THORNAPPLE KELLOGG SCHOOLS THE KEY www.tkschools.org “Where Kids Come First” March/April 2016 Thornapple Kellogg School officials are excited to welcome all preschool, young 5’s, and kindergarten students to the district for the upcoming school year. Kindergarten/Young 5’s There will be kindergarten and young 5’s round-up informational meetings at 6:30 p.m. March 23 and at 9:30 a.m. March 24 at McFall Elementary School. During these meetings, parents will get an idea of what a typical day in the life of a kindergarten or young 5’s student will be like at McFall, and what they can expect throughout the year. An enrollment packet will be available with all the necessary information. Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 in order to be enrolled in kindergarten or the Young 5’s program. Open enrollment for kindergarten at TK begins March 25. McFall Elementary is located at 509 W. Main St., Middleville. Contact McFall Elementary at 269-795-3637 for more information. Preschool TK also offers preschool classes for 3 and 4 year olds. The goal is to provide a safe and caring environment to stimulate and challenge young children’s growth. The curriculum is designed to provide a variety of carefully planned and appropriate experiences and to engage children in activities to address their social, emotional, cognitive, creative, and physical strengths and needs. At TK preschool, we believe young children are active learners who learn best through playful experiences that promote curiosity and understanding of the world around them. All children are unique in their strengths, interests, needs, and learning styles. 3 Year Old Program – Child must be 3 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016 Tuesday/Thursday: 9-11:30 a.m. or Monday/Wednesday: 9-11:30 a.m. Tuition for full year is $775 or $387.50 per semester. *There is a $45 non-refundable enrollment fee for each child that is due upon enrollment. 4 Year Old Program – Child must turn 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016 The intake process for this program has started. Please contact Kim Dannenberg in the preschool office for further information at 269-795-5571 or [email protected]. PLEASE NOTE: Transportation is not provided for preschool programs. Children must be toilet trained before entering preschool. Calling all Preschool and Kindergarten Students for 2016-17!
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Thornapple Kellogg SchoolS
The Keywww.tkschools.org “Where Kids Come First” March/April 2016
Thornapple Kellogg School officials are excited to welcome all preschool, young 5’s, and kindergarten students to the district for the upcoming school year.Kindergarten/Young 5’sThere will be kindergarten and young 5’s round-up informational meetings at 6:30 p.m. March 23 and at 9:30 a.m. March 24 at McFall Elementary School. During these meetings, parents will get an idea of what a typical day in the life of a kindergarten or young 5’s student will be like at McFall, and what they can expect throughout the year. An enrollment packet will be available with all the necessary information. Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1 in order to be enrolled in kindergarten or the Young 5’s program. Open enrollment for kindergarten at TK begins March 25.McFall Elementary is located at 509 W. Main St., Middleville. Contact McFall Elementary at 269-795-3637 for more information.PreschoolTK also offers preschool classes for 3 and 4 year olds. The goal is to provide a safe and caring environment to stimulate and challenge young children’s growth. The curriculum is designed to provide a variety of carefully planned and appropriate experiences and to engage children in activities
to address their social, emotional, cognitive, creative, and physical strengths and needs.At TK preschool, we believe young children are active learners who learn best through playful experiences that promote curiosity and understanding of the world around them. All children are unique in their strengths, interests, needs, and learning styles.3 Year Old Program – Child must be 3 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016Tuesday/Thursday: 9-11:30 a.m. or Monday/Wednesday: 9-11:30 a.m.Tuition for full year is $775 or $387.50 per semester.*There is a $45 non-refundable enrollment fee for each child that is due upon enrollment. 4 Year Old Program – Child must turn 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016The intake process for this program has started. Please contact Kim Dannenberg in the preschool office for further information at 269-795-5571 or [email protected] NOTE: Transportation is not provided for preschool programs. Children must be toilet trained before entering preschool.
Calling all Preschool and Kindergarten Students for 2016-17!
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School Start/Dismissal TimesMcFall 8:50 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.Lee 9:05 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.Page 9:10 a.m. - 3:55 p.m.Middle School 7:35 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.High School 7:35 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
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Thornapple Kellogg Schools DirectoryAdministration BuildingTom Enslen, Superintendent 795-5521Robert Blitchok, Assistant Superintendent 795-5521Kim Chausow, Dir. of Curriculum 795-5522
School BuildingsTony Petersen, HS Principal 795-3394Kelli Wegner, HS Asst. Principal/ 795-3394 Alternative Education DirectorDave Chrisinske, HS Athletic Supervisor 795-5432Brian Balding, MS Principal 795-3349Mike Gelmi, Page Principal 795-7944Angie Jefferson, Lee Principal 795-9747Jon Washburn, McFall Principal 795-3637Mari Price, Special Education Director 795-5571
High School Attendance 795-5431High School Counseling 795-5428Middle School Attendance 795-5469High School/Public Library 795-5434 Community Education Office 795-5578Transportation 795-5540
The Key is published by Thornapple Kellogg Schools and is dedicated to informing the district residents of the activities and programs of the TK School District. Questions or comments regarding this publication should be directed to: Erica Dudik at 795-5521.
School Closings and DelaysAdverse weather conditions and emergency situations may make it necessary to cancel school, delay the start of the school day, or send students home early. TK’s transportation department begins early in the mornings checking road conditions and contacting neighboring school districts. The superintendent makes the final decision regarding school delays or closings. Information will be communicated through TV channels 3, 8, 13, 17 and 41; radio stations WOOD and WBCH; and the district web site at www.tkschools.org or email through SchoolMessenger Instant Alert. In the event of school closings and delays - Daycare will remain open.
In the event of a two hour delay: · There will be no a.m. preschool. · Busses will pick up students two hours later than normal. · All classes will start two hours later than normal. · No morning breakfast will be served.
In the event of school closings: · A decision will be made early in the afternoon regarding contests, evening programs and practices. · The public library and pool is closed during school delays and closings.
Tornado Watch · All students will be kept at school if the watch is issued during the school day. Students will be dismissed at the regular time on regular bus routes. · All after school activities will be moved inside or cancelled if deemed necessary by the superintendent. Should the watch expire before the event is scheduled, it may be held.
Tornado Warning · Students will be instructed to take shelter within the building until the ALL CLEAR is signaled. · All after school activities will be cancelled.
Stay ConnectedThere are many ways to get information about what’s going on in the TK District. Photos and stories about what’s happening throughout the district are posted regularly.
2016 Board Meeting ScheduleThe Thornapple Kellogg Board of Education meets regularly at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the Middle School Room 1616, unless otherwise noted. Meetings are open to the public. Upcoming board meetings:
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Effectively using technology as a learning tool is always on our minds when thinking about how we can best meet the needs of our students. With the recent upsurge of online resources, inexpensive devices, new pedagogical techniques, and general interest in education technology across the globe, we are ramping up our focus on using technology in the classroom. The challenge we
face is figuring out how to use technology and the resources we have available to transform the classroom in such a way that we are not simply replacing what we are currently doing on paper and pencil with a laptop. The teachers and staff at TK have faced this challenge by looking at how they can integrate 21st century learning skills into their curriculum and methods of teaching. Emphasis is being put on skills such as collaboration, communication, information fluency and digital citizenship. Students are using technology to communicate with authors of books they are reading, creating and sharing digital portfolios showcasing their best work, working together on assignments and projects by using online collaboration and research tools, and numerous other examples that could fill multiple pages. Along with using technology to promote 21st century learning, teachers are leveraging resources allowing them to provide personalized learning opportunities to students. There are a multitude of resources used everyday including video lessons, math and reading websites, and interactive online textbooks. Through all of this, we are cognizant of the fact that students need to be educated about digital citizenship so they can safely and effectively navigate the online world.Everything I said above is central to our unique 1-to-1 initiative. We consider our initiative unique because instead of simply purchasing laptops and telling teachers to figure out how to use them, we are asking teachers to put forethought and planning into the classroom devices they need to meet their curricular demands. As of today, greater than 90% of our teachers have requested 1-to-1 classroom devices totaling more than 2,200 devices in use. Each of these teachers went through a process to evaluate what they are currently doing with technology, how they can incorporate 21st century learning skills into their classroom, and how they will continue learning about new and innovative ways of using technology to promote student learning.It excites me to witness the great things our teachers are doing with technology and how it is enhancing learning for our students. As we continue to grow and develop as a district, I have no doubt our students will be prepared for the next phase of their lives, whatever that may be.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of all of the students we serve!Warmest regards, Tom Enslen Superintendent
TK Teachers Carefully Consider Smart Uses of Technology
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TK Middle School students collaborate on a class project using technology.
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TK Equestrian Team Hosts Tack and Craft ShowThe TK Equestrian team will host a tack and craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at the high school. Crafters are welcome and can rent space by contacting Stacey at [email protected]. Bring your out-grown show clothes, tack items and other horse-related items to sell. Rental spaces are available for $20 until March 5 and $30 after March 5. Cost to get in to the sale is a $1 donation. Send rental space payments to: TK Equestrian Team, 904 S. Payne Lake Road, Wayland, MI 49348. Checks and money orders should be made out to TK Equestrian Team.
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TK to Host State OM Finals AgainFor the second year in a row, TK Schools will again host the state finals of the Odyssey of the Mind competition. The state event is March 19. From the state, teams will advance to the world contest in Iowa. TK has teams from all grade levels participating in the OM contests.
Students Prepare for Chess TournamentPage Elementary students look forward to their weekly chess games after school as many of them get ready for the annual TK-sponsored chess tournament March 12. More than 150 students in grades K-8th are expected to participate. Chess promotes concentration and memory, enhances mathematical skills, and promotes logic, critical thinking and strategy.
Athletic Boosters Host 3-on-3 TournamentBe a part of March Madness and join the annual TK Athletic Boosters 3-on-3 basketball tournament March 26. The tournament is open to ALL interested students in grades 3-8. There will be separate divisions for boys and girls.Cost is $100 per team due March 13. All teams are guaranteed a minimum of two games. For more details and registration forms, go to the athletic website at www.tkathletics.com and navigate to the link for the athletic boosters.
TK Celebrates March is Reading Month
It’s that time of year again when students and teachers alike are encouraged to read - whether it’s a magazine article, a short story or a novel - the emphasis is on reading and developing a life-long love for reading. Reading is a fundamental and essential skill, not just in school, but also for careers beyond school. All across the district, there will be special days and events planned to encourage reading.
Elementary students will set school-wide reading goals in hopes of once again earning special treats. In past years, principals have jumped out of airplanes, taken off in hot air balloons, dressed up in costumes, and taken pies in the face.
Be sure to check out all the special events taking place throughout the month. Keep updated by visiting the TK School website at www.tkschools.org or on the TK Facebook page at TK Schools and on Twitter.
And don’t be afraid to join in! Just Read!
Seniors Invited to Dress Rehearsal of High School MusicalSeniors residing in the Thornapple Kellogg School district are invited to the dress rehearsal performance of this year’s spring musical on Thursday, March 3, at the Thornapple Kellogg High School Auditorium.
A pre-show reception will be held at 6:15 p.m. in the High School cafeteria, followed by the dress rehearsal beginning at 7 p.m.
There is no cost for this enjoyable evening, but for refreshment planning purposes, please call 795-5578 or email [email protected].
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elemenTary
First Graders Shine at Griffins GameMichelle DeVries’ first graders were the stars of the night at a Grand Rapids Griffins game as they sang and signed the National Anthem. Students are planning a similar performance before a Whitecaps baseball game this spring.
Students Learn to Balance, Tumble and RollKindergarten students at McFall Elementary learn gymnastics with physical education teacher Jon Greenman. The students learn skills like balance and strength and practice beginner gymnastics such as summersaults and tumbling.
Students Discover Many Michigan-Made ProductsLee Elementary students learned about many different food products made in Michigan from chips and pop, ice cream and fruits, cereals and much more. Students got a small taste test of each of the goodies.
Jumping for Heart Health and FunFebruary brings one of the most anticipated special days of the year at Lee Elementary - Jump Rope for Heart. Each student has a chance to jump rope and all pledges they’ve gathered are donated to the American Heart Association. PE teacher Joanne Desy emphasizes the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of being physically active for life. Lee students have donated more than $314,000 through Jump Rope for Heart over the years.
Battle of the Books Begins at PagePage Elementary students will compete in the Battle of the Books competition in March. Each classroom will have a battle where students must answer very detailed questions about the books they’ve read. A winner from each classroom will then compete for the champion title in each grade level on April 18.
Page Spelling Bee Winners Advance to RegionalsFifth grader Grace Zube won the Page school spelling bee with Aaron Michalk coming in as runner up. Both advanced to the regional spelling bee held at Zion Christian School in Byron Center.
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middle School
Sixth Grader Succeeds in 3D Print DesignGreat things are happening with technology in 21st Century Skills classes at the middle school. Sixth grader Brian Jahnke designed a keychain using Google Sketchup in the class, then created it using the 3D printer. For his work, Jahnke was a winner in the 3D print design competition during the second quarter this year.
Students Make and Donate Blankets for PatientsTK Middle School students in Lil Lienesch’s class learned about ways they can help others. The class received a grant to purchase fleece materials to make blankets. Each student was able to select their own material. They chose fleece materials in camouflage and zebra stripes, Michigan and Michigan State emblems, and Star Wars and cartoon characters to help brighten the days of children in hospitals. Students made the blankets in class with help from their student connectors who serve as a role model and mentor to children with disabilities. The blankets were then donated to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Middle School Band Performs National AnthemThe Middle School band was honored to be able to perform the National Anthem before a home hockey game for the Grand Rapids Griffins. The band is directed by Mark Hagemann. The band members strongly represented TK Schools.
Principal Tickled Pink by Students’ Good BehaviorTKMS principal Brian Balding was true to his word and gave students the power to vote on his hair color for a day and bright pink won by a landslide! Sixth graders earned the right to decide by earning the most positive behavior tickets for things like showing safety, integrity, responsibility and respect. Bravo to Mr. Balding for being a good sport and encouraging and rewarding students for good behaviors.
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high School
TK Stage Set for “Oklahoma!” PerformancesTKHS students will perform the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!” at 7 p.m. March 4 and 5. More than 50 students are involved in the production. The musical is the first collaboration of famed partners Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
Nine TKHS Students Advance in BPA ContestNine Thornapple Kellogg High School students advanced to the state in the Business Professional of America contest after competing at the regional at Davenport University. Overall, 17 TKHS students competed at the regionals, with 15 of them competing for the first time. Students qualifying for the state competition are Jackson Bronkema, Jacob Emery, Chris Phillips, Frederic Tabouirot, Ryan Numerick, Justin Scholten, Gabrielle Encinas, Chaz Knorr, and Mathew Pavlik.
Four Earn Spots in State Honors ChoirFour Thornapple Kellogg High School students earned places on the State Honors Choir. Students selected for the honor had to go through two sets of competitive auditions. Only 300 of the top Michigan choir students are chosen to participate. The State Honors Choir performed at DeVos Hall. Congratulations to seniors Jacob Emery, Heather Price, Hailey Strimpel and freshman Grace Hauschild.
TKHS Jazz Band Greets Guests at Van Andel ArenaThe TKHS Jazz Band entertained guests coming to a home Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game at the Van Andel Arena. The band performed in the concourse where guests arrived. The band is directed by Ray Rickert.
Red Out Night Helps Heart AssociationTKHS students sold t-shirts and had a “red-out” night at the home basketball game. Funds raised from the t-shirt sale were donated to the American Heart Association.
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alumni corner
Krissta Hannapel admits her Kindle has a library of at least 500 downloaded books and she enthusiastically shares her love of reading and language arts with her third grade students.
“It’s so powerful when a child finally breaks the code for reading and they just get it. They start reading for learning and not just learning to read,” she said from her classroom at Lee Elementary School.
When a student becomes a fluent reader, she said, they become an even more enthusiastic learner.
Hannapel has been teaching third grade at TK for eight years. But teaching wasn’t always what Hannapel wanted to do. She earned a degree in public administration and worked for the city of East Lansing. She opted to stay home after having her three children with her husband Fred.
But she knew she wanted to get back into a career when her children were in school and she decided teaching would be a perfect fit. So she went back to school and earned her teaching degree. Being able to teach in the community where she lives, she said, is a bonus.
“The best thing about TK Schools is the sense of community and the protectiveness of all the students. I’m able to get to know my students and
their families and establish real relationships,” she said. “I love to watch my former students grow up and see what they are doing.”
She enjoys living in Barry County where she and her family take advantage of the many natural amenities around them. “I love the rural feel and Yankee Springs is a wonderful community with lots of trails and water sports and fishing - all things we like to do. I’m glad I’ve raised my family here.”
She admits teaching can be a difficult, but rewarding, profession. Her advice to new teachers: “Embrace technology - that’s the platform kids today are familiar with and will use. You have to adapt to technology to be able to reach them,” she said.
Favorite book: “Pillars of the Earth”
Michigan or Michigan State: Michigan
Favorite color: Hot pink
Favorite food: Ice cream - especially mint chocolate chip
Favorite season: Summer
Favorite vacation: Any historical place especially along the East Coast
Place she wants to visit: All 50 states and Machu Picchu
Third Grade Teacher Enthusiastic about Language Arts
Teacher feaTure
Abie Ezinga just might be the most famous cake decorator in West Michigan and she’s a Thornapple Kellogg High School graduate - class of 2014. She gained national attention after she decorated a birthday cake for someone at Meijer on 68th Street in Gaines Township where she works in the bakery.
“It was just a cake,” she said. “I don’t understand why there was so much fuss about it.”
But the woman who ordered the cake thought the story worthy of sharing. Abie has autism and her cake decorating wasn’t what most customers would expect. The writing was crooked and uneven. Some store officials even asked the customer if she wanted another cake. But instead, the woman thanked Abie and told store employees she did not want another cake. After she got home with it, she posted on Facebook a simple message that went viral. In it she said, “So I guess the moral of the story is that kindness is important!”
Since the incident, Ezinga only decorates cakes if specifically requested by customers. She said she’s grateful for the woman’s kindness and understanding. “A lot of people don’t understand about autism. They think we can’t do things just because we have autism. They just don’t know,” said Abie who was mainstreamed in most classrooms through school.
Autism comes in a wide spectrum with varying degrees. Abie said people need to understand that everyone is different and people with autism sometimes just do things in different ways. It doesn’t mean they can’t do them, just maybe not the same as everyone else.
Abie said she’s very proud she graduated with her TKHS class and was included with other students. “Everyone helped me a lot at school and I liked being with my friends. I had some good times at school,” she said.
Now that she’s out of school, Abie said she just tries to go with the flow each day and see what happens next for her.
She said treating people with autism really comes down to something so simple. “Just try to treat others like you want to be treated - no matter what. That’s it,” she said.
Favorite pastimes: Playing Game Boy, reading, taking walks
Favorite hobby: Spending time with animals. She’s had lots of pets including birds, a lizard, tadpoles, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, fish and guinea pigs.
Favorite book: Erin Hunter’s “Warriors” cat books
Favorite television shows: Criminal Minds, CSI
Favorite movie: Beauty and the Beast
Favorite item at the Meijer Bakery: Chocolate mini bombs - “They are the BEST!”
TK Grad Becomes Famous Cake Decorator with a Special Message: “Be Kind”
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Classes are offered on a first come-first serve basis. Classes are self-supporting; therefore no refunds can be made after the first night of class. You will be notified, and a full refund will be given, if class is canceled or filled. Make checks payable to TK Schools and mail to TK Community Ed, 10375 Green Lake Rd., Middleville, MI 49333. Please call 795-5578 or email [email protected] to register, if noted in class description. NOTE: If school is canceled due to inclement weather, evening classes are also canceled. Every attempt will be made to make up canceled classes. Cancelation notices will be communicated through TV channels 3, 8, 13 and 41, radio stations WOOD and WBCH, and the district web site www.tkschools.org. Please do not bring children to adult classes. Class information is subject to change.
Youth / Adult ClassesKarate/Beginner-AdvancedHave you always wanted to take Karate classes but never had the opportunity or time? Or maybe you are missing your old dojo? Everyone is welcome to join at TK Karate! Karate helps build a greater self-confidence at school, work and in every life situation. American Pukang Tang Soo Do is a Korean style of karate with ranking system. Classes open to ages 10 and older. NEW STUDENTS WELCOMED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Dates: Monday & Wednesday 1/4 – 5/18 Time: Monday 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday 6-7:30 p.m.(No class 4/4, 4/6)Location: McFall Elementary Cafe.Registration: With instructor Cost: $40/monthInstructor: Nancy Hammond
Adult ClassesWater Aerobics for AdultsWater fitness is an almost perfect means to condition the body. Low impact for joints yet a high intensity workout. Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays though the school year (No class Spring Break week)Time: 7-8 p.m.Location: TKHS PoolRegistration: Register and purchase pass from instructor upon arrivalCost: 12 visit pass $35 or $5 per visit Instructor: Tammy Sirk, certified water aerobics instructor
ZUMBA: “Exercise in Disguise”Zumba is a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music and dance movements, which create a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system! This class format combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body in an aerobic/fitness fashion to achieve a unique blended balance of cardio and muscle-toning benefits. No dance background required-just a willingness to have fun! Space is limited. Please do not bring children to class. Drop-ins are welcome at $8 per class after class minimum of 15 full time participants is met.Dates: Monday 2/29 – 2/22 (8 weeks) Monday 2/29 – 4/25 (8 weeks) (no class 4/4)Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.Location: Page Elementary Cafe. Registration: Call 795-5578 or email [email protected]: $48 per eight week sesionInstructor: Rachel Carter/Certified ZUMBA
Intermediate/Advanced Watercolor PaintingThis class follows a step-by-step approach to a finished watercolor painting. Students will complete a painting during each class. Prior watercolor experience is a prerequisite for this class. Instruction working with acrylics will also be covered in this class. Students will learn/review color theory, division of space, composition and painting techniques. Some painting surfaces will be provided for the class and a list of supplies will be provided. Class size is limited to 12. Pre-registration is required.Dates: Tuesdays 4/19-5/24Time: 6:30-9 p.m.Location: Lee Elementary Art RoomCost: $60Instructor: Don Williamson
Hall WalkingThornapple Kellogg High School hallways are open Monday through Thursday, 6 - 8:30 p.m. through March 31. Please use the athletic lobby entrance off Bender Road. Halls will not be open if school is closed for any reason. There is no charge and no registration for this activity.
Community PoolSwimming is great exercise and a funfamily activity. Please be aware that thepool schedule may change without noticedue to water conditions and weather, soplease call the Pool Information line at269-795-5400, ext. 6643, for informationand updates. In case of a tornado watchor warning, all pool events will beautomatically canceled.
Swim LessonsIn conjunction with the YMCA of Barry County, swim lessons are offered on Saturday mornings. You may go to the YMCA website www.ymcaofbarrycounty.org to view the different swim levels and scheduled dates.Questions and registration information can be directed to the YMCA office at 269-945-4574.
Adult Lap SwimMonday – Thursday 5 – 6 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 8 – 9 p.m.Open/Family SwimTuesday & Thursday 6 – 7 p.m. Swimmers must be 8 years old or accompanied by an adult.Aqua AerobicsTuesday & Thursday 7 – 8 p.m.This is a fun, low impact, high intensity workout for adults.
TK Community Education Leisure and Enrichment Classes
communiTy educaTion
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THORNAPPLE KELLOGG SCHOOLS10051 GREEN LAKE ROADMIDDLEVILLE, MI 49333
