Hemlock Public School District - Innovate, Collaborate, Educate

Happy School Communicator Day Today, we recognize and thank Joy McMillan, who plays a key role in helping Hemlock Public School District look as great as it feels. From designing eye-catching graphics to keeping our communications clear and professional, Joy makes sure our messages reflect the pride we have in our schools. Her creativity, attention to detail, and steady behind-the-scenes work help us stay connected with our community. We appreciate all that you do, Joy—thank you for helping us share our story, one design at a time. #SchoolCommunicatorDay #HemlockStrong #BehindTheScenes #PullTheSled

Love of the Arts – A Celebration of Creativity and Community The region’s largest one-day student art show was a huge success! Love of the Arts brought together incredible visual art, delicious culinary creations, and powerful student performances—all under one roof. The night was a vibrant reminder of the talent and passion our students bring to the stage, the canvas, and the kitchen. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing fine and culinary arts teachers, led by Mrs. Rae Ann Woodcock, for orchestrating an unforgettable event that truly showcased the heart of Hemlock. #LoveOfTheArts #HemlockLovesArt #StudentTalent #ArtsEducation #PullTheSled

Hemlock Board of Education honors teachers from each of the four school buildings at their regular May meeting, as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week. If you are reading this, thank a teacher! #PullTheSled

At Hemlock Elementary, learning goes beyond the textbook. Each day, our young Huskies have experiences that spark curiosity, foster independence, and build a lifelong love of learning. Through exploration and discovery, students realize that learning can be engaging and rewarding. They are not just learning content, but how to think critically and solve problems. What looks like painting now could be the start of these young Huskies becoming the world’s next inventors or explorers. Our educators continue to find creative ways to bring lessons to life. By incorporating joy into the learning process, they help students connect more deeply with what they learn and with each other. #HemlockHuskies #JoyOfLearning #CuriousMinds #ElementaryExplorers #PullTheSled #PackMentality #BringTheMagic

Way to go, Anna Nurnberg! Congratulations on a great season so far—your hard work, dedication, and hustle are showing! Keep it up, and finish strong. We’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Today, we're delighted to shine a light on Noreen Zastrow, the dedicated Dean of Students at K.C. Ling Elementary School! Noreen's connection to the Huskie Pack runs deep, as her children began attending Hemlock Schools back in 2010. She officially joined the Hemlock Middle School team in the fall of the 2019-2020 school year and has been a vital part of our community ever since. What Noreen cherishes most about her role is the daily interaction with students, staff, and parents. She finds immense fulfillment in this collaborative environment. In her capacity as Dean of Students at the elementary level, Noreen plays a crucial role in supporting the health of our youngest Huskies. She provides essential social-emotional lessons to all students in grades 1-4, equipping them with foundational skills for navigating their emotions and relationships. Additionally, Noreen offers targeted support to students who need extra guidance through small group and individual sessions, ensuring that every child feels seen and supported. Noreen firmly believes that mental, emotional, and physical wellness are paramount in schools. She understands that students who develop strong social and emotional skills are more resilient, better equipped to cope with the everyday challenges life throws their way, and ultimately more successful. One key insight Noreen wishes more people understood about her work is that many students enter school with underdeveloped social skills. Just like any other academic subject, these crucial skills require explicit teaching and consistent practice to flourish. Noreen's heart for her students and their journey is beautifully reflected in her three favorite passages. "The Starfish" reminds us that even seemingly small acts of kindness can make a world of difference to an individual. Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" speaks to the power of individual choices and the unique paths we forge. Finally, "Don't Quit" offers a powerful message of perseverance and resilience in the face of life's inevitable challenges. These passages embody Noreen's dedication to supporting each student on their unique path to growth and success. And a fascinating fact about Noreen? She has a deep love for history! Thank you, Noreen, for your long-standing commitment to the Hemlock community and for your tireless work in nurturing the social and emotional well-being of our Ling Elementary students! #StaffSpotlight #ElementaryEducation #StudentSupport #SocialEmotionalLearning #HemlockPride #PullTheSled

The “Leader of the Pack” program is more than an accolade; it’s a cornerstone of our Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) system, fostering a culture where positive actions are recognized and celebrated at both our elementary school buildings. By spotlighting students who go above and beyond, we inspire others to emulate these behaviors, creating a ripple effect of positivity throughout our schools.  To all our Leaders of the Pack: your dedication, kindness, and leadership set a shining example for your peers. Keep leading the way, Huskies

Thanks to Sports Image Inc. and local Farm Bureau Insurance agent Megan Beldyga for an incredible opportunity. Through their "OPERATION AED" program, Hemlock High School is being offered a FREE AED. This life-saving initiative will provide a fully automatic AED, a "Stop The Bleed" kit, and more. This is all at zero cost to the district. This amazing partnership will help ensure our students' and staff's safety and well-being. #HemlockStrong #StudentSafety #CommunitySupport #OPERATIONAED #FarmBureau #SportsImageInc #ThankYou

The Arts Are Alive in Hemlock! This past weekend, Hemlock Public School District showcased the incredible talents of our students: Hemlock Middle School Theatre dazzled audiences with three sold-out performances of Night at the Wax Museum, bringing history to life with humor and heart. Hemlock Band Program filled the air with music during their Spring Concert at the Legacy Gymnasium located at Hemlock High School, delivering one of the most memorable performances in recent years. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 6, when Hemlock High School transforms into the region’s largest one-day student art exhibition during our annual Love of the Arts Night. Experience a vibrant celebration of creativity, featuring artwork from K-12 students, live performances, and culinary delights. Join us in celebrating the arts and the amazing talents of our students. #HemlockArts #StudentShowcase #CommunitywithTalent

Join our Conversation. Parents, grandparents, and community members—you're invited to listen in on this meaningful discussion as we explore The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Together, we’ll explore how technology and modern culture are shaping our kids and what we can do to support them. Whether you've read every chapter or just want to listen in, your voice matters. Let’s come together, learn, and lead with purpose. 💬 #AnxiousGeneration #CommunityConversation #HemlockStrong #StrongerTogether Follow the link to tune in: https://hemlockhuskies.podbean.com/e/join-the-conversation-the-anxious-generation/

A New Era of Innovation Begins at Hemlock. Today, we proudly celebrated a major milestone in our commitment to innovation, hands-on learning, and future-ready education, the addition of the KEEL Innovation Center to the Lockwood STEM Center at Hemlock Public School District. This exciting new space features a 3D Printing Lab, LEGO Engineering Lab, Computer & Coding Lab, Electronics Lab, Collaborative Meeting Area The KEEL Innovation Center is more than a collection of labs, it’s a launchpad for creativity, curiosity, and discovery. It will serve not only the students of Hemlock but learners throughout the region, empowering the next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders. We are deeply grateful to our generous partners for making this vision a reality: Hemlock Semiconductor, KEEL, Pumford Construction, Case Systems, and many other sponsors whose support continues to elevate opportunities for our students. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Tom and Dana Lockwood, whose dedication to STEM education has been instrumental in growing and shaping the Lockwood STEM Center into what it is today. Together, we’re building more than facilities, we’re building futures. #KEELInnovationCenter #LockwoodSTEMCenter #HemlockHuskies #STEMeducation #HuskieInnovation #PullTheSled #PackMentality #FutureReady

Join the Huskie Pack. We're seeking a passionate and student-centered Elementary Assistant Principal to help shape the future of our Pre-K-5 learners. We want to hear from you if you're a collaborative leader who champions growth and innovation. Help us cultivate a culture of belonging and support instructional excellence. Learn more and apply today. https://hemlockps.bamboohr.com/careers/214

Celebrating a Legacy of Dedication -Thank You, Dana Lockwood Earlier today, the streets of Hemlock were filled with smiles, cheers, and gratitude as we held a special parade to honor an extraordinary educator, alum, and friend, Mrs. Dana Lockwood, on her well-earned retirement. Dana’s roots in Hemlock Public School District run deep. A proud graduate of our schools, she followed in the footsteps of her father, the late Larry Gariglio, who served as Hemlock's superintendent for over two decades. For the past 30 years, Dana has poured her heart into our district, teaching Business Systems Technology, Accounting, and more, impacting countless students with her knowledge, encouragement, and commitment. Beyond the classroom, Dana and her husband Tom Lockwood have left a lasting mark on our school community. Together, they helped launch our Robotics Team and played a key role in establishing the Lockwood STEM Center, a space that continues to inspire innovation and curiosity in students today. We are forever grateful for Dana’s service and deep love for Hemlock. Her legacy is embedded in our district and will continue to inspire generations to come. Please join us in celebrating Dana and wishing her all the best in this next chapter. #HemlockHuskies #OnceAHuskieAlwaysAHuskie #ThankYouMrsLockwood #HuskiePride #PullTheSled #PackMentality

Congratulations to Clara Love for being selected as our Middle School Student of the Month. 🌟 Clara is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrates focus, determination, and a genuine passion for learning. She contributes thoughtful insights to class discussions and brings a mature, respectful attitude to everything she does. Her writing is a true joy to read—so rich and insightful that she could easily be an author one day! In science, Clara collaborates beautifully with her peers during experiments, always bringing a positive and productive energy to group work. Her recent progress in band has been nothing short of impressive—despite being new to the class, she has caught up to her peers with remarkable speed. Her love for music is evident and inspires those around her. Clara's curiosity, work ethic, and kindness set her apart. She consistently asks meaningful questions, strives to fully understand content, and treats everyone with respect. Clara is truly a joy to have in class and is more than deserving of this recognition. She is one of the finest students I’ve ever had the pleasure of teaching! #HemlockHuskies #LeadersOfThePack #PullTheSled

Paige Gilbert - A Champion for Our Students Today, we shine a light on Paige Gilbert, a dedicated member of the Huskie Pack for the past three years! As a school social worker in special education, Paige's passion for her students shines through in everything she does. She describes her role as an opportunity to be a voice of support, an advocate for equity, and a steady presence for students navigating significant challenges. There's a special joy, Paige shares, in helping students overcome barriers, celebrating their progress (big or small), and witnessing their social, emotional, and academic growth. Paige plays a vital role in supporting the holistic health of our students, nurturing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Building trusting relationships is paramount in her work, as students often rely on these strong connections to feel safe and supported. Paige emphasizes the importance of promoting emotional regulation through tailored strategies and collaborating closely with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure IEPs and 504 plans are truly aligned with each student's unique needs. She also champions positive peer interactions and connects families with essential outside resources. Paige passionately believes that mental, emotional, and physical wellness are crucial in schools, especially within special education, as they directly impact a student's ability to learn and thrive. By prioritizing overall wellness, schools create a safe and supportive environment where every student can reach their full potential. One thing Paige wishes more people understood is the profound importance of inclusion for students with special needs, fostering equity, respect, and a true sense of belonging for all learners. Paige's personal mantra, which she shares with students and families, is a powerful reminder: "Every child can learn—just not always on the same day or in the same way. Progress over perfection!" And for a fun fact? Paige has rocked out at over 30 concerts! Thank you, Paige, for your unwavering dedication to our students and for being such a vital part of the Huskie Pack! #StaffSpotlight #SpecialEducation #SchoolSocialWorker #StudentSupport #HemlockPride #PullTheSled

Bridge Ahead | Big steps are coming for our Huskies—and we’re building the bridge to help them cross with confidence. 📅 On Friday, May 16, both our 4th and 8th grade students will take part in special 'Bridge the Gap' experiences during the school day. ➡️ 4th graders will visit Hemlock Middle School to explore what’s ahead in 5th grade. ➡️ 8th graders will head over to Hemlock High School to get a feel for their next chapter. These milestone moves—from elementary to middle, and middle to high school—can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. Our goal is to make them feel informed, encouraged, and ready for what’s next. Let’s cross this bridge together. #BridgeDay #HemlockHuskies #HemlockStrong #Huskietastic #Since1863

Help us celebrate 30 incredible years with Mrs. Lockwood. 🎉 We're hosting The Dana Parade on May 2nd at 10:00 AM on Pine Street, by the Lockwood STEM Center. Come be part of the fun as we honor this incredible woman and her lasting impact on our students, school, and community. #HemlockHuskies #Huskietastic #BringTheMagic

What an incredible night! Our First Annual Community Resource Night was a huge success, thanks to the amazing support from our community partners, families, and friends. From mental health resources to housing support, financial assistance, school programs, and so much more – it was inspiring to see so many connections made and smiles shared. A big thank you to everyone who took part in making this event special — from the organizations who shared their time and expertise to the families who showed up to learn, laugh, and connect. We’re already looking forward to next year! #HemlockStrong #BetterTogether #Since1863

ICYMI: We See You. We Appreciate You. At Hemlock Public School District, we deeply value our senior citizens—their wisdom, their stories, and the foundational role they continue to play in our community. That’s why we’ve been intentional about creating opportunities for connection and celebration with a four-part series of events just for them: 🎉 Two rounds of Senior Citizen Bingo 🦃 Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner honoring veterans 🌸 The Community Pep Club Spring Brunch 🏈 Plus, free sports passes to all home games so they can cheer on the Huskie Pack in person! But we’re not stopping there. We're currently working on launching a Senior Citizen Walking Program—another way to stay active and stay connected. Seniors, we see you. We appreciate you. And we’re here for you. Want to learn more or get involved? Give us a call at 989.642.5282. #HemlockStrong #BetterTogether #PullTheSled #CommunityMatters

Hemlock Varsity Poms 5K Color Run | Join us on Saturday, June 1st at 8:00 AM at Richland Township Park for a fun-filled Color Run to help fundraise for our summer camp training! 🎟 Registration Fee: $35 Card Payments: https://gofan.co/event/3541219?schoolId=MI4353 Cash or Check: https://forms.gle/HLAYcCZL86MKcaFD6 Questions? Please reach out to Coach Jenna: pompon_hs@hemlockps.com #HemlockHuskies #PullTheSled