St.

Johns Spotlight
Learning Today ... Leading Tomorrow

March 2010

Inside the Spotlight

Superintendent’s Message... 2
Bond Issue Overview... 3
Technology... 4-5
SJPS Foundation... 6
East Olive... 7
Eureka... 8
Gateway... 9
Oakview... 10
Riley... 11
St. Johns Middle School... 12
St. Johns High School... 13
Wrestling State Champs... 14
St. Johns Alternative School... 15
Riley students stuff pinecones with a carnivore CCRESA Career Connections... 16
diet for Arctic foxes during their Big Zoo Lesson. Calendar... 17

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • PO Box 230 • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4001
 Message from the Superintendent
St. Johns Public Schools are on a winning streak. Whether it’s our athletic teams, arts programs or academic extra-curriculars,
our young people are rising to the challenge time and time again.

By now, most readers know that the SJHS Wrestling Team captured the division 2 state championship. The first state
championship in any sport since 1926. As well, our swim team, Science Olympiad, Quiz Busters, Symphonic Band and
Orchestra and high school dance team have all experienced phenomenal success this season. These victories, whether in
sports, academics or the arts, remind me that success is rarely achieved as a singular unit. Success is most often obtained
through a collection of individuals doing what they do best for their team. No one can dispute that, while there may be

Superintendent exceptional performances on an individual level, the greatest achievements are made by teams of people.

Ken Ladouceur
PhD I think about these victories and the parallels to the district asking voters to approve the sale of bonds to support a high
school renovation. Our success in the upcoming election will be determined by the actions of people who support an
investment in our facilities. If we are successful on May 4, it will be because of the tremendous contributions of our parent
volunteers--many of whom have already invested countless hours in informing our citizens about the components of the
proposed high school renovations and the investments in technology throughout the district. It will be because these people
have come together as a team and executed a winning grass roots campaign.

If we are successful on May 4, it will be because the people who believe we must address the deficiencies in safety
throughout the district take the time to go to the polls and cast their vote. If we are successful on May 4, it will be because
voters recognize that our high school is, in many ways, the hub of our community. They will recognize that a vibrant school
district contributes exponentially to the vitality of the community, and can have a direct impact on the value of their property.
It’s true that everyone wants to be associated with a winner. Appealing school facilities attract young families, businesses,
and additional community investment. Let’s continue our winning streak by coming together as a team in support of a vital
community.

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • PO Box 230 • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4001 2
 May 4th Bond Issue
How were the 2010 Bond projects chosen?
Many members of our community have been meeting since 2005 to develop a Strategic Plan for the district. Critical
educational and facility issues were identified, and a bond proposal reflecting planned improvements put before the voters
in May 2009. The voters did not approve this proposal. A follow-up survey solicited feedback from community members,
and school board members re-analyzed the Strategic Plan information. The most significant concerns identified by the community were the need to address
the high school and athletic facilities in the following areas: small and educationally-outdated classrooms, student safety and security, inefficient infrastructure
systems, overcrowding, and Title IX infractions regarding equal facilities for female and male students.

What will the Bond accomplish?

• Improve the educational environment to enhance teaching and learning, especially in the high school (new science classrooms
and fine arts rooms, and auditorium renovation).
• Technology updates and upgrades, especially to support classroom teaching and learning and improve network infrastructure.
• Safety and security improvements, including security systems technology, fire protection, parking lots, driveways, and lighting.
• Energy efficiencies and cost savings, including the high school’s HVAC system and 20 new propane fueled buses.
• Relieve overcrowding, especially in the high school’s cafeteria, lobbies and entrances/exits.
• New pool to replace deteriorating current pool needed for physical education, competitive and community uses.
• Physical education and athletic facility improvements, especially for safety (new bleachers) and equal female and male facilities.
• Invests long-term in the St. Johns community as a better place to live and work.

Where can I get more information? Voting

Detailed facts and information about specific renovations, improvements and Vote Tuesday, May 4th, 7am-
additions are available by going to the web site http://schoolsfortomorrow.org/ 8pm in your usual polling place
may4/. Then click on the Facts menu or enter http://schoolsfortomorrow.org/ for state and national elections.
may4/about/ into your browser to download the detailed FACTSHEET. You may The last day to register is April
also contact the SJPS office at 227-4002 or email bond@stjohns.edzone.net. 5, 2010.

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • PO Box 230 • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4001 3
 Advanced Placement
New and Improved Web Presence
We recently upgraded our website so it’s
easier to navigate and more informative.
Our domain name is now sjredwings.org,
reflecting our community pride while
making our home on the Internet more
easily recognizable and memorable.
We recently added social networking sites Facebook and Twitter to our
communications channels because of requests from our community. We
also want to offer email subscriptions in the near future so that visitors
can receive the information streams that
they most care about.
An improved web design never ends,
always applying new technologies and
adding new content. We continue to strive
to make our presence on the Internet a
great place to interact, share information, and discover everything that
make our St. Johns schools and community a great place to be our
home.
Security
Security is a major issue for every public school district. We want to
increase our camera coverage and allow our entire school system to
have the kind of security our times demand. We plan on using as much
of our existing equipment as possible to achieve a great impact for
minimal cost.
www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • PO Box 230 • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4001
Spotlight on Technology
Technology Planning
The SJPS technology plan continues to identify the structural and financial issues
to upgrade our existing network, phone, and security systems. We are now also
placing significant emphasis on employing technology to enhance our everyday
classroom teaching and learning. We will pilot technologies to determine what
works best for our students and teachers.
We want our students to have the experiences they’ll need to compete in a high-
tech market place. And we want them to have the advantages that come with
online interaction with their teachers and peers.
Devices and Infrastructure
The speed of innovation and obsolescence always makes this difficult to nail
down. The devices we use to interact with information are constantly changing.
Computer systems put in place only a few years ago show their age quickly. We
aim to focus on inexpensive options for both hardware and software.
We know that a lot of our work is moving online, and much of what we can do has
little or no cost. St. Johns began integrating Google Apps for word processing,
presentation and email into our system this year, and we expect more of these
products to become available. These work environments demand a high-speed
connection.
Expectations for user devices change as well. We expect students and staff
to be interacting with information on handheld devices and low-cost units like
net-books. We plan for these devices to become a normal part of class without
teachers and students constantly competing for resources.
4
 Spotlight on Technology
Wireless Research shows wireless access is integral to education,
so we must plan for wireless everywhere in all our facilities. But wireless goes
beyond infrastructure. Our tech committee is now discussing the policies and
philosophies needed to connect our students safely.
Student Information Mentoring
Student Information Mentoring enables students to become discriminating
information users, while helping their peers make effective use of every
information resource available. The entire school community benefits when
students become the source of good information seeking strategies.
It’s an ideal course for students interested in Information as a profession
and an excellent precursor to university level research. The course is largely
modeled after peer information undergraduate counseling courses.
The course is being piloted with two students led by SJPS Information
Director Dan Davenport. Each student completes two in-depth personalized
research projects through hands-on use of various information and
communication tools.
To date, Dave Goodknecht has completed a series of short films highlighting
the classes in our high school to assist students and their parents when
selecting courses. Bug Richardson has surveyed students and staff to
gather feedback about a future information center. Her thorough analysis
is available online at http://sjredwings.info.
www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • PO Box 230 • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4001
Audio/Video Presentation There are so many
great digital lesson materials already available to our teachers, but not
every classroom is equipped to deliver them. We continue to equip our
classrooms to meet today’s teaching and learning, including inexpensively
retrofitting classrooms. New listening stations, document cameras and
projectors make it easier for teachers to reach each student’s learning
level and best learning style. Investing now to upgrade kid-friendly
devices in every classroom will enable us to deliver inexpensive content
as we move forward.
Meet Information Director
Dan Davenport
As SJPS Information Director, Dan Davenport is responsible
for leading the Technology Plan, library system and district
communications. Dan’s previous experience includes positions
with high school, public and university academic libraries.
His education includes a Wayne State library fellowship and a Masters in
Information Science along with his English B.A. and secondary teaching
certification.
Dan confides “I came to St. Johns Public Schools because of the community.
Here’s a community that cares about family, values work ethic, and desires
the best for their kids. I could have happily stayed in my previous job, but
I believe our district and community can become the model for a great
place to live and learn in Michigan.”
5
 SJPS Foundation of Excellence
Grandma Janet Mary and Craig Pennington, Local Author
and Illustrator, Share Special Message
Because of the financial support from our school district’s Foundation Without your financial support of our district’s Foundation, the author/
of Excellence and its donors, authors and illustrators have been able illustrator program would not be possible. And our students would
to share their passion and knowledge with our students. Award- not be privileged to discover rich and rewarding experiences from
winning author Grandma Janet Mary Sinke and illustrator Craig fine authors and illustrators such as Grandma Janet Mary and Craig
Pennington are no exception. Pennington.
They visited our elementary schools to not only share their craft, but Grandma Janet Mary Sinke, a recipient of the prestigious Mom’s
also a special message of caring, compassion, and acceptance of one Choice award, was inspired by her five children and 14 grandchildren
another. This message is beautifully written and illustrated in their when creating her five children’s books and one inspirational book.
book Priscilla McDoodleNutDoodleMcMae Asks Why?. She and her husband Mike live in St. Johns.
Be good to your neighbor. Mr. Pennington is a graduate of Kendall School of Art and Design,
Show others you care. with the Society of Illustrators’ Wahlberg Award among his national
Speak kindly. awards. He resides in Williamston with his wife Natalie and three
Rejoice with all colors of hair. sons.
Make peace as you journey
So all understand
That life is more fun
Without lines in the sand.
A year later when third-graders were asked what they recalled from
the visit, the entire class recited the message in unison. The impact
can last a lifetime.

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • PO Box 230 • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4001 6
 East Olive Elementary School
Historical Figures Come to Life
Students and staff at East Olive recently spent time learning about famous people in
history by touring the “Living Museum” presented by our fourth-grade students. Helen
Keller, Betsy Ross, Francis Scott Key, Lucille Ball and Davey Crockett were among the
historical characters sharing important facts and information about themselves.
Each student in Ms. Foreback’s fourth-grade class chose a person to research. Using the
information gained through their research, each student created a written report, oral
presentation and a visual presentation. Students dressed in character and were stationed
throughout East Olive to share facts about “themselves” with other students, staff
members and families.
The Living Museum was a great learning opportunity for all!

Cassie Trayer as Pocahontas

Living Museum class photo
Important dates
March is Reading Month
April 13-14: Parent-Teacher Conferences
May 12: Music program “A World of Music”
June 7: Field Day
June 8: Fifth-grade Graduation
Andrew Menard
as Ulysses S. Grant

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 2583 E. Green Rd • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4800 7

 Eureka Elementary School

Spring Carnival Celebration

Everyone knows there’s three must-go-to carnivals … Mardi Gras, Rio’s Carnival and
Eureka Elementary’s Spring Carnival. This was proven again this year March 12th when
our Eureka community of students, families and staff enjoyed our annual Spring Carnival.

Look for her 20 years from

now on Dancing With the Stars

Young Eureka chefs creating a new batch of Eureka Sweet Treats

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 7550 N. Welling Rd • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4900 8

 Gateway Elementary School
Erosion Never Tasted So Good
A hands-on experiment with a “volcano muffin” demonstrated an eruption’s
effect on the Earth’s crust for our Gateway third-grade students during
their Our Changing Earth science unit. First, students Jayden Oliver and
Savanna Rhines used a model of a volcano to demonstrate an eruption.
Then, all the third-grade students pushed up on the bottom of their
special muffin to witness the cracking of the Earth’s surface. Strawberry
jam magma changed into lava as it reached the surface. Some escaped
through the top, while other volcanoes erupted out the sides.
Each student learned that volcanoes erupt in many different ways. Upon
completing the activity, the students were able to enjoy a delicious
scientific snack.

Government Visitors
“Once Upon a Time” … Again
Our fourth-graders had two special guests to enhance
The Gateway fifth-graders have been practicing after school several days
our Civics unit’s instruction about the three branches of
a week since early January to perform The Glass Slipper, a re-telling of
government. Clinton County Circuit Court Judge Randy
Cinderella. Students are participating through acting roles on stage, in the
Tahvonen discussed the judicial system, while Mayor
lighting and sound technical crew, creating the set, and in hair and makeup
Dana Beaman focused on his executive role in our City
preparation.
government. Students asked follow-up questions at the
We’re excited about performing this play, and invite you to experience it
conclusion of each presentation.
with us. There’s three performances -- March 16th at 10am, March 17th at
We appreciate Judge Tahvonen’s and Mayor Beaman’s
2:30pm, and March 18th at 7pm.
sharing of their expertise and experience.

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 915 N. Lansing St • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4600 9

 Oakview Elementary School

Oakview Students Artwork Exhibit Travels to Japan

Oakview student artists and their families attended the opening reception of the Japanese Art
Exchange at Briggs Public library on Tuesday, March 2nd. This is the 14th annual exhibit of an
art exchange between elementary and middle school students of St. Johns and their friendship
city Konan in Shiga, Japan.
The artwork will be on display throughout the month of March, and then travel to Japan for
display. Students from Oakview painted landscapes of Michigan to share with their friends in
Japan.
This exchange is a cooperative effort of the St. Johns Art Council, St. Johns Friendship Committee,
St. Johns Public Schools and Briggs Public Library. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students
to communicate through the universal language of art.

Important dates
March is Reading Month
April 13-14: Parent-Teacher Conferences
April 20: Music program for grades 3, 4 & 5
May 4: Music program for grades K, 1 & 2
June 9, 2pm: Fifth-grade graduation
Oakview students Baylie Dush and
June 9: Last day of school
Abby Koneval with their art

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 1400 S Clinton Ave • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4500 10
 Riley Elementary School
The Big Zoo Lesson
For the fourth consecutive year, Mrs. Montville’s and Mrs. Kirsch’s fifth-graders at Riley
Elementary have participated in the Big Zoo Lesson at Potter Park Zoo. This is definitely not
your average trip to the zoo.
Potter Park Zoo becomes the classroom for a week-long, in-depth study of biological sciences.
Students are immersed in their learning from all angles. Talking with wildlife experts, observing
animal behaviors, and taking part in creating animal enrichments are just a few highlights from
the Big Zoo Lesson. This experience impacts the students for a lifetime, giving them a new
appreciation for nature and our role in the conservation and preservation of living organisms.
The Big Zoo Lesson is not cheap, putting its future in jeopardy. This year, however, we were
fortunate and eternally grateful to have AT&T sponsor the trip for us.

Riley Buddies
Students go to school to learn, but often they end up teaching as well. In fact, a widely accepted education
model say a person’s highest level of learning occurs when she or he takes the teacher role. At Riley, students
are given opportunities to teach and connect across different grade levels through our Buddy program.
Every child has a Buddy. Buddy activities range from arts and crafts, computer lab assignments, sharing
written work, and reading favorite stories together. The older Buddies enjoy having someone younger to look
after, and the younger children benefit from the mentoring that naturally occurs from this time spent together.
Students get excited when they pass their Buddy in the hall, in the cafeteria, or waiting for the bus. Lasting
friendships have developed throughout the years; some Buddy pairs exchange Christmas cards and send
Valentines to each other.
As human beings we take comfort in seeing a familiar face, so this opportunity enhances the feelings of a safe
and warm learning community within our Riley building.

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 5935 W. Pratt Road • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-5100 11
 St. Johns Middle School

Chocolate Chip Cookies and Coal Mining

Chocolate chip cookies were used for hands-on instruction about coal
mining to sixth-grade Social Studies students as part of their unit on
Energy Sources.
To test their skills at “mining,” our students experimented how to get as
many of the chocolate chips out of the cookie without ruining it, just as
coal should be mined with minimal destruction of the surrounding land.
The students also learned how coal is used as an energy source to heat
homes and provide power.

St. Johns Middle

Extraneous is the Winning Word
School presents its That’s right, correctly spelling “extraneous” catapulted SJMS sixth-
musical Aladdin grade student Milah Montle to victory at the Regional Spelling Bee in
Friday, April 23rd and Mason on February 27th! Milah triumphed against 30 other outstanding
spellers from the region which included Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor
Saturday, 24th at 7pm and Grand Ledge.
and Sunday, April Milah went on to the State Spelling Bee March 6th, and finished in the top eight in the entire
25th at 2pm. State. Milah’s mom, Darcy Montle, complimented her teachers in St. Johns schools -- “Milah’s
successes are a true reflection of the WONDERFUL teachers she has had, so THANK YOU!!!”

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 900 W Townsend Rd• St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4300 12
 St. Johns High School

Science Olympiad Regional Champs

First place finishes in the Anatomy & Physiology, Ecology, Egg-O-Naut,
Fossils, It’s About Time, Mousetrap Vehicle, and Ornithology events
led the St. Johns High School Science Olympiad team to the regional
championship February 27th at Lansing Community College.
After topping second-place Okemos and nine other schools competing
in the regionals, the Redwings next challenge is at the State competition
Saturday May 1st at MSU.
Watch Coach Rich Lund’s victory lap at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWp_gpjlyQM

Is That Your Final Answer?

Sure you can Google it or look it up in Wikipedia. Or you can ask our Quizbusters
team -- seniors Morsi Rayyan, Eric Ciolek, Nate Werner and junior Aaron Bodus,
or alternate senior Josh Gove. They’re coached by SJHS science teacher Derrick
Veale.
The Quiz Bowl competition is fun, but also offers the potential for each team
member to win a $5,000 scholarship for one semester at MSU.
After a qualifying round, our SJHS Quizbusters were seeded ninth among 16 teams
in the large school Green division. Then, our Quizbusters successively outsmarted
#8-seed Grand Ledge, top-seeded Lansing Everett and #4 Saline to reach the
March 15th divisional finals at MSU. Although DeWitt closed strong in the Lightning
round to win the finals, our Quizbusters still made a great run. Congratulations!

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4100 13

 St. Johns High School

Varsity Wrestlers Taylor Massa

Cameron Bender Daniel McCaul
Rory Bender Matthew Meaton
Austin Brown Spencer Olson
Ramon Brown Taylor Pemberton
Riley Brown Joshua Pennell
Blake Cooper Travis Peters
Travis Curley Billy Richardson
Alexander Dominguez Valentine Sanchez
Conrado Dominguez Brant Schafer
Robert Edwards Jonathan Schafer
Ibrahim El Nagger Michael Schafer
Wrestling Team State Champs!!! Wyatt Gove Devin Scheick
Just because 84 years is a very long time, let’s again congratulate our wrestling team’s Noah Hartwick Jacob Schmitt
Division 2 State championship, edging Allegan 31-30 in the title match February 27th Justin Hill Ryan Schueller
at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. This is the first state title for any St. Johns team since Alexander Ho Matt Spicer
the 1926 boys track team. Kevin Hoard Hunter Stahl
The title run was sweetened March 6th when Taylor Massa (152-pounds) and Jacob Steven Johnson Jordan Waeiss
Schmitt (103-pounds) picked up individual State titles. Josh Pennell finished second, Nicholas Lawless Jordan Wohlfert
Jordan Wohlfert third, and Brent Schafer and Devin Scheick fifth in their weight
levels.
Coach Zane Ballard and the wrestling team shouts out a big thank you to all their
parents, friends, staff and entire community for their support throughout the season.

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 101 W Cass St • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-5200 14

 St. Johns Alternative School
Woodworking merges creativity, math, organization and problem solving
“Ok, watch this as I do it again.” Instruction, laughter, a puff of
breath, saw blades whirl, and wood dust fills the air in the formerly
dormant locker room, storage room and now Wood Shop in the
Wilson Center basement. A dream has come to fruition through
community donations and lots of hard elbow grease. A dream that
combines core curricular skills with hands-on aptitude. “Why do I
need geometry?” “Why do I need math?” “Why do I need to speak
clearly to express what my imagination creates?”
It’s all part of a program where Cory Arts, Woodworking teacher,
helps students meet the real world. Cory encourages students to
use their creativity with math, organization and problem solving.
Woodworking is also an excellent medium between actions and
consequences. Turn a screw into a finished piece of wood without
first drilling the hole, and there’s a split piece of wood. Students are
guided to learn from their mistakes, repetitions and practice, and
use their imagination and creativity.

A Woodworker’s Creed
As the hours pass by
And the sawdust clears
From out of a plank
A piece of furniture appears.
As I stand back amazed
Wasn’t sure if I could.
It was my two hands
That breathed life into wood.
This drive, this desire
This need to create,
Just one more cut,
For the hour is late.
Father, thank you for the blessings
And the talents you gave
And for keeping me safe
As I play with blades.
- Author unknown

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4100 15

 CCRESA Career Connections

Technology Career Opportunities

Just ask Pete Klein what the Career Connections Informational Technology classes
have done for him. Career Connections is the CCRESA’s career education program
that provides opportunity for Clinton County 11th- and 12th-graders to earn high
school and college credit while also giving them a head start with the world of work
and possible careers.
Pete Klein, a 2006 graduate of St. Johns High School, now works as the Network
Administrator at CCRESA’s central office. For Pete and others like him, the Career
Connections motto – “Dream it. Connect it. Accomplish it.” – actually proves to be
more than just another slogan.
Pete was in the Co-op program during his high school junior and senior years, and
decided to take the Computer Systems Support class at Career Connections during
his senior year. Pete recalls “The computer class gave me a jump-start towards my
college degree, as well as piqued my interest in the computer field. Immediate skills
I learned there helped me become more efficient as a co-op at RESA. But the long-
term benefits were even more important. The class made me familiar with LCC, its
degree programs, and the teachers. This made for an easy transition into college.”
Students who successfully complete both the Computer Systems Support and IT Foundations and Programming classes receive not only
19 Lansing Community College credits but also the Information Technology Foundations Certificate of Completion.
The Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency (CCRESA) Career Education Department provides career focused education
programs. For additional information, please contact program director, Pat Jackson at 989-224-6831 or pjackson@ccresa.org.

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • PO Box 230 • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4001 16
 District Calendar
April May
2 Good Friday – No School 4 Oakview Music programs for grades K, 1 & 2

5-9 Spring Break – No School 6 Riley Music programs for grades 3 & 4

13,14 East Olive and Oakview parent-teacher conferences 12 East Olive “A World of Music” musical program

13,15 Eureka parent-teacher conferences 27 Elementary schools Scoring Day

14-15 Gateway and Riley parent-teacher conferences – No School (elementary schools only)

15-16 Middle School, High School & 28 Professional development day for staff -- No School

Alternative School parent-teacher conferences 31 Memorial Day – No School

16 No School for all students

20 Oakview Music programs for grades 3, 4 & 5

June
23-25 Middle School “Aladdin” musical
6 High School Graduation ceremony
28 Eureka “Uncle Sam” assembly
7 East Olive Field Day
29 Riley Music programs for grades K, 1 & 2
8 East Olive 5th-grade graduation

9 Last day for elementary schools & Middle School only

St. Johns Public Schools
District Office 9-10 High School & Alternative School – Exams, students
501 W. Sickels Street
St. Johns, MI 48879 released at 12:10pm; June 10 last day
Phone: (989) 227-4001
Fax: (989) 227-4099

www.stjohns.edzone.net • 501 W. Sickels • PO Box 230 • St. Johns, Michigan 48879 • (989) 227-4001 17