Dear Coloma Families,

As we close out another incredible school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you, our community of families, teachers, staff members and neighbors, for your partnership. Being a part of your child’s education brings us joy and we are grateful to have watched our students learn and achieve so much this year. Now, as summer begins, I hope your family finds time to relax, recharge and enjoy the season together.

While school may be out, learning doesn’t have to stop. I encourage our students to stay curious over the break by reading a good book, exploring nature and asking questions. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall for another year of growth and opportunity. Until then, have a safe and fun summer.

Go Comets!

Dave Ehlers

Superintendent

Last month's poll results are in! Out of 242 votes, 48 are not sure how they will help their child stay learning this summer. We recommend finding time to read with your child every day. It's a simple way to develop a love of reading.

If you were at Coloma High School in May, you know graduation was top of mind for the students, teachers and staff. This important milestone is always one of the most special moments in the life of a student, and this year’s ceremony was no exception. Watching the Class of 2025 cross the stage, cheered on by family, friends and teachers, was a powerful reminder of all they’ve accomplished and all that lies ahead.

The Class of 2025 has left their mark on our school. They leave behind a legacy of leadership, resilience and grit. We wish them well as they step into their next chapter.

Join us in cheering for the Class of 2025 one last time!

It’s one thing to read about deserts in a classroom, but it’s another to step into one. Coloma Junior High sixth graders recently took a trip to Saugatuck Dunes State Park to experience what it’s really like to walk through a desert landscape, which will help them understand the curriculum that will be introduced when they return to school in the fall.

In their world history class, seventh graders learn about the movement of people, products, ideas and even disease. One of the major trade routes impacting world history is the Silk Road, where people cross the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. As the students study this period of history, they become travelers on the Silk Road and must cross the deserts. By taking the students to the sand dunes, teachers hope to give the students a real life experience that doubles as learning about Michigan’s landscape and history, as well as give them an opportunity to build background knowledge illustrating what it was like for travelers in history.

During the trip, students learned just how demanding a desert environment can be. They experienced the intense sun, the discomfort of thirst and the physical challenge of hiking with a heavy pack. And, because it was a school field trip, they had plenty of fun too!

Mrs. Valerie Krieger, fourth grade teacher at Coloma Intermediate, continued to grow Operation SAVE (Students and Veterans Engaging) this year! This tradition, now in its third year, has become an important initiative in our district that builds important hard skills in our students while helping them understand gratitude and the sacrifices veterans and active duty soldiers make every day.

This project initially began on Veteran’s Day but grew into letters exchanged throughout the school year. The luncheon is an opportunity for the students and veterans to come face to face after building meaningful relationships all year long. Through letter writing, students have strengthened their reading, writing, comprehension and geography skills.

We are proud of our littlest learners for all their effort this school year! Their commitment to showing up ready to learn, grow and achieve will serve them well throughout their academic journey. This year, they became better readers, writers and mathematicians while learning to be good classmates, community members and friends. We look forward to witnessing their continued success and hope to see them cross the graduation stage in 2037!

After an incredible 29 years, we celebrate Peggy Brinnehl and her well-deserved retirement! Peggy began as a third grade teacher in Chicago and later served as both a home visitor and classroom teacher for Tri-County Head Start. She’s been a beloved part of the Coloma community, teaching Young 5s, Kindergarten and Title 1. Thank you, Peggy, for the lasting impact you’ve made in our community!

This month’s student spotlight is Rylynn Kelley for being an absolute rockstar at school! Rylynn’s amazing smile, positive attitude and commitment to following our C.A.R.E. expectations truly make a difference each day. Whether it’s in the classroom, hallway or lunchroom—Rylynn leads by example and shows what it means to be respectful, responsible and kind.

The Coloma High School varsity softball team concluded their season as district champions and took second place in the conference division. We are proud of each and every player and coach who made this tremendous season possible. They put in hard work and demonstrated what can be done when working together. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments!