Magi Messenger: December 2, 2024
Greetings Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As we step into December, I find myself reflecting on the expressions of gratitude displayed by our students in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Watching them post their notes of thanks was a beautiful reminder of the power of gratitude and the importance of pausing to acknowledge all we have to be thankful for. Gratitude has been on my heart a lot lately. In challenging times, it’s especially meaningful to appreciate the helpers - those who provide care, kindness, and support. This same spirit of giving is alive and well in our community—a community that consistently looks out for one another and steps up in times of need. Recent examples of this generosity are everywhere, from those seeking to help families in need during the holidays or in times of tragedy to organizations partnering with our schools to support our students and their learning journey. One such partnership involved our third graders working with Pheasants Forever through the Pollinator Habitat Outreach Program. The students spread seed near our cross-country course and learned about pollination’s impact. These efforts will bloom into something remarkable in the years to come, both literally and figuratively. Special thanks to Richard Persing for capturing these memorable moments.
I encourage each of us to find ways to give back this month and beyond—whether through donations, volunteering, or offering support to someone in need. This season is not just about material gifts but also about sharing time and connection. Thank you for being a supportive and generous community for our students. I am deeply grateful for you and the privilege of serving as your superintendent.
Wishing you a season filled with joy, connection, and giving,
Dr. Rachel Kowalski, Superintendent
Snowy Days Reminder! ❄️
Winter in Michigan can be fun and pretty too, but often unpredictable! With the recent snowfall, it’s a good time to share how we handle and communicate school closings, delays, and other changes due to weather or emergencies. Our top priority is student safety, followed closely by ensuring access to a regular school day when possible. Decisions are made carefully, keeping in mind travel conditions for everyone: staff, buses, walkers, and families. We also know our schools provide structures and often essential support and services for many students, so we weigh all factors before making "the call."
Here’s how we keep you in the loop:
1️⃣ Facebook: First stop! Notifications are posted here right away.
2️⃣ Text Message: We send updates through PowerSchool/Thrillshare after the Facebook post.
3️⃣ Phone Call: For closures/delays, calls and voicemails are sent later in the morning to avoid waking families too early. Check Facebook first if it’s really early!
4️⃣ Media Outlets: We notify WWMT (Channel 3), WOOD-TV8, and Fox 17 using their automated platforms. Dr. Kowalski emails WBET Sturgis, too.
5️⃣ Special Arrangements: For families relying on radio updates or unique communication needs, we work directly with you via phone call. Dean Transportation reaches out to our Leonidas families personally.
Our team is committed to transparent communication and continues to refine this process. These decisions are never easy, but we take them seriously to balance safety and learning. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and feedback as we navigate Michigan winters together. Stay safe and cozy! ☃️
Our new website with incredible resources for athletes and families of athletes is: https://colonathletics.com/
Below we have posted the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball schedules - just a reminder to make sure you are using Eventlink as things do change:
Please note this is a one-way messaging app. We cannot process transportation changes through Remind... it is intended to alert you of any delays or bus issues. Thank you.
🚌📱 Stay connected with our bus updates! 📱🚌 Stay informed about your child's bus route with timely text alerts for changes or delays. We know unexpected changes can be stressful, so sign up for updates to get notified instantly. Follow the instructions that will be sent home on Monday, or use the provided links. Thank you for trusting us to transport your child!
Brown Bear visit https://www.remind.com/join/kkdae8
Black Rhino visit rmd.at/blackrhin
Green Lizard visit rmd.at/greenlizar
Red Camel visit rmd.at/redcame
Orange Butterfly visit rmd.at/6eh3996
Blue Horse visit rmd.at/74777477
If you have questions, please contact Heather in Transportation: 269-432-3231 - Press 1 or email hwordelman@colonschools.org
More sign-up information is linked here.
Super Important Eventlink Documents To Help You Add Calendars!
Super Important Eventlink Documents To Help You Add Calendars!
JUST RELASED: Class of 2025 Graduation Events For Parents & Families
In the coming weeks we will be posting lots of information about senior events, opportunities & more for students & families. Mrs. Spidle & Ms. Kevnick work together to update our scholarship page located on our website, at this link.
