St. Joseph Public Schools by Christine Waterhouse

St. Joseph PUBLIC SCHOOLS

great schoolS in a great community

SPRING 2010

MAY 4th BOND PROPOSAL the future of every student in the district is in your hands

What’s Inside:

BOND PROPOSAL DETAILS summer time fun SCORE CARD school book fair graduation party news planetarium upgrades newsletter goes hi-tech board members retire seniors dance the night away students have fun and raise awareness nasa astronaut speaks to students key club takes top honors visit to cook barrage is coming! calendar of events

St. Joseph Public Schools

3275 Lincoln Ave. St. Joseph, MI 49085 www.sjschools.org

This last February, the Board of Education voted to proceed with a bond request to upgrade and update all district facilities to maintain the community’s investment in their schools, and provide current and future students with facilities that will meet their educational needs for years to come. It was not an easy decision that confronted the Board. Our facilities, while well maintained, had worn out after 50 plus years or did not provide the infrastructure necessary to meet the technology demands of current and future educational needs. The state of Michigan has not upheld its educational promise of Proposal A to pay for mandated changes, and technology necessary for quality education could not be purchased with current state funding levels. On the other hand, the planned upgrades had to be placed on hold in October 2008 when the current recession hit. While there are signs of an economic recovery on the horizon, there still is concern for the future. The Board weighed the needs against the concerns, asked the public for direction, and then proceeded with the decision to present the voters with the choice in May. They based their decision on community input and the feeling stated by Board member Dean Ray that said, “The greatest investment we can make in our future is to provide our children with the highest opportunity for success.” As a property owner in our district, you will be asked in the May 4, 2010, election to pick two new school board members, to renew the routine 18 mills non-homestead property tax, and to decide if we should invest in our children’s future with a 2 mills levy at this time. Our future is in your hands. Please choose wisely. This is a very important issue for our schools and will affect EVERY STUDENT in the district. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or to see more about the plan, please visit www.sjschools.org/vision. Great Schools in a Great Community – We are St. Joe! Allen Skibbe Superintendent SJHS Class of 1964

THE CHALLENGE Frequently Asked Questions Timing – Why now? Bond rates are low now. If in the next six months they go up 0.25% (one-quarter of one percent), it will cost us an added $3,250,000 over the 25 years. Construction costs are lower now than they have been in years. If we start NOW, the projects will be completed in 2013. More delay equals our kids being further behind the rest of the world. Funding – isn’t the state money enough? Further cuts? State current and projected funding cuts already exceed $430 per student or $1,192,200 based on current enrollment. That would cut 22 teachers OR our entire 12-bus fleet OR all our utility costs PLUS our entire athletic program.

How are schools funded?

Schools are limited by the state on where they obtain their funding and how that money is spent. School funding comes from four areas. General Fund from the state: For personnel, curriculum & running the district on a day-to-day basis. Building & Site: For brick and mortar only. Private Donation from SJPS Foundation and individuals: No limits on use. Some of the items funded in the past couple of years include teacher grants, the planetarium restoration, the 911 speaker, Classrooms of Today prototypes in every building, fieldtrips and most recently the visit by a retired NASA astronaut. Bonds: For financing major building projects and updates. The only local control left is for a community to approve bonds for school use. School funding has dropped dramatically in the last two years. • 2009: $7,455.00 (-$165 per student) • Projected in 2010: $7,187.00 (-$268 per student)

Possible reduction of $1.25 MILLION in general fund dollars by next fall!

This will NOT eliminate cuts caused by further reductions in state funding. The bonds are for these upgrades; further state cuts will be faced then. Our overall school performance keeps us from grants because we are not designated as a “needy” school district. We’re already a top school. Why do we need this technology? North Central Accreditation cited SJPS twice for being behind in technology. We need to be better than a “U.S. top school”. (MEAP, ACT, honors/awards) U.S. ranks 18th in math, 15th in reading and 18th in scientific literacy world wide. If 10% of Chinese students are exceptional, they have more exceptional students than the total U.S. student population. Current school computers are so old we can’t use even outdated software and the cost of maintaining them is growing because of lack of support. Classroom of Today have shown a 17% PER YEAR improvement in student achievement nationwide, with similar results after just one year of testing in the St. Joseph Schools.

*Based on January revenue census hearing.

THE PLAN

focus on four major areas of needs The St. Joseph School Board unanimously voted to seek a May vote on a 38 million dollar bond issue for the District. If passed, this bond will supply the funds for improved technology in every classroom and learning stations at every grade level, add safety and security to all of our buildings, improve energy efficiency, and upgrade the fine arts facility at the High School. As stated in our public forums in 2008, the proposed improvements fall into four categories: * Student Safety and Building Security * Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades to Support Curriculum * Energy Efficiency and Building Exteriors * Performing Arts Center Upgrades

Architect rendering of what a building may look like.

As all of our buildings approach or exceed 50 years of age, interior, exterior and infrastructure upgrades are necessary to protect the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment in their schools. Thanks to a small reduction in plan scope, lower construction costs, a more favorable bond market, and necessary repairs made over the last 18 months, the original cost of these needed improvements has been reduced by six million dollars or approximately 15%. Many questions have been asked about this proposal, but the most common is WHY NOW? There are several reasons, (1) Our students are being left behind. While the St. Joseph Schools continue to excel locally, we cannot continue to expect our students to compete in a global economy if we do not give them the proper tools. (2) Our needs continue to grow as our buildings age and continuing to sink money into repairs is simply not a practical solution. It will cost much more in the long run. (3) State funding continues to decline. Since 2008 per pupil funding has declined by $433 at St. Joseph, making a reduction in budget of over $1.25 million. While this bond will not stop the need for further cuts, it will allow the District to free up some dollars that would otherwise be used for technology and maintenance. (4) Construction costs are lower now than they have been in 20 years. We hope to take advantage of that and maximize the use of community dollars being spent. (5) Bond interest is projected to be low for the next six months. Another key question is WHAT WILL IT COST ME? In very basic terms, if your house has a marekt value of $200,000 (taxable value of $100,000) then it will cost you $200 annually, or $16.75 per month. That is less than dinner and a movie. These benefits gained for our students from these dollars are almost immeasurable.

Additional details about the bond and tax information is available on-line at

www.sjschools.org/vision

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Frequently Asked Questions What are the project phases? How long will it take?

Single pane glass makes up over 70% of the High School’s exterior; this is also true of many of the windows at Lincoln, Brown and Clarke. Just like in your homes, upgrades to the exterior of a building, no matter how well maintained, are necessary over a period of time. Currently more than $600,000 is spent annually on energy. These upgrades will allow us to save those precious dollars and put them to better use in areas such as curriculum.

• 50 YEAR OLD SINGLE PANE WINDOWS NEED REPLACEMENT • ENERGY COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE • SAVINGS CAN BE ALLOCATED FOR OTHER CRITICAL NEEDS

Vote on the bond issue is May 4th. Upon approval, contract documents will be prepared for release in early 2011. Construction is scheduled to begin in May of 2011. Project completion will occur from September to December of 2013. As much work as possible will be done in the summer to avoid student disruption. Elementary school work will progress first, then middle school and high school. The project is managed locally using local contractors wherever possible to help keep the project moving on schedule. Performing Arts upgrades -- Will they be enough? We are limited by the current physical design from making huge changes. However, the planned changes will allow us to continue our excellent program. Teacher training – an automatic step All teachers will be given initial training in the new technology. Teachers who experienced the technology during our tests spoke positively. A training specialist will be available after all initial training to answer specific questions that pop up during the first six months. Integration Specialists will be a permanent part of our staffing. School safety – where and how? Changes to entrances will allow staff to monitor all people entering buildings. Driveway adjustments will improve pickup/drop-off safety. Energy savings Improving the insulation factor of windows will save substantial amounts. If energy costs stay relatively constant, funds will be used on other needs. If energy costs go up, we will be substantially reducing that impact.

SAFETY

While everyone likes to think “not in our town,” there is a real need to upgrade the safety and security to all of the District’s buildings. Many do not currently require that all visitors enter through a common entrance. It is important that we know at all times who is in the school building with our students. Additionally with the increase in the number of students being picked up and dropped off on a daily basis, driveways and paths need to be changed at several of the buildings to accommodate students, parents, and surrounding neighborhoods in a safer, more efficient manner. Perhaps even more important is that several areas of the high school, including the cafeteria, have been cited for not being handicapped accessible, and that is something that cannot continue.

• SECURE ENTRANCES • HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY • SAFE & EFFICIENT DROP OFF/PICK UP

PERFORMING ARTS

Within the last 30 years the Orchestra program at St. Joseph High School has grown from 20 students to over 130. Currently over one third of all students at Upton and the High School are involved in the Fine Arts program. The rooms originally built 50 years ago were just not made to accommodate these numbers. Practice rooms for 20 are now holding over 100. The stage is literally not large enough to hold all these students and instruments. In order to accommodate these nationally recognized programs and continue this fabulous tradition, it is important to expand this area for our students. he St. Joseph Public Schools Fine Arts program is regarded as one of the finest in the nation T and continues to receive the highest awards. The proposed bond would allow for the tradition of excellence to continue to grow and flourish.

• Widen the stage to allow for more students and instruments • Upgrade the technical capabilities of the auditorium • Increase storage and back stage area to better handle scenery, etc. • Renovate practice rooms • Create a new band and orchestra room that will accommodate more than 100 students. (Current rooms were built for 20 students) • Create a Performing Arts Center entrance

CLASSROOMS OF TODAY

every student will be affected Technology is a part of our everyday life and it needs to be a part of our students’ curriculum if they are going to be competitive in a global society. This portion of the bond will give EVERY STUDENT the opportunity to learn in a “Classroom of Today.” It has been proven, both nationally and locally, that students gain an average of 17% more in one year in this type of learning environment. In addition to providing the classroom upgrades, the bond will also allow for the upgrades to infrastructure. With buildings built over 50 years ago, the phone and electrical systems just cannot handle the load this technology brings. The plan includes efficiencies like wireless communication as well as plans for future needs. EVERY STUDENT IN THE DISTRICT WILL HAVE A CLASSROOM WITH: • Energy smart equipment and lighting • Wireless connectivity • Sound enhancement & task-appropriate lighting • Distance learning • Interactive Classroom - (please see web site for exact details) Prototype classrooms at each building were set up to test equipment before asking the community to invest in this technology. They were sponsored by the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation and allowed us to incorporate the technology to immediately measure content retention.

Frequently Asked Questions CURRENT taxes and increases Current levy is 1.54 mills; the bonds would raise that to 3.54 mills. That puts us at about the mid point for the 14 public schools in our area. Annual increase in taxes on a $200,000 market value house will be $200. ALSO NEED A YES VOTE on the nonhomestead tax renewal. Only applies to commercial properties and second homes. Doesn’t increase their taxes OR taxes on YOUR main residence (homestead). If it fails, we lose $5,750,000 from the state -- 24% of our operating budget. Home value – job development Improved schools maintain or increase your home value (biggest asset). Educated workforce is a significant element in attracting companies here. Additional companies/jobs help keep our kids here to benefit our area. THE STADIUM – 2001 Bond issue revisited Stadium and the field house were the final segments of an update plan that started in 1996 and required bonds to fund: 1996 -- Upton Middle School – six classrooms, science lab $1,165,000 1999 – Elementary Media Centers with computer labs 1999 – Elementary classrooms and science labs Athletic demands 1949 (when stadium was built) versus 2001 needs. H.S. -- 13 all-male teams then; 47 teams male and female in 2001 (794 athletes) Middle School – 12 male teams then; 28 teams, 483 athletes in two grades. Total costs of the renovation elements that took debt from ZERO to 1.93 mills:

“Teaching and learning in an interactive classroom show an average of 17 percent higher achievement than teaching and learning in traditional classrooms and by traditional methods.”

Dr. Robert Marzano, internationally known researcher in educational assessment (http://www.marzanoresearch.com)

More detailed information on the success found at St. Joseph Public Schools can be found online at www.sjschools.org/vision. Tours are available at any of the buildings.

- Upton Middle School $5,800,000 - High School $2,000,000 - HVAC system $3,000,000 - New Stadium (orig. 1949) $1,800,000 - Field House $9,855,000 Field House was needed to respond to mandates on boys and girls athletics. Stadium seating area was rusting away beneath us; lights had already fallen.

Baseball Camp

For kids grades 1-6 on June 28,29,30 from 9 AM - 12 PM the cost is $75.

Open Wrestling

Summer Time Fun Lots of summer camps to choose from!

Don’t miss it! - May 11th and bat givea-way on May 25th for all youth in the St. Joe Community. The first 250 kids get a bat or ball on those days.

Every Monday from 6-7:30 pm starting April 19th in the SJ wrestling room. Will continue through summer months. Open to any age and all school disticts welcome. Questions? Contact Matt Culver (mculver@sjschools.org)

School might be out on June 4th, but the fun dosen’t stop at St. Joseph Public Schools. There are many summer time activites and camps planned for area studets. For a complete list please visit www.sjschools.org. Events are being added every day...

Summer Volleyball Camp

June 7-11th from 3-9pm. Open to all students K-12th from all area schools. The sessions will run as follows K-4th from 3-4:30PM, 5th-8th from 4:45-6:45 and 9th-12th from 7-9 Monday thru Friday. Cost is $50.00 per player and includes a Free Team Camp t-shirt. Registration forms will be available in the athletic office on or after May 1st or you may visit www.stjoevolleyball.com.

Summer Volleyball Camp

Basktball Camp The St. Joseph high school boy’s basketball staff and former players will be conducting a boy’s basketball camp. The camp will be fun and exciting for all players and all skill levels. Players will learn individual drills and team concepts that will improve their overall play. Players will also participate in scrimmage games and contests throughout the eight days of camp. June 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and June 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th from 8:30am-10am (1st-5th grades) and 10:00-noon (6th and 7th grades) at the High School Fieldhouse. Cost: $50 (Brother Plan: 1st boy is $50, each additional boy is $20) Go to www.sjschools.org to download registration form. Please return to the High School by June 7th.

Summer r o F R dy

ead ing

Get R e

Questions? Contact Coach Greg Bloomgren at (Cell) 269-845-0172 or (Home) 269-782-1162

Summer Swim Lessons

Sign-up: June 7 at Lincoln Elementary (1102 Orchard Ave., St. Joseph) 8:00am to 10:00am (No phone reservations, No mail in reservations) June 8-18 Fee: $50 per student Instructor: Mr. Randy Pfahler

8:00-9:00am Intermediates (Limit 20) 9:00-10:00am Adv Beg (Limit 30) 10:00-11:00am Beginners (Limit 24) 11:00-12:00pm Beginners (Limit 24) 12:00-1:00pm Adv Beg (Limit 30) Class Entrance Requirements: Beginners: Must be 48 inches tall Adv Beg: Must be able to swim 1 length. Inter: Must be able to swim 2 lengths of pool (50 yards) with good front crawl form.

Let the graduation game begin! Senior Party Committee is looking for your TIME, TALENT AND TREASURES!

If you are the parent, grandparent, or just a person who likes to support great causes, please join us in creating a wonderful and safe experience for our 2010 graduating class and volunteer to help with the senior party.

SJHS Book Fair

May 17-19, 8 am-3 pm May 17, 5-7pm Forever Books will be at St. Joseph High School. 20% of all proceeds will be used to purchase new books for the media center. Come support your local book store and stock up on your summer reading! Brown School will also be having a spring book fair, May 3-May 7 BOGO Book Fair!

Volunteers meet Monday nights from 7-9 PM at the High School Cafeteria. Help is needed for set up on Friday June 4th, 5th, & 6th. At that time we will need trucks to haul decorations from the stadium to the cafeteria. Volunteers will be needed to transform the cafeteria and adjoining rooms into a world unrecognizable by our students. For other supplies needed please visit www.sjschools.org/seniorparty If interested contact Sue Fortenbacher 428-1125

Men’s Varsity Baseball Thurs 04/22/10 Bridgman 4:30PM Sat 04/24/10 Penn HS* 12:30PM Tues 04/27/10 Benton Harbor* 4:00PM Thurs 04/29/10 Paw Paw 4:30PM Mon 05/03/10 Dowagiac* 4:15PM Tues 05/04/10 Mattawan*4:00PM

Men & Women’s Varsity Track

Tues 04/20/10 Benton Harbor* 4:30PM Fri 04/23/10 Otsego Relays* 4:00PM

WedS 04/21/10 Lakeshore 6:45 PM

Tues 04/27/10 Lakeshore 4:30PM

Mon 04/26/10 Mattawan* 6:45 PM

Fri 04/30/10 Three Rivers Invite* 3:30PM Tues 05/04/10 Mattawan 4:30PM Fri 05/07/10 Rotary Track Meet* 4:30PM Tues 05/11/10 Portage Cent* 4:30PM Fri 05/14/10 Allegan Inv* 3:00PM

Sat 05/08/10 Niles Classic* TBA

Mon 05/17/10 Niles* 4:30PM

Tues 05/11/10 Niles 4:00PM

Tues 05/18/10 Port Cent JV Inv* 4:00PM

WedS 05/12/10 Port N. 4:00PM

Fri 5/21-22 RegIONAL@Otsego* TBA

Sat 05/15/10 Blissfield Inv* 10:00AM

WedS 05/26/10 League@ BC Cent* TBA

Tues 05/18/10 Marshall* 4:00PM Sat 05/22/10 Spring Lake* 11:00AM Tues 05/25/10 Lakeshore 4:00PM Sat 05/29/10 St. Joe Invite 10:00AM

Men’s Varsity Golf WedS 04/21/10 Loy Nor. Inv* 10:00AM

SPRING ATHLETIC SCHEDULES For additional game details, jv & freshmen schedules, directions, ticket information, and youth clinics please visit www.sjschools.org * indicates away game

Tues 04/27/10 Paw Paw* 4:00PM WedS 04/28/10 Benton Harbor* 3:30PM Mon 05/03/10 Point INV* 10:00AM Tues 05/04/10 LS @ Lost Dunes* TBA Thurs 05/06/10 Gull Lake InV* 9:00AM Mon 05/10/10 West @ St. Joe 3:30PM Fri 05/14/10 BC Lakeview Inv* 9:00AM Mon 05/17/10 League* 10:00AM WedS 05/19/10 Bridgman H.S. 3:30PM

WedS 04/28/10 BH* 6:45 PM Fri 04/30/10 Kzoo ChriST 6:45 PM Mon 05/03/10 Niles 6:45 PM SaT 05/08/10 South Haven* 6:45 PM Mon 05/10/10 Edwardsburg 6:45 PM WedS 05/12/10 West@East 6:45 PM Mon 05/17/10 Cent@West 6:45 PM WedS 05/19/10 League TourN* 6:45 PM FrI 05/21/10 Vicksburg* 6:45 PM

Women’s Varsity Softball

Tues 04/20/10 Port Cent* 4:30PM Tues 04/27/10 Benton Harbor* 4:30PM WedS 04/28/10 SB Clay 5:00PM Mon 05/03/10 Dowagiac* 4:15PM Tues 05/04/10 Mattawan* 4:30PM ThurS 05/06/10 Port NorTH* 4:30PM Sat 05/08/10 Wayland Inv* 9:00AM

Sat 04/24/10 League* 10:00AM Mon 04/26/10 W. Jam@Niles* 3:30PM

Women’s Varsity Soccer

ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PHYSICALS - 2010-2011 Athletic physicals for the 2010-2011 school year for St. Joseph Public Schools have been scheduled for the following date. All physicals must be dated after April 15 and must be on the approved MHSAA form in order to be valid for students to participate in sports for the upcoming school year. Dr. John M. Stafford’s office will be conducting our physicals. WedS, June 2 High School Fieldhouse 5:00 p.m. – Women 6:00 p.m. – Men

Mon 05/10/10 S.B. - SJ* 4:30PM Tues 05/11/10 Niles 4:30PM Sat 05/15/10 St. Joseph Inv 10:00AM Tues 05/18/10 Marshall* 4:30PM Tues 05/25/10 Lakeshore 4:30PM ThurS 05/27/10 Brandywine 4:30PM

Women’s Varsity Tennis

Thurs 04/22/10 Vicksburg 4:30PM Sat 04/24/10 Allegan Inv* 8:00AM Mon 04/26/10 Niles 4:30PM

WedS, Aug 4 High School Fieldhouse 5:00 p.m. – Women 6:00 p.m. – Men

Thurs 04/29/10 Edwardsburg* 4:30PM

The cost is $25.00 per student, $40 for two or more students in a family. Please make checks payable to St. Joseph Public Schools.

WedS 05/05/10 Cent@West 4:30PM

Form requires parent signatures and can be picked up in the Athletic or Main office at the High School.

Mon 05/03/10 Holland* 5:30PM Sat 05/08/10 Det Country Day Inv* TBA Mon 05/10/10 West@East* 4:30PM WedS 05/12/10 Harper Creek 4:30PM Sat 05/15/10 League @ BC* 8:00AM

CONTINUED SUCCESS!

Students & Community Enjoy the Show

St. Joseph Schools continues to lead the After almost 40 years the Upton Planetarium has received a much needed face lift in thanks to the generosity of the Upton Foundation and Steve and Elizabeth Upton. A newly painted dome, refurbished star machine, new seating and the latest in digital technology, lights and sound will amaze visitors. Superintendent Al Skibbe had this to say about the project, “Without the initiative of the St. Joseph Public School Foundation and the generosity of the Upton family, we would no longer be able to use the planetarium. This is truly a bright spot for our district in these times of budget cuts and program reductions. I am so pleased that we can offer our students such an exciting new look into the stars.” In the last several months over 1500 St. Joseph students and 450 students from outside the District have visited the newly renovated planetarium. Another 1,000 visitors have attended the once-a-month community nights. The next community night will be May 27th, with two shows at 6pm and 7pm featuring “Zula Patrol: Under the Weather”, which is aimed at younger children up to age 8. It will be a 45 minute show that will include a tour of the night sky. Please check the web site, www.sjschools.org/planetarium for details. Cost is $3.00 per person and space is limited. Tickets will soon be available for purchase on-line. Ticket holders must then show up at least 10 minutes before show time for their reserved seats. Please contact Jill Hubble (jhubble@ sjschools.org) or Jenna Francis (jfrancis@sjschools.org) at 269-926-3467 for more information including group rates and reservations.

Communication

Goes high tech at SJ Schools school web site key to parent, alum and community communication Let’s face it, news has to travel fast today or it simply isn’t news. In times of tweeting, facebook and instant messages, St. Joseph Schools is taking communication to the next level. Through the school web site parents can now submit important emergency forms, check up on student homework and communicate on a regular basis with teachers and coaches.

Alums can also connect with classmates, see old photos and find out about on the next reunion. The efficiency of the web allows information to be posted in a timely and cost-effective manner. Because budgets continue to decrease, the school newsletter is also going high tech. We hoping to reduce printing and mailing costs by utilizing email more. If you are interested in continuing to receive news about the school, please send your email to Christine Waterhouse at cwaterhouse@ sjschools.org or visit www.sjschools.org and you will be placed on the e-mailing list.

Southwestern Michigan area public schools in MEAP and ACT scores.

THANK YOU: We applaud your dedication. Two of our hard working School Board members will not be seeking reelection this May. Mary Ann Pater will be stepping down after serving the district for the past twenty four years. Mary Ann has served as Trustee, Vice President, and President of the Board; has overseen four Superintendents; and been instrumental in seeing that St. Joseph Public Schools have maintained their excellent reputation and success with educating our youth during that almost 1/4 of a century. Frank Pastrick, current School Board President and Past President of Lake Michigan College, has decided to step down after leading the district to a financial turn around in 2007 and spearheading the millage request to bring the district into the 21st century. Mr. Pastrick plans to continue to serve the community as he has announced he is running for a seat on the County Board of Supervisors in November. Both members of this unpaid Board will be greatly missed as we thank them for their service. “It has been a true pleasure to work with two individuals who are so dedicated to the success of our schools.” - Al Skibbe, Superintedent Other staff retiring after this school year include teachers Rick Bloodworth, Donna Dumke, Chris Dixon, Steve Reed, Larry Collins, Jan Nealer, Pat Winger, and Sue Bittenbender. Their expertise and dedication will be missed.

Seniors Dance The Night Away Second annual key club prom brings senior students and senior citizens together Friday, March 12, from 7-10pm the St. Joseph High School Key Club put on a Senior Prom for “seniors” at the Whitcomb Retirement Residence. Approximately 100 people attended the dance, some were residents of the Whitcomb and the rest were seniors from all over Berrien County. St. Joseph High School Key Club hosted this event last year as well and it was such a success they decided to make it a spring project for 2010. Key Club formed a 16 member committee chaired by Ashley Machacek. The committee had several planning meetings including meeting with Joann Ciboch, Office Manager Residence Services and Activities Director at

the Whitcomb, to see the room and decide on decorations. The evening was a great success with lots of dancing. Will and Marilyn Smaka provided the music (three-person band) and wooden dance floor. There was a king and queen crowned, Pat Kollis and Charles Getz. There was a chocolate fountain, coffee and punch. A cake made by the St. Joseph High School Foods classes was served and door prizes were donated by the following businesses: Gift Basket Classics, Professional Hearing, Will and Marilyn Smaka, Kilwins, Forever Books, and The Whitcomb.

SJ Students: have fun & RAISE AWARENESS students raise nearly $1400 for local soup kitchen Lincoln School held an empty bowls dinner on Friday, March 5th to raise money for the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen. This was a PTO sponsored event.

UPTON 8th GRADER SHAVES HEAD FOR CANCER Miranda Stepka, an 8th grader at Upton Middle School, promised to SHAVE her head if she could get donations to the American Cancer Society for what she called “Cuts for the Cure.” Miranda raised over a $1000 in donations and DID shave her head!

BRown students write letters to the troops Each year in the first week or so of school, Mr. Bryan Keim’s class writes thank you letters to our troops overseas. So far his students have never received anything in return and just assumed the letters had reached the troops. This year was different. One of those soldiers not only received the letters, but came to Mr. Keim’s class to say thank you. The soldier (who asked to remain unnamed) said they brought some joy and comfort to him. He brought a certificate and a flag that was flown in Iraq on December 25, 2009 to honor the class and Brown School. Great job kids!

SJ WELCOMES: NASA ASTRONAUT St. Joseph students were treated to a talk from someone who has truly reached for the stars. Jack Lousma was one of the 19 astronauts selected by NASA in April 1966. He served as a member of the astronaut support crews for the Apollo 9, 10, and 13 missions. He famously was the capcom recipient of the “Houston, we’ve had a problem” message from Apollo 13. His first space flight assignment was as Command Module Pilot for the second manned Skylab mission, Skylab 3. They linked up with and entered the huge laboratory, settling in for a lengthy period of experiments. Jack and his fellow astronauts conducted several space walks. Otherwise, the astronauts busied themselves with Earth resources, solar astronomy, metals processing and other experiments. They also exercised regularly to prevent heart and other muscles from deconditioning in weightlessness. After traveling 24.4 million miles in a record 59 days in orbit, they flew their Apollo ferry back to Earth on September 25. Lousma returned to space March 22, 1982, as commander of the third test flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia. During eight days in orbit, he and Pilot Gordon Fullerton exposed the shuttle to extremes in thermal stress, tested the craft’s 50-foot robot arm and conducted science experiments. Because of bad weather at the prime landing site at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Lousma landed Columbia on the lakebed at White Sands, New Mexico, on March 30. St. Joseph Public Schools would like to extend a special thank you to the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation for helping to make this happen.

clarke students visit the cook plaNt

KEY CLUB

TAKES TOP HONORS

Key Club District Convention was amazing again this year! There were 400+ members at Tree Tops Resort from high schools all over Michigan. The St. Joseph Key Club brought home many accolades! - Box-a-thon Project took 2nd Place over all for the Single Service Award - Club DVD took 3rd Place over all - Claire Knebl and Sepideh Ashrafzadeh were each awarded a $1000 Michigan District Key Club Scholarship (only 4 were awarded in total from all the schools).

Tyler Clark was elected Lieutenant Governor for Division 8. This position requires Tyler to maintain communication between the clubs in our Division and also provide leadership training. The clubs in our Division include Benton Harbor, Colon, LMC, Lakeshore, Loy Norrix, Niles, Paw Paw, Schoolcraft, South Haven, and Sturgis.

Only school groups with advance notice get a tour at the Cook Energy Information Center, and that is just what the 4th graders from E. P. Clarke experienced on March 31. The field trip was supported with funds from the St. Joseph Education Foundation. Dave Lefor, the Coordinator of the Cook Energy Information Center at the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, gave 75 students a tour and a brief history lesson. Students learned that the plant employs about 1400 people (some of them parents of the students), and it converts heat generated through nuclear fission into high-pressure steam, which is used to spin huge turbines. After being heated to 575º, the water is cooled using water from Lake Michigan. The electricity from both reactors is connected to the electrical grid that serves a large area of the country. The students enjoyed 3 theaters of information and especially the 3-dimensional, 26-foot model of the plant that offers an illuminated and narrated overview of the plant. They also had fun taking an interactive quiz with ‘clickers.” All of the 4th graders in St. Joseph study Energy Transfer as part of their science curriculum. Teachers involved: Linda McConville, Julie Sifrig and Sue Bittenbender

BARRAGE: A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE BARRAGE BRINGS HIGH ENERGY SHOW TO ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL COMING MAY 7th – A highoctane string group that features an international, multi-talented cast performing an eclectic mix of music, song and dance brings its show to St. Joseph High School Auditorium on May 7, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $15 for adults and $10 for students/ seniors and can be purchased by contacting any St. Joseph Orchestra student or calling Ms. Kelly Freye at 269-556-1308. This public performance is part of the Barrage Educational Outreach Program and provides a rare opportunity for string students and the general public to see and interact with Barrage in a unique and intimate environment.

“Barrage is too Wow for Words !” – Denver Post 2006 marked the end of Barrage’s first decade in which Barrage entertained millions of people around the globe. Their second decade began with a series of new tours around the world. In 2009/2010 Barrage will complete over 200 performances in the USA, Europe, Asia and Canada. Fans will enjoy Barrage at International Festivals, Theatrical Presentations, Concert Performances, Educational Events, Special Events and TV appearances. Barrage performances offer up a diverse fusion of cultures, musical styles and incredible performance vitality. The music of Barrage continues to evolve - combining contemporary world music influences, layered vocal arrangements and pulsating modern beats and rhythms. The

cast delivers the show with amazing energy and musical virtuosity that will take your breath away. “After an evening of performing jigs on rocket fuel, it’s no wonder that more than a few horsehairs snapped on their bows” – LA Daily News Since its creation in Calgary, Canada in 1996, Barrage has been featured many times at events worldwide having played for many presidents, prime ministers and princes. Barrage has also had their television productions aired on several international TV networks including the PBS network in the USA, the BBC in the UK and CBC in Canada and has performed live shows in New Zealand, Singapore, Guatemala, Taiwan, China,

Canada, Finland, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Norway, Monaco, the USA and the UK. The cast of Barrage features five violinists/vocalists, drummer, bass player, and guitarist. The show is a creative offering of 5 to 1 Entertainments, the team responsible for determining the show’s music selections, training each player, composing and arranging all music and recording and producing all shows. Please join us for this fantastic show.

3275 Lincoln avenue, st. Joseph, mi 49085 www.sjschools.org

UPCOMING EVENTS HS All School Play April 30 and May 1, 7:30 pm HS Auditorium School Election May 4 BARRAGE! May 7, 7:30 pm HS Auditorium Bon Voyage Orchestra Concert May 19, 7:30 pm Mendel Center Community Planetarium Night May 27, 6:00 and 7:00 pm Upton Last Day of School June 4 Graduation June 6, 7:30 pm Dickinson Stadium Summer Camps check www.sjschools.org

may 4th vote

WHAT IS THE 18 MILLS NON-HOMESTEAD RENEWAL?

The non-homestead tax is paid by industrial, commercial and some agricultural property and “second homes.” It does not include a family’s primary residence. This tax is a result of when the funding for school districts changed significantly in 1993/94 when the Michigan voters passed Proposal A. Under Proposal A, the state pays the majority of the cost, but to receive full funding, schools must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property in their district.

critical to our schools!

This is simply a renewal of a millage approved by the voters in 2005. The district had voter approval to levy 19.6292 mills on non-homestead property through December 2009. The maximum 18 mills that was levied last year was comprised of 19.6292 of the original 20.0000 mills that was rolled back due to a related law (Headlee). This renewal will have little effect on your current taxes. For a business property with taxable value of $200,000 the tax would cost $3,600 ($200,000 ÷ 1,000 x 18 mills), similar to what you are paying today. The revenue generated from the 18 mills totals over $5.75 million annually, greater than 24% of the school district’s budget. If this millage does not pass, the state will not replace the funding and St. Joseph Public Schools will be forced to reduce or cut programs to offset the loss. This tax is on non-homestead property and does not apply to your primary place of residence.