St. Johns Public Schools - March 2009 Spotlight

8/14/2019 St. Johns Public Schools - March 2009 Spotlight

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March 2009

Inside the Spotlight

Message from School Board... 2Bond Issue... 3

East Essex... 4

East Olive... 5

Eureka... 6

Gateway... 7

Oakview... 8

Riley... 9

St. Johns Middle School... 10

St. Johns High School... 11

St. Johns Alternative School... 12

Foundation for Excellence... 13

District News... 14

District Calendar... 16

www.stjohns.edzone.net 501 W. Sickels PO Box 230 St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-4000

St. Johns SpotlightLearning Today ... Leading Tomorrow


2/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 501 W. Sickels PO Box 230 St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-4002

Message from the School Board

School Board Candidate

Alan Nelson

School Board

President

Bill Tennant

On behalf of the Board of Education, Id like to welcome you to the rst edition

the St. Johns Spotlight. As you can see by the photographs and articles, stud

achievement is the primary focus at St. Johns Public Schools. The Board is extrem

proud of our students and staff -- their success shines brightly and showcases

entire community in a positive light.

The Board is in the nal stages of a lengthy process to select a new Superintende

Dr. Jann Jencka of the Michigan Leadership Institute (MLI) has served as a facilitato

assist the board throughout its search. We have interviewed some excellent candidat

and expect a nal decision by March 30.

We have also been implementing the Strategic Plan, which was developed by a groof dedicated parents, teachers, students, administrators and community leade

This plan tackles district issues revolving around class size, school of choice, ag

buildings, stafng, safety and Title IX. More importantly, the Strategic Plan create

vision for our district to take our students to new heights not attainable in our pres

conguration.

Our school system is at a crossroads. Maintaining the status quo in todays world

not an option. We cannot afford to stand idly by, unable to fully incorporate advan

in technology, teaching and learning. If major changes are not made, our students

be left behind.

The passing of the bond proposal is critical to fully implementing the Strate

Plan. Please take the time to be informed on this issue. Visit the web site, ww

schoolsfortomorrow.org to obtain more information, and feel free to give me a cal

answer any questions.

Respectfully, Bill Tennant

St. Johns Public Schools Board President

May 5th ElectionSchool Board Candidate for a4-year term

I decided to run for the school board as a way for me to reach one of my perso

goals of being more involved with our community. I represent the average parent, a

have lived in St. Johns all my life. I previously served on the Eureka Christian Sch

board and on the St. Johns Sea Lions board, and am currently a member of the lo

St. Johns Rotary Club. Alan Nelson



Bond Issue

When do I vote?

Tuesday, May 5th,

7 A.M. 8 P.M.

Where do I vote

Vote in your usual p

place for state and na

elections. Visit www.mich

gov/vote to locate your p

place or to register to

The last day to register fo

election is April 6, 2009.

Where can I get

more informatio

For more information co

the district ofce at

227-4002,

email:

[email protected]

or visit the website

www.schoolsfortomorrow

May 5th Bond Issue

esidents of the St. Johns School District will head to the polls May 5 for the annual

chool election. An extension of the current bond is included on the ballot. Following is

he exact wording of the proposal as it will appear on the ballot.

onding Proposal

hall St. Johns Public Schools, Clinton and Shiawassee Counties, Michigan, borrow the

um of not to exceed Seventy-Three Million Nine Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars

$73,975,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore, for the

urpose of:

recting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing

nd equipping and re-equipping school buildings; acquiring and installing educational

echnology improvements to school buildings; purchasing school buses; acquiring land;

recting, furnishing and equipping a new elementary school; erecting, furnishing and

quipping athletic facilities and developing and improving athletic elds, play elds and

tes?

he following is for informational purposes only:

he estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in the rst year of the

evy, under current law, is 2.61 mills ($2.61 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a net

0- increase from the prior year's levy. The maximum number of years the bonds may be

utstanding, exclusive of any refunding, will not exceed thirty (30) years. The estimated

mple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 5.29

mills ($5.29 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).

f the school district borrows from the State to pay debt service on the bonds, the school

istrict may be required to continue to levy mills beyond the term of the bonds to repay

he State.

Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds

annot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee

alaries, or other operating costs.)

etailed information on the bond proposal is available by contacting St. Johns Public

chools district ofce, 989-227-4002, email to [email protected]; and online at

he web site of the Schools for Tomorrow Committee, www.schoolsfortomorrow.org.


4/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 5531 W. Lowe Rd St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-47004

East Essex Elementary School

Upcoming Events

The Foundation for Excellence awarded East Essex Elementa

School $1,000 to purchase special equipment for a sensory roo

Whats a sensory room? Its a room that helps children to ca

or stimulate them as needed and focus on the task at hand, th

enhancing their capability to learn successfully.

This is a team effort! The entire staff at East Essex is workiwith the occupational therapist from Clinton County RESA to lea

the proper and safe use of the equipment found in the senso

room. The equipment includes suspended equipment and balan

materials for slow, linear movement (known to be general calmi

activities), additional materials for movement to properly alert

calm a student internally, diffused lighting, and other materials

assist students to achieve and maintain their optimal level of arou

for the learning environment.

Sensory Room SupportsLearning Success

Barrier Reef CarnivalEast Essex Elementary School and Eureka Elementary School (t

great northern schools) joined forces for their Great Northern Scho

Barrier Reef Carnival on Friday, March 13 at Eureka Elementa

School.

This was a fun community event organized by the PTOs from bo

schools. There were lots of games and hundreds of prizes, as well

food, at the carnival. The evening ended with a rafe for classroo

baskets. Basket themes include: Arts and Crafts, Rainy Day Fu

March Madness, Family Fun, Beach, and Camping.

ordan Fulton taking a break in thesensory room

April 2 East Essex Music

Program at 10:30 a.m.

and 6:30 p.m.

Grandparents/Special

Friends Day

April 2


5/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 2583 E. Green Rd St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-4800

East Olive Elementary School

East Olive Students Perform atJapanese Exchange ReceptionIn February at the Briggs Library, the 13th Annual Japanese Exchange Reception

celebrated the friendship of St. Johns with our sister city of Konan-Shi, Japan. As

part of this celebration, East Olive 4th-grade students sang traditional Japanese

songs and played others on their recorders. This was under the direction of Shirley

Ries, SJPS music teacher. A representative from Japan who was in attendance

expressed her joy for the students performance by stating, It was beautiful. I

wanted to cry. It reminds me of home.

Selected artwork of elementary students from all schools in the St. Johns Public

Schools was exhibited alongside artwork from elementary students in Konan-Shi.

Some of the artwork from St. Johns will later travel to Japan for display. Mrs.

Brearley and Mrs. DenHerder, SJPS art teachers, see this event as a wonderful

opportunity to showcase their artwork of our elementary students.

The event is a cooperative effort of the St. Johns Art Council, St. Johns Friendship

Committee, St. Johns Public Schools and the Briggs Library. Participating in cross-

cultural events such as the Japanese Art Exchange is just one way in which

our students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding and gain anappreciation of the world around them.

Natalie Sillman, Autumn VanVlerah, Jamie Carroll,

Kyleigh Langdon, Dillon Jordan, and Thane Sutn

Lance Pelch

School Credit Union

Popcorn/Spirit Day

Grandparents/Special Friends Day

Music Program at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Ecology Club at 4 p.m.

Popcorn/Spirit Day

PTO meeting at 7 p.m.

Kitty Donahoe Assembly at 2:50 p.m.


Field Day

5th-Grade Graduation at 2:30 p.m.


Upcoming EventsEvery Thursday

April 3

April 22

April 22

April 30

May 1

May 7

May 13

May 18

June 1

June 2

June 4

It beautiful. I wato cry. It remme of home.

representative

Japan


6/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 7550 N. Wellington Rd St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-49006

Eureka Elementary School

Fourth graders are voluntarily meeting at 8

a.m. during March on Mondays and Wednesd

to read The Jacket by Andrew Clements

McDavid Henderson. Fifth graders get toget

at the same 8:00 a.m. time on Tuesdays

Thursdays read The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCam

They are led by our librarian Ann Holm and

Principal, Dr. Roberta Glaser, who are teaming

teach critical reading skills.

Our Eureka PTO sponsors this enrichment program by purchasing

books, so there is no program charge, but participating students m

have transportation to school because the class is voluntary and ta

place before the regular school day. After attracting 13 fth-grader

last years pilot, the program has been expanded this year to inclfourth-graders.

Early Morning ReadingEnrichment

Upcoming Events5th-graders

Scavenger Hunt at

St. Johns Middle School

April 16

You getto learn newwords in the

book. - Nathan

We honor Ann Holm, our librarian

at Eureka (and also at East

Essex), who is retiring at the end

of the year

HappyRetirement


7/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 915 N. Lansing St St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-4600

Gateway Elementary School

Its Mystery/Comedy Theater! Fifth

graders from Jennifer Newmans

and Elissa Rowlands classrooms

performed the play The Mysterious

Case of the Missing Ring March

11-13. This mystery spoof featured

familiar mystery genre characters,

such as Miss Scarlet and Nancy

Drew.

Practicing after school throughout

January and February, the 18 cast members and 11 crew members

truly puts the 5 Cs -- Commitment, Caring, Cooperation, Challenge,

and Communication -- learned at Eagle Village into action.

Fifth Graders Starin Mystery Spoof

Upcoming Events

State Representativequizzed by 3rd graders

Kelly Deans and Cheri Masons inquisitive

3rd-graders, stimulated by their study of

Michigan history, geography and resources,

asked tough questions to State Representative Paul Opsommer during

his visit to Gateway North on February 20. They wanted to know howgovernment could help families worried about job losses, foreclosures,

and St. Johns businesses closing their doors.

Representative Opsommer was so impressed by the childrens

involvement in this real world discussion that he asked to return in the

Spring. He also invited the students to each write to him and suggest

how he could help their families.

Gypsy Rose uses her crystal

ball to nd the Royal Ring

March 27

April 24

May 1,8,15

May 27

Rep. Paul Opsommer visitsGateway 3rd-graders

PTO Family Reading

PTO Family Movie Ni

Third graders to MSU

Seeds of Science Pr

Fifth graders to Gree

Village

You have the cool

stuff at this school to help

learn. My brother says sch

is boring, he is wrong. I

great! - Zea Kartes


8/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 1400 S Clinton Ave St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-45008

Oakview Elementary School

Respectful, Responsible and Safe

Ice Cream Challenge

How long does it take ice to melt in a house? It may depend on the structure or size of the house, or on

building material, or on its type of insulation. Mrs. Thayers fth grade students tested these variables a

hey competed in an Ice House Challenge as part of their Matter Matters science unit.

The students designed three houses, alike except for one of these three variables. Then, they placed a

ce cube inside each house, and then kept a data sheet throughout the day to record the times and if th

ce was still present. Several students used aluminum foil in their designs either as an insulator or in th

construction, thinking aluminum foil would be a good material to retain the cold. Much to their surprise

nearly every house that used foil, they discovered that was the design where the ice melted rst!

Prizes were awarded to the designs whose ice lasted the longest, as well as to winners for the overall desig

of the ice houses as selected by popular vote among the students.

Respectful, Responsible, and Safe -- as you walk into Oakview South

you see these three behavior expectations posted clearly throughou

the entire building. In addition to modeling these behaviors, our staf

created and deliver lesson plans to teach our students what it look

like to be respectful, responsible, and safe in all locations around th

schools.In order to recognize positive choices, Oakview South staff regularl

hand out Gator Goodness slips to students who demonstrat

respectful, responsible, and safe behavior. You see these Gato

Goodness slips up on the walls outside classrooms as a visua

reminder to everyone that our students are in a positive learnin

environment.

Oakviews Positive Behavior Support commitment is supported b

the state-funded grant Michigans Integrated Behavior and Learnin

Support Initiative (MiBLSi). Our Oakview team will soon be workin

on the second phase of this grant providing research-based literac

interventions to support the language arts instruction.

lluminating ScienceOakviews 4th-graders recently

ompleted our science unit on

Magnets and Electricity. They

ach created an electrical circuit,

nd discovered different ways to

et a bulb to light. (And also how

ot to get a light bulb to light!)

We are now studying EarthMaterials, and soon we will be

nding ways to help converse our

esources.


9/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 5935 W. Pratt Road St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-5100

Riley Elementary School

Taking Pride in All We DoSchool Climate is very important to the staff at Riley Elementary. We

believe that all students have the right to learn, play, and grow in an

atmosphere that is both physically and emotionally safe. With that in

mind, we have been working on several initiatives to ensure a positive

school experience for all of our learners. Our goal is to provide a

consistent, school-wide set of expectations. Just as with learning,

interventions will be put in place for those students who struggle to

meet the expectations.Lessons have been created and taught to provide examples of

acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Students have been active

participants in learning what is expected of them in the classroom,

lunchroom, hallway, and bus lines. We will continue to teach and

re-teach building-wide expectations, because we understand the

importance of teaching before holding students accountable. We strive

to be positive, proactive, and instructional when it comes to behavior

expectations. Riley students are showing PRIDE in all they do!

Riley ElementaryExpectationsBe Responsible

Be Respectful

Be Safe

Be Kind

Be Successful

Riley Takes

P Practice Responsibi

R Respect OthersI Include Kindness

D Dream Big

E Exercise Safety

IN ALL WE DO!!

Second grade students, alongwith Mrs. Dawes, are standing

in front of the PRIDE pledge

that every student in the

building signed.

Up close with the Binturong. Students were able to learn about animal

adaptations through up close observation and interaction with these

animals.

Fifth Graders at Week-long Study Trip atPotter Park Zoo


10/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 900 W Townsend Rd St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-43000

St. Johns Middle School

Teacher Chris Shaltry created a Java programming class this

year, hoping to capture the interest of 8th-graders and better

prepare students and also attract students to computer science

elds, which are lacking at universities right now.

Essentially, Java programming is putting codes in certain

sequences to make something happen on a computer screen

They think of something, and then break it down intosteps. Its problem-solving using Java, which is practically

a universal language among computer programmers. Almost

anything you nd on the Internet may have a connection to Java

programming.

Approximately thirty 8th-graders take the class each trimester,

and complete approximately 20 projects of increasing difculty

plus one larger project -- an animation, story or game -- that

they work on independently throughout the trimester.

The students projects are posted online through the Alice Tube

web site Chris Shaltry created -- to view them, visit

www.alicetube.com.

New Java Programming ClassTeaches Problem Solving

Hard at work: St. Johns Middle School

eighth-grader Nick Carpenter works on a

project in class, one of about 20 students

complete in a Java programming

class.

Itsdenitely made mebelieve in myself more.- Brittany Hitchcock

Teamwork: Eighth-grader Brennan LaBar

(top) helps Trever Kelly with his project.


11/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 501 W. Sickels St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-4100

St. Johns High School

Local Community Helped by OurGood Wins Volunteers

Upcoming Events

April 23 Parent/Teacher Conferences from 5-8pm

April 24 Parent/Teacher Conferences from 9-11am -- No school for HS students

May 2 Prom

May 26 Senior Awards Ceremony at 7pm in the Auditorium

May 31 Commencement Ceremony at 2pm

June 5, 8 Final exams -- Students released at 12:05 (buses run at regular times)

June 8 Last day of school

June 16 Athletic physicals for 2009-10 school year

Athletic PhysicalsScheduledMark your calendars. Ath

physicals for high school stud

will be Tuesday, June 16th (an

middle school students Tues

June 23rd). Arrangements

made through Clinton Mem

Hospital with local doctors nurses volunteering their serv

Only physicals administered

April 15, 2009 will meet MH

requirements for the 2009-2

school year.

More than 1,130 food items distributed to local families in need.

More than 500 pairs of jeans collected for local homeless teens.

More than 100 cell phones donated to RAVE to help break the cycle

of violence.

These are just three examples of the average 4-6 service projects

a month performed by our dedicated St. Johns High School Good

Wins Volunteer Club.Jeans, old cell phones, non-perishable food items, Box Tops for

Education and old eyeglasses can all be dropped off in the High

School's main ofce in care of The Good Wins Club.

Not everyone can

be famous, but everyone

can be great! -- Good Wins

Volunteers Club motto


12/16www.stjohns.edzone.net 101 W Cass St St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-520012

St. Johns Alternative School

Serving both high school and middle school students,

St. Johns Alternative School shares the Wilson Center

with other community agencies. Our students have

alternative opportunities to learn, grow, succeed and

overcome barriers in life.An essential part of the growth that takes place in

the alternative setting is based on interactions and

appropriate communications among students, staff,

and the community. With personal growth, students

experience improved attendance and growth in academic

performance.

Our curriculum is enhanced with School-to-Work

programs and projects to help students make real world

connections. Teamwork is critical to success at the

Wilson Center -- we welcome your visits and appreciate

your involvement.

We believe that everyone can learn, and we provide

an atmosphere that creates a sense of belonging and

ownership. We encourage students to discover their

potential and to develop skills which allow them to

overcome personal, social, academic and technologicalbarriers to success. Theyre then able to redirect their lives

and become cooperative, self-sufcient and responsible

citizens in both school and the community.

Ruth Wineman, Principal

Everyone Can Learn,Everyone Can Succeed

We encourage

students to discovertheir potential.

- Ruth Wineman



SJPS Foundation for Excellence

Jared Fromson, an art teacher at St. Johns Middle School, was awarded a grant by our districts Foundat

for Excellence to acquire a Panasonic Digital Camcorder with 40GB hard drive storage. Jared recogniz

the need for the camcorder as he was conducting demonstrations for art projects with students hudd

around a demonstration table I was losing some students just because they were not able to view

demonstration clearly.

After video recording a project demonstration, Jared edits the footage down to its essential componen

Repetitive segments of the demonstration are shortened by speeding up through those segments. T

videos are then copied to a disk and stored electronically for remedial reference as well as self-direclearning opportunities. A library, both hard copy and virtual, is accessible to students and anyone else w

may be interested.

Jared adds with these videos, I can inspire condence and understanding in the creative and instructio

process.

The photo on the front page of this newsletter afrms the students interest in the camcorder after all,

is in the eye of the beholder.

I can inspicondence andunderstanding

in the creative

and instructionalprocess. - art

teacher Jared

Fromson

St. Johns Middle School art class



District News and Operations

HealthUnder the leadership of our School Nurse,Karla Palmer, St. Johns Public Schools provides

valuable health and wellness information to

our families. Visit our districts web site and

click on School Nurse in the menu to nd links

to medication guidelines, nutrition information,

health and parenting classes, medical forms,

chronic disease (asthma, diabetes, etc) and

substance abuse support information, and

community health resources.

Child Care ServicesSt. Johns Public Schools offers child care at the

Wilson Center with our Little Wings program for

preschool children age 6 weeks to 41/2 years old

and with our School Age program for children

age 41/2 to 13 years old. Our experienced and

caring staff provides fun and creative academicexperiences, child social and cooperative skills,

and creative play with safe and secure full

gym, auditorium and playground facilities. For

more information, visit our districts web site

and click on Child Care in the menu.

Visit the web site http://www.alumniclass.com/stjohns to reunite with old classmates and discover

reunion information.

Youth ProgramsSt. Johns Public Schools enthusiastically supports

our childrens involvement in extracurricular

activities. Several organizations providing youth

sports, recreational and enrichment programs

are listed along with their contact information:

Sea Lions: www.sjsealions.com

Junior Redwings sports programs:

www.sjyaa.org

City of St. Johns Recreation Department:

Bill Schafer 989-224-8944, x227

Youth Baseball: www.sjyba.com

Soccer: AYSO www.ayso862.org/USSF www.caslsoccer.org/

St. Johns Soccer Club

www.stjohnssoccerclub.org/

Please let us know if you would like your

organization listed on our districts web site and

in this Spotlight newsletter.

St. Johns High School Alumni



Menu and FoodServiceOur Food Service departments

mission aims to meet the

nutritional needs of students

with appealing meals at

reasonable prices. Parents

using our Innite Campussystem receive automatically

a food service debit account

for their children, allowing

them to make breakfast, lunch

and snack purchases. To view

prices and current menus, visit

our districts web site and click

on Menus and Food Services in

the menu.

TransportationIf your childrens transportation

needs change, please complete

the Transportation Change

Request Form, available via

an easy download from ourdistricts web site (click on

Transportation in the menu) or

by calling our Transportation

department at 989-227-5330.

Kindergarten EnrollmentKindergarten enrollment forms are available at any of our

elementary school buildings or our district central ofce or can

be downloaded via our districts web site (click rst on Student

Enrollment in the menu, and then on the 2009-10 Kindergarten

Registration link). Along with this completed enrollment form,

you need to bring the following information with you to complete

the registration process (again at any of our elementary schoolsor district central ofce):

1. An original certied birth certicate with the raised seal (the

foot prints certicate from the hospital cannot be used).

2. Copy of your childs immunization record.

3. Residency verication -- copy of drivers license and a current

utility bill.

4. Medical insurance card information.

5. Four emergency contact names and phone numbers.

If you have any questions, please call Lorri Piggott at

989-227-4802, Janet Thelen at 989-227-4023, or Gretchen

Baarman at 989-227-4600.

Schools of ChoiceOur Board of Education has revised the Schools of Choice

guidelines for the 2009-10 school year. For information aboutthese guidelines and registration forms, please visit our districts

web site and click rst on Student Enrollment in the menu, and

then on the Schools of Choice Information link.


16/16

www.stjohns.edzone.net 501 W. Sickels PO Box 230 St. Johns, Michigan 48879 (989) 227-40

District Calendar

April6-10 Spring Break - No School

24 Parent Teacher Conferences for Middle School, High School and Alternative School No School

Elementary schools -- usual full day

St. Johns Publics Schools

501 W. SickelsPO Box 230

St. Johns, Michigan 48879

May5 Professional Development No School

22 Scoring Day at Elementary schools No School (change from May 4th on initial calendar)

Middle School, High School and Alternative School - usual full day

25 Memorial Day No School

31 High School Graduation Ceremony

June5 Elementary schools full day; last day of school

Middle School full day

High School and Alternative School Exams,

students released at 12:04pm

8 Elementary schools No School

Middle School full day; last day of school

High School and Alternative School Exams,

students released at 12:04pm; last day of school

St. Johns Public SchoolsDistrict Ofce501 W. Sickels StreetSt. Johns, MI 48879Phone: (989) 227-4001Fax: (989) 227-4099

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St. Johns Public Schools - March 2009 Spotlight

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