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HPS Updated Website PAGE 6 Kindergarten Registration PAGE 8 STEM Girls Rock PAGE 14 RAM Q uarterly A p u b l i c a t i o n o f H o l t P u b l i c S c h o o l s • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8
HPS Updated Website
PAGE 6
Kindergarten Registration
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STEM Girls Rock
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RAMQuarterly
A p u b l i c a t i o n o f H o l t P u b l i c S c h o o l s • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8
www.hpsk12.net A PUBLICATION OF HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS2
Welcome to Holt Public Schools! It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I write the eighth of what I hope will be many Ram Quarterly (RQ)
welcome letters to you and our extraordinary community! For those who are just joining the Holt Public Family, I would like to sincerely welcome you to our district. We are here to serve you and hope that you will soon feel our district pride and our attitude of gratitude! I remain excited to assist you.
This is the fourth edition of our nearly exclusively online RQ. We know that some of you prefer to read a paper copy of our publication, which can be found in limited quantities throughout the communities. You can also access this publication as well as lots more information on the following social media sites:
• at www.holtnow.com • via our weekly email called the Peek at the Week (to
be added to our weekly email updates, please send a message to [email protected] with the word “Peek” in the subject line)
• by listening to our weekly podcast (www.holtpublicsch.podbean.com)
• on our new district website (www.hpsk12.net)
As many of you know, I am driven to reinforce positive behaviors as we confront negative behaviors together. For the third year in a row, I plan to lead a community book study. Two years ago, we read and analyzed the book Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. Last year, we studied the Rules of the Red Rubber Ball by Kevin Carroll. This year I urge you to read Simon Sinek’s book Together is Better. This book is comprised of a number of meaningful quotes, which I predict you will find have tremendous application to your work life, social life, and family life. We will be referencing it over the course of the school year and I will be leading a book study in the spring.
Once again, I am firmly committed to promoting our district by highlighting the extraordinary, inspiring work that takes place daily. I am honored to serve you and embrace the opportunity to celebrate the past and continue to inspire the future of Holt Public Schools. Keep an eye on us as we Innovate, Educate and Inspire our learning community to achieve on every level! Together IS better!
District Pride, Community Wide!
Dr. David G. Hornak
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Ram QuarterlyA publication of Holt Public Schools5780 W. Holt RoadHolt, MI 48842517-694-0401
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WHILE YOU SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS!
Reach consumers in our community with an ad in the Ram Quarterly—and, at the same time, support Holt Public Schools!
The Ram Quarterly and Holtnow.com offer a quality environment for your advertising. For more information, please contact Jeff Blohm at 517-333-4900 or [email protected]
You are invited to join Superintendent Dr. David Hornak for an informal conversation regarding Holt Public Schools! Share your thoughts and find out “what’s happening” in our district.
2018
Thursday, January 11 9:00 a m Tim HortonsMonday, February 5 9:00 a m Mike’s Village RestaurantTuesday, March 13 9:00 a m Tim HortonsThursday, April 12 9:00 a m Mike’s Village RestaurantWednesday, May 9 9:00 a m Tim Hortons
Advertise Your Business While you Support Our Schools!
Superintendent’s Community Coffee Schedule 2018Dates subject to change
www.hpsk12.net A PUBLICATION OF HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS3
JANUARY Jan 8 School resumes
Jan 15 MLK Jr. Day – No school
Jan 17-19 Exams – Grades 7-12 half day; Grades K-6 full day
Jan 22 2nd semester begins
FEBRUARY Feb 14 Student Count Day
Feb 16-23 Mid-winter break – Balanced Calendar
Feb 19-23 Mid-winter break – Traditional Calendar
MARCH Mar 5-9 Parent-Teacher Conference Week – All students
Mar 8-9 K-12 half day (all students)
Mar 30-Apr 6 Spring break – Traditional Calendar
Mar 30-Apr 13 Spring break – Balanced Calendar
May 28 Memorial Day Holiday – Traditional Calendar
May 28-Jun 1 Memorial Break-Balanced Calendar
JUNE Jun 13 Exams – Grades 7-12 half day; Gr. K-6 full day
Jun 14 Exams – Grades 7-12 half day; Gr. K-6 Traditional half day; Balanced full day
Jun 15 Exams – Gr. 7-12 half day; Gr. K-6 Traditional half day; last day of school for Traditional Calendar; Balanced no school
Jun 21 Balanced half day
Jun 22 Balanced half day; last day of school for Balanced Calendar
Balanced Calendar Schools: Horizon and Sycamore Elementary Schools
Looking ahead: 2018-19 school year – first day of school: Balanced Calendar – Aug. 1, 2018 Traditional Calendar – Aug. 22, 2018
2017-18 CALENDAR YEARThis calendar does not include early dismissal/late start dates. Check the district online calendar (www.hpsk12.net/calendar) for updates. NOTE: Dates subject to change
in this issueFrom the Superintendent .......................................... 2Calendar ................................................................... 3H.O.L.T. Scholarship Contributions Always Welcome ............................................ 3HPS Board of Education/Building Directory ........... 4Holt Education Foundation Updates ........................ 5Holt Public Day at Caberfae .................................... 6HPS Launches Updated Website ................................6How to Effectively Communicate with School Officials ......................................... 7Kindergarten Registration ........................................ 8Eat a Healthy Breakfast ........................................... 8Around the Horn ................................................. 9-11New Faces .............................................................. 12Restock the Pantry ................................................. 12School Closing Information ................................... 13What is “Spoofing”? .............................................. 13STEM Girls Rock! ................................................. 14District Surveys ...................................................... 15Now Hiring ............................................................ 15Did You Know? ...................................................... 16Holt/Dimondale Community Education ........... A-P
H.O.L.T. Scholarship Contributions Always WelcomeThe H.O.L.T. (“Helping Others Learn Together”) Scholarship Fund is a donor-supported project to help qualifying students in the Holt Public School District receive an advanced education opportunity at an accredited postsecondary institution.
We would like to thank the PNC Foundation for another $5,000 contribution to the scholarship fund!
Looking for ways to give back to your community? Please consider a contribution to the H.O.L.T. Scholarship Program. For more information, please contact the Capital Region Community Foundation (which oversees the funds for the Program) at 517.272.2870, or visit www.crcfoundation.org.
www.hpsk12.net A PUBLICATION OF HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS4
Mr. Mark Perry, President
Ms. Laura Colligan, Vice President
Ms. Julie Bureau, Secretary
Mr. Ben Bakken, Treasurer
Ms. Amy Dalton, Trustee
Mr. Robert Halgren, Trustee
Mr. Doug Needham, Trustee
Welcome, new Board members!
Holt Public Schools BUILDING DIRECTORY
Schedule of Regular Meetings for 2017-18
1 Statutory organizational meeting followed immediately by regular meeting. Updated meeting info can be viewed at: http://www.hpsk12.net/board-of-education/meeting-schedule.
Location: Administration Building Boardroom, 5780 West Holt Road, Holt, MI 48842517-694-5715 | www.hpsk12.net/board-of-education/meeting-schedule
Monday, January 15, 2018 .....7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 12, 2018 ...7:00 p.m.
Monday, March 12, 2018 .......7:00 p.m.
Monday, April 16, 2018 .........7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 14, 2018 ..........7:00 p.m.
Monday, June 11, 2018 ..........7:00 p.m.
Monday, July 16, 20181 ..........6:30 p.m.
Holt Public SchoolsBoard of Education and Administration Offices5780 W. Holt RoadHolt, MI 48842517-694-0401
Holt High School – Main Campus5885 W. Holt Rd.Holt, MI 48842517-694-2162
Holt High School - North Campus5780 W. Holt Rd.Holt, MI 48842517-694-4370
Holt Junior High School1784 Aurelius Rd.Holt, MI 48842517-694-7117
Hope Middle School2020 Park LaneHolt, MI 48842517-699-2194
Washington Woods Middle School2055 Washington Rd.Holt, MI 48842517-699-0250
Dimondale Elementary SchoolP. O. Box 159 – 330 Walnut St.Dimondale, MI 48821517-694-6411
Elliott Elementary School4200 Bond Ave.Holt, MI 48842517-699-2106
Horizon Elementary School1
5776 W. Holt Rd.Holt, MI 48842517-694-4224
Sycamore Elementary School1
4429 Sycamore St.Holt, MI 48842517-699-2185
Wilcox Elementary School1650 LaurelwoodHolt, MI 48842517-699-0249
Community EducationPreschool & school-age child careChild & adult enrichment classes4552 Spahr Ave.Holt, MI 48842517-694-3411
Midway Early Learning CenterInfant, toddler & preschool-age child care4552 Spahr Ave.Holt, MI 48842517-699-1587
Alternative Education Center5780 W. Holt Rd.Holt, MI 48842517.694.4370
Transportation Department517-694-0625
1Horizon & Sycamore operate on a balanced (year-round) calendar
HPS BOARD OF EDUCATION 2017-18
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MINI-GRANTS AWARDED!The Holt Education Foundation’s “Prize Patrol” traveled the district in November and awarded almost $7,500 in mini-grants for 14 projects. They include impactful projects such as incorporating mindfulness using yoga, raising a butterfly garden, teaching drumming to enhance language development, exposing students to a college campus environment, a kindness club to heighten social and emotional learning, virtual reality for the classroom and a district-wide elementary attendance awareness campaign.
For a complete listing of the awards as well as general information about the Holt Education Foundation, please visit http://www.hpsk12.net/our-district/holt-education-foundation/. Questions? Send us an email c/o [email protected].
PLEASE “SAVE THE DATE” FOR THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES!For interested high school students: SAT practice workshop/test
One more chance to learn strategies and practice this test before the April test date:
Saturday, March 10, 2017 – North Campus
Registration forms can be found online and in the high school counseling office.
IS THERE AN OUTSTANDING PERSON YOU’D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE?
The Holt Education Foundation is taking nominations for OUTSTANDING alumni, community volunteers, and school employees to be honored at its annual Community Recognition Dinner. Nomination forms can be found online at http://www.hpsk12.net/our-district/holt-education-foundation/ or requested at [email protected]. The nomination deadline is 4:00 p.m. January 12, 2018.
Join us as we kick off the Holt Education Foundation’s 25th year! The Community Recognition Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Plans include a gift basket silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and more! We will post more information as the date nears; ticket sales will begin in late February/early March. This event sold out early last year, so don’t delay – all tickets must be purchased in advance!
MARGARET LIVENSPARGER SCHOLARSHIPEach year the Holt Education Foundation awards a two-year scholarship to a graduating senior in memory of founding member, teacher and arts supporter Margaret Livensparger. Information about the Margaret Livensparger Scholarship can be found in the local scholarship packet provided at the high school (North Campus) starting February 1, 2018.
DONATION DOLLARS ALWAYS APPRECIATEDThe Holt Education Foundation raises funds through the annual football cookout, the Community Recognition Dinner, and SAT practice workshops, as well as donations from individual and corporate sponsors. Your donations to the Holt Education Foundation can be sent c/o Holt Public Schools, 5780 W. Holt Road, Holt 48842. You may also donate directly at https://holt.revtrak.net/Class-Registrations/. The Holt Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization – consult your tax advisor for tax deduction information.
Holt Education Foundation UpdatesF
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Holt Public Day at CaberfaeSaturday, March 3, 2018
For the third consecutive year, Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac will be hosting our learning community for a day on the slopes! This event, exclusively for Holt Public Schools families and friends, allows our entire learning community to enjoy a day together at Caberfae! Due to the number of participants who have joined us in the past, Caberfae offers our group incredible rates for rentals, lessons, and lift tickets. This year, our event will be held on March 3, 2018, and pre-registration will begin in January.
Please complete the Google form at http://gohps.net/hpsskisnowboardingtrip before February 9. Within two weeks, you will receive a formal registration form, waiver, and invoice by email, which must be completed and returned
to the superintendent’s office by February 26, 2018. You may return them by mail or in person (there will be a box in the reception area).
As we go to press, we are hoping to establish an online registration and payment option via RevTrak at https://holt.revtrak.net/. Many of our families who pay for child care and/or school lunches online are familiar with this convenient service. (There is small service charge when paying online.) Please check the district website and/or the Peek at the Week for more details.
All forms and fees are due no later than February 26, 2018, to guarantee your attendance at Holt Public Day at Caberfae!
HPS LAUNCHES UPDATED WEBSITEYou may have noticed a new look to the district website! It has been redesigned in an effort to simplify navigation, providing easier access to more resources and information. The site has also been enhanced to include our social media platforms as well as make our content accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Families can still find their most-frequently-used links on the home page (“Family Access” and “Registration Gateway”), while smaller icons lead you quickly to school lunch menus and athletic schedules. The district calendar is now conveniently placed on the home page.
While a vast portion of the content has been migrated, we are still working on sections such as the individual school/teacher pages. At the same time, we are constantly updating
material and providing training to those who will be maintaining their pages. We ask for your patience as we, too, are getting used to the changes. We’d like to recognize and thank
our IT department for their monumental efforts in carrying out this project.
If you have not done so already, we invite you to explore our website! As we continue this process, we ask that if you experience any difficulty in accessing our website or have
questions, suggestions or comments, please contact us at [email protected].
www.hpsk12.net A PUBLICATION OF HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS7
Parents are often discouraged when they attempt to communicate with central office administrators and school board members and are sent back to building-based officials in order to resolve a problem their child may be experiencing in school. To prevent that frustration, parents can become informed about the “chain of command,” or where to begin the communication sequence regarding their problem or concern.
Many parent and community questions are easily and completely answered by communicating directly with the educator in charge of the class or program. Each situation should first be addressed at whatever level the initial action was taken, with appeals moving on to the next level in the chain of command. The easiest way to communicate is via email (staff email addresses can be found on the district website, www.hpsk12.net) and a phone call is the next preferable way.
Here at Holt Public Schools, we ask that you address any issues in the order listed below:
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE WITH SCHOOL OFFICIALS
On Matters Involving Instruction/Curriculum:
1) Classroom teacher2) Principal3) Curriculum director4) Superintendent5) Board of Education
On Matters Involving Athletics:1) Coach2) Athletic director3) Principal4) Superintendent5) Board of Education
On Matters Involving Student Discipline:
1) Classroom teacher2) Assistant principal3) Principal4) Curriculum director5) Superintendent6) Board of Education
On Matters Involving Food Service:1) Food Service Department
secretary2) Food Service director3) Director of business services/
finance4) Superintendent5) Board of Education
On Matters Involving Transportation:1) Bus driver2) Transportation supervisor3) Director of business services/
finance4) Superintendent5) Board of Education
On Matters Involving Facilities/Grounds/Buildings:
1) Principal2) Facilities manager3) Director of human resources4) Superintendent5) Board of Education
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DISTRICT RESIDENT PRE-REGISTRATIONKindergarten “call in” takes place January 22 to February 2, 2018, from 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Call your home area school to pre-register (if you do not know your home area school, you may call 694-0625 or 699-1103 for assistance). After you call your school building you may proceed with the online enrollment process. Your child is considered enrolled only after you have attended your appointment at the Curriculum Office.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF REGISTRATIONThe documents required for students before starting kindergarten are:
1. Birth certificate – original certified with state seal (copies are not accepted)
2. Immunization record – including Hepatitis B and Varicella immunizations
3. Proof of residency – utility bill, lease, etc. (two documents needed)
4. Vision screening – Kindergarten and first grade only
5. Hearing screening – Kindergarten and first grade only
6. Parent photo ID
IN-DISTRICT SCHOOLS OF CHOICEFor Holt/Dimondale Public School Residents:
In-district Schools of Choice applications will be available in February for the 2018-19 school year at all K-6 buildings and the Curriculum Office (located in the North Campus Building, 5780 W. Holt Road). Applications are due on or before April 13, 2018. For more information, please call the Curriculum Office at 517-699-1103 or 517-694-5730.
NON-RESIDENT SCHOOLS OF CHOICEFor students who do not reside within the Holt School District boundaries:
Non-resident Schools of Choice applications will be available in May 2018. Please call 517-694-5370 for more information or to request an application packet.
ANNUAL IMMUNIZATION WAIVER INFORMATIONAny parent/guardian wishing to claim a nonmedical waiver must receive education regarding the benefits of vaccination and the risks of disease from a county health department before obtaining the certified nonmedical waiver form from the local health department. The rule requires the use of the State of Michigan nonmedical waiver form dated January 1, 2017.
For more information, contact the Ingham County Health Department at 517-887-4350.
CHILDCAREHolt Community Education provides before- and after-school childcare for students up through grade 6. For information please call 517-694-3411 or e-mail [email protected].
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONState of Michigan legislation (MCL 380.1147)
recognizes that children who turn five years of age
between September 1 and December 1 of 2017 are
eligible for kindergarten for the 2018-19 school year.
Please join us for a complete breakfast, to fuel your brain to achieve all that you can!Breakfast is served daily in all Holt Public Schools. Prices are:
• Paid $1.60 (K-12) • Reduced $0.30 (K-12) • Free $0.00 (K-12)• Adult $2.10
www.hpsk12.net A PUBLICATION OF HOLT PUBLIC SCHOOLS9
DIMONDALE ELEMENTARYDimondale Elementary School has placed a strong emphasis on improving math skills by sponsoring a Family Math Night. The event, held in November, included math games, pizza and a raffle. In conjunction with Family Math Night, we also held a Clothes Closet event, accepting donations of new or gently used winter coats, snow pants, mittens, hats and boots.
ELLIOTT ELEMENTARYOur theme at Elliott Elementary this year is “Holt’s Hidden Treasure,” which gave us a good reason to decorate with the theme of pirates and treasure chests. While you won’t see any pirates (except on Halloween!) you will find many treasures at Elliott. We are always modeling positive behavior and looking for our students to Cooperate, Achieve, be Respectful, show Effort and be Safe (CARES). Gold coins are drawn weekly from the treasure chest and students are recognized with a certificate and a prize.
There are many wonderful things happening every day at Elliott, and this year we wanted to showcase something we do all the time that parents may not know about. Back in October, we invited all of our parents to come and observe their child during their Team Time. This is a 30-minute window of intervention that happens four days a week for all students, kindergarten through fourth grade. Parents followed their child to their Team Time classroom and observed the learning. After the observation, parents met in the library
with Mrs. North, who answered any questions regarding their visit. This parent visitation generated resoundingly positive reviews and Elliott is considering holding another visitation day in the future. Thank you to all parents who attended.
There are so many positive opportunities for students at Elliott Elementary, from the Lego STEM classes to the brand new Leadership Team to our LINKS program. Stay tuned for more events for students and parents that will be happening later this year.
HORIZON ELEMENTARY
Horizon Elementary Students were honored to be part of a special Veterans Day celebration at Holt High School. In front of a packed auditorium, the Huskies sang patriotic songs in honor of the nation’s veterans. The concert also featured the Holt High School Wind Ensemble, and Girl Scout Troop 30677 presented the colors. Many thanks to all who participated in this special event to honor the men and women who have served our country!
AROUND THE HORN
More on next page...
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SYCAMORE ELEMENTARYMore than 60 Sycamore Elementary students have joined an after-school club to promote kindness and compassion. Kendal’s Kids’ Kindness Club meets monthly with the support of more than two dozen parent volunteers, teachers, and community members. In a recent meeting, Stacy Love, a Lansing area graphic designer, provided students some design tips, after which they embellished table tents created to promote World Kindness Day. Future club plans include creating holiday-themed placemats for area shut-ins and sending love to military personnel on Valentine’s Day. One third-grade member said, “It feels good to do something nice for other people.”
The club was started by third grade teacher Denise Schaffer. Because of her leadership and care, more parents, community adults, and students continue to join!
WILCOX ELEMENTARYWilcox Elementary School has launched the 2017-18 school year with an exciting, school-wide theme, Wildcats Will. We have set goals as a school team to “Dream Big,” “Do Something Amazing,” “Make a Difference” and much, much more! With the help of our Team Wilcox staff, students have been actively involved in setting goals for our school, goals for their
classroom, as well as personal goals, all the while striving each day to be the best they can be! Students have made great gains in reaching math, reading, and attendance goals, being helpful to one another in the classroom, as well as displaying safe, respectful and responsible behaviors school-wide! Who will? Wildcats Will! Stop by and see for yourself!
HOPE MIDDLE SCHOOLHope students are Hopetastic! At Hope Middle School, we have implemented a school-wide positive behavior incentive to acknowledge students who are following Hope expectations. Hope staff members award tickets to students, and the students then turn them into the office. Ten tickets are drawn every other Wednesday. Students earn a prize, have their name displayed on our hallway board, and receive a postcard mailed to them at home. We are proud of our Hopetastic students!
WASHINGTON WOODS MIDDLE SCHOOLWashington Woods had a great start to the 2017-18 school year! This year we are interacting with students, families and one another under the mantra “W2=Family” to communicate how, honestly and collectively, the work of teaching children needs to be a community effort. Our building is full this year, with 460 students, so it’s definitely an “extended family.” With that extension, we have hired a new fifth-grade teacher to be part of the three-person teaching team. We have also added a fifth-grade technology encore/enrichment class for all students to begin learning Microsoft Office products. This aligns well with our similar sixth-grade technology class — now in its second year — where students learn to use Google Classroom.
With the addition of selling SCRIP gift cards, our Flipside Fundraiser has been successful this year. On the charitable end, students have requested we donate some of our fundraising money to hurricane relief because of the terrible fall weather our country experienced.
The Hallway Hero program, when students submit names for recognition when they see one another do kind deeds, has started strong, as has our staff appreciation program where staff look for great acts from their peers. Apparently the “family” theme is being lived because we see people caring for each other, from our kids all the way up!
AROUND THE HORN
More on next page...
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AROUND THE HORNHOLT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
In November the Ingham Community Health Center brought its Mobile Dental Center to the Junior High School to provide students with preventive and restorative oral health care right at school. All parents were invited to have their students sign up to receive dental care in the mobile office, regardless of ability to pay or insurance.
Participating students received dental sealants that help protect the teeth. This was truly an outstanding initiative that demonstrated the power of schools and the community working together for the benefit of kids!
Earlier in the fall, a select group of Holt Junior High students attended a special program called “Healing Hearts with Horses” at Sierra Rose Farms in DeWitt. The program is designed to give at-risk students with trauma-based emotional issues an opportunity to learn listening and communication skills through team-building activities, while interacting with horses.
Throughout the day, students participated in lessons designed to help them understand and see things through a different lens. Students discovered that each person or animal has a unique perspective on how they view things within their environment. Students also learned that everyone has their own voice and way of communicating. The end goal was to help students have an awareness of how they interact with others and learn to be accepting of diverse needs and circumstances.
Students will continue meeting as a core group each month to further develop the skills they learned while at Sierra Rose Farms. Staff from the Healing Hearts with Horses program will come to our school to follow up and continue working to enhance student growth. There will be an end-of-year celebration at Sierra Rose Farms where our students can interact with students from other schools who also went through the program.
HOLT HIGH SCHOOLOn November 8, Holt High School held our fifth annual College and Career Fair. More than 40 representatives from many career pathways were present to answer questions about their programs. We offered seminars for both students and parents, which included topics such as financial aid, admissions and local apprentice programs. More than 300 people attended this event, and we appreciate all of the representatives from multiple institutions who helped make it a success.
Earlier in the year we held our 11th annual Challenge Day. More than 130 students, teachers and community members came together to participate in this day-long program that emphasizes acceptance, anti-bullying, and creating a positive and supportive culture in school. Over the past 11 years, more than 2,000 students, teachers and community members have participated in Challenge Day. All have pledged to be the change they want to see in the world!
MIDWAY EARLY LEARNING CENTERMidway had a great start to the school year and a very busy fall with some exciting events! We started October with our family pumpkin carving night where great fun was had by all. Next, thanks to our partnership with PNC Bank, the students enjoyed a wonderful preschool planetarium experience, with Big Bird teaching the children all about the stars in a very interactive and exciting way. Finally, we wrapped up with a visit from the Delhi firefighters, who taught the students about fire safety. We look forward to the rest of our school year with our Midway family!
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Mrs. Christina Wright officially joined Sycamore Elementary School as building secretary in October! After graduating from Athens High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University and has passed the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam. She resides in Windsor Township with her husband and
three children, Rosemary, Howard and Jeremiah (who are also Sycamore Stars!). When not working, Christina loves to take trips to Walt Disney World with her family.
Mrs. Amanda Mason-Bigger joined the Finance Department as payroll clerk in October. She graduated in 2009 with a B.S. in communications from Spring Arbor University. She currently lives in Lansing with her husband Brian and their 10-month-old, Gavin. Amanda’s favorite activities outside of work include being with family
and friends, book club, crafting and doing home renovations. Amanda is excited to be at Holt Public Schools and looks forward to working with everyone!
Mrs. Michelle Jenks joined the district in August as Food Service Department secretary after working many years in various capacities across the district, such as noon supervisor and substitute secretary. If you have questions about your student’s lunch account, she can probably help you!
Michelle lives in Delhi Township with her husband Bob and they have three sons, Nicholas, Andrew and Michael. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys camping, fishing and spending time with her family.
We would also like to welcome Mrs. Kathy Brown, who is a secretary in the Counseling Department at Holt High School. Prior to this position, she could be seen helping out at Community Education or subbing in offices. For more information about Kathy, please see the “Did You Know?” section of this issue!
Another new face is that of Ms. Susan Ward, who joined the Facilities Department as secretary in September, coming out of retirement after nearly 45 years of full-time work (mostly as a legal secretary/paralegal in corporate and private law). Susan is a graduate of Sexton High School, attended the University of Maryland during
two Navy enlistments, and completed paralegal studies at Kaplan University. Her experience includes working in communications/electronics while in the Navy and as a computer/mainframe repair technician for IBM and EDS Corporation in Michigan. Susan is single and enjoys spending time with her family. She also loves cooking, camping, (most) motor-racing events, classic cars, and being near Michigan’s fresh-water lakes.
NEW FACES Holt Public Schools would like to welcome several “new” faces to the district!
IT’S TIME TO RESTOCK THE PANTRY!As we celebrate the closing of one year and the beginning of a new year, keep in mind that the Pop-Up Pantry at Holt High School needs to remain stocked with items that will help students, their families and the community.
The pantry was started last year by two Holt High School seniors who wanted to help students with economic difficulties obtain food,
toiletries, school supplies and other items. The pantry is stocked by donations from the community.
Pantry volunteers say they need food, clothing, hygiene products and toys. Donations can be dropped off at the North Campus office. Once the pantry is fully stocked it will be open to the entire community. Let’s all work together on this!
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In the event of a major snowstorm, electricity outage, or other event that could cause school cancellation, Holt Public Schools will report information to local television stations for broadcast.
Holt Public Schools will also use the Skylert Rapid Notification System to notify families of school closings. Please do not call your child’s school or the transportation office when you receive such a call; listen carefully to the message. Offices are unable to handle a large volume of phone calls, may be closed in the event of a “snow day,” and the phones do not work in a power outage.
Remember, it is very important that our school families provide correct contact information — please view and update your phone numbers and e-mail addresses by logging into Family Access at www.hpsk12.net and selecting the “Skylert” link.
School Closing Information
Have you ever answered a call because your Caller ID said it was Holt Public Schools, only to have someone try to sell you a car warranty? If so, you have been “spoofed.”
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), “Spoofing occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity.” According to the Truth in Caller ID Act, persons/entities are prohibited from “transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm or wrongly obtain anything of value. If no harm is intended or caused, spoofing is not illegal.” So, unfortunately, with the example cited above, there is not much the school district can do about this misleading practice. Consumers may file a complaint with the FCC:
• File online at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov • By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322); ASL: 1-844-432-2275 • By mail (please include name, address, contact information and as much detail about the complaint as possible): Federal Communications Commission Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20554
More information can be found at: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id.
What is “spoofing”?hello
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Imagine if you were a fifth grade girl at Washington Woods Middle School and, as a school project, you researched, wrote about and dressed up as the first woman ever to travel into outer space. Then imagine writing a letter to her, along with a picture and a birthday card, and THEN getting a letter back—from Russia!
That’s exactly what happened to Norah Brand, now in the sixth grade at Washington Woods, after she chose Valentina Tereshkova, a Russian cosmonaut, as her “Notable” character last school year.
The Notables Project is part of the fifth grade learning experience. Students choose a person who is, or was, “notable.” Students research their character, write a short essay about them, develop a timeline of their life, make a display about their character and, on the final night of the project, parents and guests come to the school to meet all of the “Notables.” Students are encouraged to dress up as their character and answer all questions in the first person.
Through her research, Norah learned that Valentina was only 26 when she was launched into space, where she traveled for three days, logging more flight time than anyone before her.
Norah was enthralled with Valentina and her story. Shortly after her Notables project, Norah learned that Valentina had just celebrated her 80th birthday and was serving as a space consultant to the Russian government. Norah decided to write to her.
In her letter Norah explained why she chose Valentina as her Notable character. “You really stood out because you are not just a cosmonaut but you are the first woman to go to space. Learning about you made me realize anything is possible…I would love to hear back from you.”
Norah waited patiently for a reply, at times feeling discouraged, but six months later, she received her long awaited reply from Valentina! “Dear Norah,” she wrote. “I wish you happiness and that all your dreams come true!” Pictures of Valentina as a young cosmonaut were included.
Valentina Tereshkova is featured in the best-selling book, Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World. The book is a must-read for any girl who believes that anything is possible—especially in science!
From Russia with love:
STEM girls rock!
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This past October, Holt Public Schools began what we hope will be an annual practice of sending a comprehensive district survey to parents, students, staff, and community members. This survey is part of an effort to increase communication and outreach with our community, as well as to be responsive and transparent with regards to feedback.
In general, each survey had about 14 questions, as well as several open-ended questions which allowed participants to leave feedback unique to their experiences.
Among the three surveys, we received almost 3,000 responses. Areas of strength for the district included communication, safety, and general support from building
administrators. Areas the district will focus on to improve include transportation and maintenance of buildings and grounds. Many participants included a reference to a person or experience that has been positive for them, and also shared their views about the district’s new hybrid calendar.
Overall, the surveys have proved invaluable in focusing priorities and highlighting both strengths and areas of improvement for Holt Public Schools. An in-depth summary of the survey results will be posted on the district website in the near future.
District Surveys
Would you like to earn a little extra money? Do you have free time during the day when the kids are in school, or are your children grown up? We are always looking for reliable, enthusiastic people to work as substitutes in several departments.
For more information about available positions at Holt Public Schools, see below:
• Go to the district’s Applitrack link via: http://www hpsk12 net/district/job-listing/job-listing
• Food Service positions – contact Mrs. Anstett at aanstett@hpsk12 net
• Community Education (including child care and preschool) positions – contact Mrs. Crandall at hcrandal@hpsk12 net
• Bus driver positions – contact Mr. Rowen at 517-694-0625
• Custodial positions – contact Mr. Hall at jhall@hpsk12 net
Now Hiring
THANK YOUFOR YOURFEEDBACK
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?Did You Know?
Kathy (Mansfield) Brown, ’75 – Soon after graduation, Kathy married fellow alumnus Paul Cole, with whom she had three children, Heather, Paul and Andrew. Sadly, Deputy Cole was taken from his family in 1996 as a result of a Line of Duty death. Kathy worked in the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years, during which time she lobbied for benefits for fallen police officers’ families. In 2015, she married Holt grad Pat Brown, and together they live in Holt and operate Brown’s Apple Orchard. Their blended family includes five children and 12 grandchildren. Kathy also works as a secretary in the Counseling Office at Holt High School.
Elizabeth (Van Nocker) Konwerski, ’75 – has worked for Holt Public Schools as a child care lead teacher for 16 years. Before working for the district, Elizabeth operated her own home day care center and was also a foster parent for 12 years. She has three grown children who all graduated from Holt: Todd, Mary and Timothy; and eleven beautiful grandchildren.
Tracy (Krug) Vincent, ’93 – is the English and art teacher/librarian at Hope Middle School (a job she LOVES) and has been
with Holt Public Schools for 18 years. She graduated with her teaching degree from Central Michigan University, and earned her master’s degree in library and information science from Wayne State University. Her three children, Chloe, Abby and Jillian, attend Holt Public Schools and are also proud Holt Rams. When not teaching, Tracy is involved with her daughters’ activities in scouting and the Holt archery team.
Heather (Cole) Crandall, ’97 – has worked for HPS for 20 years, starting in the child care department while attending college, and moving up to being director of the Early Learning Center. Since 2015, she has been the Director of Community Education and Midway Early Learning Center. Heather and her husband of 15 years, Jeff, have two children, Cole and Kelsey, who attend Holt schools. Heather recently earned her master’s degree in educational leadership and looks forward to continuing her service to the youngest learners in our district.
In this issue, we feature several Holt alumnae who work in the district!
If you would like to be featured in a future issue, please visit www.hpsk12.net/parent-student-resources/ram-quarterly-listing/
and fill out the “Did You Know?” questionnaire
COMMUNITY EDUCATION WANTS YOU!Do you have a passion, special skill or talent you want to share with others? Holt-Dimondale Community Education is seeking motivated instructors to teach adult and youth enrichment classes. We welcome your desire to share your knowledge and passion.
We are pleased to offer a wide variety of educational, affordable, entertaining and enriching classes and activities to our community members. As a class instructor, you play a powerful role in inspiring and enhancing the lives of the participants. Classes may be offered several times a year: fall, winter, spring and/or summer. For more information, please contact the Community Education office at [email protected] or 517.694.3411.
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PIANOVOICE
DRUMSGUITAR
KEYBOARDTRUMPET
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