Back to School by James Criswell

PAVING THE WAY Another school year about to begin

inside:

Battle Creek creates STEM curriculum, Page 3 Harper Creek adds AP classes, Page 5 Dennis Jackson, of Asphalt Solutions of Marshall, spreads Neyra PaveShield sealer on the parking lot at Lakeview High School. PaveShield is described as an environmentally friendly product. Lakeview officials said they wanted a green product for the 307,000 square feet of lots they were having coated and sealed this summer. Kevin Hare/THe enquirer

BACK TO SCHOOL

An annual publication of the Battle Creek Enquirer

2011

Sunday, July 31

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

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Justin A. Hinkley The Enquirer

udley Elementary will be a new kind of school this fall, a kind never before seen in Battle Creek. A large classroom has been gutted to make way for a new laboratory. Technology such as interactive white boards have been installed in classrooms. School uniforms have been ordered, as well as iPads for the students. All of this is part of an effort to revamp Dudley Elementary and turn it into the Dudley STEM School. STEM stands for sciSee STEM, Page 4

Teachers and students plant flowers for the new Monarch butterfly house at Dudley Elementary School.

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| BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

Dudley prepping for STEM school

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

Tamara Jamierson and Kathy Grosso inspect a classroom at Dudley Elementary School that is being converted into a computer room. KEvin HarE/THE EnquirEr

STEM

Continued from Page 3

ence, technology, engineering and math, and it’s a big push in education these days. Everyone from Gov. Rick Snyder to President Barack Obama to education policy wonks worldwide say more STEM education is needed to prepare kids for a technology- and innovation-driven, competitive global economy. Indeed, STEM is a buzzword around BCPS. The district is participating in an $18 million statewide grant program that will put former scientists, engineers or technicians in district classrooms as teachers. Its Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center is moving downtown with program boosts and STEM boosts are being worked into various parts of district curriculum. But nowhere will changes be more visible than at Dudley. “The idea is to take students at an early age and create this love, this knowledge, this interest and passion in science,” said Tamara Jamierson, Dudley principal. With a food-science nexus developing downtown, a strong industrial corridor at Fort Custer and one of only 33 Michigan communities with a math and science center, “Battle Creek is the perfect place to

foster that,” Jamierson said. Early this year, Dudley won an internal competitive application process to host the STEM school in the fall, and work has been under way since then fine-tuning the program. Research has been done on best practices and existing STEM schools around the country were visited. Teachers were trained. Supplies were bought. A “Monarch way station” is being built to help the school attract the butterflies and study them. Also in the works is a greenhouse and mobile planetarium. And Kathy Grosso, former principal at St. Philip Catholic Central High School and a former science teacher, was hired as a STEM facilitator. One of Grosso’s jobs is to reach out to surrounding STEM-related businesses and ask STEM experts to visit classrooms. There also will be partnerships with Kingman Museum and Leila Arboretum, she said. “That’s just a really nice opportunity to use all these community resources,” Grosso said. “That way, it’s not just, ‘This is what I learned in school today.’ It’s, ‘Wow, this is what’s going on in real life?’” Those visits are just one of the changes students will see during their school day next year. For example, Jamierson said, one new lesson will use an iPad application

that will allow students to take the tablet computers outside, point them at a bug or a plant, and the software will identify the creature and reveal information about it. In another lesson, students will work with a 3-D interactive mapping program. The school breakfast will become part of a lesson, with students learning about the science of nutrition. “We’re working on things that are totally different than just going into a library and opening up a book,” Jamierson said. That kind of difference has parents and students excited, she said. Among them is Nadine Rogers, who is raising her grandchildren, Symphony Hickey, 10, and Antony Hickey, 9, both Dudley students. “It is really, really giving the elementary children the opportunity to not only see what their particular field they want to go into is all about, it gives them the inspiration that, ‘Hey, you know what, there is a good possibility I could really do this,’” said Rogers, who worked with the district as a parent adviser to the STEM setup. Rogers said it was important to start young to lay a foundation for that inspiration. Other changes: The elementary’s fourthand fifth-graders will go to the high schoolaged Math & Science Center for mentoring. Uniforms will be worn, Jamierson

said, to show unity and pride in the school and discourage distractions. Teachers were trained in more hands-on instruction that asks the students to come up with questions and answers on their own, Jamierson said, while still sticking to a specific curriculum. Classroom desks will be rearranged to support more collaborative work. She said these methods would also benefit English and social studies lessons at the school. “Reading and writing are an important part of math and science,” Jamierson said, adding that different subject areas will be integrated to help students better learn all of them. “It’s no longer about my kids in my classroom, it’s our kids in our school,” Grosso said. “And hopefully, that’ll expand throughout the entire system and then our entire community.” The principal said the school will reach out to parents as well. A “family astronomy night” is planned where students and their parents would use another application on the iPad that allows them to point the computer at the night sky and the computers will identify constellations. “We’re making the world our classroom,” Jamierson said. Justin A. Hinkley can be reached at 9660698 or jhinkley@battlecreekenquirer.com.

lenged. She said her 16-yearold daughter, Andrea, will be a junior at Harper this fall. Evans said her daughter already is enrolled in the competitive Century 21 Health Careers program through the Calhoun Area Career Center and is dualenrolled at Western Michigan University. Working toward a career in pediatric medicine, Evans said her daughter hopes to take an AP biology class at Harper Creek, depending on scheduling. Her son, Michael, 14, is doubling up on his core classes and took high school classes while in middle school, working toward AP classes, she said. He’ll be a freshman this fall. Evans said her children are working toward AP because, “They feel like it’s a way to provide that rigorous, really college-prep experience so they can be more successful at college. Plus, they tend to be bored in their more traditional courses.”

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And that’s part of why Harper decided to offer these classes, Severson said. The district still will offer other advanced classes, offer dual-enrollment courses and send students to the career center and the Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center. The AP classes are just another avenue for students who want more options, he said. “It’s not this or that, it’s an additional choice,” Severson said. Harper Creek still is working out some details. The district is trying to fit the

AP options into its master schedule, which will help determine the number of students who eventually enroll in those courses. The Board of Education also is deciding whether to add extra weight to grade-point averages for AP classes, making it possible to earn, for example, a 4.5 GPA instead of only a 4.0. Severson said some students shy away from the more challenging courses for fear they’ll hurt their GPA and thus muddy their college applications. But he said colleges add weight to AP classes.

Faley said this year’s AP courses are a pilot, but the district hopes to expand its offerings if there’s good participation. Severson said the district hopes to add more for its students because the world expects more. “Our students are competing with the students of the world, not just the students of Michigan,” he said. “And they need to be further challenged.” Justin A. Hinkley can be reached at 966-0698 or jhinkley@battlecreekenquirer. com.

Union City Community Schools “Striving For Excellence In Everything We Do”

School of Choice Option Available 2011-2012 1st Semester Union City Community Schools is offering a TUITION FREE education to students of Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. We have open seats available at each grade level. We offer a quality, well-rounded, technology centered education in a small town setting. For School of Choice information including information on graduation requirements, athletic participation and transportation, call the superintendent’s office (517-741-8091).

• A personal laptop computer assigned to each student in grades 7 through 12. • An iPad for each student in grades 4 through 6. • FREE before and after school programs (with meals and busing). • Highly Qualiﬁed Teaching Staff. • Curriculum Aligned to the Michigan Standards and Common Core • Technology Integration at All Levels • 1st - 12th Grade Art Classes • K - 12 Music

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his fall, Harper Creek High School will add new classes that aim to challenge some of their best-performing students and better prepare them for college. Earlier this year, the district’s Board of Education added four new Advanced Placement courses to the district’s roster, one for each of the four core content areas: math, English, science and social studies. While some other districts have long offered AP classes, Mary Faley, Harper Creek’s director of curriculum, said this was the first time Harper Creek had offered these tough, college-preparatory courses to its students. There are prerequisite courses before students can enroll in AP, so Faley said the classes will be limited mostly to upperclassmen. Faley said some of the new AP courses will replace existing advanced courses. And AP is a different animal than “advanced” or “honors” classes, she said. Faley said AP classes have tough curriculum defined by the College Board, the New York-based nonprofit that designed the AP program and that started the SAT test. AP classes gear students toward the AP Test, which earns a successful student college credit. Advanced or honors classes, meanwhile, are classes designed by individual schools or districts that may or may not meet those standards. The district sent one teacher from each department to be trained in AP instruction, Faley said. And the district

has ordered new textbooks for the classes. She said the AP-trained teachers will help their colleagues better understand what colleges expect from graduates. “(AP) is not just an advanced class,” Faley said. “It’s a college-level class. You’re doing college-level work.” Dennis Bona, president of Kellogg Community College, said applicable AP classes transfer into college as if the students had taken them there. “The practical impact is that they won’t have to register, pay for, or repeat that course in college, saving the student both time and money,” Bona said. “It recognizes those that want to be further challenged,” said John Severson, Harper superintendent. “When students get into that course, they’ll get a good feel for what the expectations will be college.” Debbie Evans said her children are among those who want to be further chal-

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The Enquirer

| BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

Justin A. Hinkley

Harper Creek adds rigorous AP courses to its schedule

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

New superintendent excited about ‘moving Lakeview forward’ Hello Lakeview students, families and community. My name is Dave Peterson and I look forward to serving the district and community as your next Superintendent of Schools. I am excited to work with the Board and staff to continue moving Lakeview forward, providing students with exceptional learning opportunities. One of my first experiences in Lakeview was attending the Board of Education’s Annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon which takes place on the day of graduation. The community’s pride in its students and graduates was fully evident as I talked to those in attendance that day. Reviewing the accomplish-

Dave Peterson Lakeview ments of the Class of 2011, the source of that pride is clear. Lakeview High School’s Class of 2011, 306 members strong, had the highest number of students in school history graduate with a 4.0 grade

point average. Now, consider that all students graduating from Michigan schools in 2011 were the first to fulfill the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum, a set of educational standards which are among the most rigorous in the nation. This means that 23 of Lakeview High School’s 2011 graduates earned the highest academic honors under the most rigorous requirements in our state’s history. Thirty-four percent of the class graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher as measured under those same rigorous standards. Ninety-six percent of the class will continue their education or professional or

military training next year. Clearly, by the stories shared with me on graduation day, these students are to be commended not only for their scholarship but for their leadership and extracurricular pursuits as well. Among these young graduates are aspiring community leaders, volunteers, human rights activists, nationally recognized entrepreneurs, an MHSAA Scholar Athlete, an international swimming champion, accomplished artists and award-winning musicians. These accomplishments are testimony to Lakeview’s focus on educational programs and practices which take into account individu-

al student needs and goals. And, while the goal of public education is ultimately to prepare students for college and career, it is important to recognize the contributions of the entire K-12 educational process in preparing our students for success beyond school. As I look toward the start of my first year in Lakeview, some of our most pressing challenges will be addressing drastic changes in school funding and state and federal standards for education. Like the majority of Michigan school districts, we must continue to stretch our thinking on how we deliver programs and services in light of these challenges.

Lakeview will continue to support and benefit from the many collaborative efforts among Battle Creek area school districts as well as the generous support of our community. The Lakeview administrative team and staff will continue working together to identify ways to cut costs with the least impact on core educational programs. District staff will keep residents informed regarding our efforts in these areas along with celebrations of student excellence. I look forward to meeting many of you as we start the school year on Sept. 6. Dave Peterson is superintendent of Lakeview School District.

Harper Creek schools is the ‘cornerstone of community’

It starts with full-day kindergarten and ends with scholarships. In between, you’ll find the educational experience at Harper Creek Community Schools a unique blend everything your child needs to succeed, including: » A comprehensive K-12 character education program » Technology tools, updated facilities, and continually updated curriculum in every classroom » Extended learning opportunities for advanced learners, including testing-out, dual enrollment, advanced placement (A.P.) classes » Comprehensive support services for challenged learners, including Special Education, Title I, English Language learners, credit recovery and preschool » Exciting fine arts opportunities » Quality athletic programming and facilities, includ-

ing a community swim program » K-12 foreign language instruction » State and international award winning DECA Program » State quarter and semi finalist Robotics Team As our mission says, we are the cornerstone of the community, honoring the past, excelling in the present, and focusing on the future, ensuring that each student achieves optimal growth in order to become a responsible citizen in a global society. This can only be accomplished through an educational system characterized by: » A rigorous, relevant curriculum » A meaningful instructional delivery system » A highly qualified, caring, and enthusiastic staff » A physically and emotionally secure environment

» The active participation of families and community members Harper Creek’s educational successes are a longtime source of pride in the community, and include things like: » A comprehensive curriculum aligned with the State of Michigan Academic Standards » Newly adopted graduation requirements for high school students » All Harper Creek schools making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act » Comprehensive assessment systems, including participation in district, state, and national assessments Our student successes are made possible, in part, by community members partnering with every building in the district for strategic planning, building and pro-

gramming volunteers, and more. By their actions, they support and endorse the success of every child who passes through our doors. With their help, we achieve: » University partnerships for curriculum development, programming and transitional/financial aid support » Partnerships with city and county programs for hunger, physical fitness and reading » Alumni relations including a district web-page, data collection and up-to-date news » Active membership in the Battle Creek Educators’ Task Force » Leading community resources to serve on the Harper Creek Board of Education » Students earning over a million dollars in scholarships annually As a district, parent-student-teacher communication

John severson Harper Creek is vital to our student successes, and we have many ways to make that happen including: » Interactive teacher web pages to enhance parent/student communication » Easy online access to district resources and publications » Regular reports of student achievement, including steadily increasing scores on

state assessments » Monthly parent newsletter » Pearson Education’s PowerSchool online assignment and grade tracking program Our community expects us to deliver programming that will prepare students for future educational and employment opportunities in the global marketplace, and we’re ready to meet that challenge. As we look forward to the 2011-12 school year, we continue to find unique ways to offer more to our students. More educational choices; more technology, fine arts and athletics options; more community support and interaction; more student scholarships and awards; more learning; and finally, more success. Welcome Back! John Severson is superintendent of Harper Creek Community Schools.

ALBION PUBLIC SCHOOLS Website: www.albion.k12.mi.us

ARBOR ACADEMY CONtACtS

55 Arbor St., Battle Creek, MI 49015

PHONE 269-963-5851

WEBSItE www.arbor-academy.org

AtHENS AREA SCHOOLS CALENDAR Aug. 30: East Leroy Elementary open house, 6-7 p.m.; high school open house, 7-8 p.m. Sept. 6: First day for students. Sept. 19: Picture Day Oct. 10: Parent/teacher conferences, 3-7:30 p.m., AHS

Oct. 11: Begin MEAP testing, grades 3-8 Oct. 27: Picture retake day Oct. 28: End MEAP testing Nov. 8: Parent/teacher conferences, 3:30-8 p.m., ELE Nov. 10: Parent/teacher conferences, 3:30-8 p.m., ELE Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving break. Dec. 22-Jan. 3: Winter break Jan. 4: Return from winter break. Jan. 16: MLK Day – school is in session this day. Jan. 19-20– Half-days for students. Feb. 20: President’s Day – School is in session. Parent/teacher conferences and middle school science fair, 3-6 p.m., AHS

March 8: Kindergarten pre-registration meeting, 6 p.m.; ELE March 27: Elementary parent/teacher conferences, 3:30-6:30 p.m. April 2-6: Spring break. April 9: Return from spring break May 1-3: Kindergarten roundup, ELE May 18: Track & Field Day, ELE, 9 a.m. May 21: Rain date for ELE track & field May 25: Last day for seniors in good standing; Class Wills, Remember Whens, Graduation Rehearsal May 28: Memorial Day, no school. May 30: Senior Dinner, 7 p.m. May 31: Half-day for students. See INFO, Page 9

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7 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

Editor’s note: Requests for calendars and contacts were submitted this month to all area school districts. Some schools couldn’t be reached and some didn’t have all information available, which is why some districts listed here include only partial information.

What’s cool for back to school? Mobile tech

BCPS has ‘wealth of programming’ It is a new beginning in Battle Creek Public Schools! We are very excited and pleased to offer several new initiatives that will be implemented this school year. » The Dudley Elementary STEM School will open in fall, 2011 with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) » A Ninth Grade Academy will be located at Battle Creek Central High School » Middle School Restructuring » New State of the Art High School » Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center Relocation » High School credit for foreign language and Algebra in the Middle Schools We also have other unique programming available in Battle Creek Public Schools including: » Advanced and Accelerat-

LINDA HICKS BC Public Schools ed Program in Grades 4-8 » Legacy Scholarships to Kellogg Community College » Dr. Ben Carson Scholarships » Outdoor Education Center » 21st Century Before and After School Programming As you can see Battle Creek Public Schools has a wealth of programming for our students. Please come take a tour!

LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press

What’s on top of the school supply list this year? It isn’t T-shirts and tennis shoes. It’s the other T, for mobile tech. Kids as young as elementary age are looking for smartphone upgrades, while the college set is sussing out the explosion in tablets, said Craig Johnson, president of the retail consulting and research firm Customer Growth Partners in New Canaan, Conn. “The single most important thing is the acceleration of technology for back to school. Kids don’t get excited about a new lunch box these days, or a new backpack. Cool means technology,” he said. That means e-readers with high functionality like highlighting, underlining, pagination and touchscreens. “All of the features are out now or in the process of coming out,” he said. The new Nook has a sixinch touchscreen and crisp, clear print for reading in bright light, tech analyst Andrea Smith told reporters

at a recent Consumer Electronics Association trade show. It also indicates how many pages to the end of a chapter and has received praise for long battery life. Back-to-school tech also means tablets. Once hallowed Apple ground, iPad 2 competitors are everywhere this season. Apple’s still the big kid but Android technology is in pursuit. Some of the new tablets run Adobe Flash software, which Apple doesn’t have. In addition to the iPad 2, Smith suggests the 10-inch Toshiba Thrive for back to school. It runs on Android, has two USB ports and an SD card reader. The new TouchPad by HewlettPackard, she said, runs on webOS, has a 9.7-inch screen and touts easy multitasking among open apps. For analyst Natali Morris, iPad 2 “really is the only tablet on the market that kids are coveting,” though she added that some Android

technology is good for notetaking and syncing. Tablets are cool, but are they practical for actual schoolwork? That might have everything to do with the popularity of bluetoothenabled keyboard add-ons, including the new one Smith and Morris like from Logitech with a case that easily turns into a tablet stand. Toshiba has a keyboard, too, also sold separately. Morris’ picks for student laptops: MacBook Air with an 11- or 14-inch screen. They weigh as little as 2.3 pounds and boot up in about five seconds, she said at the CEA line shows in June. Those features are good for students moving from class to class. Going head to head with MacBook Air for PC-prone students is the sleek new Samsung Series 9, Morris said. It’s light, boots Windows in 20 seconds and offers 160-degree viewing for group work.

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Christine Mallon, vice president of retail marketing for Staples, agrees that mobile tech is leading the back-to-school drive and creeping onto supply lists for ever-younger kids. “One of the biggest trends that we’ve seen is that technology is becoming a school supply,” she said. “Kids need laptops, they need flash drives. We’re seeing it in a very big way this year.” Flash drives shaped like animals — safari to farm — have taken off, she said. Also look for Tony Hawk-branded skateboard drives this year. Look for rhinestone-studded scissors, staplers, pens and calculators, along with glitter binders in four colors, at Staples. Any true re-inventions on the horizon? Watch for Azuna 3D technology on notebook covers, Mallon said. They’re available only at Staples. “It’s literally 3D,” she said. “It’s very, very cool.”

South Shore Speech

BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL

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JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

395 South Shore Dr. #310, Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: 269-660-1025 LJ-0100105428

southshorespeech.com southshorespeech@sbcglobal.net

Jerry L. Mueller Pennfield Schools

trend/trend/ — Noun: A general direction in which something is developing or changing. In September, almost 2,000 students will be returning to the halls of academia at Pennfield schools. Our welcome back message to these students and their families is a look at trends. Our community has supported the schools with heart and mind. Through academics, the arts, and athletics, we believe in developing the total student and preparing them for their role as an

informed citizen. As we welcome back our students let’s look at the academic trends that remind us — ”It’s Great to be a Pennfield Panther.” This year our students have continued to meet the demands of federal and state testing requirements. Every year our buildings must perform an average of 10 percent higher on state assessments to demonstrate Adequate Yearly Progress. Our buildings are all identified as A schools with the middle school receiving a B rating. Even with the bar being raised, our trend shows that through the hard work of our staff, students

INFO

www.athensk12.org

Commencement, 7 p.m., AHS June 1: Half-day for students. Last day of school.

Calendar Aug. 15: School registration Aug. 18: First day of school

Contact

Contacts

965-1278

Superintendent Richard Franklin, 729-5414 High School Principal Joe Huepenbecker, 7295414

Hours Athens High School, grades 6-12: 7:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. East Leroy Elementary, grades K-5: 8:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

reading and mathematics on the Michigan Merit Examination. Through the hard work of our teachers, students, and their parents, our students have proven themselves ready to take on the challenges of an increasingly complex and rigorous curriculum. The literacy requirements of a new state curriculum are being met by all of our elementary staff. Several students in the middle school are taking high school level algebra and geometry as well as foreign language classes. Opportunities for advanced work in a variety of sub-

jects exist in both our middle school and high school. Future trends also include an increase in opportunities for students to expand their high school experience through electives and advanced classes. This year our high school has demonstrated that our students are prepared for early success at the collegiate level. We witnessed 53 high school students dual-enrolled in college classes. This was a 178 percent increase from the 19 students dualenrolled in 2009. We know that our students will someday graduate and leave our district. In doing

4:00pm-6:00pm Sept. 6: First day of school Sept. 23: No school Sept. 23-25: Superfest Oct. 18-20: Middle/High School Parent Conferences Oct. 21: NO SCHOOL - Middle School and High School ONLY Nov. 15-17: Parent Conferences-Elementary School

BATTLE CREEK ACADEMY

Continued from Page 7

Website:

and the community of Pennfield schools, academic excellence is a standard at Pennfield schools. The trend of academic excellence has longevity within our schools. Our K-5th grade buildings consistently have 88-92 percent proficiency in reading and mathematics. Our Middle School Math, Language Arts and Science scores continue to exceed the state and county area schools. In a recent Battle Creek Enquirer article, from a list of cited schools, Pennfield High School was the only high school identified to have a positive percentage of change in both

Website www.battlecreekacademy.com

BATTLE CREEK AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Calendar Aug. 31: Freshman Orientation and Retreat Sept. 1: Meet Your Teacher-Elementary School and Middle School Open House

Did You Know?

CALHOUN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HAS AWESOME ART, DRAMA & MUSIC PROGRAMS!

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NEW K-12 STUDENTS RECEIVE 20% OFF TUITION! Calhoun Christian School 20 S. Woodrow, Battle Creek, MI

Ph: 269-965-5560 LJ-0100107690

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so, we want to have confidence that we have prepared them to be trustworthy, knowledgeable, hardworking and capable of service to their family, community and nation. Our academic trends are demonstrating that the future looks good for the graduates of Pennfield schools. As mid-summer fades and the start of a new academic year is around the corner, welcome back Pennfield families! It’s great to be a Pennfield Panther! Jerry L. Mueller is curriculum director at Pennfield Schools.

Nov. 18: NO SCHOOL - Elementary School ONLY Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving Break Dec. 23-Jan. 2: Christmas break Jan. 3: School Resumes Jan. 16: NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day Feb. 20: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break Feb. 28-29: Parent Conferences-Middle and High School See INFO, Page 10

| BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

Pennfield trending toward opportunity

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

Submitted by Battle Creek College Access Network(CAN)

Luckock named new Legacy Scholars Specialist

Beth Luckock began her work this month as Legacy Scholars Specialist, according to Battle Creek College Access Network (CAN) Coordinator Selena Melvin. “We warmly welcome Beth to Legacy Scholars and the Battle Creek College Access Network,” said Melvin. “We look for-

INFO

Continued from Page 9 March 27-29: Elementary Parent Conferences April 2-6: No School-Spring Break April 9: No School-Easter Monday

ward to her sharing her expertise as an educator, motivator, collaborator, and leader. She will help us LUCKOCK achieve the overall goal of creating a college-going culture in Battle Creek.” Luckock previously

worked as college access projects coordinator for the University of Michigan; trained alternatively certified teachers and college instructors; and taught English as a Second Language (ESL), Spanish and Kindergarten in the public school systems and community colleges in New Orleans and New York. “I look forward to working with students and fam-

ilies,” said Luckock, “nourishing their aspirations, supporting them with useful programs and helping them to achieve college readiness and success. I can’t wait for the school year to start, so I can work with and celebrate the first class to graduate as Legacy Scholars next year.” Legacy Scholars is about making high school diplomas and college degrees a

reality for students of Battle Creek Public Schools and Lakeview School District. Students receive twoyear scholarships to Kellogg Community College (62 credit-hour equivalent) when they graduate from high school. Legacy Scholars was initiated and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as part of the Foundation’s 75th Anniversary grantmaking activities.

For more information about Legacy Scholars, visit the office at One Riverwalk Centre, Tower 3, 34 West Jackson Street, call 966-4091, or visit www.legacyscholars.org. For more information about Battle Creek CAN, a one-stop location for accessing all available resources to make college a reality for area students, call 719-8CAN (8226).

April 10: School Resumes May 23 Last day for Seniors May 28: Memorial Day June 3: Graduation-2:00 pm June 5: Last Day for 8th Grade June 7: Middle School Graduation-7:00 pm June 7-8: 1/2 Day-High School Only-Exams

June 8: 1/2 Day-Last Day of School

Central HS

Battle Creek, MI 49015 (269) 963-4935

(269) 965-7749

CONtACtS Administration Office 63 North 24th Street Battle Creek, MI 49015 (269) 963-1131

St. Philip Catholic

20 Cherry Street Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 963-4503

St. Joseph Middle School 44 North 25th Street

St. Joseph Elementary & Preschool

47 North 23rd Street Battle Creek, MI 49015

Athens Area Schools

The Schools To Choose

• Great MEAP Scores • High Expectations for Student Achievement & Behavior • Excellent Faculty, Caring Staff, Family Atmosphere • Extra Tutoring Available for All Students

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• Great Extra-Curricular Opportunities • Beautiful Area, Affordable Housing, Close to Battle Creek • Fiscally Responsible • Committed to Excellence • Pride in the Past • Building for the Future

For more information, check out our website at www.athensk12.org Or call us at (269) 729-5427

HOURS Elementary School: 8:00 am – 3:10 pm Middle School: 7:55 am – 3:10 pm High School: 8:00 am – 3:10 pm

WEBSItE www.bcacs.org

BAttLE CREEK CHRIStIAN SCHOOL CALENDAR Aug. 30: Open house, 67:30 p.m. for preschool and kindergarten programs Sept. 6: First day of school

CONtACtS Administrator Marc Daly 269-963-0649

HOURS 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WEBSItE bcchristian.net

BAttLE CREEK PUBLIC SCHOOLS Calendar (tentative) Aug. 13: Welcome Back Registration in the Park – Piper Park – games, prizes, ice cream for parents, staff and students 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (rain location – BC See INFO, Page 13

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FREE

Children’s Back To School Vision Screening

JEROMY MYERS, DC RACHELLE MYERS, DC MAX MASTERS, DC

Did you know it is a state requirement for children to have a vision test before starting kindergarten? Bring your child to us for a free vision screening!

PHONE 269-964-1441

Thursday, August 4, 11, 18, & 25 1-4PM Ages 4-12 Call 269.288.8400 to Schedule Appointments

ADDRESS 1230 E. Columbia Ave.

If further testing is needed, your child will receive a 20% discount on all services. We will provide certiﬁcation of passing the screening if needed.

WEB SITE www.myers-chiropractic.com

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Northside Vision Services

HOURS M-F 8:00am - 5:30pm

Dr. Bruce Christensen

Welcoming to our ofﬁce, Dr. Geoff Heddle and Dr. Jennifer Lambart

100 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017 • (269) 288-8400

Timothy Bandeen, DDS, MS Emily Bandeen DDS

Ofﬁce Phone:

269.963.4118 LJ-0100107202

497 East Columbia, Suite #13 • Battle Creek, MI 49014

Fax: 269.963.4167

(In the Oak Ridge Ofﬁce Center)

A New Year. A New Look. NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

Ray’s

Optical Service

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DID YOUR CHILD STRUGGLE LAST SCHOOL YEAR? LET THIS BE THE SCHOOL YEAR YOUR CHILD EXCELS! Excel Vision Therapy Center specializes in diagnosing and treating vision-related learning disorders. Does your child have these problems? Reversals • Avoids Reading • Reads Slowly • Skips/repeats lines Loses place • Poor Handwriting • Poor Reading Comprehension Difﬁculty with Sight Words • Headaches EXCEL VISION THERAPY CENTER will be conducting a FREE developmental vision assessment on

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 Call today to schedule (269)963-3600

We accept most VSP & Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Delta & Now EyeMed Access Vision Plans. Dr. James Baker 1125 W. Columbia Ave. • Battle Creek LJ-0100105749

(269) 963.1298

WALK IN’S WELCOME

Excel Vision Therapy Center 395 S Shore Dr, Suite 101 Battle Creek Dr. Bruce Christensen, Director 0010587560

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| BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

BACK TO SCHOOL Medical Specialists

BACK TO SCHOOL

“Fun For The Whole Family”

Come in & Create with Pottery & Glass! Design and paint tiles, vases or your own original dinnerware. Create personalized gifts for loved ones, teachers, coaches, family and friends.

109 E. Michigan Ave., Marshall 269-781-5828

www.theﬁrehousepotterystudio.com | e-mail: ﬁrehousestudio@aol.com Monday-Friday 11-8 • Saturday 10-5 • Closed Sunday

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HARVEY’S NEST LEARNING CENTER

BATTLE CREEK TRANSIT • 339 W. MICHIGAN AVE. BATTLE CREEK, MI 49037

Visit www.battlecreekmi.gov/living or call (269) 966-3474 LJ-0100107198

DISCOUNT HOBBY Comics, Cards & Games www.discounthobby.com 5700 Beckley Rd., E20c

Battle Creek, MI 49015

(269)

Tutoring Services - 4 and Up Learning Materials Educational Toys and Games New Hours: M-F 1pm-7pm • Sat 10-3 www.HarveysNestonline.com

692 Capital Avenue, SW • Battle Creek, MI 49015 Phone: (269) 969 7772/968-2951 pandbharvey@comcast.net

The Albion District Library Offers you:

BATTLE CREEK TRANSIT

(Target Center)

Betty and Paul Harvey Tutoring and Travel Specialists

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Parents! Need help getting to work on time? Let Battle Creek Transit help you get there.

BATMAN TM DC COMICS 2004

General Business

THE FIRE HOUSE

Students! Get to school on time, and stay ahead of the class. Let Battle Creek Transit help get you there with convenient and reliable services.

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JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

A free library card Online catalog Wireless access DVDs Reciprocal borrowing privileges with the Jackson District Library Free coffee Programs for Adults, Teens and Children Volunteer opportunities Work study opportunities Video gaming GED Program Public access to Channel 10

OPEN: Mon.-Sat. Noon-8:00 pm Sun. Noon-6:00 pm

979-2262

www.albionlibrary.org 517.629.3993 Library hours: Mon-Thurs 10-8pm, Sat. and Sun. 1-5pm

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Calhoun Community High School first opened its doors in 2002 and has since graduated nearly 500 students. As an alternative public charter academy chartered by Kellogg Community College, the school’s mission is to provide an opportunity for students who have not been successful in the traditional high school setting to succeed and earn their high school diploma. Admission is free of

INFO

Continued from Page 10 Central Field House) Sept. 6: School starts Oct. 31: No school for students Nov. 23-25: Thanksgiving Break – No school Dec. 22-Jan. 3: Winter Break – No school Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School for Students March 30: No School April 2-6: Spring break May 28: Memorial Day June 8: Last day of school – ½ day for students

CONtACtS Battle Creek Public Schools Administration Office 3 W. Van Buren Street Battle Creek, MI, 49017 Phone: 269-965-9500

WEBSItE battlecreekpublicschools.org

BEDFORD BIBLE CHURCH SCHOOL Calendar Contacts Hours Website

BELLEVUE COMMUNItY SCHOOLS

charge. Graduates receive a diploma based on their completion of the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Class size at CCHS is smaller, averaging about 1 teacher to every 20 students. In fact, the entire school is smaller, with only about 225 students anticipated to be attending in the Fall of 2011. John Wemlinger is the new Director at Calhoun Community High School. He has this to say about CCHS: “There

are a lot of factors that allow us to succeed with our students where other schools haven’t. Part of it is our size. We’re smaller than the typical high school in the area. But the larger part of what we do is because of our superb staff. We really get to know the students who attend here. We build on these relationships in the classroom and try new learning techniques. We try to make the classroom both interesting and relevant to

their lives.” Requirements for Attendance: » Must be between the ages of 16-19 (cannot turn 20 before Sept. 6, 2011). In the case of students with Special Education Accommodations the maximum age is 26 (cannot turn 26 before Sept. 6, 2011) » Must reside in the Kellogg Community College Catchment Area » Must be able to provide own transportation to and

from school each day School Calendar: The 20112012 School Year will begin on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. The last day of school for the year will be June 8, 2012. The school’s yearly schedule mirrors that of the Lakeview School District. The enrollment pro cess begins by making an appointment to come to the school to discuss with Wemlinger the student’s educational goals and to see how CCHS can help the student

achieve them. CCHS expects to be larger in 2011-2012 by 50 to 60 students than it was last school year. Vacancies still exist for students to start in September. If your high school student has not been successful up to this point in their high school career and meets the eligibility requirements outlined above, Wemlinger suggests that you call him at 269-5654783 to set up that appointment that could lead to turning things around.

CALENDAR

763-9050 Food Service: Karen Franks: 763-9401 Transportation Office: 7639368 Maintenance Office: 7639432

April 2-6: Spring break April 30: No school May 28: Memorial Day June 7: Commencement/ baccalaureate, 7 p.m. at BHS June 8: Last day for students except BACC

June 11: Last day for BACC students

CONtACtS

James R. Modert, Superintendent Phone: 369-3257

Administration 215 W. Chicago St. Bronson, MI 49028 517-369-3257

BRONSON JR./SR. HIgH

Aug. 31: Teacher Professional Development Day Sept. 1: Teacher Professional Development Day Sept. 6: First day for students Oct. 11 Students all day Parent / Teacher Conferences 4-7 Oct. 13 Students all day Parent / Teacher Conferences 4-7 Oct. 14 No School Nov. 23: End of 1st Trimester Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving Break Dec. 22 – Jan. 3: Christmas Break Jan. 4: Return from Christmas Break Jan. 15: No School Feb. 14, 16: Students all day – Parent / Teacher Conferences 4-7 Feb. 17, 20: No School March 2: End of 2nd Trimester April 2-6: Spring Break April 9: Return from Spring Break May 28: Memorial Day June 8: End of 3rd Trimester, Last day of School for Students and Staff

CONtACtS Superintendent B. Scott Belt: 763-9432 High School Office: 763-9413 Little Bronco Day Care & Preschool Office: 763-9401 Elementary Office: 763-9435 Preschool: 763-9401 Athletics: Doug Blattner:

HOURS

Elementary, K-6: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. High School, 7-12: 8 a.m. 2:50 p.m.

See INFO, Page 14

Do you want more for your child?

WEBSItE

www.bellevue-schools.com

BRONSON COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR

(tentative as of mid-July) Sept. 6: First day of school Nov. 9-10: Parent/teacher conferences, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 11: Parent/teacher conferences, 12:30-3:30 p.m. (half-day for students) Nov. 23: Half-day Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving break Dec. 21-Jan. 2: Christmas break Jan. 3: Return to school after break Jan. 16, 27: No school Feb. 20: No school Feb. 23: Parent/teacher conferences, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 24: Parent/teacher conferences, 12:30-3:30 p.m. (half-day for students)

Education for a Lifetime of Excellence LJ-0100106194

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Submitted by Calhoun Community High School

Calhoun Community ‘interesting and relevant’

INFO

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

Continued from Page 13

8587 Pennﬁeld Road, Battle Creek, MI 49017 Administration Office 269-961-9781 www.pennﬁeld.net

EXPECTING EXCELLENCE • Achievement • Commitment • Innovation • All Day Kindergarten • School of Choice • Before & After School Program • PUL (Power Up Learning) PANTHER PRIDE IS THE High School Student DIFFERENCE Laptop Program

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Unregistered Students (kindergarten/school of choice/new to district)

August 23rd from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm at the High School Media Center Must present a certiﬁed copy of birth certiﬁcate, immunization records and proof of residency.

SCHOOL OF CHOICE Applications are being accepted in the administration ofﬁce until September 8th for all grades.

gRADES 7-12 450 E. Grant St. Bronson, MI 49028 517-369-3230 Wes McCrea, Jr./Sr. High Principal Jean LaClair, Jr./Sr. High Asst. Principal/AD School Hours: 7:55 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.

Anderson Elementary School grades K-2

335 E. Corey St. Bronson, MI 49028 517-369-3234 Dixie Koenemann, Anderson Elementary Principal School Hours: 7:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (All day kindergarten)

August 23 September 6 November 4 November 24-25 December 22 January 4 January 16 January 20 February 17 February 20 March 23 April 2-6 May 28 June 8 LJ-0100105663

New Student Registration First Day for Students End 1st Marking Period Thanksgiving Break Winter Break Begins Winter Break Ends – School Resumes No School – Martin Luther King Day No School – End 2nd Marking Period No School – Comp Day No School – Professional Development Day End 3rd Marking Period Spring Break No School – Memorial Day Last Day of School – 1/2 Day

CONtACtS Bill Spicer, 965-5560 Michelle Huffman, 965-5560

HOURS 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

WEBSItE www.calhounchristian.org

Ryan Elementary School, grades 2-4

461 Rudd St. Bronson, MI 49028 517-369-3254 Mark Heifner, Ryan Elementary Principal School Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Chicago Street School, grades 5-6 501 E. Chicago St. Bronson, MI 49028 517-369-3250 Mark Heifner, Chicago Street Principal School Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

WEBSItE

2011-2012 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Sept. 6: First day of school Oct. 20-21: No school Nov. 8-10: Parent/teacher conferences Nov. 11: No school Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving break Dec. 21-Jan. 3: Christmas break Jan. 4: School resumes Jan. 16: No school Feb. 17, 20: No school March 30-April 6: Spring break April 9: School resumes April 27: No school May 28: Memorial Day June 7: Last day for students

www.bronson.k12.mi.us

CALHOUN AREA CAREER CENtER CALENDAR Sept. 6: First day of school for students Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving break Dec. 22 – Jan. 2: Holiday observance Jan. 3: School reopens Jan. 16: Pro development (no students) April 2-6: Spring break May 28: Memorial Day June 12: Last day for students

WEBSItE calhounisd.org/cacc

CALHOUN CHRIStIAN SCHOOL CALENDAR (tentative as of mid-July) Sept. 1: Back to school bash

CALHOUN COMMUNItY HIgH SCHOOL CALENDAR Sept. 6: First day of school Nov. 23-25: Thanksgiving break Dec. 22 – Jan. 3: Winter break April 2-6: Spring break May 28: Memorial Day June 8: Last day of school

CONtACtS John Wemlinger, director 15 Arbor St., Battle Creek 269-565-4783 jwemlinger@lakeviewspartans.org

HOURS Website: www.calhounhs.org

CLIMAX-SCOttS COMMUNItY SCHOOLS Calendar: N/A Contacts: N/A Hours: N/A

WEBSItE www.csschools.net

COLDWAtER COMMUNItY SCHOOLS Sept. 6: First day of school Oct. 28: No school Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving break Dec. 19-Jan. 2: Christmas break Jan. 16, 27: No school Feb. 20: No school April 2-6: Spring break May 28: Memorial Day June 14: Last student day See INFO, Page 15

WEBSItE www.colonschools.org

Continued from Page 14

DELtON KELLOgg SCHOOLS

CONtACtS Administration, 517-279-5910

COLON COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR (tentative, according to school website) Sept. 6: First day of school Sept. 19: No school Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving break Dec. 23-Jan. 3: Winter recess Feb. 17, 20: Mid-winter break April 2-6: Spring break May 28: Memorial Day

CONtACtS Superintendent Lloyd Kirby, 269-432-3231 lkirby@colonschools.org Junior/high school Principal Debra Swartz, 269-432-3231 dswartz@colonschools.org Elementary School Principal Mitchell Miller, 269-432-2121 mmiller@colonschools.org

Calendar: N/A Contacts: N/A Hours: N/A Website: N/A

DORIS KLAUSSEN DEVELOPMENtAL CENtER Calendar: N/A Contacts: N/A Hours: N/A Website: N/A

ENDEAVOR CHARtER ACADEMY Calendar: N/A Contacts: N/A Hours: N/A Website: N/A

gALESBURg-AUgUStA COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR Aug. 25: Probationary Teachers Aug. 29: Staff Breakfast/GAEA /Building

March 28: 3rd Marking Period Ends March 30: ½ Day K-8 / Records Day April 2-6: Spring Break April 9: School Resumes May 28: No School K-12 Memorial Day June 3: H.S. Graduation 2 p.m. June 8,11, 12: ½ Days 9-12, High School Exams June 12: ½ Day K-12 Last Day- Teacher Check Out June 13: Last Day Teachers/Teacher Check-out

CONtACtS Administration 1076 North 37th St., Galesburg, Mich., 49053 269-484-2000 Tim Vagts, Superintendent Laura Ash, Business Manager Brenda Sutherland, Administrative Assistant Cheryl Fryer, Payroll and Human Resources

galesburg-Augusta High School

1076 N. 37th St., Galesburg, Mich., 49053 269-484-2011 Kevin Riggs, Principal Brent Cole, Assistant Principal Doris Wolthuis, Administrative Assistant Shirley Hoogstraten, Administrative Assistant

See INFO, Page 16

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15 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

INFO

Meetings Aug. 30: Professional Development K-12 Aug. 31: Professional Development (Open House Primary & Middle School) Sept. 1: Professional Development K-12 Sept. 6: School Begins, ½ Day K-12 Oct. 11-20: MEAP Testing (K-8) Oct. 31: ½ Day K-8, Professional Development Nov. 4: No School K-8, ½ Day 9-12 A.M. Students, Marking Period Ends Nov. 16: K-12 Parent Teacher Conferences 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 17: No School, Conferences 8:30 a.m. to noon, 1 4 p.m., 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18: No School K-12 Dec. 23-Jan.6: Holiday Break Jan. 9: School resumes Jan. 16: No School K-12 Professional Development Jan. 24-26: ½ Days 9-12 High School Exams Jan. 27: No School Records Day K-12 Jan. 30: 2nd Semester Begins Feb. 22: K-12 Parent Teacher Conferences 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 23: No School K-12 PTC 8:30-12, 1-4, 5-8 Feb. 24: No School Comp Day March 6: No School K-10 and 12th grade, Professional Development, ACT Testing March 7: ½ Day 9-12, Professional Development (a.m.), MME/PlanTesting-a.m., Students 11:21 a.m. to 2:36 p.m. March 8: ½ Day 9-12, MME PlanTesting (a.m.), Students 11:21-2:36

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

Take your home search on the road!

INFO

HOURS

Continued from Page 15

galesburg-Augusta Middle School 750 W. VanBuren St., Augusta, Mich., 49012 269-731-4138 Jeremy Mansfield, Principal Diane Gray, Administrative Assistant Sarah LaRue, Office Aide

galesburg-Augusta Primary School 315 W. Battle Creek St., Galesburg, Mich., 49053 269-484-2041 Chris Hurley, Principal Diana Lewis, Administrative Assistant Linda Dunithan, Administrative Assistant

tRANSPORtAtION OFFICE 303 W. Battle Creek St., Galesburg, Mich., 49053 269-484-2051 Rick Lewis, Transportation Director

High School: 7:35 a.m. to 2:36 p.m. (Full Day), 7:35 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. (Half Day) Middle School: 8:15 a.m. to 3:12 p.m. (Full Day), 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Half Day) Primary School: 7:50 a.m. to 2:47 p.m. (Full Day), 7:50 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. (Half Day)

WEBSItE http://gacsnet.org

gULL LAKE COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR

Aug. 26: New Teacher Induction Day Aug.29: Teacher Work Day Aug.30: District Professional Development Aug.3: District Professional Development Sept. 1: District Professional Development Sept. 2-5: Labor Day Observence - No Students/No Teachers Sept. 6: First Student Day - Full Day

Young Child Associates, Inc. Now Offering 2 Locations

• Preschool - Full & Part Day 3 yrs, 4 yrs, and new young 5’s program

Powerful iPhone® app

• One click search to ﬁnd open houses and homes for sale near you • Map and driving directions • Save your favorite searches and properties • Contact the REALTOR by phone or e-mail

• Care for children 6 weeks to 8 yrs

(269) 282-0847

711 Riverside Drive • Battle Creek • Located in the Central Christian Church

Now Enrolling For The Fall

Go mobile at www.homeﬁnder.com/mobile/info • Preschool - Full & Part Day 3 yrs, 4 yrs, and new young 5’s program

NAEYC

Equal Housing Opportunity. iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

• Care for children 6 weeks to 12 yrs

(269) 963-5598

100 N. Washington • Battle Creek • On the Grounds of the Federal Center LJ-0100107744

Oct. 5: *Early Release - PLC - Secondary - 1:30-4:00 p.m.; Elementary - 2:50-5:20 p.m. Oct. 19: Students All Day Parent-Teacher Conferences 5:00-8:00 p.m. (building option) Oct. 20: Students All Day Parent-Teacher Conferences 5:00-8:00 p.m. Oct. 21: No Students - ParentTeacher Conferences 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. No Students - Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:00-4:00 p.m. (building option) Nov. 16: *Early Release - PLC - Secondary - 1:30-4:00 p.m.; Elementary - 2:50-5:20 p.m. Nov. 23: No School (Comp Day) Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving Recess - NO STUDENTS / NO TEACHERS Nov. 30: Students All Day - Exams Dec. 1, 2011 Students All Day - Exams Dec. 2, 2011 1/2 Day for Students - Exams Teachers - P.M. Records Day Dec. 5: First day of 2nd Trimester Dec. 23- Jan. 6: Winter Recess - NO STUDENTS / NO TEACHERS Jan. 9: School resumes Jan. 18: *Early Release - PLC - Secondary - 1:30-4:00 p.m.; Elementary - 2:50-5:20 p.m. Jan. 25: Students All Day Parent-Teacher Conferences 5:00-8:00 p.m. Jan. 26: No Students - ParentTeacher Conferences 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. & 1:00-4:00 p.m. Feb. 15: *Early Release - PLC - Secondary - 1:30-4:00 p.m.; Elementary - 2:50-5:20 p.m. March 14: Students All Day - Exams March 15: Students All Day - Exams March 16: 1/2 Day for Students - Exams Teachers - P.M. Records Day March 19: First day of 3rd Trimester March 21: *Early Release - PLC - Secondary - 1:30-4:00 p.m.; Elementary - 2:50-5:20 p.m. March 30: No School (Comp Day) April 2-6: Spring Break - NO STUDENTS / NO TEACHERS See INFO, Page 17

Continued from Page 16 April 9: School Resumes April 18: *Early Release - PLC - Secondary 1:30-4:00 p.m.; Elementary - 2:50-5:20 p.m. April 26: 1/2 day for Students - Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:00-4:00 p.m. & 5:00-8:00 p.m. (scheduled conferences only) May 28: Memorial Day - NO STUDENTS / NO TEACHERS June 11: Students All Day - Exams June 12: Students All Day - Exams June 13: 1/2 Day for Students - Exams Teachers - P.M. Records Day * Student release times on these dates are the following: Secondary students (6th-12th) at 1:15 p.m.; Elementary students (Y5-5) at 2:35 p.m.

CONtACtS Administration Office 11775 East D. Ave., Richland, Mich., 49083 Phone: 269-488-5000, fax: 269- 488-5011 Christopher Rundle, Superintendent

gull Lake High School

(Grades 9 – 12) 7753 N. 34th St., Richland, Mich., 49083 Phone: 269-488-5020, fax: 269-488-5031 Don Eastman, Principal Sara Dirkse, Assistant Principal Marc Throop, Athletic Director

gull Lake Middle School

(Grades 6-8) 9550 East M-89, Richland, Mich., 49083 Phone: 269-488-5040, fax: 269-488-5051 David Alban, Principal Jack Boerman, Assistant Principal

thomas M. Ryan Intermediate (Grades 3-5) 9562 East M-89, Richland, Mich., 49083 Phone: 269-488-5060, fax: 269-488-5061 Amie McCaw, Principal Tina Maxwell, Assistant Principal

Richland Elementary

9476 East M-89, Richland, Mich., 49083 Phone: 269-488-5080, fax: 269-488-5081 Rob Woodrow, Principal

Kellogg Elementary

9594 N. 40th St., Hickory Corners, Mich., 49060 Phone: 269-488-5070, fax: 269-488-5071 Debi Linden, Principal Transportation Office 9500 N. 40TH St., Hickory Corners, Mich., 49060 Phone: 269-488-5015, fax: 269-488-5016

HOURS High School: 7:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.; half day end time: 11:00 a.m. Middle School: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., half day end time: 11:10 a.m. Thomas M. Ryan: 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m., half day end time: 12:20 p.m. Richland Elementary: 8:55 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., half day end time: 12:30 p.m. Kellogg Elementary: 9 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., half ay end time: 12:30 p.m., Young Five AM Class: 9 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., Young Five PM Class: 12:45 p.m. 3:50 p.m.

WEBSItE www.gulllakecs.org

HARPER CREEK COMMUNItY SCHOOLS Calendar Sept. 6: First day of school Oct. 17: No school Nov. 24-25: No school Dec. 22-Jan. 3: No school Jan. 16: No school Feb. 20: No school March 30: No school April 2-6: No school May 28: No school June 8: Last day of school

CONtACtS John Severson Superintendent (269) 441-6555

Dec. 22: Christmas Vacation Begins Jan. 4: School Resumes Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Day – Professional Development Day - No School Jan. 18, 19, 20: Exams — End of 2nd Nine Weeks Feb. 17: Professional Development Day - No School Feb. 20: President’s Day – No School March 13, 15: Conferences 4 to 8 p.m. (Student dismissal 2 p.m.) March 16: Professional Development Day - No School March 23: End of 3rd Nine Weeks April 2: Spring Vacation Begins April 9: School Resumes May 28: Memorial Day – No School June 3: Graduation Day – Ceremony at 2 p.m. June 4, 5, 6: Exams— End of 4th Nine Weeks June 6: Last day of school (Student dismissal 11 a.m.)

Contacts

Administration Office Phone: 517-568-4461, fax: 517-568-4468 Rob Ridgeway, Superintendent Julie Waterbury, Business Manager Kathy Grundemann, Payroll/Benefits Martha Robinson, Secretary

High School (grades 9-12)

Phone: 517-568-4464, fax: 517-568-7125 Tom Salow, Principal Ruth O’Dell, Secretary

Middle School (grades 5-8)

Phone: 517-568-4456, fax: 517-568-4831 Scott Salow, Principal

WEBSItE www.harpercreek.net

HAStINgS AREA SCHOOL SYStEM Calendar: N/A Contacts: N/A Hours: N/A Website: N/A

HOMER COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR Aug. 29: New Teacher’s Day Aug. 30: New Teacher’s Day Aug. 31: Professional Development Day – All Teachers - Open House 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sept. 1: Professional Development Day – All Teachers Sept. 5: Labor Day - No School Sept. 6: Classes Begin Oct. 27: Conferences 4 to 8 p.m. (Student dismissal 2 p.m.) Nov. 3: Conferences 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. (Student dismissal 2:00 P.M.) Nov. 4: Professional Development Day – No School - End of 1st Nine Weeks Nov. 24, 25: Thanksgiving Break - No School

Lillian Fletcher Elementary School (grades K-4)

Phone: 517-568-4452, fax: 517-568-5651 Rick Cooley, Principal Cindy Kirkbride, Secretary

AtHLEtIC OFFICE

April 2-6: Spring break May 7: Classes end for spring semester May 8-9: Grading days May 10: Commencement May 14: Classes start for summer semester May 28: Memorial Day July 4: Independence Day Aug. 10: Classes end for summer semester

CONtACtS Executive Leadership Dr. Dennis Bona, President Ms. Catherine Hendler, Vice President for Instruction Dr. Kay Keck, Vice President for Student Services Mr. Mark O’Connell, Vice President for Administration and Finance Main Campus: 450 North Avenue Battle Creek, MI 49015 (259) 965-3931 (switchboard)

SELECtED DEPARtMENtAL PHONE NUMBERS (OPERAtIONS HOURS VARY BY DEPARtMENt AND tIME OF YEAR) Academic Advising (269) 965-4124 Administration (269) 965-3931 Admissions (269) 965-4153 Athletics (269) 965-4151 Bookstore (269) 965-4128 Financial Aid (269) 965-4123 Library (269) 965-4122 Student Life (269) 965-3931 ext. 2634 Support Services (269) 965-4150

BUILDINg HOURS (hours vary based on academic schedule) 7:30 a.m. -10:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Saturday

WEBSItE

Phone: 517-568-4463, fax: 517-568-7125 Drew Bordner, Athletic/Curriculum Director Julie Raysin, Clerical Aide

www.kellogg.edu

HOURS

Calendar (tentative as of mid-July) Sept. 6: First day of school Nov. 23-25: Thanksgiving break Dec. 22 – Jan. 3: Winter break April 2-6: Spring break May 28: Memorial Day June 8: Last day of school

All grades: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WEBSItE www.homerschools.net

KELLOgg COMMUNItY COLLEgE CALENDAR Sept. 1: Classes start for fall semester Sept. 5: Labor Day Nov. 23-25: Thanksgiving break, beginning at 5 p.m. Nov. 23 Dec. 19: Classes end for fall semester Dec. 20: Grading day Jan. 17: Classes start for spring semester

LAKEVIEW SCHOOL DIStRICt

CONtACtS Dave Peterson, Superintendent 15 Arbor Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015 (269) 565-2411 dpeterson@lakeviewspartans.org www.lakeviewspartans.org See INFO, Page 18

17 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

INFO

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

INFO

Continued from Page 17 www.Facebook.com/LakeviewSpartans Chris Doyle, Lakeview High School Principal 15060 South Helmer Road (269) 565-3700 cdoyle@lakeviewspartans.org Mike Norstrom, Lakeview Middle School Principal 300 South 28th Street (269) 565-3900 mnorstrom@lakeviewspartans.org Laura Williams, Minges Brook Elementary Principal 435 Lincoln Hill Drive (269) 565-4500 lwilliams@lakeviewspartans.org

Don Hoaglin, Prairieview Elementary Principal 1675 Iroquois Avenue (269) 565-4600 dhoaglin@lakeviewspartans.org Denise Myers, Riverside Elementary Principal 650 Riverside Drive (269) 565-4700 dmyers@lakeviewspartans.org Carol Disler, Westlake Elementary Principal 1184 South 24th Street (269) 565-4900 cdisler@lakeviewspartans.org

WEBSItE www.lakeviewspartans.org

MAPLE VALLEY COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR Sept. 6: School starts

HOURS Fuller Elementary: 7:55 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. Junior/senior high: 7:35 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

CONtACtS: Fuller Elementary contact: Jason Miller 517852-9468 jamiller@mvs.k12.mi.us

Calendar: N/A Contacts: N/A Hours: N/A Website: marshallacademy.org

www.marshall.k12.mi.us

MARSHALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Calendar Aug. 30: Employee Breakfast/Professional Development Day/Meetings Aug. 31: Professional Development Day/ Meetings Sept. 1, 2, 5: No School (Labor Day Sept. 5) Sept. 6 First day of School for Students Oct. 21: Professional Development Day/ Meetings (No School for Students) Oct. 31-Nov. 3: Parent Teacher Conference Week Nov.: 4 No School Nov. 24, 25: No School – Thanksgiving Dec. 21: Last Day of School before Holidays Dec. 22-January 3: Holiday Break Jan. 4: School Resumes Jan. 16: Professional Development Day/ Meetings (No school for students) Jan. 20: ½ Day for Students/Full Day for Staff Jan. 23: Records Day/No Students Jan. 24: Second Semester Begins Feb. 20: Professional Development Day (No school for students) March 12-15: Parent Teacher Conference Week March 16: No School April 2-6: Spring Break May 4: Professional Development Day (No School for students) May 28: No School – Memorial Day June 3: Graduation June 8: Last Day of School – ½ day for Students/Full Day for Staff

CALENDAR Sept. 6: First Day for Students Oct. 4: 2-Hour Delay for Students-Teachers report normal time Oct. 26, 27: High school conferences Nov. 1: 2-Hour Delay for Students-Teachers report normal time Nov. 8-11: Elementary conferences Nov. 9, 10: Middle school conferences Nov. 23-25: Thanksgiving Recess - No School Dec. 22-Jan. 3: Winter Break - No School Jan. 16: Professional Development - No School for Students Jan. 20: Semester ends & high school students attend morning only Feb. 7: 2-Hour Delay for Students-Teachers report normal time Feb. 20-22: Elementary conferences Feb. 21, 22: Middle school conferences Feb. 24, 27: Mid-Winter Break - No School March 13: 2-Hour Delay for Students-Teachers report normal time March 14, 15: High school conferences March 30: No School April 2-6: Spring Break - No School April 10: 2-Hour Delay for Students-Teachers report normal time May 1: 2-Hour Delay for Students-Teachers report normal time May 25, 28: Memorial Day Recess - No School June 4-6: High school students attend morning only June 6: Last Day - Students attend morning only June 7: Records Day for Teachers

CONtACtS The Shamrock Center: 269-781-1298 Gordon Elementary School: 269-781-1270 Hughes Elementary School: 269-781-1275 Walters Elementary School: 269-781-1280 Marshall Middle School (grades 6-8): 269781-1251 Marshall High School (grades 9-12): 269-7811252 Marshall Alternate High School: 269-7811282

HOURS

Calendar: N/A Contacts: N/A Hours: N/A Website: mar-lee.org

Kindergarten Students AM: 8:40 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Kindergarten Students PM: 12:30 p.m. - 3:40 p.m. All-Day Kindergarten Students and Elementary Students grades 1-5: 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m. (half day dismissal 11:50 a.m.) Middle School Students grades 6-8 and High School Students grades 9-12: 7:40 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (half day dismissal 10:50 a.m.)

MARSHALL ACADEMY

WEBSItE

Maple Valley Jr-Sr High School contact: Todd Gonser 517-852-9275. tgonser@mvs.k12.mi.us

MAR LEE SCHOOL

OLIVEt COMMUNItY SCHOOLS

CONtACtS Administration 255 First St. David Campbell, Superintendent: 269- 7499129; fax: 269-749-9701 Brooke Judd, Director of Data, Operations & Technology: 269-749-2624 Carol Kita, Technology Manager: 269-7493302 Martin Harris, Facilities Manager: 269-7492651

Olivet High School 255 First St. Randal VanDyke, Principal: 269-749-3671 Tom Sowles, Athletic Director: 269-749-9631; fax: 269-749-4560

Olivet Middle School

255 First Street Mary Galsterer, Principal: 269-749-9953

Fern Persons Elementary School

4425 W. Butterfield Highway Sarah Scott, Principal: 269-749-4611; fax: 269749-4621

Olivet Child Care: 269-749-4548

Bus garage

402 E. College Street Sherry Sellen, Transportation Supervisor: 269749-4541

HOURS Hours have not yet been set; visit district website for updates and information.

WEBSItE www.olivetschools.org

PANSOPHIA ACADEMY Calendar: N/A Contacts: N/A Hours: N/A Website: pansophiaacademy.org

PENNFIELD SCHOOLS CALENDAR Aug. 23: New Student Registration Sept. 6: First Day for Students Nov. 4: End 1st Marking Period Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving Break Dec. 22: Winter Break Begins Jan. 4: Winter Break Ends—School Resumes Jan. 16: No School—Martin Luther King Day Jan. 20: No School—End 2nd Marking Period Feb. 17: No School—Comp Day Feb. 20: No School—Professional Development Day March 23: End 3rd Marking Period April 2-6: Spring Break May 28: No School—Memorial Day June 8: Last Day of School—Full Day

CONtACtS Administration: 961-9781, Superintendent Ben Laser Transportation: 961-9793, Supervisor Shar Phillips High School: 961-9770, Principal Barry Duckham Middle School: 961-9784, Principal Michelle Herzing Dunlap Elementary: 961-9789, Principal Dirk VanDiver Purdy Elementary: 961-9795, Principal Jane Haudek North Penn Elem.: 961-9797

HOURS High School, grades 9-12: 7:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Middle School, grades 6-8: 7:35 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. See INFO, Page 19

Continued from Page 18 Dunlap Elementary, grades 35: 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Purdy Elementary, grades K2: 8:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. North Penn Elem., grades K2: 8:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WEBSItE www.pennfield.net

QUINCY COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR: Aug. 25, 26: New staff development Aug. 30, 31: Staff development Aug. 30: Jennings Elementary open house (4-6 p.m.) Aug. 30: Middle school Orientation (5-7 p.m.) Aug. 30: High school new student/freshmen orientation (6-8 p.m.) Sept. 1: Staff development Sept. 2, 5: Labor Day Weekend – NO SCHOOL Sept. 6: First day for students Nov. 9: Parent/teacher conferences — Evening

conferences for all students Nov. 10: Parent/teacher conferences – No school in the afternoon Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving Break Dec. 19-Jan. 2: Christmas Break Jan. 3: Return from Christmas Break Jan. 16: Staff development – No school Jan. 26: End of first semester Jan. 27: Records Day – No school Feb. 20: Staff Development – No school March 14: Parent/teacher conferences — Evening conferences for all students March 15: Parent/teacher conferences – No School in the April 2-6: Spring Break April 9: Return from Spring Break May 28: Memorial Day — No school June 3: Commencement June 6: No school in afternoon June 7: Last day of school for children — No school in afternoon June 8: Last day for staff — records day

The

CONtACtS Jennings Elementary School: Ron Olmsted, 517-639-9885 Quincy Middle School: Penny Brockway, 517-639-4201 Quincy Middle School: David Spalding, 517-639-9245

HOURS Jennings Elementary School: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Middle school, high school: 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

WEBSItE www.quincyschools.org

ROBERt B. MILLER COLLEgE CALENDAR Aug. 25: Tuition Payment Due (50%)* Sept. 1: Fall Classes Begin Sept. 5: 2011 Labor Day College Closed Sept. 20: Tuition Payment Due (IN FULL)*, Last Date for Tuition Refund (IN FULL)*, Last Date for Drop/Add Nov. 1: Spring 2012 Registration Begins Nov. 1: Application for Spring & Summer 2012 Graduation Begins Nov. 22: Last Date to

Withdraw with a “W” Nov. 23-27: Thanksgiving Break - College Closed Dec. 19: Classes End Dec. 20: Grades Due from Faculty by 10:00 a.m. Dec. 21-Jan. 3: Winter Break - College Closed * This does not apply to students who are paying tuition through financial aid, deferred billing, employer direct billing or the Sallie Mae payment program.

CONtACtS Chad Danielson Dean of College Recruitment 660-8021, ext. 2933 danielsonc@millercollege. edu Kim Cvitkovic Dean of Student Services and Financial Aid 660-8021, ext. 2926 cvitkovick@millercollege.edu Randi May Admissions Advisor 660-8021, ext. 2929 mayr@millercollege.edu

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19 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

INFO

Continued from Page 19

6:30 p.m.; 6:40 to 9:10 p.m. Many courses are offered in a hybrid format and online.

WEBSItE

www.millercollege.edu

tEKONSHA COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR: Aug. 29, 30, 31: Professional Development-NO STUDENTS Aug. 30: Open House: 5:30pm-7:00pm Sept. 6: First day of school. Dismiss at 12:00pm Oct. 5 & 6: Conferences 4:00pm-7:00pm Oct. 7: NO SCHOOL Nov. 4: End of 1st Marking Period: 43 days Nov. 15: (Tuesday) Professional DevelopmentNO STUDENTS Nov. 23: Dismiss at 12:00pm for Thanksgiving Break Nov. 24 & 25: Thanksgiving Break Dec. 21: Dismiss at 12:00pm for Christmas Break Dec. 22-Jan: 3: Christmas Break-NO SCHOOL Jan. 4: (Wednesday) School Resumes Jan. 16: MLK Day-Professional DevelopmentNO STUDENTS

Jan. 27: End of 2nd Marking Period:47 days Jan. 27: End of 1st Semester: 90 days Jan. 30: Beginning of 2nd Semester/3rd Marking Period Feb. 23: Conferences 4:00pm-7:00pm Feb. 24: NO SCHOOL March 30: End of 3rd Marking Period: 44 days March 30: Dismiss at 12:00pm for Spring Break April 2-6: Spring Break April 9: School Resumes May 25: Last Day for seniors May 28: Memorial Day: NO SCHOOL June 1: Baccalaureate at 7:00pm June 3: Graduation at 2:00pm June 5: 1/2 Day exams: Dismiss at 12:00pm June 6: 1/2 Day exams: Dismiss at 12:00pm June 6: Last day of 4th Marking Period: 42 days June 6: Last day of 2nd Semester: 86 days June 6: Last day for teachers

CONtACtS Superintendent, K-12 Principal Tom Cameron: 517-767-4121, ext. 300 517-767-4121, ext. 100 for high school

HOURS All grades 8 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

WEBSItE http://www.tekonsha.k12.mi.us

UNION CItY COMMUNItY SCHOOLS CALENDAR Aug. 25: New Teacher Orientation Aug. 26: New Teacher Orientation Aug. 29: Staff Orientation/ Professional Development Aug. 30: Professional Development Day (Middle School/High School Open House) Aug. 31: Professional Development Day (Elementary Open House) Sept. 6: First Day For Students Oct. 18, 20: High School Conferences Oct. 24: Professional Development-No School For Students Nov. 4: End of First Marking Period Nov. 8: Elementary/Middle School Conferences Nov. 10: Elementary/Middle School Conferences Nov. 23: 1/2 Day Students Nov. 24, 25: No School - Thanksgiving Break Dec. 21: 1/2 Day Students - Holiday Break Begins at End of Day Jan. 4: School Resumes Jan. 16: Professional Development Day Jan. 20: 1/2 Day Students-End of 1st Semester (Staff Records) Jan. 23: Second Semester Begins Feb. 17: 1/2 Day Students - Mid Winter Break Begins Feb. 20: No School - Mid Winter Break Feb. 28, March 1: Elementary/Middle School Conferences

Fridays: August 26, 2011 – AQDay October 7, 2011 – Fine Arts AQDay November 11, 2011 – Science/Nursing/ Math AQDay November 18, 2011 – AQDay December 9, 2011 – Leadership AQDay

Contact Siena Heights University about completing your bachelor’s degree today!

Join us for AQDays and learn what life is really like at Aquinas College. If these dates don’t work, we also offer individual visits during the academic year. To learn more or register, visit www.aquinas.edu/undergraduate/visit or call (800) 678-9593.

1607 Robinson Road, SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799 1607 Robinson Road, SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799 616 632-2900 or 800 678-9593 616 632-2900 or 800 678-9593 | www.aquinas.edu www.aquinas.edu LJ-0100107619

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JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

March 6, 8: High School Conferences March 30: 1/2 Day Students Spring Break – End of 3rd Marking Period April 9: School Resumes May 28: No School - Memorial Day June 7: 1/2 Day Students – Last Day of School

CONtACtS Patrick Kreger, Superintendent: 517-741-8091 Christina Feneley, High School Principal/Director of Instruction: 517-741-8561 Jeff Hammond, Assistant High School Principal/ Athletic Director: 517-741-5309 Brandon Bruce, Middle School Principal: 517741-5381 Lori Vaccaro, Elementary School Principal: 517741-8191 Phyllis Gillette, Business Manager: 517-741-8091 LuAnn Dolph, Transportation Director: 517-7418571 Chris Katz, Chief Information Officer: 517-7418091 Deb McDowell, Food Service Director: 517-7418091

HOURS Elementary School: 7:45 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. Middle School, High School: 7:55 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

WEBSItE http://web.unioncityschools.org

Siena Heights University on the campus of Kellogg Community College offers bachelor degree completion and master degree programs! • Transfer up to 90 credit hours towards your Siena Heights University Bachelor Degree. • Evening, weekend, and online classes offered on the campus of KCC. Degrees available in: • Accounting • Applied Science (majors in: occupational technical, allied health and public safety fields)

• Business Administration • Human Services Administration • Multidisciplinary Studies • Public Services Administration

www.sienaheights.edu/kcc

Simple tips help you save on your school shopping Detroit Free Press

When it comes to back-to-school shopping, parents can learn something every year. If you’re a newbie, you might not know — as we didn’t — that some teachers send school supply lists out during the summer. Don’t ask me how we missed the list one year, but I sure remember the first day of school where I felt like I had to rush to CVS to fix things. Or you might not know that some children, really, can get along with just two pairs of shoes during most of the year. For older parents with children starting college this year, you might not know that many textbooks can be found cheaper online than at the campus bookstore. It pays to check. In the spirit of always learning more ways to save money, we offer more back-to-school ideas: » Once you get that supply list, stick to it. Teachers report that some eager parents buy interesting but useless items -- mini-staplers and trendy erasers that are cute but will never be used. » Dig for last year’s scissors, computer headsets, calculators, lunch boxes, backpacks. If you start looking a week before school starts, you won’t be rushed. » A new school year doesn’t have to mean a new backpack. Last year’s may be able to survive another nine months. » Set aside some money for unexpected expenses after the school year begins. We once had to spend way more money than I’d like to admit for a hermit crab and his habitat. The crab outlived my son’s project; actually, we’re still buying food for a crustacean

named Hershey Taco. » Do not buy all your clothes in August or September. Some items will be on clearance racks a short time later. » Go under your child’s bed and deep into the closet. You may discover new clothes that your child has never worn. Some items could work for this year; others can be donated or sold at resale shops. Ask another Mom or Dad about buying any uniforms or basic clothes that their child has outgrown. » Talk to your child’s teacher about ageappropriate supplies. “Simple is better,” said Kathy Anderson, a teacher at Bunche Elementary in Detroit and the mother of three school-age sons. A popular Trapper Keeper can cost $10 to $15. But Anderson noted that for younger children those fancy binders can be more trouble than they are worth. Some children don’t have the organizational skills to put their papers in the right spots in big binders. For some grade-school children, she said, it might be better and easier to have 10 twopocket folders -- they cost 10-20 cents apiece -- in a variety of colors. » Give your child some money to buy one or two items. You’d be surprised how well a child can shop or how willing your son or daughter can be to reuse an old item if it means hanging onto some cash to spend on something else. » f your child goes off to school with a phone that’s on your bill, pay attention to call and texting costs. It’s easy to pay overage charges of $100 a month. Ask your carrier whether

you can get a free alert when you’re near a limit. » Shortly before your son or daughter goes to college, make sure to have “the talk.” Discuss how writing checks without enough money to cover them can lead to hundreds of dollars in overdraft fees. Tell them that using an ATM outside of your bank’s network also carries extra fees. » Get the ISBN number of a text and go online to find better deals. One parent found a physics book for her high school son online at www.half.com for $28 -- quite a savings when compared with the $93 that the school supplier wanted for a used

book. (New was $178!) Try various Web sites: www.bigwords.com, www.abebooks. com, vwww.amazon.com, www.ecampus. com and www.collegebooksdirect.com.-Free is awesome. Kiplinger magazine has highlighted www.Gutenberg.org where you can download free e-books, including works by Jane Austen and James Joyce. » Shopping for “obnoxiously colored” Converse sneakers can be fun, but the bulk of your back-to-school budget needs to go for items that will take your child through the year, so think basic, not trendy. No child — whether in kindergarten or college — needs $50 jeans.

You can save money if you can reuse last year’s back pack. ADBuilDer.Com

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| BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

By Susan Tompor

A parent’s checklist for kindergarten readiness By Mike McGill

red river moms (Shreveport, la., Times)

There’s still time to brush up on skills that will help your preschooler be successful when he or she makes that transition to kindergarten. Dr. Michael Cook, associate professor at LSUHS Children’s Center in Shreveport, La., offers these tried-and-true tips:

tips to get your child ready to read:

» Help your child hear and say the first sound in words (like “d’’ in dog) and notice when different words start with the same sound (like ”dog“ and ”dirt”). » Help your child hear words that rhyme, both typical words and nonsense words (see Dr. Seuss). » Introduce new words and their meanings to your child (like “beneath” means “under”). » Talk with your child about the letters of the alphabet and notice them in books you read together. » Point out signs and labels that have letters, like street signs and labels in stores. » Let your child experience the joy and fun

in reading by allowing them to choose the books you read together. » Let your child pretend to read parts of the book when you read together. » Talk about the stories you read and make the connections to things familiar to them. » Ask what, where, why and how questions and help your child follow along and understand the stories you read. » Remember to take time to read stories as a whole. Practicing letter and letter sounds are separate activities.

tips to get your child ready to write:

» Develop fine motor skills needed for writing by playing with LEGOS or other connecting blocks, putting puzzles together, stringing beads, rolling and shaping dough. » Have crayons, markers, pencils, scissors and glue on hand for your child to use. » Keep easels and large writing paper readily available. » Show your child the English language has specific rules for reading and writing and that we read from left to right and top to bottom. Similarly, when we write all capital let-

ters start at the top. » Good pencil grips are not always automatic and usually need to be taught. Grips become automatic with repetition. » The older a child gets, the harder it is to change an incorrect grip. » Expect your child’s spelling will be largely phonetic and “invented” initially. » Let your child make books, even if his writing looks like scribble.

tips to get your child ready for math:

» Use words to count forward and backward from one to 10 and count objects from one to 10. » Introduce the concepts of add and take away using objects. » Work on concepts of none, more, less, most, smaller, smallest, bigger, biggest. » Name common shapes such as circle, square, triangle,and rectangle and recognize those shapes in their environment. » Sort objects by size, shape and color. » Do not drill with flashcards yet. Right now, your child needs to understand the relationship between abstract symbols and con-

Getting your child to write will help the child adjust to kindergarten. ADBuilDer.Com crete objects. » Practice often. Just as with reading and writing, practice math skills with them every day.

Start Here...Go Anywhere Programs Offered: Arts & Communications Pathway Graphic Communications Technology Business, Management, Marketing & Technology Pathway Computer Networking Culinary Arts/Hospitality Marketing Education

WHAT SCHOOLS ATTEND?

LJ-0100107716

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

Albion, Athens, Battle Creek, Bellevue, Harper Creek, Homer, Lakeview, Marshall, Olivet, Pennﬁeld, Tekonsha, Union City and private schools within the Calhoun Intermediate School District.

Engineering/Manufacturing & Industrial Technology Pathway Automotive Service Technology Aviation Exploration Collision Repair Technology Computer Aided Design/ Computer Aided Machining Construction Technology Power Equipment Technology Welding Technology

WHAT GRADE DO YOU HAVE TO BE IN TO ATTEND? Students can attend during their junior and/or senior year.

Health Sciences Pathway Health Careers Prep Health Occupations 21st Century Health Careers

Human Services Pathway Early Childhood Education Education Academy Law Enforcement/Criminal Behaviors

HOW DO YOU ENROLL?

WHAT TIME ARE CLASSES?

1. Meet with your counselor and let him/ her know you are interested in attending the CACC.

Morning Session: 7:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Afternoon Session: 11:50 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.

2. Your counselor will assist you in identifying which year would be best for you to attend—your junior or senior year or both.

HOW MANY CREDITS CAN YOU EARN?

Students can earn up to two (2) credits per semester, if the competencies are met and the attendance policy is followed.

475 East Roosevelt Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017 • (269) 968-2271 • Fax: (269) 968-4344 • www.calhounisd.org

Michelle Locke

For The Associated Press

When it comes to lunch box safety, you can’t be too cool for school. “One of the most important guidelines for keeping it safe is just keeping it cold,” says Christine Bruhn, director of the Center for Consumer Research at the University of California, Davis. Safe lunches begin with safe shopping and home storage. In other words, perishable foods intended for lunches — such as raw or cooked meat and poultry — should be kept cold or frozen at the store and at home. And don’t leave food out at room temperature for more than two hours, one hour if the temperature is over 90. When it comes to packing lunch, it’s a good idea to do it the night before. This not only gives you a bit more time during the morning rush, it also allows perishable food plenty of time to chill. Aviva Goldfarb, author of the “The Six O’Clock Scramble” cookbook, packs lunches while making or cleaning up from dinner. She recommends doing the non-perishable items such as crackers and cookies during the weekend to make things that much easier. If sliced lunch meats are on the menu, it’s a good idea to check the sell-by date before purchasing, and then use up the meat within about three to five days of purchase, says Bruhn. (And, of course, you’ll be keeping the meat tightly wrapped and in the fridge in the meantime.) But how can you be sure your lovingly prepared lunch will stay cool? One way to go is with an insulated lunch box, a frozen gel pack and thermoses.

You might also want to talk to your child about the importance of keeping the lunch somewhere shaded and cool during the day — not in the sun or next to a radiator. If bringing gel packs to and from school isn’t practical, you can slip a frozen juice box — make sure it’s labeled as 100 percent juice, of course — into a lunch box or sack lunch. By the time lunch rolls around, the juice should be thawed enough to drink, but the food should still be cool. To keep hot foods hot, a thermos is required. You’ll get the most out of your thermos if you fill it with boiling water and let it stand for a few minutes before emptying it and putting in the hot soup, chili, etc. Less demanding foods include whole fruits and vegetables, hard cheese, and the old standby of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (Though you will need to check with school officials to make sure there isn’t a ban on peanut butter due to nut allergy concerns.) String cheese is a good traveler that’s popular with children and also is a source of calcium. Fresh fruits such as apples or oranges are a good choice. For more tender fruit like peaches, you may be better off sending fruit that’s been canned with no added sugar. Grapes are good, too, as are carrots and celery. Grapes travel best when packed in a rigid container. Another sturdy snack is nuts, though again you need to check to make sure your child’s school doesn’t have a no-nuts rule. To make the process as smooth as possible, Goldfarb, whose website focuses on time-saving ways to feed your family, suggests brain-

MORE ONLINE » USDA: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/

Keeping_Bag_Lunches_Safe/index.asp » Aviva Goldfarb: http://www.thescramble.com

In the multi-container Laptop lunchbox are peanut butter wraps on multigrain flatout, cut fruit, steamed broccoli, raw carrots with dipping sauce and trail mix for a delicious and healthy school lunch. THeASSoCiATeD PreSS storming with your children before the school year starts to see what kind of things they’d like for lunch.

Some suggestions:

» Tuna, chicken or egg sal-

ad with whole-grain crackers » Whole-grain bagel or rice cakes with natural peanut butter or cream cheese » Popcorn alone or mixed with raisins and nuts

» Low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit and granola or other cereal. » Baby carrots, celery, sliced cucumbers And in a tip that has more to do with sanity than safe-

ty, don’t be afraid to enlist help. “Packing lunches doesn’t have to always be Mom’s job,” says Goldfarb. “It goes faster if the kids or other parent or caregivers help.

Opening Doors to Exciting Careers in Aviation Learn to live your dream at wmich.edu/aviation or call 269.964.6375. LJ-0100107594

| BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 | JULY 31, 2011

We really must do lunch! Safely...

JULY 31, 2011 | BACK TO SCHOOL ‘11 |

Battle Creek Public Schools A New Beginning… 2011-2012 Calendar* August 13, 2011-Welcome Back Registration in the Park -Piper Park-games, prizes, ice cream for parents, staff and students 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (rain location-BC Central Field House) September 6, 2011-First Day of School ½ day for students October 31, 2011-No school for students November 23 -25, 2011-Thanksgiving Break -No school Dec. 22, 2011 -Jan. 3, 2012 -Winter Break-No school January 16, 2012-Martin Luther King Jr. Day -No School for Students January 27, 2012-½ day for students March 30, 2012-No School April 2-6, 2012-Spring Break No School May 28, 2012-Memorial Day -No School June 8, 2012-Last day of school-½ day for students The calendar is subject to change.

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