Holland relay raises over $2,000 for battle against cancer!

Holland Elementary School hosted its fifth annual Mini Relay for Life last Friday, May 10.

Breast cancer hits close to home at Holland. Five years ago, the school lost its former principal, Nancy Varblow, to the disease.

This year's event was another big success, as students and staff raised $2,052 for the American Cancer Society.

Friday's relay was set up just like a real relay. Each classroom had a theme and carried a baton. They created cancer prevention tip signs, invited family to walk with them and everyone went around the blacktop in one collective direction.

The relay also featured games for the students to play and plenty of things to purchase like stuffed animals, books, bracelets, necklaces, key chains, wind chimes and food.

Students learned the importance of raising money to find a cure for cancer and to help families who are burdened with the fight against this disease.

'TALKING TAYLOR SCHOOLS SPECIAL Q&A" with West Counselor Amy Hicks on the transition to high school

West Middle School eighth-grade Counselor Amy Hicks has been involved in middle school-to-high school transitioning programs like “Mix It Up,” which bring together high school-age student mentors with eighth-graders scheduled to attend high school in an effort to make the entire process easier.

Here’s what she had to say about what can be a difficult transition during a special “Talking Taylor Schools Q&A.”

Question: Is it really that hard to transition from middle school to high school? What types of problems do you usually see? What are the most difficult problems that students entering high school face today? Is it the academic load or things like social pressures or even bullying?

Yes, transitioning can be tough. That is why we have a ninth-grade advisor at each high school and programs like “Link Crew.” According to Jen Louwers (former Kennedy counselor that is now at West) one of the biggest issues that occur for freshman is that students usually receive the lowest grades of their academic life as they adjust to high school (with higher and greater) grading/expectations. Pressures include parental pressures and social influence to do what they are not supposed to do. The students have more freedom to make mistakes in high school, so they are more susceptible to it.

The Teaching Tolerance Web site is very focused on bringing divergent groups (or individuals) together. Is that a problem with today's schools from your point of view? Or are children much more tolerant of other races and religions than they used to be? And how does that relate to the Taylor schools specifically? After all, the population of the city is very diverse.

Our goal and focus of “Mix It Up” is to break students out of their social circles to meet new students in the school that are different than their usual clique of friends. (Overall) this activity is not geared toward race or religion.

Do you do anything special with school of choice students? That has to be a little tougher, since they are coming to Taylor from all over. You have a significant percentage there. Is there a special part of the program for them?

Nothing is done differently with school of choice students. It is not a tough transition for these students. The only difference from others with these students is that they don't ride the bus.

Is it difficult to get the older kids involved in the mentoring portion of this program? Can you tell us a little about them and the type of high school students that you're looking for?

It is not difficult to get students involved in programs such as “Link Crew.” The students actually apply and interview for these programs. Juniors and seniors are the best candidates. They show leadership capabilities. This is not based on academics. They are students from all different social groups.

How can parents play a role here?

Parents can play a role by encouraging diversity and demonstrating an understanding of others’ differences themselves.

For more information on what is available for families with students who are transitioning into high school, click here to go to the Wilson Middle School Counselors Web site page, which includes updates, direct-link emails and addition information for parents on issues like cyber bullying, community resources, parent resources, etc. For more on the "Mix It Up" event held in April, click here.

West Middle School program impresses ex-educator during special event

The Taylor Public School Foundation for Education Excellence held a "Focus on the Arts" fundraiser Thursday night with performances by various music programs in the district. The evening's events raised money for arts programs in the Taylor School District.

Included among the performing groups was the West Middle School music program, which drew notice from former Taylor educator John Pantalone. The retired educator is active on the alumni board and with the Taylor foundation.

Pantalone noted in his message to David Martin of West Middle School the following:

"Wanted to let you know how thankful I was to have an opportunity to hear your performances at the 'Focus on the Arts' dinner. You have to be congratulated on the terrific programs you have built. It was very surprising to see the large numbers, the mixture of male and female (participants) and the quality of the presentation. 

"I was a teacher, counselor and administrator in Taylor for 38 years and cannot recall being as impressed as I was (with that performance). The choir production of the Les Miserables medley was super. So many solos, the males and females involved and moving the students to and from the mikes was all very good.

"The band also surprised me with their numbers ... the band members were so attentive to your directions it was great watching ... even the way you organized the exit from the hall was impressive.

"The kids looked so good, so happy and they looked like they were enjoying the moment. What a great reflection of your teaching qualities!"

Bravo to the West Middle School music program!

Students stop by Heritage Park before going to prom

It's prom season, and students from Truman High School -- along with peers from Huron High School in New Boston -- stopped at Taylor's Heritage Park Friday night for some pre-prom photographs. 

As usual, intrepid "Heritage Park Photo of the Day" photographer Dave Gorgon was in attendance. And as most people know, you can't beat a good Gorgon photo!

At upper right are Lindsey Howell and Ryan Roulo of Taylor. 

At the left are friends Lauren Shufeldt, Jalen Bodrie and Howell.

Below are many more photographs of the prom-goers. To see the entire gallery of photos as part of Heritage Park's Photo of the Day presentation on Facebook, click here.

More photos follow on this page below.

Beep, beep! New sweater shows off Kinyon's school spirit!

Parents show their appreciation for the people who help educate their children in a lot of different ways. But Mrs. Harvey, who is a parent of students at Kinyon Elementary School, West Middle School and Kennedy High School, took things a step or two beyond the norm recently.

In fact, she spent three years knitting Kinyon Principal Dannielle McGuire a colorful new sweater (photo).

The sweater features the "Kinyon Roadrunner" to show off that unique school spirit. Kinyon is the home of the Roadrunners and Mrs. Harvey's children have all gone through the school and often return to volunteer their services.

"I'll wear it with pride," said McGuire, who noted that it took Mrs. Harvey plenty of patience -- along with some good, old blood, sweat and tears -- to make the garment.

All we have to say are two simple words:

"Beep beep!"

Fifth-graders return from five-day outdoor learning camp

Two classes of fifth-graders from Blair Moody Elementary School recently returned from a five-day outdoor learning experience at Camp Michindoh in Hillsdale, MI.

The Michindoh Conference Center is part of the Spring Arbor University Campus. It's five-day outdoor education school meets the academic content standards and benchmarks in science for Michigan, Ohio and Indiana first through seventh grades.

A wide variety of classes and activities are available to accomplish the educational and recreational goals set forth for students. 

The resident Outdoor Education School was established in 1991. Situated on 250 forested acres containing streams, wetlands and the spring-fed Weatherwood Lake, Michindoh's location provides a perfect place to explore nature and learn about the outdoors. Students stay in cabins, eat buffet-style meals and explore the wonder of nature.

Mr. Amstutz's and Mrs. Struggla's classes attended the camp, where they took part in a number of activities and challenges that tested them academically and socially. For many of the students, it marked the first time that they had been away from home for an entire week.

As you can see by the photo, the students, teachers and parent chaperones had a great time!

For more information on the Michindoh Conference Center, click here.

Pre-Mother's Day Tea and Art Show is a hit at Blair Moody

The littlest ones at Blair Moody Elementary School had a busy week -- and they brought their mothers, grandmothers and aunts right along with them.

Mrs. Trigge's Early 5 classroom, Ms. Grey's ECSE 3 and 4 year old classroom and Mrs. Neblett's POHI preschool class created multiple art projects to display at a pre-Mother's Day Art Show and Tea.

While the special invitees received tea and treats, the pupils were able to display their work. It made for a special afternoon for all involved at the school.