City PTSA - Welcome

...to EVERYONE who helped make this year a huge success! We've had a number of challenges to be sure, but met them head on.

From all the parents who contributed countless hours of volunteer time...to our terrific building staff of whom we ask a lot of favors...to City's administration working to pull together 3 - 6th grade programs on 3 different campuses..to a dedicated teaching staff that never gives up giving their best on behalf of the students, no matter how much adversity and uncertainty...and of course, to the students who have kept their eyes on the prize of building towards meaningful careers, relationships between cultures and the unselfish greater good of serving their communities. Once more, City has a 100% graduation rate with 100% of our graduates going on to higher ed!

Congratulations City Family.

Wayne Glatz
City PTSA President 2010-11

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 12:03 PM | Permalink

It is time to start planning the Class of 2011's Grad Night Senior Party and the planning is done completely by the parents. If you are interested in being part of the planning and/or implementation process, please contact Sharon Klomparens at (616) 785-0633 or sklomparen@aol.com

When we have a group of parents ready to plan then meetings will be scheduled according to the availability of the interested parties. Please help, 'cuz it does take a whole year so we need to start soon!

Posted by sj1potyraj@comcast.net at 03:17 PM | Permalink

We are coming up on the end of the final trimester of the school year...so once again, the Exam Shack Committee is putting out the call for donations of drinks and snacks that help carry our students over the top. Please consider bringing in something that can be easily served to students on the run between their all-important finals.

Please contact Exam Snack Chair Deena Cook at 453-5251 or at brcooker@hotmail.com to let her know how you can help.

It's the last time we will be bugging you 3 times a year (yay!) so please do what you can for our students. It certainly does make a difference.

Thanks much.
Exam Snack Committee

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 02:03 PM | Permalink

An Open Forum on the Challenges and Opportunities in Grand Rapids Public Schools
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Academy
(645 Logan St. SE - Grand Rapids, MI)

With the RACE TO THE TOP and other programs mandating changes within our schools, what impact will this have on our schools and how can we as a community help the students of GRPS.

As a community we need to understand:
What are the turnaround model options for GRPS and how have these models have been successfully implemented in the past?
What does the 5% lowest performing schools means for the schools identified and the entire district?
What we as a community can do to help all the children of Grand Rapids Public Schools?

This will be an open forum to discuss your questions about the challenges and opportunities in GRPS. Please email questions to GRVoice@yahoo.com
There will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience during the forum

Roundtable Participants include:
Hon. George Heartwell, Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr., Superintendent of GRPS
Paul Helder, President, Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA)
Ron Gorman, Principal Creston High School
Amanda Palmer, Teacher, Burton Middle School
Wanda Couch, Parent/PTSA Organizer, Ottawa Hills High School
Senita Lenear, Vice President, Grand Rapids Board of Education
Craig Datema, CEO Triangle Associates Inc.

The forum will be moderated by community members Jonathon Jelks and Jon Waalkes.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 12:16 PM | Permalink

Please join us to celebrate the retirements of:
Wayne Bentley
Katherine Block
JoeAnne Peterson
(Sue Molloy is retiring also but she will not be present at the celebration.)
Tuesday, May 18 from 2-4 PM at
City High Middle School Cafeteria
1400 Fuller Ave. NE

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 08:54 AM | Permalink

City PTSA is really liking this food thing....so we are sponsoring a potluck Tuesday night in front of the school.
Teri O'Driscoll has sent out an Evite to everyone on the PTSA rostser, so if you can, respond through it. But if you didin't get it...here's the deal:
PTSA is providing the hamburgs and hot dogs, along with drinks. You can bring a salad, hot dish or dessert to pass (enough for 10) and let's just have a picnic! The Business Meeting will happen from 5:30p to 6p, then it's fun, fun, fun! So please try and make it to this spontaneous bit of relaxation during the week. We could ALL use it!
Contact Teri O'Driscoll or go to the EVITE to register.
Thanks much.

The City PTSA (Gotta Have A Break) Committee.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 04:22 PM | Permalink

To all the City Family pie sellers, pie makers and pie customers:
Thank you, thank you! What a fun and successful collaborative event!!

We made 700 apple pies in about 2 hours and 587 blueberry pies in about an hour for a total of 1287 pies....WOW!

The City Family transformed the cafeteria into one heck of a pie factory and rocked the house!
I missed this part, but I understand there was even some dancing involved
when a certain song, "We Will Rock You" was played.

The Pie Guys made a point of saying everyone working the lines did a fantastic job
and they were very impressed with the students who were working.
As it was our first sale, there were a few glitches and kinks that need to be worked out~
but for the most part we had fun, met fellow parents and raised $$ for each of our
schools!

Winners of the $100 and $50 highest pie sales will be announced
at the Potluck that the PTSA is sponsoring this Tuesday May 18th
5:30-7:30.
Hope to see you all there.

Tha City PTSA 'That's Alotta Pies' Committee

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 05:03 PM | Permalink

Parents, students, and other volunteers: we will be making the courtyards even more beautiful and functional on Saturday, May 15, 9 am to noon. Please join us to plant flowers, assemble a picnic table and bench, weed and mulch. Come when you are able. Snacks will be provided! Direct questions to Elise Tripp, 735-3841 and elisetripp@yahoo.com

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 10:43 AM | Permalink

Support City, Blandford, Zoo & Center for Economicology - Buy a Pie! Order Several!

City PTSA is having an inaugural "TAKE & BAKE" Pie Sale that's unique and delicious and WE NEED YOUR HELP so please pass this on!

Great Lakes Fundraising and the owner of a local farm is helping our school by bringing the 'pie factory' and know-how to our school May 7 and 8 make delicious apple and blueberry pies, ALL FROM MICHIGAN PRODUCTS. But we need YOU to help get orders and come make pies to help this be a success! Here's what you can do:

1. Order some Michigan product, City-made fresh apple and/or blueberry pies through a student selling them, or by filling out the ONLINE ORDER FORM HERE
and by either sending or dropping off a check to the PTSA mailbox in the office BY MAY 3 -made out to City PTSA. The school address is 1400 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. The cost is $8. per pie, 3 for $22. We also will be taking credit cards when you pick up your pies May 8. YOU MUST PREORDER PIES SO WE KNOW HOW MANY TO MAKE.
Pies make great Mother's Day gifts, freeze well, and are always fresh baked because *you bake them.* Our goal is to pre-sell 1500 pies.. Pick them up Sat. May 8 between 1-4 p.m. at City.DOWNLOAD DETAILS & USE THIS FORM TO ORDER or TAKE ORDERS. (Drop off or mail orders to City PTSA, 1400 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids, 49505.)

2. Volunteer -- Contact Teri O'Driscoll at teriodriscoll@gmail.com if you can volunteer help set up the pie-making operation at City on Friday May 7 after 3p, or can volunteer to make pies Sat. May 8. See attached volunteer schedule. READ THIS INFO.

3. Challenge your student, or yourself, to be a Premier-Purveyer-of-Pies. The winner will go down in Pie Purveying history. TOP SELLING STUDENT WINS $100....2ND PLACE WINS $50!

4. Get started! Download the documents attached to submit an order for YOU and everyone else you know who needs a supply of fabulous, City-made pies!

Support City, Blandford and Zoo...buy a pie!
Make sure your check is made out to the SPECIFIC school you'd like to support, as follows:
City PTSA
City Center for Economicology PTSA
City at Zoo PTSA
City at Blandford PTSA

Posted by Kate at 01:20 PM | Permalink

Dear GRPS Students, Parents, Staff and Supporters:

Here is an update on the high school graduations for this school year. As you know, the High School Graduation Committee, comprised of the high school principals and district staff, were exploring the possibility of a citywide graduation ceremony for this school year along with school-based graduation events and activities.

Due to logistical considerations, the decision has been made to keep the high school graduations as originally planned for this school year. The High School Graduation Committee will continue to work on plans for a citywide graduation ceremony and school-based graduation activities with the goal of implementation for the 2011 graduation.

The high school graduations for this school year are as follows:

Continue reading "Graduation Unchanged for 2010" »

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 07:01 PM | Permalink

The Tuesday registration for classes is akin to a 'pre-registration' to determine how much interest there is in each elective so a decision can be made on whether or not to carry that elective. ( i.e. not enough enrollment-a class of 5-10 probably wouldn't make it)

Next, staffing for each class has to be determined. According to Helmholdt, no student will absolutely be held to their choice. He apologized for the mass of misinformation, and accepted a good part of the responsibility. We also have to take into consideration that Dale Hovenkamp was out Wednesday through Monday, so none of this information was able to come down through him, if indeed he even had many details.

Whether or not you agree that this is a workable plan (and certainly opinion is running against it) the process has been very poor, to say the least. Hopefully, we'll have more details from City's Tuesday session, 7pm in the Multipurpose Room.

We need to keep our eyes on the prize: International Baccalaureate World School certification, and what that will mean to our students and staff. Budget cuts are a reality. We know they are coming, courtesy of Michigan's financial crisis, and the lack of will to fix the structural deficit in funding education. While we should never let up lobbying for what's best for City, it is truly up to Lansing to create a more stable environment for all primary, secondary and post-secondary education.

Wayne Glatz
City PTSA President, 2009-10

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 06:32 PM | Permalink

There will be a meeting at City High-Middle School on Tuesday, March 30 at 7 PM in the Multi Purpose room. This meeting is to present next year's schedule. The presenters will be City's administrative staff, Franklin Campus staff and PTSA members. Please join us!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 03:36 PM | Permalink

What a week! And what a game! One has to wonder what CIty would be like with a varsity basketball team.
A shout out to all who participated in the events of the entire week, helped with setups and volunteered dozens of hours.
A special thank you to Matt Dreisbach, because without his determination, we would not have had the scoreboard working.

Thanks Everyone!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 10:15 PM | Permalink

...the GRPS Futures Summit II this morning at OHHS. While opinions vary on how effective this meeting was, the first step to action is awareness.

We have been promised by district that there will be meetings with parents in each of GRPS' five high schools to further discuss the hub concept, blended learning (the combining of online and face-to face teaching) and current/future budget realities. At this time no date or time has been set, but we will keep you posted. There will also be further information/results from today's summit on the GRPS website http://grpublicschools.org/grps1/, hopefully SOON.

In the meantime, ask questions of those of us who did attend the summit and our staff/administration. You should brief yourself as much as possible in preparation for this meeting, to be well informed as to the potential effects of these proposed changes. Also, encourage others to do the same so we have a well-informed City community.

Thanks much.

Wayne Glatz
City PTSA president, 2009-10

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:39 PM | Permalink

** High Priority **
** Reply Requested When Convenient **

Dear GRPS Stakeholders:
I am writing to invite you to a very important event that we are hosting for students, parents, staff, and all community stakeholders to discuss how GRPS can continue to build upon our school improvements and educational reforms, while at the same time implementing the changes that will be necessary to address the financial challenging facing the district and meet the needs of the 21st Century learners.

In follow up to our Futures Summit last November and the information provided in the March 10 State of Our Schools address, your participation and input is again important to help us develop our new instructional model and develop a plan that maintains our positive momentum.

WHAT: GRPS Futures Summit II

WHEN: Saturday, March 20, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

WHERE: Ottawa Hills High School
2055 Rosewood SE - Grand Rapids, MI 49506

WHO: Open to students, parents, GRPS staff, media and community members.
Child care will be provided.

To watch the video from the State of the Schools address and learn more about the instructional model concept, please log onto the GRPS web site: www.grpublicschools.org.

Thank you for your consideration and prompt response to this invitation. I ask that you please RSVP to Tara Rietberg at 819-2197 or email at rsvp@grps.k12.mi.us. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Bernard Taylor, Jr., Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:51 AM | Permalink

In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, the PTSA Pepperoni Pizza Party has voted to give up its geographical high ground in the cafeteria and combine forces with the Sophomore Sausage Sellers, all in the effort to bring pizza to the masses at a significantly reduced cost to the American public.
When interviewed, PTSA Party spokesperson Wayne Glatz said, "Hey, if we can set aside our differences and join forces, why can't Congress?"

This fracture erupted years ago when the 2 parties found themselves at the SAME table during an officially-sanctioned band concert, both selling the SAME flavor of skittles in an effort to offset the mounting school funding deficit.

It further escalated when the 2 were again thrust into the awkward situation of having very similar coupon books.. within earshot of each other. "We just couldn't cross the aisle and work with the opposition then', Glatz said. " It was very competitive at that time in our party's long, proud history...and our constituency wouldn't hear of it!"

Those days appear to be over as the 2 will sell pizza and pop TOGETHER, unified to serve the public needs of pre-game hunger and thirst. Never understated, when reached for comment, the Sausage Sellers spokesperson, Ms. JoeAnne Peterson was quoted as saying, "This is a giant step forward to help bring unity to our school...and the world. After all, WE ARE CITY FAMILY."

###

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 03:55 AM | Permalink

Help Zoo School - Great Community Service Opportunity!

Saturday, March 13, 2010
10 AM - 4 PM
John Ball Zoo School Upstairs Auditorium (a.k.a. "The Ball Room")

We will need volunteers (both adults & students) to help make messenger bags. Students will use these to put their clipboards, notebooks, pens and pencils in when they are doing outdoor lessons around the school or up in the Zoo. We will in the upstairs auditorium, a.k.a. "The Ball Room." We'll start at 10:00 and plan to work until the work is done (could be until 4 PM). Bring a friend! Come when you can, leave when you must.

If you have a working sewing machine (or access to a sewing machine), please bring it along. If you don't have a sewing machine, please come anyway, we can put you to work on other related tasks. Please bring thread, a beverage, and a snack. Students should bring their Community Service Form and something to write with to get credit for their hours worked.

Thank you!

~ Bonnie Velding "Ms. V"
Zoo School

Posted by Marissa Gonzalez at 01:28 PM | Permalink

Spirit Week is upon us, and that can only mean one thing. Seeing all of our teachers run around in gym shorts!
Yes... the annual Homecoming Basketball game is this Friday, 3/19. Tipoff is at 6pm...more or less..

So if you are wondering how you are going to squeeze in a meal after work, PTSA has the answer! Why not join us for dinner in the cafeteria before the game. Not a potluck, no messy crockpots to carry into the bleachers, but a meal provided by us, at a price similar to the dollar menu at McDonald's!

We are still working out the details, menu included, but count on joining us for food, conversation and NO dishes, at the City PTSA Pre-Game Meal Deal, this coming Friday 3/19, from 4:30-6:15pm.
No RSVPs allowed. Just be there!

And if you have a desire to be on the other side of the serving line (volunteer??), please contact Wayne Glatz wayneaglatz@comcast.net about helping out.

The (Soon-To-Be-Forming) City PTSA Pre-Game Meal Deal Committee

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 12:29 PM | Permalink

You Are Cordially Invited to Join:

Mary DeYoung-Smith, Michigan PTSA President
Shaton Berry, Michigan PTSA President Elect
Ruthann Jaquette, Michigan PTSA Vice President
Vickie Craig, Field Service Director, Region C
for Outreach and Support at a Round Table for PTA Officers,
Committee Chairs, and Future Leaders
Saturday, March 27, 2010
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

City High Middle School
Media Center
1400 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

We would like to know how things are going in West Michigan. Please send your questions, concerns, and successes to Vickie Craig (below) so that we may prepare for a productive afternoon.
We look forward to meeting all of you!

Day Care provided
Pre-registration requested

RSVP to Vickie Craig, mvcraig@att.net
616-247-6536

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 07:46 PM | Permalink

...we have a lot to be very proud of.

I recently came across the following unsolicited letter to the Grand Rapids Press, November 2007, and even though the alumna who wrote it graduated back in 1992, much of the storyline of City remains the same. And in an era of statewide budget cuts, declining urban enrollment and increased competition from suburban districts and charter schools, City continues to move forward... #2 in MME scores statewide 2 years running... one of the top 200 schools nationwide... just a few weeks away from being IB World School-certified.
And there is much, much more.
While some things have changed, (no more downtown campus, class sizes have increased), we should all be proud of this school, its teaching and administrative staff, and above all, its students.
Read on:

Alumna gives plug for City High
By The Grand Rapids Press
November 02, 2007, 12:25AM
Time to focus on something a little more fun. Last week I had a story about Grand Rapids' City High looking to add the rigorous International Baccalaureate program.

Plus, the district is working with local philanthropist Peter Wege to explore adding a program or even a school-within-a-school based around "economicology," a premise that a healthy economy and healthy ecology are compatible.

Word of this reached Hawaii, where City High grad Elizabeth Hew Len now lives. She was known as Beth Santarelli while she still was a Michigander.

Here's what she had to say:

"Thank you so much for your recent article about City High's forward thinking philosophy.

My mom, Cynthia Santarelli of Grand Rapids sent the article to me ( I live in Honolulu, HI ). I am a PROUD City High Graduate,

Continue reading "While there is still much yet to do..." »

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 08:06 PM | Permalink

Acting classes will begin March 17 in the multipurpose room from 2:15-4:15 every Wednesday for students in grades 9-12. Mr. Ellis and his two acting coaches will meet weekly after school with City High students who want to act in scenes and monologs this trimester. Hopefully, enough students will participate to stage a cabaret or showcase night of their work in early June before the summer vacation. If you are interested, attend this coming Wednesday and see everyone who is joining the class!

For more information, contact Roger Ellis at ellis.roger@ymail.com

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 01:45 PM | Permalink

Auction Tickets for the City Nights, City Lights Auction March 26th at San Chez Bistro Third Floor are going fast! Please email kim_waalkes@yahoo.com or call 460-2983 to arrange purchasing tickets, or buy tickets on the Pulse with PayPal!

We are also trying to wrap up donations, so if you have a service, gift card or cash donation, please turn that into the office by Friday, March 12. Check out many of the donations we have for our auction, on this website.
http://www.slothwerks.com/cityauction/

A big thank you to everyone that has helped in securing donations, donated or purchased tickets!

Posted by kim_waalkes@yahoo.com at 11:38 AM | Permalink

There will be a pre-festival concert Tuesday March 2 @ 7pm in the City Gym, to allow our fantastic City High and Middle School orchestras to 'tune up' their repertoire before the Orchestra Festival on Thursday March 4 at East Grand Rapids High School. Please come and support our terrific musicians and their Iinstructor, Mr. Bob Ward.

The actual festival will be on Thursday, March 4, with the Middle School performing at 2:15pm and the High School performing at 6:15pm. The public is invited.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 01:07 PM | Permalink

GRPS Students, Parents, Staff, Stakeholders, and Media:

On behalf of the Grand Rapids Board of Education's Legislative
Committee and the City High-Middle Education Advocacy Committee, you are invited to attend a community forum to learn more about and discuss the significant structural issues facing the state budget and public education system.

WHAT: "March Forth for Our Students, Schools & the State! A Community
Forum on School Funding, State Taxes, and the State's Structural
Deficit

WHO: Special Presentation by Award-Winning Author and Economist Dr.
Charles Ballard.

Continue reading "March Forth for Our Students--IMPORTANT March 4th Meeting" »

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 05:00 PM | Permalink

This may be the best excuse for Community Service hours yet! Sloth I, City Parent, is hosting a fundraiser event for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Michigan Chapter on Saturday, March 13th noon to 4:30pm at Pietro's Backdoor Pizzeria in Grand Rapids. Get an easy four hours of service hours assisting with monitoring the tournament, reporting scores, and assisting with games. Sloth is looking for four fun-filled, out-going City students willing to dress in ORANGE, work hard, and

Continue reading "VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WII BOWLING FUNDRAISER EVENT" »

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 03:23 PM | Permalink

18 City High students are part of the cast of the upcoming City/Union production Hello, Dolly.
We congratulate them and also recognize the six student leads (all from City)
Caira Cronin, Eric Hill, Leanna Morris, Emily Bennett, Nick Music and Alec Spaulding.

Performances are the evenings of March 25, 26 and 27 and a matinee on the 27th.

The fundraising efforts are underway to pay for the expense of putting on a musical production. Anyone interested in advertising a business, recognizing a cast member, etc with an ad in the musical program can contact ecronin@arborcircle.org or call her at (616)460-3471. Ad space is $125 for a page, $75 half page, $30 business card size.
If there is any other way you think you can help, please let us know.

Let's support these talented students!!!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 10:28 AM | Permalink

The City Nights, City Lights Auction is fast appoaching - March 26, 2010! Parents, we need your help by making a donation. We have several opportunities to help sponsor an auction item. Many City teachers have donated their time to spend with our students. For example... teachers taking a group of kids to go paint ball, Craig's Cruisers and dinner and a movie.

We need familes to make a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation to help sponsor some of these events. OR, if you know of a business or individual that has a special talent they could donate, please don't hesitate to ask them if they would be willing to donate to this cause.

Please send your check to the City office. We appreciate your help in making this year's auction a success! If you need other ideas for auction donations, please contact kim_waalkes@yahoo.com

Thanks to everyone who has already donated to City PTSA's primary fundraiser!

The Auction Committee

Posted by kim_waalkes@yahoo.com at 08:38 AM | Permalink

City PTSA directories and membership cards were distributed to students via first hour teachers this week...and SHOULD be finding their way home in their backpacks.

If they didn't voluntarily give them up, please check backpacks and folders. Check the cards for errors and let Ted Bonarski know as soon as possible at tbonarski@comcast.net

We apologize for the lateness of the directory and are working on alternatives for next year.

Thanks much for your patience.

Wayne Glatz
City PTSA President

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 04:01 PM | Permalink

...City's cafeteria will be undergoing a $1 million renovation, starting in May 2010 and continuing over the summer, due to be complete in August! The drawings were presented to City PTSA at our business meeting last week, and the changes are dramatic!! Seating will be increased, the room enlarged and much less 'institutional' looking, 3 new food service lines and a new kitchen, plants and environmentally-freindly lighting, AND an IMAX mini-theatre (...well, maybe not the theatre)...but it is nice!

This is exciting news for our school, and came about through a federal grant obtained by Paul Baumgartner, Nutrition Service Director at GRPS.

So if you have REALLY enjoyed having lunch in the old room, take one last look in May beacuse you won't recognize the place in the fall. We will try to get some artists' renditions put up so you can see what it will be like.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 10:33 AM | Permalink

Our City Nights, City Lights Auction is Friday, March 26, 2010, and it is the largest school wide fundraiser for the year. We need City parents to help by securing donations or making a donation of your own. Below are some ideas of popular items. Please download the following file and return it to the office by February 26, 2010.
Download file

* Gift certificates for car washes, Blockbuster, local restaurants, stores, etc.
* Are you an artist? Donate some of your artwork.
* Do you knit? You could donate a custom made item, like a scarf, hat or mittens.
* Write a tax deductible check, to help cover expenses of the auction (i.e. postage, marketing supplies, thank you notes).

Posted by kim_waalkes@yahoo.com at 07:41 AM | Permalink

Looking for kids to organize elementary school-aged kids' activities, everything from face painting (a favorite, of course) balloon art, paper-based crafts, interactive games, etc., March 18th Thursday 5:00pm - 9:00pm. during the
Mulick Park Elementary Fun Night at the Woodland Mall Barnes & Noble.

Bring ideas to the table! And spread the word... a percentage of B&N purchases (including cafe sales) get allocated to Mulick Park Elementary as part of a book fair that day.
Contacts: Sloth I (616) 475-5532 mulickpark@slothwerks.com
and Amy Lyman (616) 443-0333 talyman@comcast.net

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 04:18 PM | Permalink

This weekend our high school hosted their annual Variety Show. Like most high school events, there was in attendance people of all ages: students, parents, grandparents, siblings, literally covering the age spectrum from five to seventy five. Friday night opened with a saxophone quartet and I was immediately drawn in, captivated by the piece that these teenagers performed. Three young women sang solos. Two belted out contemporary pop songs, and the other sang and strummed two soulful originals: one that she composed herself and one written by her stepfather. The choir sang as a whole and the boys ventured a song without the accompaniment of the female voices. There was a jazz band,

Continue reading "A Parent's Thoughts On The Arts..." »

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 05:46 PM | Permalink

...to ALL who helped make this year's Variety Show such a success. We won't even try to name everyone,,,there are too many who donated time, efforts, money, and of course, talent to make this show work! THANK YOU!!!

A special shout-out to the marvelous teachers at City who teach, encourage and nurture our kids to have the confidence to stand up and strut their stuff before peers and parents. You are much appreciated.

The Drama, Forensics and Debate Boosters.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 12:01 AM | Permalink

For all of you who DIDN'T attend the City Variety show tonight, you missed one of the most awesome displays of pure talent on one stage!

The good news is...you have one more chance. If the Saturday night show is anything like tonight you will NOT want to miss it. So, come on down...7pm , 5 buck or your activity pass, support our kids and prepare to be wowed.

CITY HAS TALENT!!!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 11:31 PM | Permalink

The acts have auditioned..the program is being designed...and the nights are booked. Get ready for the 4th Annual City High/Middle Variety Show, January 28-30. This show features some of the most talented students in the city....YOU!

Tickets are only 5 bucks and student activity passes will be honored. There will also be a wide variety of refreshments available in the lobby before the show and during intermission, provided by City's finest clubs and organizations.

So make it a night (or 3!) out and plan to be at the City High/Middle Variety Show January 28, 29 and 30. All shows start at 7pm.

Come support your school!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 07:12 AM | Permalink

There have been a number of parents inquiring as to when the directory and the membership cards will be available. Our Membership Chair, Ted Bonarski, has been working hard on this, painstakenly checking and compiling the entries made on the blue membership forms to weed out any errors before the directory goes to press at KISD.
He has caught numerous errors or information not filled in completely, and that has contributed to the delay. That committee will be workiing on ways to streamline the process for next year to avoid long term delays. This year's directory and cards should be out shortly after the Christmas break.

Thanks everyone for your patience and understanding.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 01:47 PM | Permalink

The 2010 Annual City PTSA Auction, City Nights, City Lights, has a new date and place - Friday March 26, 2010 at San Chez Tapas Bistro's 3rd floor, downtown on Fulton St .

Come enjoy a night out on the town while supporting City PTSA and our students - mingle with friends, munch on San Chez' delicious hors d'oeuvre and bid on d a wide selection of donations . A cash bar will also be avalable.

Tickets are $20. and will be sold at upcomnig City events or by contacting Sharon Hayward sharonhayward@comcast.net or Wayne Glatz wayneaglatz@comcast.net

Space is limited so be sure to make your reservation or purchase your tickets early. And if anyone has an item or service for donation, please contact Kim Waalkes kim_waalkes@yahoo.com

Thanks for your support of City and the students!

The Auction Committee

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 12:21 PM | Permalink

This is one we all look forward to---the City Band Winter Concert Wednesday December 16 @ 7p. Our musicians will be putting out their best for this holiday program.

So bring a friend or 2 and come enjoy the talents of our band, under the direction of Mr. Schroeder. Their toe tappin' music will get you moving and blow away the cold!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 03:19 PM | Permalink

Not to be 'upstaged' by the band and orchestra, the City Choir will perform Thursday December 17 at 7pm. Now their voices will really shine in the new bandshell!

So if you don't want to wait till the Variety Show in January to hear them, come to the winter Concert! And if it looks like a really busy week at City....well, it is!! Keep an eye on the weather and the PTSA Google calendar for any cancellations.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 03:10 PM | Permalink

You're invited to attend the City-at-Blandford musical production of Dicken's classic, "A Christmas Carol." The performance will be at St. Cecilia Music Society, 24 Ransom NE, at 7 PM on Thursday, December 17. Suggested admission is $3 per person or $10 per family. Punch and cookie reception immediately following the performance. City High-Middle School Orchestra Members will be providing music during the intermissions. Sorry, City High-Middle School activity passes not accepted for this event. Contact Blandford School at (616) 819-2555 if you have any questions.

Posted by Marissa Gonzalez at 10:36 AM | Permalink

The perennial favorite Christmas story, A Christmas Carol, will be performed by this year's Blandford students December 17, 7pm, in the Royce Auditorium of St. Cecilia's Music Society. This is always a must see production!
Many of our students have been in the play, stage crew, chrous or greeters in the past, and the score is performed by members of the City Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Ward.

Afterward, everyone is invited upstairs to a reception in the ballroom with homemade treats provided by Blandford parents.

Ms. Dyke and Mr. Lende and all the parent volunteers go all out to make this show happen....so please come out and support them!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:50 AM | Permalink

Student parking has been moved to the north parking lot to ease congestion after school. The south lot should be used for vistor parking. GRPS is looking into creating a 'cut-through' between the 2 lots as well. All this is an effort to keep excess cars from having to travel in front of the school during peak times.

Please try and remember to park in the designated areas. Old habits die hard and it will take a while to get used to the changes.

The good news is: unlike downtown, NO parking tickets will be issued to 'violators'

Thanks!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 03:28 PM | Permalink

Don't miss your chance to shop for unique, innovative, and handmade gifts for the upcoming holidays!
This is a truly remarkable collection of artists who incorporate recycled materials in their work.

Check out http://slothwerks.com/recycled-art/ to view a few of the artists joining us.

Recycle + Reuse = Remarkable Art. Admission is just $1 per person.

Teri O'Driscoll has been working hard to make this unique event happen and is looking for volunteers to help set up Friday and staff it Saturday. The Seniors will have coffee and delicious snacks available too. For more info, email grcityptsa@gmail.com

Tell your family and friends to come and enjoy unhurried browsing during the 1st Annual Recycled Art Market and support City students!

We Recycle Everything.....Even This Post!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 11:14 AM | Permalink

On November 3, 2009, the Grand Rapids Board of Education and City PTSA is asking the voters in the City of Grand Rapids to consider a non-homestead millage renewal of up to 19 mills for a period of eight years.

If approved, the cost to city homeowners is $0 because the tax levy is on non-homestead property (industrial, rental and commercial). It is not a tax on homes owned by occupants and used as their primary residence.

The 18 mill levy generates $29,000,000 in local revenue...nearly 14% of the district's operating budget and provides funding for textbooks, technology, teachers, classrooms, instructional support, and the overall operations of the district

PLEASE VOTE YES on this important renewal. The loss of $29, 000,000 on top of the cuts being proposed by the state legislature would be devastating to GRPS, and force massive cuts to the school budget.

REMEMBER, for the average homeowner, the cost is $0. Homestead property is not subject to the 18 mill tax.

For more information, please read this fact sheet or go to the GRPS website.

Help preserve our schools for the sake of our children's future. Please pass this information along to everyone you know as this issue is too important to be voted down!!

Thanks for your support .
Wayne Glatz
City PTSA president

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 07:30 AM | Permalink

The emproidered and personalized City sweatshirts are here and will be available for pickup during middle school and high school lunch hours Monday 10/26. If you purchased a sweatshirt, please have your student pick it up at this time.
Thanks for your patience as these take considerably more time to produce due to the custom logo embroidery and the name placement on the back. They are warm and they look great!

Wayne Glatz
City PTSA president

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 11:16 AM | Permalink

How about...well attended!

The City Middle and High School orchestras will present a Fall Concert October 28, 7p in the gymnasium. You have probably caught a few bars if you've visited school lately. Come see and hear what our talented musicians have been rehearsing for their first performance of the school year.
And since the event itself is free, why not buy a DVD of the performance? Or support CBOP or Senior Grad night?

And as always...thank you for your support.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 10:56 AM | Permalink

"nuf said!

Be in school tomorrow! The September count represents 75% of the per pupil amount we receive from the state. The other 25% comes after the February count.

The legislature is about to take $218. from GRPS (yes, that includes City) per student. DON'T LET THEM TAKE MORE!!!

See you in school tomorrow.

Thanks!

Wayne Glatz
City PTSA president 2009-10

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 03:38 PM | Permalink

a CHAIRpersonship, that is! We have filled most of the City PTSA Committee Chair positions for this year and committees are being formed BUT, there are still a few key chairs left. There are 2 open vice president slots on the Executive Committee, the Nominating chair, the chair of the Communications Committee and the chair of the newly formed Transportation Committee. The Fundraising Committee is in dire need of a chair and it seems that this is the toughest one to fill. I have received numerous great fundraising ideas, but they really need a chairperson to coordinate all of them and to get a committee in place. No surprise that we (City PTSA) are getting asked to help financially in more and more areas..hence the importance of getting this one going.

Continue reading "Grab One Before The Music Stops..." »

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:49 AM | Permalink

Michele Lussky, a City Middle parent is looking to start a Soprts Boosters Club at City. She has volunteered to organize this group for the support of our organized sports teams. Anyone interested in joining this effort, please email Michele at devoelussky@yahoo.com. She will also have an information table at the City PTSA Annual Potluck this Thursday...so stop and say hello and get on board to help.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:31 AM | Permalink

The first City PTSA Business Meeting of the school year will be Tuesday September 15, 2009 at 6;30p in the City High/Middle Media Center. All PTSA executive staff, committee chairs and co-chairs, representative(s) from the affiliated programs (CBOP, Drama/Forensics/Dabate and Senior Grad Night) are invited to attend. We will be discussing the overall structure of City PTSA for the year as well as committee budgets. An agenda will be emailed shortly.

Continue reading "First PTSA Business Meeting is September 15 @ 6:30p" »

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 03:21 PM | Permalink

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 17, 7 - 8pm at City High for our first Drama Boosters meeting. At this meeting we will be discussing and deciding on our Drama productions for the year including "As You Like It," our fall play production, as well as the possibility of a spring musical.

Please try your best to make this meeting, especially if you have interest and/or opinions regarding either of these productions!

If you can't make the meeting, but have any questions or comments about either the Fall Play or the discussion on a spring musical, please feel free to email me your questions, comments, or concerns so that I can address them at the meeting.

Ann Kuipers, Booster Chair akuipers@telereports.com

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 01:59 PM | Permalink

Renew friendships and welcome newcomers. Siblings are welcome! Enjoy delicious food, tour the building, visit classrooms and meet teachers. Thursday, September 24 from 5:30-6:45pm. Open House immediately follows potluck.

Bring a dish to pass to serve 8-10. Plates, cups, silverware, and beverages provided.
Any questions, contact Nikki Steed at 780-8627.

This is City's biggest social event of the fall so don't miss out!!!
Thanks and see you there.

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:34 PM | Permalink

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WELCOME BACK POTLUCK & OPEN HOUSE!! 9/24/09

-Can you donate a couple bags of ice??
-Can you loan an ice cooler for the night??
-Can you help with decorations and set up??
-Can you help clean up and put away supplies afterwards??

Please call Nikki Steed at 780-8627

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 09:21 PM | Permalink

John Ball Zoo also has summer classes for children ages 3 to those entering 8th grade in the fall. Please visit www.johnballzoosociety.org for information

Posted by at 12:20 PM | Permalink

The Junior and National Honor Societies are sponsoring a fundraiser for the Red Cross. From March 2 - 11, bring in toothpaste, wash cloths, deodorant and tooth brushes to the Media Center. Drop off the donated items in your grade's assigned box.

At the end of the day on March 11, the grade that has the most donated items in their box will get 5th hour off on March 13th (tentative date). That's right... We said off.

The grade that wins will be free to use the gymnasium for all of 5th hour that day.

So donate, donate, donate! Bring in the above items to the Media Center starting March 2.

Posted by at 12:00 PM | Permalink

The NHS Blood Drive held on December 17, 2008 was a success. Fifty-one donors signed up, 35 units were given and 24 people were 1st time donors. Thank you City for giving! Thank you to all of the members that paid their dues. We still have some stragglers, so please get them in. Officers handed out reminder slips again to members who didn’t pay. NHS and JNHS officers are working on a fund raising competition for a worthy cause, details to follow in the coming months.

The NHS/JNHS Induction Ceremony has been moved to Wednesday, April 29. Invitation will be sent out in April.

Posted by at 09:09 AM | Permalink

The Senior All Night committee is asking all Seniors to prepare a "memories" CD/DVD with photos of themselves and classmates for use at the upcoming Senior All Night Party. A drop box will be located in the office in the New Year. Please include a range of favorite shots from elementary to present day, plus a senior portrait, and label your disk! Join the new, student-run Facebook Senior All Night Party group (visit Mike LeAwesome's profile) to get periodic updates/requests. Note - no details. The event itself is TOP SECRET!

Posted by Kate at 11:14 AM | Permalink

Thank you to everyone who donated their time, canned goods and money at the Halloween Dance to the Thanksgiving Baskets. We prepared 13 baskets for 13 deserving families complete with turkeys, potatoes, pies and stuffing.

We will be having a blood drive on Wednesday December 17 from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Appointments will be available and walk-ins are welcome, parents, so come on down. Parents email Mrs. Potyraj at potyrajs@grps.k12.mi.us if you would like an appointment time. Students sign up with NHS officers or see Mr. Lewandoski.

Posted by at 11:53 AM | Permalink

On Wednesday, October 29th, City High's Policy Debate team won all four rounds at the first Metro League Debate tournament of the Debate season. It was held at 4:P.M.until 7:30 at Forest Hills Central and involved schools from Kent and Ionia County. We are debating next Wednesday at the same venue!!l

Congratulations to the City High Debate team and their coach JoeAnne Peterson. Keep up the winning season!

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 10:06 AM | Permalink

You don't need 'em today...or even next week...but you will!
Those great , warm City hoodie sweatshirts will be on sale Thrusday at the Fall Potluck. Embroidered with the City High/Middle Logo, we have a limited number of mediums and larges on hand for instant gratification. OR,we will take orders for delivery in October. Either way, you can have you name placed on the back for $5. extra. Our vendor says he will do the customization in 1 large batch only, so pick up or order yours Thursday. They are $25 for s/m/l and $30 for XL.

The Fundraising Committee

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 04:16 PM | Permalink

Auction Tip of the Week

Let's go out to eat!

Are you on your way grab an auction letter...simply ask your server or the restaurant manager if they would donate a gift certificate to the auction. It is easy and painless - honest!
And thanks for supporting our PTSA auction.

Remember, the auction is March 15. Silent Auction begins at 6pm--Live Auction begins at 7pm.

And, did I forget to mention that the cost is still only 5 bucks per person, 2 bucks for students.

If you have acquired a donation, please print this letter http://www.cityptsa.com/PDFS/AuctionDonationLetter2008.pdf as a receipt and drop all donations at the school office.

AUCTION ALERT: Early release of the current Auction Catalog is now available! Click here for your own PDF copy.

CityPTSA Auction Committee

Posted by Wayne Glatz at 04:07 PM | Permalink

The all girls tag football game will be held at City High Middle School on Friday, October 26th, 5:00 pm! Since most girls don't play high school football, this is their chance. This will be a game between the Juniors and Seniors. There is no seating, so please bring lawn chairs or blankets. The cost is $3 per person with proceeds going to both the junior and senior class. Students are asking for parents of seniors to contribute and help with the concession stand that we are going to be having. Concession stand proceeds go to the senior class to help pay for our class trip and graduation extras. Our plan is to have baked goods, pop, water, and hopefully hotdogs. Please call or email me with questions or if you can help out! Thanks Cara Van Dam-Senior Football Organizer. my cell phone 446*0473 or email lilvan4890@aol.com

Posted by Denise Blair at 11:40 AM | Permalink

The City High/Middle PTSA supports and encourages a wide variety of programs and initiatives that serve our school community.

We’re trying to determine the nature and scope of all the various clubs and teams that will be functioning at City High/Middle next year. If you are either involved in a long-standing club/team at City, or if you are seriously considering starting one in the year ahead, PLEASE HELP US BY SUBMITTING A SIMPLE FORM ASAP!

Continue reading "CITY HIGH/MIDDLE CLUBS & TEAMS SURVEY" »

Posted by Kate at 09:44 AM | Permalink

The Staff DJ Dances for Peace were major successes on many levels when they finally took place on Friday, January 12, 2007. After being scheduled for December 1st and cancelled because of the freak snowstorm, the separate middle and high school dances went off without a hitch, raising more than $1400 for a great cause. Middle school staff DJs were Mrs. Lucchese, the Lunch Ladies, Mr. Weller and Mr. Korienek. High school DJs were Senora Castillo, Mrs. Miske, Mrs. Peterson, Mr. Tu and Mr. Van Enk. Each DJ was given half an hour to play whatever music they wanted. The final DJ of the night was WSNX radio personality and former student Big Mac, otherwise known as Drew McCarthy, who volunteered his time for the cause.

Continue reading "Success at the Staff DJ Dances for Peace" »

Posted by cityviews at 08:40 AM | Permalink

It's that time of year again when the girls ask the guys to Sweetheart Swirl, our formal high school dance held February 10th at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA), 7-10 p.m. This year we'll have live music from the popular local band The Vigilantes. Stay tuned for ticket purchase info! Visit http://wwww.uica.org for directions.

Posted by cityviews at 04:58 PM | Permalink

Coming Soon...A Community Peace Celebration co-sponsored by the Institute for Global Education, hosted by City Hih Middle this winter!

Continue reading "Peace Festival 2007" »

Posted by cityviews at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Students and Parents...Make the most of the school year by participating in special events and social opportunities. Postings to this area do not have to be directly sponsored by the PTSA, but should be of interest or relevant to City parents and teachers. For example, if you are a student and you are playing a concert or acting in a play outside of school events, you may post that information to let your fellow students know. Parents who want to extend informal invitations about events that may be of interest to other parents are also welcome to submit messages for consideration.

Continue reading "Social" »

Posted by cityviews at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)