KELLOGGSVILLER O C K E T E E RRocket Pride

Volume 40 No. 3 Dec. 2009/Jan. 2010http://www.kvilleps.org

SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Samuel L. WrightSuperintendent

Special School Election February 23, 2010

A special school election will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, to renew a non-homestead property tax levy of 18.2044 mills to provide funds for operating purposes.

What is a Non-Homestead Property Operating Millage Renewal?

This proposal will allow the school district to continue to receive a per pupil foundation allowance. Resident properties are exempt from being taxed by this proposal (no cost to the homeowner).

What is the millage for? The request is a renewal of millage that expired with

the 2009 tax levy against non-homestead property. The passing of the millage is very important and will provide funds for operating purposes to the district.

How many mills are requested? Mills of 18.2044 for a period of 5 years, 2010 to 2014

are requested. The estimate of revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2010 is approximately $3,744,052.

Is this an increase in taxes? No, this is a renewal on business properties and not

homes. This renewal will not cost the homeowner any additional taxes.

Where and when do I vote?Check with your local precincts in the City of Wyo-

ming and Kentwood. The special election will take place on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. The polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.

I encourage all registered voters of the district to vote on February 23, 2010. Your vote is very important for the operation of Kelloggsville Public Schools. ■

Happy Holidays!!!No School 12/23/09 – 1/1/10

Kelloggsville Plan for Success2009-10 Goals

The Board of Education has developed a three year plan for the 2009-10 school year. This plan encompasses goals which demonstrate a commitment and dedication in producing the best educational system possible for our students in a fiscally responsible manner. The goals for the 2009-10 school year are as follows:

Board of Education1. Review the district’s K-12 discipline program, with renewed attention to

anti-bullying conflict resolution. 2. Review Alternative Education at Kelloggsville Public Schools.3. Develop a broad base of community resources for sustaining the district long term. 4. Initiate program development to recognize social diversity in our community. Instruction1. Determine best practice in the area of homework and grades by end of first

semester and make recommendations.2. Review the effectiveness of Writing Consultant and Literacy Coach positions and

their impact on K-12 student achievement. 3. Review Alternative Education at Kelloggsville Public Schools.Human Resources1. Evaluate the staff recognition program.2. Develop training for recognizing and understanding social diversity in our schools

and society. 3. Evaluate current staffing levels, both certified and support staff.Community1. Initiate and encourage business and church affiliations as well as strengthen

connections with senior citizen residents through the Kelloggsville Community Coalition.

2. Increase community, alumni, and staff awareness of the Kelloggsville Education Foundation.

Operations1. Investigate the possibility of preparing and distributing meals for the entire district

from one location.2. Investigate and implement energy saving lighting upgrades in the buildings. 3. Solicit and promote partnerships with other districts, municipalities, maintenance

facilities and businesses. These goals are intended to be the driving force to increase student achievement and

require the involvement of the entire staff and community working together. Copies of the entire plan are available at the Board of Education Center or online at www.kvilleps.org ■

KELLOGGSVILLE EARLYCHILDHOOD CENTER

BUILDING NEWS

BuddiesMrs. Wieber’s 5th grade students are thankful to be able to spend

time with their kindergarten buddies from Mrs. Wass’s class. They had a great time reading together and making Indian headdresses for their Thanksgiving feast. The buddies will participate in various activities together throughout the year. Both the 5th grade students and their kindergarten friends look forward to developing long last-ing relationships with one another. ■

Shape StorytimeLaunch PAD Parenting held their fi rst family event of the year. Pre-

school families were invited to enjoy a pizza dinner and participate in Shape Storytime. After singing songs and reading books about shapes, the families then had a choice of 16 different activities where the students had fun with shapes. The students and their family could sort and graph different shaped crackers, use geoboards to make shapes with rubber bands, draw shapes in shaving cream, make shapes with their bodies and many other hands-on activities. ■

EAST

School StoreWhat should I buy? What do I need? These are questions that

are asked by the students looking into East Kelloggsville’s school store. At fi rst glance you may think that the store, operated by East’s Student Congress, sells just little trinkets and candies. A closer look behind the counter reveals that students are making some practi-cal choices as well. Students may need refi ll lead for pencils, pens, highlighters or maybe a pencil sharpener. All these items are sold at the school’s store. Students behind the counter are also learning money management and service skills. The store operates Wednes-day and Thursday at lunch time and is run by Student Congress members with a teacher on hand to help with making change or answering questions ■

Thanksgiving FeastKECC students and their families enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal on

Wednesday, Nov. 25th. The students were dressed as Native Americans and pilgrims while they enjoyed a meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffi ng, corn, corn bread, cranberry sauce, applesauce and many other goodies. Each preschool class participated in making part of the meal that was “gobbled” up by over 300 people! ■

SOUTHEAST

MEAPAll of the 3rd, 4th & 5th grade students at Southeast took the

MEAP test in October. Everyone worked very hard each of the testing days. Their extra effort was rewarded with a Pizza Party in the gym. We are so proud of our Southeast students! ■

WEST

Library Night This year, students at West have the opportunity to hit a home run

by attending four of the planned literacy nights throughout the year. The fi rst event was Library Night at the Wyoming Public Library. Ap-proximately 60 students and family members enjoyed listening to books being read to by guest readers, taking a tour of the library, and enjoying yummy treats provided by the Student Leadership Team. Fifteen students also received their very own library card! Any student that attends all four literacy events will be eligible to receive a special baseball surprise later in the school year. ■

ReadingAt the beginning of October, two

families moved in near Southeast, one from Iraq and one from Bhutan (a country near India). The children arrived at school not speaking any English. It is amazing how fast the children have picked up the English language. Kamal, a kindergarten student, is reading to a classroom helper, Miss Miller. ■

Mole DayMembers of Mr. Marsh’s

class hold the trophy after win-ning the Mole Day competi-tion. Mole Day was celebrated by the 8th graders on October 23. Mole Day commemorates Avogadro’s Number (6.02 x 10^23), which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry. Students celebrated the day by making mole day treats and other fun activities. ■

MIDDLE SCHOOL

National Geographic Bee

On November 23, eighteen students competed in the school-wide Nation-al Geographic Bee at KMS. These students qualifi ed for the bee by winning classroom bees in their social studies classes. After many rounds of tough questions, eighth-grader Tyler Corbett was declared the winner. Special con-

gratulations goes to Tyler as he was also the champion of last year’s bee! Tyler will take a written test in January to try to qualify for the state-wide bee, which will be held in April. Congratulations also to eighth-grader Tom Keller, who was the runner-up. ■

SoccerCongratulations to the 7th and 8th grade boys soccer team!

This team had an outstanding season. Mr. Drew Lakatos coached this team and through his leadership, the team had an 8-1-1 season. This team will continue to put Kelloggsville on the map when it comes to soccer. ■

HIGH SCHOOL DISCOVERY

Discovery Service LearningThe Discovery Service Learning students in Ms. Hosteins’ class,

earn a quarter credit every nine weeks for creating, developing and implementing service projects that assist the Kelloggsville commu-nity. Recently, the students collected and donated over 500 pounds of food to a local Kelloggsville community pantry, Food Network, located on 44th Street. The Service Learning students also pre-pared and served a Thanksgiving lunch on Wednesday, November 25 to more than 100 students and staff at Discovery. ■

Spanish ImmersionLast month, students from Discovery and KHS

visited the Ada Vista Spanish Immersion Elementary program for the fi rst of what is hoped to be many mentorship experiences. What is unclear is, who is mentoring whom? In this particular situation, both sides benefi tted equally from the arrangement.

The high school students chosen to attend the fi eld trip were those who are fl uent in both English and Spanish. The students they visited at Ada have been speaking Spanish since kindergarten in this unique concept school. At Ada, the students can only com-municate in Spanish. The high school students and the 2nd graders from Ada Vista chatted animatedly together about academics, sports, and social activities. Afterward, they engaged in a rousing game of kickball. These visits are meaningful on two levels: Academically, it is a win-win situation; the Ada students learn more about the Hispanic culture from the high schoolers,while the high school students learn more about correct pronunciation, spelling, and grammar from the Ada kids. All in all, it was a great day. The students look forward to getting together again soon for an authentic Christmas Fiesta! ■

PRIDEPRIDE is back in full swing at the high school this year. Students will

be receiving rewards for attendance as well as academics with a variety of prizes planned. Items will include such things as free cookies, gift certifi -cates, iPod Shuffl es, and the opportunity to get out early for lunch. Also this year students are actively participating in a pop can collection to raise funds. We have much to be proud of at Kelloggsville. Go Rockets!

Student Voices: What does Rocket Pride mean to you?

“Rocket Pride is having a positive attitude, being respectful, and having dedication.”

- DeMari Brown, Sophomore“Rocket Pride is having respect for KHS, good sportsmanship, pride in your school, a positive attitude, and school spirit.”

- Dominique Goss, Freshman“Rocket Pride is being devoted towards your education, yourself, and your school. You practice how you play!”

- Sam Tran, Junior“It means a lot, to say the least. It means coming together and being proud of who you are, what you are, and where you came from.”

- Devan Anderson-Barker, Junior“Having spirit in the school”

- Troy Cervantes, Senior“Having pride in your school, and want-ing your school to succeed in everything, no matter what.”

- Carl Roscoe, Junior“Rocket Pride in not being embarrassed to show your excitement for your school community.”

- Whitney Brazeal, Senior

Rocket BoostersRocket football players and

spirit girls had a great season this year!

Several football players had the opportunity to attend a NFL Detroit Lions Pre-Season game free of charge courtesy of the Detroit Lions. What an opportunity! Everyone had a great time. Hopefully, we will be selected again next year. If we are selected, we will offer it to the fi rst football players who sign-up to play, so remember to sign up early when we have football sign-up nights in June.

All of our coaches did an outstanding job this year. The Rocket Boosters would like to thank them for their time and commitment to make the Rocket program a success!

5th/6th Grade Football Coaches: Eddie Shannon & Quentin Barnett

7th/8th Grade Football Coaches: Scott Nelson & Juan Rolan5th/6th Grade Spirit Girl Coach: Denise Briscoe7th/8th Grade Spirit Girl Coach: Becky StoutOur football games were exciting to watch. The football play-

ers were full of energy and our spirit girls did an outstanding job cheering the teams on.

We look forward to another great season next year! ■

We Need You!Rocket Boosters would like to invite the Kelloggsville com-

munity to attend our monthly meetings. We encourage you to join us in planning for upcoming fundraising events, help organize and plan our Parent Appreciation Dance, and plan activities for next school year. Please come and help us raise spirit in our commu-nity – there are many ways you can help out!

Meetings are held at the High School in room 123:December 9 – 6:00 p.m. March 10 – 7:00 p.m.January 13 – 7:00 p.m. April 14 – 7:00 p.m.February 10 – 7:00 p.m. May 12 – 6:00 p.m.

Rocket Family NightRocket Family Nights are here again! Kelloggsville district resi-

dents and families are invited to the High School on the dates listed below for a free dinner and special activities. Each evening starts with dinner from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria, followed by vari-ous learning sessions, and/or family activities from 6:15 – 7:00 p.m.

Students will receive informational fl yers one week prior to each evening’s events or you can fi nd additional information for each Rocket Family Night on the district website at www.kvilleps.org. Come out and join us!

Rocket Family Night dates: January 13, January 27, February 10, February 24, March 10, and March 24. ■

Save the DateKelloggsville Education Foundation Golf Outing

Friday, June 18, 20109:30 a.m. Shotgun StartThe Pines Golf Course

$45 per person – includes:Grilled Steak/Chicken Buffet & Prizes

SportsCongratulations to the Varsity football team for an amazing

season! The Rockets went 7-0 in the conference to bring home the OK-Silver Conference Championship trophy for the fi rst time since 1997. The Rockets also qualifi ed for the MHSAA state playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year and received their fi rst ever playoff victory, defeating Hillsdale. Head Coach, Don Galster also received the State of Michigan Coach of the Year Award in the 5/6 Division! Terrifi c season players and congratulations Coach Galster! ■

SportsSports

NON-PROFIT ORG.CAR-RT PRESORT

PAIDGRAND RAPIDS MI

PERMIT No. 174

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENTKelloggsville Public Schools is an equal opportunity institution. Kelloggsville Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical/mental disability in its educational programing, enrollment, employment, or contraction. The coordinator for the Title IX, Section 504 and age discrimination acts is Kathleen Stuby @ 532-1585.

POSTAL PATRON

Kelloggsville Public Schools242 52nd Street SEGrand Rapids, MI 49548

http://www.kvilleps.org

Community InvolvementListed below are some of the businesses and community organizations

who have recently contributed and/or supported the programs and activities at Kelloggsville Public Schools:

KECC - The employees of Roman Manufacturing contributed money on behalf of the Angel Tree Organization. Their generosity purchased Christmas gifts and clothes for several KECC families. Dental services were provided to students by Cherry Street Dentist. The students had a dental exam and their teeth cleaned.

Southeast Elementary - Sixteen Kid’s Hope mentors began working with students. The mentors come from Kelloggsville Christian Reformed Church and Ideal Park Christian Reformed Church. They donate one hour of their time each week to work one-on-one with a student. The congregation at Kelloggsville CRC also donated many school items for the SE students. The Kiwani’s donated brand new dictionaries for each SE 3rd grade student. South Christian High School sent over a large group of students to volunteer their entire morning to help out in the classrooms.

High School - Culver’s donated free meals for perfect attendance, honor roll, and reading incentives. The district received a discount from Sign’s Now who made up the PRIDE signs that are displayed in the high school. Eclectic Eatery provided lunch for various meetings. Kim Klap from thecommon.org worked with the Leadership class. Josten’s provided coupon books to hand out to students as academic incentives. 5/3 Bank made a presentation to the Economics class.

Family Fare (68th Street) donated a $100 gift card for concession sup-plies for the fall theatre production.

A. B. Dick donated $250 to a family in need at the Middle School.Lake Michigan Credit Union provided Goodwill vouchers for selected

families at the Middle School and all three elementary buildings.Thank You! ■

Kelloggsville Public Schools Annual School Election

Nominating Petitions There will be one (1) four-year and one (1) one-year partial

Board of Education positions to be fi lled at the annual school election on May 4, 2010. Any registered voter who is a resident of the Kelloggsville Public School District may fi le a petition to run for election.

Petitions (40 signatures required) for the positions are available from the Kent County Clerk’s offi ce. A candidate may pay a nonrefundable fi ling fee of $100 instead of fi ling nominating petitions.

The nominating petitions or $100 fi ling fee and Affi davit of Iden-tity must be fi led with the Kent County Clerk, 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, no later than 4:00 p.m. on February 9, 2010.

For further information contact Beth Postma at the district’s Board of Education Center at 538-7460. ■

RetireesOn Tuesday, October 6, approximately 45 Kelloggsville retirees

were at the high school for their bi-annual luncheon. This tradi-tion of getting together each spring and fall for lunch and fellowship goes back many years. It provides an opportunity to stay in touch with former colleagues and a good time is always had by all! ■

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Thank YouJanuary is designated as National School Board Recogni-

tion Month. This gives Kelloggsville an opportunity to show our appreciation to a dedicated group of individuals who serve the students, staff and Kelloggsville Public Schools commu-nity. This year’s theme is “School Boards LeadStrong” which refl ects our Board’s commitment to public education and student achievement, especially during a climate of change and demanding challenges.

Thank you Kelloggsville Board of Education for your many years of service and hard work.

Ernie Meyer 10 years Jane Ward 16 years Crystal Reidzans 5 years Tim Pomorski 4 years Laura Johnson 10 years Dave Skinner, Jr. 3 years