December 16, 2024

Dear Giant Nation,

As we approach this joyous holiday season, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to all of you. May this time of year bring peace, happiness, and cherished moments with family and loved ones. Your support and commitment to our school community continue to inspire me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work together.

I will also be taking some time off in the coming weeks to undergo surgery for a torn meniscus. While this is not how I envisioned starting the new year, I am confident in the care and dedication of our incredible staff to maintain a smooth and successful school environment in my absence. Please know I am committed to a full recovery and look forward to returning to work soon.

Mr. Straka, our Athletic Director and Assistant Principal, will cover for me during my absence—the administrative team—Ms. Mentzer, Ms. Bruwer, and Mr. Shack—will focus on their everyday responsibilities. We are pleased to announce that we have invited Mr. Tripplett back to assist. Our Life Changers will continue supporting our students and families and ensuring they are well cared for.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Straka in my absence.

Thank you for your understanding and support during my absence. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year.

Resonate with Excellence,

Mrs. Boggan

Principal

Kalamazoo Central High School

Congratulations to our freshmen boy's and varsity boy's basketball teams for beating Loy Norrix here on Saturday! Also a huge shout out to our student section for winning the food drive competition against Norrix. We showed once again, that we are Giants in Kalamazoo.

It’s a big week for Giant Nation! This Tuesday night, our basketball team takes on last year’s state runner-up, Grand Rapids Christian, at 7pm.

The theme is FRAT OUT, so pull out your polos, khakis, and frat-inspired gear, and let’s pack the gym with energy and school spirit. We need everyone there to show why Giant Nation is the loudest and proudest!

See you Tuesday night—let’s defend our home court. Go Giants!

Boys Varsity placed 9th out of 18 teams

Individual Results

106 Suhail Alkhateeb placed 8th

120 Alekh Marion placed 3rd

126 Esai Castro placed 7th

132 Colton placed 6th

138 Dylan Kean placed 9th.

144 Barra Al-Gharib, placed

150 Tazir Baraka placed 13th

157 Kolby Crigger placed 14th

157 Lamontz placed 7th

165 Jayden Moore placed 6th

175 Adam Schramm, placed 9th

190 Keegan Bierema, placed 15th

215 Leivonce Dickinson placed 6th

285 Matia Stanfill placed 11th

Girls Varsity team placed 6th out of 22 teams.

Individual Results

120 Cathana Waldschmidt , placed 6th

125 Phoenix Allen, placed 7th

130 Candelaria Hernandez placed 5th.

135 Azaylin Lindsey-Allen placed 2nd

155 Summer Caper placed 4th

JV Individual Results

Derrick Macharia placed 1st

Parker Goheen placed 1st

Ellis Martin placed 1st

Donovan Lonsway placed 1st

Jordan Kwei placed 1st

Joshua McCree placed 2nd

Fernando Vasquez placed 2nd

Stanleon Watts placed 2nd

Aiden Frayley- Burgett 3rd

Michael Baraka placed 3rd

Sameer Ahmadzai placed 3rd

Noah Mielke placed 3rd

Mario Roldan placed 3rd

Olivier Kayisire placed 4th

Alex Palmitessa placed 4th

Antonio Thomas placed 4th

Jr Castro placed 4th

Seniors! The Kalamazoo Promise Pathway Coaches will be hosting an Open Lab Wednesday, December 18th in lab 553. Open Lab is a one stop shop for everything post secondary. Applying to college, trade programs, promise paperwork, FAFSA and more. You will need a pass to and from Open Labs. Reach out to your Promise Coach, Ms. Trenae Dunigan, with questions and for more information.

Please don't forget to bring your contributions for the food drive! We're making great progress, but there's still a way to go. Monetary donations are always welcome as well!

We will not have After School Tutoring for the next few weeks due to WMU finals week and the end of the semester.

After School Tutoring will resume the week of January 13th, 2025.

Parent(s)’/Guardian(s)’ Responsibility:

• It is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to notify the student’s school as early as possible on the day of an absence and explain the reasons for the absence.

• Written or email verification of a student’s absence by a parent/guardian is required (unless otherwise indicated by the appropriate administrator) and should be provided to the school the day after an absence.

• Student absences are considered unexcused if documentation supporting an excused absence is not provided.

• After 3 consecutive absences, a medical note from a physician may be required.

• It is the responsibility of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) to make arrangements with the teacher to obtain missed assignments due to absences.

What is an excused absence?

• Student illness and/or appointment verified by the parent/guardian or medical professional

• Medically verified extended illness or hospitalization

• Attending a funeral

• Religious holiday

• Absence due to a subpoenaed court appearance

• Any time missed due to KPS school transportation issues

Please send email absence excuses to chsattendance@kalamazoopublicschools.net

We ask for your support in reinforcing the following school expectations with your children:

• Chromebooks: Students must bring a fully charged Chromebook to class daily. All Chromebook issues will be handled in the Chromebook Room during lunch

• ID Visibility: Students are required to wear their ID visible around their neck at all times. Pulling them out of pockets or backpacks is unacceptable. IDs are required to gain entrance into the building. They must be worn at all times around your neck and displayed. You may purchase an extra ID from Mrs. Garza for five dollars.

• Lunch Procedure: Each student is allowed to take only one lunch. Students who violate will serve dention and/or suspension

• Timeliness: Students must arrive to classes on time. Pattern of behavior will result in student loss of privileges up to and including suspension.

• Respectful Behavior: Students should keep their hands to themselves. Any physical aggression will be treated as an individual fight and students will be suspended.

• Detentions: Students must serve assigned detentions; failure to do so may result in suspension.

• Clean Environment: Students must throw away their trash after breakfast and lunch. They must also respect the bathrooms by putting paper towels in the trash can, flushing the toilet, and reporting vandalism. Students may receive lunch duty and other consequences.

• Safety and Welfare: Students can be suspended for behaviors that interfere with the safety and welfare of others, including walking the halls, vaping, attending more than one lunch, and any form of physical or verbal aggression.

• Hats, Hoodies, or Bonnets: are not allowed to be worn in the building at any time.

• Cell Phones may not be used during class time or while on bathroom breaks. Students may use cell phones before school, passing time, lunch, and after school.

• Attendance: To send in all student absences to CHSattendance@kalamazoopublicschools.net. If the absence is for a doctor's visit please remember to send in the doctor's office note with your email.

We appreciate your help in encouraging students to adhere to these expectations.

Arrival

• Please drop off students in the front of the building, not the back.
• Buses have a limited time for picking up, dropping off, and transporting students to the elementary schools.
• If you are dropping off your student at the curb please drop off and pull away from the curb. If you are planning on waiting until the doors open please pull into a parking spot. It creates a traffic jam and is unsafe for our students walking into the building.

Dismissal

• To ensure a safe and efficient pick-up process, please adhere to the following guidelines:
  1. Pick up students in the front of the building.
  2. Do not cut in front of buses.
  3. If picking up after 2:45 PM, you may pick up in the back.

Safety Matters
Students darting between buses can create an unsafe environment. Let's work together to maintain a safe and orderly dismissal process.

Seniors! The Kalamazoo Promise Pathway Coaches will be hosting Open Labs every third Wednesday in lab 553. Starting November 20th. Open Lab is a one stop for everything post secondary. Applying to college, trade programs, promise paperwork, FAFSA and more. You will need a pass to and from Open Labs. Reach out to your Promise Coach, Ms. Trenae Dunigan, with questions and for more information.

If you are interested in joining upper bound applications are now being taken. Please use the link attached to apply today. Please see flyer today for more information.

Still thinking about Alaska? There is STILL time to sign up! If you are interested in traveling with a group of KC students to Alaska in June, see Mrs. Dodson in room 359 for more information. Alaska is waiting!

As the weather turns colder it is very tempting to bring a blanket to school to snuggle in. Please leave it at home on your bed or couch to be ready for you when you get home and read a book. We do not allow students to use blankets as an alternative to coats or sweatshirts. Our HVAC system was upgraded this last year so we should be toasty all Fall/Winter long.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our students’ educational journey. We want to emphasize the importance of academic success and the role homework plays in achieving it.

Students are expected to complete their homework daily, as this work is important for understanding the material and preparing for quizzes, test, & state assessments. Help your student to set aside dedicated time and space each day for studying, which will help them stay on track. They can also stay after school for tutoring with our WMU tutors, CIS tutors, and KC Teachers.

Our goal is for every student to pass all their classes and earn the necessary credits toward high school graduation. Your encouragement at home can make a significant difference in their efforts.

Thank you for your partnership and being a part of our Giant Nation!

Attention CTE, KAMSC, and Dual Enrollment students, please pick up your yellow ID's in the Main Office, this will indicate to KC staff that you are allowed to leave campus and re-enter the building

Please be sure your are in the google classroom for the class of 2025 and that your have joined remind to receive text notifications.

If you have questions please see your advisors Mrs. Yarbrough and Ms.Bell

Attention all student athletes: do you want to sprint faster, jump higher, and grow stronger for your sport? Then the Maroon Giants Speed Club is for you. Speed Club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the track (weather permitting) from 2:45 until 4:30. Our first day of training will be Tuesday, September 10th. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. See you there!

Aunt Flows Lockers are officially stocked! If you need any period products look for the lockers next to Women's restrooms marked with pink tape. If you need a more consistent supply of products don't hesitate to get in touch with kcwomensadvocacy@gmail.com.

Are you eager to take a stand for women’s rights, and make a real difference? Join Kalamazoo Centrals Women's Advocacy Organization and connect with a passionate community, committed to providing resources and pushing for change. There are often opportunities to volunteer as a direct line to support our community. Please let either Mrs. Dodson or Kaitlyn Ozanich know if you are interested.

Just a quick reminder for all seniors: your senior photos are due November 25th! Make sure to submit them on time so you can be included in the yearbook. Don’t wait until the last minute—start getting those pictures in now! Photos can be submitted through the class of 2025 Google Classroom using the senior photo link. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Douglas.

State Representative Julie Rogers is seeking enthusiastic students to join her Youth Advisory Board! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about government and make your voice heard. Interested? Check out the application linked below! For more information or questions, contact Kaitlyn Ozanich, who participated last year. Don’t miss your chance to get involved!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUHZeK5sEB68_rrDK_-AQmRmAYiC6QIDahsFhGGnPfXbl48Q/viewform