The Supe's Newsletter

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OUR MISSION IS TO DEVELOP A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS WHO ARE PREPARED TO LIVE, WORK, AND CONTRIBUTE TO AN EVER-CHANGING SOCIETY.

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As we embrace the spirit of Women's History Month and Employee Appreciation Days, I am compelled to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our educational community. Your unwavering dedication to our scholars has been nothing short of remarkable, and it is with great appreciation that I acknowledge the profound impact you have made.

Amidst our celebrations, we also mark significant milestones in our journey. The ongoing renovations at Brownell STEM Academy and the completion of the Holmes STEM Middle School campus signify our commitment to providing state-of-the-art educational facilities. These achievements have been made possible through generous grants from the Mott Foundation and federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.

Despite the challenges we encounter, your steadfast commitment to our scholars remains an inspiration. Together, I am confident that we will continue to make a profound difference in their lives and offer them the highest quality education.

As we step into the latter half of the school year, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities that await us. The dedication and hard work of our school community have laid a robust foundation for success, and I have unwavering faith in our ability to achieve remarkable milestones together. Let us approach the coming months with renewed vigor and enthusiasm, cognizant of the impact we wield in shaping the lives of our scholars.

Our vision of "Reenergizing the Pride, Renovating the Plans, Rebuilding the Possibilities, and Repurposing for a brighter future" is steadily becoming a reality. We are creating an environment where our scholars can thrive, one that is safe, secure, vibrant, and forward-thinking.

It is important to acknowledge that our district is undergoing significant changes. While change may present challenges, these transformations are crucial for our long-term sustainability and for better supporting the academic needs of our scholars. These changes ensure that our district remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence.

I urge everyone to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, as they collectively contribute to the vibrancy of our school community. Flint Community Schools is a beacon of hope, change, and growth, and together, with your continued support, we will pave the way for a brighter educational future.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Kevelin Jones, Superintendent

Flint Community Schools proudly presented "A Taste of Literacy" at the Flint Farmers' Market, a dynamic event dedicated to promoting family literacy and fostering a love for reading within our community.

"We were thrilled to have hosted 'A Taste of Literacy,' as a testament to our commitment to community engagement and educational excellence," expressed Kevelin Jones, Superintendent of Flint Community Schools. "This event underscored the importance of collaboration between families, educators, and community partners in ensuring the academic success of our scholars."

This evening promised joy, learning, and family bonding as we gathered to celebrate the power of literacy. From interactive storytelling sessions to engaging games and workshops, there was something for everyone to enjoy, all led by dedicated FCS staff and our community partners.

"We believed that reading should be celebrated and embraced as a fundamental skill that opens doors to endless possibilities," affirmed DeLynn Smith, Curriculum Development Specialist (Humanities), FCS Office of Academics. "Through events like A Taste of Literacy, the Family Literacy Day Celebration, our goal has been to instill a love for reading and learning in our scholars while fostering a sense of community and belonging."

Flint Community Schools extended a warm invitation to all families, educators, and community members to join us in this special celebration of literacy and learning. We saved the date, spread the word, and came together to make a positive impact on the lives of our children.

A heartfelt THANK YOU went out to all the incredible presenters at "A Taste of Literacy" event! Mama Sōl, National Spoken Word Artist; Semaj Brown, Flint’s First Poet Laureate; Latashia Perry, Bestselling Author; and Shani Womack, Master Storyteller. Their passion for sharing their literacy gifts inspired us all. Each word spoken, each story told, was a seed planted in the fertile ground of our community's heart, promising growth, understanding, and connection.

We also expressed heartfelt gratitude to our amazing community partners: The Flint Public Library, Flint and Genesee Literacy Network, Crim Fitness Foundation, and Snap-Ed Michigan Fitness Foundation for their commitment to literacy and Flint scholars. Together, we made a difference in the lives of our children and built a brighter future through the power of literacy.

Excitement was palpable as Flint Community Schools prepared for a day brimming with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) exploration at the Doyle-Ryder Community Education Center. On Saturday, February 24, 2024, STEMNETICS, in collaboration with Doyle-Ryder, hosted a free and engaging STEM Day event aimed at inspiring young minds and showcasing the myriad of opportunities available in STEM fields.

"STEM Day at Flint Community Schools was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in education. It provided an opportunity for our scholars to explore, discover, and dream big in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. We were proud to partner with STEMNETICS and other community organizations to provide this enriching experience for our scholars. Together, we were building a brighter future for Flint kids," said Superintendent Kevelin Jones.

The event provided an enriching experience for scholars, offering hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and foster creativity. From interactive experiments that illustrated scientific principles to engineering challenges that promoted problem-solving and teamwork, attendees had the opportunity to delve into the exciting world of STEM in a fun and accessible way. In addition to engaging activities, STEM Day featured demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, testimonials from current Kettering engineering scholars, and a special keynote speaker who shared insights and inspiration with attendees.

"Our scholars eagerly anticipated the innovative projects and engaging lessons offered by STEMNETICS. Its integration with our curriculum not only enhanced learning but also fostered a stronger sense of community within our school," remarked Dr. Coleman.

To ensure that all scholars had the opportunity to participate, STEMNETICS provided free lunch, snacks, and bus transportation from sites currently serviced by the organization. This commitment to accessibility reflected STEMNETICS' dedication to breaking down barriers and providing equitable access to STEM education.

Doyle-Ryder served as a school partner site with STEMNETICS, providing location services and volunteers. STEMNETICS, a Flint-based company founded in 2014 by Seun Phillips, has been a driving force in promoting STEM education within the community. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, STEMNETICS delivers in-class programming and after-school activities aimed at enriching students' understanding of STEM concepts and careers. Support for STEM Day and STEMNETICS' ongoing programs in Flint was generously provided by the Ruth Mott Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Their investment underscored the importance of STEM education in empowering young people and strengthening communities.

Parents, educators, and community members were invited to join in the excitement of STEM Day at Doyle-Ryder Community Education Center on February 24th, 2024. Together, they inspired the next generation of innovators and change-makers.

Scholars from Southwestern Classical Academy's Student Council embarked on an enriching journey today as they ventured to the 7th Circuit Court for a firsthand experience of the legal system in action. The visit provided a unique opportunity for these young minds to witness the inner workings of the courthouse and gain insight into the roles of various individuals who contribute to its smooth operation.

Accompanied by their teachers and chaperones, the scholars were warmly welcomed to the courthouse, where they were introduced to a diverse array of professionals integral to its functioning. From lawyers and judges to representatives from the clerk's office, grounds and maintenance staff, security deputies, IT personnel, and members of the Jury Board and Administration, the scholars received a comprehensive overview of the collaborative efforts that sustain the courthouse's daily operations.

The highlight of the visit was a personal tour led by the Honorable Judge Chris Christenson, who generously shared his expertise and insights with the eager scholars. Judge Christenson not only guided them through the various courtrooms and facilities but also took the time to engage with them, patiently answering their questions and fostering a deeper understanding of the legal proceedings.

In a remarkable demonstration of educational engagement, Judge Christenson facilitated the observation of two live cases, allowing the scholars to witness the justice system in action firsthand. This immersive experience provided invaluable insight into courtroom dynamics, legal procedures, and the importance of upholding justice within society.

Throughout the day, the scholars were captivated by the professionalism and dedication exhibited by the courthouse staff in their respective roles. From the meticulous organization of case files by the clerk's office to the vigilant security measures implemented by the deputies, each department played a crucial part in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the court.

As the visit drew to a close, the scholars departed with newfound knowledge and appreciation for the complexities of the legal system. Their experience at the 7th Circuit Court not only broadened their horizons but also inspired them to pursue further exploration and engagement with matters of law and justice.

The excursion to the courthouse exemplified Southwestern Classical Academy's commitment to providing scholars with immersive learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom walls. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and civic awareness, such initiatives empower young individuals to become informed and responsible members of society, equipped to contribute positively to their communities and advocate for justice and equity.

We are thrilled to share the latest updates on the renovation projects happening across our Flint Community Schools campuses. Thanks to your support and dedication, we've been able to embark on significant improvements to enhance the learning environment for our scholars.

We invite you to take a virtual tour and view the progress of the renovations through a collection of photos now available on our website. Witness the transformation of our classrooms, common areas, and facilities as we strive to create safe, modern, and inspiring spaces for teaching and learning.

To view the renovation photos, simply click the image below or navigate to the Renovation Progress section on our website https://www.flintschools.org/o/fcs/page/school-renovations-and-infrastructure-updates. Here, you'll find a gallery showcasing before-and-after snapshots, as well as detailed insights into the upgrades and enhancements being made at each school.

We believe that these renovations not only improve the physical infrastructure of our schools but also symbolize our commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for our students. Your ongoing support and enthusiasm make all of this possible, and we are grateful for your partnership in this transformation journey.

Thank you for being a valued member of the Flint Community Schools family. We look forward to sharing more updates with you as we progress with our renovation projects.

(CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW THE VIDEO UPDATE.)

Stay Connected, Stay Updated! All upcoming events and notices are available under the District's Events on www.flintschools.org or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/flintcommunityschools. If you haven't already, download the app! Download for Android https://bit.ly/3t9skYw Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3ReLLa8 for news, updates, and events.

Building Spelling Bee champions crowned! District grade-level contests are set for March 19-21, 2024. Join us at Freeman Elementary starting at 11:00 AM. Winners move up to Genesee Intermediate School District for county-level showdowns in April! Let the spelling battles begin! Learn more about the spelling bee competition at the following link: https://www.flintschools.org/page/spelling-bee-competition

GISD County-wide Spelling Bee Competition

Monday, April 15, 2024 - Thursday, April 18, 2024

• Grade-level county-wide Spelling Bee competitions will take place during this week.

• County-wide competition location: All spelling bees will be conducted orally and in-person at the GISD Legacy Auditorium. A Zoom link will be provided for families who would like to attend the competition virtually.
  

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are thrilled to announce that Flint Community Schools will be hosting our annual Kindergarten Round-up, an event dedicated to welcoming our newest scholars into the school community! This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to learn more about our FREE kindergarten program, meet our dedicated staff, and begin their journey into elementary education.

At Kindergarten Round-up, you can expect:

• Information Sessions: Gain insight into our curriculum, extracurricular activities, and school policies. We'll address any questions or concerns you may have about your child's transition into kindergarten.
• Meet and Greet: Meet our enthusiastic kindergarten teachers and staff members who are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for your child.
• Registration Assistance: Our team will be on hand to assist you with the registration process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free enrollment experience.
  
• Fun Activities: Engage in fun and interactive activities designed to introduce your child to the excitement of kindergarten.

We understand that starting kindergarten is a significant milestone for both children and parents, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're a first-time parent or have older children who have already gone through kindergarten, we believe that Kindergarten Round-up will provide valuable information and resources to help make this transition as smooth as possible.

Please mark your calendars for this important event. We can't wait to meet you and your future kindergartener!

Bridging the Gap and a Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Our primary goal is to enhance the communication bridge between our schools and the community. With real-time updates and a wealth of resources at your fingertips, we aim to keep our families well-informed and engaged in their children's education. As we embrace this digital transformation, we remain committed to improving and updating our digital tools to meet the evolving needs of our community. We encourage our families, students, and staff to explore the new website and download the mobile app to stay connected with Flint Community Schools.

Please contact Bridgett Jones, District Communications Specialist at bjones@flintschools.org