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Magi Messenger: April 14, 2025

Magi Messenger: April 14, 2025
Magi Messenger:April 14, 2025

Message From The Superintendent Message From The Superintendent

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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 joyโ€”in the growth of our students, in the laughter echoing through classrooms, and in the milestones weโ€™re 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 timeโ€”a 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! ๐Ÿ† Weโ€™re so proud of your teamwork, brainpower, and enthusiasm during the competition. ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿ‘ Way to go, scholarsโ€”you represented Colon beautifully! And a huge thank you to Mrs. Johnson for her leadership and support!


Go Magi,

Dr. Kowalski

Superintendent

๐Ÿ“ข i-Ready Progress For Parents๐Ÿš€ ๐Ÿ“ข i-Ready Progress For Parents๐Ÿš€

๐Ÿ“Šโœจ Check Out Your Childโ€™s i-Ready Progress!

Great news, families! ๐ŸŽ‰ 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 studentโ€™s latest growth and progress in both reading and math. ๐Ÿ“šโž•

๐Ÿ‘€ Need help getting started? Click the link below for a helpful guide and step-by-step tutorial:
๐Ÿ”— https://tinyurl.com/Parent-iReady-Colon

Stay connected, celebrate growth, and keep the learning going! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ’ป๐ŸŽ“

iReady Parent Resource

Colon Jr/Sr High Highlights Colon Jr/Sr High Highlights

Colon Elementary Highlights Colon Elementary Highlights

๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ‘ A big round of applause to our March Magi of the Month! ๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ‰
Your ๐ŸŒŸ outstanding effort, kindness, and enthusiasm ๐ŸŒŸ have truly made a difference. We are so proud of your achievements and canโ€™t wait to see all the amazing things youโ€™ll continue to do. ๐Ÿ’ซ

๐Ÿ“ธ Front Row: Kinslee Howard, Miracle Carpenter, Ani Manzano-Vigil, Zander Leonard, Ava Jackson

๐Ÿ“ธ Back Row: Shaulyn Tyler, Dillon Sasser, Corey Crawford, Olivia Shepard, Gentry Craigo, Brantlie Sicinski

Not Pictured: Steven Burger

Dates To Remember & Events Coming Up Dates To Remember & Events Coming Up

Colon Jr/Sr High School Events โ€“ Spring 2025

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, April 15 โ€“ Testing Day & YMCA Trip

๐Ÿ“ SAT/PSAT Testing for 8thโ€“11th graders
๐ŸŽ’ No school for seniors
๐ŸŠ 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.


๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ•บ Saturday, April 26 โ€“ Grand March & Prom
Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun, dancing, and celebration!


๐Ÿงช Tuesday, April 29 & Thursday, May 1 โ€“ MSTEP Testing
Testing continues for select grade levels.


๐Ÿ–Š๏ธ Thursday, May 1 โ€“ Senior Signing Day
Join us in celebrating our seniors' next steps! Whether it's college, career, or militaryโ€”weโ€™re proud of every path.


๐Ÿ“š Tuesday, May 13 โ€“ Friday, May 16 โ€“ Senior Exams
Letโ€™s finish strong, seniors! ๐Ÿ’ช


๐Ÿ… Wednesday, May 14 โ€“ Awards Night - More Information To Come!
A night to recognize outstanding achievement and hard work across grade levels. Families welcome!

๐ŸŽ Colon Elementary Events โ€“ Spring 2025๐ŸŽ

๐ŸŽจ Tuesday, April 22 โ€“ Art Show

Come celebrate our studentsโ€™ creativity! Enjoy a colorful display of artwork and support our young artists. ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ

๐ŸŽ’ 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. โœ๏ธ

๐ŸŽถ Friday, May 2 โ€“ Move & Groove
A day of music, movement, and fun! Letโ€™s get our bodies moving and energy flowing! ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿ•บ

๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ Thursday, May 8 โ€“ 4th & 5th Grade Field Day
Let the games begin! A full day of outdoor activities and friendly competition! ๐ŸŽฏ

โ˜€๏ธ Tuesday, May 20 โ€“ Kโ€“3 Picnic, Awards & Field Day
๐Ÿ‰ Celebrate the end of the year with fun, food, and recognition for all!
๐ŸŒง๏ธ Rain Date: Wednesday, May 21

Spring Testing Schedule Spring Testing Schedule

Please contact your school if you have questions about tests/dates/arrangements.

๐Ÿซ Colon Elementary School โ€“ M-STEP

๐Ÿงฎ๐Ÿ“– iReady Diagnostic (Kโ€“2 Only) - ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ May 6โ€“8


๐Ÿง’ 3rd Grade

  • ๐Ÿ“ Math โ€“ April 22

  • ๐Ÿ“– ELA โ€“ April 24

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Makeups: April 22โ€“25


๐Ÿง’ 5th Grade (may be adjusted due to transition meetings)

  • ๐Ÿ“– ELA โ€“ April 29

  • ๐Ÿ“ Math โ€“ May 1

  • ๐ŸŒ Social Studies โ€“ May 12

  • ๐Ÿ”ฌ Science โ€“ May 13

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Makeups: April 29โ€“May 2


๐Ÿง’ 4th Grade (Complete!)

  • ๐Ÿ“– ELA โ€“ April 8

  • ๐Ÿ“ Math โ€“ April 10

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Makeups: April 8โ€“11


๐Ÿ“š Junior/Senior High School Spring State Testing

๐ŸŽ“ 11th Grade

  • ๐Ÿ“Š ACT WorkKeys โ€“ April 10 (๐Ÿ“… Makeup: April 24)

  • ๐Ÿง  SAT โ€“ April 15 (no CTE)

  • โœ๏ธ M-STEP Social Studies โ€“ April 29

  • ๐Ÿ”ฌ M-STEP Science โ€“ May 1

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Makeups: April 30 & May 2

๐Ÿง  8th, 9th & 10th Grade

  • ๐Ÿ“ PSAT 8/9/10 โ€“ April 15 (Makeup: April 22)

  • โœ๏ธ M-STEP Social Studies (8th) โ€“ April 29

  • ๐Ÿ”ฌ M-STEP Science (8th) โ€“ May 1

  • ๐Ÿ“ Grades 9 & 10 during M-STEP: Farrand Hall


๐Ÿงฎ M-STEP for Grades 6 & 7

  • ๐Ÿ“– ELA โ€“ April 29

  • ๐Ÿง  Math โ€“ May 1

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Makeups: April 30 & May 2


๐ŸŽ“ AP Exams
๐Ÿ“˜ AP Government & Politics โ€“ May 6 @ 12PM
๐Ÿ“ AP Calculus AB โ€“ May 12 @ 8AM
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ AP Seminar โ€“ May 12 @ 12PM

๐ŸŽ“ Final Exams @ Colon Jr/Sr High
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸŽ“ Seniors โ€“ May 13โ€“16
๐Ÿ“š Grades 9โ€“11 โ€“ May 27โ€“30


๐Ÿ“Œ Helpful Tips for Families
โœ”๏ธ Make sure your child gets a good nightโ€™s sleep before testing days ๐Ÿ˜ด
โœ”๏ธ Encourage them to eat a healthy breakfast ๐Ÿณ๐Ÿฅ›
โœ”๏ธ Remind them to just try their bestโ€”youโ€™ve got this! ๐Ÿ’ช๐ŸŒŸ

If you have any questions about testing dates, accommodations, or how to help at home, please donโ€™t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued support! โค๏ธ

Fresh Food Initiatives - April 2025 Fresh Food Initiatives - April 2025

๐Ÿš— Colon Jr/Sr High School FFI Thursday, April 17th at 4:30 PM in the CHS parking lot! ๐Ÿซโœจ

๐ŸŽฒ Afterward, donโ€™t miss out! Join us for a FREE CES Game Night ๐ŸŽฎโ™Ÿ๏ธ AND a Community Forum to discuss exciting upcoming efforts to enhance community resources! ๐Ÿ’ฌ๐Ÿ’ก

Come for the fun, stay for the conversationโ€”weโ€™d love to see you there! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ™Œ

Class of 2025 - All Updates, Events & Graduation Info Class of 2025 - All Updates, Events & Graduation Info

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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! Michigan Supreme Court Opportunity!

โš–๏ธ๐ŸŽ“ Calling All High Schoolers!

Are you in AP Seminar, AP Government, or loved electives like Debate? ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ๐Ÿ“š Do you see a future in law, public service, or the courtroom? This is your moment! โœจ ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš–๏ธ Explore Careers in the Law with the Michigan Supreme Court! Join a moot court experience where youโ€™ll prep and present a real search-and-seizure caseโ€”just like the pros. Youโ€™ll sharpen your speaking, reasoning, and legal skills in a fun and challenging setting!

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Lansing: July 14โ€“18
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Detroit: July 25

โœ… Who Can Apply: Rising 10th graders through 2025 grads

๐Ÿ“ฅ How to Apply: Visit courts.mi.gov/learningcenter to download the application.
๐Ÿ“ง Questions? Contact Rachael Drenovsky at drenovskyr@courts.mi.gov

๐Ÿ”— More info: https://content.govdelivery.com/.../MILEAP/bulletins/3d9422

๐Ÿ“ข Donโ€™t miss this chance to step into the courtroom and bring your voice to the bench! ๐Ÿ’ฌโš–๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Calling All New Magi: Our Roundup Events! Calling All New Magi: Our Roundup Events!

๐ŸŽ‰ Join Us for Our Roundup Events - GSRP Preschool AND Kindergarten! ๐ŸŽ’โœจ

Come meet our amazing staff, principal, and district leadership and learn all about the legacy of becoming a Magi! ๐ŸŽฉ ๐ŸŒŸ Your child will take part in some quick assessments, but most importantlyโ€”there will be tons of fun with activities, games, and family-friendly excitement for everyone! ๐ŸŽˆ๐ŸŽจ๐ŸŽ‰We canโ€™t wait to welcome you and your family! See you there! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ

๐ŸŽ‰ Now Enrolling for GSRP Preschool & Kindergarten! ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ - Come Meet Us!!

Looking for a high-quality, FREE preschool program? The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michiganโ€™s top-ranked PreK program, designed for eligible four-year-olds! ๐Ÿ† โœจ In GSRP, children learn through fun, hands-on activities while building skills in math, reading, problem-solving, and social interactionsโ€”all in a safe, supportive environment where they can make friends, share, and take turns! ๐Ÿ‘ซ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ”ข

๐ŸŸข GSRP Eligibility:

โœ”๏ธ Must be 4 years old by December 1, 2025

โœ”๏ธ DOB Range: 12/1/2020 โ€“ 12/1/2021


๐ŸŽ’ Kindergarten Enrollment ๐ŸŽ“โœ๏ธ Is your child ready for kindergarten? According to Michigan law, students must turn 5 by September 1, 2025 to enroll.

๐ŸŸก Kindergarten Eligibility:
โœ”๏ธ Must be 5 years old by September 1, 2025
โœ”๏ธ DOB Range: 12/1/2019 โ€“ 9/1/2020

๐Ÿ“ 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! ๐ŸŽโœจ


๐Ÿ“ž Questions? Weโ€™re Here to Help! ๐Ÿค

Want to learn more about our programs and enrollment process? Weโ€™re happy to assist you! ๐Ÿ˜Š

๐Ÿ“ฉ Contact: Ms. Jill Braman, Principal of Colon Elementary

๐Ÿ“ง Email: jbraman@colonschools.org ๐Ÿ“ž Call: 269-432-2121

โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ“ Summer Sun Bucks: Extra Grocery Money for Families! ๐Ÿžโ˜€๏ธ
Hey Colon families โ€” great news! ๐ŸŽ‰ This summer, eligible households can receive $120 per child through the Summer EBT (Sun Bucks) program to help cover grocery costs. ๐Ÿ›’๐ŸŽ๐Ÿฅฌ

๐Ÿ“Œ How to Apply: Tap the link to learn more and submit your application ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page

Letโ€™s keep our kids healthy and fueled all summer long! ๐ŸŒฝ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ‘ง๐Ÿ‘ฆ

https://colonathletics.com/

๐ŸŒธโšพ Spring Sports Are in Full Swing! Our Magi are back in action, and weโ€™re hoping the weather warms up to match their energy! ๐Ÿ”ฅ Hereโ€™s a look at this weekโ€™s schedule โ€” come out and cheer on our teams if you can! ๐Ÿ“ฃ Letโ€™s go, Magi!

Free Sports Physicals From Revolution Health Free Sports Physicals From Revolution Health

๐Ÿ€๐Ÿˆ FREE Sports Physicals for Colon Students! ๐Ÿ†

Mark your calendars early! ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Colon Athletics & Revolution Health have set the date for free sports physicals on May 17, 2025, from 9:00โ€“11:30 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! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿ‘ 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! ๐ŸŽ‰

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๐ŸŒ Have You Visited Our Colon Athletics Website? ๐Ÿคฉ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Itโ€™s AMAZING, thanks to the hard work of our AD Noah Dooley and talented Colon Magi athletes/student interns, Savannah Meyers & Lily Preston! ๐Ÿ™Œ๐ŸŽ‰

๐Ÿ†Stay updated with game schedules, important info, and more at our NEW athletics website:

๐Ÿ”— colonathletics.com

๐Ÿ“… Just a reminder to check Eventlink for updates, as schedules may change! ๐Ÿ“ฒ

๐Ÿšจ Eventlink Guidance for Parents & Community to help you stay in the loop!๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽฝ๐Ÿ“ข

Super Important Eventlink Documents To Help You Add Calendars!

All Events For Colon Community Schools Eventlink Info

NEWLY ADDED: Eventlink Guidance For Parents & Community

Spring 2025 Sports + Team Reach Codes Spring 2025 Sports + Team Reach Codes

โšพ๐ŸฅŽ๐Ÿƒโ›ณ Spring Sports Are Almost Here! ๐ŸŽ‰

High School Baseball, Softball, Track & Field, and Golf practices kick off on March 10th! ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ’ช

๐Ÿ“ข Contact your coach for details on practice schedules and preseason info:

๐Ÿ“ฉ Baseball: Ted Stoll โ€“ tstoll@colonschools.org
๐Ÿ“ฉ Softball: Sean Stouder โ€“ sstouder@colonschools.org
๐Ÿ“ฉ Track & Field: Noah Dooley โ€“ ndooley@colonschools.org
๐Ÿ“ฉ Golf: Richie Schumacher โ€“ rschumacher@colonschools.org


๐Ÿ“ฒ Stay connected with TeamReach codes!

โšพ Baseball: Baseball1989
๐Ÿƒ Track & Field: oneteam123
โ›ณ Golf: Magigolf
๐ŸฅŽ Softball: Uses GameChanger for communicationโ€”contact Coach to be added!

Parent Resources
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Local County Resources For Families Local County Resources For Families

๐Ÿฅซ 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:

๐Ÿ“… Human Services Calendar & Community Resource Guide:

๐Ÿ”— SJChumanservices.com

๐Ÿ“„ St. Joseph County Community Resource Guide: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Click HERE

New Math Curriculum Resources For Families & Parents New Math Curriculum Resources For Families & Parents

Click HERE for Math Resource Access

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Visit: https://tinyurl.com/ColonMathMagi

Sign-Up For Bus Transportation Updates Sign-Up For Bus Transportation Updates

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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.

๐ŸšŒ๐Ÿ“ฑ Stay connected with our bus updates! ๐Ÿ“ฑ๐ŸšŒ 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 The Importance of Attendance

School Savings - Sturgis Bank & Trust School Savings - Sturgis Bank & Trust

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Tuesday Mornings @ CES!

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Thursday Mornings @ CHS!

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Thank you Sturgis Bank!

More Parent Resources More Parent Resources

๐Ÿ“š Parent Resource Center โ€“ Just for You! ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆโœจ

Looking for helpful tools and information? Check out our Parent Resource Center! ๐Ÿซ๐Ÿ’ก

๐Ÿ”— Click HERE to access the Parent Resource Document: ๐Ÿ‘‰ Parent Resource Center

Stay informed and connected! ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ“–

https://www.colonschools.org/o/colon/page/parent-resource-center

Elementary CARE Program Elementary CARE Program

๐ŸŽ‰ 3 Years Strong! ๐Ÿ’œโœจ Our No-Cost CARE Program is better than ever! ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿซ

๐Ÿ“ข Sign up today! Secure your spot by clicking the link: ๐Ÿ”— CES CARE Program Sign-Up

Donโ€™t miss out on this amazing opportunity for our students! ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ’ก

School Calendars & Schedules 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.

๐Ÿ“… 2025-2026 School Year Calendar Now Available!

View the calendar here: 2025-2026 School Calendar (https://tinyurl.com/magi25-26-calendar)

๐Ÿ“Œ First Day of School: August 18 (Half Day)

๐ŸŽ‰ 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)

๐Ÿ“– 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 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 Eventlink: Parent Guidance

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Super Important Eventlink Documents To Help You Add Calendars!

Super Important Eventlink Documents To Help You Add Calendars!

All Events For Colon Community Schools Eventlink Info

NEWLY ADDED: Eventlink Guidance For Parents & Community

Curious why everyone loves attending and working in our schools? ๐Ÿค” Dive into our YouTube page to find out! ๐ŸŽฅ๐ŸŒŸ Make Colon Community Schools your destination district or join our team! https://www.youtube.com/@ColonCommunitySchools

Past Editions Of Keeping Up With The Magi

Missed An Update? You can see all of our past editions! Missed An Update? You can see all of our past editions!

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Click Here For Keeping Up With The Magi Newsletters
Click Here To Visit Our District Website For Even More
https://www.colonschools.org/o/colon/page/enroll-now
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PowerSchool

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PowerSchool Login Help

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Google Classroom/Other Communications

Superintendent Rachel Kowalski
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