Reilly 15 of this Communicator and also can be about basketball and we hope we see a lot of TJ Reilly had a found online at www.comstockcolts.org. students from Comstock participating. If you great spring season Please call Justin Ansel with any questions at have any questions, please give Justin Ansel a in baseball and 269-250-8711. call at 269-250-8711. earned Second Team All State. High School Fall Sports Start Dates Triathlete Event Congratulations Practice for the fall high school sports season Comstock Athletics sponsored the 18- TJ Reilly. will begin on August 12 for football, boys 19 Triathlete event which was a lock-in at soccer, cross country, girls golf and sideline Comstock High School. The Comstock Stadium Reserved Seating cheer and August 14 for volleyball. Start times triathletes split up into teams and competed Two different kinds of reserved seating will will be listed on the athletic website at www. in 15 different events throughout the entire be offered for the 2019-20 school year. Both comstockcolts.org. Every athlete must have a evening before leaving for home exhausted types of seats will be located in front of the physical to participate. at 7 a.m. A big thank you to Jason Hayes, press box along the 50-yard line. The cost for Katie Leaders and Abby Schreiner for helping a seat without a back rest is $5 per seat for Comstock Middle School Fall Sports chaperone the event and making it a special the year. The cost of a seat with a back rest Start Dates night. Nice job, Triathletes! (only 30 seats available) is $10 per seat for the Practice for Comstock Middle School sixth year. All proceeds will be used to help fund through eighth grade girls volleyball, sixth the Hall of Fame Banquet and Awards. The through eighth grade boys soccer and fifth first home varsity football game kicks off at through eighth grade boys and girls cross 7 p.m. on August 29 vs Saugatuck. Please country will tentatively begin on Monday, support Comstock Athletics and our Hall of August 26. Official start times will be listed Fame Banquet by purchasing a reserved seat on the athletic website at www.comstockcolts. through the athletic office at 269-250-8711. org as we get closer to the beginning of the season. All middle school volleyball, boys Season Pass Workers Needed soccer and cross country runners must have We are coordinating workers for the 19- a physical on file with the athletic office in 20 school year right now. If you would like order to participate. to work at athletic events for a family pass, please contact the athletic office. Some of the Stampede Basketball job duties include ticket taking, running the Third-Sixth Grade Boys clock, keeping the scorebook, announcing Third-Eighth Grade Girls and timing for track meets. We have a Tryouts for Session I Comstock Stampede lifetime pass for all our senior citizens for free. basketball are tentatively scheduled for If senior citizens would still like to help out Sunday, September 29, and are for kids at our athletic events, we would love to have attending Comstock Public Schools. We will you here but it is not required. Please give us send out more information to all the kids after The Comstock Communicator 15

COMSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM

INDIVIDUAL Nomination Name of Nominee ______Address______City______State______Zip______Home Phone______Work/Cell Phone______E-mail______High School Attended ______Year of Graduation ______College Attended (If Applicable) ______Year of Graduation______

# of Varsity Letters - Boys Sports # of Varsity Letters - Girls Sports

_____ Football _____ Soccer _____ Volleyball _____ Golf _____ Tennis _____ X Country _____ X Country _____ Sideline Cheer _____ Basketball _____ Wrestling _____ Basketball _____ Competitive Cheer _____ Bowling _____ Baseball _____ Bowling _____ Softball _____ Track _____ Golf _____ Track _____ Tennis _____ Swimming _____ Hockey _____ Soccer _____ Swimming

PLEASE USE SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER 1. Special Comstock Athletic Awards (MVP, MIP, All Conference, All State, Coach of the Year, etc.) 2. Career Highlights (Most points in game, Most goals in game, etc.) 3. College Athletic Achievements (If Applicable) 4. Athletic Involvement after H.S. and College (Professional, Officiating, Coaching, etc.) 5. Please list any other information which would be helpful to the committee.

TEAM Nomination - (Must have contact information for all team members to be considered.) Year ______Sport ______Coach ______

PLEASE USE SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER 1. Names of Team Members 2. Special Team Accomplishments (Championships, Records, etc) 3. Please list any other information which would be helpful to the committee.

INDIVIDUAL or TEAM Nominated By: Name______Date ______

Address______City______State______Zip______

Home Phone ______Work/Cell Phone ______E-mail ______

Please mail this form to: Justin Ansel, Director of Athletics, Comstock High School, 2107 N. 26th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048 16 The Comstock Communicator August/September 2019

COMSTOCK HIGH SCHOOL FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES

Boys JV Football Thu Oct 24 Mendon High School 5:00PM Thu Sep 26 @ Constantine High School 5:00PM Thu Aug 22 @ Bloomingdale Scrimmage 10:00AM Mon Oct 28 @ Parchment Mini Tourney 4:00PM Mon Sep 30 @ Galesburg-Augusta Scrimmage 6:00PM Wed Aug 28 @ Saugatuck High School 6:00PM Wed Oct 2 Berrien Springs HS 5:00PM Thu Sep 5 Brandywine High School 6:00PM Girls Varsity Volleyball Thu Oct 3 @ Coloma High School 5:00PM Thu Sep 12 @ Constantine High School 6:00PM Sat Aug 24 @ Lawton Invitational 8:30AM Mon Oct 7 @ Vicksburg High School 6:00PM Thu Sep 19 Galesburg-Augusta HS 6:00PM Tue Aug 27 Galesburg-Augusta HS 6:00PM Thu Sep 26 @ Berrien Springs HS 6:00PM Wed Sep 4 @ Pennfield 6:30PM Varsity Golf Thu Oct 3 @ Lee High School 6:00PM Mon Sep 9 @ Lawrence Jr.-Sr. High School 6:00PM Fri Aug 16 @ Parma Western Invitational - Thu Oct 10 Parchment High School 6:00PM Wed Sep 11 @ Buchanan HS 6:00PM Arbor Hills 9:00AM Thu Oct 17 @ Buchanan HS 6:00PM Wed Sep 18 Brandywine High School 6:00PM Wed Aug 21 @ Wayland Invitational - Orchard Hills 9:00AM Thu Oct 24 Lawton Community Schools 6:00PM Sat Sep 21 @ Decatur Invitational 9:00AM Mon Aug 26 @ KVA - M Lutheran Jamboree - Wed Sep 25 @ Bridgman Public Schools 6:00PM Blossom Trails 4:00PM Boys Varsity Football Tue Oct 1 Berrien Springs HS 6:00PM Fri Sep 13 Comstock JV Golf Invite - Hickory Ridge Thu Aug 22 @ Bloomingdale Scrimmage 10:00AM Thu Oct 3 @ Constantine Quad 5:30PM Comstock High School 1:00PM Thu Aug 29 Saugatuck High School 7:00PM Wed Oct 9 @ Parchment High School 6:00PM Tue Sep 17 BCS Comstock Jamboree - Eastern Hills Fri Sep 6 @ Brandywine High School 7:00PM Sat Oct 12 Comstock Varsity Invitational 9:00AM Comstock High School 4:00PM Fri Sep 13 Constantine High School 7:00PM Mon Oct 14 @ Parchment Mini Tourney 4:00PM Thu Sep 19 Comstock Varsity Invite - Eastern Hills Fri Sep 20 @ Galesburg-Augusta HS 7:00PM Thu Oct 17 @ Quincy High School 6:30PM Comstock High School 10:00AM Fri Sep 27 Berrien Springs HS 7:00PM Tue Oct 22 @ Battle Creek Central HS 6:30PM Tue Sep 24 @ KVA - Kalamazoo Christian Jamboree - Fri Oct 4 Lee High School 7:00PM Thu Oct 24 Mendon High School 6:00PM Crestview 4:00PM Fri Oct 11 @ Parchment High School 7:00PM Sat Oct 26 @ BCS Red Division Tournament - Mon Sep 30 @ KVA Conference Tournament - Prairies Fri Oct 18 Buchanan HS 7:00PM Brandywine 9:00AM Fri Oct 25 @ Lawton Community Schools 7:00PM Wed Oct 30 @ Bangor Quad w/ Martin & Watervliet Varsity Cross Country (Boys/Girls) Tue Aug 20 @ Three Rivers Big Hill Climb 5:00PM Girls JV Volleyball Boys Varsity Soccer Fri Aug 23 @ Lawrence Early Bird Invite 10:00AM Sat Aug 24 Comstock JV Tournament 9:00AM Fri Aug 16 Bloomingdale HS 5:00PM Tue Aug 27 @ Marshall Meet at Tue Aug 27 Galesburg-Augusta HS 5:00PM Mon Aug 19 Bangor Public Schools 4:00PM Cornwell’s Turkeyville 6:00PM Wed Sep 4 @ Pennfield 5:15PM Wed Aug 21 @ Delton-Kellogg HS 6:00PM Tue Sep 3 Comstock Meet w/GA,Hack,KChrist, DK Sat Sep 7 @ Portage Northern Invitational 8:00AM Fri Aug 23 Saugatuck High School 5:00PM Comstock High School 6:00PM Mon Sep 9 @ Lawrence Jr.-Sr. High School 5:00PM Mon Aug 26 Pennfield 6:00PM Sat Sep. 7 @ Lakeview Invitational 8:00AM Wed Sep 11 @ Buchanan HS 5:00PM Wed Aug 28 @ Lawton Community Schools 6:00PM Tue Sep 10 @ BCS River Valley Jamboree 5:00PM Wed Sep 18 Brandywine High School 5:00PM Wed Sep 4 @ Parchment High School 5:00PM Sat Sep 14 @ Mendon Invitational 10:00AM Wed Sep 25 @ Bridgman Public Schools 5:00PM Fri Sep 6 Lawrence Jr.-Sr. High School 4:00PM Wed Sep 18 @ Lawrence Invitational 5:00PM Sat Sep 28 @ Constantine Invitational TBA Wed Sep 11 @ Buchanan HS 5:00PM Tue Sep 24 @ BCS Lawrence Jamboree 5:00PM Tue Oct 1 Berrien Springs HS 5:00PM Thu Sep 12 Hartford Public Schools 5:00PM Sat Sep 28 @ Otsego Invitational 8:00AM Thu Oct 3 @ Parchment Quad 5:30PM Mon Sep 16 Galesburg-Augusta Scrimmage 6:00PM Sat Oct 5 @ Allegan Invitational 9:00AM Wed Oct 9 @ Parchment High School 5:00PM Wed Sep 18 Brandywine High School 5:00PM Tue Oct 8 @ BCS Berrien Springs Jamboree 5:00PM Thu Oct 17 @ Quincy High School 5:30PM Thu Sep 19 @ Schoolcraft High School 5:00PM Sat Oct 19 @ Kalamazoo Christian Invitational 10:00AM Sat Oct 19 @ Schoolcraft Invitational 8:30AM Mon Sep 23 Olivet 5:00PM Tue Oct 22 @ Battle Creek Central HS 5:00PM Wed Sep 25 @ Bridgman Public Schools 5:00PM The Comstock Communicator 17

Hazardous Weather Notification of Compliance: The Asbestos Communications Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 The Comstock School District has completed an asbestos inspection and management plan in com- pliance with the Federal and State AHERA laws. Individual building survey reports and management plans are available for public inspection in the main office of each building during regular business hours. A complete report for the entire Comstock district is available for inspection in the Administra- tion offices. For more information, contact the Superintendent’s Office at 388-9384. Pesticide Advisory As part of the Comstock School District’s Integrated Pest Management Program, pesticides are occa- sionally used. You have the right to be informed prior to any pesticide application made to the school grounds and buildings. In certain emergencies, pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but you will be notified fol- With hazardous weather conditions just lowing any such application. around the corner, Comstock Public Schools is encouraging all parents to talk with their children about the possibility of school closing due to bad weather. In the event that school must be closed early on any given day, please have a plan developed with your children so they arrive home safely. Every effort is made to make a decision to close school by 5 a.m. and to notify the news media immediately. However, the district has no control over how quickly the Congratulations to Our Retirees! information is disseminated by the media. Charlene Daily, CHS science teacher Below is a list of the multiple ways you can be notified of early closings, or school Sue Duncan, elementary music teacher closings: Tracy Daniel, high school physical education teacher You may sign-up to follow Tweets at Sharon Nichols-Hicks, CHS teacher https://twitter.com/ComstockPS regarding Chris Ransom, Green Meadow fourth grade teacher school closings or go to our website at www. comstockps.org. Best Wishes for Your Next Adventure! Make sure your Infinite Campus portal is current with correct contact information in order to receive ShoutPoint notification. For the latest school closings, turn your radio or television to the following stations: SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED Become a School Bus Driver! METS, the transportation employer for Comstock CALL LETTERS Public Schools, is currently hiring school bus drivers for part-time assignments 98.5 FM, 96.5 FM (WNWN, WFAT) starting at $14.75 per hour. 100.9 FM (WQXC) 903 AM, 1400 AM (WBCK, WRCC) No experience is necessary and training will 106.5 FM, 590 AM, 1470 AM (WQLR, be provided to qualified candidates. Apply WKZO, WQSN) today by sending your resume to: recruiting@ 107.7 FM, 103.3 FM (WRKR, WKFR) contractbusdrivers.com. TV 3 WWMT-TV For more information, please call (269) TV 8 WOOD-TV TV 4 WOTV 250-8690, or toll free at (888) 996-8586