GALESBURG-AUGUSTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
1076 N. 37th St.
Galesburg, MI 49053
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
LAKE MICHIGAN MAILERS, INC.
RAM ANNOUNCER
April 2016
www.g-aschools.org
**ECRWSS**
Residential Customers
Reading Cafe´ Open For Success!....Details
Administration Offices
1076 N. 37th St.
Galesburg, MI 49053
(269) 484-2000
Primary School (Pre-K through 4)
Principal: Shaun Sportel
(269) 484-2040
[email protected]
Middle School (5th - 8th Grades)
Principal: Darin Schmidt
(269) 484-2020
[email protected]
High School (9th – 12th Grades)
Principal: Christie Robinson
(269) 484-2010
[email protected]
GA
G R E AT
A C H I E V E M E N T S
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
on Page 7
Page 20 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Common Core Myths and Impact on Students
Successful implementation of
the Common Core State Standards requires parents, educators, policymakers, and other
stakeholders to have the facts
about what the standards are
and what they are not. The following myths and facts aim to address common
misconceptions about the development, intent, content, and implementation of the standards.
MYTH: The federal government will take over ownership of the Common Core State Standards initiative.
FACT: The federal government will not govern the
Common Core State Standards. The Common Core
was and will remain a state-led effort. The NGA
Center and CCSSO are committed to developing
a long-term governance structure with leadership
from governors, chief state school officers, and other state policymakers to ensure the quality of the
Common Core and that teachers and principals
have a strong voice in the future of the standards.
States and local school districts will drive implementation of the Common Core.
MYTH: The Common Core standards are a national
curriculum that dictates what and how every educator must teach.
FACT: The standards are not a curriculum. Standards are targets for what students should know
and be able to do. Curricula are the instructional
plans and strategies that educators use to help their
students reach those expectations. The CCSS are
a set of shared goals for the knowledge and skills
students should possess in English language arts
and mathematics to be proficient in those subjects.
As such, districts and schools should use the standards as a basis for developing their own curricula
by designing course content, choosing appropriate
instructional strategies, developing learning activities, continuously gauging student understanding,
and adjusting instruction accordingly.
MYTH: The Standards don’t have enough emphasis
on fiction/literature
FACT: The Standards require certain critical content
for all students, including: classic myths and stories
from around the world, America’s Founding Doc-
uments, foundational American
literature, and Shakespeare. Appropriately, the remaining crucial decisions about what content should be taught are left to
state and local determination. In
addition to content coverage, the
Standards require that students systematically acquire knowledge in literature and other disciplines
through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
MYTH: The Standards do not prepare or require
students to learn Algebra in the 8th grade, as many
states’ current standards do.
FACT: The Standards do accommodate and prepare
students for Algebra 1 in 8th grade, by including
the prerequisites for this course in grades K7. Students who master the K7 material will be able to
take Algebra 1 in 8th grade. At the same time, grade
8 standards are also included; these include rigorous algebra and will transition students effectively
into a full Algebra 1 course.
Impact on Students
• The Common Core State Standards reflect the
knowledge and skills students need to succeed in
college and career.
• The Common Core State Standards are such that
instruction will specifically address student gaps
in knowledge and skills as well as the need for
academic acceleration.
•The Common Core State Standards focus on
problem solving and critical thinking skills, not
solely on knowledge of particular facts that have
little relationship to success later in life.
• The Common Core State Standards promote student independence in learning. Students learn to
construct effective arguments, convey information, ask relevant questions and seek out resources.
• The Common Core State Standards prepare ALL
students for college and career success which
leads to increased earning potential.
•The 21st Century Skills embedded in the Common Core pave the way for students to think, reflect, analyze, influence, evaluate, and communicate; in other words become an individual who
will lead in the 21st century global society and be
successful in a competitive global economy.
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
APRIL 2016 - Page 1
From the Desk of Superintendent Dr. Bazzi
Superintendent’s Message
Superintendent Bazzi
Dear Galesburg-Augusta Students, Staff,
Families and Community,
It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the
final months of the school year. We will blink and
June will be here, with all the wonderful end-of-year
activities, including our high school graduation ceremony.
As we approach summer, it is really important for
parents and guardians to engage in learning opportunities with their child. There are many important
roles that adults play in the development of a child.
While teachers, volunteers and community members
provide support and guidance for students, family
and parental involvement is even more vital to their
success both in learning and in life. Research has
shown that family involvement:
• Enhances academic performance
• Leads to better classroom behavior
• Better student attendance
• Decreases student drug and alcohol use
• Increases teacher morale
• Improves student literacy learning and
development
Building a better school district and providing
students an opportunity to succeed in the classroom
and beyond requires a strong support system. Engaged parents are a critical component to creating a
thriving school environment. When we all work together - school, family and community - we provide
students of all backgrounds and ability levels the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels.
In ways large and small, each of you has made a
positive difference for kids this year. If I haven’t had
an occasion to express this to you in person, please
know that I deeply value your efforts and your commitment. Lastly, I would like to extend a big congratulations to the new graduates of the class of 2016!
The school community is very proud of each of you.
I wish each of you a relaxing summer as you prepare
for the next phase of your success. To all staff and
rising students - I wish each of you a relaxing, safe,
and fun summer! Take this time to re-energize and
reflect upon our achievement. I am looking forward
to being even more engaged and taking it to the next
level for the 2016-2017 school year!
In education,
Dania H. Bazzi, PhD
Superintendent of Galesburg-Augusta
[email protected]
GA
G R E AT
A C H I E V E M E N T S
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Vision Statement:
To be the preferred small-school district
in our region
Mission Statement:
The Galesburg-Augusta School District, in
partnership with the home and community, will
teach each student the knowledge, skills and
attitudes to be a productive and ethical citizen.
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES
Monday, May, 16, 2016
Monday, June 20, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
Monday, August 15, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
Monday, November 21, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Monday, January 16, 2017
All meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. in the high school media center.
Page 2 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
APRIL 2016 - Page 19
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Bond Fast Facts
Continued from page 2
Q: Who can vote in the May 3 election?
A: All the registered voters who live within the
boundaries of the Galesburg-Augusta Community
Schools are eligible to vote on the bond initiative.
The last day to register to vote is April 4th. The
District wants our community to be aware of our
needs and how our students will benefit from our
Master Facilities Plan.
Bond Fast Facts
On Tuesday, May 3, voters in the Galesburg-Augusta school district will be asked to vote on a
zero mill property tax to fund major renovations
to the Middle School, technology upgrades for
all buildings, safety and security upgrades in all
buildings, and necessary infrastructure improvements (HVAC, lighting, and roofing).
Q: How much will it cost?
A: The school board has authorized a $10.4 million
bond, which is a zero mill increase.
Q: What security and safety updates will be made
to the schools?
A: Every school’s public entrance will be updated
to include security vestibules to make them more
secure. In addition, every school will receive adQ: Why is a facilities improvement bond being ditional security cameras and monitors with reproposed?
mote access, security control centers beyond the
A: While the HS is only 12 years old, our other main office, improved exterior lighting, exterior
buildings, particularly the MS, did not receive ma- door upgrades, and electronic security access at
jor improvements with the previous bond. Signif- entrances where needed.
icant facility upgrades are necessary if our schools
are to continue to serve the community and meet Q: What would the technology upgrades entail?
the educational needs of students today.
A: Upgrades will include devices such as laptops,
Chromebooks, tablets/iPads, and a large venue
Q: What are we voting on?
projector. In addition, we will make network upA: This bond is focused on major renovations to grades that will increase our wireless capabilities
the middle school, safety and security at all build- to support the new devices and surveillance sysings, technology upgrades, necessary infrastruc- tems in all buildings.
ture improvements (HVAC, lighting, and roofing).
Q: Why is the new athletic complex not on this
Q: How do I know the money will be used for the ballot proposal?
necessary repairs and needs and not used for sala- A: In December of 2015, the district surveyed
ries or other purposes?
the residents of Galesburg-Augusta Community
A: The law states that bonds can be used only for Schools. The results indicated that the majority of
the school building improvements and renova- residents did not support a new athletic complex.
tions listed on the ballot language.
Voters wanted to ensure that our building, security, and technology needs are met first.
Q: How did our schools get into this shape anyway?
Q: Would you offer tours of schools for the public?
A: The State of Michigan has ignored school facili- A: We welcome building tours and would be hapty problems for many years. G-A has kept up with py to schedule one for you or any group of GA
basic maintenance and infrastructure needs over residents. Please contact Dania H. Bazzi, Superthe years. Unfortunately, funds are not available intendent, at 269-484-2000, or [email protected]
to tackle major repairs, such as safety and security,
technology, energy efficient electrical, plumbing,
Continued on page 19
and heating and air-conditioning.
First Row: (left to right)
Diana Walker, Lynne Wells and Jessica Guthrie
Second Row: (left to right)
Chad Rainey, Stephanie Gillfillan, Jeff McCubbin
and Keith Jordan
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
ADMINISTRATION
Child Find system required
The Individual with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) requires all states to have a “comprehensive Child Find system” to assure all children who
are in need of early intervention to special education services are located, identified, and referred.
Part C of IDEA, early intervention, focuses on children aged birth to three. If you have a registered
Homeschool and suspect your child might have a
disability please contact:
Early On
(children birth to three years)
Kathy Hollis at 269-250-9649
Pre-primary Evaluation Team
(children three to five years)
Felicia Burnett at 269-250-9670
First Row (left to right)
Dania Bazzi (Superintendent),
Christie Robinson (High School Principal),
Aaron Wright (Special Education Director)
Second Row (left to right)
Darin Schmidt (Middle School Principal),
Shaun Sportel (Primary School Principal),
Brian Dolph (HS/MS Dean of Students)
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
(children five & up)
Aaron Wright 269-484-1005
Stay connected to
Galesburg-Augusta
Community Schools by:
Page 18 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Recipient of the 2015-2016
Excellence in Special Education
Award-Theresa Shepherd
Theresa
Shepherd
serves as a special
education
teacher
at
Galesburg-Augusta High
School. We are proud to
announce that she was
selected as a recipient of
the 2015-2016 Excellence
in Special Education
Award by the Kalamazoo
RESA’s Special Education
Parent
Advisory
Committee (PAC). The
advisory group praised
Mrs. Shepherd’s creativity,
communication
skills,
advocacy, and willingness
to go the “Extra Mile”
while working with their
children. Mrs. Shepherd
is an educator that
understands the special
needs of our children and
their importance; she is
truly making a difference.
Galesburg-Augusta
Community Schools is
lucky to have such an
exceptional
s t a f f
member and
a great role
model
for
the student
body.
Theresa Shepherd
Suduko Puzzle Answers from page 6
Crossword Puzzle Answers from page 10
Half Day K-12 No School K-12 Memorial Day
High School Graduation 7:00 p.m.
High School Exams-modified
schedule (Full Day K-12)
Half Day 9-12 H.S. Exams
Half Day K-12 H.S. Exams
Half Day K-12 Last Day/H.S. Exams
Last Day Teachers
2016-2017 Schools of Choice Enrollment
May 16, 2016 through June 14, 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools will
be accepting K-12 Schools of Choice Applications
for the 2016-2017 school year. Applications will be
available beginning May 16, 2016 at the Superintendent’s office, 1076 North 37th Street, Galesburg,
MI or printed online at www.g-aschools.org. Applications must be returned by June 14, 2016 at 4:00
p.m. to the office of the Superintendent. Please call
269-484-2000 if you have any questions.
Galesburg-Augusta
Community Schools Foundation
The G-A Community Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization established to promote, receive, invest
and administer funds or other tangible gifts for students.
The foundation was organized to provide an avenue for
individuals and businesses to contribute funds into the
educational system in an organized manner that can be
of financial benefit to the donor and a benefit to G-A students. All gifts are to be used solely for the support or
enhancement of educational, literary, artistic or scientific
endeavors of the school district. Currently scholarship
awards are given to high school seniors from the Galesburg-Augusta community. In the last 30 years, we have
awarded over $100,000 in student and staff grants.
2015-2015 School Calendar
April 22 (F)
May 30 (M)
June 3 (F)
June 7 (T)
June 8 (W)
June 9 (Th)
June 10 (F)
June 13 (M)
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Stay connected to
Galesburg-Augusta
Community Schools by:
Why Give?
The Foundation’s ability to continue its mission depends
on the generous support of individuals and groups in the
Galesburg-Augusta community and beyond. Your generous gift will be used to enhance the educational experiences of our students by:
• Supporting Education: Venture grants designed to supplement the educational program and provide teachers
and students with unique learning experiences.
• Providing Opportunities: Projects that enrich students’
exposure to 21st-century learning and promote the district’s commitment to educational excellence.
• Recognizing Excellence: Opportunities to celebrate
quality education while acknowledging the significant
contributions of select individuals.
• Building Futures: Endowed scholarships established to
assist those students and families desiring to access quality programs and services both on a post-secondary and
basic education level.
• The Foundation accepts contributions from individuals, families, corporations, civic groups, local businesses
and other foundations. All donations support the educational efforts of the Galesburg-Augusta Community
Schools.
• Contributions/Donations: If you would like to donate, checks can be made payable to: /G-A Community
Schools Foundation and mailed to: 1076 N 37th Street,
Galesburg, MI 49053. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent provided by the law.
You can also donate by using Amazon Smile:
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/38-3082334
APRIL 2016 - Page 3
Galesburg-Augusta
Community Schools
Suffers Great Loss
Alan “Al” Lentz, an
educator and administrator who worked
at Galesburg-Augusta
Community Schools,
suddenly passed away
on February 24th.
Al always stressed the
importance of: Faith,
family and fun. Al was a strong man of
faith, and he talked about the confidence
that brought him. He loved and was proud
of his wife and sons, and then his grandchildren, and he found ways to have fun.
He served as a mentor and sounding board
for a number of people both in and out of
the school.
At Galesburg Augusta, Al held many different roles, including special education
supervisor, teaching consultant, student
services director, principal and superintendent. Most recently he was the District Assessment and Grants Coordinator. Over the
years, Al was a reliable and steady force in
the district and provided assistance wherever he could. The district always knew
they could count on Al to come through in
times of need. During his tenure at Galesburg-Augusta, his top priority was to have
a positive impact on our students.
“He wasn’t here just as an administrator,” Bazzi said. “He was really concerned
about the kids and really wanted them to
be successful — not only in the classroom
but also after they left Galesburg-Augusta.
He really made a difference in their lives.
Al had the ability of making a connection
with everyone he met, whether they were 8
years old or 68 years old. To say he’s going
to be missed is an understatement.”
Stay connected to
Galesburg-Augusta
Community Schools by:
Page 4 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
G-A Primary School News:
Annual Learning Fair
The Learning Fair took place at the Primary school
on February 11th, 2016. The Learning Fair is an
event where children in grades Prek-4th can proudly show-off their imaginations! Projects include all
realms of interests from displaying amazing artifacts, presenting mind-blowing truths about everyday things, exhibiting research on sport legends,
generating electricity, showing off active volcanoes
and green-thumb abilities to even crafting your own
clothes.
Enrollment for 2016-2017
Preschool is now open!
Our GSRP preschool is a four-year-old, state-funded program that is free to families that qualify. To
qualify your child must turn four on or before September 1st and your family must meet the guidelines
set up by the state.
Tuition Preschool
We offer three and four-year-old tuition preschool
for families that do not qualify for GSRP, but still
want to utilize our preschool program. The threeyear-old tuition based students must also turn three
on or before September 1st.
Our Preschools Feature:
• Certified Early Childhood
Teachers!
• Full-day program for all four-year-olds
• Half-day program for three-year-olds
• Emphasis on developing literacy skills
• Technology centers with Ipads
• Student work done in small groups, whole groups
and center-based activities
If you would like to learn more about our preschool program, the Primary school, schedule a tour
or speak with the building principal, Shaun Sportel,
please contact the office at 484-2040. We at G-A Primary are proud of our terrific facility and commitment to student achievement!
The staff at G-A Primary believes all children can
learn and succeed. Our goal is success for every child!
Keep in mind we do offer “wrap around” and “before and after school” daycare for students ages 3-12!
American Girl Doll Celebration
G-A has our own American Girls with 50 Primary
School girls having a ball at the American Girl Party in
February. There were activities such as a princess photo booth, nail painting, make a Build-A-Bear for your
doll, make a fleece sleeping bag for your doll, and finger
foods to eat.
Please be on the lookout,
there will be a Lego Party
sometime in mid-May.
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
APRIL 2016 - Page 17
RAM Reading Bus - Gently Used Books Needed
The project entails
creating the RAM Reading Bus, which will be a
rolling library that travels around Galesburg
and Augusta bringing
books and literacy programming to families
providing a strong tool
for successful school
progression during the
summer. During scheduled stops in the summer, children will be
able to check out books.
Also, at each stop volunteers will read stories
to children and interact with them and their
families.
Students leave for the
summer and the school
does not always maintain an academic relationship with students
or families. One thing
all educators can agree
on is that if students
read during the summer, this would reduce
the effects
of
the
summer
lag. Even
though
we are blessed to have
libraries in Galesburg
and Augusta, not all of
our students are able
to regularly visit them
throughout the summer. The intention of
the RAM Reading bus is
to ensure that students
have access to high
quality, grade-level appropriate reading material over the summer.
The goal is to have
the RAM Reading Bus
running in the summer
of 2016. To help achieve
this, if you would like
to donate gently used
books, please drop them
off at Central Office anytime between 8am and
5pm (1076 N. 37th Street,
Galesburg, MI, Attention: Dania Bazzi).
Stay connected to
Galesburg-Augusta
Community Schools
by:
Page 16 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
G-A High School Athletic News:
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
TRACK/FIELD
TRACK/FIELD
SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE
LESBURG-AUGUSTA
VARSITY
BASEBALL
SCHEDULE
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
VARSITY
VARSITY
BASEBALL
BASEBALL
SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE
SBURG-AUGUSTA
VARSITY
BASEBALL
SCHEDULE
GALESBURG-AUGUSTAVARSITY
VARSITYBASEBALL
BASEBALL SCHEDULE
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
2016 2016
2016
2016
2016 2016
SCHEDULE
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
2016 2016
TRACK/FIELD SCHEDULE 2016
rev.
2-52-5
2-5
rev. rev.
2-5 2-5 rev.
rev.
28 Mon.
Bangor
(DH)
Home
4:30
p.m.
no
JV
Mon.
3-28
3-28
Bangor
Bangor
(DH)
(DH)
Home
Home
4:30
4:30
p.m.
p.m.
no
JV
no
JV DATE DATE
Bangor
(DH)
Home
4:30
p.m.
no
JV
Mon. 3-28
Bangor (DH)
Home
4:30 p.m.
no JV
30Wed.
Paw
Paw
(single
game)
Away
4:30
p.m.
JV
Home
Wed. 3-30Wed. 3-30
Wed.
3-30
3-30
Paw
Paw
Paw
Paw
(single
(single
game)
game)
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4:30
p.m.
p.m. JVJV
Home
JVHome
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Paw
Paw (single
game)
Away
4:30 p.m.
JV
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3-30
Paw
Paw
(single
game)
Away
4:30
p.m.
12Tues.
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Pennfield
DH
4Away
p.m.
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4-12
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44p.m.
Wed. 4-13Wed. 4-13
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(DH)
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p.m. 4:30
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6 Sat.Sat.
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a.m.
Mendon
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AwayAway9 a.m.
4-16
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Away
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18 Mon.
Hartford
Home4:30 4:30
p.m. 4:30
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Wed. 4-20Wed. 4-20
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4-18
4-18
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(DH)
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p.m.
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(DH)
p.m.
JV
Home
Thurs.
5-5
Schoolcraft
(DH)
Away
4:30
p.m.
9 Mon.
Lawrence
(DH)
Home
4:30
p.m.
JV
Away
Mon.
5-9
5-9
Lawrence
Lawrence
(DH)
(DH)
Home
Home
4:30
4:30
p.m.
p.m.
JV
Away
JV
Away
Lawrence
(DH)
Home
4:30
p.m.
JV
Away
Mon. 5-9
Lawrence (DH)
Home
4:30 p.m.
JV Away
Fri. 5-13 Fri. 5-13
-12
Delton
Home4:30 4:30
p.m. 4:30
JV
Away JVJV
Thurs.
Thurs.
5-12
5-12
Delton
Delton
(DH)
(DH)
Home
Home
4:30
p.m.
p.m.
Away
JVAway
Away
Delton
(DH)(DH)
Home
p.m.
JV
Away
Thurs.
5-12
Delton
(DH)
Home
4:30
p.m.
16 Mon.
Fennville
p.m. 4:30
JV
Home JVJV
Mon.
5-16
5-16
Fennville
Fennville
(DH)
(DH) AwayAway4:30 4:30
Away
Away
4:30
p.m.
p.m.
Home
JVHome
Home
Fennville
(DH)(DH)
p.m.
JV
Home
Fri. 5-20 Fri. 5-20
Mon.
5-16
Fennville
(DH)
Away
4:30
p.m.
or 5-21 or 5-21
23 Mon.
Watervliet
(DH)
Home4:30 4:30
p.m. 4:30
JV
Away JVJV
Mon.
5-23
5-23
Watervliet
(DH)
(DH) Home
Home
Home
4:30
p.m.
p.m.
Away
JVAway
Away
Watervliet
(DH)Watervliet
p.m.
JV
Away
Mon.
5-23
Watervliet
(DH)
Home
4:30
p.m.
Tues. 5-24
Tues. 5-24
-26
Hackett
p.m. 4:30
JV
Home JVJV
Thurs.
Thurs.
5-26
5-26
Hackett
Hackett
(DH)
(DH)
Away
Away
4:30
p.m.
p.m.
Home
JVHome
Home
Hackett
(DH)(DH)
AwayAway4:30 4:30
p.m.
JV
Home
Thurs.
5-26
Hackett
(DH)
Away
4:30
p.m.
June
Districts
Comstock
May
31-June
31-June
4at Comstock
Districts
at Comstock
atComstock
Comstock
Away
Away TBD
TBD
4May4
Districts
AwayAwayTBD TBD
May
31-June
44 atDistricts
Districts
at
Away
TBD
Sat. 6-4 Sat. 6-4
uble
Header
DH=Double
DH=Double
Header
Header
Header
DH=Double
Header
OPPONENT
OPPONENT
Revised Revised
2/15/16 2/15/16
with Schoolcraft
with Schoolcraft
at Delton at Delton
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
with K-Christian
with K-Christian
at Constantine
at Constantine
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Gull LakeGull
Invitational
Lake Invitational
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
with Hackett
withatHackett
Lawtonat Lawton
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
ComstockComstock
Invitational
Invitational
TBD
at Schoolcraft
at Schoolcraft
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Open
Open
DivisionalDivisional
Championship
Championship
at Constantine
at Constantine
TBD
TBD
Gobles Invitational
Gobles Invitational
3 p.m.
3 p.m.
RegionalsRegionals
(location TBD)
(location TBD)
TBD
TBD
SAC League
SACChampionship
League Championship
at Goblesat Gobles
TBD
TBD
State Finals
State(location
Finals TBD)
(location TBD)
Please check the school website at g-aschools.org for the most up to date schedules.
Please check
Please
thecheck
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website
school
atwebsite
g-aschools.org
at g-aschools.org
for the for the
VARSITY
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
VARSITY SOFTBALL
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SCHEDULE
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
GIRL'S
TENNIS
SCHEDULE
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
GIRL'S
TENNIS
SCHEDULE GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
most up tomost
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schedules.
to date schedules.
2016
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
VARSITY
SOFTBALL
SCHEDULE
2016
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2016
2016 VARSITY SOFTBALL
2016
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
TENNIS
GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
Rev. 2-5tomost
date
schedules.
most
up
to
update
to date
date
schedules.
schedules.
ate
schedules.
most
up
to
schedules.
Rev. 2-5rev. 2-16-16
rev. 2-16-16
16
SCHEDULE 2016
SCHEDULE 2016
Rev. 2-516
DATE
DATE
t. 3-26Sat. 3-26
OPPONENT
OPPONENT
SITE
Niles Brandywine
Indoor Indoor
Niles Brandywine
Tournament
Tournament
Away
es. 3-29
Tues. 3-29 Comstock
Comstock
Away
es. 4-12
Tues. 4-12 PennfieldPennfield
Away
t. 4-16Sat. 4-16
Away
G-K Tourn.
Mattawan
G-KAtTourn.
At Mattawan
es. 4-19
Tues. 4-19 Constantine
Constantine
Home
TIME
SITE
Mon.
3-28
16
Mon. 3-28
3-30
TIME Wed.
Mon. 3-28
Wed.
3-30
Tues.
4-12
Wed. 3-30
Tues.
4-12
Thurs.
4-14
Tues. 4-12
Thurs.
4-14
TBD
Away
TBD Sat.
4-16
Thurs.
4-14
Sat. 4-16
Mon.
4-18
Sat. 4-16
Mon.
4-18
Away
Mon. 4-18
Away
Thurs.
Away 4-21
Thurs.
4-21
Mon.
Thurs.4-25
4-21
Mon.
4-25
Tues.
4-26
Mon. 4-25
Tues.
4-26
Thurs.
4-28
4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.
Away
Tues. 4-26
Thurs.
4-28
Wed.
Thurs.5-4
4-28
Wed.
5-4
Home
Wed. 5-4
Home
4:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.
Away
Thurs.
5-5
Home 5-5
Thurs.
Sat.
5-75-5
Thurs.
Sat.
5-7
Mon.
5-9
Sat. 5-7
9 a.m. 9 a.m. Away
Mon.
5-9
Away
Mon. 5-9
Away
Thurs.
Away 5-12
Thurs.
5-12
Mon.
4:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.
Home
Thurs.5-16
5-12
Mon.
5-16
Home
Mon. 5-16
Home
Mon.
5-23
Home5-23
Mon.
4:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.
Away
Thurs.
5-26
Mon. 5-23
Thurs.
5-26
May
315-26
– June 4
Thurs.
May
31 – June 4
May 31 – June 4
4:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.
Away
Bangor (DH)
Bangor (DH)
Paw
Paw
(single game)
Bangor
(DH)
Paw
Paw
(single game)
B.C.
(DH)
Paw Pennfield
Paw (single
game)
B.C.
Pennfield
(DH)
Constantine
(DH)
B.C. Pennfield
(DH)
Constantine
(DH)
Mendon
Tourn.
(Var.)
Constantine
(DH)
Mendon
Tourn.
(Var.)
Hartford
Mendon (DH)
Tourn. (Var.)
Hartford
(DH)
Hartford (DH)
K-Christian (DH)
K-Christian (DH)
Maple
Valley(DH)
(DH)
K-Christian
Maple
Valley (DH)
Martin
(DH) (DH)
Maple Valley
Martin
(DH)
Lawton
(DH)
Martin (DH)
Lawton
(DH)
Plainwell
(DH)
Lawton (DH)
Plainwell
(DH)
Plainwell (DH)
Schoolcraft (DH)
Schoolcraft (DH)
Parchment
Schoolcraft (DH)
(DH)
Parchment
(DH)
Lawrence
Parchment(DH)
(DH)
Lawrence
(DH)
Lawrence (DH)
Delton (DH)
Delton (DH)
Fennville
(DH)
Delton (DH)
Fennville
(DH)
Fennville (DH)
Watervliet (DH)
Watervliet (DH)
Hackett
(DH)
Watervliet
(DH)
Hackett
(DH)
Districts
at Comstock
Hackett (DH)
Districts
at Comstock
Districts at Comstock
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
Away
Home
Away
Home
Home
Away
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Home
Away
Away
Away
Away
Away
Home
Home
Home
Home
Home
Away
Home
Away
Away
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:00p.m.
p.m.
4:30
4:00 p.m.
4:30
4:00p.m.
p.m.
4:30
p.m.
Away
9:00 a.m.
4:30 p.m.
Away
9:00 a.m.
Home
Away 4:30
9:00 p.m.
a.m.
Home
4:30
p.m.
Home 4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:00
4:30 p.m.
4:00
p.m.
4:30
4:00 p.m.
4:30
p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Away
4:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Away
4:00 p.m.
Away 4:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
9:00
4:30 a.m.
p.m.
9:00
a.m.
Home
4:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
Home
4:30 p.m.
Home 4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Away
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Away
4:30 p.m.
Away 4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
Away
TBD
4:30 p.m.
Away
TBD
Away TBD
no JV
no JV
JV
no Home
JV
JV
Home
JV
JV Home
Home
JV Away
Home
JV Away
JV Away
JV
JV
JV
no JV
no JV
no JV
no JV
JV
no Home
JV
JV
Home
JV Away
Home
JV Away
JV
JV Away
JV
JV
no JV
no JV
JV
Home
no JV
JV
Home
JV
JV Home
JV
JV
JV Away
JV Away
JV
JV Away
JV
JV
JV Away
JV Away
no
JV
JV JV
Away
no
no JV
urs. 4-21
Thurs. 4-21 Eau Claire
Eau Claire
Away
es. 4-26
Tues. 4-26 K-Christian
K-Christian
Away
es. 5-3Tues. 5-3
Schoolcraft
Schoolcraft
Home
DH =Double Header
4:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.
Home
Please check the school website at www.g-aschools.org for the most up to
urs. 5-5
Thurs. 5-5
Hackett Hackett
Home
4:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.
Home
date schedules.
t. 5-7 Sat. 5-7
Niles Brandywine
Tourn. Tourn.
Niles Brandywine
Away
TBD
Away
es. 5-10
Tues. 5-10 Coloma Coloma
Away
4:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.
Away
ed. 5-11
Wed. 5-11 HillsdaleHillsdale
Home
4:30 p.m.4:30 p.m.
Home
. 5-13Fri. 5-13
League Tournament
League Tournament
Sat. 5-14
or Sat. 5-14
Away
TBD
Away
DH =Double Header
DH =Double Header
Please check the school website at www.g-aschools.org for the most up to
date
schedules.
Please
check the school website at www.g-aschools.org for the most up to
date schedules.
TBD
TBD
on. 5-16
Mon. 5-16
PlainwellPlainwell
Away
4 p.m. 4 p.m.
Away
. 5-20Fri. 5-20
Regionals
Regionals
Away
TBD
Away
TBD
TBD
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
APRIL 2016 - Page 5
G-A Primary School News:
Dear Parents of G-A Primary
2016-2017 Kindergarten Students,
WELCOME TO GALESBURG-AUGUSTA
PRIMARY!
We want you to know how much we are looking
forward to having your child begin school with us
in the fall. Enrollment packets will be available for
you to pick up at that time. To register for Kindergarten children must be five years old on or before
September 1, 2016.
Right now it is important for you to get all of the
necessary paperwork into the Primary Office so
that your child will be ready to start school. It is
mandatory (by law supported by Sec. 9208 of Public
Health Code) that all items are on file at our Office.
Students will not be able to attend school until the
enrollment paperwork is complete. Please bring to
school the following:
1. Legal birth certificate
(We must see the original
certified document)
2. Validated proof of immunizations (to date)
3. Proof of vision and hearing screening
4. Parent questionnaire
5. Enrollment/Information card
6. Transportation form
Basketball Jones
Jim “Basketball” Jones
came to visit our students
in January. He used his
talent and love of basketball to illustrate how our
choices affect outcomes.
He taught our students
that it’s important to think
before we act, practiced
being a patient listener,
to seek out help when we
need it, and how we become our choices. Teachers and students were up
Jump
Rope For
Heart
Jump Rope For Heart is a national education and fundraising event sponsored by the
American Heart Association and the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE).
This event engages elementary students with jumping rope while empowering them to improve their
own health and help other kids with heart-health issues. This is a great way to satisfy the physical education standards as determined by NASPE (National
Association for Sport and Physical Education) and
AAHE (American Association for Health Education).
Jump Rope For Heart Help Students Grow!
• Kids learn the value of community service and
become empowered to contribute to their
community’s welfare.
• Children join together in helping other kids with
special hearts.
• Students learn how to develop heart-healthy habits
while being physically active
• Participants learn jump rope and basketball skills
they can use for the rest of their lives.
• Students help your school earn gift certificates for
free P.E. equipment!
and dancing and learning
basketball tricks in this assembly. Basketball Jones
had our students eager to
help out and practicing
kindness to staff and each
other. We are so thankful
that he was able to come
and share his story of overcoming learning difficulties and encouraging our
students to do the same.
Thanks to AFGAK for supporting this assembly!
Page 6 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the
entire Galesburg-Augusta community, staff, and students, for their continued overwhelming support at
our fall and spring book fairs. Your gracious spirit and
generous giving have been unprecedented. The staff
and I truly appreciate your willingness to reach out
to the Primary School during these difficult and challenging economic times. I personally am humbled by
the on-going support this community has shown for
our young readers, and I thank you for your overwhelming and positive response.
Due to your generosity during my tenure as Media
Clerk, the primary school has been able to purchase
over 700 new books for the library shelves. We have
been able to give away at least 250 books every year
as students reach
their grade level
Reading Counts
goal. March is
Reading
month
has never been
finer as over 75
books are given
away during that
celebration each
year. We have been able to purchase new reading sets
for the fourth grade and several sets of leveled readers
for the first and second grade classrooms. In addition,
monies earned has also been used to help secure 12
new Chrome Books for the library which students use
during their classroom library time. I have also used
the money to purchase new items for the school such
as paper, laminate, pizza, pre-school classroom supplies, etc.
Fourth Grade Swimmers
Mr. Merasco arranged to have students attend Sherman Lake YMCA for three instructional swim sessions. The first session focused on basic water safety
skills and the second and third sessions introduced
the elementary swimming strokes to the students.
Funding for the swimming classes had been arranged by an endowment left to Galesburg Schools
for swimming lessons. The instruction was provided
by certified YMCA swim instructors. What a great opportunity for our fourth graders!!
Sudoku
The rules to play Sudoku are quite
simple. Fill in the blanks so that each
row, each column, and each of the
nine 3x3 grids contain one instance
of each of the numbers 1 through 9.
SAT Testing tips to give you the edge!
Eat healthy on days before the exam
Whether the test you’re taking is the SAT, SAT II, ACT,
PSAT or CSAP, the rules are the same: Give the brain
what it needs to stimulate thought processes and energize memory. In the days leading up to an exam, your
body and mind should be given the fuel it needs to keep
up with the demands of vigorous studying, says Berenson. She recommends beef and broccoli stir fry, lemon
shrimp in garlic sauce and turkey meat loaf.
“Why not relax and cook a great brain power meal?”
she suggests. “The night before the test is a great time
to relax--you already know your stuff and no further
studying is needed.”
Pack snacks with a punch
No matter how much you study, fueling up from the
night before and enjoying healthy snacks during the test
can mean more than a few points on those tough tests.
Hummus and whole-grain bread, veggies and peanut
butter, beef jerky and string cheese are great snacking
options, and check out Snacking for Success for more
great ideas. So fill your body and head out knowing
you’ve got an edge on those vending machine junkies
sitting next to you.
G-A High School Athletic News:
Attention Student-Athletes and
Parents of Student-Athletes
Again, all of this would not have been possible
without your willingness to support our book fairs
and our students.
Thanks again and be on the lookout for our “BuyOne-Get-One-Free” fair in May of 2016.
Mr. Russell
APRIL 2016 - Page 15
G-A High School News:
G-A Primary School News:
“Thank You”, From the
G-A Primary Library
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Answers on Page: 18
The Michigan High School Athletic Association
(M.H.S.A.A.) requires each student-athlete to have
a valid physical on file with the school before they
may participate in Middle School or High School
athletics. A valid physical for the 2016-2017 school
year is one that is given on or after April 15th of 2016.
Hometown Urgent Care is once again working
with Galesburg-Augusta Schools to provide a low
cost physical ($30) while also donating $15 back to
the school for each physical. If you would like to
participate, please pick up a voucher at the Middle
School or High School, or simply print one from our
website at www.g-aschools.org.You must take the
voucher with you at the time of the physical.
Greg Jennings Video Competition
https://youtu.be/OoXUi2499Pc
Three of our students worked on a video for
a grant competition through the Greg Jennings
Foundation. Carter Way, Sinque Ezbenko, and
Nate Wilson worked many long hours to put together a wonderful tribute to their school. In their
words, “A film based on the high
school I attend and the reasons
why it stands out above all other
schools.”
We are waiting to find out if the
students won the grant. Regardless, this is truly a masterpiece of
pride.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
POLICY
It is the policy of the
G a l e s b u rg - A u g u s t a
Community Schools
that no discriminatory practices based on
sex, race, religion, color, age, national origin, disability, height,
weight, or any other status covered by
federal, state or local
law be allowed in providing instructional
opportunities,
pro-
grams, services, job
placement assistance,
employment or in policies governing student conduct and attendance. Complaints
or inquiries related to
discrimination should
be forwarded to:
Superintendent of Schools
1076 N. 37th St.
Galesburg, MI 49053
269-484-2000
Riddle Answers from page 9:
A1: A candle.
A2: His horse’s name was Friday.
A3: Seven (take away the ‘s’ and it becomes ‘even’).
Page 14 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
G-A High School News:
Testing! • Testing!
Spring time means test time in the state of Michigan
and 2016 is no exception. Our students will be facing
the challenge of the PSAT, SAT, AP Exams, ACT, and
a variety of local assessments to evaluate their skills.
• Five SAT Power Breakfast Ideas
Fuel up on brain food before a big test
Sheila Szabo, Contributor
ArticlesTest Prep
From practicing ratios to memorizing
vocabulary, students feed their minds for
months as they prepare for college exams,
but too many forget about the importance of feeding
their bodies as well. These tests are demanding, and
you need to prepare your body, especially that morning.
You can study and cram as much information as
you can during the final test-taking moments, but
if you’ve neglected proper nutrition, you could still
flounder under pressure. Joyce Berenson, a dietician
and nutritionist from Temecula, California, recommends combining three components in your breakfast
choice.
“Ideally, you should have a balance of whole-grain
carbs, lean protein and healthy fat,” Berenson says.
The proteins fuel young brains for the needed stretch
of time, without the fall-out sugar can cause later on.
“Some people don’t like to eat breakfast, so try blending low-fat milk or yogurt, a fruit and some juice. Or
grab a healthy granola bar, a banana and glass of lowfat milk or string cheese.”
Kathryn Adelstein, a private college exam prep
tutor from San Diego, California, believes that confidence during test taking is the most important tool for
a student’s success, and part of that confidence comes
from feeding the brain with proper nutrition.
“I tell [students] to eat a healthy breakfast, and take
protein snacks during the testing--even if they’re not
hungry,” Adelstein says. “It really helps boost their
memory when they have a snack during breaks.”
Choose a meal that will kick-start your brain
Don’t grab something quickly and haphazardly on
your way out the door the morning of the test. Plan
what you are going to eat for breakfast ahead of time.
Here are some ideas that will set both your brain and
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
APRIL 2016 - Page 7
G-A Middle School News:
your body on the right track.
1. Steak or ham and eggs with multigrain bread.
This breakfast of champions consists of steak or lean
meat and eggs, as it has a winning combination of
amino acids that improve energy and choline (found
in egg yolks) that boosts brain function.
2. Buttermilk biscuits with poached egg Florentine. While protein is the No. 1 choice
for power breakfasts, carbohydrates are
second in line. Avoid the easy option of
grabbing a sugar-based breakfast, such
as doughnuts, cereal or pastries. After the sugar high wears off, test takers
will be left feeling lethargic and slow-making concentration difficult during the examination. Eggs provide the protein and spinach the
slow-burning carbs, to make this one last throughout the morning. Don’t worry about a little bit of
sauce in this well-balanced breakfast; even the
cheese helps round this one out with protein and
vitamins to keep you going. Balance the meal out
with grapefruit or orange juice.
3. Breakfast burrito in whole wheat tortilla. Add Canadian bacon or ham to a couple of scrambled eggs
and top them with salsa and shredded cheese. For
a meat-free or gluten-free alternative, use tofu with
chopped veggie burgers, or replace with a corn tortilla.
4. Brown rice cakes topped with veggies and eggs.
For another gluten-free idea, grab brown rice cakes,
and build them up with your favorite toppings, such
as egg, cheese, spinach, tomatoes and bell peppers.
Avocados are great
for adding healthy
fats along with flavor.
5. Steel-cut oatmeal with bananas
and peanut butter. Prepare steelcut
oatmeal--it’s
less processed and
therefore a more complex carb than the microwaveable baggies--and blend in sliced bananas for a power-shot of potassium. Peanut or almond butter is an
excellent addition for protein, especially for those
avoiding meat.
Science Department Goes All in for
Reading Café Open for Success!
Collaboration and Hands-On Learning
The library now has a new area for students to use
It has been a banner year for the G-AMS Science Department. You already know that students have been
stretched to new dimensions through Design & Modeling and Automation & Robotics. Our TRAC team
will compete at the state civil engineering competition
in April. Our sixth grade Physical Science classes are
breaking new ground as well. Mr. Musialczyk’s students worked together to create models of molecules
using
toothpicks
and Gummi Bears.
We know students
understand
better when they are
hands-on as well as
minds-on.
called the “Reading Café.” Mrs. Way had an idea, submitted a proposal, and was awarded a grant from the
G-A Foundation to open a café-like
setting for the students. C.A.F.E stands
for Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency
and Expanding Vocabulary. Although
mochas are not served, students can peruse the Café menu for helpful reading
strategies. Mrs. Way is currently working on getting more middle school appropriate magazines, comic books, and
newspapers so that the students will have the opportunity to read for FUN. (Contact her if you have any leads on
these items.) Thank you, G-A Foundation!
Message from the Principal:
Galesburg-Augusta Middle School – where all
students learn at high levels
On October 13, our eighth grade students took
the PSAT 8/9. This is part of the suite of tests
leading up to the SAT, which is Michigan’s new
college admissions test. Ninety-seven percent
of our students hit the career and college readiness benchmark for English, and we were near
the state average for Mathematics. We celebrated
with an all-school assembly on January 15.
At G-A, we come to work with the attitude that
nothing is too good for our students. From special preparations for the KAMSC entrance exam,
to supporting our award-winning band program,
to tirelessly searching for the best interventions
for our neediest students, we believe that our
kids deserve the best.
Throughout these pages, you will read celebrations of the special work that your students and
our staff do. I’m proud to be a Ram, and you and
your students should be too.
Together – with Ram Pride – we can build a
better future – one student at a time!
Warm Regards,
Darin Schmidt
Summer Reading at Galesburg Library
“On Your Mark, Get Set… READ” is the theme for the
2016 Summer Reading Program at the Galesburg-Charleston Memorial District Library. This year’s Kick-off Party
is June 15; the program will conclude on August 13 with
a visit from Nelson’s Wildlife Safari. Other special programs include Yo-Master Zeemo, the Michigan Science
Center and magician Jeff Wawrzaszek, as well as the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale.
The 2016 Summer Reading Program is open to young
people, preschool through young adult, and will feature
prize drawings, storytimes, a reading club, and more.
New this year, adult readers are encouraged to “Exercise
Your Mind… READ!” Registration for the Adult SRP will
begin on July 5; the program will conclude on August 13.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the book sale,
programs and registration. Contact Library Director,
Helena Hayes, at 269-665-7839 or by email at director@
galesburgcharlestonlibrary.org if you are interested. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
For more information, find and follow us at www.facebook.com/galesburg.charleston.library.
Page 8 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Pennies for Patients surpasses all expectations!
Ms. Piper Walker, a cancer
Winning Classrooms:
survivor, brought the Pennies
1st place: Mr. Musialczyk’s class with $405
for Patients fundraiser to G-A
2nd place: Mr. Kaemming’s class with $243
Middle School. This event rais3rd place: Mr. Goerge’s class with $229
es funds for leukemia and lymphoma research. Our school
goal was $900. The total amount
raised was $2,310! This is a fine
tribute to the spirit of charity
and generosity exhibited by our
students and their families. You
can all feel very proud of yourselves because with ev- Way to go G-A! Thank you for being difference makers.
ery penny, nickel, dime, quarter, or dollar you donated, you helped save lives of cancer patients.
Our fifth grade students will
continue the long-standing G-A
tradition of going to YMCA Camp
at Sherman Lake. This camp reinforces our character education
through the development of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. We also provide a swimming curriculum, underwritten by the VanSickler
Fund.
Christina Champion recognized by
Zach Eberstein and WGVU TV
Miss Champion was selected from dozens of educators to receive the WGVU Cool Teacher Award.
This award recognizes teachers who make a difference in the academic and social aspects of students’ lives. A major theme in her class is “Change
the World.” This inspired a student to mount a
Penny War to raise money for
cancer. It also sparked a collaboration between the 5th
and 8th grade to create comic books to deliver to Bronson
Children’s Hospital.
APRIL 2016 - Page 13
G-A High School News:
G-A Middle School News:
Fifth Grade Prepares for
Sherman Lake Camp
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
Students learn ukulele, thanks in part
to the G-A Educational Foundation
“If everyone played the ukulele, the world would
be a better place.” (Jake Shimabukuro, famous ukulele
player) Since November, the fifth graders have been
learning the art of this wonderful instrument. Once or
twice a week, each fifth grader comes to music and
deepens their understanding and appreciation for music by using the ukulele to learn about rhythm, melody, harmony, and the science behind a string instrument. “My favorite thing about the ukulele is that is
accessible to so many students and can in some ways
be a gateway instrument to instruments like the guitar or band instruments.” says Miss Meagan Brummel, fifth grade music
teacher. The fifth graders wrapped up this unit
with a concert for family and friends on March
10 in the middle school
auditorium. This unit
would not have been
possible without the
generosity of the G-A
Foundation. Last year,
Miss Brummel received
a grant to purchase a
class set of ukuleles and
this year they donated
funds to buy tuners and
ukulele picks.
Prom 2016
The 2016 Prom, Everlasting Elegance, will be held at
the Kalamazoo Expo Center on April 30, 2016 for the current Juniors and Seniors. Prom will be from 8:00 pm to
11:00 pm. Tickets for the event went on sale in early March.
Summer Melt Program provides
guidance and communication
Ms. Lake and Ms. Taylor are
teaming up to be part of a county-wide initiative called the
Summer Melt Program. Summer Melt is a term to describe
the process for when a high
school senior has been accepted to college, has filed
their FAFSA, and has registered for orientation, but
at some point after graduation, they fall “off the grid”
and do not attend their intended college in the fall.
The purpose of the Summer Melt Program is to provide guidance and communication throughout the
summer to ensure that the transition from high school
to college is successful. Our counselors will be identifying ten seniors who they feel will benefit most from
this program.
We are excited to be members of this county-wide
initiative and are confident that the program’s efforts
will drastically reduce the summer melt rate in Kalamazoo County!
Attaboy!
Students were entertained and enlightened as
Attaboy! a music group
who travels the nation
performed on a snowy
Monday morning. The
group’s message: make
smart choices and be an
honest, decent person
and friend. The group
played a collection of
both familiar radio tunes
as well as a mix of their
own music.
Do you know someone who attended Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools and has an
inspiring story to share?
Senior Dates to Remember!
April 22-25
Senior Trip
April 30:
Prom
May 12:
Awards Assembly
May 18:
Senior Band Concert
and Awards
May 27:
Seniors Last Day
June 3:
Graduation
We want to hear more! The staff at GACS
would like to honor the lives of successful alumni. Remember, success comes in many forms –
we would like to recognize all walks of life and
contributions to GA and beyond. Visit the GAHS
website or contact the main office for a nomination form.
Page 12 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
G-A High School News:
Sharing Authentic
Voices
During the 2015-16 school year, a number of Galesburg-Augusta students have had the opportunity
to participate in a terrific arts grant program called
“Sharing Authentic Voices”. The grant is a collaboration between the Kalamazoo County Juvenile
Home, KRESA’s Education for the Arts, and G-A.
The purpose of the program is to provide opportunity for students to explore their identities and
break down the walls of misperception between
students from differing backgrounds through music
and drama. During the fall, G-A students attended a
special class once a week where they participated in
a recording project with local music therapist, Louis
Morand. Our students were able to collaborate with
students at the juvenile home through this recording.
Currently, our group of students are receiving
drama instruction from local theatre teacher, Bianca
Washington. The students have a had a wonderful
time, and will be able to present some of their outstanding artistic work later this year during a Kalamazoo “Art Hop”.
Summer School
We will be hosting Summer School to assist students who may have fallen behind on the path to
graduation. Summer school will be held in two
sessions at the high school.
Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Session 1: June 20 – July 14
July 5-8 Tuesday-Friday due to the holiday
Session 2: July 18 – August 11
Students can enroll in Summer School
and apply for scholarships by visiting
the high school website.
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
APRIL 2016 - Page 9
G-A Middle School News:
EduExpo 2016
KRESA and all of the dedicated educators involved
with EFE/EFA programs hosted a fantastic event for
our current eighth and ninth grade students. Students had an opportunity to interact with many employers and experts in a variety of fields. Students
were bused to the Kalamazoo Expo Center where
they rotated through a variety of stations all geared
toward different career pathways.
Education for the Arts Experience
Thanks to a Galesburg-Augusta Community
Schools Education Foundation grant, fifth and sixth
grade students recently had two amazing encounters
with performing arts. In January, students traveled
to Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University to see Momix, a troupe of dancing-illusionists.
The lights, music, costumes, and physical movement
of this performance astounded and mesmerized all.
In February, The Washingtons visited the middle
school with another of their thought-provoking, educational performances. These master storytellers
tell tales of African American history in entertaining and educational ways.
What a thrill for our students to have these amazing art-filled experiences!
Gold Club Members Celebrate
exemplary citizenship
The G-AMS Gold Club consists of students who
have zero discipline referrals during a given time period. Students who had a perfect discipline record
during second quarter had
the opportunity to spend
half a day at a roller skating party. We had 261 of
our 353 students qualify
for this reward; 74% of the
student body had a perfect
discipline record!
Galesburg-Augusta
Early Middle College
GAHS currently has two students taking advantage of the EMC program available through
KVCC. We have one student working toward an
Associates of Arts and another toward a certificate
of Graphic Design.
Representatives of the EMC program and KVCC
presented to our community and hosted a Q&A
session for families interested in enrollment. If
your student has expressed interest in participation all paperwork was due in March. However,
it is not too late to plan for the future. Contact the
high school main office and see if your student
may be eligible for admission.
GA +
MIDDLE SCHOOL
WELCOME CLUB
Students
who
have transferred to
our school district
were welcomed to
our RAM family by
receiving a special
t-shirt made specifically for them.
Riddles
Q1: I’m tall when I’m young and I’m short when I’m
old. What am I?
Q2: A cowboy rides into town on Friday, stays for
three days, then leaves on Friday. How did he do it?
See Answers on page 15
Page 10 - APRIL 2016
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
XTREME REALITY
All eighth grade students are currently participating
in “XTREME REALITY” which is a program provided through our collaboration with Western Michigan
MiCareer Quest
University. This program is designed to teach students
All eighth grade students attended the Southwest Mi- about financial planning, budgeting and saving monCareer Quest in February, which is part of a three-year ey. Through this experience, students will be able to
plan to improve career education in Kalamazoo County. connect the relationship between education, income
This program is a hands-on experiand lifestyle. One of the goals will be developing an
ence where students were provided
understanding of how important college is for all stuthe opportunity to find out what it is
dents and how school performance now can translate
really like to perform tasks of a vainto scholarships and grants to help pay for their eduriety of careers. Students interacted
cation, decreasing their out of pocket expenses.
with over 60 business and industry and post-secondary partners in
five areas: Arts & Communications,
Crossword Puzzle
Business, Technology & Human
Down
Answers on page: 18
Services, Engineering & ManufacAcross
1. Space between 2 things
turing, Health & Natural Sciences and Early Middle
2. Little rascal
1. Firm hold
College. The career education event was sponsored by
3. Prepare presents
4. Be remorseful
5. Chum
6. Vatican leader
Kalamazoo RESA in collaboration with Michigan Works,
7. Demand
9.
Hand
over,
for
a
price
EFA, United 4 Change, YOU and EFE.
STUDENT AND PARENT
CYBERSAFETY TRAINING
Michigan’s student safety programs, “OK2SAY” and
the “Michigan Cyber Safety Training Initiative”, (CSI)
was provided to all of our middle school students. Both
programs featured content tailored specifically for each
grade level.
The Attorney General’s Office features two customized
programs to protect Michigan children. The Michigan
Cyber Safety Initiative (CSI) is a national, award-winning
program and has been presented to more than one million students. It teaches children the importance of being
safe, making smart decisions, and protecting themselves
and others while online. The OK2SAY student safety program provides a confidential way to file tips on criminal activity or potential harm directed at students, school
employees, and schools. Tips can be submitted 24/7 by
phone, text message, email, mobile app, or on the OK2SAY website or www.ok2say.com or www.mi.gov/csi
All K-12 parents were invited to attend a Community
Seminar in January which provided strategies to monitor
their child’s social media interactions, as well as information about a variety of social media sites their child can
access.
APRIL 2016 - Page 11
G-A High School News:
G-A Middle School News:
MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELING
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools
11. Have a seat
12. Midmonth day
13. A great distance
14. Target towards a goal
15. Seek divine guidance
17. Hunter’s quarry
20. More than want
21. Catch sight of
EFE Outstanding Senior Awards
The Kalamazoo County Education for Employment Outstanding Senior
Awards breakfast will
be held Thursday, May
5 at the Radisson Hotel.
These students can be
from a public or non-public school and have been
selected for recognition
on merit. A scholarship
committee will be reviewing all nominees
from the county to possibly receive a scholarship.
These scholarships are
sponsored by local foundations, businesses, and
the community. Galesburg-Augusta EFE business teacher, Pam Hawk,
has nominated the following from these courses:
Kyle Triemstra, a student
from Heritage Christian
Academy, Banking and
Finance; Joshua Saggio,
Marketing; Carter Way,
Accounting; Grace Wood,
Business
Management
Administration.
8. Written report
9. Official seal
10. Skedaddle
15. Bit of wordplay
16. Chopping tool
18. Tide type
19. So far
Behavior Celebration Breakfast
Our staff and students
continue build relationships and
the
climate of
our high
school by
celebrating the
choices
made by
our kids on a daily basis.
The PBIS team worked to
bring together a fun-filled
morning of memories.
Over 250 of our students attended a celebration breakfast on February 5, 2016 in recognition
and appreciation for their
model behavior and attitude at school. Students
were served a wonderful
breakfast, played cards,
engaged in an interactive
dance game, snapped
pictures in a photo booth,
and took time to enjoy
each other’s company.
Way to go students!
Galesburg-Augusta
Alternative High School
www.parchment.com
Transcript Request
If you need a transcript sent to a college or
university and you graduated
after 2011 your request is processed online
through Parchment,
a transcript service.
Students interested in enrolling in GAAHS should
contact the GAHS counseling department for paperwork and an application. If you have additional questions contact Steve Erickson, Alternative
Education Director, at 269-484-2010 ext. 1015 or
email at [email protected]