Wednesday, July 11
The high school science department met at CHS for full days of planning on both July 11 and 12. The curriculum work focused on aligning the high school’s science curriculum with the Michigan Science Standards which are based on the Next Generation Science Standards at the national level. The teachers are working with a science curriculum consultant from the K-RESA and sent their minutes to both Gerielle Stewart and Dr. Thoenes for review and commentary.
On this same day, Miller-Davis showed its “Safety Appreciation” of all of the bond construction workers by catering a lunch of pulled pork and slow roasted brisket. The luncheon was held at the high school cafeteria and was attended by over 70 workers as well as Faye Golder, Mark Peeters, Sean Gillette, and Dr. Thoenes.
Monday, July 16
The NEMS design team met with Jeff Hoag and Ceci Kane of GMB for over two hours and discussed various aspects of the upcoming bond project. Attending on behalf of NEMS were David Kirksey, Interim Principal; Mark Peeters, Technology Director; Cindy Bloom, Social Studies; Shirley Gilland; Kim Lamp, Technology; Gretta Mungur, PE; and Mark Shenefield; Science.
Tuesday, July 17
Shawn McMeekan hosted a 1st-grade curriculum design meeting in the Superintendent’s Conference Room. The group met all day to plan and revise curriculum for the upcoming year. Joining Shawn (L-R) Kate Appel, Jan Kiino and Wendy Shreve. Jill Ansel happened to pass by and photo bombed this picture.
Thursday, July 19
Compass hosted a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Fair in the Boardroom. Attending the CNA Job Fair were 16 local vendors representing medical institutions both large and small from the greater Kalamazoo area. Importantly, 22 recently graduated CNA students attended and made critical contacts for future potential employment.
Later that day, Justin Ansel toured me around the high school athletic facilities so I could see first hand both the progress currently being done on the facilities as well as areas for future need. Justin’s effective leadership regarding the vision for these facilities was clear to see even in the midst of the dust and construction materials!
Tuesday, July 24
I found Shawn McMeekan again leading an all-day curriculum improvement session this time with the 2nd-grade teachers. Attending in support was Wendy Shreve as well as Sonya Hogan and Laurie Anderson.
Later in the day, I came upon a meeting of a portion of the administrative team. Their purpose was to revise the District’s Student Handbook which is now ready for the upcoming 2018-19 school year. Thanks goes out to Susan Caswell, Green Meadow Elementary Principal; Jay Birchmeier, Compass Principal; Faye Goldner, Superintendent’s Executive Assistant; and Mark Wilke, North Elementary Principal for their effort and professionalism regarding this key school document.
Wednesday, July 25
Five members of the Administrative Team participated in interviews for the open Special Education Teacher Consultant position recently posted. According to the team, we had a clear top choice and I look forward to meeting and finalizing the process in the coming days. Thanks to Mark Wilke, North Elementary Principal; David Kirksey, NEMS Interim Principal; Susan Caswell, Green Meadow Elementary Principal; and Gerielle Stewart, Comstock High School Principal. Eastern Service Area Special Education Director Janan Zimmerman is not pictured.
Tuesday, July 31
Shawn McMeekan and Wendy Shreve were back at Central Office and again led an all-day curriculum improvement session this time with the 3rd-grade teachers. Accompanying Shawn and Wendy Shreve were (l-r) Katherine Jones and Stacy Costello.
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Wednesday, August 1
NEMS design team met on Wednesday, August 1 with members of the GMB Architectural firm to discuss various aspects of the new interior for the school. This is part of Phase 2 of the bond project. When completed, NEMS will have a completely new look with enhanced educational opportunities for the students and staff.
Wednesday, August 8
Shawn McMeekan was back at Central Office again to lead yet another all-day curriculum improvement session this time with the District’s Kindergarten teachers. Accompanying Shawn were (l-r) Sarah Lyster, Cathy Buscher, and Emmy Kimmer..
Wednesday, August 8
Attending a training on Project-Based Learning at K-RESA were a herd of Colts! Comstock presence at the training was well represented by Chris Chopp, STEM Principal; STEM teachers Patty Pobuda, MacKenzie Skalski, and Ann Swinehart; Comstock High teachers Wendy Miller and Colleen Grueter; NEMS teachers Chris Hopson, Liz Norton, and Alesia Walsh; North teachers Tara Storteboom, Meadow Nuyen, and Wendy Shreve; and Green Meadow teachers Amy Stacy, Karen Cleveland, and Dena Cooley.
Wednesday, July 8
Dr. Thoenes joined Green Meadow Principal, Susan Caswell, and several other volunteers in reading to students who live in Pavilion. Using Title I funds, Principal Caswell had bags filled with books for the event. Students chose the book for the adult to read and afterwards received the book to keep and read at home - it was “a great day to be a Colt reader!”
Thursday, August 9
The selection committee for the Staff Distinguished Service Award met today and reviewed the nominations for the annual award given out each year at the Back-to-School Breakfast. Participating on the committee this year were (l-r) Theresa DeYoung-Foster, parent; Jay Birchmeier, Compass Principal; Matt Schreiner, Board of Education Trustee; Mary Gustas, Executive Director of the Comstock Community Center; and Val Lauer, Comstock parent and former Board of Education member.
Friday, August 10
“The Battle of the Buses!” This two-day annual event to generate school supplies for both Comstock and Parchment kicked off early in the morning on Friday. Showing their school spirit were hosts (l-r) Tracy Beville Smith, Comstock HS; Kathy Schindlbeck, Compass HS; Valeria McNutt, Green Meadow; Heather Horvath, NEMS; Dan Isaacs, Parchment; Jillaine Zonts, North; and Joyce Oliver, Manager of Pathway to Potential.