
Issue 25 – April 2025
Events that Warmed up the Winter!
During the cold winter season, students stayed active! Did you and your family go to a fun event? Literacy Night was so much fun at Lincoln. Students enjoyed books and stories. They even got to take home new books to keep! Everyone had fun playing games with teachers.
Milwood Middle School had an extra special Around the World celebration. Did your family go? Did you have a favorite activity, a favorite food, or a favorite performance at Milwood Around the World? The winter was cold and grey, but Kalamazoo Public Schools were warm, colorful, and exciting!
Headlines
Lincoln Literacy Night
Parents, families, and students had a great time at Lincoln Elementary’s Literacy Night! The theme of the evening came from the book, The Lemonade War, by Jacqueline Davies. Students were able to make pretend lemonade, taste different lemonades, and invent their own lemonade recipe. Everyone had fun celebrating books and reading!




Headlines
Milwood Around the World
Milwood Middle School had the best party in Kalamazoo! Many students came with their families and friends to enjoy a fun evening of music, dancing, activities, and food! Many tables had arts and crafts, free prizes, and games. The event celebrated literacy, too, with many activities sharing a love of books and reading.




Ideas
What college can mean for you
By Mphumelelo Khaba
In some parts of the world, especially in the United States, going to college is normal. Many people think college is only about studying, getting good grades, and paying a lot of money. But college can be more than that. Some students go to college to become better at sports. They might play basketball, swim, or play soccer. Others go to college to show their creativity. They might play music, paint, or make videos. For many people, college is also a place to grow. They learn more about themselves, become more confident, and make friends that can last a lifetime. You do not need to know what job you want in the future. Many students change their minds after college. They find new things they love, and college can help them do well in their new path. If you have the chance to go to college, go. Be open to new ideas and new experiences. You may be surprised by what you enjoy!




Ads and Resources
Get outside at Milham Park!
607 E Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001


Kalamazoo Public Schools Calendar

Date | Activities |
---|---|
April 23-24 | High School Conferences |
April 25 | 6-8 Half Day |
May 1 | 6-8 Half Day |
May 23 | Last Day PEEP and Graduating Seniors |
May 26 | Memorial Day; All Buildings Closed |
May 27 | KAMSC Senior Recognition |
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