Coloma Schools focus on students’ academic and social success

A harvest of fall activities at all buildings was brought to the attention of the Coloma School Board at their regular monthly meeting held Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. Board President Heidi Ishmael called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

High School principal’s report

Craig Fisher, high school principal, reported that the recipient of this month’s “Starfish Award,” which recognizes a staff member that goes above and beyond to help students, is Michael Churchill. Last month’s recipient, Chuck Luchies, chose Churchill for his “diligence and care for the students at Coloma High School.”

October was National College Month and Coloma High School students participated in a variety of activities to raise awareness of post high school careers. On October 24 and 26 colleges, military branches, and career organizations were available to speak with parents and students during parent-teacher conferences. On Oct. 11, representatives from Hanson Mold came and talked to the CTE Welding and Machine Tool students.

National Honor Society induction was held on Oct. 11, 2023. Student Council members participated in the “Rake a Difference” program through the United Way by raking leaves for several households. Varsity Singers and the High School Trumpeters participated in the Coloma Community Schools Veteran’s Day program to honor local veterans on Nov. 10.

Junior High happenings

Wendy Tremblay, Junior High School Principal reported that Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) has hosted a Go Green Reward party to decorate pumpkins and have snacks for those students who did not have any missing assignments. On Nov. 1, students who did not have any disciplinary referrals were able to participate in a Halloween dance. On Nov. 8, all sixth grade students participated in the 39th annual “Turkey Trot.”

Intermediate & elementary report

Winnie Staffen, Intermediate School principal, reported that Coloma Elementary and Intermediate schools will be involved in promoting kindness and compassion among the students and staff by participating in a collaborative “Kindness and Compassion Drive” from Monday, Nov. 20 through Dec. 1. Both schools will be collecting new unwrapped toys, gift cards, and cash donations to benefit the Mosaic Wonderland Toy Store which provides parents in need a way to shop for their children for Christmas. New or gently used winter coats and waterproof winter gear for students may be donated for any students who need appropriate winter clothing.

Coloma Elementary and Intermediate will have a spirit week with holiday theme dress-up days during the week of Nov. 27. Each day will have a suggested food donation.

Robbie Trail received the first “Geode Award” for her positive attitude and kindness shown to all who enter the building. Robbie has now nominated Rochelle Ulleg for having a positive, generous, and helpful attitude. Both individuals like a geode that is lined with unique and beautiful crystals, reflect an inner beauty to those around them.

Fourth and fifth grade choir students that meet on Mondays after school will be participating in a holiday concert with the Junior High and High School choirs on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.

John Klein, Coloma Elementary school principal, also shared information about the “Kindness and Compassion Drive” involving both the intermediate and elementary students and staff. The elementary school partnered with the Children’s Advocacy Center during the week of Oct. 30 to teach the child abuse and awareness program, “Play It Safe.” The curriculum satisfies the requirements established for schools in Erin’s Law.

Board updates and communications

Briellle Hicks, student representative, reported the high school will be involved in a food drive during November.

Peg Brinnehl and Kelly Jo Severin shared information about a supplemental phonics program and intervention resource from the University of Florida Literacy Institute (U.F.L.I.) to improve literacy outcomes for children learning to read at Coloma Elementary. The program promotes student engagement and strengthens students’ self-confidence. All students in kindergarten through second grade are using the program which complements the core reading program.

Board President Heidi Ishmael reported that High School graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Superintendent Dave Ehlers reported that testing on the boilers showed a minor leak that will be repaired. Other necessary repairs include the elementary roof, a new panel for the fire alarm system at the high school, a wheelchair accessible sink, and modifications to the east parking lot.

Bond Proposal

Superintendent Ehlers shared the focus of the proposed May 2024 bond proposals. Bond Proposal 1: Completely renovate 22 classrooms, upgrade hall lighting, install DDC to operate the mechanical system, new classroom furniture, and two restrooms at Coloma Elementary. Tear down the old HS/North building, install a separate mechanical system to maintain the Alwood Gym, upgrade hall lighting, replace four windows and exit door at Coloma Intermediate. Replace cracked sidewalks, upgrade hall lighting, and remodel four restrooms at the Junior High. Completely renovate 28 classrooms and three shop areas, upgrade hall lighting, new classroom furniture, install DDC to operate the mechanical system, and replace the tile floor in the locker room and team room at the High School. The cost of $12,200,000.

Bond Proposal 2: Demolish the Alwood Gym, build a new 13,000 square foot gym attached to the main entrance of Coloma Intermediate, relocate the playground behind the gym and off of West Street, install AC to classrooms at the elementary and high school that do not have AC. The estimated cost of Proposal 2 is $11,782,922 and can be paid for with a series of bonds, at a lower cost to the taxpayer.

Board action

The superintendent recommended that the board approve the following items: Out-of-state trip for the band and choir scheduled for May 3, 2024 as presented; overnight trip for 8th and 9th graders to Mackinac Island from May 20-22 as presented; recommendation of the Building and Grounds Committee to authorize TowerPinkster to work on Coloma Community School’s behalf to secure authorization from the Michigan Department of the Treasury to place Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 on the May 7, 2024 ballot as presented.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the recommendations as stated above.

President Ishmael adjourned the meeting at 6:48 p.m.