February 2015 - Dowagiac Union Schools

Dowagiac
State of the
Volume 25
February 2015
2
Welcome New Staff/ 3
Board Members
Board of Education
Meeting Dates
3
Scholatic Santas at
Sister Lakes
4
The Way We Were
4
Union High School
“Battle of the Fans”
5
Students of the
Month
6
Kindergarten
Round-Up Dates
6
DUS Foundation
Helping Beyond the
Classroom
6
New Bridges Math
Curriculum at
Patrick Hamilton
7
Snowshoeing at
Kincheloe
7
Board of Education
Larry Schmidt, President
Ruth Ausra, Vice President
Claudia Zebell, Secretary
Doug Kolmodin, Treasurer
Ronda Sullivan, Trustee
Phyllis Sarabyn, Trustee
Ron Jones, Trustee
Schools
Number 2
DMS HAS SUCCESS TIME!
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
School-Family Compact at Justus Gage
Union
O
ne of the ways that Dowagiac Middle School staff supports students is a unique program
called Success Time. During Success Time, students are with their grade level teachers
working on Math and English skills and many other enrichment activities. Success Time
allows students to receive immediate and targeted support when they are struggling in Math or
English, and it also allows for projects and activities to take learning
to new levels.
An example of such an
activity was Mr. Mast’s class writing “Letters to Addie”. Addie is a 6
-year-old from Fountain Green,
Utah. Addie has extensive cerebral atrophy, and her doctors have
told her family she may not live
more than a year. According to
Addie’s Facebook page, Addie had
a simple wish: to receive a lifetime of Christmas cards this
Christmas. Addie’s mom stated
that Addie looks forward to going
Mr. Mast’s Success Time Class
to the post office to check for
mail. Along with the help of Mr.
Mast’s class, Addie’s wish seems to be coming true. As of early January, Addie is receiving thousands of cards, daily!
When asked what inspired him to have his class participate in this project, Mr. Mast
said it wasn’t him. He shared the story with his students and they voted to do this instead of
what he had planned for the week before break. One of Mr. Mast’s students, Christian, said,
“We thought it would be nice for [Addie]. It’s going to be her last Christmas.” Nate chimed in, “I
felt really sad for her. Addie’s dad had just died not too long ago and now she found out she’s
going to die.” The class wanted to do something and this seemed like the perfect way to reach
out.
Students spent about three days before going on break writing letters, drawing pictures,
and making cards for Addie. Mr. Mast said that students were very thoughtful and the cards
were well written. He mailed the cards on Saturday, December 20th.
After returning in January students learned that Addie was receiving thousands of cards
each day. Taylor smiled and said it made her feel good. She said, “It was nice to tell [Addie] we
are thinking about her. You never know when something like this could happen to you. It’s horrible to know a kid is going through that.” Izzy also thought it was “cool that Addie got all those
letters. It’s great that she got what she wanted!”
While Success Time is suppose to be about differentiating to support our students’
learning, it’s more than that at Dowagiac Middle School. It’s about our Dowagiac kids growing,
our Dowagiac kids learning about the world around them, and our Dowagiac kids making a difference.
We are very proud of our Dowagiac Chieftains!
STATE
OF
THE
UNION
Page 2
Students’ Perspective of the School-Family Compact at Justus Gage Elementary
W
e believe that high student achievement is a responsibility shared by school staff, parents, students and the community as a whole. At the beginning of each school year “School-Family Compacts” are explained and distributed
to every Justus Gage family. Compacts are broken down into four specific members which include: students, parents, teachers and principal. Each member sign the compacts. Teachers revisit the compact with their students throughout
the year to help individuals, classrooms and school fulfill their mission statement and achieve all school improvement goals.
Students agree to work to the best of their ability and strive to: complete assignments, follow school rules, do their
best work and have high expectations.
Parents agree to the importance of student achievement and encourage by: seeing that their child is on time and
attends school each day, sending their child to school healthy, well-rested and ready to learn, reviewing homework and notes
from school daily, demonstrating the importance of education and reviewing rules in the student handbook with child.
Teachers agree to the importance that students achieve and strive to: create a safe and positive learning environment, keep parents and students informed of individual progress, provide high quality classroom instruction, continue to
improve teaching skills, have high expectations for all students and communicate to parents their child’s academic performance on National, State and District assessments.
Principal agrees to support parental involvement and strives to: provide an environment that allows for positive
communications, create opportunities for school-family activities, maintain a safe environment for all and have high expectations of the staff and students at Justus Gage.
Here is the perspective of five students interviewed and what they feel is the most important component for each
member.
Kindergarten, Mallory Bakeman, Mrs.Hudson’s Class: “It’s very important that we be kind to others so we don’t hurt their feelings. I need to be
sent to school healthy, because I don’t want to get sick and throw up on people and have them be sent to the office to get cleaned up!” Mrs. Hudson wants
us to be smart, and Mr. Henry wants all students to be safe and successful.”
1st Grade, Hanah McCuddy, Mrs. Northrop’s Class: “We need to follow school rules so we don’t get in trouble; we might have to go to the principal’s office. Parents need to review our homework, because we will get bad
grades if we don’t return our work. If Mrs. Northrop doesn’t know that much,
the students won’t know that much.” So if I know a lot, I can be a teacher
when I grow up!”
2nd Grade, Elizabeth Bale, Miss Proctor’s Class: “I need to do my best
work in writing so my teacher can read it. If my parents didn’t send me to
school I wouldn’t be able to learn Miss Proctor’s lessons. I wouldn’t get homework if the teacher didn’t deliver it. If we just learned all day without games at Back Row L to R: Millie Hartsig, Riley
recess, it wouldn’t be any fun.”
Stack, Jayden Carpenter.
3rd Grade, Jayden Carpenter, Mrs. Yeo’s Class: “It’s important to do Front Row L to R: Mallory Bakeman,
my best work in spelling since I already know division. My parents don’t send Elizabeth Bale, Hanah McCuddy
me to school when I’m not healthy so I won’t get my friends sick. Mrs. Yeo has
a safe classroom so we learn and stay safe. Mr. Henry wants our number one job to be safe!”
4th Grade, Millie Hartsig, Miss Page’s Class: “I need to do my best work on all assignments, because you can complete assignments poorly, not study or just guess. My parents make sure that I’m sent to school on time with a good breakfast. Homework needs to be complete and I don’t get to bed too late. Miss Page makes sure that we are safe and comfortable so we can have high expectations and learn. If Mr. Henry didn’t have high expectations the teachers and students could
slack off.”
5th Grade, Riley Stack, Mrs. Brosnan’s Class: “When you have high expectations for yourself, you will do great in all
areas. My parents make sure that I’m to school on time each day. Since my teacher (Mrs. Brosnan) lets my parents know
how I’m doing in school, they can help me at home. Parents can have a “safe mind” since Mr. Henry works hard at providing
a safe environment for all.”
As members of the compact, we need to remember our role in the Justus Gage Elementary School-Family Compact!
Go Chiefs!!!
Page 3
STATE
OF
THE
W E L C O M E N E W S TA F F
UNION
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
BRITTANY LOCA
High School: Inland Lakes High
School, Indian River, MI
W. DOUGLAS
KOLMODIN
College: Lake Superior State University
Degree: BS; Major Social Studies,
Minor English
Assignment: Union High School
English
Hobbies: I enjoy painting, art, DIY arts and crafts projects,
volleyball, basketball, exercise, cooking, hiking, kayaking,
playing guitar, reading, travel, and animals.
PHYLLIS
SARABYN
I went in to education because…I enjoy working with students, being a positive role model and serving the education community. I have always had a special appreciation
for education and the numerous purposes it serves. I hope
to inspire that appreciation in my students.
RON
JONES
I am looking forward to…building strong relationships with
students and colleagues, and bring new perspectives and
challenges to my students
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Board of Education
Regular Meeting Schedule 2015
February 16
March 16
April 20
May 11
June 15
July 20
August 17
September 21
October 19
November 16
December 14
Regular @ DMS Cafeteria
Regular @ DMS Cafeteria
Regular @ DMS Cafeteria
Regular @ DMS Cafeteria
Regular @ City Hall Council Chambers
Regular @ City Hall Council Chambers
Regular @ City Hall Council Chambers
Regular @ DMS Cafeteria
Regular @ DMS Cafeteria
Regular @ DMS Cafeteria
Regular @ DMS Cafeteria
Special Work Sessions, Board Retreats or rescheduled meetings will be posted at least 18
hours prior to the meeting (1980 OAG 5724).
STATE
W
OF
THE
Page 4
UNION
Scholastic Santas at Sister Lakes
hat started as a small act of kindness last Spring has
turned into something that 2nd grade Sister Lakes
Elementary teacher, Rachel Kyncl, never could have
imagined. Last Spring, she posted a picture on Instagram of a
small pile of money that a student kept bringing to her over a
period of a few days. He
was hoping to purchase a
book out of their Scholastic
Book Order. Never in her
14 years in the classroom
had she experienced
this. He wanted the book
so badly that he was
scrounging for anything he
could find. When he still fell
short at the end, she did
what any teacher would
Excited students pick out their book
have done, she pitched in
outside Mrs. Kyncl’s classroom.
the rest and purchased the
book. A friend saw the
picture last Spring and remembered it. In November, the friend
contacted Mrs. Kyncl and expressed her desire to purchase a
book for every student in her class for Christmas. Since Mrs.
Kyncl normally purchases a book for her students at Christmas
time, she told her that if she wanted to buy books she would
make sure they got in the hands of students who needed
them! That is exactly what the friend did. The friend purchased
Mrs. Kyncl’s whole wish list on Scholastic, which equaled more
than 30 books. Mrs. Kyncl posted a thank you to her “Scholastic
Santa” on Facebook. What happened next no one never could
have imagined. A friend, who is also an educator, shared her
story in Ludington. She began receiving donations that enabled
her to take 55 students shopping at their book fair! Then even
more Scholastic Santa donations started trickling
in. Some of these donations were anonymous, some were
from local friends, and Mrs. Kyncl had several people, who
read her story on Facebook, mail her donations. The donations totaled almost $500! Between an amazing Scholastic warehouse sale and affordable books in the Scholastic book orders, Mrs. Kyncl was able to purchase books
for the entire school!! On Wednesday, December 17th,
students at Sister Lakes Elementary were all able to pick
out a book. Tables were set up for students in the hallway
outside of her 2nd grade classroom. Watching the students each choose a book of their very own was probably
the absolute highlight of her near 15 years in the classroom. Questions like “Do I get to keep this at my house?”
“Are they really free?” “Do I have to give it back?” absolutely made her heart melt. WNDU and WWMT came to
Sister Lakes to interview Mrs. Kyncl and put stories together for the news. Mrs. Kyncl currently has money left
to help get things rolling for next year! It is her hope that
next year the idea of
“Scholastic Santa” continues to
spread and communities all
over will be able to put books in
the hands of children that truly
need them. Sometimes you
never know what one small act
of kindness can do. In this instance Mrs. Kyncl is watching it
unfold over and over and it
makes her so proud to be a
part of this community.
The Way We Were ~ 1975
1975 Chieftains Finish High in
Districts
STANDING: A. Broussard, R.
Phillipson, K. Patzer (co-capt.),
R. Rutherford,
K. Armstrong, M. Worden, R.
Pompey (co-capt.), S. Warden.
KNEELING: W. Murray, B.
Fricke, J. Murray, K. Wiesemes,
J. VanHuson and
D. Stuppy.
Page 5
A
STATE
OF
THE
UNION
UNION HIGH SCHOOL “BATTLE OF THE FANS”
t Dowagiac Union High School, we are always looking for ways to promote a positive school culture. This year, The
Chieftain Heart (DUHS Spirit Club), has found a way to do so through a competition known as “Battle of the Fans.”
BOTF is in its 4th year of existence and due in large part to the success of schools like Bridgman (BOTF Finalist 2014)
and Buchanan (BOTF Champions 2013), the students at Dowagiac have
decided to show the rest of the state that we have the best fans in Michigan.
Schools are asked to submit a video of their student sections in
action. Videos are judged on the following criteria:
1. Positive Sportsmanship
2. Student Body Participation
3. School Spirit
4. Originality of Cheers
5. Organization of the Group
6. Student Section Leadership
7. Overall Impression / FUN
Members of “The Front Row Crew” (Student Section Leaders)
attended a workshop by MHSAA in November. During the conference,
they learned about the importance of cheering for OUR team as opposed Students attending the MHSAA conference.
Standing: Sydney Brooks, Trnton Lesniak, Mitch Warsko,
to cheering against the visiting team. Additionally, they were able to get
Di’maan McGill, Nate Hiler, Mary Magin.
ideas for fun interactive themes. For example, January 23rd was a WHITE Sitting: Kenny Sanchez and Lauren Smith
OUT, and all fans were asked to come dressed in as much white as possible. The following Friday, January 30th, the theme was AMERICA. Fans were encouraged to come show their patriotic pride
by wearing red, white, and blue to the game.
Using social media in a productive way is another lesson learned from the conference. The Chieftain Heart utilizes
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snap Chat to communicate with the student body. They also use the hashtag #BOTF as a
way to show MHSAA our school spirit throughout the year.
After the conference, DUHS held a “PREP RALLY” where students were taught some of the cheers and activities that
would be performed during the games. Mr. Hill and Mr. Gourley got in on the fun and showed some of their best lip sync and
dance skills to pump up the students.
While BOTF is focused on athletics, the goal for The Chieftain Heart is much
more encompassing. “For me, I just want to see our kids involved in activities that
promote a POSITIVE school culture”, said Mr. Cornelius (Chieftain Heart Advisor).
“Ultimately, I hope that the enthusiasm generated will spill over onto other teams,
clubs, and organizations. We have some of the best choir and band programs around.
Our robotics team is doing awesome work and our volleyball team made it to the district championship. These achievements need to be recognized and celebrated by the
students and community members. Our kids are doing great things and we should be
proud of them.”
Dowagiac’s video was submitted on Saturday, January 10th. If you would like
to view the video search YouTube under BOTF.
To learn more about Battle of the Fans, visit mhsaa.com
Update: As of press time, Dowagiac has been chosen as one of the five
finalists in the BOTF. MHSAA will be visiting Dowagiac for the home
basketball game on February 13th to complete their scoring to decide
who will win the BOTF competition. Come out and show your support of
this BOTF effort.
Students at the boys basketball game on December 19th.
STATE
OF
THE
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
September 2014 Madeline White, Union High School;
Kailey Fear, Dowagiac Middle School; Mason Harrington,
Justus Gage; Shaun West, Kincheloe; Maurice Davis, Patrick
Hamilton; and Jailyn Castaneda, Sister Lakes.
October 2014 Haven Angell, Union High School; Amiyah
Smith, Dowagiac Middle School; Jeffrey Moore, Justus Gage;
Jack Stovern, Kincheloe; Adam Sandberg, Patrick Hamilton;
and Brallan Hernandez, Sister Lakes.
November 2014 Jamie O’Brien, Union High School; Gabrielle Munson, Dowagiac Middle School; Amya Jones, Justus
Gage; Danni Purlee, Kincheloe; Jamie Howard, Patrick Hamilton; and Angelina Ochoa, Sister Lakes.
December 2014 Dominic Reaume, Union High School;
Sofia Rosales, Dowagiac Middle School; Elizabeth Bale,
Justus Gage; Rachel Saldivar, Kincheloe; Kylin Owens, Patrick Hamilton; and Alainna Preston, Sister Lakes.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
Kindergarten Round-Up Dates
Sister Lakes May 4-5
Kincheloe May 7-8
Patrick Hamilton May 11-12
Justus Gage May13-14
UNION
Page 6
HELPING TEACHERS AND
STUDENTS BEYOND THE
CLASSROOM
T
he Dowagiac Union Schools Foundation was
created in 1984 to provide funding for educational opportunities that fall outside of the
school's operating budget. The Foundation's goal is
to supplement, expand and diversify learning experiences of Dowagiac Union students. The Foundation is supervised by a Board of Trustees—volunteer
citizens who serve without pay. The following minigrants were approved in October:
1) Purchase Science Laser Show at Patrick Hamilton—$490
2) Support of the 5 Star program at DMS -$500
3) Transportation for a School-wide field trip to
Amazing Acres for Kincheloe- $1284
4) Transportation for DMS to Challenger Mission
in Kalamazoo -$963
5) Funding at DMS –Dowagiac Middle Makers$500
6) Purchase of Math software for Patrick Hamilton—$435.85
7) Purchase of pedometers for Sister Lakes &
Kincheloe-$254.85
8) Transportation for Kincheloe 4th grade to Kalamazoo Valley Museum -$256.80
9) Two Senior Citizen Luncheons at DUHS-$2000
10) Purchase of tickets and transportation costs for
South Bend Symphony Orchestra Young People’s concert—$2811.08
11) Purchase of Raz-Kids Program at Sister Lakes $399.80
12) Purchase of playground supplies for ‘Choice
Time’ at Justus Gage-$407.79
Another opportunity for staff to submit applications
for mini-grants opened in January.
If you would like to make a TAX DEDUCTIBLE contribution to the foundation, please send a check to:
Dowagiac Schools Foundation, 243 S. Front Street,
Dowagiac, MI 49047.


The Dowagiac Union School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or genetic information
in employment or the provision of services. Inquiries by students and/or their parents/guardians related to discrimination on the basis of disability/handicap should be
directed to:
Stacy Ritchie, Director of Finance
Dowagiac Union Schools
243 S. Front Street
Dowagiac, MI 49047 • (269) 782-4409
Page 7
STATE
OF
PAT HAM NEW BRIDGES MATH CURRICULUM
I
THE
UNION
H
SNOWSHOEING AT KINCHELOE
n September, Dowagiac students in grades kindergarave you
ten through second grade began a new math program.
ever tried to
Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive curriculum
snowshoe?
that equips teachers to fully implement the Common Core
The fourth and fifth
State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorgrade students at
ous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners. PatKincheloe Elemenrick Hamilton teachers have been working diligently to imple- tary School are
ment this new program and are delighted with how well their
able to participate
students are learning difficult math concepts.
in this unique
The program focuses on developing students’ deep unlearning experiderstandings of mathematical concepts by engaging stuence. Each winter,
dents in hands-on learning opportunities and games. It
during their lunch
blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open
recess. Students L to R: Khloie Goins, Calley Ruff, Scout
exploration. Seeing, touching, and sketching ideas help
have a wonderful Hunsberger, and Carlee Gibson put on
learners construct, understand, and apply mathematical
time learning about their snowshoes.
ideas.
snowshoeing with
Students typically start their day with Number Corner, an
their physical education teacher, Ms. Gail Gersonde.
in-depth look at the calendar and patterns. It makes conStudents learn quickly that the most difficult part is learnnections with lessons taught earlier and introduces new con- ing how to put the snowshoes on correctly! Once they can
cepts in a very visual format. Each class also has direct inget the snowshoes on, students learn to snowshoe and enjoy
struction and small groups for an additional 60 minutes a
nature in a way that very few students have the opportunity
day. Lessons can include group projects, individual work,
to do.
and cooperative games.
This is a great aerobic exercise, which fits in with their
Each unit is also accompanied by assessments that help
fitness goals in physical education.
students evaluate what they know and help teachers guide
Kincheloe Elementary has several trails that are mainstudents’ learning. Rachel Pobuda, kindergarten teacher at
tained by the Masons from the Dowagiac Masonic
Patrick Hamilton, says, “Using the Bridges assessments is
Lodge. Every year the Masons care for the trail by trimming
helping me pinpoint students who need extra help in certain
back brush and bringing in new wood chips, as needareas and get them where they need to be.”
ed. These trails,
Using the assessment results helps guide teachers when
which lead to the
placing students in Math Intervention groups. The intervenwoods, provide an
tions are organized according to the state standard, not by
excellent avenue
grade level. Teachers and paraprofessionals devote small
for students to
group sessions to address key skills to help them catch up to
snowshoe. The
their peers. Students
students frejoin the group as
quently are able
needed and disconto see wildlife
tinue as they are
such as turkeys
ready. Elizabeth
and deer.
Haskell, kindergarten
This project
paraprofessional,
has been enworks with students
hanced by a grant
identified through
from the
testing that need exL to R: Khloie Goins, Carlee Gibson, Scout Dowagiac Schools
tra help. “Ms. Haskell Hunsberger and Calley Ruff enjoying their Foundation which
is doing a fantastic
allowed the
snowshoeing time.
job
working
with
small
purchase of
L to R: Kindergartners Ethan
groups.
She
boosts
pedometers.
Students
have
been
taught
how
to use the
Nearpass, Hope Buskirk and Wanda
pedometers to track, and graph, their progress while snowWard using blocks to help understand them up so they can
achieve their goals,”
shoeing
the new Bridges math curriculum.
says Pobuda.
Dowagiac Union Schools
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
DOWAGIAC, MI
PERMIT NO. 20
243 S. Front Street
Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 782-4400 phone
www.dowagiacschools.org
OCCUPANT
DOWAGIAC MI 49047
“Respect, Responsibility, Trust”
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Creating a Strong Community
Earlier in September I wrote about my beliefs as an educator and school administrator and my philosophy
that we are one; students, schools and community all existing dependently. I believe student achievement is
our number one job as educators. I believe you don’t stop being a DUS student in the summer and we as a
school don’t “cut ties” when our students graduate.
Why do I believe these things to be of importance, not only to the school district but also to the community as a whole? I
believe it because the success of our children has a direct impact on the success of our community and a strong community
creates strong children. Preparing our children for their future academically and socially is a large task and takes a large
group of individuals with many different talents.
In the area of student achievement, we are having some outstanding successes. Just a month ago DUHS was ranked higher in the Context and Performance Report Card than any other high school in the county and many other high schools in the
area. In fact, we ranked higher than almost every other high school that borders ours in Berrien or Cass counties. We make
a big deal of this because it is a source of pride not only for the schools but also for the community. Early in the school year
you read or heard about two of our elementary schools being designated by the state as Reward Schools, Patrick Hamilton
for the first time and Sister Lakes for the second year in a row.
The relationship between the schools and the community is more than just test scores and rankings though. We have partnered with groups such as 5-Star at DMS to bring in community mentors and a program to help our students at a difficult age
of transition. We have partnered with BTCU to help our students understand the ins and outs of banking and the importance
of saving and finances. We have Rotary Interact, a group of high school students dedicated to helping our community by
collecting food and performing other civic-minded acts. We have started the Chieftain Health Scoop Initiative. Through
this endeavor a newsletter and Facebook page have been developed. This is an opportunity to share information about the
social, emotional and health issues that our students face on a day-to-day basis with parents and guardians. These parents,
guardians and extended families have the greatest impact on the lives of our students.
Another piece of the school-community relationships is the facilities that we provide our students. Over the upcoming
months we will be forming committees to look at needs of the district that have been identified by you, the parents, guardians
and community members of the Dowagiac Union School District. This process began with tours of the school buildings that
make up our district and will culminate with a plan of how to address the needs of the district in a realistic and manageable
manner. This is an open invitation to all those interested in having a voice.
Together we make a difference our children’s lives. Our partnership is strong and getting stronger.
On Dowagiac!