panther press - Comstock Park Public Schools

C O M S TO C K PA R K P U B L I C S C H O O L S
PANTHER PRESS
District Contacts
Ethan Ebenstein
Superintendent
eebenstein@cppschools.com
Jamie Carnes
Director of Finance
jcarnes@cppschools.com
I SS U E
2
O CT . /N O V .
From the Superintendent
School Funding and the Race for Governor:
Which Candidate’s Math is Right?
Bob Fidler
Curriculum Director
bfidler@cppschools.com
As the November elections quickly approach, our airwaves are running more and
more campaign ads for contested races.
The most high profile Michigan race is the
Missi McPherson
Community Liaison
one to be the Governor of our great state.
mmcpherson@cppschools.com
Incumbent Governor Rick Snyder and opponent Mark Schauer difJodi Smith
fer on many issues; but
Human Resources
one issue getting major
jsmith@cppschools.com
attention is school
funding. Governor SnyDistrict Phone Numbers
der claims an increase
Central Office 254-5000
in school spending durFood Service 254-5242
ing his time in office
Transportation 254-5050
and Mr. Schauer claims
CP High School 254-5200
a $1 billion in cuts to
Mill Creek
254-5100
education during the
Pine Island
254-5500
same time period.
Stoney Creek 254-5600
Greenridge
254-5700
I have been asked
many times recently-by both adults and
students alike- which position is “correct”.
Board Members
Although those are two very contrary positions, like many issues it is complicated.
Denise Clement, President
Without choosing any political sides, I will
Christy Nowak, V. President
Terry Benjamin, Secretary
do my best to address this confounding isKevin McLellan, Treasurer
sue.
Ted Spangenberg, Trustee
During Governor Snyder’s tenure, the
Tom Egeler, Trustee
state’s overall school aid budget has been
Michael Brown, Trustee
increased. More state funding has been
allocated to the state’s education budget.
Much of that increase has gone directly into
the school employee’s pension system to
offset escalating costs in that area.
Comstock Park Public Schools
Individual school districts receive their pri101 School St. NE
mary source of operational income from
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Phone 616-254-5000
Fax
616-784-5404
2 0 1 4
the state in the form of per pupil funding
in the Foundation Allowance. These operational funds are what school districts
use to pay for its school personnel (from
teachers to bus drivers to paraprofessionals to administration and everyone in between). They pay for the fine arts, athletics, supplies and equipment. They pay for
technology and textbooks.
They pay for repairs, maintenance and utilities.
Our district received $7331
per student in the Foundation
Allowance in 2010/11. In
2011/12, that number was
$6861. For 2012/13 it was
$6966 and $7026 in 2013/14.
For the 2014-2015 school
year, our Foundation Grant is
scheduled to be $7251. Using
this information, we will receive less per pupil funding from the
state for our operational expenses this
year than we did in 2010/11.
In conclusion, which candidate is correct
then in their commercial advertisements
when it comes to school funding? I believe both candidates are correct but take
a different perspective in viewing the
numbers and where they place their emphasis. Total funding to education has
increased under Governor Snyder, but
the operational funds a district has to use
has been reduced. It is a matter of how
one elects to view the numbers.
Helping Students Learn—Whatever it Takes
1
PAGE
2
Stoney Creek Contacts
Stacy Reehl
Principal
sreehl@cppschools.com
Jason Rykse
Vice Principal
jrykse@cppschools.com
Cindy Wildey
Secretary
cwildey@cppschools.com
200 Lantern Dr. NW
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Phone 616-254-5600
PANTHER
PRIDE!
Pine Island Contacts
Stacy Reehl
Principal
sreehl@cppschools.com
Rena Rhoads
Secretary
rrhoads@cppschools.com
Pat Calkins
Office Clerk/PBIS Support
pcalkins@cppschools.com
6101 Pine Island Dr. NE
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Phone 616-254-5500
Fax
616-785-4176
Stoney Creek and Pine Island Elem.
Wow! Lots of exciting things happening at our elementary buildings….
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing has concluded. Your child will
take these tests again in January to measure their growth—be on the lookout
for more information on how your child did on these tests.
Pine Island Parent/Teacher Conferences are happening during the month of
October 21, 23, 29 and Stoney Creek Parent/Teacher Conferences are happening during the month of November 6, 11, 13. Hopefully you will make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher. We are using a program called
Sign Up Genius—we hope that you find this program helpful and easy to use. It
is very important to be able to sit down and discuss your child’s academic and
social growth that is currently happening. You can use the information that you
gain from your child’s teacher to help your child at home.
October is National Anti-Bullying Month. We are asking all students and staff to take a stand and stop bullying in our schools. Bullying is a problem that affects
millions of students of all races and classes. 1 out of 4
kids is bullied and up to 43% of students have been
bullied while online. Child and teen bullying and cyberbullying are at an all-time
high all over the nation.
Bullying can be verbal, physical, or via the Internet. It can severely affect the
victim's self-image, social interactions, and school performance―often leading
to insecurity, lack of self-esteem, and depression in adulthood. School dropout
rates and absences among victims of bullying are much higher than among
other students. Studies have shown that children who have been identified as a
bully by age eight are six times more likely to have a criminal conviction by age
24. Children who are bullies may continue to be bullies as adults, and are more
prone to becoming child and spouse abusers.
We will be talking about this all month through speakers, presentations, and
assemblies. Make sure to ask your student about this.
Until next time…….Hug your child!
Save the Date
December 10
6:00PM
5th Grade Music Program
CP High School
Performing Arts Center
2 Learn—Whatever it Takes
Helping Students
ISSUE
2
PAGE
Mill Creek Middle School
Summer is time for reading
Mill Creek Middle School
students demonstrated their
eagerness to accept a challenge. Principal Harju challenged students to set a
reading goal this past summer. The goal could be number of books read, pages or
hours spent reading. Students who took up the challenge and returned their par-
3
Mill Creek Contacts
Gus Harju
ent signed oath received a
signed certificate and a gift
card to McDonalds. Grades
6 - 8 were well represented!
Parent Teacher
Conferences
will be held
October 21 and 23
from 4:00 - 7:30 pm
in the gymnasium
No appointments are
necessary. We encourage
all parents and guardians
to attend.
Thank You Comstock Park!
A huge thank you goes out to the Comstock Park
community. Their support of the 2011 Bond Mileage allowed Mill Creek Middle School to purchase
a vast array of technology to support student
learning. Just one example are the purchase of
laptops and other devices. Over 180 laptops, 70
Chromebooks and 35 iPads were delivered to Mill
Creek for student use. In addition to desktop upgrades in the computer labs, the middle school has
nearly 420 devices available to assist teacher instruction and student learning. The depth of gratitude to the Comstock Park community is indescribable!
A Fair is Coming to Mill Creek!
During the week of October 20th, Mill Creek will be hosting a Fall Book Fair for students.
All students will have the opportunity to browse and purchase one or more books. The
fair will be open during parent-teacher conferences as well. Please encourage your student to purchase a book of their choosing. Both modern and classics are available, giving
students a wide variety of books to select.
A huge thank you goes out to Mrs. Bonnie Brennan and her group of parent volunteers who
make this possible!
3
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
Principal
gharju@cppschools.com
Robb Hurt
Dean of Students
rhurt@cppschools.com
Ruth Gravelyn
Secretary
rgravelyn@cppschools.com
100 Betty Street NE
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Phone 616-254-5100
Fax
616-785-2464
Upcoming Events
10/16
Deputy VanSingel presentation to student body on
social media matters
10/20–24
Book Fair
10/21&23
Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:00 – 7:30 PM
10/ 23
Picture Re-takes
10/28
Parent Advisory Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
10/30
Halloween Dance,
3:00 – 5:00 PM
10/31
End of First Marking
Period
ISSUE
2
PAGE
Comstock Park High School
Culinary Arts with
Mrs. Kiander - Our most
sincere thanks and gratitude
goes to Meijer Markets at
Knapp’s Corner for their recent grant of $300 to the
culinary arts program at
Comstock Park High School.
Their generous donation will
enhance the culinary arts
program for over 125 students who have enrolled in
4
COLLEGE VISITS
the class during the 20142015 school year. Culinary
arts fulfills part of the VPAA
(Visual, Performing, Applied
Art) credit. Below are students using groceries from
Meijer to create pot stickers,
a Chinese appetizer, in a culinary arts lab. The students
all say thank you to Meijer
for their continuing support
of our program.
Welcome New Students of CP!!
HS Calendar Dates
October 16
University of Michigan
October 17
Hope College
October 20
Michigan Tech. University
October 21
Grand Valley State Univ.
October 23Michigan State University
October 27
Northern Michigan
October 28
GRCC—NEW ADDITION!
October 30
Western Michigan University
October 31
Cornerstone University
November 4
Aquinas -- NEW DATE!!!!
November 11
Kettering
October/November:
10/15
New students at the
high school were honored with a special
luncheon in the media
center. Staff and student groups joined in
with introductions and
a brief description of
their role at CP.
10/20
10/21
10/21
10/22
10/23
10/27
10/27-31
10/29
10/31
11/4
11/5
11/6
11/10
11/10
11/11
11/13
PSAT/NMSQT National
Test Date
Board of Education
Meeting, 7pm
Parent Advisory Council
Meeting, 7:00-8:30pm
NHS Fall Blood Drive
Tennis Awards 6-8pm
Cheer Awards 6-8pm
Marching Band Awards
4-7pm
Mid-Term Week
Soccer Awards 6-8pm
Trick or Treat Night
5:30-9pm
JV&FR Football Awards
6-8pm
Varsity Football Awards
6-8pm
Parent/Teacher Conf.
3:30-7pm
Band Concert 7:30-9:30pm
Senior Parent Meeting
6:30-9pm
Volleyball Awards 6-8pm
Choir Dinner Theatre 6pm
Craft Show at the CPHS is November
22nd, 8:30am-3:00pm.
4
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
High School Contacts
Steve Gough
Principal
sgough@cppschools.com
Steve Sharphorn
Assistant Principal
ssharphorn@cppschools.com
Chris Sposaro
Student Services/Event Coord.
csposaro@cppschools.com
Leisha Emmorey
Secretary
lemmorey@cppschools.com
Tony Petkus
Athletic Director
tpetkus@cppschools.com
150 Six Mile Road NE
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Phone 616-254-5200
Fax
616-785-9835
ISSUE
2
PAGE
5
More CPHS News
RED RIBBON WEEK
COMING TO CPHS!
CP students will be seeing red
this month as the high school
prepares to celebrate National
Red Ribbon Week (October 2331). Red Ribbon Week is an
awareness campaign designed to
educate youth about the dangers
of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco,
while encouraging them to make
the choice to stay substance-free.
The celebration kicks off with an
assembly on Friday, October 24,
and continues at the home football game that evening where
members of the CPHS SADD
(Students Against Destructive
Decisions) Club will be handing
out stickers to elementary students.
Over the course of the next
week, students will be encouraged to sign a pledge and wear a
red bracelet to show their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.
Even the high school building
itself will be turning red! You can
show your support for these
awesome young people by donning a red ribbon yourself-they
will be available at the game on
Friday, October 24. Special
thanks to the
SADD club for
organizing this
great campaign!
District Calendar
Tues. Sept. 2nd – 1st day of School
Wed. Nov. 26th – Nov. 28th – No School
Mon. Dec. 22nd – Fri. Jan. 2nd – No School
Thur. Jan. 15th – ½ day of School
Friday, Jan. 16th - ½ day of School – End of 1st Semester
Mon. Feb. 16th – No School
Fri. Apr. 3rd – Friday, Apr. 10th - No School
Mon. May 25th – No School
Wed. June 3rd – ½ day of School
Thurs. June 4th – ½ day of School - Last Day of School
Curriculum Director News
State Academic Standards
The State of Michigan adopted a set of standards that will assist schools in assuring
that every student will receive a meaningful high school diploma. Receiving a diploma with
these standards will provide evidence that every student is college and /or career ready.
This means that they can read, write, and do basic mathematics at a level which might be
useful to an employer. For students to achieve this at the end of high school, the standards
filter down through the grades creating a cross grade connection for teaching and learning,
These standards were chosen through discussions that focus on what students will need to
learn to be competitive in the job market. They were not created by textbook publishers or
education professors or tradition. This then means that instruction of these standards will
change also. The days of rote memorization of facts to prove that a student “knows”
something are gone. Instead teachers should provide opportunities for students to use
facts and information in problem solving, creating and evaluating.
In order for students to be successful in understanding the standards it is critical that
teachers identify these standards for the students; telling them what is expected and how
they will be assessed to check if they understand the standard. This is often called ‘starting
with the end in mind’; meaning that students will begin the learning process knowing exactly what is expected of them at the end.
Before building a house there is a picture and blueprint of what it should look like. Standards provide everyone with the information about what needs to be learned. How we get
there, what we do to get to the finish, and what is needed to complete the job are often
different and up to the individual completing the task. In constructing a house, the tools to
complete the job may be different for each person. In learning, the process and /or the
tools may be different for mastering a standard. The standards provide challenging and
appropriate learning targets for all students.
5
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
Contacts
Bob Fidler
Curriculum Director
bfidler@cppschools.com
616-254-5017
ISSUE
2
PAGE
Health Notes
What Parents and Schools Need to Know about Enterovirus D68
Kent County Health Department and Spectrum Health
Enteroviruses are very common viruses. There are more than 100 types and each year it is estimated that over 10
million enterovirus infections occur in the United States and tens of thousands of people are hospitalized for illnesses caused by these viruses. People are more likely to get infected with enteroviruses in the summer and fall.
A mix of enteroviruses cause infections every year and different types of enteroviruses can be common in different
years. This year, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) appears to be the most common type of enterovirus, and this virus is
likely contributing to an increase in severe respiratory illness in children across the United States.
Recent news reports documenting severe illness in children leading to neurological illness and stories of EV-D68
being detected in patients who have died has understandably caused great concern for parents. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention is always the best source for information on EV-D68 and parents are encouraged
to visit http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/outbreaks/EV-D68-outbreaks.html for the most recent updates
on the current situation.
It is difficult to know the number of individuals diagnosed with EV-D68 in Kent County because testing for EV-D68
is not routinely done. Despite this, information on patients presenting to hospital emergency departments with
respiratory complaints provides a clue as to EV-D68 activity in the local community. These data indicate that the
highest level of respiratory illness activity in Kent County occurred during the week ending September 13, 2014
and this activity has since declined to levels slightly above what is typically expected at this time of year.
While enterovirus infections typically decline in late fall, students in the school setting are always at risk for respiratory infection from a variety of viruses (rhinovirus, influenza, etc.). Because of this, basic infection prevention
measures should be stressed in the school environment. Preventing respiratory infection in children with a history
of asthma or wheezing is especially important since they are more susceptible to serious illness. If your child is sick
with respiratory illness and they are having difficulty breathing or their symptoms are getting worse, contact your
child’s physician or visit the emergency department.
Tips for Preventing Infection
Wash hands with soap and water,
Avoid close contact with sick people
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands
Keep children home from school until they are fever free for 24 hours without medications
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Encourage children to “cover” coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
Important Notes from the desk of or District Nurse—Tina Rodriguez
STUDENTS WITH ASTHMA : If you have a student with asthma, please make sure there is an inhaler
at school even if your child does not use it on a regular basis. If your student is older; and carries the
inhaler, a self-administration medication consent is needed with the physician signature. Please provide the school with a copy of the asthma plan if your physician has provided you with one. An
asthma emergency at school is very frightening for a student so our goal is to minimize this risk as
best as we can.
6
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
6
PAGE
7
Elementary PTO
It’s been a great start to the new school year!
lots of fun things are coming up!
PTO Officers
Tracey Slack, President
Heidi VanOverloop, V. President
Macy Durry, Secretary
Jodie Fish, Treasurer
Be sure to like us on
Facebook at
Comstock Park PTO
Oct. 14 PTO Meeting 7pm at Pine Island library--all welcome!
Oct. 20 Reading Minutes Collection at Stoney Creek
Oct. 24 Fall Fundraiser Kick-Off
Oct. 25 Halloween Carnival at Stoney Creek 2-5 pm.
(Watch for volunteer sign-ups and order forms for ticket sales!)
Nov. 3 Reading Minutes Collection at Stoney Creek
Nov. 3-7 Scholastic Book Fair at Stoney Creek
Nov. 7 Reading Minutes Collection at Pine Island
Nov. 17 Reading Minutes Collection at Stoney Creek
Nov. 18 PTO Meeting at Pine Island library
Dec. 5 Reading Minutes Collection at Pine Island
Dec. 6 Pancake Breakfast & Fundraiser Pick-Up at Pine Island 8-11am
Dec 6-12 Scholastic Book Fair at Pine Island
Thanks for the great response in volunteer event forms! We will be contacting you
as events approach.
As always, please keep collecting and sending in your Box Tops for Education and
Labels for Education--they add up quickly--we just placed an order for new playground balls through Labels for Education! Thank you! Your PTO appreciates your
support!
CP Educational Foundation
CPEF Officers
Denise Clement , President
Alex Clayson, V. President
Sharon McLellan, Secretary
Jeff Hoag, Treasurer
Website
Www.cpef.weebly.com
The Annual CP Educational Foundation duck race is now in the books! The rainfall last
week caused the creek to be fast and furious.....so it was a record setting race. Winners were: 1st place - SLCC Team (Jeff Hoag) 2nd place - Brenda Smith and 3rd place
went to Crik Wisener. Thanks to all who raced their ducks this year....of which we had
193 entries!!! Until next year....quack, quack!
On your marks get set go…..Time to lace up your running shoes and participate in the
Panther 5K—Saturday, November 8th. http://www.cppschools.com/Home.aspx
See the District Communication box.
Mark Your Calendars: Thursday, November 20th will be the Annual CPEF Holiday Tree/
Taste of CP Event. Musical entertainment will be provided by the CP students! Event
will be held at the CPHS Auditorium facilities and will run from 6 to 8 pm!
7 Learn—Whatever it Takes
Helping Students
ISSUE
2
PAGE
Comstock Park Food Service
School Lunches are Fresher, Healthier
by Erin Albanese
Comstock Park Public Schools, MI — The days of a greasy burger served with fries and a Cherry Coke for school
lunch, followed by a mid-afternoon candy bar from the vending machine, are gone.
On a typical Tuesday at Mill Creek Middle School, in Comstock Park Public
Schools, students headed through the lunch line grabbed chicken patties
made with whole-grain breading inside whole-grain buns. They snatched apples, bananas, grapes, strawberries, watermelon, cucumber slices, broccoli
florets and side salads from a tray piled high with produce.
Sugary soda is no longer sold within the school walls, and students choose
100 percent apple or orange juice and low-fat or fat-free milk.
that fresh tomatoes and broccoli are popular. Click here for the full article
Food Service Calendar
Click here for November menu
8
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
8
PAGE
9
Athletic Boosters
The Comstock Park Athletic
Boosters exist to enhance and
help fund the athletic programs of Mill Creek Middle
School and Comstock Park
High School. Your support of
these programs is essential to
their success!
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President - Lisa Dudick
Vice President - Tracie Egeler
Secretary - Annette Dubridge
Treasurer - Julie Endres
Fall Sports
VOLUNTEER
Life is
We
need
people to provide time supporting our athletes. With more volunteers
one grand, more
sweet song,
wesocan
lower the amount of time each person would have to participate making it much
start the music.
easier to volunteer. We always need help in our concession stand at all home sporting
~Ronald
events.
We Reagan
also have many other volunteer opportunities for those that do not care to
serve in the concession stand.
COMMITTEES
We are always looking for fresh ideas for our Booster program whether it is for fundraising or special events or even marketing. We welcome all creative thoughts about how
to help enhance our program.
MEETINGS
Meetings are held the 1st Monday of each month at 7:00PM in the High School Media
Center. Next meeting to be held November 3rd.
WEBSITE
Check out the Comstock Park Athletic Page for all updates and athletic event schedules.
http://comstockparkathletics.com/
Boys Cross Country
Boys Soccer
Boys Tennis
Boys Football
Girls Cross Country
Girls Golf
Sideline Cheer
Girls Volleyball
SAVE THE DATE
2015 Panther Cash Bash—Saturday, March 14th, 2015. For more information about the
event, please contact Jen Zalinski 485-0307
School Messenger
In an ongoing effort to improve communication with families, last year our school district introduced the SchoolMessenger Notification System to provide efficient communication to parents and staff members on matters such as snow
days, attendance issues, emergency early dismissals, community events, and last minute cancellations. We are currently sending communication out via email and phone. In order to enhance our ability to accurately deliver such information, it is important for the schools to have your accurate contact information. If your information has changed,
please contact the individual schools with current information. Calls will show a number from the school or district. It
will leave a message or deliver it once answered. Please listen to the messages prior to contacting the school with
questions or concerns. Most School Messenger messages will be sent outside of the school day unless it is an emergency.
9
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
PAGE
10
Band Boosters
The Comstock Park School
Band Boosters is a group of
adult volunteers whose main
goal is to help fund and support the activities of the Comstock Park School Bands.
Schedule of Events
Fri., 10/17
Football Game
Sat., 10/18
Jenison (MCBA Show)
one
Fri., 10/24
Football Game
grand,
Sat., 10/25
Reeths Puffer (MCBA
Show) @ Rockford HS
sweet
Sat., 11/1
MCBA State Finals @
Ford Field
Life is
song, so
start the
music.
~Ronald Reagan
Band Booster Meetings
First Thurs of every month
7:00PM-8:30PM
Life Skills Kitchen Room (Across
from Band Room)
Nov 6
Dec 4
Jan 8 (no school on 1st Thurs)
Feb 5
March 5
April 2
May 7
June 4
Band Booster Board
President - Terry Benjamin
Vice President - Theresa VanLeeuwen
Secretary - Kelly Chizmar
Treasurer - Caroline Dykstra
Trustee - Jen Carpenter
Trustee - Joan Sterken
Trustee - Ted Spangenberg
We welcome any and all adults interested
in furthering a positive band experience
for our band students. For further information please contact: bandboosters@cppschools.com
Comstock Park Marching Band Presents…….
“A Wolf’s Tale”
It is Little Red Riding Hood told through the
Wolf's Eyes.
We are super excited about our show this year!
Come enjoy the show at one of our upcoming
events.
Fundraising Events
Oct. 13-Oct.24
Ada Valley Meat/Sub/Tub Sale
Order Pickup Nov. 6
Oct. 27-Nov. 14
Dreamscapes Desserts
Poinsettia Sale
10
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
PAGE
11
Tribute Scholarship
Last spring, a $1000 scholarship was presented to a Comstock Park High School senior for the third
consecutive year. It is called the Tribute Scholarship and it is awarded to a Comstock Park High
School senior that attends Grand Rapids Community College each year. The scholarship was initiated by Judith Kienitz and the CPHS graduating class of 1961 and is supported by donations from
Comstock Park High School alumni, Comstock Park Community members, and anyone else that
wants to help out. A Tribute Scholarship Committee was formed which has as its long term goal to give a
$1000 scholarship to each Comstock Park High School senior that decides to attend GRCC but for now the
plan is to give one scholarship each year.
If you wish to make a donation supporting the Tribute Scholarship which goes to a Comstock Park High
School senior that attends GRCC, send a check made out to: The Comstock Park High School Tribute Scholarship and mail it out to:
Grand Rapids Community College Foundation
Attn: Mary Reed, GRCC Foundation Coordinator
143 Bostwick Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
If you have any questions about the scholarship, Alumni Room, or the Tribute Scholarship Committee, contact committee chairman Gary Holland at: gholland@cppschools.com. Please consider donating to the Tribute Scholarship fund and help support Comstock Park High School students get started on a college education at Grand Rapids Community College.
were used to help fund the Tribute Scholarship which goes to a CPHS senior that attends Grand Rapids
Community College.
Alumni Room Helps Fund Tribute Scholarship
Retired teacher and Tribute Scholarship Committee member, Donna Owen, organized a
CPHS Alumni Room which was held the night of
the Homecoming game (October 3, 2014) in the
high school cafeteria. Refreshments were
served and the cafeteria was decorated with
banners, balloons, old yearbooks, composite
pictures, and other Comstock Park High School
memorabilia. On hand to help Donna with this
project were counselor Carolyn Bolthouse,
teachers Carolyn Bushong and Betty Duncan,
retired counselor Gary Holland, and alumnus
Judith Kienitz. Current student Domenic Parker
created an alumni room video announcement
which was shown on the Big Board portion of
the football scoreboard and Shawna Champion
painted a beautiful twelve foot long banner as a
salute to past graduates. Principal Steve Gough
and current teachers Aaron Peoples and Harold
Schneider also provided technical support with
music and video. All proceeds were used to
help fund the Tribute Scholarship which goes to
a CPHS senior that attends Grand Rapids Community College.
11
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
PAGE
12
KDL
Kent District Library
Comstock Park (KDL) Library
KDL offers a wide variety of
events, programs, and
classes at little or no cost!
From children's storytimes
to adult computer classes,
KDL has something for everyone! Search events by
visiting our website at:
www.kdl.org
C.P. KDL Branch
Nancy Mulder
Branch Manager
Branch Amenities
Wireless internet
Public computers with internet, word processing, and
other software
Color copier
KDLville early literacy
play space
Teen space
Community meeting room
Ongoing used book sale
Battery recycling drop-off
Sun.
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
Hours
Closed
9:30AM-8:00PM
12:00PM-8:00PM
9:30AM-5:00PM
12:00PM-8:00PM
1:00PM-5:00PM
1:00PM-5:00PM
12
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
ISSUE
2
PAGE
13
Fall Fun at the Humane Society
For kids in grades K-5:
Don't miss out on Furry Friday Films. Join us from 5:30-9:30pm every
other month on the 3rd Friday for pizza, games, animal time, craft,
and movie! You might just find yourself snuggling up with a puppy or
kitty during the show! For more information, please click here:
http://hswestmi.org/programs/kids-programs/furry-friday-films
Looking for a fun Saturday activity? Join Pet Adventure Club! This club meets 4 Saturdays per
school year and will have animal interactions, cool presentations, and lots of fun. Click here to
learn more: http://hswestmi.org/programs/kids-programs/pet-adventure-club
Did you know Humane Society of West Michigan offers birthday parties? Your two hour party
will include a behind-the-scenes tour, games, take home craft, and time with our shelter cats
and small animals! Visit here for more information: http://hswestmi.org/programs/kidsprograms/birthday-parties
To learn more about all of the activities at the West MI Humane Society visit our website
http://hswestmi.org/programs/kids-programs/
Wedgwood Christian Services
Now Servicing….
The Comstock Park Area
Locations
Mill Creek Middle School
Comstock Park High School
York Creek Community Center
We offer counseling for adults, teens,
children and families. Common concerns addressed through counseling
include: Attention difficulties/ADHD,
Academic or learning problems, Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Bullying,
Depression, Divorce, Employment
issues, Family changes or conflicts,
Grief/Loss, Identity questions, Relationship/Marriage issues, Selfinjury/"cutting", Sleep problems, Substance Use or Abuse, Trauma. We
accept the following insurances at
these locations: Aetna, McLaren, Priority Health (Commercial and Medi-
caid), or Straight Medicaid for anyone under 18. For more information on services in Comstock Park
call Karen Appleton at 616-2545113 or email
kappleton@wedgwood.org.
If you have other insurances and
want more information on services, call 616-942-7294.
13
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
YMCA News
PAGE
PARTY PACKAGES
Wolverine YMCA
6555 Jupiter Ave.
Belmont, MI 49306
Phone 616-855-1458
Fax 616-855-0180
WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE FAMILY YMCA
Let us host your next birthday party, church group event, scout gathering,
High School graduation party, open house, holiday party, corporate meeting
or High School Lock-in! The Y provides party packages that are sure to make
your next party a memorable celebration. Large group rates and
after hours rentals are available.
Includes your choice of one or two (1 or 2) hour activity plus one (1) hour of
spacious room rental for cake and celebration with tables and chairs provided.
Choose two of the following activities:
2 Hour Rental: $100* Member/ $150*
Non Member
3 Hour RPLAY PARTY PACKAGE
ental: $150* Member/ $200* Non Member
* 25 participant maximum. A participant
is defined as a child or person that is
attending the event. Each additional
person over the maximum is $3.
LARGE GROUP RENTALS
Perfect for Graduation Parties, field trips,
church groups and gatherings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A PARTY, EMAIL WWWYRENTALS@GRYMCA.ORG OR CALL 616.363.3000 AND ASK FOR OUR RENTAL COORDINATOR. Special pricing available for room rentals without activities as
well as field trips and overnight rentals. Payment is due two weeks prior to
scheduled rental date. Parties cancelled within 48 hours are non-refundable.
14
After School Care
At Pine Island Elementary
Ages 5-12
M-F 3:00PM-6:00PM
Rates,Registration and Enrollment
Stop by the front desk at the Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA , email
wwwychildcare@grymca.org or call
616-363-3000
View the hand book at
grymca.org/child-care/school-age
under parent resources
The Y: We're for youth
development, healthy living and
social responsibility.
MI Child Protection Registry
Are your children safe while online? Michigan families, especially minors, are becoming inundated with
advertisements from alcohol, tobacco, pornography and gambling marketers
through different internet and cell phone inboxes. Thankfully, the State of Michigan offers a free program to stop adult advertisements from reaching e-mails,
mobile phones (text messaging ads) and instant messenger IDs. The Michigan
Child Protection Registry is a free do-not-contact service for Michigan’s families
and schools and can be located at www.protectmichild.com.
14
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
Adult Education Classes
PAGE
15
FREE
High School Completion
GED—General Education Development Preparation Classes
ESL—English as a Second Language Classes
Sparta Adult Education
YORK CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER
3999 Alpenhorn Ave, Comstock Park, MI
480 S. State St.
Sparta, MI 49345
Main Office: (616) 887-7321
Fax :(616) 887-7503
Monday-Thursday Evenings
5:15PM-8:30PM
Tuesday and Thursday Mornings
9:00AM-12:00PM
Classes run from September-June with OPEN ENROLLMENT.
Must be 20 years or older.
Jennifer Grimm
Director
Jennifer.grimm@spartasschools.org
Phone
CALL TODAY!
616-887-7506 x2228
You can earn your GED for FREE through Sparta Adult Education's
Literacy To Work Program. Components include:
- Career Coaching
- National Career Readiness Certificate
- Financial Literacy
- Computer Literacy
- Employee Skills Training
Comstock Park Golden Panthers
About Us
The Comstock Park Golden Panthers is a group that was created to offer a wide variety of programs
and activities to seniors of all ages in the local community. Please feel free to join us for fun, exercise
and socialization!
Current Activities
Location
Greenridge School
3825 Oakridge Ave. NW
Comstock Park, MI 49321
Website
http://cpgoldenpanthers.weebly.com/
EnhanceFitness – M, W, F 10:15AM-11:15AM
Age of Champions movie – 10/30 10AM-Noon
Life Reimagined Checkup – 11/13 10AM-Noon
Zumba Gold—Th—8:-8:45AM
For more information please see our website
Survey
If you are a Senior Citizen please take our survey. We would like to hear about our interests and the
types of classes you would like to have available to you in our community. Click on the link to start the
survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/seniorcitizensurvey
15
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
Community Spotlight
PAGE
16
The Heitz
Shandra Scheidel knew at an early age she wanted be a hair stylist. “Since I was probably three I
always wanted to do hair,” said Scheidel, owner of The Heitz a Comstock
Park hair salon. “Every doll I got, I cut its hair, I curled all my girlfriends’
hair.”
After graduating from Chic University of Cosmetology in 1992, Scheidel
went to work in the hair salon and barber shop in the Alpine Avenue Meijer
until she bought her own salon, then called April’s, at 3948 West River
Drive in 1996. She said April’s had been in previous owner April Bonser’s
family since the 1940’s. “My mom went there, and I started coming (to
April’s) when I was five,” said Scheidel. “I worked (at April’s) as a receptionist.”
Scheidel grew up in Comstock Park, she lives in Comstock Park, and her
children, ages 16, 13, and 10, go to Comstock Park schools. So it was
natural for her to locate her business in Comstock Park.
“I love the community,” she said. “I wanted to be able to build connections within the community for my
kids, and I knew what a supporting community Comstock Park would be to be able to have a thriving
business...That has definitely proven true.”
Scheidel said she has recently invested in an additional business becoming a color line specialist and
distributor for All Nutrient Hair Care Products, and she does shows for stylists to demonstrate the products and techniques. Besides sharing ideas for new styles and techniques with each other, continuing
education for Scheidel and her three stylists includes hair style magazines and newsletters, and Internet
sites such as YouTube and Pinterest. “It (the Internet) provides us a way to get out of the box instead of
just what books show,” she said. “We urge people to bring pictures in.”
It’s likely that miles of hair have fallen in the tiny shop (about 800 square feet) over the decades, and
Scheidel has donated some of that to Locks of Love, an organization that uses donated hair to provide
hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Scheidel
feels it’s important to her to give back to the community that has supported her business. She and her stylists
participate in community and school benefits, donating hair services and products.If they know of someone is in
financial need due to medical or other setbacks, they put a jar on the counter and take up a collection. Scheidel
said she spends a portion of her advertising dollars putting ads in the school’s yearbook and in the programs for
school events.
Scheidel has made an observation about men, women, and hair over the years. “I find that guys are more particular about hair,” she said. “I think women have learned to be more flexible. “I’ve had guys take measurements to
make sure it’s (hair) an exact length.”
Scheidel said streetscape the Downtown Development Authority did almost 20 years ago went beyond the physical improvements. “There’s a definite sense of community,” she said. “It’s nice to see the town take care of itself,
see people take pride, see the new businesses come in.”
16
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes
Community Spotlight
PAGE
17
VITALE’S OF COMSTOCK PARK
Agostino Vitale grew up with mouthwatering Italian food.
“It was a lot of pasta, sauces, home cooking, all homemade,” he said, adding that
the food at home made school lunches pale by comparison.
Vitale’s father Salvatore and his mother Maria moved to Kentwood from Sicily in
1964 to be with family and opened a pizza take-out establishment in Grand Rapids in 1966. Vitale said his father had no background in the restaurant business,
noting the pizza take- out at 834 Leonard NE in Grand Rapids “was a whole new
venture.” That venture expanded into a full-service Italian restaurant, and the
family now owns five Vitale’s in West Michigan, including Vitale’s of Comstock
Park.
The family opened a pizza take-out at 3868 West River Drive in the mid-1980s,
and Vitale worked there summers when he was in high school. “When the White
Caps came in down the road, we had the pizza take-out,” he said, referring to the baseball team’s stadium at 4500
West River Drive NE established in 1994. “Dad decided to tear that down and build a restaurant.
“We’ve done very well in Comstock Park.” The food on the menus at all the Vitale’s restaurants are the food Vitale
grew up with. “It’s all family recipes, all homemade,” he said. “The pizza sauce, Dad has been using (the recipe)
for 48 years almost.”
Vitale grew up in the restaurant business. “Dad would take me to the restaurant on the weekends,” he said. “I
was maybe 13, and I would answer the telephone.” Vitale said it was natural for him to eventually own his own
restaurant, because “it’s what I know.” Vitale lives in Forest Hills with his wife Kerri and their three children ages
19, 16, and 14. His wife helps manage the restaurant, and his oldest son Salvo also works there.
The Comstock Park Vitale’s features a pizza take-out, restaurant and sports bar with big-screen televisions, and a
1500 square foot, four-season patio that can be opened in the summer and has heated floors and is enclosed for
the winter. Customers can enjoy acoustic music on the weekends in the summer. Future improvements include a
remodel of the kitchen.
Vitale said it’s important as a business owner to be involved in the community where his business is located, and
he contributes to events such as fundraisers for the Comstock Park Schools and Relay for Life. Vitale donated
funds for the scoreboard at Comstock Park High School gym. He noted it was ironic that he presented one of
those giant checks for the scoreboard at a Comstock Park home basketball game when the opposing team just
happened to be Forest Hills. “My kids go to Forest Hills (schools), and my son was on the Forest Hills team,” he
said. “They were saying, ‘what are you doing?’.”
Vitale said the White Pine Trail connector project improved the area behind the downtown businesses on the east
side of West River Drive. “It looks nicer, it’s cleaned up,” he said, adding that Trail users regularly stop in the restaurant.
17
Helping Students Learn—Whatever
it Takes