TCS News to Know

It's hard to believe, but this is our last "TCS News to Know" for the 2025-26 school year. As we reach the end of another remarkable school year, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride for the journey we have shared together. This year has been one of growth, learning, and resilience, and it would not have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our wonderful students, parents, guardians, staff and community members.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for entrusting us with the education and development of your children. Your involvement and partnership have been instrumental in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where our students can thrive. Whether you volunteered at school events, helped with homework, supported the school through financial donations, or simply offered words of encouragement, your contributions have made a significant impact.

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, I am excited about the opportunities and experiences that await our students. We are committed to continuous improvement and will be working diligently over the summer to prepare for an even more enriching and successful year ahead. Your feedback and suggestions have been crucial in shaping our plans, and we encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts with us.

I wish you all a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer break. May it be filled with fun-filled moments and cherished memories with your loved ones. Thank you once again for your steadfast support and for being an integral part of our school community.

The Tekonsha Jr/Sr. High Academic Awards Night was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6 pm in the HS gymnasium. This was a wonderful evening to honor seniors for scholarships and honors achieved, as well as underclassmen and middle school students for excellence in the classroom. Click below for a full listing of all of the academic honors presented. It's always a great night when we get to celebrate the hard work and dedication our students put toward their education.

At the Tekonsha Honors Night on Wednesday, the Tekonsha Athletic Department awarded the first ever recipients of the Tim Jenkins Sportsmanship Award to Barric Groholske and Angel Veenkant!

Mr. Tim Jenkins served as Athletic Director for 30 years. During that time, he also coached boys basketball, softball, football at various levels, taught PE, and a variety of social studies courses. Throughout his career, Mr. Jenkins recognized that his role as athletic director, coach, and teacher extended beyond the classroom and playing field. He understood that he was helping shape young people into future men and women who would carry the values of sportsmanship, integrity, perseverance, humility, hard work, and respect into their adult lives. That legacy remains an important priority within every Tekonsha athletic program today.

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Tekonsha High School graduated 13 students, with 12 students participating in the graduation ceremony. Highlights of the program included a welcome from Jericho Sabat, moving speeches by Valedictorian Madeline Rader and Salutatorian Elise Willison, and the senior slide show put together by Jake Jordan and Jack Rafferty. Student Council President Barric Groholske thanked the Class Advisor, Mrs. Krista Groholske, and she reciprocated with heartfelt reflections about each senior. Other speeches included Jake Jordan thanking the community, Lena Halbert thanking parents, and Kialey Mercer thanking teachers and staff. The Class of 2026 will be missed!!!

For lots of great individual photos of each graduate, check out the Tekonsha Community Schools Facebook page!

Tekonsha Community Schools is participating in the Schools of Choice program as established by Public Act 300, Section 105/105c of the School Aid Act. The Board of Education and Administration are now accepting School of Choice applications for an unlimited number of openings in ALL grades, Kindergarten - 12th grade for the 2026-27 school year. First semester classes start August 26, 2026. Please call 517-767-4121 for information on an application. Dial ext. 100 for the HS/MS office or ext. 300 for the elementary.

On Friday, May 22, our kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes enjoyed a field trip to Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. They had beautiful weather and the students enjoyed seeing animals and all of the exhibits. Thank you to the Tekonsha PTO for funding this experience for our students!

It was a beautiful day on Monday, May 25, and the Village of Tekonsha honored and celebrated our fallen service men and women at their annual Memorial Day parade and program. The Tekonsha High School band marched in the parade, along with a number of Tekonsha students that took the time to decorate their bikes for the occasion. Tekonsha Elementary students Henry LIndsey and Raelynn Butler were the flower bearers for the program held at the Riverside Cemetery. Tekonsha track coach Eli Nelson played taps, and community member Ed Shumway served as the Grand Marshal of the parade. Mrs. O'Keefe had the honor of being the emcee for the program at the cemetery. While at the cemetery, the HS band also performed both "The Star Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful." Thank you to the Tekonsha Events Committee for planning these events!

This year, Tekonsha Schools is excited to participate in the SUN Meals to Go Summer Food Service Program! Families will be able to pick up seven days worth of breakfast and lunch, including milk, for any child age 18 or younger! Pick up will happen on Wednesdays, and all food will be distributed at this time. We are asking families to please fill out the interest form below so we know how to plan and prepare. This is not a registration. Food will be handed out for any child on distribution day, however, it will be first come, first serve. Our goal is to be sure to make enough for ALL students! The interest survey will help to ensure that is the case!

Both the Baseball and Softball teams play in the first round of districts on Friday, May 29. All tickets for district competitions must be purchased online through GoFAN.

• Baseball Districts - https://gofan.co/event/659365
• Softball Districts - https://gofan.co/event/6594802

Who Qualifies for Summer Credit Recovery?

Students may only apply to take courses which have been attempted and failed at Tekonsha HS/MS. Summer or credit recovery courses do not take the place of Tekonsha courses, unless there is an extreme schedule conflict that will not allow the student to take the physical course or a reason that is supported by the student’s Educational Development Plan (EDP). High school students that have failed a required course MUST still pass this course to be on track for graduation.

How does it work?

Edgenuity/Imagine Learning (formerly e2020) is the program Tekonsha uses to offer credit recovery. All coursework is self-paced but must be completed by the end of the summer session in order to receive a passing grade. The students will have access to the curriculum from a computer at home. Work can be completed at any time.

What is the timeline?

• Enrollment Deadline – Friday, May 29, 2026

• Required Virtual Student Orientation – Monday, June 8 at 6 pm

• Classes Begin – Tuesday, June 9

• Last Day to Finish Coursework – Friday, August 7

What help will I have?

Ms. Duda can be contacted via e-mail at dudak@tekonsha.k12.mi.us throughout the summer, but the student will be responsible for monitoring his/her own progress. Additionally, students can come into the school during regular business hours at any time to get help from Mrs. O’Keefe.

How much does it cost?

Students will be required to pay an enrollment fee of $50 per course. Courses that are completed, with credit earned, by the established end date will be refunded $25. Payment MUST be made in check or cash, due on or before the required orientation. Individuals that qualify for free/reduced lunch can speak to Mrs. O'Keefe about reduced cost options.

What supplies do I need?

This is an ONLINE program. You will need a computer and access to internet. If you do not have

access to your own Chromebook and internet, you can sign out your school issued Chromebook for the summer. You will have this re-issued to you at the orientation.

How many classes can I take?

You can only be signed up for 2 classes at a time, but as soon as you finish a course, you can begin another one! Remember, work can be completed 7 days a week, 24 hours a day!!! You will need to complete all course content, INCLUDING a final exam with a grade of 60% or better.

How will the credits be applied to my transcript?

Students must complete 100% of the required coursework with a 60%/D- or better to receive credit. The student will be given a letter grade matching the percentage earned for

the coursework. Credit will be given for any grade above a 60% / D-. Grades will be based on 100% of work to be completed.

What if I don’t work on my class?

Students that are not actively working on their course may risk being dropped from the course.

What if I have questions over the summer?

You can email Mrs. O’Keefe at any time over the summer at okeefej@tekonsha.k12.mi.us or call at 517-767-4121 ext. 101.

What are my next steps?

Fill out the enrollment form and return it to Ms. Duda in the HS Office as soon as possible! Be sure to return it by Friday, May 29! You and your parents will be emailed an invitation to the Orientation on Monday, June 8 at 6 pm.

Did you know that $3600 was deposited into class accounts this year from pop can collections alone? Thanks to the dedication of Michele Stuart, the fundraising coordinator for Tekonsha HS/MS, can collections happen year-round. Community members donate cans to Michele, and she returns them to collect the deposits for student class accounts. These funds help pay for dances, float building, field trips, and senior activities! Tekonsha HS/MS is very grateful for Michele's dedication to this cause and the community's donation of thousands of pop cans! Michele is planning to continue this throughout the summer, so please give her a call at 989-205-1594 if you have cans to donate to the cause!

Congratulations to our Tekonsha Elementary School TEACHER'S CHOICE Indians of the Week!

Oliver Treece - Creative

Titus Tryon - Amazing Cartoonist

Elizabeth Arcand - Dedicated Reader

Gabe Smith - Positive Attitude

Not Pictured:

Korbyn Price - Thoughtful

Harmony Kalivis - Artistic

Willow-Grace Thiessen - Collaborative Learner

Cameron Strang - Supportive

Jay Cross - Sense of Humor

Not Pictured:

Teris Kalivis - Kind

Hank Smith - Sense of Humor

Click on the calendar below to download a PDF of the Tekonsha Community Schools 2026-27 Calendar!

Breakfast and lunch menus for both the elementary and the MS/HS are now available on the website! Click on the links below to access these. Breakfast is available for FREE for all students and is served in the elementary from 7:50 - 8:25 am (times vary by grade) and in the MS/HS from 7:50 - 8:00 am. Lunch is also available for FREE for all students, served from 11:00 am - 12:10 pm in the elementary (times vary by grade). In the HS, lunch is served from 10:45 - 11:11 am and from 11:41 - 12:06 pm for the MS.

• Breakfast Menu
• Lunch Menu

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

We want to hear from you! At the end of each weekly newsletter, we will have a link to a comment box. This is a way for you to share comments or concerns directly with administration. We also love to hear positive feedback! You can share anonymously or include your name and phone number for a follow up!

Website: www.tekonshaschools.org
Location: 245 South Elm Street, Tekonsha, MI, USA
Phone: 517-767-4121
Facebook: facebook.com/TekonshaCommunitySchools