DKHS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

This week is the FFA State Conference in Lansing, with 2 of our officers in attendance for 3 days. They will have lots of leadership training and character-building activities for students from across the state. We sent Evelynn Courneya and Samuel Champion-Paling as our DK representatives. Our FFA group continues to shine, and our chapter is giving kids a wide range of high-quality learning and employment experiences and training.

On Tuesday, we held a Juniors vs Seniors PowderBUFF boys volleyball match in the main gym. It was a great night of fun with a good crowd and an active and enthusiastic student cheering section. The senior guys were victorious, and both teams actually had some spectacular volleys. Special shout-out to the girls who coached these guys and had them playing pretty good volleyball and looking like a team in just a few practices. Also, thanks to Dr. Munger and Mr. Myers for organizing this event. We even had a celebrity Hall of Fame MHSAA official, as Katie Dolfman volunteered her time to keep things “by the book.” Thanks, Katie!!

Remember our Parent/Teacher Conferences for the spring will be held next week on Thursday, March 12th, from 5-8 PM in the high school. Parents who attend will meet with teachers in their classrooms. Also, Thursday, March 12th, and Friday, March 13th, are half days for students. Our spring sports start next week on March 9th. Athletes need to have their physical on file and other necessary documents uploaded to Final Forms in order to practice. Specific times and sites for the various teams will be posted on our athletic page.

This week, our KCC Dual Enrollment EMT class was working with full-time EMTs from Life Care Ambulance on medical response scenarios. Allied Health students have been working with Nurse Rhonda on CPR certifications, and our IGNITE kids are getting ready to attempt more SACA Certifications in those classes. These hands-on learning experiences for our kids are keeping it Real & Relevant for DK students.

We are almost done with course requests for next year. If your student did not meet with staff in the library to get that done, they should see Mr. Vanhoose early next week. This would include our online students who plan to return next year for in-person instruction. Once those are compiled, we will make decisions on what we are able to schedule based on our needs and student demand. The goal is that kids would know their schedule shortly after spring break if all goes well. Huge shout-out to Mr. Vanhoose, Mrs. Eister from central office, and Dr. Wright, who met with each student to help with those decisions and enter those requests online.

Congratulations to our competitive cheer team for their 7th place finish in Regionals at Hudsonville on Saturday with a new school record of 684.9 points. On Thursday, our state-qualifying wrestlers were given their traditional walkout, with their peers lining the halls as they left for the state finals at Ford Field. Good luck to Mason Ferris, Griffyn Harmon, Evan Stampfler, and Mitchell Swift. You can follow our guys on MHSAA.tv on Friday and Saturday.

Finally, this week’s DO A JOB Hogie’s Heroes are our two FFA State Conference representatives. Evelynn Courneya and Samuel Champion-Paling have both stepped up in their leadership roles and fully embrace all things FFA, pursuing new experiences, serving others, and leading by example.

The Grand Rapids Griffins are offering discounted tickets for Spring Break games at Van Andel Arena. If you’re able, we’d really appreciate you sharing this offer with your students and their families, and with any other teachers or school faculty who may be interested.

Ticket Link: SPRING BREAK WITH THE GR GRIFFINS SPECIAL OFFER | Grand Rapids Griffins

Have a great rest of your school year!

Thanks,

Congratulations to Evelynn Courneya who received her Outstanding Jr Degree through the Michigan FFA. Qualifications of this degree includes receiving the chapter degree, which is the highest degree a chapter can bestow onto a member, demonstrates exceptional community service 25+ hours, have an exemplary Supervised Agricultural Experience, participated in 5+ FFA activities at Regional, State, or National Levels. In addition to this degree, Evelynn also received a silver academic excellence award. Qualifications for this award include holding a 3.5+ GPA, have an exemplary Supervised Agricultural Experience, have good character, have a chapter degree, have at least 2 years of AG Education and must be actively enrolled in an AG class. Congratulations to Evelynn in her academic and FFA career.

Evelynn Courneya and Samuel Champion-Paling head to Michigan State University for the 98th Michigan FFA State Convention. While at convention, Evelynn will be recognized for her academics, FFA Involvement, and her service on the Belonging and Engagement committee. Both students will represent DK as they travel to the state capital to learn about our state's history. In addition to this, Evelynn and Samuel are serving as delegates for the voting of the next State Officers. Congratulations to these two!

Looking for a family that would be open to hosting Otto from Finland this fall.

Otto is 16 (17 in April) year old boy from a SMALL COUNTRY TOWN in Finland. He has a close knit family and is MOST excited that he could be a part of a family in the US. He loves ANIMALS and has a small FARM with the normal indoor animals- cats and a dog, and also has two mini horses and a few sheep. He is use to helping care for the animals. He’s an easy going, positive kid who enjoys going to the GYM, spending time OUTDOORS and watching MOVIES or playing the occasional video game. Otto also likes to work on cars and motor bikes. He loves Christmas as he really likes spending special time with all of his FAMILY. He played Finish BASEBALL for 5 years and would like to play baseball here. He is also looking forward to playing FOOTBALL. He has worked in the summers to earn money doing landscaping and some small excavating. Otto’s mom is an elementary teacher and his dad is in Forrest Management. He is no stranger to chores and regularly does firewood, dishes and helps out around the house. Otto is looking forward to sharing laughter and unforgettable experience with YOU!

If Otto sounds like he could be a good fit for your family, please reach out for more information.

PM or email mferris@icesusa.org

Students in Spanish classes recently read a book called "El Espíritu de Xólotl" about an axolotl who feels different from everyone else. He sets out on an incredible journey to discover courage and friendship and that being small or different doesn't make you insignificant.

During class they read the book, played games, took a gallery walk, and learned about the history and culture of the Aztecs, Tenóchtitlan, Mexico City and endangered axolotls.

Our Allied Health students have been working hard this week on some of the most critical skills they will ever learn: Adult CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training. It has been inspiring to watch them step up to the challenge. Beyond just the physical skills, they’ve been practicing skills such as clear communication and teamwork. In an emergency, knowing how to lead and support a team is just as important as the compressions themselves.

Training will continue next week with CPR skills for a child, infant and relief of choking. Students successful in passing these skills will earn certification in the professional healthcare version of CPR, called BLS (Basic Life Support) through the American Heart Association and is valid for 2 years.

Kudos to students for doing their part in building a safer community through training!