KPS News

Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Visits SEL Center

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II visited Kalamazoo Public Schools this morning to tour the district's new Social Emotional Learning and Professional Development Center, which is housed in the Oakwood Center on Laird Street.

Gilchrist participated in a roundtable discussion with Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri, KPS culture and climate coach Shannon Parlato, Spring Valley Principal Heather Misner, and Parkwood-Upjohn kindergarten teacher Renay Williams-Whitson. Lt. Gov. Gilchrist also toured the facility with State Sen. Sean McCann, State Rep. Julie Rogers, the KPS executive cabinet, and other special guests.

KC Cancels Performances of Musical

Kalamazoo Central High School has canceled the remaining performances of "Once on This Island" due to a COVID case among the cast.

Teacher Julie Pelligrino-Hartman shared the following message:

"Unfortunately, we will need to postpone our remaining performances of 'Once On This Island.' This is not what we wanted, but it is what was needed. We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, and volunteers who helped bring this show to life, and we hope to be able to hold our remaining performances after winter break. More information will be coming soon! However, streaming is still available for tonight (11/19) and tomorrow (11/20)! Streaming tickets can be purchased at this web address: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/57659"

Rep. Julie Rogers Visits Milwood Magnet

Thank you to State Rep. Julie Rogers for visiting Milwood Magnet School yesterday. She saw video projects in teacher Rana Findling's class. When she spoke to Tracy Chappell's sixth grade science class she talked about combining her interest in science as a physical therapist and her legislative interests in public health.

Nominate an Outstanding Student

Nominate an outstanding student leader for the City of Kalamazoo 2022 Dr. Lewis Walker Social Justice Youth Awards. The award is open to students between the ages of 12-19 from the Kalamazoo area. Nominees should have demonstrated achievements in racial justice, community service, volunteerism, and leadership. Winners will be celebrated during the City Commission meeting on Jan. 18.

Nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Applications can be found in City Hall in the City Manager’s Office. For assistance, call (269) 226-6500. Info can be found on the city website at: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/mlk.

Zooming in on Science

Edison Academy students had fun this week with some Storm Team 8 interactive science activities led, via Zoom, by meteorologist Ellen Bacca. All three Edison third grades participated in the event. That’s third grade teacher Erika Zavasky performing the in-class experiments for her students.

Open Enrollment for 2022 Extended

The 2022 Open Enrollment period for health insurance has been extended through Nov. 30.

All changes effective Jan. 1, 2022

Both paper and electronic copies accepted. All benefit summaries, pricing and enrollment forms can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1yjyXnD3WZKSvjPLf9JPm9aMBsYjqvZiv

Return all paperwork to Heather Hayner. Questions please email: haynerhm@kalamazoopublicschools.net or call (269) 337-0165.

Save the Date for the KC/LN Food Drive

Kalamazoo Central will be running its annual KC Feeds Kzoo food drive in December. The effort launches with an in-building food drive Dec. 1-10, with a class competition to collect the most canned goods. KC teacher and NHS advisor Rex Hafer is happy to supply collection bins for other buildings in the district.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11, KC students will hold their annual Stuff the Bus food drive at Harding's on West Main. Also on Dec 11, KC students will unite with Loy Norrix NHS members to do a door-to-door food collection drive in neighborhoods around the city from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The picture below is from the 2019 KC Feeds Kzoo food drive.