Frankenmuth School District News

May 2014
Volume 13, Issue 1
Frankenmuth School District News
www.frankenmuth.k12.mi.us
Frankemuth School District
525 E Genesee St.
Frankenmuth MI 48734
Phone: 989.652.9958
Fax: 989.652.9780
Board of Education
Scott Zimmer, President
Lori Ettema, Vice-President
Kevin Maurer, Treasurer
Dan Wortman, Secretary
David Harris, Trustee
Karen Uebler, Trustee
Albert Zehnder, Trustee
Superintendent
Mary Anne Ackerman
School Board Meetings
2nd Monday of each month
7:00 PM FHS Room 29
Inside this issue:
Steagles FIRST Robotics 1
Superintendent’s Corner
2
FHS Choir 3
FSD Announces Hall of
Fame
4
Joseph Cramer Retires
from Frankenmuth School 4
Board
Schüler an Rittmueller
Sprechen Deutcsh
5
FCU Donates Scoreboard
5
EFR Youth Sing
6
List Students Make Donation
7
Winter of 2014
7
Art At The Inn
8
Steagles FIRST Robotics Team
Twenty-four FHS students are members of
a new FIRST Robotics Team and they call
themselves the Steagles.
The students received
a $10,000 grant from
the State of Michigan
and a matching grant
of $3000 from Midland
Dow to fund the team.
Like robotics teams
across the nation, FHS
students met nearly
non-stop for six weeks
to build a robot using a
common kit provided
by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of
Science and Technology). The students tinkered and tweaked their
robot so that it could Steagles team members repairing Jarvis (the robot) prior to a round of
out match other robots competition at the Southfield FIRST Robotics Event. Beginning with
at the 2014 Regional standing Steagles and then clockwise: Brandon Mayo, Chris Hallman,
Competition. Students Hudson Corl, Alejandro Ayala, Mark Sylvester, and Michael Sylvester.
maneuvered their robot
in a game called AERIAL ASSIST. Two alliances of three teams each competed by trying
to score as many balls in goals as possible during a 2 1/2 minute match. Additional points
were earned by robots working together to score goals, and by throwing and catching balls
over a truss suspended over five feet above the floor as they moved the ball down the field.
The FHS Steagles competed in two Regional Events held at Southfield High School and
Midland High School. Steagles Media Manager Ashley LaBrenz commented on the action at Midland Dow, “The Steagles improved at the Great Lakes Bay Region FIRST
Robotics Competition Friday and Saturday, March 21st - 22nd. On Friday, despite minor
technical difficulties, the Steagles were in first place after only three matches. After fixing the issue, the Steagles won five and lost five matches, finally finishing off the night
in 32nd place.
story continued on page 6
Page 2
Frankenmuth School District
Superintendent’s Corner
Dear Residents,
It’s been a long winter! Everyone at FSD is celebrating the anticipated warm weather this spring and no
more snow days. As we looked back in our archives, we could not find a time when it was necessary to call
off school as many days as we did this year. Fortunately, because we build in to our school calendar more
days than the minimum state requirement, it will not be necessary to make-up days at the end of the year.
Ensuring that our school campus is safe and secure is a priority of our District. We work closely with the Frankenmuth Police Department, FPD Liaison Officer Tom Daugharty, and Critical Incident Manager Thomas Mynseberge in developing and practicing protocol which would be implemented in the
unlikely event of a critical incident. New legislation requires schools to practice a specific number of security drills.
There are two levels of security that are rehearsed by staff and students. The first level, Secure Mode, is when there
is a potential for a threat in the surrounding area but not on the school campus. Examples that might necessitate a Secure Mode could include a robbery at one of the local businesses or the report of a dangerous incident in the vicinity.
When a school building is placed in Secure Mode, all of the exterior and interior doors are locked, visitors are restricted from
entering the building, and children may not leave the classroom unless accompanied by an adult. Otherwise, school proceeds
as normal until the incident is resolved. Typically, a Secure Mode protocol is the level of security that is most often rehearsed.
The second level of security, a Lockdown, indicates a dangerous event is occurring within the building and the lives
of staff and children are at risk. Staff is trained to gather students into the nearest locked classroom and wait for direction. Law enforcement officials are trained to enter the school building to assist with the crisis at hand, and members of
the fire department are skilled in securing the perimeter and assisting with people who may be trying to enter the premises. If a critical incident were to occur, parents would be provided with information using our emergency phone system.
Training for a critical event has become much more refined as we have learned from tragic events that have taken place at
schools, movie theaters, and shopping malls. While originally training focused on preparing staff, experts now recommend
that students are trained to respond as well. Training students will be the next focus of security training in the District.
Featured in this edition of the Frankenmuth School District Newsletter, you will find several
stories about new opportunities for our students. Research shows when students are engaged in activities outside of the classroom, they are likely to perform better academically. The Steagles FIRST Robotics Team, EFR
Youth Sing, and FHS Choir Festival are just a few examples of the many activities offered for our students.
Thank you for supporting the Frankenmuth School District. If I can answer any questions, please feel free to contact me
at 989.652.9958.
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Ackerman
Page 3
FHS Choir Soars at District 5 Festival
FHS Choir Members front row (left to right): Brittany Johnson, Alexus Stockton, McKenzie Freeman, Haley Lusk, Aurora Loesel, Abby Daenzer, Kelly Schiefer, and Phung Doan. Second row (left to right): Director Marcy Putnam, Alexia Hall, Rachel Kienitz, Mason Hildner, Michael
Frahm, Sheldon Perrou, Heather Rose, Veronica Kiszka, and Madelyn Wiggins. Third row (left to right): Zoey McLeod, Abby Spendlove,
Katelin Mikulak, Jennifer Smith, Cecelia Alaggio, Kayla Knoll, Kevin Dwan, Madalyn McKenzie, Jessica Harris, Emma VanVoorhees, Brianna Mayo, Makenzie Newcomber and Haley Sims. Fourth row (left to right): Sarah Riness, Hannah Loiacano, Carlie Lachman, Allison
Haubenstricker, Megan Frahm, Kelsey Baarck, Bradlee Johnson, Joaquin Menchaca, Brandi Brownell, Kait Ahlschwede and Emily Yatsevich.
The FHS choir recently performed at the Michigan School
Vocal Music Association District 5 Festival held at Central
Michigan University. The Frankenmuth band programs
have a long history of competing at Festival; however,
this is only the second time that the FHS Choir has attended
Festival. The FHS Choir exceeded expectations earning the
highest rating of Superior and a perfect score in sight reading.
Following the competition, the choir students were
asked to reflect on their performance in writing. Senior Carlie Lachman provided the following insight:
“I would like to start by saying that I am extremely proud
of our choir for the performance we gave at Festival.
Our musicality and attention to detail was obvious, and we truly carried ourselves with poise
and class as we achieved our Superior rating.
When I listened to other groups and the comments the
judges made to them, it made me realize that you cannot
be afraid or timid to sing and project your voice. The
rest of the choir is counting on you knowing your part, being confident in it, and giving your all on performance day.
It is a necessity to be bold and daring and leave your comfort
zone a little bit. I have become much more confident in my vocal ability and my singing, and I am forever grateful for that.
Teamwork is an essential aspect of our choir, and trusting each other is key. When we all are confident in our
parts and feel that we know them very well, we do not
shy away from the music, allowing us to project our voices and connect with the audience. Working as a group
and being unified is a central part of being in a choir.
Overall, Festival day was fabulous. I loved every aspect
of it, but my favorite part would have to be at the end
when we found out what our rating was. It was a really
special moment, and I feel that we were all connected
as a family right at that exact moment. I will never forget that day. It was truly a memorable experience.”
Good Luck to the FHS Choir as they advance to State
Festival competition in May.
Page 4
Frankenmuth School District
Frankenmuth School District Announces Hall of Fame Awards
The Frankenmuth School District is seeking nominations
for the newly created Hall of Fame Awards. Beginning in
2014, two individuals will be selected annually to be inducted into the Frankenmuth School District Hall of Fame.
The Distinguished Alumnus award will recognize and honor Frankenmuth High School graduates who have achieved
professional distinction and/or demonstrated significant
community service contributions at the local, state, national or international level. The Frankenmuth School District
Champion for Children Award will recognize and honor
individuals whose service has contributed significantly to
the wellbeing and advancement of the Frankenmuth School
District. Graduation from Frankenmuth High School
is not required for the Champion for Children Award.
District Superintendent Mary Anne Ackerman commented,
“An awards program was suggested to me as something we
could do to recognize outstanding alumni and to recognize
those within our community who have made outstanding
contributions to the Frankenmuth School District. Some of
our neighboring districts offer these awards and we felt it was
time for these kind of honors here in Frankenmuth.”
Recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award and The
Champion for Children Award will be honored on October
10, 2014 as a part of Homecoming activities. The two Hall
of Fame inductees will be feted at an Awards Reception Luncheon, serve as Grand Marshalls of the Homecoming Parade,
and be recognized during evening football game festivities.
Please consider nominating a deserving FHS Alumnus
or Champion for Children for the inaugural Frankenmuth School District Hall of Fame Awards. Information regarding the Hall of Fame Awards can be found
on the district website at www.frankenmuth.k12.mi.us
or please call Superintendent Mary Anne Ackerman at
the District Office at 989.652.9958 for more information. Applications are due no later than May 30, 2014
Joseph Cramer Retires from Frankenmuth School Board
We offer our congratulations and
heartfelt thanks to Joe Cramer
who recently stepped down from
the Frankenmuth School District
Board of Education. During Joe’s
tenure, he served the school community as the Board President,
contract negotiation chairperson,
campus-wide renovation project steering committee member,
school improvement committee
member, and was a frequent attendee at school-wide events.
I also had the opportunity to be part of what I learned is
very rare – a strong Board, Administration, Staff relationship. Frequent, open, two-way communication is the key.
And, even though our charge as Board members is
to set policy, occasionally we become part of stakeholder issues or concerns.
The important lesson
learned here is that there are at least two sides to each story.
Joseph Cramer
When asked about his experience, Joe offered these
thoughts:
We have a hard working, courageous, efficient school
district that has persevered during very challenging financial times to maintain a strong fund balance
while striving for continual improvement in every aspect of our schools. I’m really proud to have been a
small part of that effort and feel good about our future.
“Serving on the FSD Board of Education was very gratifying for me. I learned a lot!
Most importantly, I learned about the impact an adult can
have on a young person. Keep your words and actions positive, and don’t ever miss a chance to make a positive impact.
I got to see firsthand how successful students will be
when teachers, parents, coaches, bus drivers, cooks,
etc. are all in sync with the expectations that are
in place for each student. They rarely disappoint!
I am very grateful for the opportunity to have served on
the Frankenmuth School District Board of Education
for 15 1/2 years. I really appreciate all that the Frankenmuth School District has done for the Cramer Family.”
Page 5
Schüler an Rittmueller sprechen Deutsch
Students in Michigan are required to study two years of
a foreign language. Typically, the requirement is met
in high school, however, schools are allowed to consider
other options. E.F.Rittmueller Middle School 8th graders meet one year of the foreign language requirement
and then are required to take the second year at FHS.
Completing one year of the language requirement prior
to high school provides room in a high school schedule for an additional elective at FHS, or students may
elect to further study language at an advanced level.
Eighth graders now have the option of taking German or
Spanish to meet the language requirement. This year, thirtytwo 8th grade students are enrolled in the inaugural German course. FHS German Teacher Frau Fruendt teaches
the class using the Total Physical Response Strategy (TPRS)
method of instruction. Students are immersed in the language through stories. Initially the stories are presented
in the third person perspective where students are exposed
to a large number of basic, yet high frequency, vocabulary
words. TPRS is similar to how an infant aquires a first language where there infant does not speak initially, but listens,
and then eventually the spoken language follows. Students
read stories and then practice responding to a number of
prompts and questions in German; little English is spoken
in the classroom. Eventually students transfer their language skills to conversation in the first person perspective
and writing advances from short statements to paragraphs.
During a recent lesson, students were engaged in a conversation about the story of Der Affe (The Monkey). Frau Fruendt led a discussion about Der Affe and the students then
partnered to answer comprehension questions. After conversing with their partner, students reassembled as a whole
group to share their responses. The entire conversation,
spoken in German, was rich in student engagement and lots
of laughter - evidence that the students were engaged in
learning and having fun at the same time. Students Madison
Rousseau and Wyatt Owen both shared how much they enjoy
studying the German language and look forward to taking
German at FHS. The rest of the class agreed. Das ist gut!
Frau Fruendt presenting vocabulary using the interactive white board.
Frankenmuth Credit Union Donates Scoreboard
We are grateful
butions from our
the most recent
art scoreboard in
for the many contricommunity.
One of
gifts is a state-of-thethe FHS Gymnasium.
The Frankenmuth Credit Union sponsors our
FHS Eagle Credit Union. The Students running the Eagle Credit Union organized a campaign to grow membership and open savings
accounts. When the Eagle Credit Union students met their goal, the Frankenmuth Credit
Union rewarded their efforts by donating the
new scoreboard. The scoreboard is awesome – thank you Frankenmuth Credit Union!
Frankenmuth High School Gymnasium Scoreboard donated by
The Frankenmuth Credit Union .
Page 6
Frankenmuth School District
E.F. Rittmueller Youth Sing
There is a new club at E.F.Rittmueller
and it is all about The Voice! While the
District offers vocal music instruction
at both List Elementary and FHS, choir has
not been an option at the middle school.
Choir Teacher Mrs. Marcy Putnam
and FHS senior Jessica Harris have
partnered to provide choir as an afterschool opportunity for middle school students. Students meet twice a week and
while having fun, they are also preparing
for their inaugural concert where they
will perform with the FHS Choir. Jessica
Harris shared the following comments:
“Mrs. Marcy Putnam and I had been
throwing around the idea for Youth
Sing since the beginning of the school
year. We both wanted to start a middle
school choir to help middle school students expand their musical knowledge.
Most of the students that are in Youth
Sing are also in band, which has
helped them learn music quickly. Youth Sing (back row left to right): Leader Jessica Harris, Mentor Marcy Putnam, Andrew
Youth Sing gives the students an op- Harris, Hannah Drake, Kaitlyn Ahlschwede, Miss Frazier. Second row standing (left to
portunity to strengthen the musical right): Derek Williams, Emily Zimmerman, Charlie Bullock, Ashyln Szilagy, Emma Betz.
terms learned in band while teaching Kneeling (left to right): Abbey Farago, Tara Klich, Grace Gasper, Shelby Braman, and Gabthem new musical terms and styles. bie Michael. Not pictured, Zoe Malochleb and Jayna Leichner.
The students have picked up the music
rather quickly and are enjoying themselves. They are always really excited when we sing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”
from Toy Story and “The Lion King Medley.”
Youth Sing has provided me a chance to explore career options, while also giving me the opportunity to direct and
teach students the fundaments of vocal music. It has been a great learning experience for the students and me. I cannot
wait to share what the students have accomplished with the community at our combined concert with the High School.
Thank you Mrs. Putnam and Jessica Harris for making Youth Sing a reality. The community is invited to the FHS Choir
Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 PM in the Bronner Performing Arts Center.
First Robotics Team continued from front page
The first competition on Saturday was a Steagles success as we scored three low goals, several assists and finished the
game with a low goal in the last two seconds. After the first competition, the Steagles had advanced to 28th place out
of forty teams. Sometime later, on our second match of the day, the Steagles lost, keeping us in 28th place. At our last
match despite winning, the Steagles fell to 31st place, finishing out the competition at a great place for our new team.”
Thanks to the many volunteers who helped with the organization of the Steagles team. They include: Coach Willie
Beck, Wesley Beck, Steve Collier-Hallman, Julie Gafkay, Bob Merrow, Larry Michael, Debbie Seibel, Dave Turk and
sponsors T-Dubs, Rummel Insurance, Kremin, Inc., and Gafkay and Dafoe. The STEAGLES also received assistance
from the FIRST Robotics Teams at The Saginaw Career Complex, Grand Blanc High School, and Saginaw High.
Page 7
List Elementary Students Raise $12,100 for Healthy Hearts
Students at List celebrated raising $12,100 in donations for the American Heart Association. Participants that raised $50 in donations during the
Jump Rope for Heart event had an opportunity
to run in the halls! Pictured are Runners (left
to right): Kaden Miller, Logan Lipka, and Meg
Redwanz. Spectators (left to right): Ryan Rich,
Reece Webster, Alyse Notter, Robbie Brown and
Olivia Geesey. What a great reason to cheer.
Congratulations staff and students at List!
Together We Survived The Winter of 2014
We are grateful to the many individuals who braved the
weather elements this winter. Thank you to our custodians
who shoveled snow seemingly non-stop since November.
Thank you to Reinert and Bender Towing, Inc. for do-
ing an outstanding job plowing our parking lots. Thank
you to our crossing guards who safely escorted students
and directed traffic every morning and afternoon. Thank
you to our bus drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics who
navigated our 80+ square miles of roads to safely transport our students, while driving in difficult conditions.
Thank you parents and community members for your patience and assistance. In addition to having to make alternate arrangements on eight snow days, parents and community members were helpful in calling in to let
us know when deep snow would prevent a bus
from traveling down certain roads. In several situations, parents even plowed a path for the bus.
The story isn’t complete without mentioning students deserve thanks as well. On one very snowy morning, within
several minutes, two bus drivers radioed into the bus garage indicating their buses were stuck. Assistance was
immediately dispatched. Within a few minutes there
was a follow-up radio message from driver Connie Hart.
Third grader Gavin Smith suggested to Mrs. Hart that all
of the kids get up and move to the back of the bus. He
told her all the weight in the back would make friction
and the bus would be able to move. Sure enough, the students moved to the back of the bus, and Mrs. Hart was
able to successfully work the bus out of the snow drift.
Gavin was later asked where he learned about friction. He
responded, “One time my snowmobile got stuck on ice. My
neighbors taught me to sit on the back of the snowmobile
and then it would go!”
Thanks Gavin for being a great learner!
List third grader Gavin Smith and Driver Connie Hart.
Visit us on the web at
www.frankenmuth.k12.mi.us
Frankenmuth School District
525 E Genesee Street
Frankenmuth MI 48734
www.frankenmuth.k12.mi.us
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Art At The Inn
Annually the Bavarian Inn hosts the Art
at the Inn Exhibition. Students from
across the county have an opportunity
to display their artwork. The following
Frankenmuth High School students won
awards for their artwork at this year’s
Art at the Inn student art exhibit: (LR) Shayna Schneider (both the 1st place
Teachers’ Choice and People’s Choice
awards), Kristen Loesel (Honorable Mention Teachers’ Choice), Abbie Wiles (Honorable Mention Teachers’ Choice), Amariah Wright (top People’s Choice award),
Alejandro Ayala (Honorable Mention
Teachers’ Choice), and Jake Kiszka (Honorable Mention Teachers’ Choice). Missing: Abby Schmitt (top People’s Choice
award). Thank you to our friends at the
Bavarian Inn for hosting Art at the Inn.