Godwin Heights Public Schools
Godwin At A Glance ~ Fall 2023
Godwin At A Glance - Fall 2023 Edition
A Message from Superintendent Fetterhoff
As we embrace the arrival of October, we are thrilled to see our students settling into their routines and eagerly engaging in their learning. The transition from summer to school can be both exciting and challenging so I want to extend my gratitude for your ongoing support in helping our students thrive. It was wonderful to see so many families at our open houses, back-to-school nights and extracurricular activities.
Establishing a consistent routine is crucial for your child’s success in school. As students adjust to a new schedule and classes, we encourage you to maintain open lines of communication with them and us. Ask about their day, discuss their assignments and assist them in organizing their tasks. A balanced routine that incorporates study time, physical activity and relaxation will greatly contribute to their overall well-being. In addition, regular attendance is the foundation for academic success. Consistent attendance not only helps them maintain their studies, it also fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at future school events and school functions.
William L. Fetterhoff
Superintendent
Thank You For Supporting Our Godwin Heights Community
In the spirit of transparency and community engagement, we are excited to provide you with an update on the progress and positive outcomes resulting from the recent bond initiative that you, our valued community members, supported. Your trust and investment in our schools have made a significant difference in the lives of our students and the overall well-being of our community.
Investing in Education:
The passing of the bond allowed us to make essential improvements to our school infrastructure, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for learning. We allocated resources to address various aspects of our school system, including:
- Modernized Facilities: Thanks to your support, we were able to make much-needed renovations to our school buildings. These improvements include updated classrooms, energy-efficient systems, and enhanced security measures.
- Enriched Student Experience: Your investment in our facilities has resulted in an enhanced student experience. Our students now enjoy more comfortable and inspiring learning environments, fostering creativity and academic excellence. Bright, well-maintained spaces and modern amenities contribute to a positive and motivating atmosphere for learning.
- Sports Field Enhancements: One of the significant highlights of the bond's impact has been the remarkable improvements to our sports fields. Your investment has allowed us to transform our fields into state-of-the-art athletic facilities. The upgrades include new baseball and softball fields, improved seating, enhanced lighting, and modern amenities, providing our students and community with top-notch spaces for sports and recreation.
Community Benefits:
The positive impact of the bond extends beyond the walls of our schools. It has contributed to the overall growth and prosperity of our community in several ways:
- Property Values: A strong and thriving school district positively affects property values in our community, making it an even more attractive place to live.
- Economic Development: By investing in education, we are helping to prepare the future workforce, attracting new businesses, and stimulating economic growth in our district
- Community Pride: The improvements to our schools and sports fields are a source of pride for our community, reinforcing the sense of belonging and commitment that we all share.
In conclusion, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your unwavering support. The passing of the bond was a significant milestone, and we are proud to share the tangible progress it has allowed us to make. Our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students and ensuring the well-being of our community remains steadfast. As we continue to move forward, we invite you to stay engaged and involved in our district's journey. Together, we can build an even brighter future for our students and our community.
Thank you for being a part of this remarkable transformation!
Construction at North Godwin
New Carpeting at Godwin Middle School
New Windows, Carpet at Godwin Middle School
New Digital Signs District-Wide
High School Commons
New Entrance at the Athletic Complex
2023-2024 Bus Route Information
Transporation to and from school is available to all resident students who reside within the Godwin Heights Public School boundaries. Transportation and route information can be found here.
New Athletic Website
The Fighting Wolverines
Are you a superfan? Don't miss out on seeing the Fighting Wolverines in action. Visit our new athletic website for up to date games, scores, purchase the latest Wolverine apparel and shout outs to our athletes.
Boys Soccer Back to Back Conference Champions!!
The Varsity Boys Soccer team is currently 12-0 heading into the playoffs. Let's continue to cheer the Fighting Wolverines to another Victory.
Godwin and Beyond
The following student athletes started their career at Godwin Heights Public Schools and are continuing their athetic careers at the college level. Congratulations to the following student athletes:
- KaShari Babb- Aquinas College Basketball
- Ru'Quan Buckley- Nebraska Football
- Tre'Vonte Buckley- Grand Valley Football
- Rashaad Dorsey- Siena Heights Football
- Jeremiah Drake- Notre Dame College Football
- Noah Drake- Concordia Ann Arbor Football
- Marshawn Kneeland- Western Michigan Football
- Javeon Lyons- Concordia Ann Arbor Football
- Ze'Veon McDonald- Lawrence Tech Football
- Damarie Thompson- GRCC Basketball
- Jakhary Towns- Davenport Basketball
- CJ Weems- Albion Football
Notre Dame College
Concordia Ann Arbor College
Western Michigan University
Lawrence Tech University
Grand Rapids Community College
Davenport University
Albion College
Nebraska Univeristy
Home of the Fighting Wolverines
Many New Faces at Godwin Heights Public Schools
@ Godwin High School
Luke Marlowe, Band Director
Audrey Parcheta, ELA Teacher
Georgie Blake, Science Teacher
Mia Panella, Social Studies Teacher
Spencer Long, HS Social Studies Teacher
Maggie Rosales, KSSN Clinician
Landon Wittmer, Media Clerk
Aaron Ramos, Special Education Paraprofessional
Erin O'Malley, EL Paraprofessional
@ North Godwin
Amber VandenBosch, ASD Teacher
Abby Anderson, 4th Grade Teacher
Aleesha DeVries, 4th Grade Teacher
Hannah Eichhorst, Library Special Teacher
Jenna Snyder, Speech Pathologist (ASD)
Ivy Gonzalez, ASD Paraprofessional
Chris Graves, ASD Paraprofessional
Gigi Johnson, Reading Paraprofessional
Talisha McCullough, Special Education Paraprofessional
Dorian Vertumna, ASD Paraprofessional
Hafsa Younef, ASD Paraprofessional
Carissa Paul, Premier Substitute
Tina Green, Playground Aide
Jordan Severe-Holcomb, TEAM 21 Coordinator
Ida Cabrera, TEAM 21 Group Leader
Andrea Ronzon-Contreras, TEAM 21 Group Leader
Carolina Diaz, KSSN Coordinator
@ Godwin Middle School
Luke Marlowe, HS/MS Band Director
Jose Rodriguez, MS KSSN coordinator
Jacob Harvey, ELA/Para
Susie Yoder, MS Administrative Assistant
Jeff Saltzgaber, Art Teacher
Carolyn Harrington, Premier Substitute
Stephany Truax, TEAM 21 Group Leader
@West Godwin
Kelsey Berry, Kindergarten Teacher
Jenna Snyder, Speech Pathologist (ASD)
Darbi Carter, Connect Teacher
HaileyWolters, TEAM 21 Site Coordinator
Marissa Miller, Media Clerk
Mariela Carreno, Food Service
Kia Olson, TEAM 21 Group Leader
Timothy Hall, TEAM 21 Group Leader
Amiya Haywood, TEAM 21 Group Leader
Tiffany Charneski, 2nd Grade Teacher
Alex Craven, ASD Teacher
High School Podcasting!!
Godwin Heights High School is excited to offer Podcasting as an elective for the 23-24 school year taught by one of our new Godwin teachers, Ms. Panella! Within this course, students will have the opportunity to study various types of commercial and documentary-style audio podcasts. Additionally, students will develop their own personal voices while acquiring the practical skills necessary to produce their own digital narratives. Those enrolled will improve their communication skills through research, script-writing, and interviewing. Since August, our own Godwin students have been hard at work reflecting on the importance of storytelling and will begin considering the role and responsibility that podcasts play in digital citizenship in the world today.
Secondary Counseling Night A Success
In September, counseling staff from the middle and high schools hosted an information session for families of middle and high school students. The counseling team, Mrs. Golden (middle school) and Mrs. Bonilla and Mrs. Ibarra (high school) had a collaborative conversation with parents about all of the amazing opportunities that are available to our Godwin students as they begin thinking about their plans for after high school graduation. Connect with the counselors in your student’s building if you have any questions!
Godwin Heights High School Presents...
"The Ghost of Splinter Cove"
November 17 & November 18, 2023
Godwin Heights High School Auditorium
7:00 pm
Playwright Steven Dietz
Director Julia Knutson
Summary of The Ghost of Splinter Cove
Nate and Cora’s family has a secret. One night while the siblings are having fun with a new friend in their basement, this secret begins to unearth a mystery transporting them on the adventure of their lives! Along the way, they discover things about themselves and secets hidden by their family, changing all of them forever. The Ghost of Splinter Cove conjures a world of mystery in the wilderness, but be careful – you may get lost in what’s real and what’s not!
Middle School Inaugural Assembly
Godwin Middle School held their inaugural assembly where they discussed school rules and conducted exciting PRIDE ticket giveaways, featuring prizes such as t-shirts, board games, and tasty snacks. The band's percussion line showcased their talent, and the students and staff learned our school song. Our spirited mascot also made a memorable appearance. In addition, the 8th graders displayed their dodgeball skills and emerged victorious in the tournament, highlighting excellent teamwork. The event was a delightful celebration, marking a fantastic start to the year.
North Godwin Family Night ~ A Success
Parents and students engage in a STEM challenge of taking a piece of construction paper and making the longest paper chain with that paper.
International DOT Day - Celebrated at West Godwin
West Godwin students participated in "International Dot Day" based on the book "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds. The book is about a teacher who encourages a student to be brave enough to "make your own mark" and talks about building confidence and courage. International Dot Day celebrates creativity and collaboration. Students were able to participate in a variety of dot activities while in art class with Ms. Sobleskey. Everyone joined in the fun by dressing or wearing dots for the day as well.
Come Join Our Team!
Human Resources Department
15 - 36th Street SW
Wyoming, MI 49548
Phone: 616.252.2090
Fax: 616.252.2232
Our Human Resources department is always available by email, feel free to contact us at Humanresources@godwinschools.org if you have any questions:
Building Contacts / Information
Godwin Heights Administration Building -
Superintendent William Fetterhoff
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and HR - Michelle Krynicki
Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Finance - Matt Hickson
15 36th Street SW
Wyoming, MI 49548
616.252.2090
Godwin Heights High School -
Principal Chad Conklin
50- 35th Street SW
Wyoming, MI 49548
616.252.2050
Godwin Heights Learning Center -
Principal Chad Conklin
3529 S. Division Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49548
616.252.2040
Godwin Heights Middle School -
Principal Kim Urbanski
100 Wexford St. SE
Wyoming, MI 49548
616.252.2070
North Godwin Elementary -
Principal Steve Minard
161 - 34th St. SW
Wyoming, MI 49548
616.252.2010
West Godwin Elementary -
Principal Mary Lang
3546 Clyde Park Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49548
616.252.2030
Early Childhood Center (ECSE) -
Dr. Derek Cooley
28 Bellevue St. SE
Wyoming, MI 49548
616.252.7000
Godwin Heights Board of Education Members
Vice President - LeeAnn Platschorre
Secretary - Colleen Anderson
Treasurer - Kenneth Hornecker
Trustee - Adam Burley
Trustee - Kathryn Crow-DeYoung
Trustee - David Drake
Secretary to the Board of Education - Lori Orlowski