District - L`Anse Creuse Public Schools

District
from the Office of School and Community Relations
March 2015
Digits of Pi Competition
F. V. Pankow Center’s MST Mu Alpha Theta held their annual
Digits of Pi Competition at John R. Armstrong Performing Arts
Center on March 13. The event was held in celebration of Pi Week
and included two levels of participation; beginner and advanced.
This year’s judges included Pankow Director John Haas, and MST
teachers Allison Garmo and Sharon Pyper.
First place in the beginner level was awarded to Sarah White,
who recited 88 digits of Pi and first place in the advanced level
was awarded to Renee Prvular, who recited 234 digits of Pi.
After the competition, the Pi Week finale included the annual
“Pie Throw” MST teacher fundraiser. Students who had purchased
raffle tickets were eligible to throw a pie in a teacher’s or
administrator’s face; the lucky students were selected by a lottery.
Chesterfield Elementary
Receives $2000 Grant
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On February 12, Chesterfield Elementary School Principal Susan
Strickler and PTO Treasurer Kelly Bray accepted a $2,000 check at
the grand opening of the new Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store in
Chesterfield Township. The money was made available through an
“Inspired to Help” grant that supports local education. Jo-Ann
Fabrics selected one local school’s application and awarded an
educational grant to celebrate the grand opening of the new store.
The grant will be used to fund the Family Science Night in April,
covering the expenses of materials for take-home projects and items
for raffle prizes. Remaining funds will be used toward the year-end
Fifth Grade Fun Fest.
Undefeated
Season
L’Anse Creuse Middle
School - North’s seventh
grade girls basketball team,
led by Coach Dawn Slosson,
were undefeated this
season! This is the first time
since 1992 that a Middle
School – North girls sports
team has gone undefeated.
Pankow Auto Tech
Students at Autorama
CLICK HERE to read Macomb Daily article online.
Creuse Cup
Family Math and Science Night
On February 27, the annual Creuse Cup Hockey Game was held
and showcased the talents of some of our student athletes. This
game is the highlight of the hockey season for both L’Anse Creuse
High School and L’Anse Creuse High School – North’s hockey teams.
Superintendent Jackie Johnston was present to drop the puck during
the ceremonial opening face-off between the two-team captains.
This past February, Emma V. Lobbestael Elementary School hosted
a fun-filled and entertaining Family Math and Science Night. Families
working together, conducted hands-on science investigations,
created engineering marvels, played math games, and explored
“Think Central” in the computer lab. The highlights of the evening
were making “Gak,” receiving a deck of Lobbestael playing cards,
and making homemade ice cream. Five lucky “lobsters” also won
take-home science kits.
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Water Conservation Visit
The Michigan State University Water Conservation Program
visited Mrs. Lubnow’s first and second grade classroom at Joseph
M. Carkenord Elementary School. Students learned about water
conservation, water cycles, and how
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water is used in our community.
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Special Junior FBI Graduation
Fourth grade students from Green Elementary School received their
badges and credentials as Special Junior FBI Agents at a graduation
ceremony on March 5. This is the sixth year Green has participated
in this unique eight-week program offered by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation.
During training sessions, FBI agents spoke to students about
the history of their organization, the importance of using conflict
resolution skills, developing good decision making skills, drug
awareness, gun safety, physical fitness, and investigative techniques
such as, fingerprints and surveillance.
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Wild Times at the Early
Childhood Centers
Video Link
Students at the Anna Mae Burdi Early Childhood Center and the
L’Anse Creuse Early Childhood Center at Graham
enjoyed a wonderful
wildlife show presented
by Naturalist Endeavors.
Students were shown
a variety of animals
from around the world,
including a blue tongue
skink, spiders, reptiles,
and birds.
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National Art Award Recipient
PRESS
Highlights
CLICK HERE to view
published news articles
featuring L’Anse Creuse
Public Schools
LCPS Fundraiser at
Noodles & Company
L’Anse Creuse High School art student Francesca Ortisi has been awarded a Silver
Medal in the National Scholastic Art and Writing Competition for her painting,
“Chicago Nights.” She now has the opportunity to travel to New York City to attend
the National Award Ceremony at Carnegie Hall.
Students Featured in Anton Art Show
The 2015 Macomb County
Annual Secondary Student
Show at the Mount Clemens
Anton Art Center is now
underway through April 14.
Fifty-eight students from
L’Anse Creuse High School
(LCHS), L’Anse Creuse High
School – North (LCHS-N),
L’Anse Creuse Middle School
– Central (LCMS-C), L’Anse
Creuse Middle School – East
(LCMS-E), and L’Anse Creuse
Middle School – South
(LCMS-S) have their art on
display for all to enjoy.
Award Winners include:
• Christopher Adams (LCHS) – Best Senior Portfolio
• Amanda Vanderlinder (LCHS-N) – Best of 12th Grade, 1st Place
• Lexi Such (LCHS) – Best of 12th Grade, 3rd Place
• Liana Meisner Driscoll (LCHS) – Best of 11th Grade, 1st Place
• Andrew Gable (LCHS-N) – Best of 10th Grade, 1st Place
• Anjelo Hana (LCMS-C) – Best of 7th Grade, 1st Place
L’Anse Creuse Public Schools has teamed up with
Noodles & Company in honor of their new restaurant
in Chesterfield Township. On March 31 from 11:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 100 percent of Noodles &
Company’s net sales will be donated back to our
district. In addition to great food, there will be fun
activities for all ages. The restaurant is located at
27315 23 Mile Road, right in front of Meijer, in
Chesterfield Township. We look forward to
seeing you there!
CLICK HERE to read complete Voice News
article online.
Swinging to the Music
At L’Anse Creuse Middle School – East, Ms. Meows’
choir students participated in dance lessons during
class on March 19. Professional dancers from Arthur
Murray Dance Studio instructed the middle school
students on swing dance techniques. Students
will use their new dance moves in the spring choir
concert featuring 1950’s music.
Featured senior portfolios:
• Christopher Adams (LCHS)
• Kyle Crawford (LCHS-N)
• Jared Phillis (LCHS)
• Valendia Valdes (LCHS-N)
• Hannah Watkins (LCHS-N)
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March is Reading Month
Throughout the month of March, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools
incorporated special reading focused activities and presentations
and invited guest readers into their classrooms to increase reading
proficiency and to celebrate March is Reading Month.
• Superintendent Jackie Johnston visited Kindergarten classes at all
ten elementary schools and read the book “The Day the Crayons Quit” by
Drew Daywalt. Ms. Johnston also donated the popular childen’s book to
each classroom library.
Paws visits Yacks Elementary School
• In honor of March is Reading Month, Emma V. Lobbestael Elementary
hosted Hawaiian Day and Hat Day.
Superintendent Jackie Johnston reading at Lobbestael Elementary
• The Anna Mae Burdi Early Childhood Center celebrated National March
is Reading Month by having a kick-off celebration with Rosco the Clown.
On March 2, Rosco entertained students, staff, and parents with jokes
and magic tricks. He also read two popular children’s books called, “Good
Night Moon” and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.” Rosco was also a guest
presenter at Green Elementary.
• Atwood Elementary participated in the March of Dimes Reading
Champions program where students read, collect donations, and earned
Olympic style medals based on their amount of reading. Student also
enjoyed dress up days including Reading Champ Day,
Dr. Seuss Day, and Cozy Up and Read Day.
• On March 24, Chesterfield Elementary held a special assembly with
Oakland University’s mascot “Grizz” and Alumni Admissions Ambassador
Program Coordinator Mr. Anthony Gallina, who read the book “Hello,
Grizz!” and donated a copy to the Chesterfield Elementary library. During
the assembly top readers were eligible to participate in basketball
challenges. All March is Reading Month participants received a certificate
and a book. Each grade-level winner received a Michigan or Michigan
State basketball.
• Donald J. Yacks Elementary students had the privilege of welcoming
multiple guest readers including State Representative Anthony Forlini,
Mayor of Mount Clemens Barb Dempsey, and Children’s Author Kelly
DiPucchio. PAWS the Detroit Tigers’ mascot also made a grand entrance
at their assembly on March 10.
• On February 27, Francis A. Higgins Elementary School hosted a
cultural assembly featuring dances and costumes native to Mexico. The
”March is Reading Month” theme was centered on reading around the
world. All students explored various multicultural experiences and books.
• Green Elementary went “Bananas over Books” and set a reading goal
of 4,500 hours of reading for the month. Each time students returned
their weekly reading slip they earned a banana to add to one of the
many reading trees placed throughout the building. Additionally,
students participated in multiple school-wide reading activities such as,
read and feed, classroom buddy reading, a book jog, reading spirit week,
and a fun-filled reading assembly, and they hosted two family reading
nights.
On March 26, WDIV anchor and reporter Lauren Podell was a guest
reader for SACC students.
• Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary second grade teacher Ms. Ruzicskaat’s
class photo was featured on author Dave Horowitz’s blog. For March is
Reading Month, her class chose their favorite book, “Humpty Dumpty
Climbs Again!” by Horowitz, and used its theme to decorate their door.
CLICK HERE to visit Horowitz’s blog. Local author Linda Vagnetti, also
visited and read to third, fourth, and fifth grade students. Linda is the
author of “Listen, Ralphy, Listen” and “The Troublesome Trio.”
• On March 18, at Marie C. Graham, Macomb County Commissioner
Steve Marino read to first and third grade students. Graham second
grade students were also delighted to welcome guest reader State
Representative Anthony Forlini on March 20. All students also
participated in a March is Reading Month bookmark contest.
• “Reading Gives You Super Powers” was the March is Reading month
theme at South River Elementary. Students wore super hero shirts on
Marvelous Mondays and turned in home reading logs, which were then
drawn for prizes. An assembly on April 1st will be held to highlight each
class showing their “super power of reading.” Top readers in each class
will be in a drawing for a Kindle Fire.
• Each class at Tenniswood Elementary School studied a different
country from around the world and learned different things about their
country, such as geography, climate, popular foods, and local lingo. On
March 3, Tenniswood also hosted its annual Reading Night. Students
took their passports and followed clues that led them to different
countries to complete a reading scavenger hunt. After the hunt, all
participates were invited into the United Nations Café, where they tasted
foods from 10 different countries.
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Green Elementary School
Student Success at DECA Competition
advanced in two DECA competitions over the last few months.
District
DECA is a student organization focused on marketing and
L’Anse
Creuse
HighandSchool
junior
Melissa
from
the Office
of School
Community
Relations
Meloche competed and
leadership skills.
After winning DECA Districts in January, Melissa traveled to Grand
Rapids with 3,100 other high school students. She was awarded as a
State Finalist in the Math Exam. To earn this medal, she ranked in the
top 10 out of approximately 1,000 students. She also competed in
the Marketing Management Individual Series with 73 other qualifying
students. This event was comprised of a 100 question comprehensive
exam and two role-plays. Melissa will compete at the International level
in Orlando, Florida in April, joining 8,500 students from across the USA
and other countries.
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First Place Essay
Video Link
Sarah Adamo, eighth grade student at L’Anse Creuse Middle School
– South, was named a local winner in the 46th annual America & Me
Essay Contest.
Several thousand eighth grade students from 400 Michigan schools
participated in the 2014-2015 contest sponsored by Farm Bureau
Insurance. The essay topic was “My Personal Michigan Hero.”
Sarah’s essay now advances to the state level competition; the
top ten winners will be selected in April. The top ten will receive
a medallion, a plaque, and a $1000 cash award. In addition, the
winners will be honored at a banquet, have the opportunity to meet
government leaders, and be the featured guests at an upcoming
Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game.
Underwater Adventure at the
Science Center
On March 13, the kindergarten classes at Emma V. Lobbestael
Elementary School visited the Michigan Science Center. The trip
was made possible through a field trip grant from Target®. Students
had a blast engaging in hands-on learning activities and explored
a variety of science topics. To conclude the visit, students viewed
the Humpback Whales IMAX® Film, a 40-minute underwater ocean
adventure in which Humpbacks
live and thrive.
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Chinese Exchange Students
Visit L’Anse Creuse
Chinese students from Zhengzhou No. 9 High School – Zhengzhou, China
completed an educational and cultural exchange program with L’Anse Creuse
Public Schools March 14 through March 28. The students visiting L’Anse
Creuse for the two weeks listened to a presentation given by a full-year
exchange student, regarding “What it’s like to study in America.”
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Elementary Science Olympiad District Competition
The Elementary Science Olympiad District competition
took place at L’Anse Creuse High School – North on
March 14. This year, Joseph M. Carkenord achieved
first place, Francis A. Higgins second place, and Green
Elementary third place. The top three schools now
advance to the Elementary Science Olympiad County
Tournament hosted at Macomb Community College’s
South Campus on May 9.
Science Olympiad is a national nonprofit organization
devoted to improving the quality of science education,
increasing student interest in science, and providing
recognition for outstanding achievement in science
education by students.
Each year, third, fourth, and fifth grade students
study and practice to prepare for this competition; the
largest academic event held in the district involving
all ten elementary schools. During the competition, all
teams participated in 16 events, engaging in hands-on
experiences with specific guidelines. Olympians were
given structured activities and tested for each event.
In addition, 72 high school students provided open
events throughout the competition.
Congratulations to all students, schools, and parents!
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Fifth Grade Basketball Tournament
Video Link
Francis A. Higgins Elementary School was victorious at
the second annual L’Anse Creuse Public Schools’ Fifth Grade
Basketball Tournament held on March 20 at L’Anse Creuse High
School. Student athletes from Atwood, Joseph M. Carkenord,
Marie C. Graham, Francis A. Higgins, and Tenniswood elementary
schools faced-off in tournament-style basketball games and
enjoyed getting to know fellow athletes at the other elementary
schools.
“The tournament is a wonderful opportunity for our students
as they prepare for the transition to middle school,” said Amy
Horgan, principal at Marie C. Graham Elementary. “The students,
staff and parents all had a great time!”
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Jersey Mike’s Subs Fundraiser
Thanks to the generosity of Jersey Mike’s Subs of Chesterfield Township,
three of our schools’ parent groups received additional funds to support
special activities at their building. L’Anse Creuse Middle School – East,
Joseph M. Carkenord, and Chesterfield Elementary Schools participated in
a successful fundraising effort with Jersey Mike’s in coordination with the
grand opening of their new 23 Mile and Gratiot location.
At each building, all students and staff received two coupons, each
redeemable for the purchase of a submarine sandwich for $1 each. March 4
through March 8, coupon holders received a Jersey Mike’s sub in exchange
for a minimum $1 donation. All accumulated donations were apportioned:
Middle School – East received $1239.54, Carkenord Elementary received
$1,003.85 and Chesterfield Elementary received $847.34.
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Teacher of the Year
L’Anse Creuse Public Schools administration nominated three teachers to represent the
district in the Macomb County Outstanding Teacher of the Year awards at the March 23
Board of Education meeting. The three nominees are:
• Christopher Zoller of Green Elementary School
• Meredith Beard of L’Anse Creuse Middle School – Central
• Roberta Agnello of L’Anse Creuse High School – North
In total, 11 exemplary teachers were nominated by their peers and will receive
recognition from the School Board and administration. The additional teachers to be
honored are:
• Sarah Krug of Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary School
• Laura Udvari of Marie C. Graham Elementary School
• Lynne Hendricks of Francis A. Higgins Elementary School
• Barbara Wentz of Emma V. Lobbestael Elementary School • Karen Slifco of South River Elementary School
• Amy Nelson of Tenniswood Elementary School
• Megan Bacheldor of Donald J. Yacks Elementary School
• Shannan McCarron of L’Anse Creuse High School
• Kirk Erickson of the Frederick V. Pankow Center
Christopher Zoller of Green Elementary School
Meredith Beard of L’Anse Creuse Middle School –
Central
All 11 outstanding teachers represent the hundreds of highly skilled educators
throughout L’Anse Creuse Public Schools. We are very thankful for all of their hard work
and dedication. Ms. Beard, Ms. Agnello, and Mr. Zoller will attend a ceremony in April,
where they could be named Macomb County Outstanding Teacher of the Year. This title
would be followed up with a chance to be named Outstanding Teacher of the Year for the
State of Michigan.
Roberta Agnello of L’Anse Creuse High School – North
Staff Making a Difference
Congratulations to L’Anse Creuse Middle School – Central Social
Studies Teacher and Athletic Director Evan Chalk. Mr. Chalk was
selected for this year’s Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD)
“Make a Difference Award.” The award is given on an annual basis to
five educational professionals who have made a significant positive
impact on the educational experience of a special needs student.
On March 18, MISD Director of Special Education Management
Services Dr. Tom Koepke gave a brief presentation in Mr. Chalk’s
classroom. Mr. Chalk was nominated by seventh grade student Tyler
Fourour and his mother Jennifer Fourour. “Mr. Chalk works with the
kids as a team member by giving them great examples of what he is
looking for when it comes to the work,” said Ms. Fourour. “For the first
time, Tyler didn’t mind going to school. Tyler was a new student at
Middle School – Central, and he gave Tyler a warm welcome, making
him feel at home.”
All “Make a Difference” Award winners were featured in a Macomb
Daily article, to read CLICK HERE.
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Upcoming Events
Date
Hosted by
Location
Event
Time
03/31
LCPS
Noodles & Co.*
Noodles & Company Fundraiser
11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
04/03
Spring Break - SCHOOL CLOSED
04/13
SCHOOL REOPENS
04/20
Board of Education
Wheeler Center
Board Meeting
7 p.m.
04/21
LCHS
JAPAC
Talent Show
7 p.m.
04/22
Pankow Center
Pankow Center
College Night 2015
6:30 p.m.
04/24
Atwood
JAPAC
Atwood Choir Concert
7 p.m.
04/27
South River
JAPAC
2nd/4th Grade Choir Concert
7 p.m.
04/29
MS-Central JAPAC
MSC Choir Concert
7 p.m.
04/30
Higgins Elementary
JAPAC
Higgins Spring Choir Concert
6:30 p.m.
05/04
Green Elementary
JAPAC
Choir Concert
7:00 p.m.
05/05
LCHS-North
JAPAC
Spring Choir Concert
7:00 p.m.
05/06
Pankow Center
JAPAC
Performing Arts Dance
7:00 p.m.
05/07
LCHS-North
JAPAC
Spring Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
05/11
LCHS Choirs
JAPAC
Spring Sing
7:00 p.m.
05/15
MSE
JAPAC
Spring Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
05/16
MS-North
JAPAC
6th Grade Band/Choir Concert
2:00 p.m.
05/16
MS-North
JAPAC
7th/8th Grade Band/Choir Concert
4:00 p.m.
05/18
Board of Education
Wheeler Center
Board Meeting
7:00 p.m.
05/22
Memorial Day Recess - SCHOOL CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS
05/26
SCHOOL REOPENS
To view entire
District Calendar
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To view
Community Flyers
click icon
FREE
WEDNESDAY
April 22, 2015
This is a FREE event,
and is open to everyone
in the community.
PROMPTLY
6:30 TO 8:00 p.m.
College Night is a great opportunity for
students and parents to meet with
college and university representatives
throughout Michigan.
Representatives from over 70 colleges
and universities will be available to:
www.lc-ps.org
24600 F. V. Pankow Blvd.
Clinton Township, MI 48036
586-783-6570
• provide information about
admissions criteria
CLICK HERE
• answer questions about academic
programs, tuition costs and more!
to view all summer learning
opportunities!
Baker College • Central Michigan University • Ferris State University • Macomb Community College • Michigan State University
Oakland University • University of Michigan • Wayne State University • Western Michigan University
L’Anse Creuse Public Schools
Teens for Tots Preschool
2015-2016 OPEN ENROLLMENT
Enroll TODAY!
F. V. Pankow Center – Next to John Armstrong Performing Arts Center
Teens for Tots Preschool is a licensed learning program designed for
students who are enrolled in the Early Childhood Education class. High
School students earn credit while working with preschoolers under the
supervision of a Preschool Teacher.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
•
•
•
•
•
Parent Observation Room
• Holiday Celebrations
High ratio of workers to children
• Field Trips
Individualized learning centers
• Low Cost
Hands-on activities
• Full-day program focusing on equipping
Guest Speakers
children with kindergarten readiness
skills.
~Preschool Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays Mid October – Mid May~
3-4-5 PRESCHOOL
KINDERGARTEN READINESS
* 8:00 am – 2:00 pm * Cost: $1200.00*
* 8:00 am – 12:00 pm * Cost: $750.00*
Full-day preschool program for children
Half day preschool program for 3, 4,
entering kindergarten in Fall 2016
and 5 year-olds
In addition to the 3-4-5 Preschool
Skills, we will learn the following
Skills that will be taught…
Kindergarten Readiness Skills…
 Counting






“Behind every discovery is a curious mind! If you are on the search for a fun, weeklong summer
program for your rising 1st-6th grader, you’re in luck!
L'Anse Creuse Public Schools, Atwood Elementary
School is hosting Camp Invention, August 3 - 7, 2015.
Letter recognition
Letter Sounds
Name Writing
Shapes
Sequencing/Matching
Fine motor
development







Blending letter sounds
Beginner sight words
Counting by 2, 5, 10
Concrete addition
Concrete subtraction
Main idea in narrative
Address and phone
number
Access the FV Pankow Ctr website from lc-ps.org then click on Teens for Tots Preschool
for more information and application
*A non-refundable Registration fee of $50.00 is due at time of registration*
MAKE CHECKS OUT TO: F. V. Pankow Center
Call: 586-783-6570 ext. 1316 Amie/Kathy for more information.
* Spaces are limited. Registration will be taken until spaces are filled
on a first come first serve basis.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION. It is the policy of L’Anse Creuse Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, disability, height, weight or marital status in its
programs, services, activities, or employment. Inquiries related to nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Civil Rights Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools Administration, 36727
Jefferson, Harrison Township, MI 48045, (586) 783-6300. Nondiscrimination inquiries related to disability