KPS News

Sept. 13, 2024

UPDATE: Superintendent Slade to Hold Parent Meetings on Student Expectations

Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade will hold a series of parent meetings to kick off the school year. Parents are invited to attend one of three sessions to hear Dr. Slade outline the district's academic and behavior expectations for students. NOTE: New date for Hillside meeting.

Direct Deposit Notifications Available Through Employee Access

The direct deposit e-mails were not sent out again yesterday evening. We have been working with MUNIS since the first time this happened and hope the issue can be resolved soon.

In the meantime, the best way to access all of your paystubs is through Employee Access. Those instructions are included below.

Thank you for patience and consideration,

Beth Jasiak

Payroll/Benefits Supervisor

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Elementary Open Houses Create Community

Woods Lake

Northglade

Woodward

Indian Prairie

Lincoln

Washington

KPS Author Debuts Her First Book

Northeastern Elementary School proudly announces that kindergarten teacher Ci'Erah Holmes published her first book in August. The staff is very proud of her!

"The Frustrated Firefly" is about Faye the Firefly, who can no longer shine her light. Readers can follow along as she learns that we all go through sad times, but that as long as we don't give up, we can all shine brightly again!

Washington Students Think Sensory Wall is Sensational

Washington Writers' Academy Principal Lanisha Hannah gave a shot out to CIS after school coordinatory Deja Agee for takin the lead on the installation of the school's new sensory wall. The sensory wall is designed to provide sensory input to people through touch, sight and sound and to help explore their senses.

They encourage interaction and discovery, improve motor skills and movement. Sensory walls also are designed to help one calm down and regain control of emotions. In short, it aids in going from "emotional brain" back to "thinking brain."

The wall was purchased through the Step Up for School Wellness Grant that the school was awarded in 2023. Hannah also gave a big thanks to facilities management for the quick installation.

City Seeks Nominees for Social Justice Youth Awards

The City of Kalamazoo is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Dr. Lewis Walker Social Justice Youth Awards.

As part of the community-wide MLK Day of Service, awards will be given to students between the ages of 12-19 from the Kalamazoo area in honor of Dr. Lewis Walker, a trailblazer for the progression of racial equity in Kalamazoo.

The winners will have demonstrated achievements in racial justice, community service, volunteerism, and leadership. Winners will receive a community service award, a monetary award, and a one-year membership to the NAACP.

The winners will be celebrated during the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, when they will receive their award, which will be presented by the mayor.

The nomination deadline is Friday, Nov. 29.

Nominations can be submitted electronically HERE. For those without internet access, applications can be found in City Hall in the City Manager’s Office. If you need assistance, please contact (269) 337-8043. Additional information can be found on the city's website at: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/MLK.

Mix It Up with the KPS Blender Bike

Looking to add some healthy fun to your next school event? Check out the KPS Wellness Committee's blender bike, which is available for use during school events. Contact Heather Hayner, haynerhm@kalamazoopublicschools.net, for more information.

KCentral Travel Club Heading to Alaska

Let’s Go Alaska!! Join the K-Central Travel Club for a weeklong trip to Alaska, June 16-22, 2025. The trip includes stops in Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Anchorage, and the opportunity to view some of Alaska’s glaciers during a cruise through Prince William Sound.

Academic credit is available for the trip. A WorldStrides representative will be in Kalamazoo to talk to interested travelers at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, in Kalamazoo Central Room 359. A link to join virtually will also be available.

For more information, contact Vanessa Dodson at DodsonVD@kalamazoopublicschools.net .

Join the Loy Norrix Travel Club for Tour of Ireland, Scotland

The Loy Norrix Travel Club will spend 12 days exploring Ireland and Scotland next summer and anyone 14 or older can participate! Travelers do not need to be affiliated with KPS to travel with the club. Students can earn three college credits, and teachers can earn three CEUs!

Any family under a $85,000 Adjusted Gross Income qualifies for up to $600 in FLAG scholarship financial assistance for a student participant. Strong (zero deductible) medical and medical evacuation insurance is included at no additional charge. The Scotland portion of the trip includes many destinations as seen in the Netflix series "Outlander!"

Please contact Anna Ward wardal@kalamazoopublicschools.net for more information.

Purchase Lunches Using New Meal Magic Program

Adults can now purchase meals in our cafeterias using the Meal Magic program.

To purchase meals at any school, adults must set up a Meal Magic account at kalamazoo.familyportal.cloud. Find instructions on how to set up a Meal Magic account at https://videos.cdn.spotlightr.com/watch/gallery/Mjk4NQ==

Teachers should be able to access the system directly, but all other staff should contact Matt Kusmack, marketing outreach specialist for Food Services, for assistance prior to starting the application process. His email is kusmackml@kalamazoopublicschools.net.

Add funds to your account, select a meal or a la carte items, and use the new computer point of sales equipment in the secondary schools to purchase your items. Secondary guests can also purchase items using cash. At the elementary schools, fill out the paper forms available in the cafeteria, and hand it to the food service staff for assistance.

Lunch is $5 and breakfast is $3 in KPS cafeterias.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact Matt.

Just a reminder, according to USDA regulations, only food service employees who directly prepare meals are eligible to receive a free meal during the school day.

Free Identity and Credit Protection from MESSA

MESSA provides members and their dependents free, year-round credit and identity protection through credit industry leader Experian.

Through the service, all MESSA members with a medical plan can enjoy two levels of free protection:

• Experian Identity Restoration: This requires no enrollment. If a MESSA member suspects their identity has been compromised, they can contact Experian at (877) 736-4495. A dedicated investigator will work to recover financial losses and restore their credit.

• Experian IdentityWorks: This service offers extra protection and requires enrollment. It includes credit monitoring, up to $1 million, in identity theft insurance for members, and it provides credit monitoring for children under age 18. This extra level of protection is available to MESSA members at no charge.

Enroll today

Signing up is easy to do. Go to experianidworks.com/bcbsm and follow the directions to create your account.

Questions? Call MESSA’s Member Service Center at (800) 336-0013 or contact them online.

Please note: MESSA previously provided identity theft protection through AllClear ID; that service ended Dec. 31, 2019. If you were enrolled in AllClear ID Pro, you must sign up for Experian IdentityWorks to continue receiving your extra layer of protection. It’s still free for MESSA members and their dependents.