The Highlighter - February 2025

Welcome to hopefully some warmer temperatures! March is Reading Month, if you have the opportunity to volunteer and read to a class, please take the opportunity. I promise you won’t regret it.

We have several upcoming events to provide our community with information regarding the May bond proposal.

• March 11, 2025 at 6:30pm - St. Johns High School Media Center

• March 24, 2025, 6:30pm via Zoom

If you have not already done so, please take time to review our district website with the most up to date information regarding the bond: https://www.sjredwings.org/bond-2025/.

Spring break starts Friday, March 28th through April 6th. The next edition of the District Newsletter will be published mid-April.

For over 27 years at St. Johns High School, you didn't want to be sent to Mr. Ballard's office, but once there, you were going to be treated fairly and with respect by someone who had your best interest at heart. Most likely, you'd get a handshake at the end of the meeting.

Robert Ballard began his teaching career in St. Johns in 1963. Just three weeks later, he received an offer for a teaching position and took on the role of History and Geography teacher. For the final 20 years of his 39-year career, he held the position of Assistant Principal at St. Johns High School.

Zane Ballard started his career as a Juvenile Probation Officer, initially not intending to follow in his father's educational footsteps. However, he began to contribute informally to the high school wrestling team and found joy in that experience. This inspired him to seek a degree in administration. During this journey, he also earned a teaching certificate and discovered a true passion for teaching. This passion led him to a second career in education, which included five years in alternative education, twelve years teaching at the high school level, and the last seven years as Assistant Principal at St. Johns High School. When the assistant principal position became available, Zane thought, "We could save the school some money by keeping the same nameplate: Mr. Ballard."

The Assistant Principal's role includes managing student discipline, overseeing attendance, and conducting teacher evaluations. They support the Principal in daily school operations, contributing to a positive environment and effective educational functioning.

Zane and Robert observe several key differences between today’s job environment and that of the past. One notable change is the role of technology. In earlier times, attendance was managed manually, and investigations depended on conventional methods instead of modern tools like cameras. The advent of online learning has also significantly altered the educational landscape. Additionally, there have been substantial updates in laws related to discipline, special education, and attendance, reflecting a shift in educational practices and policies. Furthermore, Robert points out that teacher evaluations were not a requirement in the past, highlighting another evolution in the profession.

When asked about their favorite aspect of the job, both emphasized the importance of working with people in a people-centered business.

Zane shared, “I love it when a kid sets a goal and then achieves it. Whether it’s striving for a 4.0 GPA to gain admission to a major university or simply aiming to graduate, witnessing a kid struggle and then become successful, is one of the best parts of my job.”

Robert, who will celebrate his 90th birthday on March 13th (be sure to wish him a Happy Birthday when you see him!), expressed his thoughts on his favorite moments: “Seeing the kids come in, that look like the cards are stacked against them, they find some teacher that takes them under their wing and the next thing you know, that kid has blossomed.”

Mindy Pawlanta is essential to the student's success at Riley Elementary School, serving as the Behavior Interventionist since the beginning of the 2024 school year. Mindy started in One to One Support at Riley Elementary five and a half years ago and when this job opened up, the previous staff member suggested Mindy would be a great fit. After some consideration, she decided "Yeah, this is what I want to do!"

What is a typical day like at your job?

Mindy works with students by checking in with them and helping them problem-solve behaviors or conflicts. She also plays an important role in helping build a positive climate and culture at Riley through the implementation of Riley PRIDE. This is the school's positive behavior and intervention system that focuses on practicing responsibility, respecting others, including kindness, demonstrating GRIT, and exercising safety. Mindy also supervises the cafeteria for all lunch periods as well as the bus pick-up and drop-off. "I'm the first person they see when they get off the bus and usually the last person they see before they get on the bus."

Throughout the day she is constantly checking in and interacting with students. In the morning she does "check-ins" to discuss daily goals with students. At the end of the day, she does "check-outs" with students to discuss how their day went and pop-ins to check on students throughout the day to see if they need any extra support. Throughout the week she also gets to help reward students for showing PRIDE when they earn rewards through PRIDE tickets.

What is your favorite part of the job?
"I love being able to build relationships with students. My job takes me into every space in our building and requires me to spend a lot of one-on-one time with a lot of different students. At any given time during the year, I probably spend time with everyone. I love the relationships that we get to develop. I love being able to figure out what it is that they are super motivated by so that I can help other staff members figure out what to do when they run into challenges. I also like to figure out what bugs them and help them work through that so that we can be successful. I have four children of my own, but I tell people it's like I have 300!"

Neil Feldpausch has dedicated nearly two decades to teaching at St. Johns High School, where he has significantly shaped the wood technology program and inspired countless students. Starting with a single woodworking class and assisting Rick Labar in drafting, Feldpausch eventually took over the woodworking program in his fourth year. His leadership has transformed the program into a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both technical skills and creative expression, making it a vital part of SJHS’s technical education offerings. Under his guidance, students learn essential woodworking techniques and the design process, all while prioritizing safety and precision.

The Woods program at St. Johns High School is in the midst of transitioning into a five-course offering, each designed to build upon the previous in complexity and skill.

Introduction to Woodworking formerly Woodworking 1: This introductory course requires no prior experience and emphasizes safety as students independently build their own projects. It's a blend of online content and hands-on work, with the current project being a Keepsake Box.

Furniture Building formerly Woodworking 2 : Also an independent course, students progress to more complex projects, such as constructing an end table, further honing their skills and understanding of woodworking.

Manufacturing formerly Woodworking 3 : Transitioning to a team-based approach, this mass production course involves the entire class in deciding a project to produce collectively. Students not only create their own items but also take orders for sales, promoting entrepreneurial skills. Proceeds from the sales go towards purchase of new machinery. The students also get a cut of the profits making it possible to earn a paycheck while in school! Past projects have included beach chairs, fold-up tables, Michigan-shaped tables, cornhole boards, and ladder ball games.

Intro to CNC: Focused on the design and operation of projects using the CNC router acquired four years ago, this course introduces students to advanced technology in woodworking, enhancing their design capabilities and technical proficiency.

Cabinetmaking formerly Woodworking 4: Aimed at students considering a career in woodworking, this independent course allows participants to work independently alongside peers from other Wood Tech classes.

The future of the Woods Program at St. Johns High School is set for an exciting transformation under Feldpausch’s leadership, who has recently achieved CTE Certification in general woodworking. The program will adopt a structure similar to the comprehensive RESA programs and receive federal funding that will allow the program to be able to invest in new machinery or field trips to observe local woodworkers, gaining valuable insights into the industry.

Woodworking provides an excellent foundation for students looking to explore various career paths. The skills acquired in the program can serve as a stepping stone toward specialized fields such as cabinet making and custom furniture crafting. Additionally, students can apply their knowledge of machinery and procedures to broader trades within residential construction, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades. This versatility makes the woodworking program at St. Johns High School, not only a valuable educational experience but also a practical starting point for diverse career opportunities in the trades industry.

Photo submitted by Glenn Armstrong

The Redwings hosted the MHSAA Team Districts on February 6th, featuring Dewitt, Haslett, Owosso, and St. Johns competing for the team title. In the opening match, St. Johns quickly established a 42-0 lead against a young Haslett team, ultimately defeating the Vikings 72-7. In another first-round matchup, DeWitt triumphed over Owosso with a score of 72-11, setting the stage for a rematch between the Redwings and Panthers from the previous season.

The two skilled teams fought fiercely until the very end, with the championship decided in the final match of the night. Redwing Senior Tyler Reidel, who was behind in points, shifted the momentum as the second period came to a close. He achieved a dramatic come-from-behind pin in the third period, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers as the Redwings were declared District Champions.

This year, the Redwings had five wrestlers qualify for Regionals: Donovan Quinn, Brady Heibeck, Brody Abendroth, and Abram Matice in the boys division, while Olivia Pettigrew earned a spot in the girls division. Ultimately, Donovan Quinn and Brady Heibeck advanced to compete in the State Finals on February 28th and March 1st.

First-year Head Coach Kevin Pettigrew shared his thoughts on the season: “We wrestled tough all year. We are building something here. We have a lot of kids returning next year, and I hope we can build off the success we had this year. We took 2nd at two tournaments and won a district title. The future is bright for this young team as long as we stay hungry.”

• Keep up with all Redwing Athletics at www.stjohnsathletics.com/

At St. Johns Middle School (SJMS), the Peer LINKS Program is making a meaningful impact by fostering friendships and inclusivity among students. This elective course, available to 7th and 8th graders, allows students to serve as LINKS—mentors and peer supporters for classmates with autism and other unique needs. Through this experience, LINKS assist their peers with communication, socialization, and independence while learning valuable skills in empathy, leadership, and effective communication.

All 7th and 8th grade LINKS participated in a sensitivity training session. This training is designed to enhance understanding and empathy toward students with disabilities. After this training the LINKS had an opportunity to attend a field trip to the RESA building, where they engaged in hands-on learning and connection-building with students requiring higher levels of support. These experiences reinforced the program’s goal of creating a school culture rooted in respect, kindness, and inclusion.

The SJMS Peer LINKS Program is not just about mentoring—it’s about forming lasting friendships and strengthening the entire school community. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one connection at a time.

Katy White - MS Teacher and LINKS Program Coordinator

We had an incredible day at Riley Elementary’s ice rink today, thanks to a special visit from three players of the Michigan State University Women’s Hockey team! Our 3rd and 4th graders have been working hard in PE this year, and their skating skills have improved. They’ve learned the basics and were ready to tackle advanced moves like skating backwards and hockey stops.

The MSU players hit the ice with our classes, sharing their skills. The kids worked on drills with these college athletes and loved asking them questions.

A huge thank you to the MSU Women’s Hockey team for making the trip to Riley on a game day. Your time and energy lit up our rink and inspired our kids. Go Spartans!

View the Reel on Facebook

On Friday and Saturday, 2/14/2025-2/15/2025, the 64 students in our St. Johns Competition Theatre Troupe competed at the MIFA State Festival hosted by Wayne State University.

The mainstage show, We Are The Sea written by Laura Lundgren Smith, placed fifth.

Excellence awards were earned by:

•Lydia Darragh, Bree Fleischer, Teaghan Herwat, Madison Hindes, Buggs O’Boyle, Mars Castle-Osmer, Jozlyn Pratt, Cayden Peddicord, Olivia Vince, Amanda Ward, Macy Whitford, Hailey Wissel- Acting for the role of the Sea Chorus

•Bree Fleischer- Stunt Choreography

•Morgan Klaver, Bianca Garcia, Isabelle Gibson, Calvin Hyzer, Brayden Kilby, Griffin Ledbetter, Eliana Lounds, Cyrus McIlrath, Gabe McIlrath, Caroline Parsons, Theo Smriko, Abigail Stauffer, Megan Wilson- Set Design

Superior awards were earned by:

•Hannah Spencer- Acting for the role of Norah

•Bianca Garcia- Acting for the role of Una

•Reagan Karasek- Acting for the role of Iseult

•Allison Burns, Isabelle Kosto, Amber Wissel- Acting for the roles of the Sea Queen Trio

•Ray Grow, Paige Newman, Ash Ely, Lillian Montgomery- Lighting Design

•Ray Grow, Paige Newman, Ash Ely, Lillian Montgomery- Lighting Execution

•Julia Andretz, Maya Schaub, Chase Thelen- Costume Design

•Julia Andretz, Maya Schaub, Chase Thelen- Hair and Make-Up Design

•Reagan Karasek- Composition of Original Music Transitions

•Calvin Hyzer, Eliana Lounds- Lobby Display

The studio show, Witches!? In Salem?! by Matt Cox, placed third.

Excellence awards were earned by:

•Leah Feldpausch- Acting for the roles of Abigail Williams, Goody Good

•Sam Nichols- Acting for the roles of Magistrate,Dr. Griggs, Edward Bishop

•Shelby Case, Audrey Overley, Envyah Willis- Costume Design

•Julia Andretz, Shelby Case, Audrey Overley, Maya Schaub, Chase Thelen, Envyah Willis- Costume Execution

•Echo Parker, Aedin Besonen, Lydia Bloom, Aliyah Elliott, Edie Goff, Abigail Stauffer- Props

Superior awards were earned by:

•Gabriel D’Valentine- Acting for the roles of Xanatar, John Proctor, and Unnamed Villager

•Miranda Bourne- Acting for the roles of Betty Parris, Bridget Bishop, Lydia Dustin

•Lucy Fisher- Acting for the roles of Ann Putnam Jr., Rebecca Nurse

•Miranda Bourne, Leah Feldpausch, Lucy Fisher, Ainsley Gill, Kaylee Smith- Ensemble Acting in the roles of “Baddest Witches of Them All”

•Envyah Willis- Acting for the role of Big Yellow Bird

•Calvin Hyzer, Lydia Bloom- Lobby Display

•Alex Diaz, Quentin Lonsberry, Ainsley Gill, Gabriel D’Valentine, Leah Feldpausch, Miranda Bourne, Kaylee Smith, Lucy Fisher, Sam Nichols, Jacob Burns- Transition Execution

Congratulations to all!

Students in Mr. Colton's 7th and 8th grade science classes attended a presentation by school nurse Seanneen, focusing on the dangers of vaping. They explored topics such as e-cigarettes, associated health risks, factors leading to their use, and potential actions they can take. The presentation featured a balloon demonstration, illustrating the impact of prolonged use on the lungs. Additionally, it included videos showcasing young adults who have confronted the addiction and consequences of e-cigarette use.