KPs and communities In schools Partner to bring Key resources to

KalamazooPublic

Schools December 2013 Volume 16, Issue 11www.kalamazoopublicschools.com

Kalamazoo Public Schools, 1220 Howard St., Kalamazoo, MI 49008NonProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDKalamazoo, MI

Permit 709 **ECRWSS**RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

ImPorTANT DATesBoard of Education MeetingsThursday, December 5 & 19,

2013 at 7:00 p.m.* Administration Building

*Change from second and fourth Thursday to first and

third Thursday

No SchoolMonday, December 23, 2013

throughFriday, January 3, 2014

For more information call(269) 337-1572

Nominations for Dr. Walker Social Justice Youth Award

Are Due by January 10

Nominations for the 13th Annual Dr. Lewis Walker

Social Justice Youth Award are being accepted at

www.kalamazoocity.org/mlk. Deadline for submissions is January 10, 2014, at 5 p.m. For additional information, visit our website or email

[email protected].

KC Winter Concert

You are assured of an enjoyable evening of music at the Kalamazoo Central

Winter Concert on Wednes-day, December 18, at 7 p.m.

in the KC auditorium.

like KalamazooPublic schoolson Facebook.

FIRST SATURDAY @ KPL On December 7The next First Saturday @ KPL event

will be held at the Kalamazoo Public Library, downtown, on December 7, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m.

KPs and communities In schools Partner to bring Key resources to KPs studentsCommunities In Schools of Kalamazoo (CIS) is part of a nationwide network of caring professionals working in nearly 2,700 public schools to surround students with a community of support, to em-power students to stay in school and achieve in life. Here in Ka-lamazoo, 19 of the 25 KPS schools host a Communities In Schools site coordinator whose job is to “connect the right resources to the right students at the right time.” There has been steady growth in the number of buildings served, from six to 19 in just 10 years.

“Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo provides a whole host of essential resources to our students, particularly those who do not have the means to obtain these resources or pay for them indepen-dently,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “CIS develops and co-ordinates the expertise and services of key providers — dental care, vision exams and eyeglasses, food backpacks, counseling services, mentors, and tutors — and brings them to our schools and students.

CIS and its partners remove many non-school barriers to stu-dents learning and teachers teaching,” he emphasizes. “Likewise, the after-school programs that CIS delivers in many of our buildings

(continued on page 9)

Jake Gumbleton and Davis crocker set New Tennis records at loy Norrix

Davis Crocker Jake Gumbleton

Edison students have a chance to practice being physicians at a mini-medical school event organized by CIS. The students are (L to R) Sania Poster, Deyonte Armstrong, and Dillan Bowers.

The 2013 season of men’s ten-nis at Loy Norrix was record-breaking in more than one way. Seniors Jake Gumbleton and Davis Crocker cemented themselves into the history of Loy Norrix athletics as two of the best ever to play tennis at the school. In the last past four years, they won 214 matches against only 15 defeats.

Anticipation built through-out the season as senior Jake Gumbleton set his sights on the


2 EXCELSIOR December 2013 www.kalamazoopublicschools.com

First Saturday @ KPLSaturday, December 7, 2-4 pmCentral Library315 S. Rose St.Shake, shimmy and rock with your friends at the library! Have fun with songs, stories, shakers and more.

PartnersBoys and Girls Club of KalamazooCommunities in Schools of KalamazooGirl Scouts Heart of Michigan

Goodwill Industries of Southwest MichiganGreat Start CollaborativeGreat Start Collaborative Parent CoalitionHispanic American CouncilKalamazoo County Ready 4s

Kalamazoo Institute of ArtsKalamazoo Literacy CouncilKalamazoo Valley MuseumNAACPNorthside Ministerial AllianceWestern Michigan University Reading Clinic

Michael F. Rice, Ph.D.

We Are Fortunate to Have so many Wonderful Partners in The Kalamazoo Public schools!At this time of the year, I begin to think about all those things for which I am thank-ful. Certain-ly, there are many ways in which we need to improve our schools and our supports for our children. At the same time, however, I am especially thankful for our more than 200 partners in the community. KPS students are fortunate to have so many car-ing adults and organizations that support them. Please join me in thanking the following organizations for their com-mitment to our children:

The Kalamazoo Promise and its visionary donorsCommunities In Schools of KalamazooAdvocacy Services for KidsAllen Chapel AME ChurchAlliance for a Healthier GenerationAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.AmeriCorpsArts Council of Greater KalamazooAviatorsBackpack BuddiesBang Town RecordsBible Baptist ChurchBig Brothers Big SistersBikers 4 BooksBlack Arts and Cultural CenterBlack Education Ensemble TheatreBlessing in a BackpackBlue Lake Fine Arts CampBorgess HospitalBoy Scouts of America Boys & Girls ClubsBreakfast of Champions

Bronson HospitalCapoeiraChapel Hill United Methodist ChurchChristian Life CenterCIS After School ProgramCIS Kids’ ClosetCIS VolunteersColleagues InternationalCommunity Advocates for Parents & Students (CAPS)Community and Parent VolunteersCommunity-Based Vocational EducationCommunity Healing CenterConsumers Credit UnionCrescendo Academy of MusicCSM GroupDepartment of Human Services — State of MichiganDestination ImaginationDouglass Community AssociationEaton CorporationEdison School-Based Health Center

Education for Employment (EFE)Education for the Arts (EFA)Educational Community Credit UnionFair Food MattersFamily & Children’s ServicesFamily Health CenterFirst Congregational ChurchFirst Day Shoe FundFirst Presbyterian ChurchFirst United Baptist ChurchFood Research CorporationFoster Grandparent ProgramFresh Fire AME ChurchGalilee Baptist ChurchGazelle SportsGilmore Piano LabGirl Scouts of AmericaGirls on the RunGirls on Track — CISGlobal Reading ChallengeGoodwill Industries of Southwestern MichiganGraphic Packaging

Greater Kalamazoo Area Holiday Food DriveGreater Kalamazoo United WayGreater Open Door C.O.G.I.C.Greg Jennings FoundationGryphon PlaceHands Up FoundationHealth Equity CenterHiemstra OpticalHispanic American CouncilHospice Care of Southwest MichiganInterfaith HomesInterfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community (ISAAC)Jack and Jill, Inc.Junior AchievementKalamazoo Arts Integration InitiativeKalamazoo Center for Youth & CommunityKalamazoo College


3EXCELSIORwww.kalamazoopublicschools.com

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lift up Through literacy Programcelebrates Their PartnersOn Friday, October 4, Super-intendent Dr. Michael Rice and Yvonne Davis, Lift Up Through Literacy program manager, rec-ognized and celebrated the work of organizations that house the Lift Up Through Literacy Pro-gram within their sites. Twelve sites received a certificate and a book entitled, “Whatever It Takes, Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America.”

Representatives of the com-munity sites attending this spe-cial event were: Allen Chapel, Boys and Girls Club on Lake St., Christian Life Center, First United Baptist Church, Fresh Fire AME Church/New Horizon, Greater Open Door C.O.G.I.C., Hispanic American Council, In-terfaith Homes, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, New Life Fellowship C.O.G.I.C., Skyridge Church

of the Brethren, and Trenches Community Church.

“We’d like to extend a spe-cial thanks,” said Davis, “to all of

partners for opening their doors to provide this wonderful literacy program for parents and their children.”

Hispanic American Council coaches (L to R) Veronica Cook, Lisa Kincaid, Rosalba Roman and Militza Alvarez receive a certificate and book in appreciation of their efforts for the Lift Up Through Literacy Program.

A Lift Up Through Literacy Mini Session will be offered during the first week of December. The focus for the session is litera-cy, crafts and healthy meals. Please join us at these sites:

•Tuesday, December 3; Hispanic American Council, 930 Lake Street, Literacy and Holiday Crafts, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

•Wednesday, December 4; Planetarium/Kalamazoo Valley Museum,

230 N. Rose Street, Expand Your Imagination, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

•Thursday, December 5; Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 120 Roberson Street, Michigan State University Health Professionals, Literacy/Healthy Meals, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Lift Up Through Literacy Program is a partnership between the Kalamazoo Public Schools and the community of Kalamazoo. The program provides practical hands-on literacy strategies to parents and children that can be used at home on an everyday basis. The eight-week sessions are divided into classes for fami-lies with children ages birth through two years old, three year old through pre-school, and kindergarten through eighth grade.

For more information, call the Lift Up Through Literacy Office, (269) 337-0833.

A lift up Through literacy to Focus onliteracy, crafts and Healthy meals


The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees

kalamazoomuseum.org 269.373.7990

Make a Joyful Noise! December 30–January 3 / 1-4pm FREE!

Shake, Rattle, and Roll! Make a variety of musical instruments.

It’s a Dance Party! Learn group dances and make dance-related crafts.

Nature-Inspired Song Decorate and create with natural

materials that make music.

Performances in the Stryker Theater11 am and 2:30 pm $3

December 31: GeminiTwin muscians will get your toes tapping.

January 2: Jenifer StraussHear and help tell stories about nature.

HOLIDAY HANDS-ON HAPPENINGS

loy Norrix 2009-2013 Graduates Invited to Alumni Day Dec. 20Loy Norrix High School graduates from the years 2009 to 2013 are invited to return to Loy Norrix to share their post-secondary expe-riences with current students. The event will be held at Loy Norrix on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, from 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.

Please submit the following information by Dec. 6, 2013, to Betse Klepper via email at [email protected] or by phone at 269-337-0205: •Yourname(currentandwhenyouattendedLoyNorrix) •University/program/major •YearofLNHSgraduation •E-mailaddress/cellphonenumber

Loy Norrix hopes to see you on December 20.

A New Flag Flies over Indian PrairieA ceremony was held at Indian Prairie when the new flag went up to replace the well-worn one.

The students and staff met outdoors at the flagpole at 9 a.m. on the morning of the first snow-fall of the season. A group of ser-vice men and women lowered the old flag, folded it, and raised the new one. They saluted, and the students and staff said the Pledge of Allegiance together.

“It was really quite beauti-ful as we had large snowflakes falling during the whole cer-emony as well,” said Princi-pal Kelly Bertch. “We had lots of “oohs” and “aahs” from the children when the flag was raised. They were very excited and very respectful during the whole event.”

The new flag is raised as the Indian Prairie children and staff and their guests recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo by Kera Simpson.

loy Norrix students, staff andAlumni Perform in “les miserables”When the ever-popular “Les Miserables” opened at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, KPS was well represented. Nine current or former Loy Norrix students and teachers took part in the play.

Les Miz cast members, their Loy Norrix af-filiation, and positions in the musical are:

Atis Kleinbergs, Class of 1986, stage combat director;Kris Allemang, Class of 2003, chorus;

Cece Weeks, theatre teacher, Madame Thenardier;Robert Cook, Class of 2013, student chorus;Molly Senne, Class of 2001, chorus;Grace Santamaria, Class of 2014, dresser;Joe Santamaria, Class of 2014, student chorus;Rob Bradford, Class of 1998, K-Central English teacher, chorus;Joshua Danks, Class of 2003, chorus.

This talented “Les Miz” group shares a link to Loy Norrix High School.

5EXCELSIORwww.kalamazoopublicschools.com

NOTICEKalamazoo Public Schools welcomes all students and staff of any religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, preg-nancy, gender identification, height, weight, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, and disability.

The District will not tolerate or condone any act of bias or discrimina-tion toward any person on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender identifi-cation, height, weight, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, and disability in any of its activities, hiring practices, programs or services.

Inquiries by students and/or their par-ents/guardians should be directed to:

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Kalamazoo Public Schools1220 Howard Street

Kalamazoo, MI 49008(269) 337-0161

All other inquiries should be directed to:

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Kalamazoo Public Schools1220 Howard Street

Kalamazoo, MI 49008(269) 337-0177

District Directory at :www.kalamazoopublicschools.com

BOARD OF EDUCATIONPresident

Patti Sholler-BarberVice PresidentCarol McGlinn

SecretaryJennie HillTreasurer

Dr. Martha WarfieldTrustee

Craig HerschlebTrustee

Mark TottenTrustee

Dr. Lonnie Duncan

SUPERINTENDENT

Michael F. Rice, Ph.D.

We Are Fortunate to Have so many Wonderful Partners in The Kalamazoo Public schools! (continued from page 2)

Kalamazoo College Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Institute for Civic EngagementKalamazoo Community FoundationKalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Kalamazoo Counseling CenterKalamazoo Counseling ConnectionKalamazoo County Dental ClinicKalamazoo County Health and Community Services DepartmentKalamazoo County Human Services DepartmentKalamazoo Deacons Conference Kalamazoo Department of Public SafetyKalamazoo Gospel MissionKalamazoo Institute of ArtsKalamazoo Junior Girls OrganizationKalamazoo Loaves & FishesKalamazoo Nature CenterKalamazoo Parks & RecreationKalamazoo Public LibraryKalamazoo Regional Educational Service AgencyKalamazoo Symphony OrchestraKalamazoo Township PoliceKalamazoo Valley Community CollegeKAMSC Parent OrganizationKappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.Kellogg Biological StationKids Are Special Kids Hope USAKiwanis ClubKydNet

Lang FundLearning Network of Greater KalamazooLend-A-HandLocal Interagency Coordinating CouncilLighthouse ChurchLonge OpticalMarvelous MusicMDOTMichigan Alliance for FamiliesMichigan High School Athletic AssociationMiller DavisMilwood Christian Reformed ChurchMinistry with CommunityMobile DentistMoney Smart KidsMt. Zion Baptist ChurchNAACPNational Junior Honor SocietyNew GenesisNew Latino VisionsNew Life Fellowship C.O.G.I.C.Northside Association of Community Development (NACD)Northside Ministerial Alliance (NMA)Oakwood Afterschool ProgramOptimist Club PACEParent 2 Parent Parent Teacher OrganizationsParents as PartnersPark Street MarketPearle Vision Gift of SightPoverty Reduction InitiativePretty Lake Camp

Prevention WorksPride CareProud 2 Be MeRadiant ChurchRotary ClubRubin ChiropracticRX OpticalScience OlympiadSecond Baptist ChurchSiemer Family GrantSizzlin’ Summer Math and Science Program (SSMSP)Skyridge ChurchSLD Center Southwest Michigan Children’s Mental Health CoalitionState FarmStockbridge United Methodist ChurchThe Ark for YouthThe Civic TheatreThe Gilmore-Keys to EducationThe LinksThird Christian Reformed ChurchThreads ChurchTimber Ridge Ski AreaTower PinksterTrenches Community ChurchTrinity Reformed ChurchTurn 2 FoundationUjima EnterprisesValley Family ChurchVision AssistanceVolunteer KalamazooWalgreensWarm Kids ProjectWellspring DanceWestern Michigan University Westwood United Methodist Church

W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchWMU Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP)WMU America Counts ProgramWMU America Reads ProgramWMU Bronco BudsWMU Bronson School of NursingWMU CounselingWMU Department of SociologyWMU Frostic Fine Arts DepartmentWMU Gear UpWMU Latino Student AllianceWMU Music DepartmentWMU Saving Our SistersWMU School of EducationWMU School of Social WorkWMU Student VolunteersWMU TherapistsWMU Upward BoundWMU Young Black MalesWright for Kids FoundationYMCA — Champions for Healthier KidsYMCA — Sherman Lake CampYMCA (Primetime)Young Chefs AcademyYoung Women of Purpose & WorthYouth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.)YWCAZoetisEditor’s Note: As with any large list, er-rors of one sort or another are possible. If we inadvertently left your organiza-tion’s name off the list or mis-wrote the name of your organization, please let us know at 337-1572. Thanks for your assistance in helping us be as ac-curate and complete as possible.

Kindergarteners open Their Hearts to AnimalsThe kindergarten students at Prairie Ridge Elementary collected nec-essary items for the Animal Rescue Project (ARP). As part of a “Giving to Others” community service effort, the students collected food, toys, blankets and other items to help the homeless animals at the shelter.

The ARP is a non-profit, animal welfare group committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of at-risk pets from pound facili-ties. The director of operations, Jack Frost, came to Prairie Ridge to ac-cept the collection from the students. He brought three Black Lab mixed puppies that played, licked and provided lots of giggles. Frost explained how the shelter works and how the items would help the animals.

The kindergarteners shared how it made them feel to know that they had a part in helping these animals. Many wanted to continue col-lecting and spoke of delivering the goods themselves. It looks like they may have established an on-going relationship.

For more information on the ARP, visit www.animalrescueproject.org or call (269) 492-1010.

The Prairie Ridge kindergarteners and their teachers know the importance of the gifts they gave to the homeless animals.


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November excelsior Photo Addition Concerning the article “Stu-dents Win at FCCLA Confer-ence” on page 8 of the Novem-ber 2013 Excelsior: a picture of Lynn Tomlinson was not included. The Excelsior staff apologizes for the omission.

Lynn Tomlinson

simon boehme, K-central Graduate class of 2010,Wins Truman scholarship and Travels to south AfricaSimon Boehme, Kalamazoo Central Class of 2010 and a senior at Cornell Uni-versity, was selected to receive the 2013 Truman Scholarship for his academic excellence and his passion to make a difference. Simon shares the honor with 62 students from across the country but is the only student from Michigan to re-ceive the award.

The $30,000 scholarship for gradu-ate study is given to juniors who intend to pursue a career in public service. The Truman Scholarship also offers an internship in Washington, D.C., at a government agency or nonprofit of his choosing after Simon graduates.

As a senior at the Industrial and Labor Relations School at Cornell Uni-versity, Simon studies education policy with an emphasis on conflict resolution. He is a research assistant at Cornell’s Scheinman Institute on Conflict Reso-lution and plans to use the scholarship to earn a master’s degree in education policy and a law degree.

During this past summer, Simon traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he worked on curriculum and pro-

fessional development for instructors at the African Leadership Academy. The Af-rican Leadership Academy aims to trans-form Africa by training the next genera-tion of leaders through its highly selective two-year high school program. They ac-cept 100 students from over 20 countries in Africa from over 4,000 applicants.

“I felt inspired after working at the Academy (ALA),” Simon said. “I was surrounded by many incredible stu-dents working to make a positive impact in their local communities and across the continent.”

To learn more about the culture and rich history of South Africa, Simon traveled outside of the academy. He dis-covered a great deal about the country’s race relations, constitution, and Nelson Mandela. In Cape Town, he saw where former President Mandela was impris-oned. Simon described it as a “moving experience and surreal to walk the same halls as someone who changed the land-scape of South Africa.”

Simon also traveled Zambia and Egypt. He was able to see Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia, and the last

original Ancient Wonder of the World — the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Simon is remembered by the com-munity as the Kalamazoo Central student who in his senior year led in the school’s

effort that won President Barack Obama’s Race to the Top High School Commence-ment Challenge. He was also an intern for Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby and interned at the White House.

Simon Boehme is surrounded by new friends that he met in South America.

7EXCELSIOR December 2013www.kalamazoopublicschools.com

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Kalamazoo-Numazu50th Anniversary 2013By Amyre R. Dennis, Loy Norrix High SchoolMy experience in Numazu, Japan was life changing. Even though I was in a completely different country, I felt right at home as soon as I got there. My host family was kind and understanding. Having a teenager in the house again was a treat because all of their kids have grown up. When I was sick, my host mom rubbed my back and made me feel better. Even though our languages were different, mothers know exactly what to do no matter where they come from.

The days in Japan were hot but that never stopped me from hav-ing fun. I was making new friends and getting to see world treasures with them. Even the day it rained the most, I was climbing Mt. Fuji. I love Asian cultures. Since I have a best friend in China, I have always wanted a Japanese friend. Not only did I meet plenty of people I can call friends, I now have a family that I can stay with and stay con-nected to.

Being so young and going to one of my favorite countries has opened my eyes. I thought I’d love everything about all of Asia, however, I realized that I don’t like everything about Japan. I didn’t really like the food, especially sushi. However, I also learned that even if you don’t like something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it.

Trips like these change everything about who you are. When you let go and take in the world, you find that people are more like you than you think. Through international travel you are able to ex-perience things that you would have never wanted to. You can climb a mountain or eat fish heads. You are able to come home and believe in yourself, knowing that there is a goal that can be reached.

Japan is not the only country that can change you. Any time you are able to see the world, it will change your perspective. Dreams do come true; sometimes you just have to fill out an application.

Amyre Dennis (right) and her friend Kaoru from Japan.

Second grade teacher Martha Bielby cheers the children on. The children are (L to R) Nada Alhasnawi, Kymeil Beard, Brayden Connor and Arya Whitelow.

Arcadia’s Fun run supportsPTo and Trip to sherman lakeArcadia’s PTO and fifth-grade teachers joined together and spon-sored the Arcadia Fun Run. Funds were raised by sponsoring laps or offering donations for running. The money raised in grades kinder-garten through fourth grade help to fund classroom needs or field trips. Money raised by the fifth graders goes to support their trip to Sherman Lake. Every year in December, the fifth graders camp at Sherman Lake for three days and two nights.

loy Norrix student AmyreDennis Travels to Japan Amyre Dennis, Loy Norrix senior, applied for the Ka-lamazoo-Numazu Commit-tee’s scholarship, which was in celebration of the 50-year relationship between the two cities. Applicants were to an-swer questions and submit an essay of why they thought they would be a great rep-resentative for Kalamazoo. After Amyre went before the Kalamazoo-Numazu selection committee for an interview, she and another young per-son was chosen. They joined a group of about 40 people who spent 12 days in Japan.

Upon her return, Amyre submitted an essay, which appears at the right, that reflected what she learned and how the experience will help her in the future. Amyre plans to major in Interna-tional and Global Studies at

as a second language and to continue in graduate studies to one day become a college professor.

WMU. This experience helped to solidify her major choice and her desire to continue interna-tional travel to teach English


www.kvcc.edu/register

ACT CODE

REGISTERNOW.

LASHAE S. BUSINESS

Shaun Robinson is the district chef for Chartwells at KPS Food Service.

blue corn botanitaChef Shaun • kps food service chef

Ingredients •1ripemango,peeledand cut into 24 thin slices •24bluecorntortillachips •1/4cupfinelycrumbled Cotija cheese •2limewedges •1/4teaspoonground chipotle pepper (see Tip) •1/4teaspoonchoppedcilantro

Yields: 2 dozen Total Time: 10 min Prep Time: 10 min

DirectionsTop blue-corn tortilla chips with mango slices evenly among the chips. Sprinkle each chip with ½ teaspoon Cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime juice for a colorful appetizer. Serve immediately.

Blue corn tortilla chips make these Mexican-style appe-tizers pretty, but any variety will work. Look for Cotija cheese, a type of aged Mexican cheese, near other specialty cheeses or in Mexican grocery stores. You may also find it labeled “queso añe-jo” or “queso añejado.” Finely crumbled Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute.

Tips & TechniquesTip: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeños. Look for ground chipotle in the spice section of most supermarkets. Some additional items you can add for flavor and color are chopped heirloom tomatoes, fine diced grilled chicken and toasted almonds.

chef shaun’s recipes are available online at Kalamazoopublicschools.com. click explore KPs and then click excelsior.

Happy holidays, Kalamazoo. Please try out this colorful, yet simple, appetizer recipe on your family and friends. Enjoy the moment, love the special people in your life, and live grand. All the best, Chef Shaun.

Hillside students support theDouglass community AssociationIn the spirit of community service, students at Hillside Mid-dle School conducted a week-long “Loose Change to Make a Big Change” fundraiser in support of the Douglass Community Asso-ciation. The collection was conducted September 16-20 and took in over $300. Students who collected the donations presented Doug-lass Community Association director, Sherry Thomas-Cloud, with a check during a short ceremony. The donation was made in honor of Steve Dunning, longtime Hillside coach and para-professional.

Many Hillside students and families take advantage of the pro-grams and services offered at the Douglass Community Association Center, as well as utilizing the Alma Powell branch of the Kalama-zoo Public Library, the Boys and Girls Club and other community resources housed at the center. The Hillside family is very proud of the efforts and generosity of staff and students in supporting this important and historic community organization.

Hillside students who worked with the fundraiser present Douglass Community Association director Sherry Thomas-Cloud (back row, center) with a check for the association. The students are (L to R) front row: Aidan Stacer, Kevin Davis, Makayla Myles, Tatianna Tyler, and Roland Mabon. Back row: Jack Phillips, India Mullen, Khalia Ollie, and Martazia Parker-Cannon

KPS students took a bite out of local apples as they celebrated Food Day on October 24. Students participating in the lunch program on that Thursday helped Michigan participate in a national celebration of local products. Everyone who ate an apple made a healthy choice and sup-ported Michigan farms, which in turn supports the Michigan economy.

Apple crunch at KPs

Students (L to R) Makayla Campbell, Caitlin Scott and Darquarion Allen (Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts) eat delicious apples in celebration of Food Day.


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KPs and communities In schools Partner to bringKey resources to KPs students (continued from page 1)

Deborah Yarbrough is the CIS site coordinator at Kalamazoo Central.

schools, including the provision of greater health and basic needs services; and•Provideadditionaltutoring

capacity at all levels.For more information or to make

a donation, visit the website:ciskalamazoo.org.

derstand the benefit of helping all of our kids succeed, whether they are a faith-based organization, a health care pro-vider, or a business. Kalamazoo thrives most when the younger generation is successful in school and is developing the problem-solving skills and persis-tence that will result in self-sufficiency in adulthood.”

On November 6 in the atrium of the Kalamazoo Central High School Au-ditorium, CIS launched its second ma-jor fund-raising campaign to sustain its efforts to support KPS schools and students. With a goal of $4.5 million, “Promise Me” is almost half-way to the three-year goal and is seeking the sup-port of the greater community in reach-ing its goal. The Promise Me Campaign resources will allow CIS to:

•Sustainexistingsupportin KPS schools;•Sustainandgrowafter-school capacity;•Expandthecapacitytosupport more students at the secondary

their students stay focused on learning.“As a KPS parent, I like having

my child in a school that has a site co-ordinator and community resources that can assure that other students’ needs can be met. I don’t want other students’ learning to be disrupted by an untreated toothache or by chronic hunger from a lack of food on week-ends, any more than I would want that for my own child,” indicated a KPS parent. “Because CIS is in our building, I feel assured that when my son’s class-mates have an important need, there is a systematic way that the need can be met through the site coordinator and CIS partners and volunteers who come to our school regularly.”

“Communities In Schools has key partnerships in major areas,” explains Pam Kingery. “We are fortunate to have partners in physical health, social-emo-tional health and learning, mentoring and tutoring, and basic needs. Our part-ners have an investment in the health of our community, just as we do. They un-

provide important structure for home-work completion, individual tutoring, and enrichment experiences that en-hance student life skills and our growing college-going culture.”

“It is critical to have a strong part-nership between CIS and KPS,” says Pam Kingery, executive director of Communi-ties In Schools of Kalamazoo. “We are for-tunate to have a strong connection to our local school district and its leadership.”

A key component of the CIS model is a school site coordinator who works closely with KPS school staff to deter-mine student needs and then makes ar-rangements with service providers and volunteers to meet those needs. This KPS staff support is crucial to the success of the program. The principal and the site coordinator set the stage for service de-livery. The secretaries and support staff greet, welcome, and direct commu-nity partners and volunteers. School staff members who, along with parents, know their students’ needs, are strong advocates for a program that can help

loy Norrix Parking lot Is spruced up — Thanks to michael DeatonThe Loy Norrix Marching Band uses the main parking lot at the high school to practice their music, marching and formations in preparation for Friday night football games. The parking lot was in need of repair.

For his Boy Scout Eagle project, Michael Deaton, senior at Loy Norrix and a band mem-ber, decided to find a way to im-prove the situation for the band. Once his proposal was approved, Michael coordinated with KPS Facilities Department to have the holes and cracks repaired and worked with Ace Striping Company to have the grid lines painted with yard numbers.

The final step of his pro-ject was to lead boy scouts from Troop 287 and Loy Norrix band members in building two podi-ums of wood. The podiums al-

low the members to more eas-ily see the drum majors as they direct the band.

To finance this project, Mi-chael received generous dona-tions from Ace Striping, Menards and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation.

Now the Loy Norrix March-ing Band has a smoother area on which to practice, thanks to Mi-chael’s project.

Michael Deaton relaxes on the refurbished Loy Norrix parking lot.


KPs Needs substitute TeachersProfessional Educational Services Group (PESG),

which provides substitute teachers to KPS, is hiring qualified candidates.

Interested or want more information?• Go to www.subpass.com

• To apply, click on “apply now”

Questions:CallCharlesat(866)782-7277•Press1,thenext.3351

This month, the Excelsior features the wonderful art work of children at Indian Prairie Elementary School. The art was created under the guidance of art teacher Jamie McKinney.

Kathleen Gross, 2nd grade. Medium: construction paper and oil pastel.

Yemaya Presley, 3rd grade.Medium: tempera paint.

Jackson Dezsi, 1st grade. Medium: torn paper.

state consecutive win record. Jake ended his junior season win-ning the regional title and his 55th match in a row. His senior season was like his sophomore and ju-nior seasons: flawless. Jake had a 29-0 season record and won his third straight MHSAA Regional title at No. 2 singles.

On October 5, Jake won the SMAC Conference title. In the championship match, which was Jake’s 81st straight win to set the new state record, Jake led 3-1 in the first set and rolled his ankle significantly. Jake was hobbled but played on and finished one of the best matches of his career defeating his opponent from St. Joseph 6-2, 6-0.

The following week, Jake rolled through the MHSAA Re-gional to finish his career with a 106-4 record and a state re-cord of 84 consecutive victories. In his win streak, Jake only lost two sets. His last loss was in Oc-tober 2010. Jake has collegiate tennis options and is consider-ing Grand Valley State, Michigan State, Northern Illinois, and Fla-gler, a NCAA Division II school in Florida.

In a piece of similar good news, Davis Crocker is the unan-imous winner of the Mr. Tennis Award for 2013. This award goes to the top athlete for his particu-lar sport in the state. Davis fin-ished his career on the highest of notes with a 28-0 record. He won his first regional title and his third

straight state championship. Da-vis lost only one set in the entire season and finished his career with a 108-11 record. His three state titles at No. 1 singles make him only the fifth player in the history of Michigan high school tennis to accomplish that task dating all the way back to World War II.

Davis lost only seven games in four state tournament match-es. He had a first round bye then won his second round (6-1, 6-0) over Berkley, his quarterfinal (6-1, 6-1) over Okemos, his semi-fi-nal (6-0, 6-0) over Grand Rapids Northview, and the final (6-3, 6-1) over Midland Dow.

Davis is also an outstanding scholar ranked No. 1 academi-cally in his class with a 4.47 GPA. He will play tennis at the Univer-sity of Michigan next year.

“You do not replace people like Jake and Davis,” said Athletic Director Andrew Laboe. “You ad-mire what they have accomplished and use it as motivation to improve yourself as a player and student.

“I could not be prouder for Davis and Jake and their ten-nis accomplishments. They were great leaders and represented the school very well. I believe, as many do, that we had the two best high school tennis players in the state at Loy Norrix. They will be greatly missed.”

Thank you to Loy Norrix Athletic Director Andrew Laboe for his contribution to this article.

Jake Gumbleton and Davis crocker set New Tennis records at loy Norrix(continued from page 1)


Love toDance

Family ConcertDec. 7 @ 3pmCakes & Crafts

Reception @ 2pm

Performance & Family Dance Partyin the Wellspring Theater @ the Epic Center

Find us. Follow us. Watch us!

Tickets available through Miller Auditorium:269.387.2300 or www.millerauditorium.comInfo: 269.342.4354 or www.wellspringdance.org

THE Y. SO MUCH MORE

“Staying active has always been important

to me. I work out at the Y and it’s a great place

to swim or play basketball with my grandkids.”

Learn more about the adult and family activities

offered at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo.

DEDiCaTED TO bUilDing HEalTHY anD COnnECTED faMiliES

gET invOlvED TODaY. kzooymca.org

Maple Branch (269) 345-9622

Y Arts Center (269) 321-8385

Portage Branch (269) 324-9622

PEEP Preschool – FreeMorning or Afternoon ClassesLow Class Sizes: 18 Students w/3 Adults

Teachers: Highest Credentials • Curriculum: High QualityBusing Available

Program Requirements• Child is 4 years old on or before December 1 of school year

• Child resides in the KPS district• Child and/or family is eligible by need

KPS Prekindergarten Early Education Program (PEEP)Greenwood Elementary

3501 Moreland Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49001(269) 337-0095

Also online application atwww.kalamazoopublicschools.com/departments/

earlychildhoodeducation/applicationinformation.aspx

A Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)GSRP is a State of Michigan High-Quality Leader in Preschool Education

Arcadia PEEP student Thamer Alqattan dresses up to play Peter’s father, a character from the book “Whistle for Willie” by Ezra Jack Keats.

rachael Tanner, loy Norrix class of2003, Wins Prestigious National AwardRachael Tanner has received an award from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) as the outstanding stu-dent in her graduating class at MIT’s (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Department of Urban Studies and Planning.

The AICP Outstanding Student Awards 2013 recog-nizes outstanding attainment in the study of planning by a student who is graduating from an accredited program during the academic year of the award. AICP is the nation-al organization for all those working in planning in the public or private sectors.

Tanner began her early education at Winchell and Woods Lake elementaries be-fore moving on to South Mid-dle School (currently Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts) and Loy Norrix High School where she graduated in 2003.

After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a minor in Urban and Community Stud-ies and a minor in Spanish, Tanner returned to Kalamazoo and became a community or-ganizer for Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in

the Community (ISAAC). She served for four years before attending MIT in pursuit of a master’s degree.

Rachael Tanner


kpl.gov/calendar

Event Key: Family Tween / Teen

Baby / Kid All Ages

Central Library 315 S. Rose St. 553-7800

Eastwood 1112 Gayle Ave. 553-7810

Oshtemo 7265 W. Main St. 553-7980

Alma Powell 1000 W. Paterson St. 553-7960

Washington Square 1244 Portage St. 553-7970

Saturday, December 7 / 2:00-4:00 pm / Central / Shake, shimmy and rock with your friends at the library!

Your Kalamazoo Public Library invites you to storytime! Visit our calendar at kpl.gov/calendar for dates and times.

first saturday tween/teen events

storytimes

events

Chess Challenge / Saturdays / 1:00 pm / Oshtemo / Informal chess tournaments!

Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) / Monday, December 2 / 3:30 pm / Central / Plan programs and service projects and more. Gr. 7-12.

Babysitting Workshop / Tuesdays, December 3 & 10 / 4:00 pm / Eastwood Veronica Bolhuis, MSUE Kalamazoo County 4-H Program Coordinator presents a 6-week workshop. Space is limited. Must register: 553-7810. Ages 12 and up.

J-Pop Club / Monday, December 16 / 3:30 pm / Central / Enjoy Japanese Anime, manga, Pocky and food. Drop in anytime. Gr. 7-12.

Ancient Weapons & Weaponry / Saturday, December 21 / 2:00 pm / Central / Join expert Keith Nelson to discuss ancient Japanese weapons. Space is limited. Tickets available one week prior.

DIY Cartooning with Kenjji / Thursday, December 5, 12, 19 & 26 / 6:30 pm / Central / Create your graphic novel with comics master Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall.

Hobbit Party / Monday, December 9 / 6:30 pm / Oshtemo / Celebrate the new film and enjoy games, riddles and hobbit treats! Middle Earth costumes welcome!

Michael Jackson: The Experience / Thursday, December 19 / 4 pm / Eastwood / Play the Wii and win prizes! Gr. 5-12.

Gift Making / Make the perfect holiday present! Supplies provided. Gr. 5-12.

• Monday, December 16 / 4:30 pm / Powell

• Monday, December 23 / 2:00 pm / Washington Square

Bella Patina Craft Time / Monday, December 30 / 2:00 pm / Central / Create unique keepsakes with salvaged & recycled materials with local experts from Bella Patina. Grades 7-12.

11th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival: Call for Entries! Details at www.kpl.gov/teenfilmfest

Little Scientists / Thursday, December 5 / 6:30 pm / Central / Early literacy and STEAM activities for preschoolers. 3-6 years.

LEGO at the Library / Build with other LEGO fans. All ages.

• Saturday, December 7 / 10:30 am / Oshtemo

• Thursday, December 12 / 4:00 pm / Eastwood

• Saturday, December 21 / 10:30 am / Central

• Thursday, December 26 / 2:00 pm / Central

Holiday Ornament Making / Tuesday, December 10 / 6:30 pm / Eastwood / Colleen Heuser will lead guests in holiday ornament making. Supplies provided.

Reindeer Reign / Saturday, December 14 / 10:00 am / Oshtemo / Meet reindeer from Carol Borton’s Reindeer Ranch! Dress for outdoor weather.

Fantastic Rumpus: 50 Years of Children’s Book Illustrations

Saturday, December 14 / 10:00 am / Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S. Park St. / KIA Members: $2, non-members: $5 / Enjoy an exhibition featuring children’s book illustrations and meet Michigan author and illustrator Matt Faulkner. Activities and more!

Make a Gingerbread House / Tues, December 17 / 6:00 pm / Eastwood / Create an edible masterpiece! Supplies provided. Ages 7-11. Must register: 553-7810.

Pet Presents / Wednesday, December 18 / 4:00 pm / Powell / Make a present for your pet! Supplies provided. Ages 7-11.

Yummy New Year’s Hats / Friday, December 27 / 2:00 pm / Oshtemo / Make an edible hat for New Year’s! Must register: 553-7980.

Miss Lisa: Stories and Dance / Movement and stories for preschoolers. 3-6 yrs. Registration required.

• Saturday, December 28 / 10:30 am / Central

• Monday, December 30 / 10:30 am / Oshtemo

Calendar Making / Monday, December 30 / 2:00 pm / Powell / Decorate a 2014 calendar! Supplies and snacks provided. Ages 7-11.

New Year’s Party / Monday, December 30 / 2:00 pm / Washington Square / Festive New Year’s fun! Snacks included. Ages 7-11.

Gathering for Games / Tuesday, December 31 / 2:00 pm / Eastwood / Meet with friends for an afternoon of board games. Ages 7-11.

december

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