Coloma Newsletter

Dear families,

As we come to the end of October, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for each of you. This time of year brings a unique energy—whether it’s the invigorating crispness in the air or the camaraderie we share at our Comet football games. It’s a season filled with both reflection and anticipation.

With two months of school behind us, I am thrilled to see how our students have embraced their learning experiences. They are diving into new subjects, tackling challenges, and truly embodying the spirit of curiosity and growth. This period serves as a wonderful opportunity for us to pause and assess how we can best support your child's educational journey.

I’d like to thank those who attended our fall parent-teacher conferences earlier this month. Your involvement is invaluable as we collaborate to enhance our students’ experiences. These conversations help us understand their progress and foster stronger connections between home and school.

Your unwavering support for Coloma Community Schools truly strengthens our community. The sense of belonging and pride we experience at events reinforces the idea that we are all part of something bigger. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and seeing what we can achieve together in the months to come.

Sincerely,

Join us in recognizing Eddy Granados, Coloma High School senior, as the Athlete of the Month. He is a star on the cross country and track teams, bringing positivity and encouragement to teammates during every meet. Eddy is also a 4.0 student, which should also be celebrated. We admire his commitment to athletics and academics and wish him luck the rest of this school year.

Michigan College Month

At Coloma High School, students have been recognizing Michigan College (and Career) Month by taking part in a variety of activities. These activities have included:

• Career pathway exploration via Xello, a college and career readiness software that introduced students to all post-graduation career options. They then were encouraged to partake in four lessons to complete in the month.
• Sophomores received an Early/Middle College presentation to learn about how they can graduate from high school with an associate degree.
• All students attended a college/career fair where they rotated through presentations about college and career opportunities.

Throughout the month, teachers also displayed their education background to provide inspiration and shared information on what inspired them to pursue teaching.

To end Michigan College (and Career) Month, students were encouraged to wear their favorite college or career swag.

We can’t wait to see what’s next for our students after graduation.

Coloma High School students at the career fair for College and Career Month.

Berrien County Prosecutor Shares Bullying Prevention and Digital Safety Talk

In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Coloma Junior High welcomed Berrien County Prosecutor Amy Byrd for an important discussion about responsible cell phone use and social media safety. The event was designed to educate students on how to navigate the digital world responsibly and understand the real-life consequences of misusing technology.

As phones and social media have become increasingly integrated into students' lives, schools are placing a greater emphasis on teaching digital responsibility. Coloma Junior High sees this event as a critical part of preparing students to use technology wisely. Byrd’s presentation highlighted the legal and social consequences of cyberbullying and other forms of online misconduct, emphasizing the importance of thinking before posting or sharing content.

“Educating students about the real-world implications of their digital behavior is essential for promoting a safe school environment,” Byrd stated. “We want students to not only be aware of the dangers of bullying and harassment but also to understand how their choices online can affect their future.”

With cell phones often seen as distractions in school, events like these are important for helping students realize their role in maintaining a safe and positive community—both in person and online.

FBI Field Agent presenting about digital safety and anti-bullying to Coloma students.

Teachers Have Fun with New Game

At Coloma Intermediate School, the atmosphere of positivity and engagement among staff is setting the tone for a better learning experience for students. A key contributor to this vibrant environment is Abbigail, a 32-year-old cockatoo with a mischievous streak! As the beloved pet of Principal Staffen, Abbigail has inspired a series of creative games that are not only bringing staff closer together but also contributing to the overall positive culture that benefits students every day.

One of the standout activities is the whimsical "Where’s Abbigail?" game, a playful twist on the classic "Where’s Waldo?" In this lighthearted challenge, teachers are tasked with finding laminated photos of Abbigail hidden throughout the school. Each week, the bird is spotted in new locations, making the hunt a delightful and ever-changing adventure. Teachers who successfully locate Abbigail are rewarded with prizes, adding excitement to the game and encouraging participation.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! In an extra twist, the school has introduced an obstacle course component to the game, requiring participants to navigate physical challenges while on the lookout for the hidden cockatoo. This has turned the simple search into a full-on adventure, encouraging both teamwork and a bit of friendly competition.

Designed by Mrs. Staffen and Ms. Nimtz, this initiative has been a hit with the staff, bringing laughter and connection to the school. While the game is just for teachers, the sense of fun, camaraderie, and support they share trickles down to the students, creating a more welcoming and energized learning environment. When teachers are happy and engaged, students feel it too—they benefit from the enthusiasm and positive atmosphere that comes from such close-knit teamwork.

At Coloma Intermediate, Abbigail and the playful activities she inspires are helping build a community where both staff and students thrive. As the school year progresses, this positivity ensures that everyone—teachers and students alike—remains connected, engaged, and full of smiles.

Coloma Intermediate teachers and bird Abbigail!

Annual Walkathon Fundraiser

Coloma Elementary School hosted its Annual Walkathon on Friday, October 25th. The school’s only major fundraiser of the year, the Walkathon supports the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). This fun-filled event took place in the bus loop right behind the building, and brought plenty of energy, music, and community spirit!

The Walkathon allows students to take part in a healthy, engaging activity while raising important funds for school programs and activities. Unlike typical fundraising events, the Walkathon wasn’t about counting laps or pledging per lap—it was about donating directly to support the school, and every contribution will make a big difference.

Students were the stars of the event, walking and celebrating the collective effort of raising money. To make it even more exciting, students who raised funds earned tickets for the “Walkathon Dash,” a celebration that will take place on Saturday, November 9. This fun event will be held at the elementary school and feature mini carnival games, treats and prizes for kids to enjoy.

Families can support the cause by following the link shared in the weekly flyer, which outlines prize tiers based on how much money is raised. The more donations, the more prizes—and more tickets for the Walkathon Dash!

This year’s Walkathon is also an excellent opportunity for the PTO to recruit new members and boost participation. The PTO plays a vital role in organizing events, supporting teachers and enhancing the overall school experience for students. The Walkathon is a great way to get involved—whether it’s through donating, volunteering or joining the PTO board.

Thank you to the entire Coloma community for making this year’s Walkathon a huge success!

This month’s student spotlight is Kyson Rand from Coloma Elementary School! Kyson’s exceptional kindness inspires us all, showing the true power of compassion and empathy. You make us so proud every day, Kyson. Keep up the good work!

This month, we shine a spotlight on our incredible elementary teachers who inspire, nurture and guide our students every day! Their dedication to building a strong foundation for learning makes a lasting impact. Thank you for all you do, CES teachers!

Berrien County prosecutor warns teens of dangers of cell phones

Berrien County Prosecutor presents to Coloma students about the dangers of social media