Magi Messenger: April 14, 2025
Message From The Superintendent
Dear Families, Parents and Community Members,
As the days grow warmer and the sun stays with us a little longer, there's a renewed energy in the air across our schools. It's hard to believe, but the next month and a half will fly by as we head into one of the most exciting stretches of the school year! From field trips and field days to award nights and end-of-year celebrations, we have so many special moments planned for our students and families. While our calendars are full, I encourage everyone to pause and soak in these moments of spring.
Amid the busyness, there is joyโin the growth of our students, in the laughter echoing through classrooms, and in the milestones weโre about to celebrate. Speaking of growth, we recently shared exciting data showing the iReady growth and performance of our students, and I have every confidence they are ready to crush the upcoming state assessments! Please help us ensure your students are pumped up, well-rested, and on timeโa great breakfast and a calm start to the day go a long way in helping them feel confident and ready to shine.
Shoutout to our amazing 4th graders for placing 3rd at Clue Me In! ๐ Weโre so proud of your teamwork, brainpower, and enthusiasm during the competition. ๐ง ๐๐ Way to go, scholarsโyou represented Colon beautifully! And a huge thank you to Mrs. Johnson for her leadership and support!
Go Magi,
Dr. Kowalski
Superintendent
๐ข i-Ready Progress For Parents๐
๐โจ Check Out Your Childโs i-Ready Progress!
Great news, families! ๐ New i-Ready data is now available to show the incredible growth our students made this year. You can log in to your Parent i-Ready account to see your studentโs latest growth and progress in both reading and math. ๐โ
๐ Need help getting started? Click the link below for a helpful guide and step-by-step tutorial:
๐ https://tinyurl.com/Parent-iReady-Colon
Stay connected, celebrate growth, and keep the learning going! ๐ช๐ป๐
Colon Jr/Sr High Highlights
Colon Elementary Highlights
๐๐ A big round of applause to our March Magi of the Month! ๐๐
Your ๐ outstanding effort, kindness, and enthusiasm ๐ have truly made a difference. We are so proud of your achievements and canโt wait to see all the amazing things youโll continue to do. ๐ซ
๐ธ Front Row: Kinslee Howard, Miracle Carpenter, Ani Manzano-Vigil, Zander Leonard, Ava Jackson
๐ธ Back Row: Shaulyn Tyler, Dillon Sasser, Corey Crawford, Olivia Shepard, Gentry Craigo, Brantlie Sicinski
Not Pictured: Steven Burger
Dates To Remember & Events Coming Up
Colon Jr/Sr High School Events โ Spring 2025
๐ Tuesday, April 15 โ Testing Day & YMCA Trip
๐ SAT/PSAT Testing for 8thโ11th graders
๐ No school for seniors
๐ 6th & 7th Grade YMCA Field Trip โ Students should report to the Field House for breakfast. They will depart directly from there and will not be in the main building that morning.
๐๐บ Saturday, April 26 โ Grand March & Prom
Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun, dancing, and celebration!
๐งช Tuesday, April 29 & Thursday, May 1 โ MSTEP Testing
Testing continues for select grade levels.
๐๏ธ Thursday, May 1 โ Senior Signing Day
Join us in celebrating our seniors' next steps! Whether it's college, career, or militaryโweโre proud of every path.
๐ Tuesday, May 13 โ Friday, May 16 โ Senior Exams
Letโs finish strong, seniors! ๐ช
๐
Wednesday, May 14 โ Awards Night - More Information To Come!
A night to recognize outstanding achievement and hard work across grade levels. Families welcome!
๐ Colon Elementary Events โ Spring 2025๐
๐จ Tuesday, April 22 โ Art Show
Come celebrate our studentsโ creativity! Enjoy a colorful display of artwork and support our young artists. ๐๏ธ
๐ Tuesday, March 25 & Saturday, April 26 โ GSRP/K Roundup
Welcoming our future Cardinals! Families of incoming preschool and kindergarten students, come meet our staff and explore the classrooms. โ๏ธ
๐ถ Friday, May 2 โ Move & Groove
A day of music, movement, and fun! Letโs get our bodies moving and energy flowing! ๐๐บ
๐โโ๏ธ Thursday, May 8 โ 4th & 5th Grade Field Day
Let the games begin! A full day of outdoor activities and friendly competition! ๐ฏ
โ๏ธ Tuesday, May 20 โ Kโ3 Picnic, Awards & Field Day
๐ Celebrate the end of the year with fun, food, and recognition for all!
๐ง๏ธ Rain Date: Wednesday, May 21
Spring Testing Schedule
Please contact your school if you have questions about tests/dates/arrangements.
๐ซ Colon Elementary School โ M-STEP
๐งฎ๐ iReady Diagnostic (Kโ2 Only) - ๐๏ธ May 6โ8
๐ง 3rd Grade
-
๐ Math โ April 22
-
๐ ELA โ April 24
-
๐ ๏ธ Makeups: April 22โ25
๐ง 5th Grade (may be adjusted due to transition meetings)
-
๐ ELA โ April 29
-
๐ Math โ May 1
-
๐ Social Studies โ May 12
-
๐ฌ Science โ May 13
-
๐ ๏ธ Makeups: April 29โMay 2
๐ง 4th Grade (Complete!)
๐ ELA โ April 8
๐ Math โ April 10
๐ ๏ธ Makeups: April 8โ11
๐ Junior/Senior High School Spring State Testing
๐ 11th Grade
-
๐ ACT WorkKeys โ April 10 (๐ Makeup: April 24)
-
๐ง SAT โ April 15 (no CTE)
-
โ๏ธ M-STEP Social Studies โ April 29
-
๐ฌ M-STEP Science โ May 1
-
๐ ๏ธ Makeups: April 30 & May 2
๐ง 8th, 9th & 10th Grade
-
๐ PSAT 8/9/10 โ April 15 (Makeup: April 22)
-
โ๏ธ M-STEP Social Studies (8th) โ April 29
-
๐ฌ M-STEP Science (8th) โ May 1
๐ Grades 9 & 10 during M-STEP: Farrand Hall
๐งฎ M-STEP for Grades 6 & 7
-
๐ ELA โ April 29
-
๐ง Math โ May 1
-
๐ ๏ธ Makeups: April 30 & May 2
๐ AP Exams
๐ AP Government & Politics โ May 6 @ 12PM
๐ AP Calculus AB โ May 12 @ 8AM
๐ฃ๏ธ AP Seminar โ May 12 @ 12PM
๐ Final Exams @ Colon Jr/Sr High
๐ฉโ๐ Seniors โ May 13โ16
๐ Grades 9โ11 โ May 27โ30
๐ Helpful Tips for Families
โ๏ธ Make sure your child gets a good nightโs sleep before testing days ๐ด
โ๏ธ Encourage them to eat a healthy breakfast ๐ณ๐ฅ
โ๏ธ Remind them to just try their bestโyouโve got this! ๐ช๐
If you have any questions about testing dates, accommodations, or how to help at home, please donโt hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued support! โค๏ธ
Fresh Food Initiatives - April 2025
๐ Colon Jr/Sr High School FFI Thursday, April 17th at 4:30 PM in the CHS parking lot! ๐ซโจ
๐ฒ Afterward, donโt miss out! Join us for a FREE CES Game Night ๐ฎโ๏ธ AND a Community Forum to discuss exciting upcoming efforts to enhance community resources! ๐ฌ๐ก
Come for the fun, stay for the conversationโweโd love to see you there! ๐๐
Class of 2025 - All Updates, Events & Graduation Info
Class of 2025 Graduation Info - Parents & Families: We will continue to post of information about senior events, opportunities & more for students & families. Mrs. Spidle & Ms. Kevnick work to update our scholarship page located on our website, at this link.
Michigan Supreme Court Opportunity!
โ๏ธ๐ Calling All High Schoolers!
Are you in AP Seminar, AP Government, or loved electives like Debate? ๐ฃ๏ธ๐ Do you see a future in law, public service, or the courtroom? This is your moment! โจ ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Explore Careers in the Law with the Michigan Supreme Court! Join a moot court experience where youโll prep and present a real search-and-seizure caseโjust like the pros. Youโll sharpen your speaking, reasoning, and legal skills in a fun and challenging setting!
๐๏ธ Lansing: July 14โ18
๐๏ธ Detroit: July 25
โ Who Can Apply: Rising 10th graders through 2025 grads
๐ฅ How to Apply: Visit courts.mi.gov/learningcenter to download the application.
๐ง Questions? Contact Rachael Drenovsky at drenovskyr@courts.mi.gov
๐ More info: https://content.govdelivery.com/.../MILEAP/bulletins/3d9422
๐ข Donโt miss this chance to step into the courtroom and bring your voice to the bench! ๐ฌโ๏ธ๐ฅ
Calling All New Magi: Our Roundup Events!
๐ Join Us for Our Roundup Events - GSRP Preschool AND Kindergarten! ๐โจ
Come meet our amazing staff, principal, and district leadership and learn all about the legacy of becoming a Magi! ๐ฉ ๐ Your child will take part in some quick assessments, but most importantlyโthere will be tons of fun with activities, games, and family-friendly excitement for everyone! ๐๐จ๐We canโt wait to welcome you and your family! See you there! ๐๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ
๐ Now Enrolling for GSRP Preschool & Kindergarten! ๐๐ - Come Meet Us!!
Looking for a high-quality, FREE preschool program? The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michiganโs top-ranked PreK program, designed for eligible four-year-olds! ๐ โจ In GSRP, children learn through fun, hands-on activities while building skills in math, reading, problem-solving, and social interactionsโall in a safe, supportive environment where they can make friends, share, and take turns! ๐ซ๐จ๐ข
๐ข GSRP Eligibility:
โ๏ธ Must be 4 years old by December 1, 2025
โ๏ธ DOB Range: 12/1/2020 โ 12/1/2021
๐ Kindergarten Enrollment ๐โ๏ธ Is your child ready for kindergarten? According to Michigan law, students must turn 5 by September 1, 2025 to enroll.
๐ก Kindergarten Eligibility:
โ๏ธ Must be 5 years old by September 1, 2025
โ๏ธ DOB Range: 12/1/2019 โ 9/1/2020
๐ Need an exception? If your child turns five between September 1 and December 1, you can submit a Kindergarten Waiver Request before the school year begins. Our team will work with you to evaluate your child's readiness and find the best placement for their educational start! ๐โจ
๐ Questions? Weโre Here to Help! ๐ค
Want to learn more about our programs and enrollment process? Weโre happy to assist you! ๐
๐ฉ Contact: Ms. Jill Braman, Principal of Colon Elementary
๐ง Email: jbraman@colonschools.org ๐ Call: 269-432-2121
โ๏ธ๐ Summer Sun Bucks: Extra Grocery Money for Families! ๐โ๏ธ
Hey Colon families โ great news! ๐ This summer, eligible households can receive $120 per child through the Summer EBT (Sun Bucks) program to help cover grocery costs. ๐๐๐ฅฌ
๐ How to Apply: Tap the link to learn more and submit your application ๐ https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page
Letโs keep our kids healthy and fueled all summer long! ๐ฝ๐ช๐ง๐ฆ
๐ธโพ Spring Sports Are in Full Swing! Our Magi are back in action, and weโre hoping the weather warms up to match their energy! ๐ฅ Hereโs a look at this weekโs schedule โ come out and cheer on our teams if you can! ๐ฃ Letโs go, Magi!
Free Sports Physicals From Revolution Health
๐๐ FREE Sports Physicals for Colon Students! ๐
Mark your calendars early! ๐๏ธ Colon Athletics & Revolution Health have set the date for free sports physicals on May 17, 2025, from 9:00โ11:30 AM at Revolution Health (121 E Franklin St, Colon, MI).
A huge thank you to Revolution Health for their partnership in supporting our student-athletes! ๐ช๐ As the date approaches, physical forms will be available in the office. Stay tuned for more details, and take advantage of this opportunity to get ready for the upcoming sports season! Go Magi! ๐
๐ Have You Visited Our Colon Athletics Website? ๐คฉ๐ฅ
Itโs AMAZING, thanks to the hard work of our AD Noah Dooley and talented Colon Magi athletes/student interns, Savannah Meyers & Lily Preston! ๐๐
๐Stay updated with game schedules, important info, and more at our NEW athletics website:
๐ colonathletics.com
๐ Just a reminder to check Eventlink for updates, as schedules may change! ๐ฒ
๐จ Eventlink Guidance for Parents & Community to help you stay in the loop!๐๐ฝ๐ข
Super Important Eventlink Documents To Help You Add Calendars!
Spring 2025 Sports + Team Reach Codes
โพ๐ฅ๐โณ Spring Sports Are Almost Here! ๐
High School Baseball, Softball, Track & Field, and Golf practices kick off on March 10th! ๐๐ช
๐ข Contact your coach for details on practice schedules and preseason info:
๐ฉ Baseball: Ted Stoll โ tstoll@colonschools.org
๐ฉ Softball: Sean Stouder โ sstouder@colonschools.org
๐ฉ Track & Field: Noah Dooley โ ndooley@colonschools.org
๐ฉ Golf: Richie Schumacher โ rschumacher@colonschools.org
๐ฒ Stay connected with TeamReach codes!
โพ Baseball: Baseball1989
๐ Track & Field: oneteam123
โณ Golf: Magigolf
๐ฅ Softball: Uses GameChanger for communicationโcontact Coach to be added!
Local County Resources For Families
๐ฅซ Need Food Assistance or Community Resources? For additional food distributions in St. Joseph County, MI, as well as food pantry hours and other supportive events, check out these helpful resources:
๐ Human Services Calendar & Community Resource Guide:
๐ SJChumanservices.com
๐ St. Joseph County Community Resource Guide: ๐ Click HERE
New Math Curriculum Resources For Families & Parents
Sign-Up For Bus Transportation Updates
Please note this is a one-way messaging app. We cannot process transportation changes through Remind... it is intended to alert you of any delays or bus issues. Thank you.
๐๐ฑ Stay connected with our bus updates! ๐ฑ๐ Stay informed about your child's bus route with timely text alerts for changes or delays. We know unexpected changes can be stressful, so sign up for updates to get notified instantly. Follow the instructions that will be sent home on Monday, or use the provided links. Thank you for trusting us to transport your child!
If you have questions, please contact Heather in Transportation: 269-432-3231 - Press 1 or email hwordelman@colonschools.org More sign-up information is linked here.
The Importance of Attendance
School Savings - Sturgis Bank & Trust
Tuesday Mornings @ CES!
Thursday Mornings @ CHS!
Thank you Sturgis Bank!
More Parent Resources
๐ Parent Resource Center โ Just for You! ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆโจ
Looking for helpful tools and information? Check out our Parent Resource Center! ๐ซ๐ก
๐ Click HERE to access the Parent Resource Document: ๐ Parent Resource Center
Stay informed and connected! ๐๐
Elementary CARE Program
๐ 3 Years Strong! ๐โจ Our No-Cost CARE Program is better than ever! ๐๐ซ
๐ข Sign up today! Secure your spot by clicking the link: ๐ CES CARE Program Sign-Up
Donโt miss out on this amazing opportunity for our students! ๐๐ก
School Calendars & Schedules
For the current academic calendar: https://tinyurl.com/magi24-25-calendar
Next year's calendar: https://tinyurl.com/magi25-26-calendar
For access to all Colon Jr/Sr High School bell schedules: click on this link.
๐ 2025-2026 School Year Calendar Now Available!
View the calendar here: 2025-2026 School Calendar (https://tinyurl.com/magi25-26-calendar)
๐ First Day of School: August 18 (Half Day)
๐ Breaks & Holidays:
- Labor Day: September 1
- Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28
- Winter Break: December 22 - January 2
- Spring Break: March 26 - April 3
- Last Day of School: May 29 (Half Day)
๐ Quarter Start & End Dates:
- Q1: Aug 18 - Oct 17 | Q2: Oct 20 - Dec 19
- Q3: Jan 4 - Mar 13 | Q4: Mar 16 - May 29
School & District Contacts
Click here for main contacts: https://tinyurl.com/ColonContactsMagi & You can also see our website's staff page for additional staff contacts: https://www.colonschools.org/staff
Eventlink: Parent Guidance
Super Important Eventlink Documents To Help You Add Calendars!
Super Important Eventlink Documents To Help You Add Calendars!
Curious why everyone loves attending and working in our schools? ๐ค Dive into our YouTube page to find out! ๐ฅ๐ Make Colon Community Schools your destination district or join our team! https://www.youtube.com/@ColonCommunitySchools