Red and White - Oct/Nov 2018

Hello and Welcome To Our

New Staff Issue

The

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From superintendent

KEEVIN O’NEILL Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot once said, “There must be a profound recognition that parents are the first teachers and that education begins before formal schooling and is deeply rooted in the values, traditions, and norms of family and culture.”

All of us at Vicksburg Community Schools sincerely appreciate the tremendous commitment our families devote to being the “first teachers” of our students and the support they provide our schools on a daily basis.

As I spent part of my summer meeting and welcoming new teachers and staff to the Vicksburg Community Schools family, I began to think about my first teaching position many, many years ago. It reminded me that teaching is one of the few professions in which new teachers take on the full responsibility of the position the FIRST day in the classroom. We know that research shows that teachers and high-quality teaching matter more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling. That is why we focus on hiring the best candidates available and support our teachers from day one.

“Every employee of our school system has a role to ensure every Vicksburg Community Schools student meets his or her potential and grows to become an active and productive citizen in the future.”

Vicksburg Community Schools is committed to supporting our new staff through high-quality training, instructional coaching, and professional development to optimize teaching, and most importantly, student learning. We value the input our new staff brings to our professional learning communities, and we want to ensure their success now, and into the future.

High-quality training is not only reserved for our new teachers but our new support staff as well. In addition to providing the best services possible for ALL children in Vicksburg, our support staff receives annual training to ensure the safety, health, and continued academic support for our students.

During my opening remarks to the entire Vicksburg Community Schools staff, I shared my vision of “all means ALL.” Simply explained, every employee of our school system has a role to ensure every Vicksburg Community Schools student meets his or her potential and grows to become an active and productive citizen in the future. We often talk about our staff as the “Vicksburg family,” and we look forward to the contributions of our new staff as we strive for “all means ALL.” Enjoy getting to know our new members of the VCS family!

Vicksburg Community Schools Traditions in Excellence “I’m incredibly grateful for the interest teachers took in me when they saw a spark.” Bridget Jancarz - 2004 Graduate

“The staff at Vicksburg pushes the students to their full potential and I am proud to be an alumni of such a great school.” Chad Bowersox - 2015 Graduate

“My teachers at Vicksburg helped me to stay motivated and plan for future goals. I could not be doing this is it wasn’t for them.” Madeline Isch - 2016 Graduate

COVER PHOTO BY SUE MOORE

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Matt Hawkins - Assistant Principal Matt describes working at VHS as “coming home.”

A 2002 graduate of Schoolcraft High School, Matt received degrees at Spring Arbor and the University of Michigan. He began his career as a teacher and assistant principal at Gull Lake High School. He then worked as the principal at Centreville Junior/High School for two years before joining VHS as Assistant Principal. Matt and his wife April have three children, Callia, Thomas, and Emmilyn. Matt enjoys reading, hiking, fishing, camping, running, and spending time with his family. His family is deeply rooted in the community—in fact, the Hawkins built their home in the VCS district on property which has been in the family for over 100 years.

Jake Munson - Seminar Support Jake joins the Seminar Support Staff after several years of substitute teaching in the district. A 2013 graduate of VHS, Jake earned an Associate of Arts degree from KVCC and is currently pursuing a degree in English Education from Western Michigan University. Jake enjoys attending and participating in theatre, film, and music. In addition, he holds many positions in the local arts community: Management Coordinator for VHS Bulldog Marching Band, cast member of the Vicksburg Rotary Showboat, Soundboard Operator at the VHS Performing Arts Center, and member of the Board of Directors for the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center.

Angie First - Agri-Science Teacher Angie is excited to teach Agricultural Science classes at Vicksburg High School. After graduating from Laker High School, Angie earned an Agricultural Science degree from Michigan State University and worked in the agricultural business industry for many years. She and her husband Tim have three children: Henry, Charlotte, and Claire. Angie enjoys coaching softball, gardening, and helping on the family fruit farm.

Vicksburg High School

by Site Reporter - Kathy Forsythe Laura Hayman - Agri-Science Tech Assistant This fall, Laura assumed the role of AgriScience Technical Assistant at VHS. She is a graduate of St. Clair High School and Central Michigan University, graduating in 2004 with a Biology degree. She has worked extensively in Macomb County in the environmental department focusing on water quality and food safety. She and her husband Lucas live in Schoolcraft with their two children, Brynn and Hudson. Laura enjoys traveling, fishing, gardening, hiking, and golfing. Her favorite part of her new job is seeing her students get excited about science.

Rhonda Vroman - Special Education Paraprofessional Rhonda joined the VHS Special Education Department this fall as a Special Education ParaPro. She worked previously at Mendon High School. She has been married to her husband Doug for 33 years. They have six children and three granddaughters. Another granddaughter is due in October and their first grandson is set to arrive in January. Rhonda graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1979. She is enjoying her time at the high school, especially the staff and students she works with each day.

Emily Welch - Math Teacher After six years as a Vicksburg Middle School math teacher, Emily Welch brings her expertise to the math department at Vicksburg High School. Emily earned her teaching degree in Math and Chemistry from Western Michigan University. She and her husband Brett enjoy traveling and are currently planning a trip to Japan. They also adopted a black lab named Pollo who keeps them busy. Emily is enjoying the staff at VHS and the students in her Algebra and Geometry classes.

New Staff (left to right) Jake Munson, Matt Hawkins, Rhonda Vroman, Emily Welch, Laura Hayman, Angie First.

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Vicksburg Middle School

by Site Reporter - Stacy Jancasz Marissa Chiodo - 7th Grade English Teacher Marissa is new to Vicksburg Community Schools and she teaches 7th grade English at VMS. Marissa graduated from Western Michigan University in 2017 with a degree to teach both English and Spanish. Marissa studied abroad in Spain for two months and lived with a host family. She finished a long-term sub position at Portage Middle School before coming to Vicksburg. She has a dog named Coco that is a shepherd mix. In her free time, Marissa enjoys reading, walks with her dog, and going to the dog park.

Laura Richardson - 8th Grade Math Teacher Laura is the newest 8th grade mathematics teacher at VMS. Laura and her family moved to Portage six years ago from St. John, Indiana. She is married with two children, Tatum (7) and Tobin (5). Laura is a graduate of Central Michigan University with degrees in math, language arts, and physical education. She obtained a master’s degree in 2011 in Curriculum and Instruction at Mary Grove College.

Previously, Laura worked at Springport Public School teaching both math and language arts. She also held a teaching position for 5th and 8th grade math at Lake Central Schools. Running, volleyball, and tennis are a few activities she enjoys in her free time. Laura says she likes to bake but enjoys taste testing the results more than the process.

Koti Post - Office Paraprofessional Koti is a new office paraprofessional at VMS. She married her husband Ryan in 2004 and they have three amazing kids together, Zac is a 7th grader, Wes is in 5th grade, and Bre is a kindergartener. Koti has a dachshund named Dash and a flock of cats named Gus, Ninja, Bob, and Shadow.

She graduated from Portage Northern High School and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She said, “My most valuable education has come from raising my children.”

Prior to coming to VMS, Koti was a barista at Biggby and a cleaning lady for a church. She is deeply invested in a Women’s Ministry called LAUGH. Koti loves Vicksburg and feels so lucky to be a part of the school system.

Shannon Hillard - Office Administrative Assistant Shannon comes to VMS from Sunset Lake Elementary where she was an office aide for five year and a lunchroom cashier for one. Shannon has three daughters, two in 7th grade and one in 4th grade. She also has a foster child.

In her free time, Shannon enjoys watching her daughters sporting events and relaxing by her pool. She loves working for Vicksburg Community Schools and we love having her.

Jennifer Storey - Special Education Paraprofessional Jennifer returned to VMS last year after taking twelve years off. She has been married to her husband for 24 years and they have four sons. Her three eldest are now grown but her youngest attends VMS and is in the 7th grade. Jennifer went to college in her 40’s and obtained an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Kellogg Community College. Jennifer previously worked at Indian Lake Elementary as well as two childcare centers. She was a teacher for toddlers at Kid’s Crossing and Gilden Woods as well as the director of Gilden Woods Early Learning Center.

She enjoys photography, sign making, traveling, selling Perfectly Posh products, and camping on her property in northern Michigan. Jennifer has a passion for working with children. Welcome back Jennifer!

Kayla Vallier - Special Education Teacher Kayla has joined the VMS Special Education team and she continues to teach at VHS as well. In her new role, she co-teaches core classes and offers support to students with disabilities within the general education classroom.

Kayla has two younger siblings, a brother (15) and a sister (14), as well as an older brother and two nephews. Kayla graduated from Plainwell High School in 2010 and acquired a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in Special Education in 2016. Kayla enjoys puzzles, games, going to bingo and collecting DVD’s. This past summer she got a custom made entertainment center to hold her DVD collection. She is also an avid Candy Crusher and is on level 3,472.

New Staff (left to right) Jennifer Storey, Shannon Hillard, Koti Post, Laura Richardson, Beth Crabtree, Kayla Vallier, Whitney Bast, and Marissa Chiodo.

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Vicksburg Middle School Continued from Page 4

New Staff Amy Lawrence

Amy Lawrence - Math Interventionist Amy joins the math department at VMS this year. Her previous work experience includes time at Paramount Charter Academy and Schoolcraft Middle School. She has been married to her husband, Joe, for 23 years and they have two children together, son Andrew (20) and daughter Megan (18). Amy is a graduate of Portage Central High School and Western Michigan University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters of Educational Technology. Amy’s hobbies include traveling to warm places and going to the movies

Beth Crabtree - Special Education Paraprofessional Beth joins the Special Education team as a paraprofessional this year. Beth has been married for 18 years and has a son in 11th grade and a daughter in 9th. She graduated from Ruth Stevens School of Massage Therapy and has been a licensed massage therapist for 22 years. Beth also has a cupcake business and loves scrapbooking in her free time.

She also enjoys playing most sports. Beth says that she feels blessed in many ways. She loves working with kids and has learned more from them than she could ever teach them.

Whitney Bast - 6th Grade Art Teacher Whitney comes to VMS from Sunset Lake Elementary where she was an art teacher for three years. Whitney lives in Kalamazoo with her husband, Ethan, and their twoyear old labradoodle named Samson. In 2013, Whitney graduated from Spring Arbor University with a bachelor’s degree in drawing and in 2015 became a certified teacher.

Something interesting about Whitney is that she was a manager of a hotel and a cake decorator before she became a teacher. In her free time Whitney enjoys creating art, singing, making music, and building farmhouse tables.

Whitney says she is excited to expand her knowledge and craft of teaching art again this school year.

Indian Lake Elementary

By Site Reporter - Stephanie Dunham Kristen Roberts - 5th Grade Teacher Miss Kristen Roberts graduated with high honors from Michigan State University with a degree in Education and a Social Studies endorsement. Miss Roberts and her entire family are from the Kalamazoo area. She enjoys reading, swimming, horseback riding and watching football. Miss Roberts previously taught at Paramount Charter Academy and Schoolcraft Middle School. She is excited to have found her “school home” here at Indian Lake.

Callie Baker - 5th Grade Teacher Mrs. Callie Baker is a familiar face in the district having substitute taught at Sunset last year for an extended period of time. Mrs. Baker is married to her husband, Chad. Most of Mrs. Baker’s family lives in New York. Mrs. Baker graduated from The College of St. Rose with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her interests include spending time outside with her dog, Moose. She also enjoys reading and traveling. Mrs. Baker is excited to be a part of Vicksburg Community Schools.

Beth Schmid - 4th Grade Teacher Mrs. Beth Schmid is a familiar face at Indian Lake. Mrs. Schmid has been married to her husband Jason for 12 years and they have 3 children who all attend Indian Lake: Tobin (5th grade) Lily (4th grade) and Violet (1st grade).

Mrs. Schmid was previously a teacher at Kalamazoo Public Schools for 13 years. Mrs. Schmid graduated from Western Michigan University in 2004. She has also attended Spring Arbor College taking graduate classes.

Mrs. Schmid enjoys being an active member of her church and likes to go line dancing. She is very excited to be a part of the VCS family.

Sarah Fleming - Speech Pathologist Mrs. Sarah Fleming attended Central Michigan University for her undergraduate degree, and has a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Idaho State University. She is married and has a 2 year old son. Before coming to Indian Lake, Mrs. Fleming worked in Knoxville, Tennessee and at Calhoun Intermediate School District.

Mrs. Fleming enjoys spending time with her family, going to the movies and traveling to different places.

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Indian Lake Elementary Continued from Page 5 Jori Machiela - 3rd Grade Teacher Mrs. Jori Machiela went to Hope College for her undergraduate degree and graduated with her master’s degree from Newman University in 2015. Mrs. Machiela has taught in Garden City and Spring Hill, Kansas, and last year she taught 3rd grade at Hamilton Public Schools.

She has been married for four years to her husband, Brad, and they have a three year old daughter, Ella. She and her family enjoy traveling and exploring new places and love outdoor activities in all seasons. She also loves to cook. Having moved to lots of different places in the past, Mrs. Machiela is happy to be a part of the Vicksburg community.

Jennifer Schmidtendorff - Special Education Teacher Mrs. Jennifer Schmidtendorff graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Psychology/Special Education. She finished her graduate degree from Central Michigan University in Educational Leadership in 2017.

Mrs. Schmidtendorff has been married to her husband, Alex, for six years. They have two children, Isabelle is 2 and Colton is 4 months old. She comes to us after having worked for Three Rivers Community Schools for 8 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, going on vacation and spending time outdoors.

Wendy Cornett - Literacy/Math Paraprofessional Mrs. Wendy Cornett and her husband Tom have been married for 33 years and have 4 children. Mrs. Cornett’s youngest two children attend VHS. Mrs. Cornett has lived in many places including England. Mrs. Cornett studied Elementary Education and Child and Family Studies at the University of Texas, San Antonio and at Weber State University in Utah. Mrs. Cornett comes to us after being a paraprofessional at Bronson and Colon Community Schools. She enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hiking and biking. Mrs. Cornett is happy to be a part of team Indian Lake and she is also a fan of The Big Red Machine!

Sarah Bacalia - Psychologist Mrs. Sarah Bacalia currently holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. She is working on her doctoral degree in Special Education Administration from WMU as well. Mrs. Bacalia has been married for 19 years and they have four children – three daughters and one son ages 12, 10, 9 and 7. Mrs. Bacalia grew up on a farm is Hillsdale, MI. In her spare time, Mrs. Bacalia enjoys swimming, camping, water skiing, tubing, running and playing soccer. She also enjoys downhill skiing in the winter. She is excited to be part of a strong, encouraging team at Vicksburg Community Schools.

New Staff (left to right) Sarah Bacalia, Callie Baker, Kristen Roberts, Sarah Fleming (front), Jennifer Schmidtendorff, Jori Machiela, Heather Richeson (front), Beth Schmid, and Wendy Cornett

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Sunset lake Elementary

by Site Reporter - Tamara Young Chelsie Schimp - 1st Grade Teacher Mrs. Chelsie Schimp has joined the Sunset first grade team. She lives with her husband and their puppy. They both grew up in Vicksburg. She graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2011 then attended KVCC and Western Michigan earning her degree in Elementary Education.

She may look familiar because she previously worked as a literacy aid at Sunset. She loves to play card games and spend time with friends and family. She loves this community and is very happy to be part of the school system.

Chelsey Jones - Physical Education Teacher Miss Chelsey Jones is adding her enthusiasm to the PE department. She is teaching PE on Tuesdays and Fridays. She was born and raised in Indiana. She has two sisters who are attending Columbia University and Purdue University. They have left their parents as recent empty nesters but they did leave all their cats. Miss Jones graduated from Culver Community High School in 2012 then attended Manchester College where she received her degree in Physical Education and Health Education. She previously worked at Winamac High School in Indiana, Gull Lake Middle School, Indian Lake Elementary, and now Sunset. She loves being outdoors, playing with the dogs, reading lots of books, and spending time with her family (including the cats at home). She is very excited about her new role and is enjoying learning from Mrs. Getsinger.

Rebekah Engler - Playground/Cafeteria Supervisor Rounding out Sunset’s playground/cafeteria team is Mrs. Rebekah Engler. Mrs. Engler lives in Vicksburg with her husband and children. They moved here from South Carolina last year. Her husband works in law enforcement.

Her children keep her busy with their activities such as dance, theater, and sports. She attended school in New Jersey and graduated cosmetology school as well as two ministry schools. She has been very involved in several different ministries in her church. Her hobbies include music, church, and art. She really loves getting to know the students. She believes in their success. Her goal is to make it a safe place to learn and grow into the great leaders she knows they can be.

Kyle Baker - 1st Grade Teacher Mrs. Baker joined the fabulous first grade team at Sunset from Indian Lake where she previously taught for 3 years.

She lives with her husband and corgi, Frank. She is a graduate of Sturgis HS in 2008. Following high school she attended Hope College and majored in Special Education for children with emotional impairments. She is also currently working on her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Before teaching at Indian Lake, she taught inner-city children in Charlotte, NC. She likes reading, drinking coffee, summers on the lake, hiking, traveling, planning events, and spending time with friends and family!

New Staff (left to right) Chelsie Schimp, Kyle Baker, Chelsey Jones, and Rebekah Engler

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Tobey Elementary

by Site Reporter - Kelly MacDonnell Heather Richeson - Counselor Heather Richeson is the new school counselor at both Tobey and Indian Lake Elementary. She comes to us after ten years of teaching physical education, health, and English in Las Vegas, Maple Street Magnet School and Milwood Magnet School. Growing up, Heather was the oldest of four and was often responsible for helping her mom out with her siblings. Due to her father’s job, she moved a lot, attending twelve different schools between kindergarten and her senior year. She graduated from Farmington Hills High School and Western Michigan University. She and her husband Sean stay busy taking care of their five pets and eight rental properties in the Stuart Historic and Vine Neighborhoods of Kalamazoo.

They do most, if not all, the work themselves. Mrs. Richeson is proud of her skills and knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, cleaning, electrical work, and drywall. She also spends her time in nature and competing in athletic events, on co-ed sports teams, and is studying martial arts. She feels very fortunate to have been hired into Vicksburg Community Schools. She is impressed with the climate and culture that has been established and looks forward to collaborating with all members of the community.

Patty Heintzelman - Music Teacher Patty Heintzelman could probably navigate the roads of Vicksburg with her eyes closed now that she is driving to all three elementary building to share her amazing love of music!

She is a graduate of Allegan High School, Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University for her master’s degree in music education. She has previously taught band in Morely-Stanwood and middle school band and choir in Vicksburg. Patty and her husband have one daughter, two sons, and two dogs. In her free time she enjoys paper crafting, home decorating, and, of course, music. She has loved teaching in Vicksburg for the past twenty years and very much enjoys building relationships with the students, families, and staff.

Breanna Martin - Playground/Cafeteria Supervisor Breanna Martin joins the Tobey staff as a playground and cafeteria supervisor. She previously volunteered in multiple classrooms. She is a Vicksburg graduate. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and several years of teaching experience at Galesburg-Augusta Primary School play into her new role perfectly. Breanna and husband Scott have been married for ten years. They have three children: Brayden (8th), Sofia (3rd), and Nolan (Kindergarten). Breanna is a busy mom who spends her time outside on the lake and watching her children play sports. She also likes to read and spend time with family and friends.

Amy Stauffer Special Education Coordinator Amy Stauffer has taken the position of Special Education coordinator after five years of teaching Special Education at Tobey Elementary. She is a Vicksburg High School, Hope College, and WMU graduate. She and her husband Jared enjoy spending time camping with their children Emilia (4) and Isaiah (2). She is looking forward to spending time at all the elementary buildings and learning more about the middle and high schools. She is especially excited about working and collaborating with New Staff Amy Stauffer the special education teachers and staff to help increase student achievement.

Ashley Kettenbeil - Special Education Teacher Ashley Kettenbeil, Tobey’s new special education teacher, grew up in Vicksburg with her parents and dog Karmen. She attended Western Michigan University. After graduating in 2015, she worked in the Early Childhood Special Education room at Indian Lake for three years. She enjoys traveling, dance, and watching and going to sporting events, especially WMU and Notre Dame. Most of all, Ashley says she loves teaching and watching kids learn and grow.

Betsy Breitenbach - Kindergarten Teacher Betsy Breitenbach is continuing her legacy as a beloved kindergarten teacher at Tobey this year. She is also a graduate of Vicksburg and WMU. She enjoys reading, gardening, going to the beach, and running. She also loves spending time with her husband Ted and children Caleb, Sophie, and Gracie.

Jill Barton - 5th Grade Teacher Jill Barton has joined Tobey’s staff as a fifth grade teacher this year. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boise State University. She started her career in Mt. Pleasant but has spent the last seventeen years in Vicksburg Community Schools. She has been happily married to husband Matt for 19 years. They have two children: a daughter, Sawyer, who is a sophomore at VHS, and a son, Harrison, who is in 8th grade. She spent her summer running, reading, and fishing.

New Staff (Back row, left to right) Breanna Martin, Jill Barton, Betsy Breitenbach, Patty Heintzelman (Front row, left to right) Heather Richeson, Ashley Kettenbeil

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Transportation Services Tony Crawford - Bus Driver Mr. Tony, as the students call him, is the newest driver of bus number 11 at Vicksburg Community Schools. He is a graduate of Kalamazoo Public Schools and Davenport University’s Paramedic Program. Tony describes himself as fun and easy to get along with. He says that he enjoys kids of all ages and especially loves his two beautiful granddaughters who live in Idaho. Tony’s interests include cars, motorcycles, playing the drums and going to car shows.

Amy Monroe - Bus Driver After spending nearly 20 years in Florida, Amy has returned to her roots and she is the newest driver of bus number 8 at VCS. Amy is a 1993 graduate of Sturgis Public Schools and the mother of three beautiful daughters and a proud grandma.

Amy loves children and has an extensive history of working with students in public and charter school systems. She states that she “absolutely LOVES children...and treats them all as my own.” She also enjoys spending time with friends and family, swimming, canoeing, taking photos and fishing.

New Staff (left to right) Tony Crawford and Amy Moore

Support Services Sandra Cwiakala - Curriculum Administrative Assistant Sandra recently joined our Curriculum team as an Administrative Assistant. Sandra grew up in Laingsburg, MI and has a BBA from Western Michigan University where she majored in Operations Management and minored in Marketing. She previously worked at Harper Creek Community Schools and was a substitute teacher for more than eight years prior to that. Sandra and her husband, Joe, have three daughters, Callie, Katie, and Emilie. Their girls are all graduates of Harper Creek High School and are currently in college. Joe is a mechanical engineer at Kellogg’s and they reside in Battle Creek. Sandra loves to sew and bake and is known to friends and family as “The Cookie Fairy.” She also enjoys reading and often plays assistant to her photographer daughter. Sandra shared that she “can’t say enough about how welcoming and supportive everyone in Vicksburg has been. I’m so happy to have landed in Bulldog country.”

Paul Malcolm - VAB Custodial Last spring, Paul joined the Vicksburg Administration building as a custodian/ mailroom staffer. Paul attended school in Florida and graduated from Georgia State University with an AA in Business.

Paul’s wife Brandi is also a member of the VCS family and is the 1st shift custodian at Tobey Elementary. They have five children and were excited to welcome their first granddaughter this September. Paul previously worked as a District Manager for the Waffle House and a Manager with UPS. In his free time Paul enjoys playing golf and refinishing furniture.

New Staff (left to right) Paul Malcolm and Sandra Cwiakala

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Performing Arts center

By Tim Fuller Junie B. Jones, the Junior Musical

Junie B. Jones, the Junior Musical, is a delightful adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books, brought to life in a genuinely comical (and not strictly-for-kids) musical. It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.

Friday and Saturday, October 26 & 27, 2018 – 7:00pm Sunday, October 28, 2018 - 2:00pm Tickets for this event are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for students (18 and under). Order before October 19 and families of between 4-6 members (same household) are $30. Reservations can be made now by visiting www.vicksburgschools.org/performing-arts-center or by calling the Vicksburg Performing Arts Center ticket office at 321.1193 beginning October 22.

The Heart of Robin Hood

Every legendary hero has to start somewhere. The Heart of Robin Hood is filled with swashbuckling, acrobatics, comedy, romance and original music, played on-stage. Forget everything you ever knew about Robin Hood. In this reimagining, the notorious Robin Hood and his band of outlaws steal from the rich, creating a fearsome reputation amongst those who dare to travel through the mighty forest of Sherwood. But they do not share their spoils with the poor and are unloved by the people, who must also pay unfair taxes to the evil Prince John as he plots to steal his brother’s crown. In this time of chaos and fear, it is down to Marion to boldly protect the poor and convince Robin that he must listen to his heart if they are to save the country.

Friday and Saturday, November 16 & 17, 2018 - 7:00pm Sunday, November 18, 2018 - 2:00pm Tickets for this event are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for students (18 and under). Order before November 9 and families of between 4-6 members (same household) are $30. Reservations can be made now by visiting www.vicksburgschools.org/performing-arts-center or by calling the Vicksburg Performing Arts Center ticket office at 321.1193 beginning November 12.

For daily news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Vicksburg Community Schools!

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citizen’s guide to lawn care A CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO LAWN CARE Using healthy lawn care practices is one step toward cleaner rivers and lakes — even if you don’t have waterfront property.

For example, a lot of sediment and algae problems can be relieved by keeping lawn clippings out of street catch basins.

Instead, sweep them back on your lawn. Clippings are mostly water, and break down quickly to return valuable nutrients to the soil. Local municipalities are doing their part by collecting yard waste or accepting it at drop-off locations. Do your part by preventing the problems at the source!

Create a compost pile!

Outdoor compost piles are a great way to make use of leaves, garden wastes, coffee grounds and produce scraps that might otherwise be thrown out. Within a few months, you’ll find rich, earthy fertilizer for your lawn and garden.

Well-aged compost (at least six months) also makes excellent potting soil.

Compost piles are easy to make and can be done in a variety of ways. Maybe you’ll want to add worms and make a vermipost pile! However you decide to compost, it’s good for your yard and for the environment.

How to learn more about composting

West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) can provide helpful information for West Michigan residents. Visit WMEAC.org for more information.

Michigan State University Extension also has a lot of information about composting, and has a Master Gardener Program. Contact Linda Whitlock at whitlo13@anr.msu.edu for more info.

Lawn Care Tips!

Tips for Mowing

Taller grass means a healthier lawn, and it’s easy to take care of! Set your mower blade to leave grass about three inches tall. Taller grass cools the soil, needs less water and shades out weed growth. It’s also more insect and disease resistant. Vary the direction of lawn mowing periodically to prevent wear patterns and soil compaction.

Tired of raking your leaves? Mow ‘em!

Mow tree leaves in the autumn instead of raking and bagging — just raise your mower height to accommodate! After a couple of passes with the mower, leaf pieces will slowly sift down through turf. It’s an excellent way to return nutrients to the soil, and you can use them as mulch in your garden too!

Tips for Watering

Excessive watering is wasteful! Conserve water by using only what your lawn needs.

• 15-20 minutes of sprinkling daily is better than a few heavy waterings throughout the week, according to Michigan State University research.

• If daily watering is impractical, 30-40 minutes of watering every other day is sufficient.

• Make sure your sprinkler is watering your lawn — not your driveway or sidewalk!

To see how you can make a difference at home and in your community, contact the Clinton River Watershed Council and ask for the complete stormwater tip card series. Or, for more information, visit our website at www.crwc.org.

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10th ANNUAL COMMUNITY TAILGATE A HUGE SUCCESS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Please visit VicksburgCommunitySchools.org for the most up-to-date calendar information

On Thursday, August 30th the community came together to celebrate the 10th Annual Community Tailgate prior to the VHS varsity football home opener against Allegan. The crowd enjoyed nearly 1,000 hot dogs, 600 ice cream bars and tons of giveaways.

October

This wonderful event was made possible due to these incredible event sponsors.

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Thank you for helping us kick off another great school year!

November

DeNooyer Ford • Frederick Construction Paper City Development/The Mill • Edward Jones Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation • Fred’s Pharmacy Denney Veterinary Services • Linda Hoard Photography, Chapman Memorial Church • International Exchange.

Community Ed Info

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MS Walkin’ the Dawgs Fundraiser VHS Stadium Vicksburg Village Meeting PAC HS/MS Fall Choir Concert PAC Big Red Machine Spectacular HS Gym Junie B Jones Junior Musical PAC Vicksburg Village Meeting PAC District MS Honor Band Comp PAC Board of Education Meeting TY The Heart of Robin Hood HS Play PAC

December

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Vicksburg Holiday Parade Board of Education Meeting MS Band Concert MS Choir Holiday Concert HS Band/Choir Concert

Downtown Chicago bus trip WHO:

Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation is proud to sponsor a bus trip to Chicago!

WHEN:

Saturday, November 03, 2018 Leave Sunset Lake Elementary at 7:00 A.M. Return to Sunset Lake Elementary around 10:30 P.M.

WHERE:

Drop off location is by Water Tower Place.

Pick up at corner of State and Superior at 7:00 P.M. (6:00 pm Chicago time)

COST:

$50 per person (non-refundable) Make checks payable to: The Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation (or VCSF)

CONTACT:

Email Lynne Buell, lbuell@vicksburgschools.org or Beth O’Roark, boroark@vicksburgschools.org or call Beth (VCSF OFFICE at 321-1006) to make your reservation.

7:00-9:00pm

7:00pm

5:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

SCHOOL CALENDAR

REGISTER NOW FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES! The Vicksburg Community Education department offers a variety of classes/programs throughout the school year including Young Rembrandts, karate, dance, tumbling, adult exercise and more.

Registration is now open! Check out the Community Education page at vicksburgcommunityschools.org for more information or to register online.

Village Center VAB PAC PAC PAC

1:00-2:30pm 7:00-9:00pm 7:00pm 7:00-9:00pm

October

15 17 18 19 20

ATYP Meeting HS Picture Retakes IL Fall Festival SL Fall Festival TY Trunk-or-Treat & Mr.B’s Spook House

MS Cafe HS IL SL TY

6:30pm 6:00-8:00pm 6:00-8:30pm 5:00-8:00pm

MS Gym TY MS Gym IL SL IL SL TY PAC

4:00-7:00pm 4:30-7:30pm 4:00-7:00pm 4:30-7:30pm 4:30-7:30pm 4:30-7:30pm 4:30-7:30pm 4:30-7:30pm 7:00pm

November

2 6 7 8 13 13 14 15 15 19 21-23

No School for All Students MS Parent/Teacher Conferences TY Parent/Teacher Conferences MS Parent/Teacher Conferences IL Parent/Teacher Conferences SL Parent/Teacher Conferences IL Parent/Teacher Conferences SL Parent/Teacher Conferences TY Parent/Teacher Conferences HS Fall Sports Awards Thanksgiving Break - No School

December

1 10 12 24-1/4

HS Semi-Formal Dance Late Start Day - 2 Hours HS Parent/Teacher Conferences HS Gym Winter Break - No School

5:00-8:00pm

HS - High School • MS - Middle School • SL - Sunset Lake • IL - Indian Lake TY - Tobey • PAC - Performing Arts Center • VAB- Vicksburg Administration Building

Vicksburg Community Schools 301 S. Kalamazoo Ave. • P.O. Box 158 Vicksburg, MI 49097

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAI D

ECRWSS Postal Customer

CAR-RT SORT Permit No. 81 Vicksburg, MI