The Spartan Family Newsletter

I apologize for not posting something new here but I feel that it is so important that I would like to keep it here for one more week.

Shaping Our Future: Summer Invitation for Parents and Neighbors

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the end of another school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible growth we’ve seen this year. I am eager to keep this momentum going and ensure that our school continues to evolve in a way that reflects the values and aspirations of our families.

I would love to invite you to meet with me over the summer months for an informal "Visioning Session." My goal is to hear your thoughts on our long-term goals and discuss the strategic direction of our school. Whether you have specific feedback or simply want to learn more about the initiatives we have in the works, your perspective is vital. I am happy to host these conversations individually or in small groups at a time that fits your summer schedule.

Additionally, we believe that a strong district begins with a connected community....STONGER TOGETHER!! We would like to extend this invitation to our neighbors within the Waldron District who may currently have students attending schools elsewhere. If you have friends or neighbors in the area, please encourage them to reach out to me. I would welcome the opportunity to:

• Introduce myself and my goals moving forward.

• Answer any questions they may have about our curriculum and culture.

• Share the exciting progress and future plans that are putting our district on a new, and much needed, trajectory.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for being such dedicated advocates for our students. I look forward to connecting with many of you and your neighbors over the coming months.

Matt Furtney

Want to show your support for our incredible community school? You can now grab a Spartan Nation yard sign for your home and the best part is, they are absolutely free!

We have approximately 100 signs (with stakes) available to give away. If you would like one, please fill out this 3 question form: https://forms.gle/EocHdufpJMaNktsJ6.

We will compile a list of requests and begin distribution in early May.

Thank you for your continued support. We are so proud to be partners with such an amazing community!

We are very lucky to have Brad Hurtig come to Waldron for a School Assembly. Brad delivers a powerful message about overcoming obstacles and adversity that applies to all students. Themes like attitude, character, choices, and leadership are all prevalent in the context of his life-changing story. Brad’s story has commanded national attention. He has been featured by media outlets including ESPN and The New York Times. Most recently, he was featured as a TEDx speaker and he’s the author of Find A Way: How a water bottle took me from amputee to all-state.

He will be speaking to our 6th - 12th grade students.

We are thrilled to announce that Relevant, the promoter hosting the Brad Hurtig assembly, is also sponsoring a free concert for our students and the entire Waldron community. It is a rare and wonderful opportunity for a small district like ours to host an event of this caliber. We are incredibly fortunate for Relevant’s generosity and look forward to a night of music and community spirit.

Beezy is a talented rap artist known for delivering high-energy performances that are both clean and age-appropriate for our students. To get a sense of his impact and style, you can view a quick clip of one of his recent school performances here: https://www.tiktok.com/@terrenceleetalley/video/7436954044733590830?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

I’ve compiled a list of food pantries in Hillsdale County for anyone who may be in need. Please remember that we are always here to help so don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do for you.

Additionally, if you need transportation to any of these locations, please contact me at Matt.Furtney@waldronspartans.org, and we will arrange a ride for you. We are truly proud to be partners with such an amazing community!

The promotors from CIW wrestling has donated 6 students in grades KG-5. They also donated tickets for students in the MS/HS. For the KG-5 tickets, all you need to do is email Mr. Furtney at matt.furtney@waldronspartans.org. The first 6 emails received will get at ticket.
The event is At Reading HS on April 25th at 6pm.

Congratulations to Chase Schaeldler and Becca Fether for being nominated at the 2026 Waldron Prom King and Queen!!

Chase Schaedler plans to attend Western Welding Academy following high school graduation to acquire the hands-on training and technical skills necessary to become a highly skilled pipe welder. Upon completion of this program, Chase intends to travel nationwide, working in refineries and on pipeline projects as a combo welder to gain field experience and advance professionally.

Becca Fether is currently a senior at Waldron High School. Following graduation, she will continue her education through Kellogg Community College as part of Waldron’s Early Middle College (EMC) program. Upon completing her summer courses, she will enter her final year of the program, which allows her to graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree. This pathway has provided a significant head start on her future and has offered rigorous academic challenges throughout her high school career.

In addition to her studies, Becca plans to work and save money to foster independence and prepare for the future. Balancing employment with her education will allow her to further develop essential life skills, including responsibility, time management, and financial stability. Her academic focus is centered on the sciences—specifically biology—driven by a deep interest in wildlife and the natural environment. After completing her education, she aims to pursue a career in wildlife biology or a related field to gain experience and professional growth. Becca is eager to work toward these goals while valuing the support and care she has received throughout her educational journey.

Established in 2022, the Waldron Trap team guides young student athletes to develop self-confidence, personal discipline, safety, self-esteem, and sportsmanship.

The team has earned more than six multi-tournament awards, as well as countless individual athlete awards! They have sent teams to the National Championship every year, as well as had individuals qualify for the National Championship each year!
Given the high expense of this sport, your contribution allows Waldron Trap to supply ammunition, vests, and significantly reduce event and registration cost to our athletes.

Our awesome Waldron Education Association has donated a $500 scholarship to go to one of our graduating seniors. Please see the flier for all of the information.

Throughout the school year, there are appreciation days for everyone who works in a school. Unfortunately, those days aren't always the same and people get confused. So, I like to do a School Staff Appreciation Week during the National Teacher Appreciation Week. This week is May 4-8. It's a great week to have your student let their favorite staff member know how much they appreciate them.

We are very fortunate to have such a great and caring staff that goes above and beyond everyday for our awesome students!!

Computational Thinking game night was a success!! Thank you to Mrs. DiCenso for heading it up along with all of the other volunteers.

ATTENTION parents of students taking an E2020/Edgenuity class. We will be switching platforms and students have until July 31st to finish any Edgenuity courses they would like credit for. If you would like to know how far along your student is in their class, please reach out to Mrs. Crist. Once we switch over, we will not have access to any of the Edgenuity classes and what they don't complete will be gone.

We are excited to announce that the weight room will now be open daily for MS/HS students from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm.

All participating students must remain in the weight room for the duration of their workout; wandering the building will not allowed. A staff supervisor will be on-site at all times. Please ensure your student will have a ride home, as after-workout transportation will not be provided.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Important Notice Regarding Credit Recovery

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the final weeks of the semester, we want to ensure every student remains on track for success.

If you have concerns about your student not receiving credit in a specific class, please reach out as soon as possible to discuss a plan of action. We encourage you to contact:

The specific subject teacher

Mrs. Crist

Mr. Furtney

A Special Note for Senior Parents

Time is of the essence. For our seniors, the window to recover necessary credits for graduation is closing quickly. Please prioritize these conversations this week to ensure your student meets all requirements in time for commencement.

We are here to support your students in crossing the finish line. Let’s work together to make sure they get there!

Mr. Usher is looking for any possible musical instruments that you might not have a need for. While we are looking for any and all instruments, we currently don't have any saxophones. The district is working on getting our music program back to something our students can be proud of and any assistance you could provide would be wonderful!!

Update: I wanted to those who have reached out to me regarding the dress code. For the most part, parents are happy that we will be enforcing the dress code. We are going to be lenient tights/yoga pants. I understand that these are a majority of some students wardrobes. As long as they are not see through, or exposing too much. But please remember if there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the principal or superintendent will make the final decision.

As we hopefully start having warmer days, I'd like to remind all of you about the Student Handbook Dress Code. If you would like to view it, the link is below. Please know that all students and staff are required to abide by the dress code set forth by the district. While some parents might not like it or agree with it, it is in our code of conduct and must be followed. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding the dress code, please let me know.
It is never the intention to embarrass or humiliate any students about their attire. We will always provide an alternative clothing item before asking a parent to bring something up.

This link takes you to the student code of conduct and you will see the dress code on pages 30 and 31.

Waldron Dress Code

Please see the attached fliers regarding a few opportunities for students to explore some exciting career options after high school. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Crist. kristan.crist@waldronspartans.org

If you didn't get a chance to see our AWESOME elementary students who were awarded the March Student of the Month, please take a look here: https://app.smore.com/n/hbuvzn

Breakfast & Lunch are both free to ALL students.

Served in the cafeteria.

Breakfast 7:40 - 8:05

Lunch H.S. 11:10 - 11:40

M.S. 11:40 - 12:10

Elem. 12:10 - 12:40

Waldron’s Sporting events for (04/20 – 04/25)

Monday (04/20) – JV Baseball @ Addison at 4pm

Tuesday (04/21) – Varsity Baseball/Softball vs North Adams-Jerome at 5pm. JH Track at Bellevue @ 4:30pm

Wednesday (04/22) – HS Track at Climax-Scotts @ 4:30pm.

Thursday (04/23) – JV Baseball @ Reading (DH) @ 4:30pm

Friday (04/24) –

Saturday (04/25) – Varsity Baseball/Softball at Tekonsha Inv. @ 12noon.

Due to possible weather, please be on the lookout for any cancelations.

April 24 - Student Council Iced Coffee sale

April 28 - Brad Hurtig Assembly

April 28 - Beezy Free Community Concert

April 29 - Music Concert

May 7 - Half Day - Exams

May 8 - Half Day - Exams

May 11 - Last day of school for Seniors

May 13 - Senior Night at 7pm

May 15 - 9th - 12th Grade Domestic Violence Assembly with Domestic Harmony at 12:30pm

May 17 - Graduation at 2pm

May 18-21 - Vaping Course - 12:30 Pm. 1 class for HS and 1 class for MS.

May 22 - Half Day

May 25 - No School - Memorial Day

June 9 - Half Day- Last day of School

For this week's staff member highlight, I am happy to highlight Mrs. Tammy Fix. Tammy hired by Waldron Schools in 1997 as a teacher's aide. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to get her teaching degree. She went to Spring Arbor University and took as many night classes as she could. Just when she couldn't take any more night classes and she thought she would have to leave Waldron, she was approached to be a bus driver. She took the needed classes and started to drive bus full time, taking college classes in between her morning and afternoon route. Sadly, when she got my teaching degree there were no job openings at Waldron, so she took a teaching job at a school in Hillsdale, but her heart was always at Waldron. When a position became available, she took it and have been back for 10 years. She currently, teaches a 4/5 split, is the Union Vice President, substitute bus driver, and the director of the daycare and preschool. This does not leave her a lot of free time. However, along with her husband, Brian, they love spending as much time as they can with their four children and six grandchildren that range in ages from 15 to 2.

We are very lucky that have her here on staff! Thanks for all that you do Tammy.

We will not be using the April 6th date as a school make-up day. Unfortunately, the state did not authorize any extra days for schools this year. We will be adding 4 days to the end of our school year. Our last day of school will be June 9th. This will not affect when our seniors last day is.
We will have more details in the next couple of weeks.
Thank you for your cooperation with this.

All of our students, 4th grade and attended a virtual OK2Say presentation. I've heard a lot of positive responses from students. I hope that they came home and discussed it with you. For those who were able to attend our parent presentation, thank you and I hope that you got a lot out of it. Below are several way to contact them if you ever need to.

OK2SAY is a 24/7 confidential safety tipline for reporting threats against students or schools. Contact them by phone at 855-565-2729, text at 652729, email at okaytosay@mi.gov, the OK2SAY app, or via their website.

Waldron Senior Night has been scheduled in the Multi-Purpose room for Thursday May 14th at 7pm.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Waldron Boosters, please let me know and I will put you in contact with them. They are a great group of people who do a lot of work for our school and students.

If you are late dropping off your student, after 8am, please be sure to drop them off at the front door. All other doors will be locked at 8am and with it getting so cold out, we can't have any students standing at the door waiting for someone to come let them in. Thank you for help with this.

Our elementary students are still going outside for recess, please ensure that they are bringing appropriate clothing for the cold temperatures. If you need any hats, gloves, coats for your child please contact Mr. Furtney

We are so glad to have you visit and hope you feel welcomed in our building! To best ensure the safety of our students and staff and maintain the daily flow, we have a couple of important requests for visitors:

When you arrive, please use the front doors to check in and sign out at the main office.

Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the front bus loop during the busy morning drop-off or afternoon dismissal times. We need to keep this lane clear for our buses to maneuver safely and efficiently.

Your cooperation with these small matters is greatly appreciated!

The class of 2027 advisor is in need of some additional volunteers. There are many opportunities to support your students. The money raised goes towards their Prom, graduation, and senior trip. Even if your student doesn't plan on attending the senior trip, they could definitely use the help to raise funds for prom and graduation. If you are interested, please contact their class advisor, Diane Evers. Phone - (517)260-2291. Email - gypsy.snickers@gmail.com