Coloma Newsletter

Dear Families,

This April, we’re turning the spotlight on the true heroes of our schools—the dedicated teachers and staff who make Coloma a place where students feel known, challenged and cared for every day. In honor of their incredible impact, this month’s newsletter is fully dedicated to celebrating the educators and support staff who embody what it means to be Committed to Coloma.

Every day, our educators, support staff and administrators pour their time, energy and passion into creating a learning environment where students feel seen, supported and empowered. From the early morning bus rides, to the final bell and everything in between, their work shapes not only the school day but also the trajectory of each child’s future.

This month, we pause to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary dedication of our team. Whether it's through creative lessons, a reassuring conversation or a moment of encouragement, Coloma staff members go above and beyond to make a lasting impact. Their commitment is the foundation of our success and the reason why Coloma continues to be a place where students thrive.

We invite you to join us in honoring the people who make our district special. Throughout this newsletter, you’ll find stories, highlights and heartfelt messages that showcase just how much our staff means to this community.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. Together, we celebrate the people who make Coloma shine.

Sincerely,

Dave Ehlers

March's poll winner was Rosa Parks (Civil Rights Leader) with 59%.

This month’s athlete spotlight shines on Ava Cartwright, a standout junior at Coloma High School!

Ava is a three-year varsity softball player and also competes on the varsity volleyball team, where she brings energy, leadership and drive to every game. Off the field and court, Ava excels in the classroom with a perfect 4.0 GPA and is an active member of both the National Honor Society and Student Council. Her ability to balance academics, athletics and leadership responsibilities is a testament to her work ethic and commitment.

Ava represents the very best of what it means to be a Comet—dedicated, involved and inspiring. Way to go, Ava!

A Message of Gratitude from Principal Kelly Severin

Dear Dream Team,

I am filled with gratitude for each and every one of you. It’s often said it takes a village to raise a child and I’m so thankful you’re part of our village here at Coloma Elementary.

Your dedication to our students is nothing short of amazing. You show up each day with a positive attitude, a genuine love for kids and a gift for finding the good—in every lesson, in every hallway and in every child. Because of you, our students thrive in a nurturing, encouraging environment.

This year, we’ve been fortunate to welcome some truly remarkable new team members who have brought fresh energy ideas and dedication to our school community. From teachers who inspire and nurture young minds to support staff who keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, each of you plays a crucial role in making Coloma Elementary a place where children feel seen, supported and empowered. You support one another, work together with purpose and create a culture that lifts everyone—especially our kids.

Thank you for all you do. Our students are so lucky to have such a caring, committed team guiding them every step of the way. Your creativity, resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence have made this year a success and will continue to shape the future of our students.

Your biggest fan,
Kelly Severin

There’s a quiet kind of magic in our building and much of it starts in the library with Shelly Stankiewicz. As our school librarian, Mrs. Stankiewicz does more than organize books—she fosters a love of reading, sparks curiosity and creates a space where every student feels welcome and seen.

With an incredible instinct for matching readers with the right stories, she helps students grow with confidence, one book at a time. Her dedication to literacy is matched only by her gentle, caring presence, which leaves a lasting impression far beyond the library walls.

But her impact doesn’t stop there. Mrs. Stankiewicz is the creative mind behind so many of the thoughtful touches that brighten our school—from festive hallway decorations to beautifully organized family events like Reading Month and parent nights. She’s the first to lend a hand, share a kind word or add something special to make others feel supported.

Mrs. Stankiewicz’s quiet leadership, creative spirit and unwavering kindness are part of what makes our school feel like home. We are so grateful to have her at the heart of our team.

We’re so glad to have welcomed Tara Reinhardt to our third-grade team this year. From day one, Miss Reinhardt has brought a calm, compassionate energy to our school that makes students and staff alike feel at ease.

In the classroom, Miss Reinhardt leads with quiet confidence and an unwavering focus on what’s best for her students. She brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to everything she does—meeting learners where they are, encouraging them to grow and celebrating their progress along the way. Her classroom is a space where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions and discover their love of learning.

Miss Reinhardt’s impact extends beyond the classroom as well. As the new coach for our Girls on the Run team, she’s already become a positive role model for students, bringing the same kindness, encouragement and steady leadership to every practice and event.

Whether she’s guiding a reading group, offering a word of support or simply showing up with a smile, Miss Reinhardt quietly makes our school stronger. We’re incredibly grateful to have her as part of our Comet Family!

We’re thrilled to announce that one of our own, Emily Renbarger, has stepped into the role of building secretary! Many students already know Mrs. Renbarger from her dedication to fostering positive behavior and building strong relationships throughout our school. Now, she’ll greet every student, family and visitor who walks through our doors with the same enthusiasm and care she’s always shown.

With her extensive background working directly with students, Mrs. Renbarger brings a unique insight into their needs and concerns—an invaluable asset at the front desk. Whether she’s answering questions, coordinating schedules or helping families find the resources they need, her calm presence and genuine warmth set the tone for a welcoming, supportive school environment.

Beyond her administrative duties, Mrs. Renbarger is already making an impact by streamlining communication between teachers, parents and the broader community. Her attention to detail ensures that important messages reach the right people at the right time, while her friendly demeanor turns what could be a routine drop-off or pick-up into a moment of connection.

We’re so lucky to have Emily Renbarger as the friendly face of our office and a steadfast supporter of our Comet Family. Welcome, Mrs. Renbarger—we can’t wait to see all the ways you’ll make our school an even brighter place!

A Message of Gratitude from Principal Winifred Staffen

To the Coloma Intermediate Family,

I just want to take a moment to extend my deepest thanks to the incredible teachers and staff at Coloma Intermediate. Your hard work, kindness and unwavering dedication make a profound difference in the lives of our students every single day. The care and support you provide extend far beyond the classroom. You don’t just teach—you inspire, encourage and create a nurturing environment where every student feels safe, valued and excited to learn.

Each day, you show up with a commitment to excellence, and it’s evident in everything you do. Whether you're guiding students through challenging concepts, fostering their personal growth or going above and beyond to offer opportunities like extracurricular activities, your impact is immeasurable. You build relationships, spark curiosity and ignite passion in ways that will last a lifetime. Your work doesn’t go unnoticed, and I am so grateful to have such dedicated individuals on our team.

Thank you for your continuous hard work and passion. We are truly fortunate to have each of you in our community. Your collective efforts ensure that Coloma Intermediate remains a place where students not only succeed academically but also grow as confident, capable individuals.

Together, we are shaping the future of our students, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the difference you make every day!

Forever grateful,

Winifred Staffen

It’s impossible not to notice the positive energy and unwavering commitment that Mrs. Jackson brings to our school each day. With a heart full of pride and an attitude that radiates positivity, she is truly a role model for students, staff and everyone she encounters. Whether she’s in the classroom, on the field or supporting students in various school activities, Mrs. Jackson sets a high standard for what it means to be dedicated to both the academic and personal growth of every child.

In addition to her classroom excellence, Mrs. Jackson’s influence extends far beyond the traditional school day. She’s made a tremendous impact by offering students the opportunity to participate in the Science Olympiad, igniting curiosity and inspiring a love for learning through hands-on experiences. Her contributions to these extracurricular activities provide students with invaluable skills and experiences that they will carry with them long after the competition ends.

Mrs. Jackson’s kindness, patience and leadership make her an irreplaceable part of our school community. She not only enriches her students’ academic journeys, but she also nurtures their character and confidence.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such an exceptional educator on our team. Mrs. Jackson, thank you for the positive impact you’ve made and continue to make. Your dedication to our students and school is truly appreciated!

We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible Mr. Selvidge, our talented and passionate art teacher!

Every day, Mr. Selvidge brings energy, creativity and heart into the classroom—turning each lesson into an opportunity for students to express themselves, take risks and grow in confidence. His room is more than just a place to learn about colors and technique—it’s a space where students are encouraged to explore their individuality, think outside the box and discover their own artistic voice.

From collaborative projects to stunning student showcases, Mr. Selvidge helps make our school a brighter, more vibrant place. His impact reaches far beyond the canvas, and we’re so lucky to have his steady encouragement and imaginative spirit on our team.

Thank you, Mr. Selvidge, for sharing your love of art with each of our students. Keep up the fantastic work!

A Message of Gratitude from Principal Tremblay

To Our Outstanding Coloma Junior High Team,

As we approach the end of another vibrant year at Coloma Junior High, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of our school family—teachers, support staff, coaches, custodians, counselors and office personnel. Your collective dedication creates the warm, earnest environment where our students can learn, grow and thrive. Whether you’re guiding a hands‑on project, offering encouragement in the hallway or keeping our building running smoothly behind the scenes, your work matters deeply.

This year, we’ve been fortunate to welcome new educators, support staff and coaches who have already made a positive impact on our community. From fresh faces in the classroom to added hands in our extracurricular programs, these team members have brought energy, ideas and enthusiasm that enrich the experience of every student.

Thank you to our entire team for your countless contributions and for making Coloma Junior High a place of learning, community and possibility.

With Great Appreciation,

Wendy Tremblay

For the past 20 years, Mrs. Churchill has been a cornerstone of our Junior High community, sharing her love of math and her deep commitment to student success. In this special edition newsletter, we’re excited to highlight a new chapter in her journey as she takes on the role of Physical Education teacher!

With years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for health and fitness, Mrs. Churchill is the perfect fit for this new role. She brings not only a strong foundation in teaching but also the energy, motivation and heart to inspire students to stay active, set goals and build healthy habits for life.

Whether she’s solving equations or leading a game in the gym, Mrs. Churchill leads with positivity, purpose and care. We’re so proud of the impact she’s made in the classroom and can’t wait to see how she continues to connect with and empower students in her next chapter.

Thank you, Mrs. Churchill, for your dedication to our school and for always being a champion for kids. We’re cheering you on every step of the way!

We’re thrilled to welcome Ms. Haley Goff as our new Junior High Spanish teacher!

From day one, Ms. Goff has brought an incredible energy to our school—fueled by her passion for language, culture and creating engaging learning experiences for students.

With her background studying and traveling abroad, Ms. Goff brings the Spanish language to life in meaningful and authentic ways. Her global perspective, combined with her creativity and classroom enthusiasm, encourages students to not only learn the language but to connect with the cultures that speak it.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Goff jumps right into the fun of Junior High life—whether it’s dressing up for spirit week, cheering on our students at events or joining in on school-wide activities. Her positive attitude, team spirit and dedication to building relationships make her a fantastic addition to our staff.

We’re so grateful to have Ms. Goff on the team and can’t wait to see the lasting impact she’ll have on our students and school community. ¡Bienvenida, Ms. Goff!

Meet our incredible secretaries Brenda Crisenbery and Jen Dillenbeck—the heart and backbone of our building. Every morning they greet students with a warm smile and keep our school running like clockwork, treating each child as if they were their own and offering love, encouragement and guidance throughout the day.

Always on the lookout for the next big idea, they transform ordinary days into memorable celebrations—from coordinating schoolwide carnivals to crafting sweet cotton‑candy treats for smiling faces. Behind the scenes they manage schedules, answer questions, handle emergencies, and support teachers and families with unwavering patience and care.

Their dedication and kindness make our school community stronger and more connected. We’re truly lucky to have Brenda and Jen keeping our halls humming and our students feeling valued every single day.

A Message of Gratitude from Principal Craig Fisher

To the Amazing Staff at Coloma High,

As we reflect on the approaching end of another successful school year at Coloma High School, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire faculty and staff. Your dedication, compassion and tireless efforts have created a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to be their best every day.

Whether you’re in the classroom designing creative lessons, working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, coaching on the field or mentoring in the hallways, your impact is felt in every corner of our school. The resilience and creativity you bring to your work day in and day out has shaped the lives of our students in ways both big and small. It’s that quiet encouragement, that extra effort, that steady belief in their potential—those are the things that make Coloma High School such a special place.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence in education. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and the pride I feel in leading this incredible team grows stronger each day. As we close out the school year, please know how truly grateful I am for everything you do.

With deepest gratitude,

Craig Fisher

If you’ve ever called or walked into Coloma High School, chances are you’ve been greeted with the friendly, can-do energy of Chris Smith. Since 2009, Chris has played a vital role in keeping the school running smoothly, serving as both Administrative Assistant and Competitive Cheer Coach—two demanding roles she handles with grace, warmth and boundless enthusiasm.

In the front office, Chris is the calm in the chaos. She answers phones, supports students and families, helps organize daily operations and serves as a right hand to teachers and administrators alike. Her ability to juggle the many moving pieces of a busy high school is unmatched.

But Chris’s impact goes well beyond the office. As the coach of the competitive cheer team, she brings passion and discipline to every practice and competition. This February, under her leadership, the team took 7th place at the MHSAA Finals in Mt. Pleasant—a huge accomplishment that speaks volumes about her ability to inspire and guide student-athletes.

Chris is known for her positive attitude, her deep care for every student and her unmatched school spirit. She sets a powerful example of commitment, kindness and Coloma pride.

Thank you, Mrs. Smith, for all you do. Coloma wouldn’t be the same without you!

When music fills the air at Coloma High School, you can bet Greg Prather is behind it. As our Choir Director, Greg brings talent, heart and joy to every note. Since 2019, he’s led our high school and junior high choirs while also teaching general music at the junior high and intermediate levels—making him one of the few educators who connects with students across nearly every age group.

Greg’s classroom is a place where students can express themselves, find their voice and build the confidence that will serve them far beyond the stage. He brings a high level of musical expertise to his teaching, along with a deep belief in the power of the arts to shape lives. Whether he’s guiding an advanced choir through a complex arrangement or introducing younger students to the basics of music, his passion is unmistakable.

Outside of the classroom, Greg is just as impressive. He holds a private pilot’s license, loves spending time with his family and lives by his values of faith and fun. His commitment to Coloma’s students runs just as deep as his love of music.

Thank you, Mr. Prather, for the heart and harmony you bring to our schools.

This spring, a group of Coloma High School students traded textbooks for travel bags as they embarked on a one-week educational journey to Costa Rica. Led by teacher and travel enthusiast Mr. Cantrell, the trip was more than just a vacation—it was a full-on immersion into the culture, geography and natural beauty of one of Central America’s most vibrant countries.

Over the course of seven unforgettable days, students explored the heart of Costa Rica, living the national saying “pura vida”—a phrase that speaks to a life full of gratitude, positivity and balance. The adventure kicked off with a visit to a local coffee plantation followed by a thrilling afternoon of zip-lining through lush treetops. Day two brought even more excitement, with a stop at a cocoa farm and an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting excursion.

Throughout the week, students took in the country’s rich agricultural traditions with tours of pineapple fields, hiked the trails of Arenal National Park, marveled at the La Fortuna waterfall, kayaked across Lake Arenal, relaxed in volcanic hot springs and even cruised the crocodile-filled rivers. The trip wrapped up with snorkeling in the Pacific, giving students the chance to see Costa Rica’s famous coastal ecosystems up close.

As you flip through this newsletter, you'll see story after story of the dedicated educators who make Coloma Community Schools such a special place to learn and grow—and Mr. Cantrell is no exception. Whether he’s sparking curiosity in the classroom or leading students on unforgettable international adventures, he brings energy, heart and a love of learning to everything he does. His passion for global education and commitment to expanding students’ horizons is a living, breathing example of the “pura vida” spirit.

Mr. Cantrell, who has made a tradition of organizing these educational tours, says the experiences stick with students long after they’ve returned home. “It’s more than just sightseeing—it’s about growing their worldview, learning new cultures and stepping out of their comfort zones,” he said. Mr. Cantrell even documented much of the journey on his Instagram, giving families a glimpse into the fun (@mr.cantrells_travels).

And the adventure doesn’t stop here.

Mr. Cantrell is already planning the next trip—a two-week summer tour through Europe in 2026. The itinerary includes visits to eight countries and offers students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore historic landmarks, vibrant cities and global cultures. For those interested in joining, details can be found at EF Tours Europe 2026.

Thank you, Mr. Cantrell, for opening the world to Coloma students one passport stamp at a time!

Hello Friends,

Can I just paw-se for a moment and give a big round of a-PAWS to all the humans around here? As a dog with a tail that’s always wagging, I’m happy to say that I’m not the only one keeping things running smoothly at Coloma!

This month, I want to bark out a special thank you to all the teachers and staff who work tirelessly to make this school such a paws-itively amazing place. Whether they’re teaching math, guiding students in science or organizing unforgettable field trips (like, ahem, Costa Rica with Mr. Cantrell), these two-legged heroes make sure everyone is safe, supported and ready to learn.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Mavis, you’re the real star around here.” Well, you’re right, but all these hardworking humans deserve a round of applause too. So, to all the teachers, staff, and everyone who work their tails off day in and day out to make Coloma a top dog in education, thank you for all you do!

You're all dog's best friend,

Mavis