But it was four years ago when Mrs. Karen Weaver’s ACT program moved to Pinewood Elementary School and she was introduced to Blake Watson, a Pinewood Parent who was also a manager at NuWool. Over the course of conversation, the NuWool partnership was born, inviting students to collect unwanted phone books to be donated, shred, and converted into cellulose insulation. Since the project’s inception, ACT donations have also been dedicated for use as insulation in Habitat for Humanity homes.

6th grade ACT students

“Green” since 1949, NuWool is committed to helping homeowners lower their energy bills or work toward LEED certification. They note that insulation made from 100% recycled paper (enter ACT phone books) is manufactured using much less energy than what is needed to make fiberglass insulation — at least ten times less!

These principals of environmental stewardship that govern Jenison’s ACT class are are pillars for Karen Weaver personally, making this project a standout for her and her students alike.

“Our main goal at the time was to keep the books out of the landfill and give them a second life as cellulose insulation.  Then, two years ago, we decided to collect and donate the books for insulation for Habitat Homes. The HUGE collections continued, in spite of the books getting smaller…

…We were always particularly proud of this project, since NuWool is a LOCAL green industry–turning trash into product.  It is located in our neighborhood and employs our parents.  All concepts we endorse,” said Mrs. Weaver.

3rd grade ACT students

This year, NuWool marketer Trisha Henderson perked up with an awesome community tie-in idea: why not use JPS-donated books to create acoustical tiles for our new Fine Arts Center?

In partnership with its sister company, Cellulose Material Solutions, LLC, NuWool helped to manufacture innovative cellulose batts from the recycled phone books. Sold under the name ECOCELL (see photo below), these batts have superior thermal and acoustical properties, making them perfect for concert halls.

Because of their unique properties, dozens of cellulose batts (made from our recycled phone books) will be installed in Jenison’s new Performing Arts Center! They will be suspended like sound absorbing “clouds” in the performance hall as well as installed into adjoining office walls.

[L to R} Jenna Boelkins, Andrew Ferguson, Tom TenBrink, Karen Weaver, Rachael Lyon.

“The phone book drive is a true testament of how recovering waste locally can lead to new products made locally, then installed and used locally in a sustainable facility,” said Ms. Henderson.

CMS employee works on the new acoustic “batts” to be installed in Jenison’s Fine Arts Center.

“Who knew that when our ACT students started recycling phone books years ago that they would some day be used to help insulate our brand new Performing Arts Center! It is exciting to know that the Nu-Wool insulation that is being used throughout our new building is a byproduct of the efforts of our past and present ACT students. What a great story,” commented Tom TenBrink.

Students at Pinewood Elementary collected over 9,000 pounds of phone books this year alone!

We applaud their diligent care of our planet and the way they have ensured that others’ trash … becomes Jenison’s treasure. Bravo!

We are thrilled to share that earlier this month, both Orchestra teacher Dan Scott and Band teacher Dave Zamborsky received word that they had been nominated by their peers and elected as District 10 Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Teachers of the Year! 

There are sixteen MSBOA districts in the State of Michigan, and Jenison lands in district 10 which is comprised of roughly 150-200 schools spanning from Northern Allegan to Lowell.

To draw a comparison between music education and athletics, these districts could be thought of as the OK Conferences for music. One distinguishing factor in this situation, however, is that our directors were identified as outstanding by their peers, and voted on to win Teachers of the Year.

“For me, that’s what means the most. I’m really flattered to have been chosen by my colleagues,” said Mr. Scott.

“Winning these accolades speaks volumes about the reputation of Jenison’s program,” added Mr. Zamborsky.

Pushing the significance of this honor to greater heights is the fact that no two teachers from the same school have ever won before! In fact, there are some districts in Michigan (typically the smaller ones) that vote only to honor either one band or one orchestra teacher, but not both.

This year changed everything when the MSBOA members voted to recognize the work of both a band and an orchestra instructor – and both from the same high school. This has never happened before!

“This award really highlights the well-roundedness of our entire program, both in band and in orchestra,” noted Mr. Zamborsky.

Moving forward, winners from all sixteen districts will go to the “state finals” on June 3, where three finalists from each category will be chosen to be presented to the MSBOA membership in the fall. Then, from December 2013 to January 2014, these same members will vote on one orchestra and one band teacher to be recognized –not just as superior in their district – but as exemplary in the state.  Results of the final voting will be made public on January 14, 2014.

If Mr. Zamborsky and Mr. Scott earn this recognition from their peers, they will have the opportunity to conduct the All-State Honors Band and Orchestra at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May 2014.

Please join me in congratulating these men on this unprecedented achievement! We are so lucky to have them both leading Jenison’s music program!

Pinewood Elementary School’s math and reading support groups offer the additional academic practice some students need to hone skills and solidify new concepts. They explore strategies covered in class but approach them in new ways to increase their staying power. Using dice to conceptualize mixed numbers and working with number cubes to reinforce the significance of numerators and denominators were just two of the activities planned for this session.

Principal Rachael Postel-Brown works with math students after-school.

While students whose learning styles are more tactical and hands-on appreciate the a more creative take on math, Mrs. Postel-Brown says it’s not just the techniques employed that help make the math stick — it’s the fact that parents are involved in supporting the process.

“Our parents are fantastic and so encouraging! We do our best to keep the lines of communication open and work together.”

The other component of the academic after-school program is focused on reading fluency. Mark Boersma, a Master’s Student at GVSU, uses the Read Naturally curriculum to help strengthen comprehension and reinforce the use of expression in reading.

“I’ve noticed a definite change,” Mr. Boersma says. “Right now we’re working on writing summary responses and are focusing on punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. We’re monitoring their progress, and by using a lot of repetition and reading interesting stories, we’re making advances.” 

Mr. Boersma works with a student on reading fluency.

Over in the Pinewood gym, Dee Perry is providing care and individualized attention to kids in the before- and after-school program.  Affectionately called “Mrs. D” by her students, this beloved woman spends her energies not on academics (although they do read many books!), but on  childcare.

With hours of care from 6:45- 9 in the morning and again from 3:45 – 6 after school, Mrs. Perry has spent the last decade loving kids by providing them with a quiet reading space, help with homework, a snack to munch on, and playtime right at Pinewood Elementary. Currently there are forty-two students registered and thirty-eight actively attending. “Mrs. D” says she can’t wait to be with her group each and every day; they have truly become “her kids.”

“I just love interacting with and working with the kids! They make me laugh. I love seeing them grow and advance as people. It’s a great job!”

We applaud the dedicated time and effort that these adults invest in the lives of our students! They are indeed helping to shape our future!

With Tour Actors and Directors Mr. Preston-Joseph Woods and Ms. Taylor Peters overseeing every aspect of the production, one hundred and nineteen students from kindergarten to 12th grade tried out for the honor of participating in the late April rendition of Hansel & Gretel.

Tour Actor/Director Preston-Joseph Woods (on right) has been with the Missoula Children’s Theatre for one year.

Thank you to Paul DeBoode & Al DeVol for taking this week’s photos!

Four hours of auditions trimmed the pack of student hopefuls to just fifty, and soon practices stretched through the after- school hours and into the evenings. With song, movement, and hand motions to be mastered, “new campers” and “nasties” prepared for their woodland run-in with the candy-house-dwelling witch. (The adaptation of this 1812 Brother’s Grimm tale expands on the traditional story in order to allow for a greater number of students to participate).

While one might assume that lack of time would be the most difficult aspect of this kind of production Preston-Joseph shares that it is actually the challenge of learning names, working with, and building relationships with a new group of kids each week.

“Every week you get kids with new personalities, likes, and dislikes, and it’s up to you to make the show enjoyable for them… I really like this aspect of the job because by the end of the week you have made a connection through theatre that lasts a lifetime,” said Preston-Joseph.

“Honestly, kids are quite amazing in what they can do with such a small amount of time, and we are so used to only having a week to get the show together that time is really not in issue for me anymore. I think the biggest challenge of only having a week can sometimes be getting the cast to realize that they can do it!” added Taylor.

Jenison is blessed with a robust theatre community that values the arts, and our guests felt that warm reception immediately, making their job all the more enjoyable and meaningful.

“Jenison is a shining example of how theatre is good for kids. It also teaches them so much. Things like ACT and great directors (Todd Avery and Karen Weaver) really help kids realize just how much you can do with creative minds,” said Preston-Joseph.

Taylor adds, “I love the confidence that we are able to help kids find in themselves. We come into a town with no prejudices against any kid, we don’t know their history and we therefore have every confidence in them to be able to do what we ask them to do.

…For the most part, when a kid realizes that you have confidence in them, they get confidence in themselves and realize not only that they can do it, but that they are actually very good at it, and are totally capable of doing incredible things in just one week. And if they’re capable of that, what else are they capable of that they haven’t tried yet?” 

“Theatre teaches us to open our eyes and really see who we are as a person and what we have to offer to the world. That is why theatre is important to me and why I think it’s especially important for the young,” explained Preston-Joseph.

We offer our sincere thanks to Preston-Joseph and Taylor for the creative leadership they provided our young actors; we also express our gratitude to Mr. Avery and Mrs. Weaver for the support they offered to the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Working together, they found magical ways to inspire young minds with the arts.

If you wish to order your own photos of this special night, please visit www.pauldeboode.com and click on “gallery”.

After a harried morning of looking for shoes, fighting traffic and dodging flood zones, you turn the corner on Connie Street to drop your child off at Jenison’s Early Childhood Center. Walking through secure doors, you pass an impressive aquarium whose bright colors are matched only by charming displays of artwork dotting the halls.

Making your way past the infant rooms, you locate your child’s preschool classroom and scoop her up for a last kiss before she skips into class. Stopping at the coffee kiosk for a free cup of flavored Joe on the way out, you nod to the chef who’s returning to the kitchen with an armful of veggies from the school’s garden.

You realize that your bologna sandwich will pale in comparison to the lunch your four-year old will be eating, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.

One of the preschool rooms in Jenison’s Early Childhood Center

The scenario above is not part of a movie or a facility reserved for an elite crowd of Hollywood starlets. It is a snapshot of life at the ECC for every parent and every child who walk through the doors (*bologna sandwich optional). With room for little ones starting at 3 months and up to 5 year old pre-kindergarteners, this school is buzzing with laughter and finding innovative ways to make learning fun.

Mr. Westervelt at the coffee kiosk.

Principal Lee Westervelt beams like a proud parent as he weaves through the hallways. He knows this school is special, and notes that parents drive from as far away as Allegan County and Grand Haven to grab a coveted registration slot.

At the moment there is a waiting list for preschool at the ECC, despite incorporating the use of several portables and rooms at other Jenison Elementary Schools. Currently, 450 children are in the building every day, with another 300 in satellite locations.

“We’ve been fortunate that there is a lot of stability here. We’ve proven that we hire people who have graduate-level preparedness and who stay. We really don’t experience a lot of turnover, which is great for the kids. I hire the best people out there,” said Mr. Westervelt.

Ms. Keriann Poquette

One such teacher is Ms. Keriann Poquette who uses the latest technology to foster growth in reading. Two days a week, students use iPads to read with a reading buddy from Mrs. Ryan’s class at Bursley Elementary School.

Using Facetime, ECC kids sit and listen to an older student read to them while the iPad sends images from the book. This partnership allows older students on the other side of Jenison to practice reading and gives younger students additionally examples of fluency.

In mid-April the 5 year olds at the ECC will begin to read back to their reading buddies, practicing their newly forged skills in a tangible way.

Students view pages to their reading buddy’s book via Facetime on the iPad.

Aside from the gifted staff of teachers, the ECC boasts an amazing army of volunteers who come in every day to run the morning coffee kiosk, work with students, and organize the “Motor Moms” group. Motor Moms focus their attention on developing fine and gross motor skills by employing techniques used in Brain Gym and Bal-A-Vis-X. Examples of those activities include: obstacle courses, balance beams, crawling, rolling, galloping-to-marching, catching and throwing.

Motor Moms work with students each day.

Chef Wade Borysiak preps black beans for the next day’s lunch menu.

All that galloping works up an appetite in the kids, and they’re fortunate to have GRCC Culinary Institute graduate and former Head Chef at GR’s One Trick Pony, Wade Borysiak, prepping fresh vegetables and healthy meals each day for the entire facility.

Aside from the community garden on the ECC grounds which provides food each spring and summer, Chef Borysiak shops locally at least every-other day for the freshest foods. On the menu that day: whole grain brown rice with mirepoix and slow roasted pork shoulder.

Mr. Westervelt is passionate about the connection between healthy eating and healthy, well-fed, attentive kids who are ready to learn. His dream is to expand the kitchen, hire a sous chef, virtually eliminate sugar and processed food from the school, and begin to partner with local farms for a larger variety of garden-fresh options.

But more than anything, Mr. Westervelt and his staff are excited about kids. They take good care of each other. They pursue excellence. They focus on what’s important.

“The great thing about my job is knowing that for many kids, being here is the best part of their day. And I love being a part of that.”

(L to R) Language Arts teachers Alana Kooi and Deb VanDuinen

For the past several years, Jenison Junior High Language Arts teachers Alana Kooi and Deb VanDuinen have been focused on a single goal: improving Language Arts instruction for their students and empowering other educators across the state and nation to do the same.

Together they have studied research related to how students learn to read and write, have poured over methodologies, and have applied new instructional techniques in their classrooms. Not afraid to ask hard questions, they have challenged traditional perspectives in favor of approaches that have been proven with data.

Because of their determination to excel, Mrs. Kooi and Mrs. VanDuinen have emerged as leaders in their field, recently receiving certification as consultants with the National Writing Project. They have additionally been awarded a grant in “Leadership and Learning” from the NEA and have completed work with the Lake Michigan Writing Project. 

Working as a team, this duo has presented at numerous conferences and conducted countless workshops to train their colleagues and help them develop a “deeper understanding of how students develop as learners…and use research-driven best practices in the classroom.”

Aside from working locally with West Michigan districts as the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, Mrs. Kooi and Mrs. VanDuinen have also presented at the Michigan Council of Teachers of English conference (MCTE).

“We’ve been privileged to work closely with teachers in several districts in the area over extended time — it’s exciting to build these relationships and see their enthusiasm about teaching writing!” they said.

Both women say the most important part of their work is the personal growth they’ve experienced along the way. Being well-read and aware of current developments in research gives them the tools needed to individualize their instruction and offer “specific moves” for their students to use in their writing. This also lays the foundation for stronger writers who are able to work more independently in a workshop-style classroom format.

This summer the team will be serving as facilitators for the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA). During the conference, Mrs. Kooi and Mrs. VanDuinen will be part of a team tasked with the enormous undertaking of aligning all of Michigan’s K-12 classrooms with the Common Core standards. They hope to achieve this with a student-centered approach to reading and writing.

“We thoroughly enjoy this work! It has changed how we see teaching and learning, and provided opportunities to work with other professionals on the cutting edge of education.”

Please join us in applauding Mrs. Van Duinen and Mrs. Kooi for modeling life-long learning and for their commitment to excellence in the classroom!

Those were the questions filling the hallways of Bursley Elementary during their pre-Spring Break Family Science Night. Planned by Grand Valley State University students training to become teachers, each activity found its roots in or was adapted from Science Olympiad events.

Eliana Nichols, mom to 2nd grader Mackenzie (pictured above), enjoyed the evening and appreciated the learning that her daughter was able to do after school.

“My daughter has been talking about this for two weeks! She loves experiments and watching Myth Busters on TV — she’s a science nut!”

The Sanchez family stayed busy at the Cat-a-Pult station.

Activities included a sink or float experiment, reflection relay, barge building, working with magnets, creating paper rockets, and firing “Cat-a-Pults” as pictured above. The Sanchez family enjoyed launching plastic cats at the Cat-a-Pult firing range. Mother Heather was thrilled to have a night out that incorporated learning.

“It’s great to have something interesting and educational to do. We don’t have a lot of science stuff at home, per se, so nights like this are fantastic.”

Nights “like this” began in the mind of GVSU Associate Professor of Physics, Keith Oliver, in an effort to get his education students into real-world teaching situations sooner than they typically would in their program.

“Three years ago we were looking for an opportunity for our students to interact with elementary children before getting to the end of their program. Typically field placements come later on, but this gives our prospective teachers an opportunity early on. So now we plan roughly two Family Science Nights per semester!”

Principal Rané Garcia couldn’t have been more pleased with the effort put forth by Grand Valley’s team of students or the turnout of Bursley families who came to participate in the fun.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work with future teachers — its a win for the GVSU students, a win for the community, and a win for our students!”

How many pennies does it take to sink a tin foil boat?

Rachel Eriks and daughter Erin see how far they can blow a paper airplane from a straw launcher.

Each year, the junior high hosts a soup supper in conjunction with its Career Showcase, with all proceeds going to support God’s Kitchen. Over the past ten years, the generous support of our community has raised well over $10,000 for the Grand Rapids’ charity, where a hot noontime meal is served each day, no questions asked.

Eighth grader Veronica Howe manned the payment table in the cafeteria last Thursday night, crediting Teen Leadership teacher Judy Williams for getting the soup together and planning an incredible night for the community:

“We’re all assigned jobs and in about 45 minutes we had everything ready — tables covered and bowls and silverware set. This year we also used a GVSU broadcast to share the details of the night, so we have people coming in from all over, not just Jenison.”

Art teacher Nate Greenwood stacked bowls from a year’s worth of ceramics classes made especially for this one event, counting the few left for purchase by the time soup service drew to a close:

“In every ceramics class, students know they’ll be making a bowl for the Soup Supper. So even classes that start this spring will create a piece that will be carefully stored away for next March’s event. Even with this planning, we’ve run out of bowls nine of the ten years we’ve done it! And the other year we probably only had three bowls left. It’s a good problem to have.”

Faith Stanton, Macey Faber, and special guest Olivia Cataldo were spotted hard at work in the kitchen. They all agreed that doing something simple, like creating salads, added their own special touch to the night and reminded them that they could help people in the community.

To accompany the meal, guests enjoyed performances by our outstanding junior high band, orchestra, and choir as well.

Outside of the cafeteria were several displays and presentations including Science Olympiad, Theatre Club, Roman Sculptures, Tessellations, Photography, Art, and Scrapbook Clubs, Atomic Models, and more.

Finally, in different rooms and hallways throughout the building, character education was on display. Students from various 4th hour classes kept a post near each display to collect money that guests used as their “vote” for the best one. 8th grader Cole Bull is seen here (at right) representing the “Integrity” display.

We are so proud of the hard work and time spent planning this wonderful community night! Thank you to all the teachers, staff, and students who went the extra mile to impact young minds and feed hungry bellies at God’s Kitchen this year!

Achieving this status requires months of rigorous paperwork that results in a determination for Bronze, Silver, or Gold Status. Students must collaborate to articulate how operations are sustainable and environmentally friendly, outline all emergency exits, describe store products, and detail equipment and product pricing, to name a few.

Working on the Gold-Level Certification for the Green Bean were Emily Garland, Jon Nordquist, and Anthony Lemanski. Students submitting work on the Re-Certification of the Cat’s Corner were Caleb Adrianson, Haley Venlet, and Monique Viau.

DECA student Edwin Ramirez volunteers in the Green Bean during his first hour Advanced Marketing class, and often spends lunch hours manning the Cat’s Corner as well.

“I like the hands on work. I enjoy taking the time to help. Customer satisfaction is a big thing, and it’s cool when teachers from around the district come in for coffee or to shop. I have a little brother in elementary school, and now his teachers know me. I like that.”

Jon Nordquist has been working in the Cat’s Corner for three years, and now has his fourth hour class scheduled as “co-op” time so that he can commit more dedicated time to this school-based enterprise (SBE).

“Working in the middle of the day gives me a break — I’m a really energetic person and I love getting up and interacting with people. It’s the best part of my day.”

All the students agreed that whether they’re selling T-shirts or cappuccinos, participating in DECA has given them skills that will last a lifetime. Learning how to present themselves as young professionals, to dress the part, to be self-motivated and pursue excellence, and to work well with others are tools that will advance them in any future endeavor.

Dr. Clark is quick to credit her students for this success. “We had 9 students qualify for the International DECA Conference through written projects and online competitions even before the State Conference was held!”

Congratulations to this dedicated group of students! Jenison is proud of you!

What happens when a love triangle unfolds onstage amidst lies, deception, and desperate women? The umbrellas and rainslickers come out, of course, because the inevitable love connection ends with some singing in the rain!

With a stage slathered in three coats of polyurethane, our Jenison Thespians have a surprise in store for ticket holders next week! (hint: there’s a reason for the rainslickers!) Stage hands and actors alike have been tap dancing and singing their way to this moment since last summer, taking lessons and receiving specialized instruction to help them live into their characters more fully.

“Going into this musical I knew that everyone would have to put in more effort than before. My devotion to theater was great before, but Singin’ In The Rain requires a new level of commitment,” explained Ben.

“This is the most technically difficult and biggest dance show we’ve ever done. Three years ago I never would’ve even considered doing this show. There are so many different scenes — everything is one wheels — being flexible is so important, but these kids are ready,” said teacher Mr. Avery.

Stage Manager KendraVeldt is Mr. Avery’s righthand-woman as he preps for the biggest show of his career. Her job is to oversee everybody — the crew and cast — making sure that fans, umbrellas, lights, boots, and sets are in just the right place…at just the right time.

“Getting people to listen to my instruction, even though we’re the same age, is my biggest challenge. It’s also tough to make sure everyone’s on the same page — that other crew members get Mr. Avery’s directions and notes and deliver on each need.”

With leads comprised of juniors (Katherine Searcy, Jenna Bassett) and seniors (Ben Avery, Matt Wadsworth), this quartet has never been more ready to put on a show worthy to be called a Gene Kelly reprise. They also want to do their hall-of-fame teacher proud.

“The whole show is packed with energy! My character is trying to be a stage actress…at one point I pop out of a cake and that’s pretty exciting!” said Katherine.

“This role combines everything,” explained Matt. “Dancing, singing, and memorizing lines pose unforeseen hurdles. It’s like a puzzle that I have to put together.”

“Getting the courage to sing in front of my peers has been most challenging and intimidating, but also incredibly rewarding,” Jenna shared.

Join us next week for our last spring play in the Jenison High School Auditorium!

Playing Nightly, March 20-24 at 7 pm

For more information about Singin’ in the Rain, please click HERE to view the Jenison High School Thespian’s website.