Rockford High School honors All State Honors Choir members.

The 2012 MSVMA All State Choir list has been published and Rockford again boasted one of the largest school groups in the state when the choir met at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival at Western Michigan University May 10-12. This is one of the state’s highest honors for a chorister. Out of the thousands who audition across Michigan in October, only the singers with the highest of audition scores at Regional Honors Choir are selected for this honor; the audition must be nearly flawless to be considered for All State Choir.

Congratulations to the following six students who represented themselves, Rockford High School and the Rockford community at this most prestigious event: (pictured, l–r) Ben Reitemeier, Hannah Schroeder, Sarah Ombry, Jill Nelson, Emilee Bodien, and Michael Sunday.

A bill to move back the kindergarten start date in Michigan is moving forward after the Senate Education Committee approved a three-year plan to phase it in.

Sen. Darwin Booher, the bills’ sponsor, told The Rockford Squire that the five-member panel ended up split over the decision after hearing extensive testimony from educators on Wednesday, March 21. Kindergarten teachers statewide have supported the measure overall, while some school administrators voiced opposition to the plan.

Rolling back the eligibility date means fewer students starting kindergarten and the state saving millions in per-student allowances that are provided to public schools.

Booher said he is in support of using the savings as an opportunity to restore support and invest in early childhood programs that have been underfunded.

Four-year-olds have been eligible to start kindergarten in Michigan as long as they turn five by December 1 of the school year they begin. After concerns were voiced by school districts, a phased-in plan that staggers the cut-off for kindergarten eligibility was approved.

During the 2012-2013 school year, the cut-off will be November 1. It will be moved back to October 1 for the 2013-2014 school year and the cut-off by the 2014-2015 school year would be September 1.

The original bill had an exception, but that language has since been taken out, but some administrators are pushing for that in the final bill.

“A large part of kindergarten is learning how to adapt socially,” said Farwell Superintendent Carl Seiter. “When students struggle with the social aspect, the academics suffer.”

“From an education standpoint, I think the shift will help student achievement in the long run,” Seiter said. “Academically, it’s going to be a good move.”

“Financially, this could impact schools,” Seiter said. “I would choose the academic aspects over the financial aspects at this point.”

Locally, Rockford Superintendent Dr. Michael Shibler said parents have the most information about whether students are ready for school.

“I really think the people who are most qualified to decide if students are ready for kindergarten are the parents,” Shibler said. “I really think the parents and the school district should make the decision.”

Shibler said he likes the idea of allowing for testing to appeal the decision if the age is a factor. “As long as the law allows a phase-in period, I think that would be fair as well,” he said.

This allows parents to plan for their students’ education and districts to prepare for the loss of students over time rather than just having it happen in one year.

While many administrators considered that they would eventually see these students, Shibler pointed out that parents could opt for private education if they felt their young child was ready for school.

“If a parent disagrees with the age requirement, they could send their child to a private school. This means the public school would lose the opportunity of enrolling that student,” Shibler said.

Administrators statewide also have raised concerns about whether the funding the state saves from the age difference will help make universally accessible preschool programs. This means have free or affordable preschool programs as well as having options for students who will turn five during the early part of the year.

“I’m very concerned we don’t leave a portion of our kids out of early childhood,” said Harrison Superintendent Tom House.

Shibler said he also would have a concern that developmental kindergarten and young five programs not be phased out. With all kindergarten students being five when they start, he said he could see these programs being something that is cut in tough economic times.

“I think some of these are decisions that parents and schools should make the decision together. I have always been a strong supporter of local control,” Shibler said. “Lansing should not be making some of these decisions, the parents and school districts should be.”

Clare Superintendent Doniel Pummell echoed her colleagues’ sentiments from around the state about funding for the schools and for early childhood as well as voicing opposition to legislation that makes a mandate rather than allowing schools flexibility.

Pummell said the real issue is the school readiness piece not age. “Readiness is readiness,” Pummell said. She said mandating an age is not addressing whether students are ready.

“Let’s talk about school readiness and address issues concerning that. They’re taking away the opportunities for students who are ready and the flexibility of school districts,” Pummell said.

“They’re making a mandate and changing a policy to address a different issue. Assist parents in readiness rather than changing a calendar date,” Pummell said. “We look at a variety of aspects to make sure they’re ready. Don’t just look at a date on the calendar.”

Booher said the change is estimated to save the state $50.4 million in the first year, $100.8 million the following year and $151 million by the third year. The savings are based on the foundation allowances of $7,200 per pupil.

Booher said he also testified on Wednesday, March 21 reiterating his support to use the savings to restore funding for early childhood education. “Get all kids ready so they are better prepared,” Booher said.

The matter next goes before the full Senate before going to the state House for committee review and action. He said a similar bill has been proposed in the House.

Booher, a Republican representing the 35th District which includes Clare County, said 36 other states have already made the change to the later kindergarten start date.

“Studies are clear that children will do better if they are older when they start,” Booher said. “Statistics show that mentally four-year-olds may be ready but not behaviorally or socially.”

Booher said he would have preferred that it would start with the age requirement during the 2012-2013 school year, but “it will be phased in” at the request of school administrators and the Michigan Education Association.

“Funding is one of the issues. What we’re hearing the most from administrators is about funding,” Booher said. “Policy is what the bill is about not financial.”

Booher said the per-pupil funding is a concern to some districts. “It is a lot of money,” he said. “The money will still be in school aid.”

Booher said there are a lot of requirements kindergarten students need to meet to pass to first grade so being able to focus is important.

“We think this is the right thing long term in education for students,” Booher said. “I believe they’ll do better. There are studies that show that as well.”

The original bill had an exception, but that language has since been taken out.

Students from Belmont Elementary, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Our Lady of Consolation schools enjoy an end-of-the-year party after participating in a Student Run Credit Union program.

Rockford Community Federal Credit Union (RCFCU) just finished their ninth year of facilitating student-run credit unions in the Rockford area schools. RCFCU would like to say thank you to all the volunteer Student Run Credit Union employees in the 2011-2012 school year. The 65 student employees helped their peers save $5,300 by processing over 700 transactions!

Belmont Elementary, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Our Lady of Consolation schools participated this year. RCFCU enjoys partnering with the local schools to help students be more dedicated to financial literacy.

“I enjoy helping students understand more about the importance of saving and budgeting their money. They don’t always need to spend, spend, spend!” said Josh Fortuna, Student Run Credit Union facilitator.

A program like the Student Run Credit Union allows students to be taught real life skills of financial banking in a safe and secure school environment.

Every now and then, as a teacher when you introduce a new class project, students don’t always react with the great joy and excitement you picture playing out in your mind. However, when you share with the kids that it is a contest, and that the top winners take home $1,500 for their school as well as $250 gift cards for each winning team member, well, things change.

Students of Rockford High School (RHS) TV Studio’s Beyond The Rock team recently took home a first-place finish in a statewide public service announcement (PSA) contest put on by the Michigan Rural Water Association (MRWA), a nonprofit organization. This competition is the second annual high school video contest put on by the MRWA. The task given to school groups was to create a 30-second PSA that promoted the importance of preserving our water, and being socially responsible stewards of this life necessity. The MRWA created this project in order to get the younger generation to understand the importance of this topic, and to spread the word to their peers, their families and their communities.

The group consisting of RHS juniors Molly Doren and Jenna Severson and sophomore Mitchell Peterson took home the first prize and were extremely thrilled upon hearing the news.

“I was thrilled beyond belief when I heard we won,” Doren commented.

Severson shared in the excitement, but was also taken a bit off guard. “I was completely surprised we won, because there were so many great entries.”

All three students gained a respect for the proper care of this limited and life-sustaining resource. “I believe strongly that humanitarian issues need to be brought to attention in our society. This PSA gave us a chance not only to learn, but too show why safe water is so vital,” Severson shared with a concerned heart.

The students were also quite excited to be receiving quite a hefty gift card.

“Jenna had a plan for the money within minutes. If I remember correctly, much of it involved clothes and food,” instructor Kris DeYoung chuckled. “It was a great project, and a great reminder to us all not to take our clean water for granted, and to do our part in being proper stewards of this valuable resource. So many in the world go without clean drinking water, we need to not only be thankful, but also look to how we can help those who aren’t as fortunate.”

For more information on the MRWA, visit www.mrwa.org. For more information on RHS TV Studio, visit “Beyond The Rock” on Facebook.

“I support the vast majority of reforms and programs in the education budget, but I will not support a plan that will cost our local schools more of their limited funding without providing any financial savings to the state. We should not be essentially mandating full-day kindergarten, which is why I voted against this budget as currently written.”

Commencement exercises were held Sunday, May 6.

Hope College is a four-year, co-educational, liberal arts college with an enrollment of 3,249 men and women, and is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America.

This honor is a cash award given to a deserving senior who has demonstrated academic excellence and who is committed to teaching mathematics at the elementary or secondary level.

6th Grade
Fine Arts Magnet

Anna’s parents are Erik and Diane. Her brother, Matthew, is in the third grade and she has a dog named Pablo. Anna attended Crestwood Elementary. She plays flute in the band and also likes to participate in after-school activities, like Snack Attack. She also enjoys drawing and spending time with friends. Anna’s favorite classes are Art with Mr. Vandenberg and Team Time with her magnet teachers, Mrs. Curtis and Ripley. Her favorite food is “anything with sugar” and her favorite movie and books are Hunger Games. Anna would like to become a teacher and possibly attend Michigan State University. Anna admires her parents, who motivate her and are always there for her. She is proud of earning good grades and finding success after her family moved to Michigan.

Asa Huffaker

6th Grade
Communications Technology Magnet

Asa is the son of Miles and Linda. He has a sister in eleventh grade named Charlotte and a brother in eighth grade named Wyatt. He also had a dog named Penny and a cat named Earl. Asa plays saxophone in the band and also plays soccer with Scor. His favorites include Math with Mrs. VanLare, candy corn, MSU, movies Avatar and Dodgeball, and Harry Potter books. Asa admires his dad, who is just funny and a good person. He is proud of being recognized as Student of the Month.

Jessica Herried

7th Grade

Jessica’s parents are Dean and Kim. Her siblings are high school student, Dylan, eighth-grader, Mitchell, and seventh-grade twin sister, Amanda. She also has a bunny named Ella. Jessica attended Lakes Elementary. She currently participates in the ERMS Writer’s Circle and is also highly active with Alliance soccer. Her favorites include Math with Mrs. Bryant, MSU, filet mignon, The Blind Side, and Hunger Games book series. If she could take a dream vacation, Jessica would travel to Alaska. She would love a career as an ecologist. Jessica admires her dad, who inspires others in his personal and professional life. She is proud to have earned a spot on a soccer team and the opportunity to compete for the state cup.

Andrew Haid

7th Grade

Andrew is the son of Christopher and Susan. His siblings are eighth-grade student, Daniel, and third-grade student, Matthew. Andrew attended Cannonsburg Elementary. His family will be moving to Switzerland this summer, but he is planning to return as a senior and graduate from Rockford High School. Andrew participates in track, cross country, and swim for ERMS. He is also active in soccer, club swim, Faith Formation, and running. In fact, Andrew will be running the 25K River Bank Run this year. His favorites include Rock Eastern Hemisphere with Mr. Posont, ice cream, the movie Avatar, and books from the Maze Runner series. Andrew would love to attend UNC and become an architect. Andrew admires his dad and his soccer coach, Alex. He is proud of participating on the regional Olympic development team for soccer.

Jaime Richardson

8th Grade

Jaime is the daughter of Brian and Caroline. She has a brother, Jack, in fifth grade as well as two cats and a dog. Jaime attended Crestwood Elementary. She participates in volleyball and track at ERMS, as well as Scor soccer. She also likes to run. Jaime’s favorite class is Art with Mrs. Appleby, favorite food is fettucini alfredo, the movie Courageous, and country music. She would love to become a dolphin trainer and Sea World. Jaime admires her dad, who is a teacher and coach. She says that she admires him because he helps kids and is a good Christian role model, as well as a great friend to her. She is most proud that she has earned a black belt.

Connor Hartley

8th Grade

Connor is the son of Kristina Hartley and the late Scott Hartley. Connor’s siblings are senior Ryan, sixth-grader Collin, and third-grader Taylor. He also has a dog named Cody. Connor attended Crestwood Elementary. He is active in lacrosse and also loves to be outside. His favorites include US History with Mrs. Ohlman, pizza, the movie Stepbrothers, and U of M. Connor admires his mom, who is a single mother that takes good care of her four children. He is most proud of working hard and showing discipline in sports.

6th Grade
Structures Magnet

Jessica is the daughter of Michele and Jeff Bates. Jessica has three siblings, Alivia, Jacob and Kurtis as well as a dog named Miley. She attended Belmont Elementary. Her hobbies include reading, basketball and playing with her dog. Jessica’s favorite college is Michigan, and she would like to someday become either a teacher or a journalist. Her favorite class is gym, she loves to eat pizza, and she really enjoyed The Hunger Games. She likes listening to music by Selena Gomez and likes the “Harry Potter” movies. Jessica is most proud of her good grades, and the people that she admires the most are her mom and her sister.

Jackson Danner

6th Grade
Structures Magnet

Jackson is the son of Emily and Nicholas Danner. He has two siblings, Holland and Samuel and a dog named Max. Jackson attended Roguewood Elementary. He is involved with baseball and soccer, he enjoys playing with all things electronic and hanging out with friends; his favorite school is Michigan State. Jackson’s favorite classes are his Spanish Immersion classes with Ms. Adamus. His favorite food is pizza, he likes the movie Moneyball, and he enjoys listening to music from One Republic. Jackson is most proud of getting good grades and being named the 6th grade NRMS Hero by his fellow classmates and the National Junior Honor Society. The person that Jackson admires the most is his grandfather.

Sisely Vongphasouk

7th Grade

Sisely is the daughter of Jerry and Shelly Vongphasouk. She has dog named Mylo. Sisely attended Belmont Elementary. She is involved with student council and lacrosse and in her free time she loves to shop. Her favorite school is Michigan, and she hopes to become an anesthesiologist. Sisley’s favorite teacher is Mr. Barr, and she really likes her digital communications class. She loved both the book and the movie The Help, and she likes music by Adele. Sisely is most proud of being invited to play on the Cyclones traveling lacrosse team. The people that she admires the most are her mom and her cousin, Sami.

Spencer Kolderman

7th Grade

Spencer is the son of Joe and Rosemary Kolderman. He has two siblings, Ethan and Seth as well as two dogs, Rocky and Copper. Spencer attended Valley View Elementary. His hobbies include soccer, reading, hanging out with friends and being active in church. His favorite school is MSU and he would like to one day become a doctor or a professional soccer player. His two favorite teachers are Mrs. Watters and Mrs. Deuel. His favorite food is venison, he likes the book Where the Red Fern Grows and he enjoys listening to pop music. Spencer is most proud of how involved he is with sports and church. The person that he admires the most is his dad because he helps him get through hard times.

Lauren Miling

8th Grade

Lauren is the daughter of Laura and Mike Miling. She has a brother, Brett and a dog named Lacey. She attended Belmont Elementary and participated on our tennis team. She is also involved with lacrosse and youth group. Lauren’s other hobbies include crafts, reading, and cooking. She would like to attend Grand Valley State and hopes to become either a teacher or a lawyer. Her favorite classes are art and math. She really liked the Harry Potter and Twilight series and she loves to listen to country music. Lauren in most proud of her good grades, and the person that she admires the most is her mom.

Joe Tarach

8th Grade

Joe is the son of Mary Jane and Michael Tarach. He has two sisters, Rachel and Elizabeth as well as a dog, a cat, and a fish. Joe attended Valley View Elementary and he really enjoys being involved in band. He is also involved with youth group and soccer, and in his free time he likes to skateboard. His favorite college is Hillsdale. Joe’s favorite class is science with Mrs. Lewis. He loves to eat steak and his favorite movie is “School of Rock”. Joe is most proud of winning a skateboard competition up in Ludington. The person that he admires the most is his dad.

Lauren Crandle is one of 14 students featured in this year’s “Examples in Excellence—Rockford Students Making a Difference.” Photo by DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Lauren Crandle is the daughter of Chris and Darren and sister to Evan, 12, Hannah, 7, and Emma, 5.

Lauren is known among her teachers and classmates as helpful, compassionate and responsible. She is described as responsible and mature beyond her age. Always willing to help, Lauren is eager to do what is asked of her and always goes above and beyond the request.

Lauren has been a member of Student Council and was vice president in fourth grade and president currently. An energetic achiever, Lauren is involved with the Ragazze girls club where she works with other girls on how to make good choices, physically and emotionally. She is a talented mentor who is described as an “awesome” RAM Buddy.

Lauren’s teachers describe her as “wise beyond her years” and a student who demonstrates poise and confidence. “She never fails to give her personal best while working independently and with others.” This “natural-born leader” is a gem at Cannonsburg Elementary,” staff there report. Her teachers love working with her and say she will always have a special place in their memory. They cannot wait to see what great things she will accomplish in her life.

Kindhearted, friendly and quick to put others before herself, Lauren is motivated by her love of Jesus and desire to serve Him.

Talented in many ways, Lauren created the winning bookmark in the Grand Rapids Public Library contest. She took all the initiative in that project on herself, an example of her enthusiasm and energy. An excellent student, Lauren is a regular on the Honor Roll.

Among Lauren’s hobbies are participating in soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, kayaking and dance (hip hop and ballet). She also loves art, crafts, reading and playing the piano. She is a member of the FLIPS at Blythefield Hills Baptist Church where she incorporates dance into worship. She is in Nature Club and Brownies.

Leaving a legacy of fond memories and a belief in her bright future and continued good works, Lauren is recognized by both her teachers and her fellow students as an Example in Excellence at Cannonsburg Elementary School.