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CommunicatorThe

A publication of the Grandville Public Schools Board of Education

www.gpsbulldogs.org | JANUARY 2015

Our foundation for success:4 Strong math and reading curriculum

4 High academic expectations

4 1:1 technology initiative

4 Art and music instruction in the formative years

4 Robust science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program

4 Program for gifted elementary students (IMAGE)

4 Cultivation of critical thinking skills at every level

4 Full continuum of programs for students with special needs

4 Multi-tiered System of Supports for struggling students

4 Character education and “be nice.” anti-bullying program

4 High standards for student behavior

4 Secure elementary buildings

4 Extensive extracurricular opportunities

4 Highly involved parent volunteers

2015-16 Kindergarten RegistrationIt’s already time to register your child for kindergarten! We can’t wait to partner with you and your child to provide an excellent education. Grandville prides itself on its students’ achievements in and out of the classroom and individualized instruction.

Registration begins Jan. 12, 2015, for children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2015. According to statute, children with a September, October or November birth date who will be 5 by Dec. 1, 2015, remain eligible for kindergarten if the parent makes the request no later than June 1, 2015.

Kindergarten Program• Full-day kindergarten is offered every day in every elementary school. • Half-day Young Fives is open to all kindergarteners, but is primarily for those who have fall birth dates. The program is not housed in all schools due to smaller enrollment.

How to RegisterTo register your child, contact the location nearest your residence.• For Cummings, call (616) 254-6041.• For Central, East, South and West, call (616) 254-6251.• For Century Park Learning Center and Grand View (families who live south of 44th Street/Rivertown Parkway), call (616) 254-6840.

Save the Date – Parent Information SessionsAfter you’ve called and registered, save one of the following dates for parent information. Choose the time and date that is most convenient for you:

• Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. or Wednesday, March 11, at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m.• Location: Grandville Middle School Auditorium at 3535 Wilson

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From the Superintendent

On December 17, Grandville High School hosted a College Planning Night to share information with parents about the ACT test this March and address the college-planning process. Results of the ACT Aspire assessment were reviewed, which GHS administers to freshmen and sophomores in March each year, well before the ACT and state assessments that students take in the spring of their junior year.

At this meeting, parents had the opportunity to explore the average ACT score of the last class admitted to various colleges and universities; they could compare how their child’s performance on the ACT Aspire would translate when viewed in relation to the ACT composite score of the most recent class admitted to these institutions. For example, the mid-50th percentile range for the University of Michigan’s 2014 entering class was a 30-33 composite score on the ACT (http://admissions.umich.edu/apply/freshmen-applicants/admitted-student-profile).

If a student’s ACT Aspire test projects the student scoring a 28 on the ACT this spring, for example, and the student’s heart is set on attending the University of Michigan, how can our school system help put this student in position to achieve his/her goal and help boost that score? In response, there are a few options available to students in the short term to help prepare for the ACT. GHS will again offer some skill-building sessions in February in advance of the assessment. In addition, there are online review sessions which we will make available for students to provide them with practice opportunities. Details of these options were topics addressed at the Planning Night as well.

Of course, the best way over the long term to prepare for any academic assessment is for the student to challenge himself/herself with a rigorous curriculum and course schedule. Our current sophomores and freshmen are about to embark on the course selection process for next year. As they choose their courses, it is important that they have the opportunity to not only explore courses that may fulfill their unique interests, but also align their class choices with future career and college plans.

Grandville has traditionally performed admirably on the ACT assessment. For the Class of 2015, 37 students earned a score of 30 or higher on the ACT. We do not yet have the Class of 2015’s composite average results. For last year’s graduating class, the Class of 2014, the composite average was 21.6, which was 1.5 points above the state average of 20.1. This performance was also among the top tier within the Kent ISD school districts and well above the county average.

The assessment of students serves many purposes, one of which is our accountability. ACT testing results are one way to help measure whether we are indeed living up to our commitment to help students be ready for higher education, if college is in their future plans.

As we move to the second half of our school year, we resolve to continue to meet our responsibility to prepare our students, whether a student’s future plan involves college or going straight into the work force. Closing out 2014 and moving into 2015, please know that I am profoundly grateful for all the ways our community helps support and sustain Grandville Public Schools so that we are able to live up to our commitment to students and their families.

I wish each of you a wonderful, safe new year!

Ron CaniffSuperintendent

“ I am profoundly grateful for all the ways

our community helps support and sustain

Grandville Public Schools so that

we are able to live up to our commitment

to students and their families. ”

Grand View students and teachers celebrate the new books they received through the Grandville Education Foundation

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Stellar SingersMeet the Grandville students who earned a spot in this year’s All-State Honors Choir! They will perform at Devos Hall during the prestigious Michigan Music Conference, to be held Jan. 22-24.

GHS students Adam Helgevold and Hunter Tomaszewski

South Student’s Ballet Dreams Come TrueIf you saw “The Nutcracker” at Devos Hall in December, you witnessed South student Sofia Jacobus flow across the stage as a fairy, igniting the auditorium with her impeccable dancing.

“Rarely are students able to gain this type of professional exposure and experience at such a young age,” says Sarah Bos, director of the Grand Rapids Ballet School.

School and homework are Sofia’s priorities, but this sixth-grader must dance. Many people have interests, but since she was four years old, ballet has been her true passion. It captivates her so much that she even keeps a ballet choreography journal. Her fascination surprised her mother, who says she didn’t understand the true meaning of “passion” until she watched Sofia in ballet.

When the esteemed Junior Company of the Grand Rapids Ballet asked her to join, Sofia’s immediate response was “yes,” but her mother wanted her to take time to think about it, knowing full well the commitment required. The young ballet sensation joined the Junior Company this fall and hasn’t looked back.

Melanie Jacobus, Sofia’s mother, notes, “At times, it can be very difficult. She’s downtown at the ballet six days a week, 20 to 25 hours per week. She’s had to miss fun, school skating parties and weekend get-togethers with friends, but she seems to put it all in perspective, because she has her eye on the prize: performing ballet on stage. It’s amazing to see the transformation and content look on her face when the curtain comes up and she’s dancing on stage. As a parent, it’s thrilling to see your child so in love with something they’re doing.” Jacobus adds, “Ms. Moore [Sofia’s teacher at South] is a fantastic teacher and also has been such a huge supporter of her ballet, which means so very much to Sofia and us.”

Strong Grandville ShowingOf the 12 teams that advanced to December’s state Lego League tournament from our regional contest, seven of them were Grandville teams. This unique technology competition allows our elementary and middle school students the opportunity to build, program and strategize with teammates. More than just a robotics club, it’s touted as “sports for the mind” and prepares students for employment in the science sector. Congratulations to the students and their coaches!

Sofia Jacobus in “The Nutcracker” in 2013

L to R: GMS music teacher Steven Vecchio, Kellan Dunlap, Kennedy Dietz, Dana Capriglione

GHS students Moses Bossenbroek and Waverly Sisson Genius Hour: Autonomous

LearningTo increase productivity, Google allows its employees to work on whatever they want for 20 percent of their working hours. In a similar vein, Grand View teachers Melissa Burgess and Kristin Turnwald allow their fifth-grade classes a genius hour. It’s a student-led, interest-driven approach to learning.

“Every Friday for one hour our kids are researching a topic of their choice,” explains Mrs. Turnwald. “They choose a topic they don’t know about already and they develop questions they want to answer through research. We spent quite a bit of time learning about reliable resources and good research skills. Students then develop a project using technology, a poster or model, and at the end of the trimester, they present their topic in front of the class. My kids have been loving it so far!”

Examples of passion projects that students have worked o n s o f a r include early c o m p u t e r s , S t e ve J o b s , architecture a n d e v e n ancient cats of Egypt.

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The Hero FactorFor some, it was a teacher or coach. For others, it was a pastor, parent or neighbor. For Geuriel Danini, it was his Kids Hope mentor who made a lingering difference in his life. When the 10th grade American Literature teachers recently announced they would hold an Appreciation Night at GHS, Geuriel had to reflect on which special person to invite. His class had been reflecting on inspirational relationships in literature, and now they were asked to consider who inspired and supported them. He had not seen his mentor, Judy Sytsema, since he was in fifth grade, but she was the one he wanted to appreciate. In fact, he did not know her last name, and he certainly did not know her address. But after a little sleuthing, Systema was located, and she accepted her young friend’s invitation to the celebration.

The reunion was quite special to witness. All dressed up, Geuriel gave flowers to his heroine; it was one of his English teacher’s favorite moments of Appreciation Night. The evening was magical for others, too: The mentors received letters of gratitude and were highlighted in a presentation in the auditorium.

The power of one. Thank you to all the Judy-like heroes who have given one-on-one attention to a child; though you may not know it, you live on for years in a quiet place in their hearts and minds, instilling a belief in themselves.

Geuriel and Judy Sytsema, 2009

Geuriel and Sytsema, 2014 Appreciation Night

Second Alum Wins Scholarship on National TVFirst, 2008 GHS grad Nikki Boon won $123,000 in grand-prize tuition money from Dr Pepper at the SEC Championship game in 2010. Now, earning second place, 2013 alumnus John Wondergem took home $20,000 during halftime of the Big 10 Championship game in December.

Out of 2,300 video entries, Wondergem’s video was selected as a finalist. His clip highlighted how his brother inspired him to pursue a special education major at Michigan State University. For the video process, he recommends “collaboration with others on the video to ensure you make the best one possible.” A former GHS classmate, Jonathan Bailey, shot and edited his entry.

In the final leg of the competition at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Wondergem had to toss footballs as fast as possible into a container. To handle the stress before the final halftime contest, he says, “I would imagine myself winning the $100,000. It gave me the confidence that I needed to perform well.” To register next August, students ages 18-24 should visit drpeppertuition.com. The alumnus recommends having a specific, uplifting goal and using social media to advance to the video round.

East to Host Tech FairCommunity members are welcome to attend a Technology Fair at East Elementary on Jan. 23 from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. Guests will discover how Grandville students are using technology to connect with learning. The children will show attendees their favorite app or project that they created with their Chromebook or iPad.

John Wondergem

Some GMS writers celebrate NaNoWriMo with their coach, teacher Caroline Ernst

A few GHS writers with their coaches

November Challenge: Write a Novel in 30 DaysNational Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, serves to kick start the creative writing process. On Nov. 1, a couple dozen Grandville students and teachers pressed their fingers to their keyboards and accepted the dare to write a 50,000-word novel before midnight on Nov. 30. Throughout their journey, the participants met together and gave each other pep talks. Though not everyone completed a novel by the deadline, writing for the pure, sheer joy of it was reward enough for the authors. Want to participate next year? Visit nanowrimo.org for more information.

GHS Theater Presents

The Diary of Anne Frank

Grandville High School AuditoriumFebruary 5, 6, and 7

7 p.m.Student/Senior tickets - $6

Adult Tickets - $8

Tickets can be purchasedby calling 616.254.6334

or visiting www.gpsbulldogs.org

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MDE Changes MEAP to M-STEP by Assistant Superintendent Scott Merkel

The M-STEP: It’s not a new dance craze...The Michigan Department of Education recently released details about this year’s annual testing for students. The new M-STEP (Michigan Student Test for Educational Progress) will replace the 44-year-old MEAP test this spring. There are a number of differences that will come with the switch to the M-STEP, one of which is timing. The new test will be given in the spring, beginning in April after spring break, rather than

the fall administration of the MEAP. This allows students to be assessed on the current year’s academic skill and content, rather than the previous year’s after a long summer break. Additionally, the test will be computer adaptive and administered online.

Why is an annual test even necessary? This is an excellent question, as we confidently believe that our teachers already have a clear understanding of student skill, growth and achievement; there are a few components to the answer. The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 requires all states to test students annually in grades 3 - 8 in math and reading and at least once in grades 10 - 12. States must use these results to issue annual district and school report cards.

While it is easy to downplay the results of a one-time, high-stakes test like the MEAP or M-STEP, it is beneficial to score well. The results are published on the state report cards, in the media and data sites online. We know our students perform well academically and want that success to show. Additionally, strong report cards make districts more attractive to potential families. An important element of the annual report card is a minimum testing requirement. To earn full points on the report card, school districts are required to test at least 95 percent of all students in the grades tested. One or two students missing from testing, for any reason, can impact a school or district’s score on the report card and automatically cause a lower score regardless of overall performance.

One final reason for testing is comparability. While all districts in the state are required to teach the same standards for core academic areas, how they are taught and assessed varies. The use of one common assessment allows us to compare our achievement against the expectation of the standards. This helps us analyze our instruction and assessment to best meet the needs of students and make adjustments for continuous improvement.

Why switch the MEAP? As you may know, Michigan adopted the Common Core State Standards in 2010. These standards were developed through a state-led initiative, coordinated by the National Governor’s Association, to provide a clear set of K-12 expectations in mathematics and English language arts that would increase college and career readiness of students leaving high school. While the content of what is taught in each grade level has minimal changes, the depth at which students are expected to know standards has increased. In math, for example, students are not simply expected to solve problems, but are expected to apply mathematical knowledge to context-based, real-world situations. The new M-STEP assessment is being developed to reflect the demonstration of this learning.

What will be tested, and when? The Spring 2015 M-STEP assessments will be given in grades 3 - 8 and 11 and will include the following: English Language Arts (Grades 3 - 8): a Computer Adaptive Test, a Classroom Activity and a Performance Task. Mathematics (Grades 3 - 8): a Computer Adaptive Test, a Classroom Activity and a Performance Task. Science (Grades 4 and 7): online, multiple choice based items. Social Studies (Grades 5 and 8): online, multiple choice based items. Michigan Merit Exam (Grade 11): ACT Plus Writing - includes English language arts, math, science and social studies.

Testing Schedules & Windows: One of the benefits of the online test is flexibility for buildings to create their own test schedules within the given windows. The only exceptions are the ACT and WorkKeys for 11th grade students. Each school will create their own schedule to maximize instructional time prior to testing and the best testing environment for students. We will send specific schedules of test times to parents prior to each testing window. Grades 5 & 8: April 13 - May 1, 2015 Grades 4 & 7: April 27 - May 15, 2015 Grades 3 & 6: May 18 - June 5, 2015 Grade 11: ACT Plus Writing: March 3 & March 17, 2015 only WorkKeys: March 4 & March 18, 2015 only

Buddy BenchesIf children at West want to make a new friend or just need someone to play with at recess, they can take a seat on one of two new buddy benches. Whenever students notice a peer sitting on a buddy bench on the playground, they walk over and offer to play with him or her. The West Elementary PTC purchased and installed the seating, hoping to help anyone who is in need of a friend. To get the program off to a great start, students from the Peer to Peer mentorship program gave presentations at the school and modeled how to use the benches.

GHS be nice. club members promote the importance of civility and respect

be nice.Students from the GHS “be nice.” club visited Century Park Learning Center and delivered this message to elementary students at an assembly: “You don’t know what’s going on in people’s lives outside of school. So, how you treat somebody while you’re at school affects how they think, act and feel. Ultimately, we need to be nice to each other in every circumstance.” Tonia Shoup, principal of CPLC, says the message was inspiring and well-received.

Dr. Merkel

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Visit KDL!Battle of the BooksThe battle lines are being drawn! Registration has begun and team preparations are underway for the 6th annual Battle of the Books. BOB is a popular book trivia tournament for kids in grades 5-8; it is sponsored by the Grandville branch of Kent District Library in partnership with Grandville Public Schools and Grandville Christian School.

Participants form their own teams of four to six kids and read six pre-selected books. With the guidance of their coach, each team hones their knowledge of the books and gets ready to compete for top spot with other BOB teams on Saturday, March 21 at Grandville Middle School.

For more information about BOB or to register your team, like us on Facebook at Grandville Battle of the Books, visit www.kdl.org/events/go/BOB or stop in to the KDL-Grandville branch. Registration ends Feb. 20.

Winter Storytimes: Tuesdays, Jan. 6 – Feb. 24• Babytime, for babies birth to 18 months with a caregiver at 1:00 p.m.• Toddler Time , for children ages 4 and younger with a caregiver at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.•Preschool Storytime, for children ages 3-6 at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The Pirate’s Life For Me! – family event (School in-service day)Monday, Jan. 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Heart To Heart Craft Party – family holiday eventTuesday, Feb. 10 at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Get Revved Up (Mid-winter break special for families)Monday, Feb. 16 at 1:00 p.m.Interested in cars? Want to learn how an engine works? Create your own rubber band car and much more!

Teen Zone - grades 6-12Every Thursday, Jan. 8 – Feb. 26 at 3 p.m.Teen-only fun for you and your friends at the library!

Programs For AdultsGluten-Free LifestyleMonday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Osgood Brewing Tour (registration required) Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Health Care And Your RetirementTuesday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

ZentangleWednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

The Grandville branch of the Kent District Library is located at 4055 Maple SW. Phone: 784-2007. www.kdl.orgRegistration is required for most library programs.

Triumph at the Lions GameGrandville physical education teachers prepare students for the annual Punt, Pass and Kick competition, which is sponsored by the NFL. But some children practice many hours outside of class, including Cummings student Demario’n Pierce – and this year, the practice paid off. Demario’n is the new state champion in his age division! The six-year-old wowed the crowd at Ford Field in December as he punted, passed and kicked the ball to victory before the Lions game. Congratulations also go out to Grand View student Nevea Bush and GHS student Seth Puhar, who each claimed the runner-up title in their respective divisions.

Please join us for the 14th Annual

Taste of GrandvilleBenefitting the

Grandville Education Foundation

Grandville High SchoolMonday, March 2, 2015

5:30-8:00 p.m.

Back by popular demand!The Taste of Grandville will feature area businesses and restaurants!

Proudly featuring musical performances by the Grandville Public Schools Jazz bands and the Eighth Grade Chamber Orchestra (ECHO)

$10 adult tasting passport, $2.50 kids meals (10 & under) and$25 Family Passport - includes 2 tasting tickets and 2 kids meals!

Kids meals provided by GPS: (hot dog, chips, and bottled water)

An event you don’t want to miss!

Advance tickets available at Grandville Community Education,Grandville Middle School, Grandville High School and

www.grandvilleeducationfoundation.org

State Grand Champion Demario’n Pierce

State Runners-Up Seth Puhar and Nevea Bush

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Community Ed: Learn and Connect Address: 3843 Prairie SWPhone: (616) 254-6553

From swimming lessons to baton twirling classes, Community Ed has it all. To view the winter 2015 recreation brochure, visit the Community Education page at gpsbulldogs.org or register online at recpro.grandville.mi.us.

Lap Swim and Open SwimPunch passes for open swim and lap swim are now available through Community Education:

20 Punches $30 for Grandville Public Schools residents20 Punches $50 for non-residents

Program Time Days LocationLap Swim / Water Walking 5:45 a.m.-7:00 a.m. Monday – Friday Middle School PoolLap Swim / Water Walking 7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Saturdays Middle School Pool

Program Time Days LocationOpen Swim 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays Middle School PoolOpen Swim 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturdays Middle School Pool

Pool will be open during Spring Break on April 7 and April 9. Open swim 1-3 p.m.Pools will be closed May 22-25, 2015.

Aqua Aerobics Medium-High IntensityAquatone uses both the deep and shallow areas of the pool to give you a great medium/high-impact workout. Instructors will use a variety of class formats and equipment to help increase cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, tone, and flexibility. No class on May 25, 2015.

Punch Passes: $40 / 10 visits When: 7 to 8 p.m. on Mondays & Wednesdays Location: Grandville Middle School Pool

Golden Age Cards AvailableThe Golden Age Card entitles retirees age 60 and older to free admission into home athletic events at Grandville Public Schools. If you live within our district and meet the criteria, please stop in to Community Education or call 254-6553 to receive your card.

Men’s Early Morning Open Basketball ProgramThe men’s early morning open basketball meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 6 to 7:30 a.m. at Grandville Middle School. If you enjoy playing basketball and would like some exercise, please join us. The cost is $2 per morning or $25 for January through June no matter how many days a week you play; you may purchase a pass at the Community Education office. Please bring a light-colored and dark-colored shirt each time.

Respecting Their EldersCentral sixth graders visit the Senior Neighbors Center around the major holidays throughout the year, bringing treats and their favorite games along. Teacher Lorie LaHuis notes that the children develop a real bond with the seniors, and she enjoys watching the relationships form as the year progresses.

Girls cross-country team, 2014 Division 1 Regional Champion

Teamwork & SportsmanshipOur student-athletes had an impressive fall season: The girls cross-country team won the regional championship, the football team made the state playoffs and the boys tennis team earned a berth to state finals. There were many personal success stories, too. Congratulations to the following students, who received All-Conference honors:

Boys Cross Country: Matt Smith

Cross Country: Madison Troy, Val Wierenga, Allie Utting

Football: Brian Cappiello, Jakob Schmid, Eppe Saarenheimo, Daniel Shanley

Golf: Bella Buck

Soccer: Kody Larsen

Tennis: Josh Kukla, Zach Rabitoy,Josh Troemel

Water Polo: Jared Yoakem

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Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI

Permit No. 1

Grandville Public Schools3839 Prairie Street SWGrandville, Michigan 49418

2015-16 Preschool Open House and RegistrationDesigned to galvanize your child’s curiosity and creativity, our early childhood programs prepare preschoolers for elementary school. Our teachers use the highly endorsed Creative Curriculum® and individualize instruction to address the important areas of learning, from math and social skills to technology and the arts.

To register for our tuition-based preschool programs for children ages 3 to 5 for 2015-16, join us at one of our open houses. Meet

our teachers, ask questions and register if you wish. The cost to enroll is $50 and nonrefundable. The tuition-free Great Start Readiness Program has no enrollment fee but requires an application; find out more at the open house about this high-quality program for children. Registrations taken the night of open house will only pertain to the host school; if you want to register at a particular school, you must attend that site for the open house. After all open houses are held, we take enrollments for our tuition-based preschool locations on a first come, first served basis in the Community Education office. Three-year-olds must be 3 by Sept. 1, 2015, and 4-year-olds must be 4 by Sept. 1, 2015.

Jan. 15, 2015 – Open House 6:30-7:30 p.m.Cummings Elementary – Will offer a T/TH afternoon class for 3-year-olds and a M/W/F afternoon combined class for 3- and 4-year-olds.

South Elementary – Will offer a T/TH morning class for 3-year-olds, a M/W/F morning combined class for 3- and 4-year-olds and a M-TH afternoon class for 4-year-olds.

Jan. 22, 2015 – Open House 6:30-7:30 p.m.Century Park Learning Center – Will offer a morning and afternoon M-TH class for 4-year-olds.

Grand View Elementary – Will offer a T/TH morning class for 3-year-olds, a M/W/F morning combined class for 3- and 4-year-olds and a M-TH afternoon class for 4-year-olds.

Jan. 29, 2015 – Open House 6:30-7:30 p.m.Central Elementary – Will offer Great Start Readiness Preschool, a tuition-free program for children who are 4 by Sept. 1, 2015. For more information on this program, please call 254-6554 (Option 2).

Preschool sections must have at least 10 students to run. If enrollment for a section is low, you will be notified as soon as possible, but no later than Aug. 1. We intend to offer sections at the schools listed above, but preschool locations for 2015-16 remain tentative until kindergarten registration has been finalized. A larger than anticipated enrollment in kindergarten could potentially displace the location of a preschool class.

Newsletter NotesThis newsletter is printed on paper comprised of 70 – 80% eucalyptus pulp content and is manufactured as elementary chlorine free. Eucalyptus is a highly renewable wood source and the paper is completely recyclable. In addition, all inks used in printing are vegetable

based.

The Communicator is a bimonthly newsletter.

Suggestions for stories are welcome.

Email: news@gpsbulldogs.org