All Districts: School leaders working together to plan fall and beyond
Now that school districts have distance learning up and running, local education leaders are turning their attention to the next urgent concern: the future of schooling. An ad hoc committee of 13 Kent ISD school leaders — which includes Wyoming Superintendent Craig Hoekstra and Godfrey-Lee Superintendent Kevin Polston — are working on contingency plans to prepare for the next school year and beyond. To learn more about the discussion, click here.
Tara Jones plays with son, Cole, during a Bright Beginnings playgroup. (School News Network)
All Districts: Supporting parents as teachers
Bright Beginnings, which offers parents support and services to help them become the best first teachers for their children, recently received a Blue Ribbon accreditation from the Missouri-based Parents as Teachers program. Free to families in the Kent ISD, to learn more about the program and the accreditation, click here.
Cast members from Godfrey-Lee’s production of ‘The Wiz’ prior to school building closures (courtesy photo/School News Network)
Godfrey-Lee/Wyoming: The show might go on
Last year it was snow days, this year it was COVID-19 that caused area schools, such as Godfrey-Lee and Wyoming, shutdown with school productions left in limbo. And while the show may not happen – some directors remain hopeful – there still is the story of community that brought everyone together. To learn more, click here.
While all Wyoming and Kentwood area school district leaders are in a “wait and see” mode this week awaiting an expected order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools district business continues.
At a remotely attended Godfrey-Lee Board of Education meeting Monday, March 30, a brief update by Superintendent Kevin Polston on the status of the school year was followed by the approval by the board of the rebranding of the high school sports teams to become the Lee Legends.
On March 27, Governor Whitmer said in a radio interview that it was “very unlikely” students would be allowed to return to school this school year. But Polston, on Monday, March 30, said to WKTV that his school district is waiting on final word — and guidance from the state — on the details of school cancelling the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
“By all accounts it looks like the remainder of the school year will be canceled,” Polston said to WKTV on Tuesday, March 31. “This is heart breaking news for our students, staff, and families. Our core values include community and relationships, both are predicated on interactions between individuals. Our team has been preparing for this possibility and when we receive official guidance from the Governor, we will have a plan ready for our students to continue learning during the school shutdown.”
A possible design for the Lee Legends football helmets. (Supplied)
At the Monday night meeting, however, district business continued as the board approved the months-long rebranding of the school district and its sports teams and extracurricular programs such as band. The name change from The Rebels to The Legends was known, but the images be used in a wide-range of ways was finalized. At the meeting the board was shown several possible versions of the the images.
“The Legends name will inspire the district and unify our community behind the aspirational goal to #BeLegendary,” Polston said in a March 31 supplied statement. “Students were at the heart of the decision making process, and the spirit of their artwork serves as the inspiration for the mascot design.”
Dragon and Crest in Spanish (possible design). (Supplied)
All athletic uniforms, district signage, murals, and the district’s digital footprint will represent the Godfrey-Lee Legends name beginning in August of this year 2020, according to the statement. The district also included the Spanish version of Legends, “Leyendas”, in the presentation for the potential to be used with apparel to “represent the rich Latinx cultural influence” of the district.
“We are thankful for our donors for supporting the district so that general fund dollars targeted for the classroom aren’t spent on this project,” Polston said. “In particular, we wish to thank the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Frey Foundation, and the Native American Heritage Fund for their generous support. We look forward to full implementation in the fall with the start of the new school year, and the start of a new era in Godfrey-Lee.”
That new era will likely be the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.
On March 23, after the governor announced the “Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Alive” order which called for everyone in non-essential businesses and organizations to stay home through April 13. Schools such as Godfrey-Lee Public Schools promptly temporarily closed. But that temporary closure was extended and schools are awaiting expected direction to stay closed for the remainder of the current school year.
“We are working diligently to come up with a plan to meet the needs of our kids,” Gov. Whitmer said in a public statement late last week. “Anyone who is watching what is happening globally with this pandemic knows it’s probably very unlikely they’re going to get back in school before the end of this year.”
The governor said the state is working on a plan for the cancelation of the remainder of the school year.
“It’s not something you develop overnight because we’ve got an inequitable system across the state of Michigan,” Gov. Whitmer said.
Whitmer’s orders apply to all public, private and boarding school buildings in Michigan.
Local school districts, however, are staying active and engaged with their students and their communities. Godfrey-Lee schools, for example, are encouraging remote learning and making food service for students available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with meals expected to be served throughout the duration of the closure, according to an earlier statement from the school district.
At this point, according the earlier statement, a waiver has been granted by the federal government to cancel state assessments for the 2019-20 school year. But final resolution of the issues of graduation and end-of-year events such as proms are unknown.
All district personnel with the exception of food service and limited maintenance and grounds staff are working remotely for the duration of the closure.
With the March 30 meeting, the Godfrey-Lee Board of Education began hosting Board Meetings remotely but live-streamed and accessible to the community.
Last fall, visual art teacher Jesse VanderBand’s students worked in teams of four to create artwork for the Legends change. (School News Network)
Godfrey-Lee: New mascot, log to be inspired by student designs
A key component in creating the new logo for Lee High School is student input according to Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston. Curious on what students view as the new mascot? Click here to find out.
From left, Taylor Ross, Noe Martinez, Ashley Soto, Vivian Nguyen, Norell Gill, Lisbeth De Los Santos and Keonica Hamilton operate the Wolf Den. (School News Network)
Wyoming: Shirts, slushes and spirit
Have you been to The Wolf Den at Wyoming High School? What you’ll find is a store offering the latest black and purple gear. To show your Wolf Pack Pride, click here.
Third grader Josie Day wears her team name on her head. (School News Network)
Kentwood: Third graders have the solution to organizing toys in messy bedroom
Students at Explorer Elementary tackle the task of keep a room clean by creating toy storage containers. Want to see what they created? Click here.
Schools are emphasizing thorough hand-washing and sanitizing, and keeping students home from school if they show symptoms of coronavirus or flu. (School News Network)
All Schools: School hope for the best but prepare for coronavirus anyway
From ultraviolet lights to detect germs to hand washing, area schools are doing a lot to help prevent not only the spread of coronavirus but other flus as well. To learn more, click here.
Godfrey-Lee Schools will be providing grab-and-go meals during the coronavirus shutdown. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff joanne@wktv.org
Beginning today, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools will serve meals to families with children ages 18 and under and for disabled students ages 18-26 with an individualized education plan (I.E.P.). The meals will be served in a “grab and go” fashion via walk up or drive service at three sites in the district Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – noon. The meals will contain both breakfast and lunch for the day.
The service is open to any member of the community with eligible children, not just Godfrey-Lee Public Schools students. Please check the schedule and locations by clicking here. All food items will be pre-packaged and will not be prepared on site to be as sanitary as possible to limit the spread of the virus. The district is not accepting donated food items or community volunteers at this time. Communication will follow when these restrictions have been canceled.
“It is critical during a time of crisis that our community can count on our local school districts to provide support,” said Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston said. “We put out a request for staff to assist with meal service during the closing, and within a matter of hours, all slots were filled. Our staff is always eager to support our students and families, and this is yet another way to demonstrate our role in serving students and families.
“Serving meals to ensure the nutritional wellbeing of our students is the first step of support we will provide. I am grateful for our leadership in our food service department and our contracted provider, Chartwells, for working quickly to prepare for this unprecedented event. More information regarding learning plans and access to support for other basic needs will be forthcoming in the days ahead.”
Godfrey-Lee will also serve as a distribution point for Kids’ Food Basket during the mandatory school shutdown. “We are also thankful for our community partners, such as Kids’ Food Basket, that are rising to the occasion to serve our community. They are a pillar of our community and we are grateful for their unending support. It will take leadership from our entire community to weather this storm and everyone has to do their part.”
“We ask students and families to follow the guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. Schools will not be open during the mandatory shutdown to allow district personnel to conduct a deep cleaning of all school facilities. The administration building will be open during regular hours through Tuesday, March 17, and then will only be open by appointment only. The district will only have essential personnel only from Wednesday, March 18, through the end of the mandatory closing.”
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that it is partnering again with the DTE Foundation for the Young Women in Science program, offered as an after-school program to Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Grand Rapids Public Schools students.
During spring of 2020, middle school students will have a special opportunity to work with local women STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professionals. During this after-school program, students will work with Hydrogen powered cars, solar and wind energy, electrochemistry, physics and engineering, and more. Young Women in Science is offered free to participants, and takes place during a six-week session at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, once again sponsored by the DTE Foundation.
“Thank you to the DTE Foundation for continuing to support the Museum’s efforts to share these opportunities with area students,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. “In these after-school programs, students experience science in a hands-on way, led by local female professionals. We are extremely thankful to the DTE Foundation for the role they are playing within the community.”
The program reinforces grade-level science standards and laboratory skills with an emphasis on renewable energy. A portion of the program focuses on reflection and dialogue to improve students’ attitudes toward science and engineering by strengthening self-confidence and introducing career possibilities. The program is especially beneficial for young female students who may not see themselves widely represented in STEM fields.
“The Young Women in Science program engages girls in middle school with STEM subjects at a crucial time in their educational journey. At the DTE Foundation we want to make sure that we keep these girls interested in an important field that can change their futures,” said Lynette Dowler, executive director and president of the DTE Foundation. “We’re proud to support the next generation of engineers, mathematicians and scientists.”
Participating schools include Lee Middle School (Godfrey-Lee Public Schools) and Grand Rapids University Prep Academy, Westwood Middle School, Alger Middle School, and Riverside Middle School (Grand Rapids Public Schools).
Superintendent Kevin Polston listens to community members during a community forum on Sept. 11. The forum was held to gather renovation ideas for Lee Middle and High School. (School News Network)
A pronounced entrance way, flexible spaces, better ventilation and lighting, and a separate auditorium and gym were common threads at the school district’s first community forum seeking input for the renovation of Lee Middle and High School held recently at the Early Childhood Center.
Seven classrooms and the psychologist’s office were destroyed during a roof collapse at 1335 Lee St. SW on June 5. No one was injured. It was determined that corrosion of bar joists that supported the roof structure caused it to disengage from the exterior wall.
On June 23, the remaining structure of the affected area collapsed from the weight of the debris. With localized repairs, the remaining portion of the building was ready for opening day as planned on Aug. 19.
Two more forums will be held, on Oct. 9 and Nov. 4 at Lee Middle and High School. The board plans to vote on design plans on Nov. 11.
The design phase will take place through May, and construction is planned to begin next summer.
The forum is the first of three sessions to get feedback from the community and to create a renovation plan.
Kevin Polston
Superintendent Kevin Polston said the forums will build on each other.
“We need folks to keep coming because we want the community’s voice to be represented in the final product,” he explained. “This is a community project.”
There are two phases: Phase 1 is redesigning the wing affected by the roof collapse, and Phase 2 involves planning other portions of the building.
Although a financial offer from the insurance company hasn’t yet been made, Polston said the process moves on.
“We’re trying to be patient with that … and we’ll keep the community in the loop,” he said. “I really want to credit our students and staff at Lee. We made the best of the situation, and our students were very patient finding new rooms and not having a locker in the first couple weeks.”
Polston reiterated that the site is safe during construction.
“There are fire walls and locked doors preventing students and anybody from accessing the affected area. Our contractors for plumbing, electrical, fire suppression and technology are designing how to reroute the infrastructure so we can demolish the wing.”
The wing is planned to be demolished in the next six weeks and “won’t impact our school, the learning environment,” Polston explained.
Creating A Vision
After the presentation, which included site information and a look at design trends by architectural/engineering firm TowerPinkster, community members took part in small group discussions.
Common themes included having flexible spaces, classroom connectivity, comfortable furniture, natural and better lighting, a comfortable learning environment that includes better ventilation and air conditioning, a dedicated auditorium for the arts, and a cafeteria separate from the gym.
Two other popular ideas were to build a pronounced, inviting entranceway — “a new opportunity to embrace people,” a community member said — and a courtyard open to other areas of the building.
“The feedback really resonated with what we’re trying to do; it’s about creating a vision for what the school could be and that’s exactly what we needed,” Polston said. “We had staff, community members, parents; a good cross-section of the community. Even though we didn’t have a high turnout, I think the representation was what we were hoping for.”
Other feedback included:
Safe and secure entrances
Flexibility to change with trends and needs
TVs throughout to inform and update
ADA accessibility
Include student input
Community needs to own the redesign
Transparency: what’s going on and why?
A recent photo of Lee Middle and High School shows a closed-off area of the building where the roof collapsed on June 5
Meetings Eased Fears
Cecilia Garcia, a mother of four students, said she’s attending the meetings to make sure they’ll get an updated and modernized building.
“This one has a lot of issues,” she said. “I have three kids in high school and they always complain that it’s too hot in there and they can’t concentrate during class. I want to keep updated as to what’s going on.”
Right after the collapse, Garcia said she was worried about the building and tried to transfer her kids to another district, but was too late to enroll them.
She said her worries have eased since going to the meetings.
Board of Education trustee and parent Jackie Hernandez, who has two children in middle school, said she wants to make sure they deliver clear, understandable information to the community.
She said one of the primary things her children want is air conditioning.
“It’s very hot in the school,” said Hernandez, who wants access to technology included in the new design, and to make sure a school is built with the future in mind.
Funding Needed
Polston said he has met with legislators multiple times, including with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently to tell their story and get support. He told those at the forum that the community’s voices are being heard.
Polston said the district is asking for stabilization funds for a year to avoid added pressure on the budget if enrollment falls below projections — possible if fears about the collapse prompt some to transfer out of the district.
“We’re monitoring enrollment closely to determine if that would be a solution for us,” he explained.
The district also is pushing for a structural fix for the inequity of school funding.
“A district like ours that has the second-lowest tax base in the state of Michigan on a per-pupil basis … we’re about tapped out as to what we can levy,” Polston said. “When we look at equity for our students, the kids that need the most, unfortunately, tend to get the least in the state of Michigan.
“Our students deserve the same opportunities, the same access that students anywhere do.”
With the limited funding, Polston said one possibility is a capital campaign to seek donations.
As with the mascot change last summer, the board said they wouldn’t use general funds, and to date have raised over $120,000 in community donations toward that effort.
“We’re going to keep having those conversations to see if we can raise private money to match what the community can raise,” Polston said. “The worst they can tell me is no; I take rejection well.”
For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Candy VanBuskirk is the new Lee Middle and High School principal. SNN gets to know her in this edition of Meet Your Principal.
Other positions you have held in education:
Principal at Michigan City High School, Indiana
Assistant Principal at New Prairie High School, Indiana
Biology and chemistry teacher, New Buffalo High School
Head women’s basketball coach, Roberts Wesleyan College, New York
Head women’s basketball coach, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago
Assistant women’s basketball coach at Miami University, Ohio
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in biology from Bowling Green State University, where she was a team co-captain in basketball
Master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University
Master’s degree in science education from the University of Dayton
Currently pursuing a doctoral degree from Indiana State University
Principal Candy VanBuskirk with children Dawson and Sela, and husband, Todd
Spouse/children: husband,Todd; children Dawson and Sela
Hobbies/Interests: Running and reading
What kind of kid were you at the age of students at this new school? I was an athlete, and all I wanted to do was play sports. My personality has always been fun, engaging and adventurous.
The biggest lesson you have learned from students is… You have never walked in (their) shoes.
If I could go back to school, I would go to… my senior year in high school, because I could have done more.
If you walked into your new school building to theme music every day, what would the song be? “We are the Champions” by Queen
Three goals for the school year: Attendance, Achievement and Attitude.
Late bloomer: VanBuskirk said she didn’t get into education until her senior year in college.
“I was going on to medical school; I was a bio/chem major and had a conversation with my college basketball coach, who encouraged me to go into education. Right out of college I was a college basketball coach, got engaged and got married, and went on to get my master’s in education and then taught high school.
“When my children started getting into school age, I went back into high school coaching and teaching, and taught high school for six years before I went into administration.”
Principal Candy VanBuskirk, second from left, was a server at her prom at Waynesfield-Goshen High School in Ohio
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
School may be in session but for Denise Kooiker, aka School Supply Santa, collecting school supplies does not stop just because the bell has rung.
“Once school starts, people can bring supplies right to Byron Ministries for the following year,” Kooiker said. “Our main part we tried to do before school starts, but we receive items throughout the year.”
School Supply Santa’s main push for collections takes place in July and August when donation boxes are put out at many area business. Staff from 36 area schools are invited to an event in August where they can pick out items for students in their school.
Almost 1,100 backpacks were handed out along with about 46,000 school supplies at the 2019 event. Schools serviced by the program include Byron Center, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee, Kelloggsville, Kentwood and Wyoming.
It was 12 years ago when Kooiker, a hair stylist, had a client tell her about the needs for her students.
“I was naive,” Kooiker said. “What do you mean kids don’t have school supplies?”
She started School Supply Santa by filling her car and now has a storage facility along with the space at Byron Ministries for donations.
So as area residents hit the stores for sales throughout the year, keep in mind of the needs of area students, Kooiker said. Items most needed are dry erase markers as many schools do not use chalkboards but dry erase boards.
“Backpacks are always a big thing,” Kooiker said. “It is such a confidence booster. It is hard to come to school without one or one that is old and frayed.”
For a complete list of school supplies, visit the School Supply Santa website, schoolsupplysanta.com
Godfrey Elementary teacher Alex Kuiper prepares his classroom for the first day of school on August 19. Kuiper and his colleagues spent many days over the summer prepping for their students and the new school year. (School News Network)
Seating options including exercise balls and cushy chairs, calming decor and tech-ready environments were classroom amenities teachers had in mind long before students arrived for the first day of school Aug. 19.
As they do every August, the educators spent many hours and days preparing their classrooms to create the perfect learning environment. The following four Godfrey-Lee teachers shared how they prepped for opening day and beyond.
From his classroom library and bulletin boards to the seating arrangement and many other details, Godfrey Elementary teacher Alex Kuiper wants his classroom to be a home away from home for his students; one that feels safe and inviting. (School News Network)
Alex Kuiper, third-grade, Godfrey Elementary:
Kuiper, in his fifth-year teaching, said he wanted to make sure the classroom was inviting to his new students.
“I’m making sure when they come in that they feel like it’s a home away from home, and that they feel safe in the classroom,” Kuiper said. “I want my room to be conducive to learning … an environment that is inviting. It needs to be a place where they feel comfortable and cared about.
“I also want to make sure the kids have everything they need in order to have a successful school year; notebooks, folders, crayons, pencils. We’ve had some great community partners who have been able to donate school supplies for us, but that doesn’t mean I don’t spend my own money. I’ve spent at least a thousand dollars on my class library to make sure there’s a good selection for reading. The Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation has generously donated money to help us get more books, and with other grants we’ve been able to get more classroom library books so I don’t feel as pressured.”
After years of helping his mom, Mary Kuiper, set up her classroom as a youngster, his mother now returns the favor.
“I grew up in a family of teachers,” Alex Kuiper said.
There’s a good reason Early Childhood Center teacher Kimberly Radcliff’s classroom looks disheveled a few days before opening day. She was hired one day before open house and is rushing to get things ready with her mom Kathy Sporer (School News Network)
Kimberly Radcliff, early childhood special education (ages 2-1/2 to 5 years old), Early Childhood Center:
After getting hired just a day before open house last week, Radcliff worked overtime to get her room ready for the first day of school.
“It was kind of a rush this year,” laughed Radcliff, as she spoke about her recent hiring. “Right now I’m just organizing and putting toys away and I’ll figure out room space and classroom setup.
“I’m going to take down the bright bulletin boards. A lot of early elementary/special ed kiddos have sensory issues, so I want to do something that’s a calmer, lighter color for them. Classroom environment is huge. They need to feel safe and excited about the environment.”
Similar to Kuiper, Radcliff also had help from her mother, Kathy Sporer.
“I’m looking forward to the impact I can have on the students, not just in the classroom, but with their families. Some of it is helping parents parent as well as teaching kids.”
Eryn Watson’s classroom is well under way (School News Network)
Early Childhood first-grade teacher Eryn Watson gets her class ready for the new school year. (School News Network)
Eryn Watson, first grade, Early Childhood Center:
Entering her sixth year teaching at Godfrey-Lee, Watson is moving up with her kindergartners to first grade.
“I’m lucky because I was in kindergarten last year and I have the same group of students this year,” said Watson, who first thought of being a teacher in elementary school. “I’m setting up my classroom with them in mind. I want to make it feel cozy, fun and collaborative.
“This summer, I came here every Friday for a full day to prepare, and I spent three days last week and all of this week here.”
Like other teachers, she is using other option than just desk for her students to sit in.
“I am doing a lot of flexible seating this year,” said Watson. “We’re going to be using technology quite a bit, so I want it to be comfortable.”
Alicia Provencal, second-grade teacher at the Early Childhood Center, said she wants her classroom to be clean, organized and simple. She also likes the flexible seating concept. (School News Network)
Early Childhood Center second-grade teacher Alicia Provencal prepares for a new classroom of students. (School News Network)
Alicia Provencal, second grade, Early Childhood Center:
Provencal tries to keep her classroom clean, organized and simple.
“I don’t like a lot of stuff on the walls. I leave my bulletin boards empty so I can add things during the year that they’re proud of and put certain things on display.”
And she’s all in with flexible seating.
“It helps students that are uncomfortable in chairs.”
For more stories about area schools, visit the School News Network website schoolnewsnetwork.org.
A school ad shows a student larger than life because of all the new school supplies and clothes she got. But for some local residents, just purchasing the basic school supplies can be a momental task.
“In one of the places I recently volunteered, I talked to families who stated ‘My next paycheck would have to go toward school supplies,’” said WKTV Journal host Donna Kidner Smith.
It is the reason that Denise Kooiker created the School Supply Santa more than 10 yeas ago.
“I am hairdresser and I was at work one day and one of my clients was telling me about the need for school supplies and how much teachers spend on their classrooms and to help their students,” Kooiker said. “I was totally unaware of the need for school supplies.”
Kooiker discovered that more than 94 percent of teachers spend an average of $500 of their money on classroom supplies, she said. She created School Supply Santa to help teachers help those students who need it, Kooiker said.
Through Aug. 7, various locations throughout the Wyoming, Kentwood, Byron Center ,and Grand Rapids area are serving as collection sites. Some of the Wyoming locations are Amethyst Beauty Bar, Beltline Bar, Edward Jones, For the Kids Gymnastics, Maple Hill Golf, Peach Wave, Shape Your Life, and the YMCA – Spartan on Gezon Avenue. In Kentwood, some of the drop off sites are Breton Garden Family Dentistry, DJ’s Landscape Management, Grand Coney Diner, Fast Signs, and the Omelette Shop. For a complete list of locations, visit schoolsupplysanta.com.
Area residents are encouraged to bring donations to those locations. Items needed are backpacks, crayons, colored pencils, dry erase expo markers, ear buds, erasers, solid color folders, glue sticks, Post-it notes, Kleenex, pencils, markers notebooks, three-ring binders, composition notebooks, and headphones.
Kooiker said some of the school supplies, such as backpacks, do take a beating over the course or a year, so buying the cheapest item is not always the best option.
“Some of the less quality backpacks will rip fairly quickly,” Kooiker said.
Staff and teachers from Kentwood Public Schools, Wyoming Public Schools, Godwin Heights Public Schools, Godfrey-Lee Pubic Schools, Kelloggsville Public Schools, and Byron Center Public Schools will attend a special event in August to pick up the school supplies. The staff from the schools then distribute it to students who have a need, Kooiker said.
Last year, School Supply Santa collected 1,219 backpacks, more than 38,000 school supplies, which supported 34 local schools, grades K-12, and more than 2,500 students.
And while the 2019 season for collections is coming to a close, the School Supply Santa does collect year around, Kooiker said. If you are interested in donating or volunteering for School Supply Santa, visit schoolsupplysanta.com or the Facebook page, School Supply Santa.
Some of the volunteers for the School Supply Santa. (Supplied)
Godfrey-Lee wrestling team after winning its first district championship, coming from behind to beat Kelloggsville in the Division 3 final at Godwin Heights. (School News Network)
Now that the gold dust has settled on the Godfrey-Lee wrestling season, coach James Maxim has some time to think about the team’s record-breaking accomplishments.
Though the season ended a couple months back for the Rebels, Maxim is just as animated about their success, using words like “astonishing,” “unbelievable” and yet “much deserved.”
With adversity staring them straight in the face the past couple years, the Rebels came through to break many records this season — including winning the first district wrestling title in school history.
“They won this year working under the most adverse conditions that any team could have done,” said Maxim, in his fourth season with Godfrey-Lee. “That’s why it was so cool.
“It was one record after another we were breaking with kids that had no experience.”
After decades of losing, the team this season began celebrating big victories, like this one by senior Nicolas Espinoza (courtesy photo)
Records in a Nutshell
Here’s a quick rundown of the team’s accomplishments:
The Rebels won their first-ever district wrestling title with a 39-36 win over Kelloggsville, in a Division 3 final in February at Godwin Heights. That big win came after trailing 36-12.
They won their first team trophy at the Reed City Invitational.
Senior co-captain Enrique Moreno-Martinez was the first Lee wrestler to win a conference medal all four years. He also finished with a school-record 109 career wins and earned four varsity letters.
But wait, there’s more:
They were named the Most Improved Team at the Kent County Championship, and compiled an 11-2 record this season.
All 11 wrestlers who competed at the conference championships medaled (fourth place or higher).Senior co-captain Nicolas Espinoza finished with 102 career wins and four varsity letters.
Carlos Savala earned the most team points.
Mike Beasley was an individual regional qualifier.
Amber Fenton was the first Lee female wrestler to earn a third-place conference varsity medal.
Regan Mockerman earned a fourth-place medal in the first MHSAA female tournament.
Lee Athletic Director Jason Faasse and wrestling coach James Maxim show off the team’s first district championship trophy
Down to the Wire
In the district final at Godwin, after trailing 36-12 and losing seven of the first nine matches, the Rebels landed five consecutive wins to pull out the title. They got early victories from Mike Beasley and Amber Fenton, and the final five from Carlos Savala, Yunior Mejia, Nicolas Espinoza, Alan Maya and Enrique Moreno-Martinez.
“It was a lot of heart; and something they deserved,” Maxim said. “We asked them to give it their best and they ended up doing it.”
With the match tied at 36-36, Enrique “did it for the team,” Maxim said. “He was a freshman when I came in, so it was really cool to see a kid like that do it for the team.
“They are the most unselfish kids you could ever imagine. They appreciate everything, plain and simple.”
Enrique said he definitely felt extra pressure to win.
“Because this was the first time our school had a solid chance in winning the team district, it was either ‘I cement this team as the best Lee has ever had by coming back with the team district title, or go and live in the shame,’” he said. “Honestly, with the wonderful group of people who contributed to the win, it was an honor to wrestle by their side that night.”
His close relationship with coach Maxim contributed to his success as well, Enrique said.
Senior captain Enrique Moreno-Martinez was the first Lee wrestler to win a conference medal all four years; he set a school record with 109 career wins and collected four varsity letters in wrestling
“Coach took me in like I was one of his own kids; he would hype me up during practices, coaches meetings and even outside of the sport with friends. There were times where a few of them came up to me and said, ‘Congratulations on the big win’ or ‘You have the heart of a true Rebel.’”
Maxim’s wife, Karen, also encouraged him, and his son, Justin, spent hours helping out the team.
Through Rain, Sleet or Snow
All of these record-breaking accomplishments came through practicing in the basement of a church — not exactly the perfect spot for a wrestling team.
After practicing on Lee’s band stage and sharing the gym with many other sports programs, the grapplers eventually hooked up with Wyoming’s Eighth Reformed Church, which provided basement space.
“It wasn’t ideal, but at least we had someplace to work out,” Maxim said. “These kids left school, whether it was snowing or raining or a blizzard, and they walked about three-quarters of a mile to get to the church. It would take a while to thaw them out.”
Enrique said the walks to the church were “brutal and difficult.” By making the trek, the team showed ”nothing is going to stop them from practicing,” he said.
Senior Alan Jiminez takes on an Ottawa Hills foe during Godfrey-Lee’s Cinderella-story wrestling season (courtesy photo)
Recruitment by Pizza
When Maxim accepted the coaching job in the fall of 2015, after coaching for 25 years at Caledonia, there was only one returning wrestler. Fortunately for him, there was also an exchange student who loved wrestling.
“It wasn’t building a program, it was planting seeds,” said Maxim, a Realtor by day. “And this was only a couple weeks away from the season’s start. So I said I needed to meet this kid right away, ‘like tomorrow.’”
“This kid” was Alexis Slagter, introduced to Maxim by Athletic Director Jason Faasse. Maxim told Alexis they needed to get some students out for the team and start conditioning. The coach provided pizzas and had them play flag football instead, every Tuesday and Thursday. Within a few weeks the group grew from three to six, to nine, to 12.
After a few practices Maxim asked how the pizza was. Enrique said, “Coach, the pizzas are good, but how about tacos?”
“We just hit it off and built a great relationship with these kids and my family as well,” Maxim said.
During Maxim’s first competition, where his team beat both opponents, he said the wrestlers went up in the stands to hug their parents because they hadn’t had anyone cheer like that before.
“That was the coolest thing, and I had state teams and state champions at Caledonia,” Maxim said. “Whether they (Lee) won anything big or not it didn’t matter; it was what they were getting out of it.”
Maxim said one key to his team’s early success was bringing ex-Caledonia wrestler and U.S. Marine Scott Gnass on as the conditioning coach. “This is how we got through a lot of our matches. They had the conditioning to survive.”
Other assistant coaches were brothers Flavio and Isandro Gomez, who wrestled for Maxim at Caledonia, and Michael Henderson, Godfrey-Lee’s middle school coach. Maxin and the team also greatly appreciated a spirit committee of supportive parents.
This poster designed by Stefanie Hylarides celebrates the Godfrey-Lee wrestling team’s records and accomplishments
A Long, Long Time Coming
Those first two wins in the opening match were the first Rebel wrestlers had achieved in a very long time.
“The following day I came in for practice early and walked by the band practicing, and they were waving and saying, ‘Hi coach,’” Maxim recalled. “Half of the kids I recruited were in the band. And as I’m walking through, an announcement comes on over the P.A. and they’re ranting and raving about the win, saying the wrestling team won its first varsity match in over 30 years.”
Turns out that wasn’t quite true, he found out in the office — the last win was actually in 1977, almost 40 years prior, Faasse confirmed.
Success bred enthusiasm. The team has since had as many as 28 wrestlers, the same as some Division 1 and 2 schools, Maxim said. In a school of 458 students, “We were told that was impressive. I think it is cool.”
One of them was Yunior Mejia, who had never wrestled before. He ended up having a phenomenal season this year, winning every one of his district and regional matches.
‘IT WAS ONE RECORD AFTER ANOTHER WE WERE BREAKING WITH KIDS THAT HAD NO EXPERIENCE.’ — GODFREY-LEE WRESTLING COACH JAMES MAXIM
As for team leader Enrique, he will never forget the adversity and experiences he had with Lee wrestling, even as he moves on to study culinary arts at Grand Rapids Community College next fall.
“I just fell in love with the sport; the bonds you make with rivals, the team and just the sport of wrestling,” he said. “This is honestly one of the hardest sports in high school and a great way of showing how durable you are, because with this sport there is hardly ever an easy day of practice and there is never an easy match.
“You must wrestle every match as if it was your last.”
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
Grad with Grit Tiana Studebaker, fresh off an eight-hour shift at the Cig Jan Products Ltd. factory, where she worked immediately after finishing high school. (School News Network)
By Bridie Bereza School News Network
When Tiana Studebaker took the stage Tuesday at Resurrection Life Church at the graduation ceremony for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools’ Class of 2019, she used her platform to acknowledge the fortitude of her classmates and thank the staff at East Lee Campus, the alternative program for the district and now, her alma mater.
Given the focus on others by Tiana, who was chosen by East Lee staff to give the commencement address on behalf of her school, one might not realize the tenacity that brought her to that moment.
For Tiana, the path to graduation has been filled with instability, to say the least. Her early years involved a lot of fending for herself. She moved from house to house. She attended four different high schools in four years and battled debilitating panic attacks.
She referred to East Lee’s entire graduating class when she told the audience, “Every individual has a story that could have made it impossible for us to walk the stage today.”
This is the story that could have made it impossible for her, but didn’t.
Clapping all the way: Tiana Studebaker cheers on a classmate after receiving her diploma. (School News Network)
Rocky Start for this Self-Starter
One thing to know about Tiana: “She’s a self-starter,” said Deb Hoyle, paraeducator and Tiana’s mentor during her time at East Lee.
While being a self-starter is a common résumé boast, it isn’t something Tiana relishes. Rather, it was what she did to survive: At age 3, she was microwaving her own meals and by 6 she was making macaroni and cheese on the stovetop. Had she not learned, she said, she might not have eaten. She remembers taking baths, but doesn’t remember anyone giving them to her.
It’s not that she didn’t have people who loved her. It’s just that those who did had their own problems: Her mom worked long hours, battled addiction and depression and, when Tiana was 7, began displaying symptoms of multiple sclerosis, which later required use of a wheelchair. Her mother and father lived separately, and during Tiana’s formative years her father also faced battles: with substances, with the law.
“When I was 7, I kind of just got sick of what was going on at home so I got up and left,” said Tiana. “I kind of did a self-foster care. I just went anywhere I could go.”
First, she moved in with a friend of her mom’s. She’d go back home for spurts, but that never lasted. She bounced from house to house, staying with family friends, her mom, her dad and with an uncle. Over the last decade, she’s lived in eight different homes.
Tiana began getting herself out the door and off to school– “it was only about two blocks away,” she said –in second grade. The responsibilities she faced have, in many ways, shaped who she is today.
“She knows that she has to do for herself,” said Hoyle. “Her life and how it goes is dependent on what she does. She wants a good life; she has goals, and she knows that she’s the one she’s dependent on to get those done.”
Then, like so many other things in her life, school also became unpredictable.
Tiana Studebaker delivers a commencement address to the Lee High School and East Lee Campus Class of 2019. (School News Network)
Four High Schools, Four Years
Tiana attended Kenowa Hills as a freshman, East Kentwood as a sophomore and Wyoming Public Schools as a junior. While a sophomore, she was living with a family friend named Ana who, she said, “was like a mother.” When Tiana was not at Ana’s home, she would get severe separation anxiety. Each school day brought a panic attack.
“They would make her come and get me every day,” Tiana recalled. “I failed the whole last semester of my sophomore year, and it set me back.”
At Wyoming Public Schools, she said, staff were extremely supportive. “They set up a plan for me to catch up. They would have made sure I walked the stage.”
But soon, circumstances found her in yet another home, this time closer to Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. She assumed she’d be at Lee High School, but a failed English class and poor attendance record made her a match for East Lee Campus.
“When I moved to East Lee, I had figured that it was gonna be all the stereotypes about alternative schools. I thought, ‘these kids are bad, these kids are the kids that are screaming in the classrooms, and don’t listen, and get kicked out of school… I don’t want to be around them because that’s not me — I’m just here because of one credit,’” said Tiana.
Tiana Studebaker gets a hug from a supporter after graduation. (School News Network)
She had her guard up and aimed to get out of East Lee as soon as possible, when a single assignment changed everything.
“We had to write an essay about what person impacted our life the most — negative or positive,” said Tiana. Students shared their essays in an emotionally-charged exchange. “That’s when I realized that these kids are here because of the obstacles that were in their way. That’s why we’re all here.”
The experience changed her view of her school and her peers entirely, and it’s what she chose as the focus for her commencement speech. Ultimately, she thrived at East Lee Campus, which follows a problem-based learning model — a good fit for her ‘works well with others’ personality, said Hoyle.
She finished school early, and starts a new full-time job at Butterball Farms this week. Ultimately, she plans to attend trade school for welding, followed by community college and a four-year university for engineering, or maybe medicine.
Tiana Studebaker, slightly nervous before addressing the crowd at graduation for the Class of 2019. (School News Network)
Transient Life, Lifelong Lessons
Hoyle said Tiana’s situation is a best-case scenario.
“So often in that same situation people feel sorry for themselves, which I get. I feel sorry for them too — we all do. No child should be in the situation where they have to fend for themselves and take care of themselves.”
Hoyle added that Tiana never used her situation as an excuse: “She took it and said, this is my life, I want a good life, and I’m going to do this.
“She is a very kind person — very accepting, caring and a hard worker. I’ve never heard her say anything bad about anyone,” said Hoyle.
Junior Isabell Lazcano, a close friend to Tiana, echoed the sentiment: “She’s so motivated to do everything. She wants to be there for everyone. She’s caring, friendly. She takes life’s challenges and wants to do better for herself.”
Tiana insists she learned a lot, moving around. “It benefited me in good ways, but there are ways it affected me that I still struggle with today.”
While she made it work, she doesn’t recommend her brand of DIY-foster care to others, and thinks sticking it out with family, even if home life is less than ideal, is probably a better course: “Don’t move yourself around,” she said. “You feel like no one wants you. You feel like you’re unloved.”
But that life offered her some good things, too: “It taught me to humble myself a lot because I lived with people who had nothing. They had bugs in their house, we didn’t have hot water, we didn’t have food, we could barely afford to get to school … Those were the most kind-hearted people that I have ever met, and I still talk to them today and consider them family. I also lived with people who had money, lived comfortably, could afford whatever they wanted, didn’t have to worry about anything, and those people ended up hurting me in the end.”
From both examples, she learned love: ”I’m really, really sensitive. I’m emotional and I like a lot of love. You can’t get love if you don’t give it.”
Tiana Studebaker does a little dance on stage before receiving her diploma. (School News Network)
She also learned to persist: “I think that happened watching other people do the opposite: not finishing school, not having a job. That was unattractive to me.”
And while the victories in her life are hers, she never fails to express gratitude for the families and individuals who had a hand in them: Ana; Mrs. Hoyle, who helped her stay on track; a couple named Jaime and Lola with whom she currently lives; friends; family and educators.
And if life hands you lemons — unstable, anxiety-covered lemons that leave you with unmet needs — Tiana says don’t wallow.
“If you sit there and dwell on the situation and feel bad for yourself, it’s not gonna get you anywhere,” she said. “If you sit there and say, ‘this is what it is, this is the good that came out of it and this is what I’m gonna do about it,’ It’ll make you feel a lot better. You have to look at the positive outlook on everything. Your worst situation that you’re going to be in can make you the best person that you can be.”
Every Thursday this school year, Anna Rivera, Libbie Drake, Marie Geiken, Deanna Mockerman and Rendel Todd met to discuss one thing: getting students in their seats, on time, every school day. The five staffers comprise the attendance team at Lee Middle School, and while their work is always a work in progress, their strategies have yielded big results in a short period of time.
Mark Larson, Kent ISD’s truancy and attendance coordinator, said that when it comes to reducing chronic absenteeism, defined as 10 percent of missed school time or 18 missed days per year, “They’re the poster child.”
For the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years, truancy rates at the school were between 18 and 19 percent. The attendance team convened in the 2017-2018 school year, and the rate dropped to 12.9 percent. That year, said Todd, assistant principal of Lee Middle and High School, the team was, “kind of fumbling through, trying to figure out our processes.”
This school year, the team hit the ground running and the truancy rate was 10.5 percent for the 2018-2019 school year.
Follow Steps, Document
The promising numbers come in the wake of an area-wide campaign known as “Strive for Less than 5,” which kicked off in the fall. The campaign encourages students not to miss more than four days of school per year. It was adapted from successful work done by Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Between the Strive campaign and various strategies employed by the team to reduce absenteeism, it’s clear that there’s no magic to reducing absences. Rather, improving attendance relies on a constant combination of awareness, documentation, outreach and collaboration between staff, students and families. (Oh, and maybe an alarm clock.)
Mockerman, success coach at Lee Middle School, said the Strive campaign was really helpful when school kicked off last fall. “At the beginning, we had a big push for ‘Strive for Five.’ We had the posters up, we were talking with the students, we had the signs up.”
She also monitors attendance and, once a few weeks had elapsed, uses that information to catch absence patterns early and begin the interpersonal work, reminding students, “Let’s make sure we’re here all day, every day,” she said.
Drake, the middle school counselor, owed much of the team’s success in reducing absences to a simple spreadsheet.
“The ISD has very specific steps that you follow (for the truancy process), so we put it on a spreadsheet and made sure before we had our first truancy that we had everything we needed. We documented the date, who did what, and it was a lot easier to keep us organized.”
Having everything in one place — student attendance, who has communicated with the student and family and other relevant information — made it much easier to manage absences and spot patterns of absence for quicker intervention, Drake said.
Mockerman added that leaning on Kent ISD’s human resources — Larson and Truancy Administrative Assistant Tori Stafford, who came to the district to answer questions about the processes — has also been valuable in the effort to boost attendance.
Poor Attendance not the Problem, it’s a Symptom
Geiken, the KSSN community school coordinator, said that meeting consistently every week, even if not all of the team members could make it, was key to addressing absences before they got out of hand.
“Most of the first attendance meetings and the parent meetings that we have (are to) uncover barriers, so it’s not just about attendance,” said Geiken. “It’s many other barriers that the families are facing.”
Those barriers range from transportation, to homelessness, to self-reliant students who need to get themselves to school on time when the adults in their homes start work before they leave. Sometimes, middle school students are responsible for getting younger siblings to a school that has a later start time than the middle school, creating logistical issues.
“That’s really hard when you’re in middle school,” Geiken said.
That’s when the attendance team looks at busing options for younger siblings, or asks, “Can we provide you with an alarm clock?’ or ‘is there a grandpa or grandma who can help?”
Communication is Key
Drake said so many middle-schoolers still depend heavily on parents, so communication with parents is key to improving attendance, as is ensuring that the conversation is less an admonition and more an invitation to collaborate.
“We’ve seen a lot of good improvement, and it really has come from parent communication,” Todd said. “We have not seen much change from a student without having that parent meeting.”
“A lot of times, parents do want their kids in school,” said Drake, who added that students refusing to go to school, perhaps due to mental health challenges, is a real thing. “If a kid refuses and cries every morning, you cannot physically pick up a seventh-grader and drop them off at school.”
In such instances, working with students and parents through Kent School Services Network to provide support is key: “Maybe they need counseling, maybe something else.”
Drake said sometimes “outside-the-box” thinking is crucial to making school more palpable — desirable, even — to students who don’t want to be there.
Todd said that once attendance team members get a chance to sit down with a parent and understand the family’s barriers, they can usually find a solution. Also, helping families understand the link between attendance and academic success improves attendance in most cases.
Rivera, KSSN intern at the middle school, says making a personal connection can be a big motivator for some students to come to school in time.
“There are a lot of students that, once you connect with them, that’s when they understand ‘they care for me.’ They start putting effort into the check-ins or they’ll come in and say, ‘hey, I made it here on time!’”
Finally, Drake said that being sensitive to economic and cultural differences is crucial to working with families in the district, where the vast majority of students qualify for free and reduced lunch, the percentage of English language learners is more than 50 percent, and many families travel to see family in other states around Christmas.
Both Geiken and Rivera speak Spanish, which Rivera said can go a long way to forging relationships and building trust when meeting with Spanish-speaking families. In addition, all communications that go home are in English and Spanish.
The ‘Flywheel Effect’
If there is a lesson from Lee Middle School’s work to reduce chronic absenteeism, it’s that persistence pays.
“It takes a lot of time, a lot of effort to make the phone calls, have the meetings with the parents, discuss the academics,” Todd said. “Sometimes you call a home 10 times and haven’t gotten ahold of anyone. It may be the eleventh or twelfth call that does the trick.”
To make the kind of turnaround that Lee Middle School has seen, “You’ve got to have a very good team that’s dedicated to what you’re doing,” said Todd.
Larson said the Strive campaign is not a one and done effort: “I don’t think you internalize something like this in one year,” he said. “We’ve had students who’ve gone years with horrendous attendance. That may not change in one year.”
He said he saw a lot of enthusiasm for the campaign, and has seen districts embrace the concept to varying degrees and with varying results. It’s not easy, but it is simple, he said: districts that are getting out the word about attendance, adhering to the truancy process, and working to systematically reduce chronic absenteeism are seeing positive results.
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
The Godfrey-Lee School Board unanimously approved a new name of Legends at Monday’s meeting. The current name, Rebels, will officially be replaced in the 2020-21 school year. (School News Network)
After years of debate, and most recently an exploration of the history of the word Rebels, the Godfrey-Lee Board of Education unanimously approved a new name at Monday night’s meeting.
Drumroll, please…
The new name is Legends, effective in the 2020-21 school year. Legends defeated Raptors, in the students’ May vote of top two mascot names. Eighth- through 11th-graders pared a list of 10 monikers into the final two, ultimately choosing Legends by a large margin, according to board members.
“I’m so proud of this board for not just naming equity as a value, but actually acting upon it,” said Superintendent Kevin Polston. “Everyone that calls Godfrey-Lee home will feel welcome, safe and comfortable so they can learn at high levels here.”
School Board President Eric Mockerman. (School News Network)
Changing Times and Perceptions
The board tackled the matter amid decades-old concerns that “Lee Rebels,” with its perceived connections to Confederate symbolism, did not adequately represent the diverse district, which is home to many immigrant families and a large percentage of Hispanics.
Former Superintendent David Britten, now district historian, narrated a video history of the Lee Rebel mascot. While the “Lee” in Godfrey-Lee is derived from Lee Street and not the Confederate General Robert E. Lee, students historically made that association, evidenced by Confederate imagery in old high school yearbooks and pictures of majorettes twirling Confederate battle flags. As late as 1992, the Confederate flag was on display in the high school library.
Much of the obvious Confederate symbolism has faded from school grounds, but the association remains, especially for those outside the district.
The process to make the change began in November 2018 after the board agreed to form a subcommittee to explore the use of the Rebel name and mascot. The subcommittee consisted of school board members, administrators, staff, parents, students and community members.
“It was not an easy process to go through,” said Board President Eric Mockerman. “We couldn’t deny the history; it’s something we needed to step away from. We don’t want to throw away the past, but we felt we needed to move away from some of the things we’ve been connected with that did not promote equity; a central tenet of what we want to do.
Rebbie the Lee High School mascot is going away. The Board unanimously approved a new name, Legends, at its meeting Tuesday night, effective in the 2020-21 school year. (School News Network)
He said he wasn’t 100 percent on board at first “But the more we saw the history, we (board members) all saw that we needed to make a change. We want to distance ourselves from the confederacy. In the past, it’s been a symbol of ‘you are not welcome here’ and we don’t want that. We want the message that everyone is welcome here and that we’re going to be successful here.”
Mockerman said the question predates his 17 years in the district. When an alumnus brought it up to the board last fall, members felt it was the right time to have a conversation, having adopted a new strategic design for the district in June 2018.
“It has been brought up by groups long before I was here,” Mockerman continued. “It got pushed away and most recently it was brought up again after the shootings in Charleston.”
He said “quite a few” people who weren’t happy about the change attended last month’s board meeting.
“I understand where people are coming from, not wanting to change, but I hope eventually they can see the bigger picture. As we moved through the process, we didn’t see a compromise possible. The compromise would have been our values.”
As a 1996 graduate of Ottawa Hills, Mockerman was an Indian under the school’s former mascot. He said though he bled orange and black, he understood the terminology was offensive to some. Ottawa Hills has since changed its mascot to the Bengals.
As for the new name, Legends, Mockerman said it has a ton of possibilities.
“Ultimately, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy for our kids. They are legends and they will be legends. It fits with everything else we’ve come up with through our strategic plan: ‘be you, be connected, be brilliant,’ and now adding, ‘be legendary.’ It’s about their legacy they’re going to leave.”
Board member Tammy Schafer said listening to a student detail a negative encounter with the Rebels name at one of the forums helped her better understand the need for change.
“Until I saw it through a student’s eyes, I didn’t quite understand the reason to change it,” she explained. “That was a huge reason for me to start looking at it differently. If one person is offended or scared to be a Rebel, we need to listen.”
Change Comes at a Price
At an estimated cost of $250,000, Mockerman said changes will take place over time, and with the help of corporations and partners.
“Some of the changes are going to be naturally occurring,” Mockerman explained. “Uniforms are on a schedule for replacement and not all have Rebels on them. We have some partners in the works that will be stepping up and helping us with the changes that won’t impact our general budget.
“Our goal is to have as little impact on our general fund as possible.”
A graphic designer will use concepts drawn by students and community members, and expand and develop some ideas that define Godfrey-Lee.
Assistant Superintendent Carol Lautenbach, who co-chaired the committee with Mark Provost, director of finance and human resources, said they wanted something that reflected the school’s identity and the spirit of the community.
“We wanted to move toward a different identity, and not just something that sounded cool,” she explained.
Lautenbach said they received over 170 name submissions before the committee narrowed it down to 10 they thought reflected the values of the district.
Different Names in Hall of Fame
Mockerman said the Rebels Hall of Fame will stay intact for people who were Rebels during their tenure, and those not here during the Rebels era will be in the Legends Hall of Fame.
“This is one way of preserving that history. It’s not a history we want to erase, but it’s not necessarily one we want to completely celebrate.”
Board Vice President David Blok said he appreciates how the name Legends speaks positively of the students.
“It’s about legendary people accomplishing legendary feats.”
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network’s website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
The district is currently assessing the situation after the roof collapsed at Lee Middle and High School overnight June 6. No one was injured. (School News Network)
By Cris Greer School News Network
Engineers and architects are assessing the situation after a portion of the roof collapsed at Lee Middle and High School on June 6.
No one was injured during the overnight collapse at the school, 1335 Lee St. SW, Wyoming. The roof collapsed over second-floor classrooms on the west side of the building.
After a review of all areas building, there are no areas of immediate concern for structural failure, but the district is taking steps to do a complete and thorough inspection, according to a press release from the district.
An inspector from the City of Wyoming approved use of the building not impacted by the roof collapse, according to the release.
“We hope to have more information in the coming days and we will share out when we can,” said Kevin Polston, Godfrey-Lee superintendent. “We are thankful for the quick work of our contractors to secure the building and work quickly to complete an assessment of the entire building.”
For more stories on area schools, visit the School News Network website, www.schoolnewsnetwork.org.
No one was injured in the overnight roof collapse June 6 at Godfrey-Lee Middle and High School. Experts are currently evaluating the situation. (School News Network)
Jordan Lovett celebrates earning her diploma at Grand Valley State University, following an arduous path through high school (photo credit: Dianne Carroll Burdick)
Five years after sharing her story about growing up in poverty, a mature, confident, 22-year-old Jordan Lovett walked into a local coffee shop. She had graduated days earlier from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
“It’s just now hitting me,” said the petite, blue-eyed Lovett about donning her cap and gown and walking across the graduation stage. She took a minute to reflect on how far she’s come.
“I believe I’ve changed a lot since I started,” she said. “I used to be more nervous and didn’t really want to put myself out there. I had more of a closed mindset. Throughout my journey in the social work program, I’ve been able to open up more. I am more confident with myself and I am able to listen to other people’s views.”
It was the third time I had sat down with Lovett, whom I first met in 2014 while looking for a student to interview about the impact of poverty in Kent County schools. Then-Superintendent David Britten recommended the Lee High School senior because of her ability to advocate for herself.
(Courtesy photo) Jordan Lovett graduated from Grand Valley State University in April. Her boyfriend, Cameron Poisson, was there to celebrate
Lovett struggled with housing insecurity — living in motels and other temporary homes — and faced many barriers tied to poverty. Despite that, she had a 3.5 GPA and was taking a challenging slate of classes, including pre-calculus and college English. She planned to go to college — the first in her family — and pursue a degree in elementary education. She told of growing up uncertain about her living arrangements or where money for food or clothes would come from.
I checked in with Lovett the next winter. She was struggling as a freshman at Aquinas College. Her grades weren’t great and she was stressed out trying to work, pay the bills, and complete 18 credits. She had already enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College for the next semester, to save money. She was one of many students in college who have the imposter feeling of, “I don’t belong here.” I wrote her second story as a bigger piece about how barriers for low-income college students don’t end at the Admissions Office door.
‘BECAUSE OF THE STRUGGLES OUR FAMILY WENT THROUGH, IT’S HELPED ME BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND OTHER PEOPLE’S STRUGGLES AT A MORE PERSONAL LEVEL.’ — JORDAN LOVETT, GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
But rather than give up, Lovett found her footing at GRCC, earned her associate’s and enrolled at GVSU. “I liked Grand Valley. I made a lot of connections with people,” she said. “I feel like a lot of us were in the same boat. A lot of us were working and doing a bunch of things at once.
(Courtesy photo) With a social work degree in hand, Jordan Lovett looks forward to the future
Getting to Graduation Day
Three years passed and I noticed through Facebook posts that Lovett was finding her way. She got braces and her driver’s license, both major personal milestones, but also endured heartache. Her father, Terry McClintock, passed away last year, and so did her sister’s fiance.
I knew it was time for a third article.
Lovett recently finished an internship at Bowen Elementary School, in Kentwood Public Schools, where she assisted the Kent School Services Network coordinator. Along with working directly with students, Lovett focused on attendance and was in charge of the program Hand2Hand, which provides students with backpacks filled with food for over the weekend. She also helped families fill out forms to receive free or reduced-cost lunches.
She worked closely with Bowen Principal Blair Feldcamp, who noticed her ability to connect with children. “You’ve got to work with kids, Jordan,” he told her. “You get them and they get you.”
Lovett could identify, understand and relate to families’ difficulties, Feldcamp said.
“Jordan went wherever she felt she was needed,” he said. “She had solid relationships with kids, understood the value of data. She was starting to grow into a role. She got comfortable with us, where she felt she could provide some input.”
She’s now working at Centria Healthcare Autism Services, leading therapy for a 6-year-old child, and at retail store Five Below. She’s applying for a 10-month accelerated master’s degree program in social work at Spring Arbor University, and would like to work as a school counselor or social worker someday.
Lovett said she pursued social work because of different options in the field. But there’s more to it than that — she wants to help people step out of their comfort zones.
“You get to work with a variety of people from all around. You are connecting with them and putting yourself out there to invite them to put themselves out there. You are getting the chance to advocate for those who can’t.”
She also knows she can relate at a level many people can’t.
“Because of the struggles our family went through, it’s helped me be able to understand other people’s struggles at a more personal level, which will help me to connect with my clients more. The fact that I have been through what most of them have been through, I think will influence my job a lot.”
Jordan Lovett graduated last month from Grand Valley State University (photo credit: Dianne Carroll Burdick)
Knowing Others’ Struggles
Lovett’s mother, Sheri McClintock, and her boyfriend, Cameron Poisson, have been among her biggest supporters. Britten has also remained in touch.
“I’m very proud of her success to date, especially given the mental, emotional and physical struggles she’s faced,” her former superintendent said. “I think it goes to show how important it is for the Jordans of this world to have people in their lives who encourage and support them. Many of these young folks are ‘invisible’ to everyday people and that can add to the overwhelming struggle.
“Besides the love Jordan has received from her mother, she also has benefitted from the support of her boyfriend and his family,” he added. “I think Jordan has turned a critical corner and has learned to accomplish just about anything she wants.”
Lovett has accrued about $28,000 in student loans, but looks at the debt as a means to getting where she wants to be. “I think it was worth it,” she said. “I will be paying for it for a long time, but in the long run it will be worth it because I will be doing something I enjoy doing.”
Before we finished our coffee, I asked Jordan what kept her focused. What kept her going when things were tough?
“It was just thinking about what I want my family to have when I start one,” she said. “I want them to be able to do a lot. I don’t want the financial part to be such a burden.”
She also likes the fact that her degree will allow her to help people overcome struggles she knows can remain invisible unless someone else knows what they feel like. It’s the chance to reach out, to help.
That’s what social work is all about, she said. That’s what Jordan is all about.
On Tuesday, May 28, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced an award of $945,000 in 21stCentury Learning Center grant funds to operate seven elementary after-school programming sites in the city of Wyoming through the TEAM 21 after-school program, a consortium of the City of Wyoming, Wyoming Public Schools, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Godwin Heights Public Schools.
Currently, TEAM 21 serves 1,542 students, 900 of which were at risk of losing services should this grant have not been funded. Schools impacted are: Wyoming Public School District – Gladiola, Oriole Park, Parkview and West; Godfrey-Lee Public School District – Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center and Godfrey Elementary; and Godwin Heights Public School District – North Godwin Elementary. TEAM 21 provides academic support, enrichment, health and fitness, life skills, service-learning, and recreation opportunities in the after-school and summer hours.
Wyoming, Kelloggsviile, Godwin Heights and Godfrey Lee Public Schools students fill their summer days with fun and activities through TEAM 21, which blended summer school and recreation
“TEAM 21 is a testament of community collaboration resulting in high quality programming that is making a proven difference in the academic performance of children,” stated Craig Hoekstra, Superintendent of Wyoming Public Schools and grant fiduciary agent.
This funding brings the total number of TEAM 21 sites to 12 for the 2019-2020 school year with an annual investment exceeding $1.2 million by the MDE and leveraged by local municipal and school district in-kind resources.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity this provides for TEAM 21 to continue serving youth and families in the Wyoming community,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services. “We are blessing, investing in and mentoring our next generation of leaders.”
In addition to the seven schools awarded, TEAM 21 has continuation funding secured for five additional schools (WPS – Wyoming Intermediate and Wyoming Junior High; GLPS – Lee Middle; GHPS – West Godwin Elementary and Godwin Middle) through a separate 21st CCLC grant. For more information about the TEAM 21 program, please visit www.wyomingmi.gov/team21 or contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164.
At this year’s Arbor Day celebration, the City of Wyoming Tree Commission (Tree Amigos) in partnership with the Wyoming Lee High School Ecology Club will be planting Tulip Trees at the Lee High School. (Free domain)
The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos,” is partnering with Wyoming Lee High School Ecology Club in the City’s 2019 Arbor Day Ceremony set for 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 26 at the high school located at 1335 Lee St. SW.
To open the event, members of the Club will plant two tulip trees on school property bordering Lee Street. The trees are being provided by The Tree Amigos. Excavation and permitting are being provided by the City of Wyoming. The planting will launch phase two of The Tree Amigos’ Tree-covery Block-by-block project that is focusing on the Godfrey Lee neighborhood.
“We absolutely have some areas that need this resource,” said Vlad Borza, the Lee teacher who leads the Ecology Club. “I actually worked on a project just last year with HS Ecology students to identify this very need.
“Due to disease and windfall, several of the trees along the (school’s) front parking area and along the side had to be removed in recent years. We would love to re-populate this area with some preferably native trees that can begin to complete the void left behind by these removals.”
Lee High School lost several trees to disease and windfall. (Supplied)
After the students plant the tree, a City of Wyoming official will read the 2019 Arbor Day Proclamation. The event will also celebrate the City of Wyoming’s April 2019 designation as a 2018 Tree City USA. Kevin Sayers, urban forestry program coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, awarded the designation to the City of Wyoming at the April 10 Tree City USA Awards event in East Lansing. This is the third year in a row that the City of Wyoming has been designated as a Tree City USA.
The Friends of Grand Rapids Parks has also noted the need for increasing tree canopy in this area where Wyoming and Grand Rapids share a boundary. This City of Grand Rapids organization has been a helpful resource for The Tree Amigos. Friends has embarked on an aggressive tree planting project throughout the Roosevelt Park neighborhood. Its Urban Forest Project also offer resources and tree education classes, which are open to Wyoming residents. Lauren Davis, urban forest coordinator for Friends, serves as The Tree Amigos volunteer consulting certified arborist.
“There is no arguing the significant environmental and economic benefits that trees bring to our communities,” Davis said. “As we continue to lose mature trees from natural causes and development, the need to plant new trees has never been greater.”
The district received some international attention this month when a film crew from South Korea shot a segment for an upcoming documentary at Lee Middle and High School.
South Korea’s Educational Broadcasting System, a television and radio network that is analogous to Public Broadcasting Service in the U.S., is creating a three-part series that will air later this year called “The Future of Education.”
Felix Kwon is an international reporter and researcher who worked on the documentary for EBS.
“We had such a wonderful time (at Godfrey-Lee),” he said. “When we talk about future of education, we always think of high-tech, coding, programming — that more techy stuff, right? But I don’t think that’s everything about the future of education. Tech stuff can be helpful, but there are some other elements that we need to prepare the next generation.”
EBS films Lee Middle School student Ethan Ryon
Seeing the “Cs” in Action
Kwon found those elements at Godfrey-Lee, which was recommended to him by Roberta Michnick Golinkoff and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, co-authors of “Becoming Brilliant.” The book lays out principles of education known as the “6Cs” (collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence). Godfrey-Lee has adopted these principals throughout the district.
Kwon and the crew filmed an English Language Arts class, a Spanish market created by students in the media center, and a seventh-grade STEAM class.
“It was a wonderful experience,” said Carol Lautenbach, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning design for Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. She appreciated how the questions from the interviewers helped school staff clarify and articulate what they’re doing.
“It helps you think through the decisions that have been made, and think about why you’re doing what you’re doing. The team was very interested in hearing the ‘why.’”
EBS interviewed Lautenbach, Superintendent Kevin Polston, Board of Education President Eric Mockerman, and teachers Kim Plum and Katherine Merriott.
Felix Kwon of EBS chats with Lee High School students Crystal Gonzalez and Erick Chavarria
Education Innovation
Kwon said that in South Korea, almost every primary school is public, and falls under the ministry of education.
“In some senses, it’s a very good model. Wherever you are, you get equal funding under the ministry of education,” said Kwon, noting that you wouldn’t see huge disparities in the educational system from one region to another.
However, he said, some things about the uniform nature of the educational system can act as a barrier when it’s necessary to act fast and tailor teaching to the students and the changing employment landscape.
Kwon said that education often focuses heavily on artificial intelligence, coding and technological advances that rely on costly devices. While Godfrey-Lee has incorporated technology where necessary, he said, they’re preparing the next generation overall by adapting the curriculum to apply the 6Cs and project-based learning, which is an innovative way of educating.
Lee Middle School teacher Kim Plum talks to Felix Kwon
“At Godfrey-Lee, they’re really trying to build on the students’ perspective,” said Kwon. “More than 75 percent of students there are receiving free or reduced lunch. Still, in that environment, they’re seeing very dramatic results. It’s pretty impressive.”
Godfrey-Lee staff will get a chance to see the documentary when it airs, with English subtitles.
Lautenbach said that gaining international interest in what the district is doing has been an honor. The students were excited to participate.
“It was a pretty good feeling to show them what it is we’re trying to create here — a joyful learning experience,” she said.
A crew member from South Korea’s Educational Broadcasting System films in Jessica Lewakowski’s classroom at Lee Middle and High School
Carlos Urbina and Josephine Shindano sat next to each other in Kara Jones’ classroom at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center. The second-graders colored on worksheets that asked them to create a picture of a tradition their family observes. Carlos peeked over at Josephine’s drawing, which showed an Easter egg hunt she participates in each year.
Students eye the baked goods at Supermercado Mexico on Division Avenue
“They have Easter in Africa?” he asked.
“Yes,” replied Josephine, an African immigrant who has been in West Michigan for three years. She and her classmates have spent time each week since school began working on a project called “Who AM I?” It encourages students to explore and share their culture, language and family traditions.
The project was devised by Jones and first-grade teacher Nancy Stefano, following a weeklong summer course on thematic learning. They created “Who AM I?” to address a phenomenon they had both observed among students: they weren’t proud of their heritage.
Josephine Shindano, a second-grader at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, works on her family tree
Fostering Pride
“One thing I noticed in the classroom was that during conferences, parents would frequently tell me that kids didn’t want to speak their native language. They wanted to blend in to the U.S. culture with how they look and speak,” said Stefano. “We want kids to be proud of who they are, where they come from, and the wonderful differences we can share.”
Jones noticed similar sentiments among her students: When asked about their culture and customs, she said, many students would just copy whatever the person next to them said, saying, ‘Oh, I do that, too!’
The teachers have built in time throughout the week to work on projects surrounding family, culture and traditions.
Second-grader Nevah Sivins looks at photos depicting different traditions
Students are creating their own portfolios that contain family trees they created, and other drawings and writings about their families and cultures.
Seventy-five percent of students in the district are Hispanic. While the lessons in “Who AM I?” emphasize students’ individual identities, the teachers have incorporated some elements specific to Hispanic culture into the project, such as taking students to Supermercado Mexico, and having them prepare a song, poem and a dance for a school assembly during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Getting to Know You
“Who AM I?” will culminate around Thanksgiving, with a party for students and their families, who will be invited to bring a dish to pass that is specific to their family or culture.
First-graders from the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center had many questions for Yeli Romero of Supermercado Mexico
Students throughout the school will get a chance to walk around and see portfolios created by those who participated in the project.
Besides instilling some pride and a sense of who they are and where they come from, the project has served another purpose: to help the teachers get to know students and their families a bit better. That has been a major focus at the school this year, said Jones.
“We wanted to find out what makes (students) unique,” said Jones. “Through these different projects, we’ve learned a lot about different people. We’ve learned about their families, we’ve learned about their traditions. It’s been really fun.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
The Godfrey-Lee Public Schools this month continued its series of meetings with business, community, faith and government leaders, along with parents and school leaders — what the district is calling its community Executive Council.
At the first of the meetings, district Superintendent Kevin Polston, who is leading the series of meetings, explained who was attending the meetings and what the goals are. The second meeting occurred early this month. Others are scheduled for January and March 2019.
Also at the first meeting, WKTV caught up with Michigan State Board of Education member Lupe Ramos-Montigny, who was in attendance.
One of the key aspects of both the district’s and the state’s educational focus is what is called the six “Cs” … with “confidence” being, maybe, the most critical in the Godfrey Lee School District.
For more information on the meetings, please contact the Superintendent’s office at 616-241-4722.
This and all interviews filmed as part of WKTV Journal’s news coverage are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Cosplay night. A raffle. “Reb Fest,” complete with music, food, go-karts, a dunk tank and bounce houses.
These were some of the ideas students proposed last week, as seniors in Jody Snyder’s English classes at Lee High School gathered in the second-floor media center to tackle an ongoing problem: poor student attendance at athletic events.
“We’ve never had really full crowds,” said Jason Faasse, now in his fourth year as athletic director for the Rebels. Faasse joined Snyder and Sarah Wood, technology and media integration specialist, to facilitate the exercise.
Students said they also have noticed the lack of school spirit.
“People mostly go to the homecoming game and that’s it,” said senior Brithany Reyes.
Snyder concurs that morale in the stands is lacking, and she would know: in addition to teaching English and elective courses like the senior capstone class, she coaches sideline and competitive cheer at the school.
“As coaches and teachers, we find that student involvement has been decreasing over the years,” she said “We decided that we needed to involve the students instead of just talking amongst the adults.”
Senior Angie Rodas discusses an idea to boost attendance at high school athletic events
The Process
Students opened their school-provided laptops and found a page with some questions: Do you play a sport? What keeps you from attending athletic events? What would make you want to attend? After answering and refreshing the page, they could see the anonymous responses of their classmates. A few responded that after-school jobs them from going to games. Others said they’d go if they knew more friends who did. The answers helped inform the next step: designing a gimmick to boost student participation on the sidelines and in the stands.
Parameters were broad: Students could make their solutions specific to one sport, or applicable to a variety of athletic events. They only needed to hatch a plan and share what kind of support they would need to get it off the ground. And there’s one more thing.
“You will be presenting your idea in front of the class,” said Wood, as groans and looks of disdain spread over the room.
“I’m a little scared” of standing up in front of the class, admitted Angie Rodas.
After all presentations were finished, the ideas were to be compiled and voted on by the entire senior class.
Sarah Wood, technology and media integration specialist at Lee High School, instructs students before Tuesday’s Quickfire activity
Tackling Concepts
On the surface the exercise was all about boosting attendance at school athletic events. But it’s much more, explained Wood. This type of exercise, known as a “quickfire,” meets the challenge of embedding the “6Cs” of collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence into the classroom.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools has embraced the 6Cs, detailed in the book “Becoming Brilliant” as a basis for academic success.On the surface the exercise was all about boosting attendance at school athletic events. But it’s much more, explained Wood. This type of exercise, known as a “quickfire,” meets the challenge of embedding the “6Cs” of collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence into the classroom.
Wood said she learned about quickfire exercises at a conference at Michigan State University last fall. She took the method, used by MSU’s Master of Arts in Education Technology program, and tailored it for use in elementary, middle, and high school environments. Basically, students are given a problem and they must come up with a solution using limited resources and time constraints. Use of the quickfire for Lee High seniors, she said, was driven in part by the fact that they must complete a capstone course where they pick a career, do mentor interviews and gain hands-on experience.
Teachers had noticed that some students struggled with the elements required to complete the capstone.
“When that comes, they freeze,” said Wood. “It’s too many things coming at them. (Snyder) and I were talking last year and decided, ‘something’s got to help get them thinking this way. How can we embed those six C’s into everyday lessons?’ (With quickfire), they have to communicate, they have to collaborate, they have to be creative.”
The culmination, the presentation portion of the exercise, addresses another “C”, said Wood: confidence.
“Kids who wouldn’t speak up suddenly start speaking up,” said Wood. “They’re given that voice. So once they get used to it in a comfortable, relaxed, non-threatening activity like this, then you start seeing it more in the classroom. It’s not necessarily related to their capstone, but they’re forced to think that way.”
The benefit of the exercise is academic in nature, but the ideas that come out of it are major bonus points. Last year, said Wood, students did a quickfire exercise to propose after-school clubs. Some students took the ideas they’d developed in the classroom to the principal, who implemented them. She is hoping for a similar outcome with the latest exercise.
Left to right: students Jessica Rodriguez, Ijayla Banks, Marcus Nesbary, and Pablo Gasca pitch their idea for “cosplay night”
The Pitch
When it came time for students to share their solutions, they presented a range of ideas. Many involved food. Some were inexpensive and easy to implement. Others would require significant funding and permits.
Senior Erick Chavarria’s four-person group hoped to boost participation at soccer matches with an activity they called “Kick-a-Pumpkin”, where participants would get chance to kick a soccer ball at a pumpkin and win prizes for knocking it over.
“I really hope this project gives everyone a slap in the face,” said Chavarria, class president who plans to set an example and attend more events this year. “This is high school and this is one of the places you make the most memories. I want people to look back and say, ‘Yeah, I had a good time.’”
Snyder approved. “I think they’ve got great ideas. It’s nothing that we can’t do,” she said. “I think it’s just getting the right people involved and actually giving them ownership of their ideas. I think we can do some of these things, and I think we’ll see student involvement increase at sporting events.”
Faasse said there are many reasons students don’t come to games, including transportation and work schedules. While the implementation of ideas might not be able to capture all students, he hopes those who don’t attend because their friends aren’t there will change their tune.
Snyder said that it’s more fun for all of the students, especially athletes, if they have their peers there to support them and they hear them in the stands or on the sidelines.
“They play harder, they seem happier,” she said. “It’s just a better environment.”
Jody Snyder, a teacher and coach at Lee High School, discusses the assignment with her English students
And the Winner Is…
Two days after the quickfire exercise, all seniors had a chance to vote on their favorite idea to boost attendance at athletic events.
The winning idea was concocted by seniors Myesha Cross, Jacky Jaime, Anaisa Sanchez and Yuri Damian. The group called their idea “Rebel ID.” Under the proposal, students receive free admission to games if they show their student identification card.
After announcing the winning idea, Wood and Snyder reiterated to the students that this is a student-led project, so what happens next is up to them, said Wood. After the quickfire, she added, students came up with even more ideas to boost game attendance, such as Senior night and theme nights.
“They really took off with it,” said Wood.
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
All five public school districts in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas have school board elections on Nov. 6. Of those districts, only two have contested races, Godwin Heights and Wyoming. School board elections will be towards the end of the ballot.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
There are two candidates seeking six-year terms, which are incumbents Eric Mockerman and Jacklyn Hernandez. Josephine Coleman was appointed by the board in May to fill a seat vacated by Rebecca Kibbe until the election. Coleman is seeking to fill the remainder of that seat’s term, which ends in 2022. All of these candidates are running unopposed.
Godwin Heights Public Schools
There are four candidates seeking to fill three seats on the Godwin Heights Public Schools Board of Education. These seats are all six-year terms. Two of the candidates are incumbents, David Drake, who was elected in 2013, and Richard Hamilton, Jr., who was elected in 2017. There are two challengers, Joseph Januska and David Rodriguez. All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.
Joseph Januszka – Candidate
Occupation: Retired
Why did you decide to seek election to the Godwin Heights Public Schools Board of Education?
My interest in the schools and what I have been seeing has been growing the past 11 years. I owned and ran a small business which I believe gave me great insight into financial aspects of doing this. I believe this strong financial background will help me analyze and make decisions on the budgeting and spending that the school board oversees in the district.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on and why?
I am a father and grandfather to five beautiful grandchildren. The youth of today is the future of our country. Education can not be wasted. Students today – leaders tomorrow. Our children need to learn the true history of our country, both the good and the bad, while also learning to respect it as well as everyone they encounter throughout their lives. They need to learn to live by rules and laws everyone of us are required to. I believe all this will help our students to learn and live side by side with their peers.
Kelloggsville Public Schools
For Kelloggsville Public Schools, incumbents Jane Ward and Donald Scott are seeking re-election to the board. The two spots each are for six-years. The candidates are running unopposed.
The district is also seeking a $19.2 million bond issue. The bond would be a continuation of the current bond. The current millage rate is 7.32. The issue will appear at the bottom of the ballot and is part of a long-term plan to update and modernize the district’s elementary schools, according to school officials. The bond cannot exceed 30 years.
Kentwood Public Schools
There are three seats, all four-year terms, up for the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education. Three incumbents, all running unopposed, are seeking re-election to those seats: Pete Battey, Sylvia A. James, and James Lewis Jr.
Wyoming Public Schools
For the Wyoming Public Schools, there are two six-year board seats with three candidates running, non of whom are incumbents. The candidates are Adriana Almanza, Brian D. Jirous, and Jennifer Lewis. All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.
Brian Jirous – Candidate
Occupation: AT&T Mobility Technician
Why did you decide to seek election to the Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education?
I decided to run for the school board to be able to help involve the community as a whole. I would like to be a voice for the community on the school board by bringing their issues to the board so they can be addressed. I would like to see more people attend the school board meetings and I think by having an open line of communication we can involve more people.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on and why?
The main issue I will focus on is community involvement. I believe community involvement is the one thing that can help this district grow to be even better then it is now. The more people we can communicate with whether it is simply answering questions timely or getting them volunteer opportunities to connect with other families it will build a stronger district. I have started working on thie already by developing the Wyoming Public Schools Community facebook page but I would also like to set up round table discussions to help resolve other issues that may come up as well.
Jennifer Lewis – Candidate
Occupation: AT&T Mobility Technician
Why did you decide to seek election to the Wyoming Public Schools Board of Education?
I’ve wanted to run for many years. The timing is just right. I have the time to focus on our Wyoming kids.
If elected, what issues do you want to focus on and why?
Many residents may remember me from when I was campaigning for the dedicated millage for our schools. The community invested in our schools and children by passing that millage. That dedicated millage plan is a good plan and I want to make sure that the plan is well executed. I also want our kids to be successful and I want to be a part of helping them to achieve that.
Wyoming Lee and Godwin Heights High Schools not only share spots in the current OK Silver conference but have a long history of friendly competition on the football field as cross-town rivals.
So when the Rebels invade Wolverine territory this week, it will be for bragging rights among friends in some cases, such as between Lee senior Nalin Mena and Godwin senior Deamonte Clark.
Clark, a running back and cornerback, is childhood friends with Mena, a team captain, receiver and safety. And Clark knows Mena and his Rebel teammates will show up despite Godwin (5-3) playing for a playoff spot while Lee (1-7) is playing to end the season on high note.
“Nalin Mena is going to give it all he’s got, so we have to give it all we got,” Clark told WKTV this week. (See WKTV’s story and video on Godwin Heights here.)
Lee’s coach Tom DeGennaro, looking at his key seniors who will be playing their last game this week, could not agree with Clark more.
Mena “is the emotional leader, the best player on the team — leads the team in tackles, interceptions, receiving yardage,” DeGennaro told WKTV. “Type of kid you wish you had 11 of them to play for you.
“He is willing to do anything for his teammates, and has been on the varsity for all four years. Don’t judge him by his size, (5-foot-7, 140 pounds), he is a big time player. (And he is) better then 3.0 in the classroom.”
DeGennaro also praised three other seniors: Ruben Blanco, a tight end and defensive end; Eddie Carter-Cook, a offensive and defensive tackle; and Alan Jimenez, an offensive and defensive guard.
Blanco (6-1 and 260, and also better than 3.0 in the classroom) is a captain and 4-year year starter who was all-conference his freshman year. He played offensive tackle his first three years and switched to tight end this year.
“He has caught at least one pass in every game,” DeGennaro said. “The last two years we had zero receptions by our tight ends. He is a big time blocker and a force on defense. He will be playing somewhere next year on Saturdays.”
Carter-Cook (6-4 and 285, also better than 3.0) is a captain who transferred from Arizona his sophomore year and never played football before.
“He is a great run blocker, a big force on the offensive line,” DeGennaro said. “When he and Alan or Ruben double team somebody they stay blocked. (He) could be playing next year on Saturdays.”
Jimenez (5-10 and 225, also better than 3.0) is a 4-year starter who has committed to the United States Marine Corps next year.
“He is an awesome football player who also wrestles and throws shot put,” DeGennaro said. “He is a very quiet kid who leads by example.”
Other seniors on the Lee team include running back/defensive back Carlos Savala, full back/linebacker Alfredo Corbera and full back/linebacker Joe Broca.
WKTV coverage plans for Friday, Oct. 19
The WKTV sports truck can not be at two places at once, but we are planning to come close. WKTV will have sports crews out at both the Rockford at East Kentwood game, and the Lee at Godwin Heights game, on Friday, Oct. 19.
The East Kentwood game will be rebroadcast in its entirety on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99 on the night of the game (Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
Highlights of the game at Godwin Heights will be up on WKTV’s YouTube channel early next week. Check it out at WKTVvideos on YouTube.
WKTV will also be doing Facebook Live reports from both games. Check them out at WKTV.org on Facebook.
Years ago, while teaching automotive service at Kent Transition Center, Mark Larson helped one of his students find employment, and the student loved that job, he recalled.
About a year after he graduated, he visited Larson and told him he lost the job. “They said I missed too much work.”
But it wasn’t that much, the student insisted: “Just like in school: every other Friday.”
It’s that sort of chronic absenteeism, defined as 10 percent of missed school time or 18 missed days per year, that Larson, now Kent ISD’s truancy and attendance coordinator, hopes to target with the recently launched “Strive for Less than 5” campaign.
All Kent ISD school districts have come on board with the campaign which, as the name implies, encourages students not to miss any more than four days of school per year. It was adapted from successful work already done by Grand Rapids Public Schools in conjunction with Attendance Works and the Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation.
GRPS and the foundation shared its materials with Larson and Kent ISD colleagues, who then created the ISD-wide campaign. The foundation also contributed funds toward the materials.
Students who helped make the Strive video strike the “less than 5” pose
Absence Makes the… Grades Founder
Larson said “Somewhere along the line, the perception of school attendance changed from one of primacy — you attend school unless there’s a reason not to — to one of ‘Well, it really doesn’t matter if you miss school, as long as it’s for a good reason.’
“And that’s not true. What we’re learning is any absenteeism, for any reason, is harmful to the learning process.”
Last year, 12.1 percent of students in Kent ISD schools were chronically absent, down from 13.9 percent the previous year. Statewide, 15.6 percent of students in public school districts were chronically absent last year.
The harm from school absences is measurable, said Larson, whose work has become increasingly data-driven. Every 10 days of absence, he said, equates to a drop in one full letter grade. In as little as five absences, Larson said, there can be a drop in standardized test scores. Declines in grades and graduation rates are evident at 10 percent.
“ANY TIME THERE’S CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM FROM SCHOOL, IT’S TYPICALLY A SYMPTOM OF SOMETHING ELSE. OUR APPROACH IS, ‘HOW CAN WE HELP?’”— KEVIN POLSTON, SUPERINTENDENT OF GODFREY-LEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, said that a few missed school days here and there may not seem like a big deal to a family, but it can quickly put a student on track for truancy.
Bill Fetterhoff, superintendent of Godwin Heights Public Schools, stressed the need for what he called “bell-to-bell teaching.” It goes beyond absences, he said: “To start late or leave early can be devastating to learning.”
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston says that absences can be indicative of a variety of challenges that students and families face
A Symptom of Something Else
“It’s not new information that kids need to go to school,” Polston said. “Our parents say the same thing.”
But, he said, issues such a transportation and physical and mental health can be barriers to attendance. Whatever the problem is, Polston said, chances are he’s heard it before. That’s why districts are connected with wraparound services such as mental health services or bus passes — whatever meets the need.
“Any time there’s chronic absenteeism from school, it’s typically a symptom of something else. Our approach is, ‘how can we help?’”
Polston said that with a few exceptions, unless a student has a sustained fever of more than 100 degrees or is vomiting, they need to be in school
A “Strive for Less Than 5” message hangs at the entrance of Kelloggsville Middle School
Spreading the word
Getting the word out about Strive looks different, depending on the district. Kent ISD created communication plans and materials — stickers, videos, posters, and billboards, for example — to help schools spread the message.
At Godwin Heights, Fetterhoff said, some schools are using those materials and others are using novel tactics to increase attendance. North Godwin Elementary, for example, is targeting families with a history of absenteeism with a rewards program that awards gift cards for attendance. Polston said teachers throughout Godfrey-Lee have offered incentive and recognition programs to students for attendance.
While the coordinated public information campaign is new, absenteeism has long been a focus for the region’s superintendents, Fetterhoff said.
Volunteers help Bowen Elementary School first-grader Peng Thang get fitted, while fifth-grader Rosung, 3-year-old Scofield and father Titus enjoy the moment
Hundreds of parents with their kindergarten through fourth-grade students gathered recently at In the Image, a clothing and furniture ministry at 1823 S. Division Ave. in Grand Rapids, to receive a free pair of new back-to-school shoes. In the Image’s annual “Shoes Help Our Elementary Students” program put shoes on the feet of 1,700 students from more than 39 elementary schools this year. Qualifying schools, which have a high percentage of low-income students, included Kentwood, Grand Rapids, Godfrey-Lee, Godwin Heights and Wyoming schools.
There are still a few days left to help area students get ready for school this fall by donating school supplies to the annual School Supply Santa campaign.
Set to wrap up on Aug. 8, School Supply Santa is actually the idea of Byron Center resident Denise Kooiker. In 2007, Kookier, a hair stylist, decided to hold a drive to collect school supplies when one of her clients told her about numerous families not being able to purchase backpacks, crayons, pencils, notebooks and other items that students need to start the school year.
Eleven years later, the program has grown, helping students in several school districts such as Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights, Wyoming, and Godfrey Lee. Now the organization collects boxes of school supplies that are distributed to the various schools.
There are numerous sites throughout the West Michigan area that are collecting items such at Kellogg Community Credit Union at the Metro Health Village and at its Patterson Avenue location; the YMCA Spartan location on Gezon Parkway; Byron Center’s South Harbor Church; Peach Wave along with several businesses in the Metro Health Village; For the Kids Gymnastics on 44th Street; and several local Starbucks. For a complete list of locations, visit the website, schoolsupplysanta.com.
Items that are needed are backpacks, crayons, colored pencils, dry erase markers, ear buds, folders, glue sticks, Post-it notes, Kleenex, pencils, markers, notebooks three-ring binders, and composition notebooks. Monetary donations also are accepted.
Kelloggsville Public Schools woke up to good news this morning as voters approved a $19.2 million millage request that will construct a new third-, fourth-, fifth-grade building in the district.
The millage was approved with 2,318 yes votes to 1,535 no votes. The millage is actually a continuation of an existing millage. The school’s current millage rate is 7.32.
Kent County also received good news as its proposal, Ready by 5, passed with 142,875 yes votes to 109,513 no votes. The proposal is a 0.25 mill property tax levy that would provide an estimated $5.7 million a year to agencies and programs that support early childhood development programs.
For other city, county, and state election results, click here.
As for board of education elections, there were only two districts that had contested races: Godwin Heights Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools.
In Godwin Heights, the top three vote getters will join the board. Newcomer David Rodriguez was the top vote getter with 1,847 followed by incumbents David Drake (1,564 votes) and Richard Hamilton Jr. (1,493 votes). Joseph Januska received 1,158 votes.
Wyoming’s Board of Education had one candidate and two write-in candidates running for two six-year term positions. Candidate Brian D. Jirous had 9,255 votes. The two write-in candidates are Adriana Almanza and Jennifer Lewis. Write-ins have to be counted by hand. School officials said they are waiting for the county to count the ballots and should know the results within two weeks.
School Board elections that were unopposed were:
Godfrey Lee Public Schools Board of Education (2 Seats)
Kacklyn Hernandez 1,144
Eric Mockerman 857
Godfrey Lee Public Schools Board of Education partial term ending in 2022 (1 Seat)
In April, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce awarded its Brent VanderKolk Scholarship to four area high school graduates.
VanderKolk was a chamber member and the chamber’s legal council along with being a freind to many, said Bob O’Callgahan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. VanderKolk passed away in 2011 at the age of 37. The chamber decided to honor VanderKolk by naming the annual scholarship award after him.
This year’s award recipients are: Maria Aguirre from Godwin Heights High School; Adriana Sanchez-Parada from Lee High School; Shontiana Jackson from Wyoming High School; and Allison Biss from East Kentwood High School.
We were able to catch up with two of the students before they walked down the graduation aisle. These students offered a few words of wisdom to those coming into high school and to the Class of 2019.
Adrianna Sanchez
Adrianna Sanchez-Parada
Lee High School
Godfrey Lee Public Schools
Parents: Gallina Parada and Alejo Sanchez
When Adrianna Sanchez learned that one out of three freshmen at her school were failing one to two classes, she decided to do something about it.
“That was a big number of students failing,” Adrianna said. “When I was a freshman, there was a freshman transition class that was helpful to me so I decided to bring that program back.”
Adrianna pulled together members of the upper classes to serve as mentors, offering words of advice and to be there to help guide the freshmen.
“I’ve learned a lot about leadership especially through band,” Adrianna said. “I’ve been a drum major and have gone to a leadership conference where we learned about leadership through service. Through this program, our upper classes were able to show a different type of leadership through service.”
Adrianna has loved being involved at Lee High School and admits her involvement has prevented her from having a job. She has participated in soccer, National Honors Society, Spanish club, drama club, and student council, where she served as president. She plans to attend Western Michigan University in the fall.
Her advice for those entering high school: Try different clubs that you have never thought of and do not be afraid to be different.
Her advice for next year’s seniors: Don’t stress about the little things but also don’t let the assignments slide because it will come back at you. And lastly, watch out for every opportunity that you might have.
Allison Biss with Chamber President/CEO Bob O’Callaghan
Allisson Biss
East Kentwood High School
Kentwood Public Schools
Parents: Cheryl and Brian Biss
“Some people have sports, but I am not the sporty type,” said Allison Biss when thinking about her search for a high school activity that encourage her creativity. She was not a performer and some hobbies she didn’t felt she had started early enough to participate in. But once she discovered film and video, she knew she had found the passion that allowed her creativity to shine.
“You could be given a video and create five clips with the end product being different depending on lighting or how you edit it,” she said.
A WKTV intern, Biss was awarded Central Michigan University’s Lem Tucker Scholarship for broadcasting and journalism, which covers a 100 percent of her tuition, room, and board.
At school, Biss participated in the broadcast program serving as an anchor and primary editor. Outside of broadcasting, Biss has been very active serving as a class officer for three years, on the National Honor Society, Student Council, and JV sideline and competitive cheerleading.
Her advice for those entering high school: It is not as bad as it seems. Always introduce yourself. Be that someone who cracks the joke and eats lunch with new people. Also don’t be afraid to try new things because high school is short.
Her advice for next year’s seniors: Don’t think of the moments as being the last ones, but new beginnings. Enjoy the moments while you have them because it goes by super quickly.
While Valentino Savala has gone through the normal rigors of reading writing and math to tally his credits for graduation, he discovered his passion by tinkering inside the Lee High School recording studio when he had time outside of class.
“I try to get in here as much as I can during the day and after school,” said Valentino, while in the studio messing with rhythms and beats to create original recordings.
Valentino is the perfect example of a student who learned a skill and discovered a potential career by being given the space and equipment to experiment, say Lee High School educators. He wants to become a music producer and researched the recording industry and job for his senior capstone project, which all seniors take as preparation for furthering education, training or work.
He said he planned to ask judges during his capstone presentation to write down how his tunes makes them feel, “connecting music to emotion.”
The studio is in a former office within the media center, transformed with all the necessary equipment and software, and painted to serve as an inviting, creative space. The brainchild of former Director of Technology Dan Townsend, the studio has been used by dozens of students since it opened about a year and a half ago.
Senior Valentino Savala and sophomore Elijah Kibbe play some of their recordings
Music As Creative Outlet
Students pop in after school and during lunch, recording song and raps and adjusting beats and bass. They partner up for duets, sing and record songs, and even write tributes. Sophomores Elijah Kibbe and Darvia Beene are producing a song in memory of Elayna Durso, a Spanish teacher who died of breast cancer in December at age 35.
Sarah Wood, technology and media integration specialist, said she loves seeing students create inside the studio without much adult interference. Using music as a creative outlet is meaningful for many teenagers, she said. And while they can use the studio for school work, that’s not its main purpose.
“We never intended this to be used as a class. It was meant to be a place for student passion projects and alternative ways to do assignments. It was really student-led,” Wood said. “It really has spread by word of mouth and students sharing their projects. We don’t monitor everything in here because this is their space, not ours.
Kelly McGee, media specialist and theater director, said students try to stay as late as possible after school to use the room. “The kids know more than we do about any of this stuff,” he said, adding that he’s noticed students improve a lot, through trial and error, in making music.
Elijah, who wants to someday be a software developer, said he goes to the studio to express his emotions.
He first used it to record a rap for a school history assignment, but learned the studio was a great place to hang out and create on his own. He said he works to sound a little like popular rapper Drake.
“A lot of times I use the studio to make beats, Elijah said. “With the software, it’s really easy to do.”
He posts his music on social media. “A lot of my things aren’t school related… I talk about my life, learning how to get better, working to find my voice. I use it to better myself.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Students gravitate to the Lee High School Recording Studio to use the equipment
Inside a locker, Charles Travis keeps a pile of books, stories he has collected from Goodwill and labeled by reading level for first-grade teacher Carol Jewell’s students.
Monday through Wednesday mornings, for two hours each day during the school year, Travis, or “Mr. T” as the children call him, pulls out his books and invites two or three students at a time to read to him and play a sight-word game. They eagerly ask, “Do I get to read with you today, Mr. T?”
Le’on Cardona reads, helped along by “Mr. T”
Travis, 83, is a retired General Motors toolmaker who has spent the past six years devoting six hours a week to helping students at the ECC.
He first discovered how much he loved volunteering with children while participating in a city of Wyoming Senior Center program more than a decade ago. He has also volunteered for the after-school program TEAM 21, and at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School, in Grand Rapids Public Schools.
“I wish I would have started doing this earlier. I really enjoy it,” Travis said. “One of the reasons I enjoy this so much is because it’s like having 22 or 23 little grandchildren. … It wasn’t altruistic on my part.”
The Grandville High School graduate, who has three children and three grandchildren of his own with his wife, Charlene, never thought about becoming a teacher until he started spending time with students. He learned how much he enjoys helping them grow in their reading and English skills. He works with students who struggle in reading two days a week, and with students at grade level and higher one day a week.
“Sometimes I think maybe I missed my calling,” he said. “I get a lot of love from these kids, almost like real grandchildren.”
Charles Travis, better known as “Mr. T,” gives Emma Torrez a big hug
Helping ELL Students
At Godfrey-Lee, about 50 percent of students are English-language learners, a population Travis enjoys serving.
“I like the idea that I am helping them extend their universe in learning English, helping them become better citizens that way,” Travis said. “Seeing them progress, that’s the main thing.”
On a recent Wednesday, first-graders Ulises Aguilar, Faith Belmont and Gabriela Cardona-Mendoza sat down at a table outside their classroom to read for “Mr. T,” showing their skills and listening to each other read.
One of the best things about Mr. T, they said, is the games he plays with them, and the books he shares. “He lets me take the books home with me,” Gabriella said.
“The thing he does is teach students to read better,” said Ulises.
Along with books, he gives them loads of encouragement and is always happy to see them. “I get a lot of hugs from him,” said first-grader Emma Torrez.
Jewell said many of her students are below grade level in reading, but show huge growth. Having a devoted volunteer six hours a week is a major asset, she said.
“They may not all reach grade level, but hey have all already made more than a year’s growth in their reading. He’s a huge part of that,” Jewell said. “He is a huge reason my kids are successful.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan
A recent emergency response training, during which Lee Middle School students learned the Heimlich maneuver, paid off when an eighth-grader saved the life of another who was choking.
Shortly after lunch in early May, Arturo Fierros-Cervantes noticed his friend Edgar Vazquez was bent over in the hallway and not breathing. Edgar was choking on a piece of bread for about 30 seconds when Arturo took action, using what he had learned during training to dislodge the food.
“I was I scared I was going to die,” said Edgar, expressing his thanks to Arturo.
“I’m glad because he’s my friend,” Arturo said. “It’s good to save a friend’s life.”
In January and early February, 140 middle school students were trained in emergency response including CPR, response to choking and how to use an automatic external defibrillator, or AED. History teacher Michael Donovan requested the training, which was led by Kevin McGraw, head safety officer at Amway, who started the School Emergency Response Coalition.
Donovan said the incident between Arturo and Edgar happened so seamlessly that few people knew it happened.
“Arturo’s non-assuming personality and belief in doing the right thing without fanfare or recognition also played into the day, and both students went about their business,” Donovan said.
Edgar, however, mentioned it to the school liaison officer, Pam Keen, who let Donovan know about the incident.
“I hope no one ever needs to use the CPR training again, but statistics show that many of our students will use it at some point,” Donovan said. “We may never know the real impact this training had on others, but we know that at least one life may have been saved.”
Check out School News Network for more stories about students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan.
Lee High School graduates 150 students on May 22. Here is the top ten for the school’s graduating class of 2018.
Mariah Lowry is Valedictorian of the Lee High School Class of 2018. Her parents are Shauna Warren and Edward Lowry. She has served as Vice President of Student Council and has participated in Track and Cheerleading. Mariah plans to attend the University of Michigan where she will study Psychology.
Avelycia Yesenia Ortiz is Salutatorian of Lee High School’s Class of 2018. She is the daughter of Yesenia Ortiz. She has been an active member of National Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish Club, Softball, Marching & Concert Band, and Winter Guard. Avelycia’s future plans are to attend Wayne State University and study Biomedical Science so she can become a Forensic Pathologist.
Maira Hurtado ranks number three of the Lee High School Class of 2018. Her parents are Rosa Hurtado and Jesus Hurtado. Maira is an avid participant of National Honor Society, Be Nice, Lee’s Student Leader Program, JV Soccer and Spanish Club. Maira plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College where she will study Nursing, and wants to specialize in pediatrics.
Adriana Sanchez-Parada ranks number four in Lee High School’s Class of 2018. Her parents are Alejo Sanchez and Gallina Parada. Adriana’s activities awards include serving as Student Council President, National Honors Society, Founder of Footsteps for Freshman, Homecoming Queen, Marching Band Drum Major, Drama Club, Soccer, Karate and Spanish Club. Adriana plans on attending Western Michigan University and currently is undecided in what she plans to study.
Daisy Sarabia ranks number five at Lee High School. Her parents are Adriana Bodar and Enselmo Sarabia. Daisy has stayed busy with Volleyball (all four years), Softball and Competitive Cheerleading (2 years), Basketball (1 year), Student Council (3 years), National Honor Society and Class Vice President. Daisy plans to study Engineering at Grand Valley State University.
Monica Paniague-Ramos ranks number six at Lee High School’s Class of 2018. She is the daughter of Maria Ramos. Monica has spent her time serving in National Honor Society as Vice President and has also participated in Spanish Club, Student Leader Program and Be Nice. Monica plans to specialize in Radiology at Grand Rapids Community College.
Abigail Ibarra is ranked number seven at Lee High School. Her parents are Andrea Hernandez and Noe Hernandez. She has participated in Competitive and Sideline Cheer and has also spent much time in the LHS Band. Abigail plans on working after high school.
Maura Mendoza-Matias ranks number eight at Lee High School. Her parents are Hilario Mendoza Calmo and Nicolasa Matias Lorenzo. Her activities include Spanish Club, Be Nice, Prom Committee, Planning Homecoming Class Activities, Soccer, National Honor Society and our Student Leader Program. Maura plans on attending Grand Rapids Community College and entering the Nursing program.
Amaris Lourdes Salvatierra-Guizar is ranked nine at Lee High School’s Class of 2018. Her parents are Hector Salvatierra and Maria Salvatierra. She has participated in Track and Field — earning a Varsity Letter, Spanish Club, National Honor Society and has also been a Bible School Teacher as well. Amaris plans on attending Davenport University to go into Accounting.
Florencio Guilarte ranks number 10 at Lee High School. His parents are Noemi Gonzalez and Yanoxy Guilarte. He has been a very active participant of Band, Choir, Drama Club, Lee Talent Shows, Basketball, Wrestling, Student Council, Rotary Club and our Student Leader Program. He has also earned numerous athletic honors. In Baseball he achieved 3 Year All Conference, 2 Year All District, and All Advanced Team. In Football, Florencio earned 2 Year All Conference. In Bowling, he earned All Conference Honorable Mention. He also has spent time working in Youth Baseball Clinics as a Coach during summer and winter. Florencio plans on attending Central Michigan University where he will major in Music Performance (Voice).
Godfrey-Lee Public School’s newest Board of Education member, Josephine (Jo-C) Coleman was sworn in May 14. (Supplied)
By Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
On Monday, May 14, the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education appointed Josephine Coleman as Trustee to the Board of Education.
Board President, Eric Mockerman, said that Mrs. Coleman was selected because of her “dedication and commitment to the students and families of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools over a long period of time.”
Superintendent Kevin Polston praised “Coleman’s selfless service to the district, and her commitment to the community. She is an excellent choice, who will represent our school district with pride.”
Josephine and her husband Donald are the parents of two children, Donald and Chance, both graduates of Lee High School. Josephine and her husband are also veterans of the United States Army, where she rose to the rank of Specialist. She is currently employed at Tower International as an IT Business Analyst.
She has served as Secretary for the Parent Teacher Committee (2002-2004), Band Boosters (2007-2015), and Athletic Boosters (2010-2016). She currently serves as Co-Treasurer for the Lee Soccer Alumni Association.
When asked why she wanted to run for the position, she said she wants “to serve the community and our students. Our students appreciate the quality education from the caring adults at Godfrey-Lee, and it’s rewarding to serve them.”
Coleman will serve on the Board for the remainder of 2018. The seat was held by Rebecca Kibbe, who had to give up the position due to her family moving out of the district. The seat, with a six year term, will be up for election in November.
Spanish language version
Junta de Educación de las Escuelas Públicas de Godfrey-Lee nombra nuevo miembro
El lunes 14 de mayo de, 2018, la Junta de Educación GLPS designó a Josephine Coleman como Fideicomisario a la Junta de Educación. El Presidente de la Junta Eric Mockerman comentó que la señora Coleman fue seleccionado debido a su “dedicación y el compromiso hacia estudiantes y las familias de las Escuelas Públicas de Godfrey-Lee durante un largo período de tiempo.”
Josefina y su esposo Donald son los orgullosos padres de dos hijos, Donald y Chance, ambos graduados de la Escuela Preparatoria Lee. Josephine y su marido también son orgullosos veteranos del ejército de Estados Unidos, donde alcanzó el grado de Especialista. Actualmente ella trabaja en la Torre Internacional como analista de negocios de IT.
Ella sirvió como Secretaria de la Comisión de Padres y Maestros (2002-2004), Band Boosters (2007-2015), y Athletics Boosters (2010-2016). Actualmente se desempeña como Co-Tesorera de la Asociación de Graduados de fútbol Lee. Cuando se le preguntó por qué quería correr para el cargo, dijo que quiere “servir a nuestra comunidad y estudiantes. Nuestros estudiantes aprecian la calidad de la educación de los adultos interesados en Godfrey-Lee, y es gratificante servirles.”
La señora Coleman servirá en la Junta el resto del 2018. El puesto lo tenía Rebecca Kibbe, que tuvo que renunciar a la posición debido a que su familia se mueve fuera del distrito. El Puesto con un mandato de 6 años será puesto para elección en noviembre, 2018.
Godfrey-Lee Schools’ sinking fund millage request was approved by voters. (WKTV)
Godfrey-Lee
3-mill, 10-year sinking fund: Yes 126, No 73
Voters passed a sinking fund which will put new Chromebooks in classrooms, update other technology and fund facility maintenance and improvements.
“On behalf of the Godfrey-Lee Board of Education, I thank our community for their support and investment in our school district,” said Superintendent Kevin Polston. “Once again the Godfrey-Lee community has demonstrated their tremendous support for our public schools. The sinking fund approval will make Godfrey-Lee Public Schools safer, more secure, and connected with technology upgrades, throughout the district.”
Funds will become available to the district in 2019 after the summer tax collection and will provide a sustainable source of funding for technology and facilities for 10 years.
The fund will generate about $300,000 annually. It replace the current 1.9976-mill sinking fund, which expires this year.
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