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Chirp Sheet
Singing the praises of our DCS students and staff 9-15/23
![Chirp Sheet Singing the praises of our DCS students and staff 9-15/23](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/6d5b/thumb-5fb6becdf668c2d493b65b7c6f3a2781.jpeg)
March 8, 2024
DHS Orchestras, Band and Wind Ensemble crush it at Festival
The Davison High School String Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble performed at the District MSBOA Band & Orchestra Festival at Swartz Creek last weekend. All four groups received a Division 1 (Superior) rating from every adjudicator.
"The students in band and orchestra have worked so hard for these performances, and we are so proud of them!" said DHS Instrumental Music Director Mr. Caleb Goncz.
Mr. Goncz said he does not talk much about ratings before the festival with the students other than explaining how they work.
"It’s not meant to be the primary motivator behind what we do," he explained. "It was the same for marching band. As soon as we start working only for a rating or a score, we’ve already missed the point. The goal is always for us to focus on what we can control: our effort and attitude, and to create the most memorable music we possibly can."
Two move on to finalists in National Merit Scholarship; two named Commended Scholars
In very exciting news from Davison High School, we have learned that two students have moved from Semi Finalists to Finalists for the National Merit Scholarship award. Congratulations to students Andrew Shorkey and Caden Yurk. We should know sometime this month if they are selected to be National Merit Scholars.
We are also very proud of students Jacob Peterson and Jackson Smith, both named as Commended Scholars in the National Merit Scholarship competition.
Students named as Commended Scholar have placed in the top 50,000 scorers on the PSAT (out of about 1.5 million test-takers). This recognition doesn't come with any monetary awards; however, it can still strengthen a student's college application and show colleges a high level of academic achievement.
Semifinalists are part of the top 16,000 scorers on the PSAT. To become a Semifinalist, a student must meet region-specific score cutoffs. Although Semifinalists don't automatically qualify for scholarships, being named a Semifinalist can open doors to additional scholarship opportunities from colleges and other sources.
To become a Finalist, Semifinalists must submit an application that includes a strong academic record, an essay, a recommendation and a high SAT score to confirm their PSAT performance. From the 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 become Finalists. Finalists can compete for National Merit Scholarships worth $2,500 and may also be eligible for corporate-sponsored and college-sponsored scholarships.
Several DCS Teachers nominated for Flint Firebirds Teacher of the Year and you can vote for your favorite!
Seven teachers from Davison Community Schools are in the running for the Flint Firebirds Foundation Teacher of the Year award(s)!
Nominees from DCS include:
- Karla Ruzicka - Thomson Elementary, Kindergarten
- Stephanie Newsom - Thomson Elementary, Kindergarten
- Rebecca McConnell - Gates Elementary, 1st Grade
- Andrew Michalik - Davison High School, Automotive Technology
- Eric Monroe - Davison Middle School, Social Studies
- Kirk Hansen - Davison Middle School, Science
- Laurie Heath - Davison High School, Health Science
Voting ends at 6 p.m. Monday, March 11. Only one vote per person will be counted.
Click here to cast your ballot:
DHS Boys' Volleyball FUNdraiser set for tonight
A boys' high school volleyball tournament will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, March 8, with all proceeds from the event going to the senior class. The action takes place in the Davison High School gym.
Cost is $5 at the door. Door prizes and raffles will be given away with cost of admission (including the chance to win two prom tickets!).
Library staffers announces Bookmark contest winners
Each year Hahn and Davison Middle School students are invited to enter a bookmark contest as part of March Reading Month activities and the annual Book Fair.
This year there were 161 entries, which made it extremely hard to pick winners, said Library Paraprofessional Mrs. Lisa Johnson. District Librarian Kristen Machuk, along with all of the district Library Paraprofessionals, selected winners during the afternoon Professional Development training held after the Early Release on Wednesday.
Three winners were selected for each grade, fifth through eighth. Winners receive certificates to use at the Book Fair next week. In addition, students receive a laminated copy of their bookmark for a keepsake and copies are made available in the Library so that their peers can use their favorites.
This year's winners include:
5th grade:
1st place Avery Johnson
2nd place Emma Stafford (Not pictured)
3rd place Tomasina Judd
6th grade:
1st place Braelynn Watters
2nd place Josie Davis
3rd place Kendall Page
7th grade:
1st place Olivia Scamihorn
2nd place Alexis Flynn
3rd place Khloe Stivenson (Not pictured)
8th grade:
1st place Elena Miller
2nd place Jaelynn Wallace
3rd place Lauren Boesler
AP Psychology students chill out after meeting halfway point
As a mini reward for making it halfway through AP Psychology class, Teacher Mrs. Mary Ann Stedry rewarded her class with “mini” blizzards from DQ this week. Keep up the great work!
Construction trades students are raising the roof with latest project
Students in the Construction Trades classroom are completing their roofing unit. The students sheeted, tar papered, installed drip edge and vents and shingled their project walls. They also tore off the materials and have their project walls cleaned off and ready for their next projects!
Below, Morgan and Owen roofed this extra roof to demonstrate and explain ridge venting! It only took them 1.5 hours!
Book Fairs begin next week
The Scholastic Book Fairs will run at Hahn Intermediate/Davison Middle School, Gates Elementary, Central Elementary, Hill Elementary and Siple Elementary school buildings from March 11-15. Below, District Librarian Kristen Machuk has provided the following URL links to each school's Scholastic web page that parents may go to for further information on special evening Book Fair events and preview what is coming to the Book Fair through the online book flyer.
Hill-https://www.scholastic.com/bf/hillelementaryschool2
Siple-https://www.scholastic.com/bf/sipleelementaryschool
Central-https://www.scholastic.com/bf/centralelementaryschool30
Gates-https://www.scholastic.com/bf/gateselementaryschool1
Hahn-https://www.scholastic.com/bf/robertchahnintermediatesch
Reading Month
Students in Mrs. Emily William's classroom (above) had a wonderful time celebrating Reading Exercises the Mind Day at Thomson Elementary this week.
Above, staff at Davison Middle School dress in their finest reading garb to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday this week.
Athletic News
Student athletes earn All-State honors
Congratulations to the student athletes listed below for earning All-State status in their sport.
Wrestling:
Steve Vaughn- D1 State Champion, 106lbs
Justin Gates- D1 State Champion, 144lbs (3rd State Championship)
Calvin Martz- All State (6th place), 126lbs
Julius Pacheco- All State (6th place), 138lbs
Tanner McDunnah- All State (2nd place), 144lbs
Kyle Jelinek- All State (3rd place),150lbs
Bryan Shanks- All State (5th place), 157lbs
Alex Holmes- All State (5th place), 285lbs
Bowling
Joe Merz- All State, (3rd place)
Positivity Project
Next week's Character Trait: Social Intelligence
Why does social intelligence matter? Social intelligence helps individuals build relationships – and is important to numerous aspects of a person’s life. It allows an individual to form friendships and alliances. And, it assists a person against being taken advantage of. People with social intelligence can “read” other people’s faces and know what motivates them. Social intelligence builds over time and as a person ages. In this sense, it is similar to the character strength of perspective.
Enrichment and Recreational Opportunities
Actors Playhouse to present "Mean Girls" next week
Tickets are on sale for The Actors Playhouse production of "Mean Girls." Performances will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 14, and Friday, March 15, and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, in the Davison High School Auditorium. Tickets are $8 per person.
March activities offered by Davison Twp. Parks and Recreation
Davison Township Parks and Recreation has released its March calendar of activities.
Introducing ...
Ashley Gidcumb
Ashley is an Associate Teacher for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).
"I love teaching the kids new things and seeing their growth," she said. "I also love interacting and becoming their friend."
Ashley and her husband, Tucker, have a 5-year-old son, Thomas, and 3-year-old daughter, Alayna. The family also includes English mastiff dog, Coltrain, and cat, Kelso.
Ashley's interests include photography, camping, family time, hotel/pool vacations and anything arts and crafts.
Welcome Ashley!
Rachael Paris
Rachael began working as a Paraprofessional at Siple Elementary in January.
"I love working with the kids and seeing their eyes light up when they finally get it," she said.
Rachael is married to Michael and they have three children: Hunter is in the ninth grade, Logan is in sixth grade and Kaylie is a fourth grader. The family also includes pet dogs Cheese, Bullet and Maggie. Rachael is the daughter of Allen and LuAnne Fisher.
Rachael enjoys reading, crocheting and puzzles.
Great to have you on board, Rachael!
Corinne Stiller
It has almost been a year since Corinne joined the DCS staff as a Cook at Davison High School.
"I enjoy seeing the kids every day," she said. "They are all so polite!"
Corinne is married to Jason and they have three children: Kade, Abby and Brooke.
In her spare time, Corinne enjoys camping and spending time with her family.
We are glad you are here, Corinne!
#Flashback Friday
The year was 1992: Davison Track
Looking at this picture, it is pretty safe to say that the Davison Track and Field program has grown tremendously over the past 32 years. According to Varsity Track Coaches Matt Ames and Mike Crongeyer, there are between 125 and 150 student athletes participating in track and field these days. In 1992, there were about 25 team members and they included: back row, left to right, James Mazur, Craig Meyer, Jeremiah Smith, Shawn Cushman, Chris Rosas and Jason Croff; second row, Coach Whitman, Mike Singles, Matt Peterson, Scott Winslow, Kevin Hewitt and Coach Baruth; third row, Nick Giffel, Brian Agle, Stacy Eastman, Nicole Kautz, Stacey Roue, Ulrike Stock, Laura Urynowicz, Brian Garrow and Coach Andrews; front row, Lisa Amaya, Elizabeth Smith, Heather McLellan, Melanie Petras, Susan Markee and Andy West.