February 2020
Cavalier Wrestling Sends Multiple Wrestlers to Regional Round of District Tournament
More Inside on Page 6 (Courtesy photo)
To submit stories/photos email MELISSA at CORUNNACONNECTION@GMAIL.COM To advertise in this booklet contact our new sales associate, KENNEDY at 989.721.0423. The Corunna Connection is a direct mail monthly paper sent to all of Corunna, Vernon and parts of Lennon (in Shiawassee County). Our goal with the Corunna Connection is to create a platform for Corunna residents and students to connect. We do not have staff writers and are counting on YOU to provide us with stories & photos of newsworthy people and events. Some space limitations may apply and we reserve the right to limit or reject any insertions into this paper. Corunna is where our kids go to school. This is the town we love and our hope is that as you read each edition of The Corunna Connection, your love and appreciation for what a great community we have will continue to grow. Stacey Henry, sales mgr.: cconnectionsales@gmail.com; and Melissa Shepard, design/production/editor: corunnaconnection@gmail.com.
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wall of honor
Shown is a rough draft picture of what the wall will look like and also a graphic. earliest Cavalier we have found that served was Ray Derham, class of By Jason Beldyga We are building a Corunna Cavaliers Veterans Wall of Honor” to rec- 1906. ognize the many sacrifices CHS students have made throughout the • We have relied on public submissions, obituaries, and newspaper clippings in building our database of names. years defending our country. • The wall will be placed in a prominent place within our school. There • We are still seeking help with those individuals who left high school won’t be a student who attends Corunna High School that doesn’t early to serve, those who went into the military several years after graduating, and those who earned their diploma after serving as a pass the wall. • We anticipate the wall being approximately 20’ wide and 9’ tall. part of our Adult Education Program. • The wall will feature each of the branches of the military with the • “We believe the community will be proud of this project when it’s all said and done. It will be a great conversation piece, a look into the names of Veterans on dog tags along with their year of graduation. • The dog tags will be placed randomly on the wall- but within each many sacrifices of Cavalier students throughout history, and a way of keeping the spirit and memory of those who have come before us Veteran’s branch of the military. • “We know this is an ongoing process to research our rich military alive in the halls of CHS.” history and gather the names of Veterans - but we are committed to • Our goal is to have the wall constructed before Graduation in midrecognizing those Cavaliers who have served!” May. • “We have been making several upgrades to our hallways with the • Donations for the construction of the wall can be sent to Corunna help of dozens of adult and student volunteers and we see this as the High School, 417 E. King St., Corunna, MI 48817 Attention: Athletics highlight of our improved look. We believe this wall will really give We will continue to collect the names/information of Veterans who visitors pause and they will be surprised on how much the military attended Corunna High School up to and beyond the construction of and service really connects us all.” the Wall of Honor. A link to the short form to add a name to the wall • As of this email, we have 245 Veteran’s names in our database. The can be found on our website- www.corunna.k12.mi.us.
PIXELLOT Offers Fans of Cavalier Athletics an “Eye in the Sky”
Support the Corunna Education Foundation by purchasing a ticket (or two) to the annual raffle dinner April 29. These hard-working volunteers have presented more than $1 million in scholarships to Corunna students through the years. Call (989) 743-6338 to reserve your ticket.
The Corunna Public Schools’ athletic department recently expanded the PIXELLOT filming capabilities with the installation of cameras in the Corunna Middle School gymnasium, as well as the Nick Annese Athletic Field. We are excited to offer LIVE and ON-DEMAND video of events held in these two facilities as well as the Corunna High School gymnasium with a paid subscription (Link: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/support/corunna-highschool-corunna-mi?redir=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfhsnetwork. com%2Fschools%2Fcorunna-high-school-corunna-mi) to our NFHS page. Plans start at $10.99/month. One feature that we hope our fans will take advantage of is the ability to watch AWAY contests with a paid subscription. Many other schools in the area and in the Flint Metro League are installing systems and your subscription allows you to watch our Cavaliers LIVE from anywhere in the world. Call (989) 743-3441 with questions.
fattal’s forum There are tons of reasons why I believe Corunna is the “Gold standard” of school districts. I would like to highlight those people in our district who address the social/emotional well being of all of our students. Today’s students have a way more stressful school life than I did back in the day. I know I’m probably sounding like Grandpa Fattal here, but bear with me. Back in 1970 when I was in kindergarten, we showed up to school, talked about the weather and whether we wanted chocolate, strawberry (my personal favorite), or white milk with our snack. Then we spent some time coloring. Then we had recess. Then snack. Then a nap. Then some more coloring. Then another recess. And then we went home. It was a ½ day, also. Today’s kindergarten experience is not like that at all. Students are expected to come into kindergarten already knowing how to write their name and identify the alphabet. And the expectations rise every day after that. And that’s difficult for our students (I’ll pontificate about items we need to consider improving in our public school system another time…). But again, what I want to spotlight today, are those people in our district who assist students through times when they are feeling overwhelmed and teach them coping skills to manage their own emotions, thoughts, feelings and to help strengthen social skills. The greatest benefits of social skills instruction are improving both the academic and social functioning of individual students and the interpersonal climate of the classroom for all students. They encourage students to be assertive in expressing their needs and preferences to ensure the development of positive self-esteem, self-confidence, and a sense of identity. We have a systemic support system for all of our students from preschool through 12th grade, that I believe is unrivaled. Our district social-emotional learning personnel in grades K-7 are Rachel Hannah, Jeni Myers, Brittany Wiggins, Heidi Haremski, Alexis Spaulding, Torie Shoemaker, and Tami Sawyer. District social workers include Chance Alumbaugh, Allison Tollafield, Christina Bukovick, Brooke Ebenhoeh, and Andy Toney. Counselors include Mindy Dunn, Sherri Svrcek, and Amy Murphy, and we are the only district in the area to have a Social Emotional Resource Coordinator in Alesha Miller, who is housed at our 4-7 building. These people (in fact all of our staff members) put their heart and soul into the well-being of our students. So when you see them around town, please be sure to reach out to them and say, “Thank you”. They are truly more reasons why it’s GREAT to be GOLD! * One of the things we pride ourselves on here at Corunna Public Schools is our emphasis on reading, discussing and writing from kindergarten through 12th grade. After all, regardless of how much technology influences our lives, we are still human beings who will always have the need to research important issues, have conversations with others to hear all viewpoints and opinions, and finally express our views by putting our thoughts and ideas into a written format. Those pillars of education are never going away no matter how society changes. A perfect example of how this is benefiting Corunna’s students can best be exemplified by one of our kindergarten students, Carlie Buehler (the daughter of a CHS graduate Lindsey (Martin) Buehler, whose teacher is Tracy Foster (who submitted Carlie’s work entitled “Dancing”), had one
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of her written pieces selected for publication in the Michigan Reading Association’s (MRA) annual Kaleidoscope publication! Carlie’s hard work as an author, coupled with Mrs. Foster’s classroom guidance, will allow her to showcase the skills she’s learned and be recognized through this publication that highlights student writings from across the state. Through the Kaleidoscope publication, MRA celebrates the accomplishment of young authors by showcasing their voices, insights, and skills as they are welcomed into a statewide community of writers. Selecting the writing pieces for this publication is a difficult task. Each year, teachers from across Michigan submit the work of eager writers for review and acceptance by representatives of the MRA. In addition, she will be attending the Student Authors’ Luncheon at MRA’s Annual Conference in March at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. Students from different school districts have earned the prestigious honor of being recognized by the Michigan Reading Association as outstanding young authors and poets. Carlie’s accomplishment is just another reason why I believe Corunna is the “Gold standard” of school districts. * Begindergarten & Kindergarten We’re excited to meet our newest Cavalier class coming in next fall! If you have a child ready to start Begindergarten or Kindergarten next year, please call today to set up an appointment. Registration will be March 5 and 6. Please call (989) 743-1579 to set up an appointment to ensure there’s a spot for your future Cavalier! * Athletic contests Our athletic department recently expanded the Pixellot filming capabilities with the installation of cameras in the Corunna Middle School gymnasium, as well as the Nick Annese Athletic Field! We are excited to offer more LIVE and ON-DEMAND videos of events held in these two facilities, as well as any athletic event hosted in the Corunna High School gymnasium with a subscription. Simply type “nfhsnetwork” into your computer search engine (Google, Bing, etc.) and sign up to watch our events. Plans start at $10.99 a month or $69.99 for a full year of events (a small portion of the subscription can be designated back to support Corunna Public Schools). One feature we hope our fans will take advantage of is the ability to watch AWAY contests with a paid subscription! Many other schools in the area and in the Flint Metro League are installing systems and your subscription allows you to watch our Cavaliers LIVE from anywhere in the world! Once you have a subscription, you can watch any school that has the Pixellot system intact. For instance, my oldest son coaches varsity basketball at Freeland High School, and I’m able to watch his games when my commitments to Corunna keep me here. His grandpa does the same. And, I’m able to watch my childhood friend’s (Mike Hazelton) varsity basketball games (he’s the varsity coach at Port Isabel High School in Texas) occasionally. Or better yet, you can attend a Cavalier event live, and then go home and watch it again and again!! We’re proud to be able to offer this service to our Cavalier faithful! Call (989) 743-3441 with questions. * Have a great day and remember, young or old, it’s GREAT to be GOLD! John Fattal, Superintendent
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military homecoming
Corunna High School hosted the Homecoming Ceremony for the 46th Military Police on Thursday, January 30th. (Photos Courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
athletic news
Women in Sports Leadership Conference
Coaches Leadership Conference Students Jeremiah Davis, Jacob Lloyd, Scout Jones & Porter Zeeman traveled to Lansing for the Michigan High School Football Coaches leadership conference on a recent snow day, Tuesday, February 11th. Students who were sick and couldn’t attend but were represented by their name badges: Nick Steinacker, Jaden Herrick & Colin Lavery. Excellence over Success was the main point by speaker Jason Hansen, a former Detroit Lions great. Pursuing excellence before success, rewarding excellence, excellent people having failures and excellence in who you are, not just your craft were a big part of his keynote address. These young men were a part of several breakout sessions with roughly 20 other teams that were in attendance and Corunna Public Schools received many compliments from the organizers about these young men’s ability to participate and lead during their work. Everyone should be very proud of how Corunna High School was represented by these 4 student-athletes and how they carried themselves throughout the day. Corunna will continue to grow the captains and the team together all year, as the time draws close to the season. (Courtesy Photo)
These 6 sophomore girls attended the Women in Sports Leadership Conference in Lansing on Monday, February 3. The girls heard from some phenomenal speakers and we are excited to have them share what they learned with their fellow Cavaliers. (Photo courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
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SERVING SHIAWASSEE COUNTY FOR A DECADE! Congratulations to Alan Montgomery, who just moments ago was named the 2019 MITCA Division 2 Girls Track Coach of the Year on January 31. Thank you for all that you do for Cavalier Athletics. (Courtesy Photo)
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varsity wrestling
Corunna Wrestling Team Has A Solid Season Submitted by Coach David Wibert “This season I have a few wrestlers doing really well by weight class: at 112 lbs., D’Angelo Campos is currently 21-4 and I believe he has a good chance of making some noise in the post season he has a tough road because a lot of the top guys in the state are in our district; at 119 lbs., Declan Davis is 28-10 this season and he has a good chance but again is in a very deep weight class (at press time Declan didn’t qualify for the Regional round); at 125 lbs., Gabe Serbus always has a chance due to his experience and ability (at press time Declan didn’t qualify for the Regional round); at 140 lbs., Xavier Anderson is 30-9 this season and is wrestling well, and has a good chance to move on; at 145 lbs., Ty Anderson who was 32-3 this season, finished 5th in the state last year and hopes to make a long run; and at 160 lbs., Matt Weiss was 26-11 on the season, has a lot of experience, is tough and he hopes to make a push far into the post season,” said Coach David Wibert. The Cavalier’s team goal was to get a district title, but they fell a little short (35-41) to Durand on Wednesday, February 12.
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girls varsity basketball
Submitted by Coach Ron Birchmeier The 2019-20 Corunna Girls Basketball season is well underway. The Junior Varsity and Varsity teams have been working hard since November. We have a very young group who are learning each and every day. The development of our players and program have been tremendous. The Varsity team currently stands at 6-9 while the Junior Varsity stands at 3-11. The Varsity team consists of the following players: Breann Barker, Ricki Cantu, Danielle French, Hannah Thomson, all Seniors; Grace Yerian, Piper LePino, Amanda VanDusen, all Juniors; Ellie Toney, Sophomore; Kira Patrick, Jenna Bauman and Sydnie Gillette, all Freshman. The Junior Varsity Roster consists of the following players: Mary Yer-
ian, Ellie Homola, Kiersten Ball, Skyler Alchin, BreOnna Woodruff, Nora Hovde, Gracie Crowe, Adrianna Young-Smith, Lylah Townsend and Oliva Lindsey. The girls and coaches appreciate all the support the community of Corunna and surrounding areas provide. They also welcome as many fans as possible to come and enjoy a fun filled game. The first week of March is coming and then districts will begin. The teams in Corunna’s districts are Corunna, Chesaning, Ovid Elsie, Owosso and Durand. It will be competitive, as anyone can come away with the title. The Corunna girls will work hard over the next few weeks to prepare and be ready for the moment.
Good Luck To All The Corunna Teams Heading Into the Post Season! IT’S GREAT TO BE GOLD!
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school news
Educational Foundation
Once again, the Corunna Public Schools’ Educational Foundation has awarded several teacher mini grants. Teachers submit an application for extra classroom supplies or items they believe would enhance the learning experience for their students. The Foundation awarded a total of nearly $5,000 in mini grants. Kim Kiesling’s first graders are shown with their new white boards, markers and erasers purchased through the mini grant during a classroom lesson. (Photo Courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
Spelling Patterns First grade students in Amy Schu’s Elsa Meyer Elementary classroom independently listed and sorted words from this week’s spelling patterns in Book Worms, which were beginning “d”, “j” and “dr” sounds. Students then gathered in groups to discuss their words and how to spell each word. (Photo courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
elementary school news 100th Day!
PJ’S
Elementary students recently observed the 100th day of school. This day is a time of celebration for early learners and elementary students. Many special activities were incorporated into the days learning. The students are pictured in the Nellie Reed Elementary begindergarten classroom of Missy Boilore. (Photo courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
First grade students in Amy Schu’s Elsa Meyer Elementary classroom independently listed and sorted words from this week’s spelling patterns in Book Worms, which were beginning “d”,“j” and “dr” sounds. Students then gathered in groups to discuss their words and how to spell each word. (Photo courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
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OYS BASKETBALL 4:15pm Lake Fenton 4:15pm Goodrich 4:15pm Davison
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boys varsity swimming
Boys Varsity Swim Team Making Improvements
The Varsity Swim team is making small improvements this season. The new league is a step up in competition level. The team is 3-1-1 in conference and 6-2-1 overall on the season. The team has had sickness and injuries that has slowed the usual improvement but it has led to the younger swimmers having to step up to fill the void. Ayden Henry as sophomore, has stepped up in the 500 and 200 freestyle. His times lead the team in those events. Freshman Grant Kerry brings his 24-second 50 freestyle and 54-second 100 freestyle this year to help boost the team’s sprints. Freshman Jackson Reed has helped tremendously in the 200 IM, 100 Fly and 100 backstroke. Sophomore Michael Costello has been able to fill in almost anywhere we need him. He has significantly improved his butterfly and his breaststroke. He can score the team points in the 200 IM if needed as well. Connor Jacons is improving in the 200 and 500 freestyle. Dominic Koliboski had to fill in as captain this year with injury to Eli Edwards and he is really doing a fantastic job in the new role. The team has one more dual meet and then should finish 2nd at the conference meet behind perennial powerhouse Fenton.
First Robotics
FIRST Robotics went to the vex competition recently and had a great time competing. The event was held in the Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills. FIRST Robotics is looking forward to making this an annual event. FIRST Robotics ended up in the top ten. It was a nice opportunity to come together, learn and network with other teams.
The team plans to show the robot at their open house on March 6 from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Robotics Lab at Corunna Middle School (pool building). (Photos Courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
school news
Convertible Benches Join us for the 5th Annual
at Corunna High School 417 E. King Street, Corunna, MI Saturday, April 25, 2020 10am - 3pm Free Public Admission
Students in Zach Nicholson’s high school woods class have been making convertible benches. Woodworking classes enhance an education in many ways that purely academic courses cannot. Students learn hand-eye coordination, basic tool use, spatial visualization, complex problem-solving, manufacturing and technology knowledge, creativity, the value of trades and labor, and how to put academic subjects into context. The benches were a great project to bring students together to produce a valuable and useful product. (Photo courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
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odyssey of the mind
Problem: The Fashion Bug Division Primary L to R: Coach Brittany Wiggins, Noah Wiggins, Macie Chunko, Arrand Webb, Chase Cooper and Ricky Bruce.
Problem: The Fashion Bug Division Primary L to R: Bronson Bonasse, Jaxson Baley, Tanner Richards, Alyiah Barnes, Holden Pettit, and Coach Katie Chunko.
Problem Longshot Solution Division 1-First Place R: Audrey Taphouse, Olivia to L Chunko, Ezra Nellis, Claire Chunko, Payton Wiggins, and Evelyn Lindberg.
Problem Net Working Problem The Effective Detective Division 1-First Place Division 1-First Place L to R: Ethan Pendell, Isabel L to R: Emelia Moore, Coach Bentler, Abigail Bentler, Sabrina George Flynn, Emmie Hebekeuser, Cooper, Asher Nellis, Logan Coo- Hoyt McCorkle, and Nathan Hallett. per, and Coach Judy Flynn.
Problem Longshot Solution Division 2-First Place L to R: Andersen Zachar, Kenny Evans, Tye DeLorge, Isla Sule, Aiden Nellis, and Joel DeLorge.
On Saturday, February 8, seven Corunna Odyssey of the Mind teams competed in their regional tournament at New Lothrop High School. Thirty-seven students across seven teams all brought home medals. The primary teams both earned medals, but because they are demonstration teams they do not advance to state competition. The oth-
Problem Longshot Solutions Division 1-First Place L to R: David Harris, Alan Jones, Alex Sanderson, Grace Basso, and Henna Nellis.
er five teams earned gold medals and will travel to state competition on March 14 at Thornapple Kellogg Schools. We wish all the teams well and know they will do a great job representing Corunna Public Schools. (Photos Courtesy of Dr. Kristy-Walters Flynn)
Athletes of the Month Presented by Rivals Taphouse & Grille Gabriel Baumchen
By Melissa Shepard
Senior Gabriel Baumchen has been a Cavalier standout in three sports, Bowling for 3 years and Football and Track for 4 years. Gabriel was All-Region in Track in 5 events in the last 2 years, as well as All-Conference, he also placed 17th at the State meet in the 100 hurdles. He also set the school record for the longest run in a football game when he had a 95 yard rush against cross-town rival Owosso. When asked about his teammates and coaches, Gabriel responded, “I’m thankful for all of my teammates and coaches.” Gabriel is also a member of FFA and has spent 2 years in the Corunna Band. Gabriel signed his letter of intent in mid-February to run track and field for Detroit Mercy. He will be majoring in psychology there. “My favorite thing about being a Cavalier is the support from everyone,” said Gabriel. (Courtesy Photo)
Ricki Cantu
By Melissa Shepard
Senior Rickie Cantu likes to stay busy. She is a multi-sport athlete for the Cavaliers, playing golf for 1 year; currently in her final year of basketball for the Cavs (4 years, 7 years overall); and in the fall will have her 4th year of softball completed for the Cavs (13 years overall). When asked about her teammates, Ricki responded, “I feel like no matter what sport it is, I always have the best teammates. They’re always there to help pick me up if I’m not doing too good. When I am doing good, they make me feel even better about myself because they’re always being loud and cheering, and that momentum and energy always carries out onto the court/field with me.” As far as coaches, I’ve had the best coaches for all my sports. Each of them care about all their players no matter what and want the best for them in sports and in life.” Ricki is also a part of the National Honors Society, which leads her to volunteering a lot. That includes helping out at CMS for school sporting events, youth camps/games and even for high school athletic events. After high school Ricki plans to go into the military, and depending on which branch she decides on, she will be going to school for Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement). When asked what her favorite thing about being a Cavalier is, Ricki said, “being part of such a supportive community and school. The teachers we have are engaged with all their students and are always making sure they’re do well inside the classroom as well as in life in general. Our community and students are always involved and there to support at the various different events we have going on and that’s more important to student athletes more than anything else in my opinion.” (Courtesy Photo)
snow sculpting team
This past month the Corunna snow sculpting team made their way k12.mi.us or call her at (989) 721-8348. up to Frankenmuth for the Annual Zehnder’s Snowfest from Janu- (Courtesy Photo) ary 25th to the 27th. This would be the 8th year that Corunna High School has participated in the snow carving competition. The team is composed of Maria McCreadie, Kirstein Dowland, Nadine Stowell and Lexi LaLonde. The team is led by Corunna High School art teacher, Shannon Dasen. This year the team attempted a very intricate design for their sculpture, Shannon said, “The team placed 5th, carving a woodland cabin. The cabin depicted chipped wood, tree bark, a fairy and many other Now Accepting Delta Dental PPO Patients details including a mailbox with mail.” Shannon Dasen also wanted to remind the town of Corunna that she will be hosting a fundraiser for the school’s Snow Sculpting Team called Ceramic Madness. She said, “Corunna High School Art students will be hosting two ceramic painting fundraising classes. All proceeds will help fund our 2021 “Snow Sculpting Team.” This is how it works. You pick out a ceramic piece to paint and we have many to choose from. No artistic ability is required as students will help you with design, color choices and inspire your creative flow.” After painting your ceramic piece, it will be fired and • Implants • Complete Smile Makeovers • Root Canals ready for pick-up in about a week. There are several items to choose • Extractions • Gum Therapy • Dentures from: large plates, mugs, coasters, serving plates and bowls. Prices • CEREC Technology for Beautiful Crowns in Just One Visit! range from $10-$40 per piece. Come join us for an extended night of creative fun and stay warm ✔ Always Accepting New Patients ✔ Children & Adults and cozy during the long winter days with your own hand-painted Hot Cocoa mug, soup and cracker mug or create a movie theme with ✔ Most Insurances Accepted ✔ Affordability Options popcorn bowls. We have many creative gift ideas. We will be selling all leftover in-stock inventory: Christmas, Halloween and much more, so come early to get the best selections. The madness begins at 3 pm and ends at 12 am on Friday, March 13 and will be held in the high school art room 141. Park in the west parking lot, located behind the tennis courts. Turn left into the first drive (parent drop off ), come in through the main doors and make a left, the art room is the 3rd door on the right. Wear comfortable clothes, and of course, appropriate pa611 N. Shiawassee St., Corunna jamas are welcome. Snacks will be provided and door prizes will be given throughout the night. RSVP to Mrs. Dasen at sdasen@corunna.
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$3 Each visit, join at any time. 7:00-8:00pm Wednesdays: February 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 Corunna Olmsted Pool 400 N. Comstock St. Drop-ins Welcome! Aqua Zumba with Tracy Schultz $5 Each visit, join at any time. 7:00-8:00pm Mondays: February 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23, April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18, June 1 Corunna’s Olmsted Pool 400 N. Comstock St., Corunna Drop-ins Welcome!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Mother Son Dance is scheduled for March 3, 2020 (Makeup date March 10) Tickets on sale now at Administration Office, 124 North Shiawassee St., Corunna. Call (989) 743-6338 with questions.
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Business Cards • Glass Etching • Vinyl Decals • T-Shirts Flyers • Brochures • Logos • Catalogs Order Forms • Hats • Websites • And More! Melissa Shepard • (989) 666-1340 msdesign45@gmail.com • bigblock47@frontier.com mshepard-design.com
community news Contact Amy Garrett with any questions: (989)666-8351 or garrett_aj@hotmail.com MARK YOUR CALENDARS: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29th WILL BE OUR EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FROM 9-12 LOWER LEVEL OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER STOP IN AND REGISTER YOUR PLAYER TO SAVE $5.00 OFF YOUR REGISTRATION FEE. MUST BE PAID IN FULL ON THIS DAY FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT TO APPLY.
Corunna Public Schools’ Community Luncheons for 2019-2020 (Wednesdays) March 11 April 8 May 13 1:00 p.m. Corunna High School Cafeteria Meals are $3.75
Prices range from $50.00 to $75.00 depending on division Advanced T-ball (4-5 yr. olds $50.00); Midgets (1st/2nd grade $60.00); Minor (3rd/ 4th grade $65.00); Majors (5th/ 6th grade $65.00) Jr Pony (14U $75.00) Pony division can register through the middle of April ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION DATES: SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH 4-6 THURSDAY, MARCH 12TH 6-8 SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH 9-2 Minor and Major divisions travel Tball through Majors season begins the beginning of May through the end of June with games being played Monday through Thursday
GET OUT THE SKATES AND STICKS, IT’S HOCKEY SIGN-UP TIME SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29th WILL BE OUR EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FROM 9-12 LOWER LEVEL OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER STOP IN AND REGISTER YOUR PLAYER TO SAVE $5.00 OFF YOUR REGISTRATION FEE. MUST BE PAID IN FULL ON THIS DAY FOR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT TO APPLY. YOUTH PLAYERS $75.00
ADULT PLAYERS $85.00 ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION DATES: SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH 4-6 TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH 6-8 SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH 9-2
Students in the second-grade classroom of Kelly Fry have been learning about Helen Keller. During her life, Ms. Keller became more and more famous based on her work as an author and as an advocate for people with disabilities. Students were fascinated by the ways she learned to communicate as a blind and deaf person. Above, students are shown practicing (ASL) American Sign Language. (Photos courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
school news
Finding Success with Drones
Practice Makes Perfect Band Director Craig Luft is shown working with seventh grade students at Corunna Middle School. His students are progressing well and are looking forward to their participation in the Memorial Day Parades, and becoming a part of our award-winning high school band one day. (Photo courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
To Submit News To The Corunna Connection: email corunnaconnection@gmail.com
Andrew Hudson’s seventh-grade technology students are learning about drones and how to program them. Students are working through problems and obstacles step by step to create their programs and adapting to change, mistakes, and failure to complete each challenge. It may sound like a swarm of bees, but it looks like students overcoming frustration through grit and determination to complete their missions and find success. (Photo Courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
For Advertising: Contact New Sales Associate Kennedy Shepard (989) 721-0423 To Submit News Email: corunnaconnection@gmail.com
daddy/daughter dance
Taking Their “Ladies” To the Dance
Nearly two hundred “ladybugs” danced the night away with their dads at the Ladybug Daddy Daughter Dance held on January 28 at Corunna Middle School. SoundWavz Entertainment provided the music and Hickory Lane Photography was on hand to capture the evening for couples in a photograph. Cookies and punch were served
and each daughter took home a ladybug necklace to remember the evening. Not only did dads enjoy the evening, but many other father figures and grandpas also were in attendance. The Daddy Daughter Dance has become a highly anticipated January event. (Photos Courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
elementary news Piglets
Multiplication Assessment Students are shown in the fourth-grade classroom of Melissa Whalen. Students are using their classroom Chromebooks to take an Edulastic math assessment on multiplication. The technology-enhanced assessment is a great tool to assist teachers. It allows them to fix gaps and chart student growth. (Photo Courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
Three-day-old piglets made a visit to Elsa Meyer Elementary on a recent cold February day. Corunna FFA students, Faith Crist and Jessie Walker are shown with students in Kim Kiesling’s first grade classroom. The girls let the elementary students pet the piglets and shared many interesting facts about the newborns. The piglets will be attending the Shiawassee County Fair in August. (Photo Courtesy of Corunna Public Schools)
Connection of the month
Bryan Heid
(Courtesy Photos) by Livianna Gotts Bryan Heid is a teacher at Corunna high school and has been for 19 years. Bryan had this to say about his job, “I am a high school math and computer science teacher and the boys Cross Country Coach. This is my 19th year at Corunna. It is a little weird being one of the most senior members of the staff.” When asked his favorite parts of the job his response was, “I love encouraging people to do things that they never thought possible. That happens both in mathematics and in Cross Country. I love to watch someone fight through their fears and their comfort zone to reach heights that seemed impossible before. I also love to celebrate success and that happens a lot!” Mr. Heid also mentioned that he is not a Corunna alumni. He had this to say about his school, “I attended high school and graduated from Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora, IL. I lived at my high school so I have a very different high school experience than most. I had to apply to my high school and I attended with students from all over the state of Illinois.” Bryan’s wife Katie, can be heard on the radio every day giving the Michigan news on the Michigan talk Network; they have two sons, Nolan and Lucas, who both attend Corunna Public
Schools. Bryan enjoys many things in his spare time,“I enjoy family time and I also enjoy running. I am currently training for the 2020 Boston Marathon on April 20th.” “I have been the Cross Country coach for the past 15 years and love getting to know and challenge the students in distance running. I have been able to work with so many outstanding people while coaching Cross Country like my assistant coach, the incomparable Dave Brown, or the wonderful parents of our runners. But it truly amazes me to be able to watch the growth and the amount of love these athletes have for the sport and for each other. I am blessed to have been able to work with them and compete for the Corunna Cavaliers! Corunna is known throughout the state for its distance runners, and not just for the times and places. Our runners represent this town well!” When asked why it’s great to be gold, Bryan responded, “The support people have for each other. People lift each other up and know that we are better together than on our own. The way that this district and this town rally around people is phenomenal and one of the best reasons why it is great to be gold!”