This week's #StaffSpotlight is on the marvelous Mike Walton, our District Custodian, who has been here at Hemlock Public School District for 15 years.
We think he's pretty awesome and wanted you to get to know him a little better, so here are some nuggets of information you may not know about him:
• His favorite part of his job is interacting with the students. He loves just being a small part of their day. His least favorite part is trying to - and failing at - remembering names.
• A song he could listen to on repeat is "Old Violin" by Johnny Paycheck. He loves Old Classic Country!
• If a movie were to be made of his life, he thinks Kurtwood Smith would do a good job of playing him (Red Foreman from That 70s show)
• What did he want to be when he grew up? For as long as he can remember, he wanted to be a United States Marine. And he proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1989 to 1993.
• We asked him what Huskie families may be surprised to find out about him, and he shared that he's a SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) survivor. Less than 6% of people survive a SCA. He now has an implanted cardiac device and has been shocked back to life around a dozen times.
• A quote he lives his life by is “Carry On!”. No matter what, he just...keeps...going.
We are so grateful you’re part of the Huskie Pack, Mike. Thank you for all you do behind the scenes here at HPSD.
#PackLeaders #Huskietastic #BetterTogether #Since1863
These little huskies in Mrs. Sensabaugh's 2nd grade class were 'Mad for Plaid' this week!
#BetterTogether #ChristmasSpirit #HemlockHuskies
It's #ThrowBackThursday and today we're bouncing it back to the nineties with these basketball teams from 1994.
📌 Spot someone you recognize? Tag them or their family and share a memory.
#Huskietastic #TBT #HuskiesOf1994 #HemlockStrong #HemlockHuskies
Hemlock residents will be asked, on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, to renew the previously approved non-homestead base millage.
The non-homestead millage comprises over $1.8 million of the school district’s annual operating budget. Note that this is not related to the HPSD bond proposal put before voters in May of 2022.
This proposal will not impact the taxes on owner-occupied homes in our district. Only second or rental homes, commercial properties and industrial properties are affected.
Renewal of the non-homestead millage is essential to maintaining the current programs offered by the district. If this funding is lost, the district cannot replace it with any other funding source.
While primary households are not affected by this millage, state law requires a district wide election to approve the millage.
📌 Facts at a glance:
• HPSD voters last approved the non-homestead operating millage in 2022.
• The millage is for a period of 10 years
• This is a tax assessed against businesses and second homes, NOT homeowners
• All residents in the Hemlock Public School District vote on the renewal
• This money is used for district operations
• This money cannot be replaced by other funding sources
#HemlockStrong #BetterTogether
Spreading holiday cheer and raising funds 🎄 Some of our #huskietastic 3rd & 4th grade student council members were hard at work selling tickets for their Grinch Raffle this week, which helps fund projects for students and staff. 🌟
#FundraiserFun #HemlockHuskies
#WednesdayWisdom #HemlockStrong #CourageDearHeart
It's #TeacherFeature Tuesday and today we're featuring the delightful Donna Schantz who has been a Kindergarten teacher here at Hemlock Elementary School for 26 years.
We wanted you to get to know Ms. Schantz a little better, so here are some other fun facts about her:
• Her older brother nicknamed her 'Beeper' when she was little because she bee-bopped around.
• As a child she wanted to be a nurse or a teacher...but when she realized she didn’t want to have to give kids shots and make them cry, she chose teaching.
• If she won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, she'd pay off all the college loans and debt for her siblings and their kids. She assumes that would probably use up the winnings seeing she has 13 brothers and sisters with families of their own (and their “kids” are now having kids).
• We asked her what her worst fashion decision was and she said, "When I was a freshman in high school I let my hair stylist have free rein… she cut my hair short and spikey all over. When I got home my dad said, “Hi burr head!”. I immediately started growing it out!"
• When thinking back on her class, she hopes her students remember that they could work hard, learn, and be happy. She hopes they will remember that she loves them all and that they all can succeed.
We’re so thrilled to have you in our Huskie Pack, Ms. Schantz!
#Huskietastic #Since1863 #HPSDPackLeader #HemlockStrong #HemlockHuskies
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...and basketball season 🎄🏀 Huskies, Hoops and Holidays, the perfect combination!
#PullTheSled #TrimTheTree #HemlockStrong
The talented Hemlock High School Art Club had a blast decorating the windows of Swanhaven Manor in Shields for the holiday season. 🎨✨ Our artists then explored the Alden B. Dow Home & Studio in Midland, wrapping up a fabulous day filled with creativity and community spirit.
#HemlockHuskies #WorksOfHeART #ArtMatters #Huskietastic
We're delighted to have unveiled our eagerly-awaited Huskie Swag Catalog right in time for the holiday season 🎄🎁 From sweaters and hats to jammies and mugs, we've got it all!
Wrap up your Christmas shopping with exclusive Huskie swag that's perfect for those hard-to-buy-for friends and family. Not only will you be a trendsetter in the latest Huskie wear, but you'll also be contributing to something incredible.
All proceeds above cost will support the expansion of our STEM Center and the Patrick Wolgast Fieldhouse project – making your purchase a gift that keeps on giving!
Browse the catalog: https://qrco.de/beaVxm
📞 Call 989-642-5282
📧 Email Gronski@hemlockps.com
📍 Visit our Admin Office at 733 N. Hemlock Road, Suite 100 (in the south wing of the High School)
Let's spread the #HemlockHuskies spirit and make this holiday season truly #HemlockProud!
#Since1863 #HuskieSwag #SupportOurSchools #Huskietastic
Deck the halls 🎄✨ With just 8 days of school left before Christmas break, the festive spirit is in full swing thanks to our student council and their advisor, Mrs. Strachota. Thank you for making Hemlock High School so merry and bright! 🌟📚
#CountdownToChristmas #FestiveHuskies #HemlockStrong
Congratulations to these incredible young ladies who participated in the HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Competition this morning in their respective health fields through Saginaw Career Complex.
Nataly Bodziachowski placed 1st in her presentation arena and Emily Premo placed 2nd in hers, while Kendall Fanning and Alathea McMillan were both finalists in their presentation categories.
Way to go, Huskies, we are so proud of you!
#PullTheSled #FutureHealthProfessionals #HemlockHuskies
Hemlock Public School District is now accepting nominations for their 2024 Hall of Fame class. This year’s nominations will mark the third annual class to be invited to join the Huskie Hall of Fame.
The district has a rich history of honoring individual accomplishments and contributions over the years. It is amazing to see how many alumni of the Hemlock Public School District have gone on to accomplish big things, along with those who have given of their time, energy, and efforts to make the school a better place for students. Hemlock’s Hall of Fame features three categories of recipients: Distinguished Alumni, Athletic Honors, and Significant Contributors.
The Hall of Fame will accept applicants in all three categories but only induct one member per year and will rotate between the three categories. Nominations can be submitted by filling out the form found here: qrco.de/bcpfsO
#HemlockStrong #StandingOnTheShouldersOfGiants #Since1863
This week's #StaffSpotlight is on the lovely Lela Gronski, Secretary to the Superintendent for 14 years, who has spent a total of 29 years here at Hemlock Public School District.
Other than being addicted to jelly beans and enjoying talking to her plants, here are some fun nuggets of information you may not know about her:
• The Disney princess that best represents her is Cinderella, because she's kind, compassionate, and hard working.
• As a child she wanted to be a singer in a Rock Band, but she feels her worst fashion decision was dying her hair black.
• She could listen to "Bohemian Rhapsody" on repeat.
• If a movie was made of her life, Annette Bening or Michelle Pfeiffer could play her part.
• A quote she lives her life by is “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” by Mother Teresa.
We’re so incredibly grateful you’re part of the Huskie Pack, Lela. Thank you for all you do to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes at HPSD.
#PackLeaders #Huskietastic #BetterTogether #Since1863
Excitement in every seat! 🪑✨ Thanks to our #huskietastic Classroom Makeover Initiative, Mrs. Hammond's 3rd-grade class at K.C. Ling Elementary now enjoys a splash of fun with some new lilypad-style seating options, along with a giant pie ottoman, helping to create a comfortable and dynamic learning environment. 📚
#HemlockHuskies #BetterTogether #ClassroomMakeover
Winter is upon us, and together, we can make it warmer for those in need! The HHS Book Club Pajama Drive is in full swing, and we invite each and every one of you to be a part of this heartwarming cause.
🛌 What: New, Unused Pajamas (all sizes, infant to adult)
📅 When: Now through Friday, December 15
📍 Where: Place your donations in the collection box in your 1st-hour classroom. Community members can drop off new pajamas at the High School office.
Let's come together as a community to keep children warm and cozy this winter! The class that collects the most pajamas will be treated to a special "Whitford Waffle Breakfast" – a delicious reward for your generosity and compassion.
Your support can make a significant impact on someone's winter experience. Every pair of pajamas donated is a step towards spreading warmth and cheer. Let's make this Pajama Drive a tremendous success!
👕 Pajama Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, provides New Pajamas and New Books to children in need. What makes for a good night? For most children, bedtime is a time of comfort, love and security. A time when children crave intimacy with their moms and dads, a few minutes of bonding and sharing in a safe, secure environment. But for the millions of children living in poverty in America, a good night is a luxury they do not often experience.
#HemlockStrong #BetterTogether #KindnessMatters #Since1863
It's #ThrowBackThursday and today we're turning it way back to the eighties with these #huskietastic smiles from 1980.
📌 Spot someone you recognize? Tag them or their family and share a memory.
#Huskietastic #TBT #HuskiesOf1980 #HemlockStrong #HemlockHuskies
Shout out to Biggby of Hemlock for sponsoring our holiday hot cocoa bar at our December regular board meeting. #ThankYou #PullTheSled #HemlockStrong
The gym is taking shape with steel beams soaring high, bringing a new era of possibilities to K.C. Ling Elementary 🚧 Stay tuned and we'll keep building dreams and laying the foundation for success at Hemlock Public School District.
#HemlockHuskies #RisingTogether #AlwaysGrowing #HemlockStrong
#WednesdayWisdom #HemlockStrong #BetterTogether
