A special shout out to Mike Smith, supervisor of the mechanics, and all of the KPS bus mechanics. Pictured, from left, Don Ebbitt, Brad Webber, Bob Greis, Mike Smith, Kraig Champion, Marty Crawford, and Mitchell Courtney.

The world-renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek has offered to share the proceeds from its holiday concert with Loy Norrix and Kalamazoo Central band departments. The concert will feature a night of classical and seasonal music, making for a perfect evening of family-friendly music.

The concert will be 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Chenery Auditorium. Tickets are $10, $5 for all students (including college students)

Tickets maybe purchased by emailing Loy Norrix's Aaron Mirakovits (mirakovitsal@kalamazoopublicschools.net) or Kalamazoo Central's Ryan Kasperski (kasperskira@kalamazoopublicschools.net). Tickets may also be ordered through the BBBC box office at (269)789-2222. Tickets will be available at the door on Dec. 12. Masks will be required to enter the auditorium.

His poem: "I Am Khrun"

I am Kind

I am Humble

I am Respectful

I am Upbeat

I am Neat

Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo celebrated its version of Giving Tuesday with a blog post that honored Kalamazoo Public Schools staff for their work supporting children and CIS.

Each CIS site coordinator selected a KPS staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to working with CIS to help students succeed and making sure students’ needs are met.

CIS began the tradition two years ago. CIS staff deliver a gift of appreciation to their selected KPS staff member. CIS also posted tributes to the staff members on Facebook. Read about this year's honorees at https://ciskalamazoo.org/givingtuesday-at-communities-in-school-of-kalamazoo/?fbclid=IwAR18ELWy_OZIAmc3VihlcKG2rYxPQ2ouH30YrD2kAQkEp2EveSdqTj1HCs0

This information will also be shared via district social media accounts. Feel free to pass it along to families. Attendance will be limited 30 people. Sign up at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw43cGhQjVNSCIwzs4oMjapx_suAYul7_pYRG909HimN__dQ/viewform

To watch a livestream of the event, go to: https://stream.meet.google.com/stream/27bb0593-88ba-43d2-b3f9-c6f0c9e69754

Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary School art teacher Jamie McKinney-Brown will have her artwork featured in the 2022 Kalamazoo Calendar Project. McKinney-Brown’s art shows a spunky squirrel snowboarder catching some air in November.

“In my art, I like to combine a love of the outdoors and recreation with a dash of whimsy,” McKinney-Brown said. “My calendar page this year is meant to evoke joy and remind people to find a little adventure.”

The Kalamazoo Calendar Project is in its 18th year. The calendar features 12 original hand-pulled silkscreen prints made by Kalamazoo artists. The calendar is $50 and is available at Brakeman Design and PFC. A portion of the calendar sales will be donated to a local charity.

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.

Student Information System Manager

Instructional and Informational Technology

12-month, Full-time

(Position is a three year, grant-funded program)

Job ID: 3911

Student Responsibility Center Supervisor

Kalamazoo Central High School

10 Month, Full-time

Job ID: 3912

Student Success Coach

Kalamazoo Central High School

10-month, Full-time

Job ID: 3913

Assistant Magnet School Secretary

Woods Lake Elementary - A Magnet Center for the Arts

10-month, Full-time

Job ID: 3914