KPS News

The Board of Education approved the $197.1 million bond proposal at their regular meeting on Dec. 2. The district will now begin to develop materials to educate the community on what is included in this proposal.The proposal requires voter approval of the zero-mill increase on Tuesday, May 3.

Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jim English shared documents that show how different schools will be impacted and the dollars that will be spent in different areas.

The proposal is the result of the collaborative work of approximately 40 people from the community who met this fall to look at the district's needs and to consider the community input collected via a survey in August.

Kalamazoo Public Schools received a grant to entice students ages 5 and above, families, and employees to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. Prepaid $50 Visa gift cards will be given to a limited number of participants who are able to provide proof of being fully vaccinated between Dec.10, 2021 and Feb. 1, 2022. There is no limit on the number of Visa gift cards a family can earn.

KPS is partnering with OptiMed to host two clinics.

• Saturday, Jan. 8
• Saturday, Jan. 29
• Hillside Middle School, 1941 Alamo Ave.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Pfizer Children's vaccine (5-11 year olds)
• Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Dose 1
• Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Dose 2
• Booster
• Flu shots are also available
• Vaccine appointments will last approximately 30 minutes from check-in to required observation waiting time.

Students, families, and employees may go to ANY location that is offering the vaccine. To find a location you can check here, call (800) 232-0233 or text your ZIP code to 438829. Some local locations include:

Family Health Center

Kalamazoo County Health Department or call (269) 373-5200

OptiMed

Meijer

Walmart

CVS

RiteAid

Walgreens

Submit proof of vaccination (both doses between 12/10/21 and 2/1/22) to Judy Morin at morinjl@kalamazoopublicschools.net

Check out the latest edition of the SEL Culture and Climate Coaches Monthly Newsletter. Learn how the new SEL center is being used by the district and see how some teachers incorporated SEL into their daily lesson plans.

Western Michigan University on Thursday announced announced the first initiatives made possible by the historic Empowering Futures Gift—a $550 million contribution to the WMU Foundation over 10 years — which will provide not only tuition-free education but also low-cost housing, a new Living Learning Community, internship stipends, and graduation scholarships for 1,350 incoming and current Broncos during the first year alone.

"In this rapidly changing world, a college education is more important than ever. But the cost of that education has shifted from the public to the student, putting it increasingly out of reach for too many. Western Michigan University is closing that gap by taking a holistic view of student success," said WMU President Edward Montgomery.

The new Bronco Promise will provide a tuition-free WMU education for up to five years for first-year students who come from Michigan families earning an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less who have net assets under $50,000.

"Western is committed to opening the doors to higher education for all students who have the talent and determination to succeed," Montgomery said.

WMU anticipates awarding these scholarships to 340 students in the 2022-23 academic year and a projected 600 students each subsequent year.

The scholarship was announced at events in Detroit, Lansing and Kalamazoo. Dr. Amy Vondra, KPS assistant superintendent for instruction and student services, spoke at the Kalamazoo announcement.

“As amazing as The Kalamazoo Promise is, we know there are still students who struggle to pay the other costs associated with college, things such as housing, books, and living expenses,” she said. “That is why it is so exciting to know that here at Western Michigan University, our hometown university, Empowering Futures will help students with those other costs to ensure they can fully participate in the college experience,”

Washington Writers' Academy is preparing for its Winter Break Battle of the Books after a record number of students participated in the fall battle. Students are sent home books but are not asked to complete reading logs. Instead, students draw pictures or write statements about something they enjoyed in the books that they read. Each drawing or piece of writing earns the student an entry in a raffle for a basket of goodies when they return to school after break.

The program encourages reading while on break. Students keep the books to add to their personal libraries.

You can help support the Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary Community Garden by attending the K-Wings game at 3 p.m.on Sunday, Dec. 12. All proceeds from in-game fundraising will go directly to the garden.

Order tickets here.

Families are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal for the "Teddy Bear Toss." All donated stuffed animals will go the Bronson Children's Hospital.

Join the Brass Band of Battle Creek in a holiday concert benefitting 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 at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $10, $5 for all students.

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.

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

If you have time, stop by Harding's to help attack hunger in our community. All donations will benefit Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.

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

Phoenix High School is again selling Black History calendars. There are four themed cover designs. Each calendar has the same historical information. You may order by sending a check to Phoenix for $8 each or using Rev Trak. Calendars will be sent to schools or can be picked up at Phoenix on Dec. 16 or 17.

Elementary Teacher - Grade 2

Woods Lake Elementary

Job ID: 3915

Middle School Science Teacher

Linden Grove Middle School

Job ID: 3916

Elementary Teacher - Physical Education

Woods Lake

Job ID: 3917

Email: communications@kalamazoopublicschools.net
Website: https://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/
Location: 1220 Howard St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49008
Phone: (269) 337-0100
Facebook: Facebook.com/KalamazooPublicSchools
Twitter: @KPSschools