Chirp Sheet
Singing the praises of our DCS students and staff 9-15/23
October 25, 2024
Two Davison students are top readers among their peers in the county
When it comes to sharing their love for reading, Elijah Mathews and Evelyn Bowman are open books.
The two Davison students recently learned that they were the top readers in their respective grade categories in the Genesee Intermediate School District's summer Read to a Million challenge. Elijah, a fourth grader at Central Elementary, logged 5,987 pages while Evelyn Bowman read 7,630 pages in the countywide reading challenge held June 1 through August 31. A total of 58,810 pages were read and logged by Davison students.
For their efforts, both received a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Melissa Wing, K-12 English Language Arts Coordinator with the GISD, accompanied by DCS Director of Curriculum Dr. Angela Hards, stopped by Central Elementary and Davison High School last week to present the gift cards to Elijah and Evelyn.
Elijah, who was the top reader in the third-fifth grade category, has always been a voracious reader, said Central Elementary Principal Mrs. Melissa Williams.
"I think (reading) is important," Elijah said. "It calms people down and it takes you to different places."
Elijah enjoys reading chapter books and his favorite author is Rick Riordan, who pens the popular Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series, which blends Greek mythology with modern-day characters and settings.
"I just like reading in general," said Elijah, who can often be found reading his Kindle on the couch, in his bed and even on his way to soccer practice.
If Evelyn has learned anything since she discovered her love for reading at about the fourth grade, it's that you should never judge a book by its cover. She's discovered many great reads just by picking up a book and reading a couple of random pages.
"I get two bags of books every time I go to the library," Evelyn said.
While she normally prefers horror and dystopian books, Evelyn did read a romance novel last year based on the recommendation of her teacher, Ms. Isabel Salazar.
"My teacher last year introduced me to "Love, Simon," a romance book," Evelyn said. "She said, 'I think you will love this book,' and I did."
Evelyn said her favorite author, Amy Lukavics, has a writing style that is very descriptive and in depth. But she is also partial to Madeline Miller, who wrote "The Song of Achilles," a story that mixes romance with Greek mythology.
In addition to reading every chance she gets, Evelyn also plays the flute in the band and likes to sew.
GISD English Language Coordinator Melissa Wing, Evelyn, Principal Jerry Piger and Davison Director of Curriculum Dr. Angela Hards
Central fourth grader Elijah Mathews poses with GISD English Language Coordinator Melissa Wing, Davison Director of Curriculum Dr. Angela Hards and Central Elementary Principal Melissa Williams.
Firefighters teach elementary students about fire safety
Students learned about fire prevention and safety, watched a firefighter get into his gear and then had an opportunity to go outside and see a fire truck.
Below, firefighters visit Gates Elementary.
Hill Elementary students celebrate Harvest Day
Harvest Day has become a tradition at Hill Elementary and this year students once again celebrated by participating in fall-themed activities including eating cider donuts on a string (no hands allowed!), taking a ride on the hay wagon, an arts activity and a pumpkin toss game.
DHS Quiz Bowl teams - yes teams - are off to a great start!
In their first league play of the season, members from all four of Davison High School's Quiz Bowl teams showed that they came to play.
Both Davison 1 Varsity and 2 Varsity teams took all three games while Davison 3 Varsity took one out of three games. The JV team also had a great performance, winning two out of three games.
"We are off to a great start, and I'm so proud of our students' hard work and dedication," said 'DHS Teacher and Quiz Bowl advisor Mrs. Mary Ann Stedry.
Members of the Quiz Bowl teams include:
Varsity 1
- Quinn McCrocklin - Captain-12
- Nathan Trempe - Vice Captain -12
- Abigail Alcodray -12
- Finley Garrett -12
- Connor Herriman - 10
- Gabriella O’Toole -12
- Ronnie Traver -12
- Owen Walker -12
Varsity 2
- Alejandro Sarmiento-Miller - Captain-12
- Shupra Boudagh - Vice Captain -12
- Brandon Bishop -12
- Stewart Cameron -12
- Cole Houser-12
- Ethan Kulhanek-12
- Noah Reed - 11
- Peyton Smuzeski-12
Varsity 3
- Khristian Gill - Captain - 10
- Katherine Shorkey - Vice Captain - 10
- Dominic Aldrich - 9
- Luke Bishop - 10
- Tyler Glasco -12
- Addison Shanks-12
- Declan Siterlet -12
- Keith Wheeler - 11
- Gage McCann - 11
JV
- Aymie Lee - Captain - 10
- Lyra McCrocklin - Vice Captain -10
- Joseph Bellor 10
- Bee Bufford - 11
- Chloe Bufford - 9
- Arthur Farrington - 10
- Allie O’Connell - 10
- Clapton Underwood 11
- Chloe VanTine - 11
- Jaelynn Wallace 9
Pancakes (and more) with the Principal
If there is one thing that Davison Alternative Education students can count on when attending classes on state headcount days, it's that they will be well fed.
It has become an annual rite of tradition for the principal to serve up pancakes on the fall head count day held the first Wednesday in October and this year was no different. Principal TJ Fischhaber stood outside the school entranceway on October 2 where he flipped pancakes and tended to sausage links and strips of bacon over a hot griddle.
Students can look forward to another treat on the second state headcount day, held on the second Wednesday in February, when cupcakes will be the treat of the day.
Thomson selects students of the month for October
Each month classroom teachers nominate one student from their class to be STUDENT of the MONTH as a way to recognize students who consistently follow the Cardinal Code in an exemplary way. Each student of the Month receives a certificate and medal, and their photo is on display in the hallway during the month.
Students of the Month for October are:
- Mrs. Harris' Preschool - Claire Diem
- Mrs. Romanik - Meridith Johnston
- Mrs. VanEvery - Lily Slezak
- Ms. Seeley - Grayson Johnson
- Mrs. Driskill - Nathaniel Wood
- Mrs. Williams - Marlayna Goodell
- Mrs. Ruzicka - Marzia Bautista
- Mrs. Schwab - Beau Brookins
- Mrs. Bell - Ella Romanik
- Mrs. Smith - Piper Wilson
- Mrs. Tober - Vivian Salinas
- Miss Maule - Luke Diamond
- Mrs. Newsom - Tabitha Kohn
- Ms. Wheatley - Walker Coulter
- Ms. Wheeler - Makyah Gritzinger
- Mrs. Waite - Henry Henk
Congratulations to these outstanding young learners!
Siple Stars of the Month
Each month, classroom teachers nominate one student from their class who consistently follows the Cardinal Code to be entered into the grade-level drawing for the STAR of the MONTH for that grade. Each grade-level STAR of the Month receives a certificate and medal, and their photo is on display in the hallway during that month.
October STARS of the Month
Kindergarten: Audrey Berg, Carson Boik and Lukas Klingensmith
1st grade: Lily Sproule, Layla Wilkes, Olivia McCarty, Caroline Watkins and Emma Fenner
2nd grade: Evelynn Shippey, Emily Montague and Anya Johnston
3rd grade: Lilyana Christ, Conor Jackson and Hunter Dudenas
4th grade: Paige Goin, Kaylee Northey and Amelia Christ
Congratulations to these outstanding young learners!
Students take part in STEM activities during first Hahn Family Night
More than 650 people showed up for Hahn Intermediate's STEM Family Night on Thursday, October 3. Students and their families had the opportunity to visit classrooms to participate in a variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities including:
- Scavenger Hunt
- Lego Room
- Paper Lily Water experiment
- Robot Mural
- Solar System Trivia Kahoot
- Glow Rocks
- Building Challenges
- Multiplication Bingo
- Boat Races
In addition, representatives from For-Mar Nature Preserve and Davison Township Parks and Recreation were on site to provide additional activities and experiences.
P2 Crew (formerly Hahn Heroes) names September classroom leaders
The P2 Crew, which is replacing the previous Hahn Hero program, has been designed to acknowledge fifth and sixth grade students who consistently embody the Positivity Project (P2) character traits and demonstrate the Cardinal Code values.
"Our objective this year is to streamline various reward systems into a unified program, creating a more cohesive approach to student recognition," said Jenessa Woodrich, who teaches sixth grade at Hahn Intermediate. "With that in mind, we developed the P2 Crew. Each month, teachers will nominate one student from their class who exemplifies the P2 traits and the Cardinal Code. At the end of the month, a student will be randomly selected from the nominees to serve as the “Crew Leader.”
All nominated students are recognized by having their names displayed in a dedicated case, and the Crew Leader has their picture prominently featured.
The following students were selected as their classroom's P2 (Positivity Project) representative for the month of September:
- Adilynn Green (Mrs. Blake's class): "I can always count on Adilynn to be doing the right thing and following the Cardinal Code."
- Aiden Good (Ms. Bellinger's class): "Aiden consistently demonstrates the Cardinal Code. He is attentive and hard working. He completes work and helps others be successful."
- Cooper Ulshafer (nominated by Choir Teacher Ms. Berhe): "team player for our concert."
- Kaileb Jamerson (nominated by Choir Teacher Ms. Berhe): "teamwork - encourages everyone to participate."
- Ja'layah Tolbert (nominated by Choir Teacher Ms. Berhe): "exhibits teamwork daily."
- Lola Patterson-Powell (nominated by Choir Teacher Ms. Berhe): "teamwork -supports others for our concert."
- Chase Brown (nominated by Choir Teacher Ms. Berhe): "teamwork - encourages others to work together for our concert."
- Hayley Larner (nominated by Choir Teacher Ms. Berhe): "teamwork - dedicated to working towards a common goal of our concert."
- Lochlynn Lawson (Mrs. Callan's class)
- Ni'Aysia Mahan (Mr. Carson's class): "Ni'Aysia deserves a reward because she is always willing to try her best with new material, helps her classmates and younger students, and steps up to challenges with an open mind and a positive attitude."
- Adalynne Newton (Mr. Chapman's class): "Adalynne has continuously proven to have the ability to look at things with an open mind. She is a team player with other people in mind."
- Nour Mekky (Mrs. Dawson's class): "Nour is always putting others before herself and works wonderfully with anyone, on any team. She is incredibly curious and always wants to learn more."
- Lauren Baxter (Mrs. DuCap's class): "Lauren is always willing to help others and is open minded in all she does throughout her day. She is a wonderful example to those around her."
- Tomasina Judd (Mrs. Engh's class): "Tomasina promotes a positive attitude in class and follows the 'We before Me mentality.' A true team player that continues to have an open mind to new experiences and people."
- Liam Lundy (Ms. Ferguson's class): "Liam is always following the Cardinal Code. He is always willing to help. He is a role model in our classroom and a leader for others."
- Connor Willson (Mrs. Ferrier's class): "Connor is always willing to help or encourage his classmates just when they need it!"
- Zachary Wenzel (Ms. Fredwall's class): "teamwork, went out of his way to support and help another student accomplish a task."
- Javier Rodriguez (Ms. Fusina's class): "Javier is always willing to help, especially when it comes to our scholar that speaks no English. He translates for Mrs. Householder and myself. He is great at demonstrating all of our September traits."
- Zoe Batzos (Ms. Gay's class): "Zoe is constantly helping others. She helps to keep her team on topic during group work. She always participates in class. She works well with everyone around her."
- Layla Cliff (Mrs. Gist's class)
- Katilynne Moore (Mr. Gorton's class) "K.J. always has a positive attitude and she is a great example of what it means to be open minded."
- Keegan Duncan (Mrs. Hartley's class)
- Kody Colley (Mrs. Hester Hyde's class): "Other People Mindset- Kody thinks about others and gets along well with all of his peers. He is friendly and kind and comes to school every day in a positive mood."
- Emma Vickery (Mrs. Hoggard's class): "Emma is kind and courteous to all. She is a team player, and willing to help those in need."
- Miller Bentley (Mrs. Householder's class): "Miller is always there to help others around him. He always includes others and at recess goes above and beyond to include everyone who wants to join his team."
- August Amon (Ms. Johnson's class)
- Ellie Baumgart (Mrs. Knopf's class): "Ellie goes out of her way to think of others in need. She has a compassionate heart and steps up when her classmates need a helping hand or a listening ear."
- Isabella Rouse (Mrs. Kohlmann's class): "Isabella has started the year as a positive leader in her class. She has enthusiasm for learning and for being the best she can be. Her perspective has changed for the better this year, and she is really demonstrating the Other People Mindset."
- Noah Borst (Ms. Lange's class): "Noah has shown time and time again how incredibly compassionate he is toward his classmates, teachers and peers. He takes risks in class every day and always adds a great perspective to the conversation. Simply put, Noah is a kind person who shows a high level of emotional intelligence!"
- Mikayla Faulkner (Mr. Leach's class): "she has come in every day, representing Cardinal Code and stellar character in numerous ways, supporting her teachers, her peers, leading by example with her work ethic and accountability, making it look easy while showing others how it's done, humbly and respectfully."
- Brooklyn Lambaria (Ms. Locher's class): "Brooklyn is always open minded throughout the day and displays a positive attitude. She is a team player that is always putting classmates above herself."
- Lena Hoffman (Mrs. Macko's class): "dependability."
- Olivia Doelle (Mrs. Stegall's class): "Olivia is consistently following Cardinal Code and supports her classmates. She is helpful when other classmates need it!"
- Adalee Wells (Mr. Stegall's class): "Self- determination - asked to stay during recess to better understand a concept."
- Isabella Drogt (Mrs. Thorsby's class): "Hard worker, kind hearted, risk taker (ran for student council even though she is new), team player."
- Carter Schlaud (Mrs. Tysick's class): "teamwork- supports his classmates by being a positive, hardworking and helpful influence."
- Aria Boisclair (Mrs. Unger's class): "Always willing to be a team player and help others. She is always curious, asking questions and wanting to know more."
- Lola Sweers (Ms. Woodrich's class): "Lola (Teamwork and Other People's Mindset) is constantly setting the tone for the class. She is a leader and ensures that others around her are doing what is expected. She works well with everyone around her."
DHS/DAE announce October Students of the Month
Congratulations to the following students from Davison High School and Davison Alternative Education named as Students of the Month for October.
9th Grade: Carlee Breece
Nominated by: Mrs. Kristin Baker
"Carlee is a student who is always positive and willing to learn. She asks questions for clarification and contributes fairly during partner work."
10th Grade: Logan Wheat
Nominated by: Mrs. Ruth Friske
"Logan is genuinely concerned about his education. He is mature beyond his years and it shows in the way that he set short-term and long-term academic goals for himself. He volunteers regularly and is always quick to help students around him. He always comes to class with a positive attitude and a smile on his face."
11th Grade: Destiny Miller
Nominated by: Mrs. Jody Baldridge
"I am writing enthusiastically to recommend Destiny Miller for Student of the Month. As her teacher for the past two months, I have had the opportunity to observe her growth and development in Algebra 2A. Throughout my time working with Destiny Miller, she has consistently demonstrated responsibility and dependability in all her endeavors. Whether completing assignments or assisting her peers with their studies, she has shown a level of commitment that is truly commendable. Her ability to manage her time effectively while balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities is a testament to her strong work ethic."
12th Grade: Einn McCain
Nominated by: Ms. Jodi Aboneaaj
"Einn is a senior in my Accounting class. He is carrying a full load of tough classes, as well as playing on the Varsity Football team. Einn is always on time to first hour, prepared and ready to go, he currently has the highest grade in the class, 99%. I know he spends a tremendous amount of time with his after-school events but he is always in school, ready to learn. Einn willingly helps other students who may be struggling with the material, and always has a smile on his face when he comes to class. I appreciate Einn's work ethic and positive attitude in class."
DAE: Allison Prado
Nominated by: Ms. Taylor Brooks
"I have had Ally a few times in class and she is a great addition. She is always on track, I never have to remind her to stay on task and do her work. Since Ally has Skill Center she misses my class but she still makes sure she is on top of her work, showing how responsible and dependable she can be."
Enrichment and Recreation
DCER announces new class Kidpreneurs and it's time to sign up for Youth Wrestling
Davison Community Enrichment and Recreation is offering a new class designed to guide kids on how to start their own business. And it's that time of year for the Davison Youth Wrestling program to kick off its season.
Please see the flyers below for additional details.
Parent University
Here is one way to protect your child from internet solicitors
Davison City Police will host Drug Take Back Day Saturday, October 26
The City of Davison Police Department, along with Michigan State Police posts around the state, will be participating in Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 26. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station. Please package and drop off unwanted, expired and unused medications in a clear Ziploc-style baggie. Please note patches, syringes or inhalers are not accepted.
If you can’t make it on Drug Take Back Day, all Michigan State Police posts accept unwanted pills weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays). Find a MSP collection site at Michigan.gov/MSPposts.
Photo of the Week
Birthday Buddies! Superintendent Matt Lobban and Davison Middle School student Lawson Alcodray share an October birthday.