
Issue 22 – January 2025
Back from Break
Welcome back! Winter break is fun and relaxing. Now it is time for a new year. What do you want to do in 2025? What are your goals? Setting goals is motivating. Kalamazoo College KLIPs are motivated this winter by making new friends and learning new skills. What are you excited to do this year? What is a challenge?
Share your goals with friends and talk about your plans. Friends help you reach goals and celebrate your successes, and you can help them, too! You can help friends stay organized, ask questions, and give high fives. Let’s make this January a great start to 2025!
Headlines
In Mrs. Sabin’s Classroom
Mrs. Sabin’s classroom uses laptops to help students learn and grow. Students like that they can click and still learn English. Online apps and games personalize students’ vocabulary, grammar, and reading experiences. They also build students’ confidence because they adapt to their skill levels. Platforms such as Lexia and Teach Your Monster are favorites among students. Mrs. Sabin creates an environment where students are excited to learn. She provides a varied experience in which students interact with games and activities, making learning an adventure. Students can’t stop sharing how much fun they have using technology to learn. Ask a student to share their favorite activities and enjoy them together!



Headlines
Healthy Habits for the New Year
The start of a new year is the perfect time to build healthy habits that can help children feel their best and do well in school. Here are some simple ways to start 2024 with healthy choices!
Stay Active Indoors
Winter weather can make it harder to play outside, but there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors. Kids can dance to their favorite songs, play movement games like Simon Says, or try simple yoga poses. Even small activities like stretching or jumping jacks can help burn energy and keep kids moving.
Choose Nutritious Snacks
Healthy snacks give kids the energy they need to focus and learn. Encourage fruits, veggies, nuts, or whole-grain crackers instead of sugary treats. Simple ideas like apple slices with peanut butter or a handful of trail mix can be both yummy and healthy.
Work as a Team
Families can help by joining in healthy habits together. Play an indoor game as a family, prepare snacks together, or check in about homework goals. When everyone works together, it’s easier (and more fun!) to stay on track.
Starting healthy habits now can set kids up for success all year long. Let’s make 2024 a year of healthy choices and happy learners!



Community
About the KPL
The Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) has been there since 1872. It provides resources and opportunities for learning, growth and connection. It has five locations in Kalamazoo that students can access and use its resources. KPL gives students access to a wide range of things such as books, movies, music, computers, high-speed internet and space for studying. Families can enjoy programs such as storytimes, help with homework, and things for children to do. You can also learn about the history of Kalamazoo in the Local History Room and non-profits are assisted by programs such as ONEplace. KPL wants to help everyone in the community to learn and get better. You can visit any of the locations and learn about all the things KPL has for the community.
Visit this link to learn more:



Ads and Resources
Swim for Success
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Schedule: Tues & Thurs, Jan 21–Feb 27
Tutoring: 5:30–6:15 p.m. (Optional)
Swim: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Ages: 5–14
Cost: $70 per family
Follow this link to apply: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/kalamazoo-mi/catalog

Kalamazoo Public Schools Calendar

Date | Activities |
---|---|
January 15 | K-12 half day |
January 17 | 6-8 half day |
January 22 | High school conferences, 4-7 p.m. |
January 23 | 6-8 half day; High school conferences, 5-8 p.m. |
January 24 | No county programs |
February 19 | K-12 half day |
Contact and Acknowledgements

Lincoln Lower Elementary
Austyn Sabin
sabinA@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Lincoln Upper Elementary
Prajakta Apte
aptePS@KalamazoopPublicSchools.net
Lincoln Kindergarten
Courtney Horn
hornCB@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Milwood Middle
Saratha (MS.Charu) Ramanathan
Ramanathans@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Phoenix High School
Mariam Samit
samitM@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Melissa Ottensen
ottesenMA@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Kalamazoo Central High School
Ayat Rizeq
rizeqAN@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Loy Norrix High School
Bright Egwim
egwimBO@Kalam9zooPublicSchools.net
Jen Kruger
krugerJL@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Julie Zabik
zabikJA@KalamazooPublicSchoofs.net
Oakwood Adult ESL
Maria Garcia
garciaMD@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Coordinator of Multilingual Services and World Languages
Dr. Wessam Abdelaziz
abdelazizWi@KalamazooPublicSchools.net
Acknowledgements
Teaching Volunteers
- Elizabeth Aquino Lopez
- Courtney Joaquin Martinez
- Ali Armin
- Martha Diaz Chavez
- Inma Melon Dominguez
- Sa’Niyah Bedell
- Madyson Groth
- Jerry Menez
- Camila Benavides
- Gus Horvath
- Alex Mungai
- Sotirios Bougioukos
- Macy Ivins
- Mary Oduor
- Eleni Bougioukou
- Kamani Jones Jr.
- Mauricio Posey
- Matthew Butterly
- Braeden Lavis
- Lisa Raddatz
- Chris Cayton
- Malick Lo
- Sara Reathaford
- Savannah Chapie
- Alondra Lopez
- Micahaia Reynolds
- Josee Cooke
- Dasia Lopez
- Jaycee Rider
- Nicklaus Coseo
- Allan Martinez
- Morgan Shearer
Instructor
Candace Bailey Combs
Design Director
Kathryn Lightcap
Layout
Calia Scivally
Editor
Mphumelelo Khaba