Greetings, Charger Families~
With only three weeks left in the third marking period, it's a great time for students to reflect on their performance this semester and set goals for the final marking period. This is an opportunity to assess progress and make adjustments if needed. For some, Semester II has been productive, and they can maintain that momentum. For others, self-reflection may highlight areas where changes in habits or behaviors could lead to greater success.
At Churchill, we’re committed to supporting students both academically and socially. If your student needs help, whether academically or emotionally, please reach out. Don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate staff if you have questions or need advice on how to support your student.
You can check your student’s progress in LPS ParentConnect and reach out to teachers if your student is struggling in a subject. Encourage your student to take advantage of Charger Time every Tuesday and Thursday for extra help.
We congratulate Churchill senior Sadie Yessler on qualifying for the MHSAA State Finals in gymnastics! Best of luck as she represents Churchill High School this weekend in Grand Rapids. We are so proud of you, Sadie!
Have a safe and happy weekend,
Ms. Quesada
A Growth Mindset is about believing people can develop their abilities. It’s that simple.
~Carol Dweck
A soaring chandelier, haunting melodies, and breathtaking performances filled the Churchill High School auditorium this past weekend as the school’s Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) program took on the ambitious Phantom of the Opera, and delivered a truly unforgettable production.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical is no easy feat for any theater company, let alone a high school. From the soaring vocals to the emotional depth of the characters, the complex orchestration to the intricate technical demands, Phantom is widely considered one of the most challenging shows to stage; however, Churchill’s talented students rose to the occasion, proving that dedication, passion, and artistry have no age limit.
At the heart of the production was an all-student cast and crew, who tackled the sophisticated material with remarkable skill. Senior Moses Williams delivered a chilling yet deeply moving performance as the tormented Phantom. Audrey Rutterbush, also a senior, owned the stage as Christine Daaé, captivating audiences with her stunning vocals and heartfelt portrayal. Their chemistry on stage brought the classic story to life in a way that felt fresh, emotional, and completely mesmerizing. The entire cast needs to be recognized as a whole—they all came together to deliver a performance that was nothing short of impressive. Under the guidance of their talented director, Mr. Wiklanski, the cast was molded into a seamless ensemble that performed with such skill and poise that they didn’t look like high school performers. They looked like seasoned professionals and truly wowed the audience.
Equally impressive was the student orchestra, led by Pit Conductor Matt VanHam. The live music added an essential layer to the production, flawlessly capturing the lush, dramatic score that defines Phantom. The technical elements, including sets, lighting, and special effects, were also completely student-executed under the leadership of Scenic Design & Technical Director Jared Cole, completely transforming the Churchill stage to the Paris Opera House. In addition, the students crafted opera boxes on the sides of the stage, expertly transforming the set to reflect the grandeur and elegance of a true opera theater.
None of this would have been possible without the guidance and expertise of our extraordinary CAPA directors. We are especially grateful to Greg Wiklanski (Director), Wendy Kwitakowski (Choreographer), Ann Fisher (Music Director), Matt VanHam (Pit Conductor), and Jared Cole (Scenic Design & Technical Director) for their unwavering commitment to our students and their craft. Their leadership and passion were evident in every moment of this breathtaking production.
Churchill High School’s CAPA program continues to set the bar for high school theater, and Phantom of the Opera was yet another shining example of what happens when young artists are given the opportunity to push their limits and take on great challenges. We couldn’t be prouder of our students, our directors, and everyone involved in making this production a triumph.
For those lucky enough to witness it, Churchill’s Phantom of the Opera was more than just a high school musical, it was a theatrical experience that will be remembered for years to come.
This is a friendly but important reminder that all CHS students are required to carry their Student ID on them at all times while on campus. Having your ID accessible is critical for security purposes and helps staff members ensure the safety of everyone on school grounds. If a staff member asks for your ID, it is important that you are able to easily access and show it.
Additionally, for students attending classes at the LCTC (Livonia Career Technical Center), it is mandatory to have the LCTC sticker on your Student ID. If you need an LCTC sticker, please see Mrs. Roberts in the principal's office.
Thank you for doing your part in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all of our students and staff. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to safety.
The Churchill PTSA is here to support CHS students and staff through many wonderful programs, activities, and events! Please assist us in our work by purchasing a 2024-2025 membership at the following link:
Prom is around the corner! If your student finds this perfect dress, but it needs to be altered, please consider World Custom Alterations. This is a local business owned and operated by a Churchill parent. She will be giving 10% back to Churchill from every alteration-- just mention Churchill Class of 2025.
The Senior All Night Party is set for June 1, 2025. This is not a Churchill sponsored event-- it is organized and run all by parents. We meet once a month to plan. We need people to help with gathering donations, planning food, decorations & games!
While this is a Senior party-- it takes parents from ALL grade levels to help plan and run the event. We are looking for representation from the Class of 2025, 2026, 2027 & 2028
If you are interested in helping, please fill out this form to get email updates. https://forms.gle/wTkuqBj37GkFQLvd7
DONATIONS NEEDED:
This June we will celebrate the Class of 2025 at the Senior All Night Party! It is a fun night of games, entertainment, and food! Each graduate will also leave with a parting gift from our amazing raffle. All items are donated from local businesses and from our families helping “Clear the Amazon Wishlist”. Please take a moment to look over the list and see if you can donate a gift to the raffle. You can send a gift now or anytime throughout the year. Please feel free to share the link with family who may also be interested in supporting our Seniors!
February 2025
12 - Count Day
17 - NO SCHOOL President's Day
26 - PTSA Meeting
28 - Opening Night of CAPA's "Phantom of the Opera"
March 2025
4- Parent Teacher Conferences
7 - Coming Home Dance
19 - CSAs 1,3,5, Full Day of School
20 - CSAs 2,4,6 Full day of School
21 - End of Marking Period
24-28 Spring Recess
Churchill High School
Website: https://www.livoniapublicschools.org/Page/11
Location: 8900 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI, USA
Phone: 734-744-2650
Click on the E-Backpack graphic to visit the LPS E-Backpack, a place where you can find electronic flyers for programs and events geared toward kids. If you have a program that you'd like to advertise, please email your flyer to Stacy Jenkins at sjenkins3@livoniapublicschools.org.
Call (888) 515-0595
or go to caresolace.com/livonia
