Spring 2010 - Wyoming Public Schools

Inside
• Enroll now for pre-school
•Author/Illustrator visits
• Early Childhood Program
helps kids with disabilites
•Kindergarten enrollment
•Mom-2-Mom Sale
•The rewards of respect,
responsibility
•Tea party fun
•MADD honors grad
•Boys/Girls State
•Reading month activities
•Helping Haiti
•T.E.A.M. 21 rocks and
rolls
•Taking kids to new
Frontiers
•Park practices governing
•Healthy eating at Newhall
•“The Crucible”
•“The Drowsy Chaperone”
•Park hosts b’ball league
•Rogers student
a “sure shot”
•Park’s new Winter Drum
Line
•Vikings reach Top 100
•Sign up now for summer
volleyball, b’ball, football
camps, cheerleading
workshop
Insight
Wyoming Public Schools
Spring 2010
Ten Questions That
Make a Difference
A Message from Superintendent Felske
In March
you should have
received, from
the United States
Postal Service, your
family 2010 census
questionnaire.
This questionnaire
Superintendent
consists of ten
Jon A. Felske
questions that will
take ten minutes to complete.
So why is the 2010
census so important
to the Wyoming Public
School district and our
community? Information
collected from our
community helps to
determine how more
than $400 billion of
federal funding each year
is spent to improve our
public transportation,
new construction for
roads and bridges and
improvements to senior
citizen centers and
hospitals.
Our school district
benefits from accurate
census data by providing
federal dollars for early
childhood opportunities,
such as Head Start, and
most importantly, updated census
information will allow Wyoming
Public Schools to receive Title 1
funding that accurately reflects the
demographics of our district today
as compared to the previous census
in 2000.Title 1 federal funding
provided $1,438,000 to Wyoming
Public Schools for staffing and
student programs this year.
Please take ten minutes to
help our school district and
community by completing the
census questionnaire.
If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact me at
530-7555 or access the
census 2010 website at
www.census.gov/2010census.
Enroll Now
for 2010-11
Preschool
Applications for the 20102011 Preschool Programs are
now available at Wyoming Public
Schools Student Services office
and elementary school offices.
For more information, call Paula
at 530-5671.
Traditional Program
(Tuition-Based Program)
Huntington Woods
Early Childhood Center
• 3 & 4 year olds
• Two or three half-day programs
• Tuition is $663 - $944/full year
Great Start
Readiness Program
(Free Program)
GSRP is a State of Michigan
funded preschool program
available free to qualifying
residents in the Wyoming Public
Schools district.
Children must be four years
old by December 1, 2010, and
meet income guidelines and/or
qualifying factors. Examples of
factors: absence of parent, sibling
issues, teen parents, homeless or
developmental delays.
Children enrolled in this
program will attend school
four half-days at the Huntington
Woods Early Childhood
Center.
Early Childhood Program Provides
Help for Developmental Disabilities
Wyoming Schools’ Student
Services Department provides
a special education program for
children two through four years
of age who may need special help
to be better prepared for Early
Childhood instruction.
We will evaluate your child
if you feel there may be some
developmental difficulties in the
following areas:
• Cognitive development:
the ability to think and master
tasks at an appropriate level.
• Language development:
the ability to hear adequately,
form correct speech sounds
at appropriate age levels and
put them together into ageappropriate speech patterns.
• Perceptual development:
the ability to master concepts
such as color, shape, body parts,
etc. at an age-appropriate level.
• Fine motor development:
demonstration of ageappropriate use of small
muscles in such tasks as
cutting, pasting, coloring,
writing, etc.
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• Gross motor development:
demonstration of ageappropriate use of large
muscles in such
tasks as catching, throwing,
running, etc.
• Social-emotional
development: demonstration
of age-appropriate ability
to play, interact with peers,
separate from parents, control
emotions, etc.
The program offers individual
testing and goal setting designed
just for your child through
close cooperation with parents.
Instruction includes one-half day
sessions five days a week with
specially-trained teachers using
equipment designed to meet
special needs.The services of
speech therapists, occupational
therapists, physical therapists,
psychologists and social workers
are available.
Student’s birth certificate
and immunization records are
required for enrollment. For more
information, call Jane Baker at
530-7598.
Author/Illustrator Mark Crilley Entertains Students
Above: Mark Crilley poses with Jackson Park
students who won copies of one of his Akiko
books by being finalists in the JP bookmark
contest.
by Melissa Schneider &
Karen Potter
Students at Jackson
Park Intermediate School
and Newhall Middle
School were treated to
a great presentation by
the talented author and
illustrator, Mark Crilley.
Mr. Crilley, a Michigan
native, has written and
illustrated 12 novels for
children, featuring the
adventurous characters Akiko and
Billy Clikk. In addition, his passion
for comic books has led to a bestselling series of graphic novels
titled Miki Falls.
The presentation was a great
opportunity for WPS students to
hear a master storyteller spin his
own tales and also get a behindthe-scenes look at what goes into
writing and illustrating books.The
hands-on drawing demonstrations
were amazing, and each school
received original drawings to
display.
Clockwise from Top Left:
Crilley chats with some very
impressed JP 6th graders
after the presentation, draws
and reads portions of his book
for the students.
3
Important 5th/6th Grade
Student Information
New 6th Grade
Immunization
Requirements
for 2010-2011
School Year
We have recently been
notified by the State that
beginning with the next school
year, all incoming 6th graders
(current 5th grade students) will
have additional immunization
requirements as stated below:
1. Two doses of Varicella
vaccine or have a history of
having chickenpox.
2. One dose of meningococcal
vaccine.
3. One dose of tetanus/
diphtheria/acellular
pertussis (Tdap) (if 5
years or more have passed
since last dose of tetanus/
diphtheria vaccine – DTaP,
Td or DT).
If your child needs
immunizations, please work on
completing these immunizations
during the 5th grade school year.
Any child who has
not had all of his or her
immunizations will not be
allowed to start 6th grade.
2010/2011 Kindergarten
Enrollment Information
by Heidi Brandt
It is time to enroll your child for
kindergarten! In order to be eligible
to attend kindergarten, the State
of Michigan requires students turn
five years of age before December
1, 2010.
Enrollment information is
available at our Administration
Building at 3575 Gladiola Ave.,
Wyoming, Michigan, 49519.
(Gladiola is located to the north
off of 36th St. between Burlingame
and Byron Center Ave.) The
Administration Building phone
number is 530-7550.
To complete a child’s
registration, parents will need
to produce a certified copy of
the student’s birth certificate,
immunization records, a
Kindergarten health form
completed by a health care
provider and two proofs of
residency.
We look forward to meeting
all of you in preparation for our
new group of students who will
begin their journey through their
formative years of education.
Newhall Middle School
Mom-2-Mom Sale
Saturday, April 24th • 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Make money! Clean out your closets! Newhall is having a sale to benefit
the Newhall Family Fund. A $20 non-refundable fee for space and 1
table and $1/item for the large item room.You keep 100% of your
profits! Newhall will advertise for the sale locally, and you can sell your
baby and kid items (books, toys, gear and clothing).
Call Kristi Baumbach at 530-7590
for registration information.
4
West Students Recognized for Respect, Responsibility
by Lori Brillowsky and
Marcia Baker
West Elementary students that
stayed on green, demonstrating
respect, responsibility and safety
throughout the first half of the
year, were honored for their
accomplishments.
The MiBLSi team in
conjunction with Wyoming
Park staff and students
created a celebration for
those students. Upon
arrival at The Park, the West
students were welcomed
into the building by Park’s
new Winter Drum Line. (See
page 17 to learn more about
the drum line.)
Several Park students, Mr.
Perkins, Mr. Doyle and Mr. VanVliet
worked hard putting together an
indoor field day for the students.
The Park students had seven
stations the kids rotated
through. At the end of our
celebration, Mr. Doyle
taught the students The
Park fight song.
Each student also
received a Park tshirt from Mr. Perkins.
Students, staff and
parents enjoyed this
opportunity to bring
together the school
community.
Above: Students and staff enjoyed their
indoor “field day” at Wyoming Park.
Top: West students pose in their new
Wyoming Park t-shirts.
Circle, Top Right: Natasha and Natlie
Mangum enjoy the celebration together.
5
Teacher
Hosts
Tea Party
for JP
Readers
Students from Mrs. Jensen’s
class enjoyed a tea party as part
of their intervention activities at
Jackson Park Intermediate School.
The tea party was an activity
connected to the students’ study
of The Cay, a book students are
Left to Right: Brenden Paul, Lucas Hall, Bryce Berzley, Deb Vanderveen, Symantha Bordeau
and Destine Pitts.
reading during their reading
interventions with Paraprofessional
Deb Vanderveen. Students read
and engage in activities on novels
selected for them according to
their Lexile score.
This is one of the many
activities students are participating
in to improve their reading abilities
at Jackson Park.
MADD Honors Former
Rogers High School Graduate
by Nate Reens
The Grand Rapids Press
(reprinted with permission)
Aaron Rossin expected a
plaque and maybe a pat on the
back when told he had won an
award for his prowess in stopping
drunken drivers.
The Grand Rapids police
officer, with nine years of
experience, instead earned
statewide appreciation at a
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
luncheon in Lansing and a ride
in the backseat of a car driven by
the force’s top two cops.
It was a little much for the
33-year-old Wyoming Rogers High
School graduate, who prefers to
go about his business as quietly
and efficiently as possible.
“I don’t do this job for awards
or recognition,” Rossin said.“It
feels good, but I’m ready to get
back to work.”
Rossin was one of six
officers in the state honored
with MADD’s Life Saver Award
and the first in the Grand Rapids
department’s history.
In 2009, Rossin nabbed 41
drivers operating under the
influence and has recorded 34
convictions with seven cases
pending.
Working on the second and
third shift on the city’s Northeast
Side, Rossin sees the effects of
alcohol daily.“It’s a huge factor
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in pretty much everything we
do,” he said.“It alters people’s
behavior out at the bars and at
home afterward. It’s a problem,
and you never know what a
driver could do.”
Capt. Pam Carrier nominated
Rossin for the award, calling
him a leader in drunken driving
enforcement and in other aspects
of police work. Rossin also earned
commendation from superiors’ in
2005 when Officer Tony Leonard
ran into a burning building to
roust people inside who were
unaware their residence was on
fire. Rossin and Gregory Bauer
searched other entrances to be
sure no one else was in danger.
Rogers Students Participate
in American Legion’s
Boys/Girls State Program
Maddie Fortuna and Celestina Gonzles,
4th graders from Mrs. Adamy’s class, are
delighted they picked the same RIF book.
Parkview Celebrates
Reading Month
by Peg Machuta
Left to Right: Alex Ngo, Carley Glynn, Mario Matanovic and Christine Vo. (Missing from picture
is Kevin Humphrey.)
by Theresa and David Wheeler
Boys/Girls State is an
educational program sponsored by
the American Legion Departments
across the country to help young
men and women learn about
government and how it works. The educational staff’s goal is to
facilitate the learning process by
giving the citizens of Boys/Girls
State an opportunity to govern
themselves and to run their own
cities.
They have exposure to the
world of politics with conventions,
campaigns and elections. Then
they have the task of running their
cities with its unique problems and
adventures. During the month of June,
three boys and two girls from
Rogers High School did just that
after completing their junior year. Alex Ngo participated in the city of
Monroe’s affairs. Mario Matanovic
and Kevin Humphrey participated
in the city of Madison’s affairs. They made many new friends from
all over Michigan, including the
Upper Peninsula, and participated
in many activities, including sports. They also enjoyed the food. The
boys spent the time at Northwood
University. Christina Vo belonged
to Meskill City and participated
as a city council member. Carly
Glynn was in Fueling City and was
head of the parks and recreation
department.They enjoyed the trip
to the capital and bonding with
many girls from around the state.
The girls spent their week at
Michigan State University.
Know someone who might
be interested? Contact Dave or
Theresa Wheeler at (616) 5313533 or the Counseling Office
for information. We are looking
for candidates for this year’s
program. Boy’s week will be the
week of June 20. Girl’s week
will begin June 27.
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March Reading Month started
off with Parkview students signing
up for the Whitecaps Reading Club,
along with celebrating Dr. Seuss’
birthday with various activities.
All of the students had another
opportunity to select a book of their
choice from the RIF distribution,
which included 1st-4th grade students writing Book-o-grams telling
about their favorite book.They then
exchanged them with other classrooms.
As the month continued, there
were special times staff and students
would “Paws” for reading, as well as
wearing t-shirts, college apparel and
hats to read. Crazy Sock Day was a
fun time for all, where many really
used their imaginations.
Mrs. Gianino’s classroom was
visited by a guest reader that shared
the book, I Can Eat Fuzzy Caterpillars,
But Don’t, by local author Kathey Batey. What’s especially exciting about
this book is that WPS’ Rogers High
School senior Danny Jimenez was the
amazing illustrator. Mrs. Gianino plans
to donate the book to Parkview’s media center, so all of the students may
have the opportunity to read it.
March was a busy, fun and sometimes crazy month enjoyed by all.
JP Students
Help Haiti
One Penny
at a Time
by Jeffery Tubergen
For one week in February,
Jackson Park’s Student Leadership
Team sponsored a Penny War.
The goal was to raise money to
contribute to the Haiti relief effort.
The proceeds went directly to the
American Red Cross. According
to the Red Cross website, the
global Red Cross network has
helped nearly 1.9 million Haitians
since the country’s January 12
earthquake.
The Jackson Park Student
Leadership Council is made up
of two representatives from each
classroom.These representatives
were responsible for motivating
students to give and for counting
all those pennies each day!
Each class had a container in
the hallway to collect money. Each
penny counted as a positive point
while all other money counted as
negative.The class with the most
positive points (pennies) and
the class with the most negative
points (silver coins and paper
money) could earn a pizza party.
The winning classes were Mr.
Bilski’s 5th graders and Mr. Debri’s
5th graders.
In total, the school raised
more than $1,000. Congratulations
to those classes and to the whole
school for such an impressive
effort! A special thank you goes
to Mrs. Miller, Mr.Tubergen and
Mrs. Cain for helping JP take on
this challenge to give to others in
need.
The Rivera family enjoys a movie, pizza and prizes compliments of Rogers Heights Church.
Rogers Heights Church
Showers Gladiola Students
with Books and More
by Dawn Judge
On February 5, 2010,
members of the Rogers Heights
Church in Wyoming invited the
Gladiola Gators and their families
to a celebration of reading at
Celebration Cinema in the River
Town Crossings Mall!
Rogers Heights’ members
served up pizza, juice and lots of
smiles to the students and families.
Each student received the book
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,
a coloring book and a token to ride
the carousel after the movie.
The students and staff were
treated to the movie,“Cloudy with
a Chance of Meatballs.”What was
even more special is that the whole
movie theater was open to Gators
only! The kids, their teachers and
their families watched the movie,
and then they were treated to pizza
right there in the theater.
This was a terrific way to kick
off March is Reading Month and
celebrate our partnership with the
church.
The Gladiola Gators can’t thank
Rogers Heights Church enough for
the time and generosity they have
given to our students.
Rogers High School
Cheerleading Workshop
Rogers High School Cheer Program will hold a Cheerleading
Workshop May 3-21 on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Fridays from 3-5
p.m. at Rogers High School. The workshop is open to all girls who will
be in High School this fall. We especially would like to see 8th grader’s
who are interested in Cheer. Please contact Coach Pam Decker if you
have questions at 616-293-8768.
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West Students Send Hope to Haiti
by Lori Brillowsky and
Marcia Baker
“Good works are links that
form a chain of love.”
Be the change that you want to see in the world.
~ Mohandas Gandhi
– Mother Teresa
As the massive earthquake
destroyed much of Haiti and left its
people injured, homeless, orphaned
or most tragically dead, people
from around the world worked
together in great effort to let the
Haitian people know that they are
not alone.
West Elementary students,
staff and families wanted to be a
link on this world wide chain of
love. With great compassion, the
staff, students and families from
West Elementary reached out to
our Haitian neighbors to bring
whatever relief they could. For two
weeks students and staff at West
Elementary donated toothbrushes,
toothpaste and soap.
Three laundry baskets were
set out in front of the building.
Everyday all three baskets were
filled. Students helped to sort and
package the items.
West students collected toiletries
and pennies to help Haitian
families.
The students at West collected
383 toothbrushes, 200 tubes of
toothpaste, 100 bars of soap and
30 miscellaneous hygiene items.
A group of students and staff then
took the packages to Rays Of Hope,
a local organization, to be sent to
Haiti.
In addition to the items
collected, West Elementary
participated in a penny war. Mr.
Sturm challenged the students to
turn in their proud paws for cash.
Each proud paw turned in would
be worth 25 cents. West Students
turned in more than 400 proud
paws.The West PTO then matched
the proud paw money earned. All in
all, West was able to send $1,019 to
Haiti.
Bryten Chandler saved a great deal of
pennies for Haiti.
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Tarry Hall Opens Doors
by Cara Zerbel
Roller skating parties have been a West
Michigan staple for generations, and thanks
to the generosity of Tarry Hall Roller Rink in
Grandville, the students at T.E.AM. 21 have
had the opportunity to experience this great
American past time, free of charge.
T.E.A.M. 21 was approached by Tarry
Hall, after an article about the program was
published in Grand Rapids Magazine, with an
offer to give students a chance to experience
the fun of roller skating.They invited each
site to visit the rink once this school year,
at absolutely no cost. So far, eight sites have
taken advantage of this great opportunity
and two more schools have field trips
scheduled for late April and early May.
Site Coordinator at Parkview Elementary,
Courtney Stevens, echoed the sentiment
from all who have participated in this fun
activity.“It is quite clear that the staff at
Tarry Hall care about the children and the
community they serve.” Not only did her
students enjoy the challenge of skating, they
were eager to share the experience with
family and friends!
“At one point, I was skating past the
skate exchange counter and saw that the
woman behind the counter was handing off
a cordless phone to one of our students. My
first thought was that something
was wrong – he was hurt or upset
about something. When I stopped
and asked why he asked to use
their phone, he said,‘I just wanted
to call my mom to tell her how
much fun I’m having!’ He had the
biggest grin on his face. It was so
sweet of this woman to let him
use the phone for that purpose!”
Above: Noel
Hernandez, 7th
grade, skates like
a pro under the
bright lights.
Across all T.E.A.M. 21 sites each
event was a positive experience
for staff and students.Tarry Hall
has been an excellent example
of how building relationships
throughout the community can
enrich the lives of students and
create lasting memories.
Above: Sixth graders Kailey Burgess
and K’Saundra Long have fun with
friend Chris Leale, 5th grade.
Katie Cetino 5th grade, catches her balance on
roller skates.
10
to T.E.A.M. 21
Third graders Ricky Phillips (left) and Devin Fletcher (right) take a
break with their group leader, Eric McKeever (center).
Top Right: Christuana Smith, 5th grade, getting ready to rock and roll.
Right: Third graders Elias Barrios (left) and Erik Lopez (right) hanging
out at their December skating party.
T.E.A.M. 21 Summer Program Information
As the school year draws
nearer to a close and anticipation
of an exciting summer
approaches,T.E.A.M. 21 is looking
forward to the summer program
with a few changes to the
enrollment process.
For the first time, invitations
will be sent to families of students
based on academic performance
and staff recommendations.
T.E.A.M. 21 is committed to
academic gains and improvement
in related areas, and this new
process will better identify those
who may benefit most from the
program and encourage them to
participate. However, ALL families
are still welcome and encouraged
to apply, as it is expected that
spots will still be available for
open enrollment.
Applications for the sevenweek summer program will be
available in the main office at
each site.
Program is scheduled to
begin on June 14 and continue
through August 5, with no
program on July 1 and the entire
week of July 5.
Beginning at 8:30 in the
morning, students will have
breakfast, followed by academic
time led by certified teachers
with the help of T.E.A.M. 21 staff.
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Lunch will be served each day,
and then students will have the
opportunity to participate in
enrichment activities that include
fitness, recreation, arts, field trips,
character education, etc… after
which students will be dismissed
at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Bussing will also be made
available for pick up and drop off.
The program is offered for a
one-time fee of $10 per student
($15 at middle schools) to cover
the entire program, and families
who are unable to afford the fee
are encouraged to contact the
building principal or T.E.A.M. 21
Site Coordinator for scholarship
information.
Hard Work Pays
Off in Frontiers
by Al Vigh
This year’s graduating class of
2010 at Rogers High School will
include the first group of graduates
earning their diploma through the
Frontiers online learning program.
But for some students, who decided
to work ahead of pace, graduation
came a full semester early. Amy
Le, Jacob Marx, Marc Steensma
and Lindsey Striegle all met their
graduation requirements by the end
of the first semester this year.These
four, hard working individuals
chose to devote themselves to
an accelerated learning path,
and some even earned college
credits through dual-enrollment
options along with their diploma.
Due to the self-paced style
of the coursework and structure
of Frontiers, students are able to
devote extra time and effort to
their work and finish early if they
choose to do so.They meet all state
Hail to the Chief
by Thom Vander Klay
The Park government
classes have again simulated U.S.
government practices and policies
by determining where they stand
on the political spectrum, running
for office, writing bills, discussing
within committees, debating and
creating public policy.
The classes elected Presidents
using the electoral college model
after debates and primaries
narrowed the candidate field
to one Republican and one
Democrat. Second hour Jennifer
Voss (D) and her running mate
Brandon Banning won the
Presidential election.The third
hour victor was Aaron Cole (D)
and his running mate Shane
Thurkettle. Fifth hours President
was Meghan Galganski (R) and
Vice Presidential nominee Kevin
DeJager.
The following Bill Sponsors
had their bills go through
committee, the house, the senate
and signed into law by the
President. Only five of 93 bills
became “law”.
Senate Bill 251 by Senator
Carina Thomas (Democrat from
California) and…
House Bill 313 by Representative
Alejandro Almanza (Democrat
from Michigan) to increase
minimum wage.
House Bill 307 by Representative
Richard Larios (Democrat from
Florida) to aid senior citizens
prescription drug prices.
House Bill 309 by Rachel Monzo
(Republican from Ohio) that
eliminates affirmative action.
House Bill 317 by Emmanuel
Valazquez (Democrat from
Michigan) to reduce pollution.
Congratulations to the
victorious candidates and bill
sponsors.
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Lindsey Striegle and Amy Le look happy to
be graduating a semester early!
graduation requirements along with
some other requirements included
in the Frontiers framework.
The four early graduates each
wrote a letter to the WPS Board
of Education, petitioning for
early graduation in January.Their
requests were granted at a January
board meeting.This means that
they were also eligible to begin
their post-secondary endeavors
immediately, which almost all did
this past winter.
During second semester,
Frontiers has several students on
pace to graduate a full year ahead
of traditional pacing. Others who
will choose to graduate with their
peers in the traditional program
have still earned enough required
credits to open their schedule for
dual enrollment options during
their senior year.This means they
will leave Wyoming Public Schools
with college credits and a head
start on their post-secondary
careers.
We salute these dedicated, hardworking students and wish them all
the very best!
Students interested in the
Frontiers program can learn more
about it, and find application
information at www.wyoming.k12.
mi.us/Frontiers.
Frontiers Celebrates Success!
by Al Vigh
On February 17, Frontiers
students and staff took time to
recognize the efforts of individuals
demonstrating success in the online
learning program at Rogers High
School.
Frontiers students
Kyle Hollins, Chris
Tran, Harley Zeller,
Jordan Dewenter,
and Carlton Shideler
get ready to enjoy
breakfast.
The attendees were treated
to a delicious waffle breakfast
sponsored by the staff of Education
2020, the software company that
provides the backbone of online
curriculum for the program.
Along with the Frontiers students
and staff, those in attendance
also included RHS building
administrators Mrs. Pennington and
Mr. Hollern, as well as Associate
Superintendent, Dr. Reeder and
Assistant Superintendent, Mr.
Hopkins.
Successful individuals
recognized at this celebratory
event included those who made
the honor roll this year, those who
demonstrated enough progress
and academic proficiency to earn
laptops and the four seniors who
graduated a full semester early.This
event was a great way for students
and staff to congratulate, support
and encourage each other and to
highlight the positive things that
students in this new program have
been able to achieve.
Mr. Herron recognizes
the efforts of
Kayleigh Billings,
Spencer Jacobs,
Hannah Dickson and
Emmanuel Galan.
Healthy Eating at Newhall
Rogers High School students
who are enrolled in the Frontiers
program take the majority of
their courses in an online format.
They are given flexible scheduling
options in order to meet individual
learning styles and make the most
of their high school experience on
their own terms.
This is the second year that this
option has been made available to
qualified students from the WPS
community and the rest of Kent
County.
Students from Newhall Middle School have been busy working on their posters to enter
the “Chartwells” Eating a Healthy Breakfast contest. Three students at the National
level will win an iPod nano. Good luck students! Front row: Alexis Woroniecki, Griscely
Nunez and Leyanna Kelley. Back row: Chandler Stohely, Savon Riely, Erika Durham and
Nayomee Durham.
13
Wyoming
Park Theater
Company’s
performance of
“The Crucible”
explores
the human
experience
by Sherrie Davis
The Wyoming Park Theater
Company recently performed “The
Crucible”.This moving portrayal
of one of America’s most classic
and profoundly moving plays was
exciting for students and staff to
experience.
Arthur Miller’s play, which is
read by most 11th graders, brings
the audience to the end of the
1600s. By this time, there had been
more than 200,000 people accused
and executed worldwide for being
“witches” and making allegiances
with the devil.
The cause of most of these
outlandish accusations? The thirst
for power, the fear of change and
the lack of acceptance. People of a
From left to right: Brooke Barno, Leah Ruark, Kelsey Wood (in the back), Arielle Ruark and
Nikki Lomonaco.
different ethnic persuasion, people
with physical differences, people
who were marginalized because
of something someone else judged
as “wrong” were often the victims
of this hysteria.This phenomenon
hit America in a dramatic way in
the 1690s in Salem, Massachusetts,
during the infamous Salem Witch
Trials when 19 women, one man
and two dogs were hanged for
being “witches.”
Rogers High
Volleyball
Camp
Rogers High School Volleyball
Camp will be held June 14-18
from 8:30-11:00 p.m.
To register, call
Karrie Hinton at 249-3540.
14
Miller’s classic American play,
“The Crucible”, though grounded in
history, does not attempt to present
a play about history, but instead
seeks to present a powerful, tragic
drama that probes a historical
problem that still exists today, a
play that explores the unwarranted
hysteria and blame that still
happens daily in our world.
The stirring performance
by the Wyoming Park Theater
Company gave people new insights
about the human experience.To
emphasize the Theater Company’s
commitment against the type of
atrocity this play reminds us of, the
company joined millions of others
in sponsoring the organization
Human Rights Watch. Students also
researched different human rights
violations happening in the world
today and initiated a stand up
against injustice campaign.
For more information on the
Wyoming Park Theater Company,
please check out the theater
company’s website at www.
wyomingparktheater
company.com.
RHS to Bring “The Drowsy Chaperone” to Life
by Torrence O’Haire
This spring, Rogers High
School is proud to present the new
Broadway musical comedy,“The
Drowsy Chaperone,” by Lisa-Beth
Lambert!
This rollicking show is so new,
in fact, that RHS has the honor of
being the FIRST EVER amateur
production in the entire midwest
region! The talented cast has been
working hard at understanding
and adapting this wild and crazy
Broadway script to the Wyoming
Park stage, and is excited for a great
audience!
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is an
incredibly unique show-within-ashow, whirlwinding you through
a Roaring-20’s wedding day for
a stage-and-screen starlet and a
dashing oil tycoon; unfortunately
for them, their impending nuptials
cause financial problems for too
many other shadowy characters,
and so it won’t be an easy road to
the altar! Prohibition smuggling,
underworld blackmail, and the
troubled mind of a fame-hungry
actress leave us to answer: is it
better to live while you can? Or
LEAVE while you can?
Rogers High School will be
performing the “The Drowsy
Chaperone”Thursday through
Sunday, April 22-25. April 22-24,
shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday,
April 25, will be a 2 p.m. matinee.
Students are invited to purchase
tickets in advance, at a discounted
rate of $5. All other tickets are $8 at
the door.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is
under the direction of Torrence R.
O’Haire, with music direction by
Kyle Los and accompaniment by
Ryan Stumpo.The cast includes
Daniel Adrian, Amy Carpenter,
Gracey Shira, Carly Glynn and Sam
Keener.
The RHS Drama Program is
also looking for donations and
volunteers, to help make this, and
future, productions successful.
If you or your organization is
interested in becoming a patron
of the arts in our public schools,
please contact Torrence R. O’Haire,
Program Director.
Wyoming Park Hosts
Winter B’ball League
by Thom Vander Klay
The Park Boys Basketball program sponsored the second
annual West Michigan Basketball League this winter. A total
of 33 teams participated from January through March on
Saturdays at The Park.Teams from Hudsonville Christian,
Hudsonville, Wayland, St. Johns, Rogers, Calvin Christian, Byron
Center,The Knapp Academy in Grand Rapids and Wyoming
Park competed from 3rd through 8th grade.
The Park was represented on every level including multiple
teams on the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade levels. Coaches
included: Liz Glowicki 3rd grade, Jason Lewis, Don Petree, Scott
DeYoung,Todd Carmer, Eric VanDyke, and Leron Nelson 4th
grade, Aaron Crow, Donaciano Buentello, Mike Clinkscales, Paul
Truax, and Paul Huizinga 5th grade, Kyle Smith, Jeff Norton, and
Jason Heerema 6th grade,Thom Vander Klay, Craig VanVliet, Jake
Underhill, and Kirk Williams 7th and 8th grade teams.
The Commissioner of the league was Amy Hendrickson and
Brad Brunet scheduled the officials. With many people working
for our kids, it was a great success.
All boys in the district were invited to join a team and
practiced starting in November.The Park teams are not
only showing great improvement but also competing for
championships at all levels. We are looking forward to the
future of Wyoming Park Basketball.
15
Photo courtesy of Great Scott Photography
Sixth grade players compete in the West Michigan
Basketball League.
Rogers Archer
a “Sure Shot”
by Kate Pennington
Alice Billin, a Rogers freshman, has been shooting
archery for four years. Competing with an Olympic
Recurve bow, she placed 1st last year in the indoor
State of Michigan Championship and 1st place in
the Outdoor Indiana State Championships, Outdoor
Northern Regionals and 2009 Outdoor USA Archery
National Championships. With the support of Rogers High School, she just
placed 1st in the Michigan USA Archery Championships
and the 2010 Michigan State Championship JOAD
(Junior Olympic Archery Development) held February
5-7, out-scoring all other recurve archers in all divisions. She earned her Bronze Olympian award from the
National Archery Association for scoring 281(out of
a possible 300) and earned an additional honor for
scoring six bull’s-eyes in a row. Alice’s next major tournament is the Indoor U.S.
Nationals held the first weekend in March at Michigan
State University.
Rogers freshman Alice Billin takes aim at becoming a champion archer.
“Get in the Game” with Wyoming Park Rocket Football
The Wyoming Park Football Program has
established a Rocket Football League in association
with the Northern Rocket Football League.
We are currently looking for volunteer coaches.
Please let us know if you are interested in helping out.
Signups are taking place this spring.
Wyoming Park teams will be drafted in the summer
and practice will start in August. All games will be
played on Saturdays.
Registration forms are available at signups. The
costs are listed below and include a Rocket
Football t-shirt and a game jersey you get to
keep! Athletes who wear their jersey to Friday night
Wyoming Park Varsity Football games will get in free!
Full contact teams will compete against other
programs throughout Kent County. Flag football teams
will play against other Wyoming Park Flag teams.
If you have questions please contact Josh
Baumbach at 530-7560, ext. 2369, or email
[email protected].
Signups will take place on the following Saturdays at the Wyoming Park High School Cafeteria:
April 24th from 9-11:00 a.m. • May 22nd from 9-11:00 a.m.
For the following Divisions:
4-5 year old flag football – $40 • 6-7 year old flag football – $40
8-9 year old full contact football – $60 • 10-11 year old full contact football – $60
12-14 year old full contact football – $60
16
New at “The Park”...
It’s the Winter Drum Line!
Wyoming Park’s Cyesha Goree and Brock
Vander Klay enjoy Top 100 state honors.
Wyoming Park’s new Winter Drum Line adds pizazz to a home basketball game.
by Shawn Gurk
The band program at Wyoming
Park enjoys a rich tradition of
success on the marching field, in
the concert hall and on the jazz
stage.This year, a new performing
ensemble has added a fresh and
exciting element to home basketball
games and other events in the
Wyoming community.
The Winter Drum Line is a
student-led organization enjoying
much success in its first year and
receiving numerous requests for
performances outside of school.
Most recently, members of the
drum line performed at the awards
ceremony of the Upward Basketball
and Cheerleading Program of
Kentwood Community Church.
Park’s marching band already
has a drum line, but that’s limited
to students who are trained as
percussionists as beginners.This
performing ensemble is open (by
audition) to band members who
play wind instruments, as well
as non-band members who are
willing to commit to improving
their musicality, performance skills
and mental discipline.Additionally,
the continued work and practice
will make the drum line that much
stronger for marching season. In
the future, the drum line plans to
compete in the Winter Circuit, an
intense competition for high school
drum lines and color guard units.
The drum line is organized,
rehearsed and coordinated
exclusively by percussion
students. Dylan Manley (11th),
was responsible for the direction
of the line.While reflecting on an
outstanding season, he noted,“This
group was really fun to work with.
They caught on fast and listened.”
He and fellow instructors
Brandon Banning (11th), Erik
Dekker (10th),Tyler Burnham
(11th) and Ben Spooner (12th)
took the lead of teaching the music,
rehearsing each section of the line
(snares, tenors…the set of five, and
basses) and choreography. Filling out
the drum line were percussionists
Charlie Balzeski (11th), Ryan Wilson
(9th), Mary Campbell (9th), Jessica
Bugher (11th) and Allie Elleffson
(9th); wind instrumentalists Zack
Wiggers (10th), Shannon Eighmey
(11th), Micah Stoddard (12th),
Brittney Grabill (9th) and Randy
Tran (10th); and non-bandmember Chris Goree (12th).
17
Vikings
Reaching
Higher
Top 100
by Tom VanderKlay
Wyoming Park juniors Cyesha
Goree and Brock Vander Klay were
each chosen as one of the Top 100
returning basketball players in
the state of Michigan and will be
attending the Reaching Higher Top
100 Showcase.
The Girls Showcase is
April 18, 2010, at South Lyon
High School. On July 31, 2010,
the Boys Reaching Higher
Showcase is at South Lyon High
School.
Reaching Higher Top 100 is
sponsored by the Michigan High
School Athletic Association and
Basketball Coaches Association of
Michigan.
This is the second year Cyesha
and Brock have attended.
Snowman by Amado Cortes, Jr.,
3rd grader at Rogers Lane
Elementary School
Wyoming Park
25th Annual Basketball Camp
LEARN ATTITUDES, MENTAL TOUGHNESS,
FUNDAMENTALS AND SKILLS OF A CHAMPION
BOYS: Grades 3-12
June 7-10
at Wyoming Park High School
8:00-11:00 a.m.
$50.00
GIRLS: Grades 3-12
June 7-10
at Wyoming Park High School
8:00-11:00 a.m.
$50.00
Deserve Victory!
The WP Basketball Camp is well known for its teaching of the game.The high school and middle school
coaches will be teaching all players in the basics of championship play and attitude.The younger players
will also get help from the current high school players. Each player will receive a Park basketball t-shirt.
Coaching staff includes Sean Veenstra, Jake Underhill, Abbey Czarnecki, Cody Browneye, John Robinson,
Jake Strotheide, Craig VanVliet,Troy Mast, Micah Chappell, Kirk Kambestad and Thom Vander Klay.
What Do I Need To Do?
Fill out and send information below and a $50.00 check to:
Thom Vander Klay, Head Boys Coach, or Kirk Kambestad, Head Girls Coach,
Wyoming Park High School, 2125 Wrenwood, Wyoming MI 49519
All players that get information in by June 1 are guaranteed shirts.
You can also sign up the first day of camp.
Make check out to: Wyoming Park Basketball.
Come dressed and ready to work and learn!
25TH ANNUAL WYOMING PARK BASKETBALL CAMP 2010
Name:________________________________ Grade Next Fall:_____ School:_________________________
Boys June 7-10 or Girls June 7-10
(circle one)
Address:______________________________ Phone:_________________ Email:______________________
I, the undersigned, state that my child is able to participate in all camp activities and I understand the potential for injuries
exist in athletic activities and waive the camp staff of all liability in this area. I hereby give permission for necessary and
emergency care to be given my child while attending this camp. WE DO NOT HOLD WPHS BASKETBALL CAMP OR
STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTAL INJURIES.
Parent Signature:__________________________________
2010 Youth Middle and
High School Summer Camp
“Get in the Game” with Wyoming Park Football
Youth camps will include daily FUNdamental skill development in passing, catching, stances, blocking,
tackling, and kicking, as well as flag football. Middle and High School camps will teach offensive and
defensive philosophy and formations as well as multiple skills sets and position specific development.
Each camp will be led by the Wyoming Park Coaching staff as well as former and current players. Come
prepared to work and have fun!
YOUTH CAMP I
YOUTH CAMP II
Grades Pre K - 2
July 12-14 • 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Grades 3-6
July 12-14 • 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
Grades 7-8
July 26-28 • 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Grades 9-12
July 26-28 • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost is $60.00 for each camp. Bring cleats, shorts and t-shirt. No helmet required.
Send check and registration to:
Josh Baumbach, Head Varsity Coach
Wyoming Park High School, 2125 Wrenwood, Wyoming MI 49519
Please call or email Josh Baumbach with questions at
530-7560 ext. 2369/862-1425/ [email protected].
Make check out to: Wyoming Park Football – $60.00
Camp Registration received after June 18th for the youth camps and
July 2nd for the Middle and High School camps does not guarantee camp issued items.
2010 WYOMING PARK FOOTBALL SUMMER CAMP
Camper’s Name:____________________________________________________ Grade (Fall 2010):______
Address:__________________________________________________ Phone _______________________
Summer Camp (circle one) Youth Camp I
Youth Shirt Size (circle one) S M L
Youth Camp II
Shirt Size (circle one) S M L XL XXL
Middle School
High School
Youth Shorts Size (circle one) S M L
Shorts Size (circle one) S M L XL XXL
I, the undersigned, state that Wyoming Public Schools and/or their staff, coaches, or employees will not be held
responsible for any accidents or loss of personal property however caused, and agrees to release Wyoming Public
Schools and/or 2010 summer camps from all claims or damages which may arise as a result of such accidents or loss. I
hereby give permission for necessary and emergency care to be given while attending this camp.
Parent Signature:________________________________________________ Date:____________________
Emergency Contact:_________________________________________ Phone _______________________
Wyoming Public Schools
3575 Gladiola Avenue, S.W.
Wyoming, Michigan 49519
(616) 530-7550
Please visit us at www.wyoming.k12.mi.us
Wyoming Public
Schools
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Grand Rapids, MI
Permit No. 131
Board of Education 2009-2010
Deborah Fewless....................................President
Craig Popma...................................Vice President
Dennis Bush...........................................Treasurer
Susan Sheets...........................................Secretary
Tom Mott................................................... Trustee
Amy Payne................................................. Trustee
Susan Sheets.............................................. Trustee
Mary VandeWater...................................... Trustee
Board of Education meetings are open to
the public and held at the Administration
Building each second and fourth Monday of the
month at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
School Communications Contest
2001 Award Winner
Administration
Jon A. Felske..................................Superintendent
Dr.Tom Reeder............Associate Superintendent
Gerald Hopkins............Assistant Superintendent
Scott Powers.......................... Director of Finance
James Nora..........................Technology Director
Don Hebeler.....................Director of Operations
Harry Knol............ Director of Special Education
Mike Slager........................Food Service Director
Enjoy
a fun
& safe
summer
break!
Insight is published by the Wyoming Board of
Education as the official newsletter for residents
of the Wyoming School District.
Sharon G.Wolfe, Editor
Items for publication in the Insight should be
sent to the following address:
Wyoming Public Schools
c/o Insight Newsletter
3575 Gladiola SW
Wyoming, Michigan 49509
[email protected] (e-mail)
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the
Elliot-Larson Civil Rights Act of 1977, and the
Americans with Disability Act of 1990, it is the
policy of Wyoming Public School District that no
person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability,
height, weight, or marital status be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of,
or be subjected to discrimination during any
program, activity, or in employment. The lack of
English skills will not be barrier to admission
or participation in educational programs. The
following people have been designated to
handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies. Inquiries related to discrimination on
the basis of race, color, origin, age, height, weight,
sex, or marital status should be directed to
Thomas Reeder, Assistant Superintendent, 3575
Gladiola SW,Wyoming, MI 49509, (616) 530-7556.
Inquiries related to discrimination on the basis of
disability or religion should be directed to Harry
Knol, Director of Student Services, 3575 Gladiola,
SW,Wyoming, MI, 49509, (616) 530-7525.
Insight design by Lorena Deiters.
Insight printing by Printech, Inc.
Watch
for our Back
to School issue
in August!
Wyoming Public Schools
REGULAR BOARD MEETING DATES FOR 2009-2010
April 19, 2010................5:30 p.m.
May 17, 2010.................5:00 p.m.
(Note:Third Monday)
(Budget Hearing)
May 10, 2010.................7:00 p.m.
June 14, 2010.................7:00 p.m.
June 28, 2010.................5:30 p.m.
(@ Gladiola Elementary)
Regular Board Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
and the 4th Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
In the spirit of compliance with the ADA, individuals with a disability should feel free to contact the Office of the
Superintendent by phone (616) 530-7555 if requesting special services to effectively participate in this meeting.