The Tecumseh News

Please visit https://www.tps.k12.mi.us/page/vote for information on the Non-Homestead Millage Renewal.

Tecumseh Public Schools is on the brink of a significant decision. On November 7th, the district will present voters with a pivotal choice – the renewal of the Non-Homestead Millage.

This millage, set at 18 mills, primarily affects commercial properties, some agricultural holdings, and non-principal residences. Notably, it will not alter taxes on primary homes, making it a cost-effective opportunity for community members to have their say.

It is essential to emphasize that this is not a new tax or an unscheduled special election. This practice aligns with the statewide policy initiated by Proposal A in 1994, mandating that every Michigan school district secures a portion of their per-pupil Foundation Allowance from locally collected non-homestead millages. For Tecumseh Public Schools, this funding source constitutes nearly 8% of the total budget, equivalent to almost $2.9 million earmarked for the 2023-2024 school year.

Failure to garner support for this millage renewal could present repercussions across the educational system. School security, teaching staff, class sizes, electives, and vital programs COULD bear the brunt of budget reductions. Furthermore, a decline in the quality of education could adversely affect home values, underscoring the critical role a well-funded school district plays in the community. It’s important to note that if this millage isn’t renewed, the district doesn’t lose the full per-pupil Foundation Allowance, but just a portion.

“This operating millage renewal is critical for TPS to ensure that teachers and students have what they need to be successful,” said Superintendent Rick Hilderley.

The approval of the Non-Homestead Millage is beneficial and imperative for the well-being of Tecumseh Public Schools and the broader community. It is crucial to understand that the State of Michigan will not step in to replace lost funding if the millage does not pass.

“The Non-Homestead Millage renewal is not a new tax and in no way affects the taxes collected on a taxpayer's primary residence,” said Board of Education president Tony Rebottaro. “These 18 mills represent a significant part of the funding needed to run our school system. I encourage all voters to support this issue.”

Tecumseh Public Schools urges all eligible voters to participate and make their voices heard by voting on November 7th. Your support is pivotal in ensuring the continued success of Tecumseh Public Schools.

Tecumseh Public Schools is proud to announce its upcoming Veterans Day celebration, “We Salute,” set to take place on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 1:45 p.m. in the heart of the Sculpture Garden at Tecumseh High School. This collaborative event brings together various school departments and organizations, including the Sculpture Garden Committee, Art Department, Art Club, National Art Honor Society, Choir Program, Band Program, Strings Program, and ROTC, to pay tribute to our nation’s veterans.

Highlighting this year’s event is creating a meaningful and symbolic arch made of crutches, representing the immense sacrifices made by veterans for our country. This stunning art installation will be designed and crafted by the THS Sculpture class in partnership with local artist Jim Bundshuh. Jim himself is a veteran, serving nine years in the United States Army from 1983 to 1992.

To honor families with personal veterans, TPS has teamed up with Maumee Print & Graphics to offer a unique opportunity. Families and friends can purchase special yard signs for $25, which will be displayed in the Sculpture Garden throughout November. After the event concludes, the Arch will remain on display for the year, while the signs will be returned to their families as cherished keepsakes.

Additionally, $10 from each sign sale will be donated to a local veterans organization, further supporting the cause.

Complementing the Arch, Sculpture students will craft a captivating installation of figures made from clear packing tape, each capturing iconic and well-known poses. These figures will be strategically placed throughout the Sculpture Garden, adding a visual layer of reverence to the event.

The dedicated Sculpture Garden Committee, comprised of Jackie Whiteley, Ron Frenzen, Christine Obeid, and Sarah Carter, has been pivotal in coordinating this heartfelt celebration. Their collective efforts encompass brainstorming ideas, procuring materials, and garnering support from school and community members to ensure the event’s success.

Adding an artistic touch to the proceedings, Ashley LaVoy from the 3rd-4th grade buildings will contribute patriotic art to adorn the heart sculpture, enhancing the event’s visual impact.

If you want to purchase a veteran yard sign, please visit http://www.maumeeprint.com/wesalute for more information.

Tecumseh Public Schools is happy to announce the launch of an innovative service that provides invaluable mental health resources to the parents of TPS students, completely free of charge.

Acknowledging the challenges parents face in accessing mental health support, the district has joined forces with the esteemed Cook Center for Human Connection to present an array of resources under the banner of the ParentGuidance.org initiative.

ParentGuidance.org is a groundbreaking online platform that empowers parents to navigate the complexities of their children’s mental health journey. Boasting an impressive collection of over 50 e-courses led by licensed therapists, the website equips parents with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively address their child’s developmental and emotional needs.

A standout feature of ParentGuidance.org is the Ask-a-Therapist section, an interactive space where parents can submit queries and access expert responses. With an extensive library of frequently asked questions, this section covers various topics, including anxiety, suicide ideation, bullying, self-harm, and more. This readily accessible resource promises to be an invaluable companion for parents seeking informed guidance on pressing concerns.

As part of its commitment to fostering mental health awareness, Tecumseh Public Schools is proud to present the Mental Health Series – a collection of ten one-hour webinars designed to empower parents further. These insightful webinars delve into critical subjects such as anxiety, the impact of screen time on a child’s mental health, and suicide prevention.

To enhance accessibility, interested participants can pre-register for these webinars, ensuring timely reminders are delivered to their email inboxes before each event. This user-friendly approach reflects the district’s unwavering commitment to supporting parents in fostering their children’s mental well-being.

“We believe that by empowering parents with comprehensive resources, we can create a more informed and compassionate community that is better equipped to address the mental health needs of our students,” said Meghan Way, TPS director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.

Tecumseh Public Schools invites parents to seize this unparalleled opportunity to engage with a wealth of resources that promise to positively impact their child’s mental health and overall well-being.

The next virtual session:

• "How to Motivate Your Child"
• Tuesday, November 7, 2023
• 7 pm-8 pm
• http://cookcenter.info/TecumsehNov7
  

Visit https://www.tps.k12.mi.us/page/mental-health-series for more information, and check out the replays from previous sessions.

Recent graduates of Tecumseh High School have achieved a remarkable feat in mathematics. Their outstanding performance in the challenging Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus BC exam has drawn attention not only locally but also from the academic community.

Leading this academic journey was their dedicated teacher, Will Ramsell. For Mr. Ramsell, this endeavor marked his inaugural experience teaching AP Calculus BC—a course that melds two college-level calculus classes into one rigorous curriculum. It demanded unwavering commitment, not only from the students but also from their dedicated teacher.

Reflecting on this special group of students, Mr. Ramsell remarked, "As a collective whole, this is a very special group that has been together since Algebra I back in seventh grade. I believe Tecumseh can compete with other top-tier schools in advanced placement."

The path to success was no cakewalk. The students faced a rigorous curriculum, underwent weeks of intensive study, and encountered unforeseen challenges. Yet their thirst for knowledge and unyielding dedication drove them forward.

19 Tecumseh High School students took on the daunting AP Calculus BC exam, and their results defied all expectations. The students made it seem like the test was a mere walk in the park.

Remarkably, every student passed the test and achieved an impressive group average of 4.95 on the five-point scale. An astounding 18 students secured the perfect score of 5, while one earned a highly commendable 4.

Mr. Ramsell expressed his immense pride in his students, stating, "As their teacher, their coach through AP, I couldn't be prouder of the hard work, dedication, and the commitment they made to this course to accomplish this. Every student pulled their weight and gave it everything they had. I know these students will be lifelong learners."

This exceptional group of Tecumseh graduates has set a new standard for academic excellence in their community. Their dedication, coupled with the guidance of their passionate teacher, Mr. Ramsell, is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, teamwork, and a love for learning.

TPS extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to these young scholars as they embark on their future endeavors, confident they will leave a lasting impact on the world.

Recently, Tecumseh Acres and Sutton Early Learning Centers hosted their Walk-a-Thons.

This fundraising event and the Coin War at Tecumseh Acres brought in over $2,100! The money raised will be invested in activities for our students and staff.

Sutton ELC also raised money, which will go back to student programming and more.

During the walk-a-thon, students were greeted with game stations. They participated in various games, including parachute, freeze tag, and more. Students would walk the track around the school when not at the game stations. They got their exercise in as four laps around the track is the equivalent of one mile.

Even though it felt like Summer, it was fun to usher in Fall.

During Homecoming Week, our Art Club students from Tecumseh High School visited Downtown Tecumseh shops and gave them a little makeover.

Partnering with some of the local businesses, our artists showed off their creativity and painted artwork on storefront windows, adding a splash of color and artistry to our town.

Great work by the artists, and a BIG thanks to our supportive local businesses for making this collaboration possible.

Shoutout to our amazing 7th-grade students for their outstanding community service.

12 students from Tecumseh Middle School took time out of their day to assist the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh with flag collection. This service project was made possible with the support of Board of Education Secretary Mary Tommelein and TMS Assistant Principal Kris Hoag.

The students were handpicked by their teachers to participate, and they did a great job.

They walked from the middle school down to Logan Street, up to Chicago Boulevard, and back down to Oneida Street.

How our students represented themselves and our school makes us even prouder. They were incredibly respectful, polite, safe, and helpful throughout the entire project.

In fact, they were so well-behaved that Mr. Hoag couldn't resist rewarding them with delicious donuts from Levs Bakery of Tecumseh!

A group of 8th-grade students from Tecumseh Middle School embarked on a heartwarming mission. They gathered at Brookside Cemetery to clean the headstones of our veterans, showing their incredible kindness and respect.

Moments like these remind us of the unwavering spirit of unity and gratitude that binds our community together.

The students seized the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served our country with courage and honor. The result? The headstones now shine and are looking their best in some time.

ROTC members from Tecumseh High School talked to the TMS students, underlining the significance of honoring our veterans and their sacrifices.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this project and the folks at Brookside Cemetery for allowing our students to honor our heroes and positively impact the community.

Ella Bennett is an outstanding student with a GPA of 3.867 who has impacted her school, community, and beyond. As the senior class president, Ella has exhibited exemplary leadership skills. Her involvement as a National Honor Society officer, Varsity Club officer, and Sources of Strength leader reflects her commitment to academic excellence and promoting a positive school environment.

Ella's dedication to her school goes beyond academics, as she has been a driving force in sports, participating in volleyball, gymnastics, and track. Her list of achievements in sports, including Varsity Awards, Most Improved Gymnast, Gymnast of the Year, and numerous other accolades, highlights her athletic prowess and relentless work ethic.

Ella has shown her talent in the arts by scoring a four on her AP 2-D art portfolio and earning recognition at the state level in the Region 3 MAEA art show. Her academic prowess extends to dual enrollment in college courses, including AP Calculus, Drawing and Painting, and Psychology, setting a high bar for her peers.

Outside of school, Ella is a passionate volunteer, dedicating 74 hours to various community initiatives, such as gymnastics camps, highway clean-ups, and tutoring at the middle school. Her involvement at the Kiwanis Youth Camp and her commitment to community service showcases her strong desire to improve the world.

Ella's aspirations upon graduation reflect her compassionate nature. She plans to pursue a degree in social work, with a specific interest in Animal/Nature Therapy. Her dream reflects her lifelong commitment to the well-being of others and the environment. Ella Bennett's remarkable achievements, leadership, and selflessness make her a deserving winner of the Kiwanis Club Award.

Ella is the daughter of Hillari Proffitt and Jeremy Bennett.

Taylor Carlson is a remarkable student with a 3.9 GPA, leaving an indelible mark on her school, community, and beyond. Taylor's leadership skills are evident as the National Honor Society Vice President and a leader in the Student Success Advisory Council and Students Against Destructive Decisions. She is deeply involved in various school organizations, including Link Crew, Sources of Strength, and Varsity Club.

Taylor's dedication to academics exemplifies her participation in advanced courses, such as AP Psychology, AP Calculus AB, and AP Language and Composition. She also showcases her commitment to learning through dual enrollment in Human Biology and Medical Terminology courses.

With numerous department awards in math, social studies, and English, Taylor's academic excellence shines. On the sports field, she serves as the captain of her varsity volleyball team and has received the "Coaches Award" for her remarkable work ethic and dedication to her team. In addition, she takes on the role of a Jungle leader, contributing to her school's vibrant community.

Taylor is a dedicated volunteer in her community, supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Voices for Change, and Elle's Place in Ann Arbor. She extends her passion for volleyball by coaching youth players and participating in highway cleanups.

Taylor's involvement in church activities includes working in soup kitchens at Saint Elizabeth's Church and helping older adults by raking leaves in the fall.

For Taylor, volunteering is about giving back and finding grounding, establishing connections, and making a tangible difference in the world. She values connecting with people in and out of her community.

As she looks to the future, Taylor aspires to study Pre-Med to become a doctor or Physician Assistant. Her commitment to volunteer work will continue throughout her college years, where she plans to embrace new opportunities and remain dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Taylor Carlson's outstanding achievements, leadership, and selfless spirit make her a worthy recipient of the Kiwanis Club Award.

Taylor is the daughter of Darin and Brenda Henning.

• During the September 25th meeting, Board President Tony Rebottaro announced the resignation of Trustee Joshua Mattison. Mr. Mattison has accepted the Director of Operations position with TPS and can no longer serve on the Board.
• During the same meeting, the Board of Education voted to close the Tecumseh Community Memorial Pool indefinitely after a recommendation by the engineering firm SME. Upgrades for the Community Pool have been a topic for some time. However, it was unclear how much corrosion there was to the steel infrastructure until SME recommended the closure.
• During the October 9th meeting, the Board approved $16,800 for engineering services by SME. The services include the proposed shoring and remediation design of the Tecumseh Community Memorial Pool's significantly corroded roof framing members. SME will assemble a plan for the shoring and repair design and structural analysis.
• Over the course of several meetings, the Board and Superintendent Rick Hilderley have discussed District reconfiguration options for the next school year and beyond. These discussions have included talks about the District's finances.
• After a Board vote, Rebecca Brooks will serve as a Trustee for the Board of Education, taking the spot vacated by Mr. Mattison. Mrs. Brooks is a former TPS BOE member. She will likely be sworn in during the October 23rd meeting.

October/November Board Meetings:

• Monday, October 9, 2023
• 6 pm
• Monday, October 23, 2023
• 6 pm
• Monday, November 13, 2023
• 6 pm
• Monday, November 27, 2023
• 6 pm

All meetings are located in the Media Center of Tecumseh High School. The meetings are open to the public unless stated otherwise.

For more information: www.tps.k12.mi.us/page/board-members-and-information

Administration/Business Office

760 Brown St., Tecumseh, MI

517-423-2167

Sutton Early Learning Center

2780 Sutton Rd., Adrian, MI

517-423-2367

Tecumseh Acres Early Learning Center

600 Adrian St., Tecumseh, MI

517-423-9744

Herrick Park Intermediate Learning Center

600 Herrick Park Dr., Tecumseh, MI

517-423-2324

Patterson Intermediate Learning Center

401 N. Van Buren St., Tecumseh, MI

517-423-3331

Tecumseh Middle School

307 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh, MI

517-423-1105

Tecumseh High School

760 Brown St., Tecumseh, MI

517-423-6008

Tecumseh Public Schools Daycare

2780 Sutton Rd., Adrian, MI

517-423-2367

Transportation Department

700 S. Maumee St., Tecumseh, MI

517-423-2706