October 2, 2026

K.C. 19 B.C. 18

Outstanding offensive performances

Azeakuel Allen 2 touchdowns and leading rusher .

Mason Cunningham leading receiver

The offensive line of Mason Hanson, Toney Patterson, Robbie Velasco'Garcia, Camden Criggers, Amari Reid, J'Ryah Smith and Adonis Cox

Outstanding Defensive Performances

Mateus Hunter causing havoc on the D line

Carter Slaughter leading the linebacker core as well solid offensive Performance

Ace Willhite Solid all around Performance

Aiden Bigelow strong Defensive line

performance

Freshmen Blake Butter did a great job in filling his role at LB yesterday.

Parents, Students, Staff

Please read through the following flyers to receive the up to date information for our ALICE drill Oct. 2

“Attention seniors! The Kalamazoo Promise will be hosting its annual Senior Parent Meetings in October. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Loy Norrix Auditorium. The second meeting will take place on Thursday, October 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the Kalamazoo Central Auditorium.

Students and families are welcome to attend either meeting, regardless of which school you attend. Join us to learn important information about the Kalamazoo Promise and preparing to use your scholarship after graduation. We hope to see you and your family there!”

Picture Retakes will be on Monday October 26 2026 from 7:30 to 10:30.

Metro Bus Pass applications are available for students who need transportation assistance.

You can pick up a Metro Bus Pass Application in the 2nd Floor SRC, Room 230 ( During passing time, Lunch or At the end of the day.

Please keep in mind that turning in an application does not mean your bus pass will be available immediately. Once your completed application is returned to SRC, it must be reviewed and approved before your Metro Bus Pass can be printed.

Once your pass has been printed and is ready, you will receive an email letting you know that it is available for pickup.

IMPORTANT:
Please do not come to SRC to check on your bus pass before receiving an email. Metro Bus Passes are only available for pickup at the end of the school day.

Metro Bus Pass Process

1. Pick up an application in 2nd Floor SRC – Room 230.
2. Complete and return your application.
3. Your application will be reviewed.
4. Once approved, your Metro Bus Pass will be printed.
5. You will receive an email when your pass is ready.
6. Pick up your pass from SRC at the end of the school day only.

Please make sure you check your school email for your pickup notification.

KC HOMECOMING IS COMING!
Giants, SAVE THE DATE! Homecoming Week is almost here, and we have a lot to look forward to!
Homecoming starts NOW! Be on time to ALL classes, stay referral-free, and make sure you are OFF the Uninvited List to attend the Homecoming Game and Dance.

The Personal Finance Club, led by President Henry Deutsch and Vice President Gena Carroll, will have our next meetings on Tuesday, October 13th covering the Stock Market Game and on Tuesday, October 27th with a guest speaker. Meetings go from about 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm in Mr. Soulier’s room, 244.

Michigan law now requires schools to prohibit student cell phone use during instructional time. Our expectation is simple: when class begins, phones are away. (Michigan)

At Kalamazoo Central, students may use their phones:

• Before school

• After school

• During passing time

• During their assigned lunch period

Students may NOT use their phones during class time.

What Happens When the Expectation Is Not Followed?

1st Occurrence — Warning & Referral
The student receives a warning, and the occurrence is documented.

2nd Occurrence — Student Pick-Up at 2:20 p.m.
The student is expected to give the phone to the teacher when directed. The teacher will contact Campus Safety, and the phone will be taken to the Assistant Principal’s Office. The student may pick up the phone at 2:20 p.m.

3rd Occurrence — Parent/Guardian Pick-Up
The student is expected to give the phone to the teacher when directed. Campus Safety will take the phone to the Assistant Principal’s Office. The phone must be picked up by a parent/guardian between 2:20–3:30 p.m.

Additional Occurrences — Progressive Discipline
Repeated failure to meet the electronics expectation will result in progressive discipline.

When Directed, Students Must Comply

When a teacher or staff member directs a student to give them their phone, the student is expected to do so immediately. Failure to give the phone to the staff member as directed will result in additional disciplinary consequences.

Parents and guardians, we need your partnership. Please remind your student that there is a time and place for cell phone use during the school day.

Class time is learning time.

Our goal is not to keep students from their phones. Our goal is to protect instructional time, reduce distractions, and give every student the opportunity to learn.

Phones away. Minds engaged. Learning first.

Let your footprints resonate with excellence.

At Kalamazoo Central, we want every student to feel comfortable, respected, and ready to learn. We recognize that students have different styles, cultures, preferences, body types, and ways of expressing themselves. Our dress code is not intended to shame students, police their bodies, or discourage appropriate self-expression.

At the same time, school is a learning environment with standards and expectations. Clothing that may be appropriate for other settings, activities, or occasions may not be appropriate during the school day.

We appreciate our families partnering with us to ensure students arrive at school dressed appropriately and ready to learn.

The Kalamazoo Central dress code is a non-negotiable expectation and will be enforced fairly, consistently, and respectfully for all students.

Clothing Coverage

Students are expected to wear clothing that provides appropriate coverage throughout the school day.

• Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be Level 2 (mini/mid-thigh) or longer, as shown on our visual reference. Level 1 (micro length) is not appropriate for school.

• Pants and other bottoms must be worn at the waist with undergarments covered.

• Clothing must provide appropriate coverage of the chest, buttocks, and private areas with opaque fabric.

• Undergarments and areas traditionally covered by undergarments must remain covered.

• Clothing must maintain appropriate coverage during normal movement throughout the school day.

• Adjusting or pulling down an item after being addressed does not make the item acceptable if appropriate coverage cannot be maintained.

Our expectations are about the clothing, not the student's body. Students will not be judged or shamed because of body type, size, gender, race, culture, or personal style.

School Attire vs. Activity Attire

Clothing appropriate for another setting or activity may not meet the expectations of the regular school day. This includes school-issued or school-approved athletic, team, club, performance, or activity uniforms.

A uniform or garment approved for competition, practice, performance, or another school-sponsored activity is not automatically approved for wear during the instructional day.

For example, team shorts or uniforms that are appropriate on the court, field, stage, or during competition may not provide the coverage required in the classroom.

Head & Face Coverings

Head coverings worn for religious observance are permitted.

Hats and fashion headwear are not permitted during the school day. This includes baseball caps, tams, Kangol-style hats, bucket hats, and other headwear worn primarily as a fashion or style choice.

We understand that hair-related situations happen. Our priority is to keep students in class and learning whenever there is a reasonable way to do so.

When a student has a hair-related concern that might otherwise prevent them from attending class, a simple head covering such as a skull cap, nylon durag, scarf, or bonnet may be worn as a temporary alternative. This option is intended to address an immediate need and prevent the loss of instructional time. It is not intended to become everyday fashion attire or a substitute for meeting the regular dress-code expectation.

Face Coverings

Ski masks, balaclavas, and other coverings that conceal a student's identity are not permitted at any time.

Disposable or cloth face masks may not be worn as a fashion accessory or simply to conceal a student's face.

Medical Face Mask Exceptions

A face mask required for a documented medical or health-related reason must be approved by the building principal or one of the assistant principals. No other staff member may authorize an exception.

Students experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness or who are too ill to participate fully in the school day should remain home and follow district health and attendance guidance rather than relying on a face mask to attend school.

FACE MASKS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT AFTER-SCHOOL OR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OR EVENTS. Permission to wear a face mask at these activities or events will not be granted as an extension of a school-day mask exception.

If a student has been granted permission to wear a face mask during the school day for a medical or health-related reason, that permission applies to the instructional school day only and does not extend to after-school or extracurricular activities or events. If the student continues to require the face mask, the student should not attend or participate in the after-school or extracurricular activity that day. This includes athletic practices and competitions, clubs, performances, dances, and other school-sponsored activities or events.

We respect students' individuality and personal expression. However, not every style choice that is appropriate outside of school is appropriate within the school environment. Our goal is to correct the concern, preserve the expectation, and keep students learning whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Clothing, Images & Messages

Students may express themselves through their clothing, but clothing worn at school must support a safe, respectful, and learning-focused environment.

Clothing may not display:

• Explicit, obscene, or inappropriate language or images

• Images, symbols, or messages depicting or promoting violence or weapons

• Threatening, discriminatory, hateful, or intimidating language, images, or messages

• References to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or other substances prohibited for students

• Signs, graphics, or messages that create a hostile or substantially disruptive school environment

A message, image, or article of clothing that may be acceptable outside of school may not be appropriate within the school environment.

When a Student Does Not Meet the Dress Code

When a student is asked to change an item of clothing, we are addressing the clothing choice, not the character of the student.

Being asked to change does not mean a student is bad, disrespectful, or in trouble as a person. It simply means that a particular item does not meet the expectations for our school environment and cannot be worn during the school day.

Whenever possible, dress-code concerns will be addressed privately, respectfully, and without unnecessarily removing students from instruction. Students who do not meet the expectation will be given an opportunity to change or correct the concern.

Refusal to comply with a reasonable request to correct a dress-code concern becomes a matter of following school expectations and may result in additional school consequences.

One Standard. Every Student.

Our goal is to apply the dress code fairly, consistently, and respectfully to every student. Enforcement will not target or disproportionately affect students because of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, body type, size, or personal style.

Students are responsible for meeting school dress-code expectations. At the same time, all members of our school community are responsible for managing their own personal distractions. A student's body should never be treated as the problem.

We can respect individuality and self-expression while maintaining standards appropriate for school. Those ideas do not have to compete with one another. Our goal is simple: protect student dignity, preserve clear expectations, and keep students learning.

Thank you to our students and families for partnering with us to maintain a respectful, safe, appropriate, and learning-focused environment throughout Giant Nation.

Fall athletics are underway, and we are excited to welcome our students, families, alumni, and community members to Kalamazoo Central High School as we cheer on our Maroon Giants!

Whether you are joining us for football, soccer, volleyball, swim, or another KC athletic event, we want the energy high, Giant Pride on full display, and our focus on supporting our student-athletes.

As you prepare to attend a KC athletic event, please remember: school expectations remain in effect at all Kalamazoo Central athletic events.

IMPORTANT SAFETY & EVENT EXPECTATIONS

• All spectators must enter through the designated entrance and go through the weapons detection system. Please plan accordingly and allow additional time for entry.

• Large bags and backpacks are not allowed. Please leave backpacks and other large bags at home or in your vehicle.

• All KC, KPS, and surrounding district students must have their student ID to enter. No ID, no entry.

• Middle school students must attend with a parent/guardian and remain with and seated near their parent/guardian throughout the event.

• KC students, when a designated student section is available, we want you there! Bring the energy, bring the Giant Pride, and cheer together.

• School expectations regarding dress code, language, conduct, and behavior remain in effect.

• Spectators should remain in the designated spectator areas or stands. Concession stands, restroom areas, entrances, and hallways are not gathering or hangout spaces.

• Please do not hang along fences or block walkways. We need clear pathways so everyone—from our youngest Giants to our senior community members—can move safely.

• Walk, don't run; be courteous; and remember that “please” and “thank you” still go a long way.

• Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and other prohibited substances are not permitted. If your plans involve drinking or partying before an event, please understand that a high school athletic event is not the place to come afterward.

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

Aggressive, threatening, intimidating, disruptive, or unsafe behavior has no place at Kalamazoo Central.

Athletic events are an opportunity to support our students and celebrate our school—not a place to settle disagreements, confront others, fight, threaten, or create an unsafe environment.

Anyone engaging in aggressive behavior will be immediately removed from the event and will lose the privilege of attending future Kalamazoo Central or KPS athletic events. Students may also face school disciplinary consequences. Attending athletic events is a student privilege, not a right.

If you were previously placed on an uninvited list at ANY SCHOOL because of your behavior, you remain on that list. Likewise, anyone who has received a No Trespass order from the district must adhere to that order and may not attend KC events.

We are serious about protecting the safety of our students, families, staff, athletes, officials, coaches, and guests. We will not allow the actions of a few to interfere with an event that should be safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Fall athletics are a wonderful part of the high school experience. These are the nights and moments our students will remember the roar of the crowd, the school colors in the stands, teammates competing together, and a community standing behind them.

Come ready to cheer.

Come ready to represent.

Come ready to show everyone what GIANT PRIDE looks like.

Let’s support our student-athletes and cheer our MAROON GIANTS ON TO VICTORY!

❤️🤍 GO GIANTS! 🤍❤️

Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ Responsibility:

• It is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to notify the student’s school as early as possible on the day of an absence and explain the reasons for the absence.

• Written or email verification of a student’s absence by a parent/guardian is required (unless otherwise indicated by the appropriate administrator) and should be provided to the school the day after an absence.

• Student absences are considered unexcused if documentation supporting an excused absence is not provided.

• After 3 consecutive absences, a medical note from a physician may be required.

• It is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to make arrangements with the teacher to obtain missed assignments due to absences.

What is an excused absence?

• Student illness and/or appointment verified by the parent/guardian or medical professional

• Medically verified extended illness or hospitalization

• Attending a funeral

• Religious holiday

• Absence due to a subpoenaed court appearance

• Any time missed due to KPS school transportation issues

Please send email absence excuses to chsattendance@kalamazoopublicschools.net

Caring for our students and maintaining a safe and secure school environment are primary responsibilities at Kalamazoo Central. Every student is provided a student identification badge to help staff quickly identify members of our school community and individuals who may not belong on campus.

Students must wear their school-issued ID badge to enter the building without interruption and must keep it on and visible throughout the entire school day.

Student ID badges must be worn around the neck, above the waist, on a lanyard. Students are expected to have their ID badge visible at all times while on campus.

Students must wear their ID badge to:

• Enter the school building without interruption.

• Receive lunch in the lunch line.

• Leave the classroom on a pass.

• Participate in school and campus activities.

• Remain on campus after school.

• Attend or participate in school-related functions as required.

School safety is non-negotiable. Wearing an ID badge allows staff to identify our students quickly and helps distinguish students from unauthorized individuals or trespassers.

The cost of a replacement ID badge is $5.00.

Important: Students who arrive without their ID badge may experience a delay entering the building and will be required to follow the school's ID replacement process. Refusing to show an ID badge or refusing to identify oneself when asked by a staff member will result in a disciplinary referral to building administration.

Every student has the right to attend school each day and receive an education during the regular school day, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. However, participation in athletics, extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, school events, and other activities outside of the regular instructional day is a privilege.

Privileges are extended to students who demonstrate that they can consistently meet the expectations of Kalamazoo Central.

Students who establish a pattern of not meeting school expectations may have these privileges temporarily revoked. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Failing to wear or properly display a student ID

• Failing to follow lunch expectations

• Repeatedly arriving late to class

• Engaging in fights or other unsafe behavior

• Receiving repeated disciplinary referrals

• Demonstrating a pattern of poor decision-making or disregarding school expectations

RESTORING YOUR PRIVILEGES: TEN RESONATING DAYS

We believe students should have an opportunity to reset, demonstrate growth, and earn back privileges. A student whose privileges have been revoked must successfully complete Ten Resonating Days.

For 10 consecutive school days, the student must:

✓ Attend school and every scheduled class
✓ Arrive to every class on time
✓ Receive no disciplinary referrals
✓ Pass at least 6 of 7 classes
✓ Wear and properly display their student ID every day
✓ Have no outstanding charges for lost or replacement student IDs, school fees, fines, or other obligations

If the student does not meet the requirements during the 10-day period, the count begins again.

Upon successful completion of Ten Resonating Days, the student's eligibility for extracurricular activities, athletics, clubs, organizations, and school events may be restored.

Ten Resonating Days is about more than getting a privilege back. It is about demonstrating that your daily choices resonate with the standard of excellence expected of every Giant.

Make good choices. Meet the standard. Let your footprints resonate with excellence.

The safety of our students and the protection of instructional time are priorities at Kalamazoo Central. We ask all families to carefully review and follow the expectations below.

ARRIVAL

• Please drop students off in the front of the building, not in the back.

• Our buses operate on a very tight schedule. They must drop off students and continue their routes to transport students to our elementary schools. Please allow buses to enter and exit freely and do not cut in front of or block buses.

• If you are dropping your student off at the curb, please allow your student to exit safely and then pull away from the curb.

• If you plan to wait with your student until the doors open, please pull into a parking space. Waiting along the curb creates unnecessary traffic congestion and can make it unsafe for students walking into the building.

• Please use caution at all times. Students may be walking between vehicles, crossing driveways, or approaching the building.

EARLY PICK-UP DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

We understand that there will be times when students must leave school early for appointments or other necessary reasons. However, we must also protect our students' instructional time.

If your student needs to be picked up early, please notify the Main Office before 12:30 p.m. whenever possible.

Beginning at 1:30 p.m., the Main Office will no longer accept phone calls requesting that students be pulled from class for early dismissal. Students will not be called out of class for routine early pick-ups after 1:30 p.m.

If your student has a doctor's appointment or another scheduled obligation that requires an early dismissal, please contact the office well in advance so arrangements can be made.

We recognize that occasional appointments are necessary. However, repeated or routine early dismissals—particularly when they establish a consistent pattern—may be reviewed and addressed by administration.

This expectation is not intended to inconvenience families. It is designed to protect the last hour of the instructional day. When students are routinely removed from school early, they miss valuable instruction, assignments, assessments, teacher support, and important end-of-day information.

Every minute of instruction matters.

DISMISSAL

To ensure a safe and efficient dismissal process:

1. Please pick up students in the front of the building.

2. Do not cut in front of buses or block bus traffic.

3. Please remain mindful of students walking through the parking and pick-up areas.

4. If you are picking up your student after 2:45 p.m., you may use the back of the building.

SAFETY MATTERS

Students walking or darting between buses and vehicles can create an extremely unsafe situation. A few extra minutes of patience can make a significant difference.

The attached image provides a visual of the traffic pattern we are asking families to follow.

YELLOW ARROWS: Follow the arrows to move through the designated drop-off route. Please proceed slowly and with caution.

RED AREA: This is the designated area for students to exit vehicles. Please have students ready to exit safely so traffic can continue moving.

Once your student has safely exited your vehicle, please continue through the designated traffic pattern rather than stopping or waiting along the curb.

Thank you, Giant Nation, for partnering with us to keep our students safe, our traffic moving, and our students in classrooms learning until the end of the school day.

Let your footprints resonate with excellence.