There was more than the wind howling last week Friday! Jenison High School’s gymnasium was alive with raucous laughter and excited cheering as students prepared for the 2012 Homecoming festivities.

This “Pride Rally”, organized by student congress advisors Julie Roby, Tracy Mossburger and Chuck Russell, along with Principal Brandon Graham, is part of a bigger focus on fostering school pride through participation in school events. Each grade level is awarded “Pride Points” when they dress up for Spirit Week, for example, and those points are recorded and tallied throughout the year. At the end of each school year, the class with the most points is invited to take part in a picnic celebration complete with carnival games.

“Creating an environment of pride in our school and in belonging to something bigger than any one individual has been a culture-changing element at Jenison High School. Kids take responsibility for things they’re proud of, and it shows in the hallways, in our classrooms, and on the playing fields, ” Principal Brandon Graham said.

This year’s rally began with a wonderful band performance before Homecoming Court introductions were made. Students were escorted by meaningful teachers in their lives while a short biography was read about each of them. Performances by the high school dance and cheer teams followed.

The festivities culminated in the opportunity for students to win pride points for their class in a “Mystery Food” competition. Students chosen to represent each grade were asked to make their way through stations where a brown paper bag awaited them. Inside the bag were several food items for them to blindly draw out. Whatever item was selected had to be eaten, and the class who completed all four stations first, won!

It’s amazing what school pride will compel students to eat! Seen here: hot peppers!

Yum! Cold ravioli!

Interspersed throughout the afternoon were trivia questions and ovations for new students. But after the contests ended and the students sat down, the sentiment that remained on display was a fervor for Jenison, for a community of friends, and for the school these students love.

On display was pure Wildcat pride.

What Homecoming festivities were you able to attend? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!

Jenison Junior and Senior Highs are pleased to kick off their fall fundraiser to benefit “Hand2Hand”, a local non-profit organization that partners with schools and churches to provide food for qualifying families.

An outgrowth of Fair Haven Ministries, Hand2Hand works with schools to identify students whose families are not able to provide regular, healthy eating over the weekend when school lunch programs are not available. Students are given the opportunity to confidentially sign up to receive a backpack of food intended to last throughout the weekend. Those backpacks are distributed discretely by the school principal while students are in class. Many of our own Jenison students already benefit from this program!

Hand2Hand’s website shares testimonies from anonymous teachers and students that highlight the impact of this simple, yet life-changing, idea:

“I heard some commotion outside of my room so I looked outside my classroom and saw a 1st grader holding his bag of food up, shouting, ‘It’s a miracle!’ He then proceeded to show all of his friends the food he received for the weekend.”  - teacher [source]

~~~

If stories like this touch your heart and you’d like to help us kickstart our involvement with Hand2Hand, we invite you to join us at this Friday’s football game where you will have the opportunity to donate to this worthy cause. 

We hope you’ll ‘join hands’ with us so that more of our students can look forward to a weekend of healthy eating. Your concern can literally impact the well-being of a child in our district!

Jenison High School National Honor Society students know that despite the tinsel and blinking lights, the holidays aren’t jolly for everyone in our community. Because of tough economic conditions and joblessness, many Jenison families are feeling a squeeze that has moved beyond “tight” to “painful.”

To help ease that discomfort and relieve the anxiety that comes from struggling to provide, our NHS students are working to fulfill the Christmas dreams of 288 children in our community.

One of the groups’ advisors, Mrs. Angood, has helped to organize the giving project for years and said recently that 2012 tops past years in terms of applications to receive help.

“This will be our largest year ever. Our community has a lot of needs,” she stated.

Families anticipating a tough Christmas season are invited to apply for consideration based on the family’s income and size.  When accepted, each family is assigned a number to maintain confidentiality. High School shoppers then receive a gender, age, and gift request without a name attached. They budget approximately $20-$25 per recipient, using monies collected during coin drives at school.

Tiffany Ray, a senior at JHS, beamed just thinking of her experience with last year’s Christmas Giving Project.

“It’s incredible to see the reactions of family members who came to pick up gifts. Many were crying, saying that they wouldn’t have been able to provide a single gift without our help. It’s very moving.”

Desiréa Kennedy, also a senior, echoed those sentiments, but added that empathy for parents is a huge motivator for her.

“The most fun part for me is doing the shopping — but at the same time, it’s very emotional. While I’m going up and down those aisles I realize that I’m doing something that these kids’ parents would love to be doing themselves, but can’t. It feels like I’m taking their place in a way, so I take it seriously. It’s a privilege.”

Michael Bessey, another senior, summed it up best with a timely reminder:

“Working on this project reminds me that changing your world begins in small ways — and it begins with each of us individually. The gesture doesn’t have to be grand to change someone’s day — or make their Christmas.”

We are so proud of the work that our National Honor Society is doing under the guidance of Mrs. Lynette Angood and Mr. Steve Versluis! Thank you for reminding us that it is, indeed, better to give than to receive.

May you know this joy yourself this holiday season! On behalf of Jenison Public Schools we wish you warm homes, happy hearts, great peace, and safe keeping.

See you again in the New Year!

Our next blog post will be January 3, 2013.

What happens when a love triangle unfolds onstage amidst lies, deception, and desperate women? The umbrellas and rainslickers come out, of course, because the inevitable love connection ends with some singing in the rain!

With a stage slathered in three coats of polyurethane, our Jenison Thespians have a surprise in store for ticket holders next week! (hint: there’s a reason for the rainslickers!) Stage hands and actors alike have been tap dancing and singing their way to this moment since last summer, taking lessons and receiving specialized instruction to help them live into their characters more fully.

“Going into this musical I knew that everyone would have to put in more effort than before. My devotion to theater was great before, but Singin’ In The Rain requires a new level of commitment,” explained Ben.

“This is the most technically difficult and biggest dance show we’ve ever done. Three years ago I never would’ve even considered doing this show. There are so many different scenes — everything is one wheels — being flexible is so important, but these kids are ready,” said teacher Mr. Avery.

Stage Manager KendraVeldt is Mr. Avery’s righthand-woman as he preps for the biggest show of his career. Her job is to oversee everybody — the crew and cast — making sure that fans, umbrellas, lights, boots, and sets are in just the right place…at just the right time.

“Getting people to listen to my instruction, even though we’re the same age, is my biggest challenge. It’s also tough to make sure everyone’s on the same page — that other crew members get Mr. Avery’s directions and notes and deliver on each need.”

With leads comprised of juniors (Katherine Searcy, Jenna Bassett) and seniors (Ben Avery, Matt Wadsworth), this quartet has never been more ready to put on a show worthy to be called a Gene Kelly reprise. They also want to do their hall-of-fame teacher proud.

“The whole show is packed with energy! My character is trying to be a stage actress…at one point I pop out of a cake and that’s pretty exciting!” said Katherine.

“This role combines everything,” explained Matt. “Dancing, singing, and memorizing lines pose unforeseen hurdles. It’s like a puzzle that I have to put together.”

“Getting the courage to sing in front of my peers has been most challenging and intimidating, but also incredibly rewarding,” Jenna shared.

Join us next week for our last spring play in the Jenison High School Auditorium!

Playing Nightly, March 20-24 at 7 pm

For more information about Singin’ in the Rain, please click HERE to view the Jenison High School Thespian’s website.

This winter, Jenison High School DECA students achieved something remarkable when they were awarded Gold Level Certification for the high school’s newly-opened Green Bean Coffee Shop, and Gold Level Re-Certification for the 35 year-old Cat’s Corner.

Achieving this status requires months of rigorous paperwork that results in a determination for Bronze, Silver, or Gold Status. Students must collaborate to articulate how operations are sustainable and environmentally friendly, outline all emergency exits, describe store products, and detail equipment and product pricing, to name a few.

Working on the Gold-Level Certification for the Green Bean were Emily Garland, Jon Nordquist, and Anthony Lemanski. Students submitting work on the Re-Certification of the Cat’s Corner were Caleb Adrianson, Haley Venlet, and Monique Viau.

DECA student Edwin Ramirez volunteers in the Green Bean during his first hour Advanced Marketing class, and often spends lunch hours manning the Cat’s Corner as well.

“I like the hands on work. I enjoy taking the time to help. Customer satisfaction is a big thing, and it’s cool when teachers from around the district come in for coffee or to shop. I have a little brother in elementary school, and now his teachers know me. I like that.”

Jon Nordquist has been working in the Cat’s Corner for three years, and now has his fourth hour class scheduled as “co-op” time so that he can commit more dedicated time to this school-based enterprise (SBE).

“Working in the middle of the day gives me a break — I’m a really energetic person and I love getting up and interacting with people. It’s the best part of my day.”

All the students agreed that whether they’re selling T-shirts or cappuccinos, participating in DECA has given them skills that will last a lifetime. Learning how to present themselves as young professionals, to dress the part, to be self-motivated and pursue excellence, and to work well with others are tools that will advance them in any future endeavor.

Dr. Clark is quick to credit her students for this success. “We had 9 students qualify for the International DECA Conference through written projects and online competitions even before the State Conference was held!”

Congratulations to this dedicated group of students! Jenison is proud of you!

If you thought that brackets and championships were just for March Madness, you’d be wrong. Because while Mr. Zamborsky and Mr. Scott didn’t shoot hoops for these awards, the stakes and the honor that go along with them are just as high, and the applause from the crowd is just as loud.

We are thrilled to share that earlier this month, both Orchestra teacher Dan Scott and Band teacher Dave Zamborsky received word that they had been nominated by their peers and elected as District 10 Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Teachers of the Year! 

There are sixteen MSBOA districts in the State of Michigan, and Jenison lands in district 10 which is comprised of roughly 150-200 schools spanning from Northern Allegan to Lowell.

To draw a comparison between music education and athletics, these districts could be thought of as the OK Conferences for music. One distinguishing factor in this situation, however, is that our directors were identified as outstanding by their peers, and voted on to win Teachers of the Year.

“For me, that’s what means the most. I’m really flattered to have been chosen by my colleagues,” said Mr. Scott.

“Winning these accolades speaks volumes about the reputation of Jenison’s program,” added Mr. Zamborsky.

Pushing the significance of this honor to greater heights is the fact that no two teachers from the same school have ever won before! In fact, there are some districts in Michigan (typically the smaller ones) that vote only to honor either one band or one orchestra teacher, but not both.

This year changed everything when the MSBOA members voted to recognize the work of both a band and an orchestra instructor – and both from the same high school. This has never happened before!

“This award really highlights the well-roundedness of our entire program, both in band and in orchestra,” noted Mr. Zamborsky.

Moving forward, winners from all sixteen districts will go to the “state finals” on June 3, where three finalists from each category will be chosen to be presented to the MSBOA membership in the fall. Then, from December 2013 to January 2014, these same members will vote on one orchestra and one band teacher to be recognized –not just as superior in their district – but as exemplary in the state.  Results of the final voting will be made public on January 14, 2014.

If Mr. Zamborsky and Mr. Scott earn this recognition from their peers, they will have the opportunity to conduct the All-State Honors Band and Orchestra at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May 2014.

Please join me in congratulating these men on this unprecedented achievement! We are so lucky to have them both leading Jenison’s music program!

Today, to help celebrate Ms. Garland’s achievements, we will be featuring Emily “in her own words.” It is worth noting that no other Jenison High School Student has ever achieved this level of success in DECA!

Dr. Clark had this to say, “ I am so proud that a student who has worked so hard, understood what it takes to compete at a district, state, and international level, and put in the time and effort needed to do all that work.  She is almost irreplaceable as one of the students I know that when handed any project, large or small, will get it done.  Beyond that she is the ideal student – intellectually curious, motivated, always positive, strong ethics, and a willingness to help wherever needed without complaining.”

We congratulate Emily’s diligence in pursuing excellence.

DECA allows you to meet people with the same passions as you from all over the country and, if you qualify for Internationals, from all over the world! I am a very shy person, but through DECA I have learned to get past being shy, to not let opportunities pass me by, and to become a leader.

DECA is a club to help develop the future business leaders of the world. One way it does this is through the competitions it has, such as the role plays where you are given an issue and you have ten minutes to plan out a solution to this.

The first event I worked for was the Stock Market Game. This was an investing simulation from September to December that was a part of my marketing class. We did research into stocks and made investments based on this. I had the 23rd best return out of over 2000 people which qualified me to compete in this event in the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).

The second competition I worked on was the School Based Enterprise in November up until January. I worked with two other people to write a 60 page paper on our new coffee shop, The Green Bean. When this got gold certification (which is the highest it could receive), I had another opportunity to compete at ICDC. I chose not to compete in this and instead give my spot to someone else who had not qualified.

Another event was THRIVE Academy which functioned in conjunction with DECA week. I helped my team mates in some of the daily events such as painting the rock, asking trivia at lunch, and working a DECA question table. In the end they chose that I would get one of the spots.

The last event I qualified in was Principles of Finance. In March I was a state champion in this role play competition along with four other people out of 70 people total. This was the final competition that I qualified for. Quadruple Qualifying means that I qualified in four separate events to go to the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim California. This means that I got to pick which event I’d want to compete in; I chose to go with the Stock Market Game.

I’d like to thank Dr. Clark for helping me so much in every project I’ve done. She allowed me to work on these projects during her classes and was always there for questions that I had. Dr. Clark has helped me become a leader and be the best I can be. This is my first year in DECA but it is because of Dr. Clark that I’ve done what I’ve done. I never thought I would be an officer and I never thought I would get the opportunity to go to California, but her support helped me to achieve so much more than I thought I ever could.

This fall I will be starting my first semester of college at Aquinas. I plan on studying business and work towards starting a collegiate DECA. I’m sad that high school DECA will be done, but I believe that the experiences it has given me will help me to excel in college and in my future career.

As if to offer a glimpse of their bright futures, the rain held off nearly completely last week Thursday, allowing the sun to poke through and deliver a gorgeous night for our 2013 graduates.

With a packed stadium filling the evening with applause, over 350 Jenison High School students filed solemnly past moms and dads and grandparents and onto center field for the last time. It was their moment to shine.

Superintendent Tom TenBrink began the evening with a gracious welcome and a reminder of how blessed our students are to attend a school as accomplished as Jenison, with teachers who care deeply, and with parents who are involved and supportive. He went on to outline the notable feats that Jenison has come to be known for, including:

• 13th best high school in the State of Michigan by US News & World Report
• Newsweek’s list of “Best High Schools in America” (only about 6% of all U.S. schools make this list)
• Grand Rapids Magazine’s 3rd best high school in West Michigan (although Mr. TenBrink argues we should be #1!)

Mr. TenBrink went on to encourage all of the graduates to pursue servant leadership in their lives — to think of others and to do more for them than you would for yourself. He admonished them to consider the words of so many great leaders and thinkers of our time, from Ghandi to Martin Luther King Jr., and live in such a way that elevates others while offering love and encouragement over selfish ambition and conceit.

Jenison High School Principal, Dr. Brandon Graham, was moved at the thought of these students beginning a new chapter, and chose to read selections from the children’s picture book, I’ll Love You Forever. He added his own take on the familiar classic with these words:

“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as you’re living, a Wildcat you’ll be!“

Aside from these emotional words, he shared thoughts on living a disciplined life going forward:

“You can walk away from this high school knowing that you’ve cemented your legacy.  …But know there is always a price to be paid to be great, and it starts with doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done. If you can keep your eyes fixed on your goals and say no to the quick fix and the easy road, you’ll reap the rewards of discipline.”

Dr. Brandon Graham welcoming Valedictorian Don Lee to the stadium. Don will be heading to Stanford University in the fall to study computer science.

This group of graduates has certainly shown discipline and determination thus far, securing over $2.3 million in college scholarships collectively! Their hard work has garnered the attention of many in our community and across our great state. Please join me in celebrating our 2013 graduates and the future that lies ahead for each of them!

We wish them the best of luck, more sunshine than rain, and the discipline to follow their dreams.

“I really enjoy introducing this project to my students every year. It’s a difficult subject to address for some of the kids but I think the message to drive safe and keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel is one worth hearing. I know my own driving habits have changed for the better since working with this program.”

At just one year old, the Green Bean in-school coffee shop is doing more than adding a splash of caffeine to the lives of Jenison High School teachers and students. It’s adding warmth, both literally and figuratively, to the lives of all who cross the threshold.

This past winter, after diligent effort by Dr. Brenda Clark and her DECA students Emily Garland, Jon Nordquist, and Anthony Lemanski, the Green Bean was awarded a Gold Level Certification for this School Based Enterprise (SBE). According to the DECA website:

“The School-based Enterprise Certification Program was developed to provide recognition for outstanding achievement by school-based enterprises and to motivate SBEs to strive for excellence and to grow. The program provides SBEs with standards for model school store operation and provides recognition for school-based enterprises at three levels: bronze, silver and gold. The number and type of activities a school-based enterprise completes in each of the twelve sections will determine the level of certification awarded.” (quote HERE)

But more than an award-winning feather in our cap, the Green Bean is helping to create community within our student body. With booths for breakfast or biology homework, students are welcomed into this space and invited to snag a muffin and a cappuccino before class.

Student employee and 2013 graduate Desiree Kennedy says that not only is it fun getting to know new people and interacting with underclassman, but working in the Green Bean is a welcome way to break up her day. She knows that making smoothies and pouring coffee prepares her for real-world work, encourages teamwork and collaboration, and creates an atmosphere of friendship.

Principal Brandon Graham is proud of the success of the shop and is quick to share credit with others.

“The Green Bean has been a terrific real-life entrepreneurial experience for our kids. They helped construct this business from the ground up — from the build out to the business plan to the execution of daily operations. Under the leadership of Dr. Clark, this has been an exceptional opportunity for Jenison High School students to grow.”

When autumn rattle the leaves again and the wind blows colder, stop in for a warm drink and tip your hat to those who are going the extra mile to bring some java to Jenison.

It’s football season again, and that means at least one thing: area news teams are busy covering high school games around Grand Rapids. This coverage is exciting not only because it gives our kids a chance to show the community their best moments, but also because it provides a captive audience to our new commercial about Jenison.

As we did last year, JPS has partnered with FOX 17 News to craft this commercial which will air throughout the fall during the 10 pm news. Dr. Brandon Graham, principal of Jenison High School, had this to say:

“We’re just trying to show our community the outstanding things that Jenison High School kids are doing. We offer a lot of amazing opportunities and we want more people to know about what options are out their for their own children, especially in an atmosphere that opens the door for schools of choice.”

(L to R: Kyle Vachon, Jesse Hayden, Daniel Wells, Jason Wesseling)

Robin Hood isn’t the only one sporting a few feathers in his cap this fall. Jenison High School has recently received word that four of our seniors have joined an elite, nationwide group of students who qualified as “National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists.”

Jesse Hayden, Daniel Wells, Kyle Vachon and Jason Wesseling were notified just weeks into the school year that their college tuition bills may be looking a lot better  (by way of scholarship monies). With dreams that range from writing and literature to physics and statistics, these young men have bright futures awaiting them at schools like Notre Dame, Brown and Wheaton.

JHS Counselor, Mr. Terry Dykstra

While they’re taking the praise in stride, counselor Terry Dykstra helped to put this achievement in perspective,  indicating that there are only 15,000 semi-finalists in the entire country—and we boast four! He explained that only the “elite of the elite” — or the top 1% — of all students in the United States who took the PSAT scored high enough to rank as semi-finalists. Of those 15,000, likely just 8,000 will be named National Merit Scholars, a decision made in part by their final SAT scores.

“Students have to take the SAT to confirm that their score on the PSAT was an accurate one and not a fluke. I fully expect that these guys are all going to be able to demonstrate that theirs were not flukes, but rather a true measure of their abilities,” said Mr. Dykstra.

National Merit Scholars receive scholarship money that is generally corporate or college sponsored and in the neighborhood of $2,500 per student, though some schools far exceed this amount. Students achieving this status are notified in the spring and recognized at Senior Honors Night.

“There was no surprise when we finally got word of these four individuals qualifying as semi-finalists!” added Mr. Dykstra.

Each of these students has been encouraged and inspired by family members and teachers throughout their educational journey, some reaching back into their elementary years to say “thank you.”

Jesse remembers being “really, really nervous” after returning to the States from Slovakia, where he had lived as a son of missionaries. But Mrs. Fales, his 4th grade teacher at Bursley Elementary, made the transition easy.

“She was just very kind and welcomed me in. I also really liked to write and she saw that early on. She let me share stories with the class, which was how I was able to connect with kids from a different country when I was a new student,” recalled Jesse.

Kyle pointed to the influence and kindness of both Mr. Weaver and Mrs. Weaver who made him feel safe and “not so nervous” to be a young student in classes of mostly juniors and seniors.

And Jason, who came to JHS from Hudsonville Christian his freshman year, said that Mrs. Wabeke was a difference-maker in his life. “She does a lot to help you make friends in class,” he said.

In the end, though, it was that magical combination of hard work and determination that has landed this group among the 1%. We tip our fully-feathered hats to them and wish them luck as they strive to be named official National Merit Scholars!

Last week Friday brought out plenty of sunshine and smiles as Wildcats roamed the streets for another community celebration.

Little Wildcats fill the streets!

The 2013 Homecoming parade lined up at 4 pm at Bethel United Reformed Church to ready themselves for a 4:30 start time. Homecoming floats were judged by various members of the Junior High and High School faculties and were created around the theme of Superheros:

• The Freshman brought Batman & the Joker to life
• Sophomores channeled their inner Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• The Junior class created the Justin League on their float
• …and Seniors brought The Avengers to life

It is worth noting that the 2016 float, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, not only featured the turtled heroes, but incorporated dry ice and a fog machine to simulate their sewer home. Such creativity helped them grab a first place nod from the judges as best 2013 JHS float!

Class representatives said that they chose the turtles as their superheroes because “…They are four turtles who work together to overcome their mutant-ness to be human…and they eat pizza!”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Float builders enjoy their victory.

Aside from float building and caped crusaders, Jenison High School enjoyed tremendous participation on behalf of the student body. The following groups were present for the parade: Homecoming Court, JV football team, cheerleaders, dance team, volleyball team, women’s swimming & diving team, men’s water polo team, thespian troupe, Sandy Hill Elementary families, JPS staff and their families, Jenison International Academy and “Power of Pink” (pictured below).

The evening football game put the Wildcat toughness on display, with green and white blazing on our new turf. Despite losing to East Grand Rapids 28-14, the ‘Cats showed tremendous determination and fight — something that always deserves applause!

Jenison High School Principal, Dr. Brandon Graham, had this to say about the festivities:

“Homecoming is a special time in Jenison and this year was no different. We had great participation from students of all ages who came out for the parade and the game– it was awesome to see their school spirit on display! I’m especially proud of our high schoolers for demonstrating creativity, for getting involved, and for supporting their team on the field!”

Until next year, here are some highlights and great memories from a fun night with the entire community:

Perfect weather for a parade!

Members of the Homecoming Court

Best Friends: Abby, Molly and Maddie celebrate together.

JHS football looks tough but comes up short on Friday night.

It’s a night to remember!

With the stage dimmed and a nuclear waste dump aglow, Zombie Prom is ready to light up the night with its off-Broadway tale of forbidden love. Set in the 1950′s at Enrico Fermi High School, bad boy Jonny and innocent Toffee star-crossed sweethearts with more than a few hurdles in their path.

As the last production in Jenison’s current high school facility, Zombie Prom is a fun spoof for students, but no less serious when it comes to the preparation required for a successful show. In fact, students began rehearsing the play just two weeks into the school year and have been working overtime in recent days to make sure everything is perfect.

Mr. Avery, director, is enthusiastic about Zombie Prom, although the thought of so many years gone by on this same stage is bittersweet for him. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to focus because I keep seeing other shows in my memory. There are over twenty years of plays and musicals scrolling through my mind when I watch these kids perform.”

A younger cast than in years past, this group is energetic and hard-working, proving that while difficult, they have been able to step into the dozens of pairs of shoes left empty by last year’s seniors.

Junior River Gibbs, Stage Manager for Mr. Avery, says that he’s feeling prepared, and that while the actors may have more challenges with song and dance, the set is manageable for the crew. Additionally, he credits the team’s preparedness to Mr. Avery’s training and equipping.

Seniors Triston Shannon (playing Jonny Warren) and Katherine Searcy (playing Toffee) are passionate about theater and about their future in film or on the stage after graduation. As for Zombie Prom, both say it’s a fun, feel-good show with music that keeps it light and lively.

“What makes this musical different is that the music never stops. It’s more of an operetta, hopping from one number to the next. At first glance, it seems like it’d be easy because it’s silly, but with all the music and choreography to learn, it’s actually quite difficult to pull off,” said Mr. Avery.

Join the cast and crew tonight for a terrific send-off performance in the Jenison High School Auditorium. Show times are:

Thursday, November 7 – Saturday, November 9

7 pm nightly

Tickets available at the JHS ticket window

Each January, music educators from the entire state of Michigan gather in downtown Grand Rapids for the Annual Michigan Music Conference.  They attend sessions presented by leaders in the field and also listen to selected school musical groups.  The conference is recognized for setting a standard of excellence philosophically and musically throughout the state.

Various school groups are selected to perform based on audition recordings that are submitted by their directors the previous spring.  In the past thirty years many Jenison Choirs have been chosen to perform at all levels:  elementary, junior high and high school which is something we, as a district and community take great pride in.  However, this year, as a result of a blind audition the 7 – 9 Male Chorus was invited to perform during the MSVMA Choral Hour at the JW Marriott Hotel.  Only six choirs from the state were given this honor and ours was the only choir to include students at the junior high level.

While the quickly swelling crowd waited for the previous session to wrap up the Jenison Male Chorus worked on their focus with mental warm ups.  The other selected choirs from Traverse City and DeWitt also waited but it was impossible to ignore the 94 young men dressed in their tux jackets and ties.

When they took the stage, they were greeted by applause and performed four songs:  two in Latin with complex harmonies and two that were upbeat and included some different stylings.  The final song, “Coney Island Baby” even included choreography and was a genuine crowd pleaser, earning the group a standing ovation.

Director Steven Waters, a veteran teacher of 29 years who has been with Jenison for 18 years, had this to say in appreciation of the young men he works with:

“I think the thing that is most unique about our group compared to others is that it is an all male JH age (grades 7-9) group. The second thing that sets them apart is that they aren’t an auditioned group. The other choirs that were selected are all “select” , elite choirs from their respective schools. We refer to our choirs at the JH as “y’all come sing” groups. Our Male Chorus is also unique in that it’s a JH aged choir that routinely sings 4-part acappella literature which is very challenging.” 

If you’d like to catch an upcoming performance of another Jenison Choir please join our JH girl choirs performing in the Jenison Center for the Arts with the Lakewood Area Choral Society (LACS) on Tuesday April 1.

“This is a unique opportunity for our students to perform jointly with an adult group. We’re hoping this encourages them to view singing as a lifelong activity that is healthy and rewarding. The LACS is a phenomenal auditioned community ensemble of 110 voices  and is directed by former Jenison Choir Director Bob Oster.”  - Steven Waters

Congratulations Male Chorus!  We’re proud of you!

With the ACT college entrance exam right around the corner, Jenison High School Juniors didn’t let a few snow days and snowy nights stop them from getting some extra help in preparing for the test!  The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam designed to measure the academic skills both taught in school and are deemed necessary for the first year of college. The scores are accepted at all four-year colleges and universities and they are used to determine entrance and scholarships.

Beginning on January 22nd Jenison High School teachers volunteered to host subject-specific evenings to 11th graders looking for a little extra help and preparation.  Students were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the teaching staff to take practice assessments and review areas of strengths and weaknesses.  The goal of the prep sessions was to help students reach their full potential on their ACT test which is taken by most Jenison students on Tuesday, March 4.

On Thursday, January 30th the Learning Center was full of anxious and motivated students getting an extra hand with math. They were aided by math department teachers Chris LaHaie, Jeff Malloch and Kristin Terrigno.  Volunteering for this event is as important to the teachers as it is to the students benefiting from their extra time.

“I am motivated to help students prepare for the ACT because of the importance it has on their future.  It is a very large task for them to recall such a multitude of math concepts, so helping them recall and learn time-savings tips is very important to us.”   – Chris LaHaie

During the sessions students took a sample assessment of each area found on the ACT and following each timed sample the staff reviewed answers and provided specific feedback on answers and solutions to problems they faced.

The answer review portion of the night is very important and according to Mr LaHaie, “Several students in my break-out session stuck around to review concepts from geometry that they hadn’t seen in a few years, such as finding the equation of a circle.  They commented that they remembered learning the material and they were thankful to have the review so it would be fresh in their minds for the ACT test.”

Students will only have to wait 2.5 weeks to receive their multiple-choice scores, including the Composite score.  Writing scores are normally added about 2 weeks after multiple-choice scores.

Speaking for the teachers that volunteered in all subjects [Reading, Writing, Math & Science] Mr. LaHaie has nothing but admiration and pride for Jenison juniors: “We continue to be impressed with the level of hard work and discipline many of our students possess.  Taking time to come and prepare for these tests on cold, snowy evenings takes a good deal of gumption, and many of the young men and women that attend Jenison High School are working very hard for their future.”

Josh Hoogendoorn [JHS '12] and Luke Klawiter [JHS '11] have lots of reasons to be smiling! Both are current students at Michigan State University, each following different academic paths but both found themselves coming alongside this year’s Championship football team at the Rose Bowl!

Josh is an accounting major and is acting as student-manager working with the defensive coaching staff, a role he plans to continue in next year.  Luke is an Athletic Training major [an offset of Kinesiology] who “got the lucky hand” by landing a role with the football team this year as part of his regular team training rotation.

Luke & Josh traveled with the team during their entire 13 – 1 season [8 - 0 in the Big Ten] including the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis.  Luke said that while it was definitely a lot of work, he most enjoyed the behind the scenes nature of his job.  He was able to arrive at the Rose Bowl Stadium early and was awed by the empty 90,000 seats that would soon be filled with cheering MSU and Stanford fans.  One of the most important aspects of training the football team for the game in Pasadena, CA was hydration.  After being with the team for five months and building relationships with the players, Luke and his fellow student trainers had built the necessary rapport required when the athletes needed to be told to drink more water, especially when they themselves didn’t even realize.

Preparation for the game that was played in 70 degree temperatures was key for this Mid West team used to playing in much colder temps.  At the MSU practice field they pumped the temperature up to 110 degrees to get the players acclimated to the heat and need for extra water.

For Luke, being part of the Championship Team was “awesome” and his favorite team rotation so far.  However, he is quick to give credit for his success at MSU to the education he received at Jenison.  ”I sing Jenison’s praises for how they prepared me every chance I get and I’m remembering things I learned in high school in upper level classes.”  He feels far ahead of his classmates and “wouldn’t trade the education I received for anything.”

“Josh and Luke were both exemplary students at Jenison High School!  They are dedicated and extremely hard working young men.  We are proud of them and excited to watch them achieve continued success.”
Dr. Brandon Graham, Jenison High School Principal

The entire district is proud of both of you!  Go Wildcats! Go Spartans!

When family and friends are thousands of miles and oceans away it seems difficult to imagine that a new, albeit temporary, home can be made but students from China, South Korea, Finland and Spain have done just that this past school year in our community.

These students stay with Jenison Host Families and integrate into the life of Jenison High School.  With open arms, amazing local families embrace these students, sharing with them the love and hospitality that is customary within our Jenison community.  Once settled into home-life, a meeting takes place with one of the high school guidance counselors, Mr. Terry Dykstra.  Based upon interests and academic goals, Mr. Dykstra guides students in building their daily course schedule.  Prior to the first day of school, all are invited to attend an orientation of the building, learning how to navigate as well as meet other students.

As the school year gets underway, international students experience the support each teacher extends to them individually.  From academic assistance in a specific class, to the thoughtful care of asking another student to walk them to their next class, Jenison teachers are always putting students first.  Additionally, the appreciation and awareness of other cultures in each classroom allows for a unique experience with international and Jenison students alike.

One student that chose to attend Jenison High School this year is Mary Wang who has been studying at Longcheng High School for 2 years. “It is my honor to be the first foreign exchange student from Longcheng, to study at Jenison High School. I decided to come to the USA because I planned to study abroad for my higher education as well. Finally, I made my decision to study in Great Britain and I have already received offers from several schools. I am interested in politics, history, and debate so my major will be International Relations & Politics.”

International students pictured with Terry Dykstra, Becky Redmer, Emily Kaminski + Tom TenBrink. Mary Wang is seated in front of Mr. TenBrink.

Some International students have the option to attend Jenison High School by applying independently with an agency, while others have the ability to come here by way of a direct partnership.  As more international awareness of Jenison takes place, there has been a desire to partner with schools overseas, specifically in China.  Over the past three years, these partnerships have matured and produced far reaching options for students.

Emily Kaminiski, JIA International Coordinator of Student Services, supports many international students from a multitude of pathways that lead them to Jenison.  “From the two current partnerships, we project our international student population to continue to grow next year.  Jenison is always seeking new opportunities and possibilities. Currently there are initiatives with Scotland and additional schools in China, to allow study abroad opportunities for our JHS students, and to increase our international student population.”

And while it isn’t always easy, sophomore student Mateo Blanco from Spain will tell you, “You have to grow, nobody can tell you, you have to live it to really understand it.”  South Korean sophomore, Hayeong Choi says that she misses her family and the food of her home country but knows that she has matured a lot during her time here.

“These students are so courageous!  At such a young age they leave their families and all that is familiar, to immerse themselves into another culture, because they know it is good for their long term benefit!  It is not the easy decision to make!  It’s incredible to watch them arrive very timid, and over time become a natural fit with their home stay families.”
- Ms. Emily Kaminski

As the program continues to grow the need for Host Families grows as well.  If you’re interested in becoming a Host Family for one of these brave international students please contact Ms. Kaminski at the JIA:  616.457.3400, x3349

We’re so glad these students have made Jenison their home this year and we hope they will take a little bit of us with them around the world!

Hayeong Choi with her host family.