Coloma Newsletter

Dear families,

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many reasons we have to be grateful as a community. This season is a time to pause and appreciate the connections we share, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the opportunities ahead.

I am deeply thankful for our incredible students, who continue to amaze us with their curiosity, creativity and determination. Their enthusiasm for learning reminds us why we do what we do each day. Similarly, our dedicated teachers and staff inspire me with their unwavering commitment to nurturing and inspiring our students.

These past months have highlighted the partnership our schools have with you, the parents and guardians of our students. Your steadfast support and partnership do not go unnoticed. Whether it’s attending parent-teacher conferences, cheering on our athletes, volunteering your time, or simply ensuring your child is ready to learn each day, your contributions make a meaningful difference.

As a reminder, our buildings will be closed for Thanksgiving on November 28 and 29. Together, we are building a community that values kindness, inclusion and shared success. I am honored to serve as your superintendent and look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months ahead.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth and togetherness.

Sincerely,

Let’s hear it for Cole, this month’s Athlete of the Month! Cole Hartmann is a Coloma High School senior who plays football, basketball and runs track. He is just as impressive in the classroom, holding a 4.0 GPA and being among the top 10 in his grade. Way to go, Cole!

Coloma High School Hosts 49th Annual Veterans Day Celebration

Coloma Community Schools proudly hosted its 49th Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, November 11, welcoming veterans from across the community to honor their service and sacrifices. The event began with a hot breakfast in the high school cafeteria, served by students from the National Honor Society, and was followed by a heartfelt program in the auditorium.

The ceremony featured a patriotic performance from the Coloma High School Choir and Intermediate School fourth-grade students, who sang a special song dedicated to the veterans in attendance. Additionally, two trumpeters from the CHS Band played taps at the end of the ceremony. It was especially great to see students taking the opportunity to connect with veterans one-on-one, fostering meaningful conversations and appreciation.

A highlight of the program was the recognition of veterans by the era in which they served, from World War II to active-duty servicemembers.

The event brought together veterans, students and community members in a shared spirit of gratitude, patriotism and camaraderie. Coloma Community Schools extends its deepest thanks to all veterans for their service and to the entire community for helping make this event so special!

Veterans gathered at Coloma High School for the Veterans Day breakfast and celebration.

Coloma High School National Honor Society students serving breakfast to veteran guests.

Coloma Junior High Robotics Team Revitalized for 2024-25

Coloma Junior High is thrilled to announce the return of its Robotics Club for the 2024-25 school year! Led by Mrs. Kubatzke and Mr. Mammel, the team is diving into the exciting world of programming and mathematics with enthusiasm.

The club is designed around the FIRST Tech Challenge framework, a program that mirrors sports competitions by challenging students to design, build, and program robots capable of completing specific tasks on a competition field. Students use the advanced TETRIX platform and program their robots with LabVIEW or RobotC, gaining hands-on experience in engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving.

The robotics program goes beyond competition, emphasizing excellence in robot design, performance, and community outreach. It's an incredible opportunity for students to develop STEM skills while fostering creativity and collaboration.

In the first scrimmage of the season, where they faced off against St. Joseph, the Coloma Junior High Robotics Team emerged victorious with a 3-0 score. This exciting win sets the tone for a promising season filled with challenges, growth, and innovation.

We are immensely proud of our students' hard work and dedication and look forward to seeing how they continue to excel in competitions and inspire others. Go Comets Robotics!

Building Respect and Accountability with the Circle of Trust

At Coloma Intermediate School, we’re always looking for new ways to create a classroom environment where students feel respected, heard, and accountable. One of the newest and most exciting methods we’ve introduced is the Circle of Trust—a tool that brings students and teachers together to build strong relationships, open communication, and a sense of shared responsibility.

The Circle of Trust works by gathering everyone in a circle, which helps create a supportive and safe space where every voice can be heard. This unique format moves away from the traditional classroom setting and gives students a chance to talk openly about what’s on their minds—whether it’s a small issue like following hallway rules or something bigger, like resolving conflicts or improving class behavior.

What makes the Circle of Trust so special is that it lets students be part of the solution. Instead of just listening to rules or instructions, students work together to come up with ideas and action plans to make the classroom better for everyone. This approach not only helps students feel a sense of ownership but also encourages them to listen to and understand each other’s viewpoints. It’s all about building empathy, responsibility, and respect.

Teachers have already seen positive changes in their classrooms. Students are more willing to take responsibility for their actions and are learning to respect one another in a deeper way. Whether the conversation is about following rules or resolving conflicts, the Circle of Trust helps everyone come together to find solutions as a team.

This new practice is just one way we’re working to build a school culture where everyone feels connected, respected, and accountable. We’re excited to see how the Circle of Trust continues to grow and help our Intermediate classrooms thrive this school year.

Meet Mavis, Coloma Elementary’s Newest Comet!

There’s a new face—and wagging tail—at Coloma Elementary School! Meet Mavis, the school’s lovable and hardworking service dog in training. Mavis, a blue merle smooth collie, has quickly become a beloved member of the Comet community, bringing smiles, comfort, and plenty of enthusiasm to her new role.

Mavis is more than just a furry friend; she’s training to be a therapy dog! Whether she’s helping students pick out their next great read, offering a calming presence during a busy day, or just making everyone smile, Mavis is already making a difference.

Her handler, Ms. Contreras (aka “Mama”), is a familiar face at the school too. Together, they’re helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Mavis has a special knack for connecting with kids, and she’s quickly learning the ropes—treats and frisbee breaks help, of course!

Even though she’s still a puppy, Mavis has already faced big moments, including her very first day on the job, complete with a surprise fire drill. And guess what? She handled it like a pro!

The Coloma school community is excited to see how Mavis grows into her role and helps students feel supported and cared for. Mark your calendars—Mavis’ birthday is on April 23, 2024, and she’s hoping for a big celebration with her Comet family (and maybe a cake from Mrs. Severin!).

Thank you, Mavis, for being such a wonderful addition to the school. We can’t wait to see all the joy and love you’ll continue to bring!

Coloma Elementary School's therapy dog, Mavis.

Today’s student spotlight is on Kingston Johnson! Kingston is one of the hardest-working students, always staying on top of his schoolwork, giving his all to every assignment, and tackling challenges head-on. He consistently follows C.A.R.E expectations, holds himself to a high standard, and is a dependable, kind friend to those around him. Kingston's dedication and effort are inspiring, and we have no doubt his future is bright. Keep it up, Kingston!

Our amazing parents are nominating teachers who go above and beyond for their students! Stay tuned as we share their heartfelt shout outs and celebrate the incredible educators who make a difference every day. If you have a teacher you would like to nominate, please use this link to share a submission.

Students at Coloma Community Schools honor veterans