Newsletter – Issue 22

Two girls writing on a desk in a classroom

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! 

A girl wearing headphones smiling with a laptop in front of her

A girl wearing headphones smiling with a laptop in front of her

a girl touching the trackpad of her laptop and looking at the screen of her laptop


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! 

 

three students a boy and two girls looking at the camera and smiling

A Klip member assisting three students

Two girls working on the alphabet chart


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:

https://www.kpl.gov/

the Kalamazoo Public Library exterior

the Kalamazoo Public Library interior

the Kalamazoo Public Library interior


Ads and Resources

Swim for Success

Tutoring + Swim Lessons by Kalamazoo College Swim Team!
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

A Kalamazoo college student helping students learn how to swim


Kalamazoo Public Schools Calendar

Logo of Kalamazoo Public Schools
DateActivities
January 15K-12 half day
January 176-8 half day
January 22High school conferences, 4-7 p.m.
January 236-8 half day;
High school conferences, 5-8 p.m.
January 24No county programs
February 19K-12 half day

Contact and Acknowledgements

A picture of the KPS teachers

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

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