Hemlock Public School District - Innovate, Collaborate, Educate

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

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

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

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...and basketball season 🎄🏀 Huskies, Hoops and Holidays, the perfect combination! #PullTheSled #TrimTheTree #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

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

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

#WednesdayWisdom #HemlockStrong #BetterTogether

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

Shout out to Biggby of Hemlock for sponsoring our holiday hot cocoa bar at our December regular board meeting. #ThankYou #PullTheSled #HemlockStrong

Delivering joy and comfort at K.C. Ling Elementary as part of our #Huskietastic Classroom Makeover Initiative! 📚✨ Mrs. Hingston's 4th-grade class welcomed a stylish new sofa for their reading area this week. Special shoutout to these awesome 3rd-grade boys who lent a hand and even tested it out with Superintendent Killingbeck. 🛋️ #HemlockHuskies #BetterTogether #ClassroomMakeover

It's #TeacherFeature Tuesday and today we're featuring the joyful Jordan Yax, a Kindergarten teacher at Hemlock Elementary. We wanted you to get to know Ms. Yax a little better, so here are some fun facts about her: • A song she could listen to on repeat is Africa by Toto. • She has always wanted to be a teacher. They had a school desk in the basement and used to get free out-of-date text books from the school. She would print math practice and force her younger brother to do them. • If she won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, she'd travel back to Australia and then come back to open her own early childhood center. She said she would also spend a lot of time volunteering to walk dogs at the animal shelters (and maybe take a few home). • We asked her if there's anything her students may be surprised to find out about her and she shared that it's that she probably likes the Go Noodle dance breaks more than they do. • She hopes her students remember her classroom as a family and that each child gets to shine in their own way. They learn a lot but also have fun doing it! She hopes they remember her as the teacher that would play on the playground and as a voice that reminded them that they can achieve anything. We’re so thrilled to have you in our Huskie Pack, Ms. Yax! #Huskietastic #Since1863 #HPSDPackLeader #HemlockStrong #HemlockHuskies

Exciting News, Huskies! 🌟 We are unveiling our long-awaited Huskie Swag Catalog just in time for the holiday season! 🎄🎁 Wrap up your Christmas shopping with exclusive Huskie Apparel 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! Check out the catalog (https://qrco.de/beaVxm) and when you're ready to order, simply call or email us, or stop by and shop: 📞 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

Savoring moments and munchies at Ling Elementary 🌮📚 These little Huskies love to play, learn and refuel in packs. #HuskiesRunInPacks #HemlockHuskies #BetterTogether #Since1863

Inspiring the next generation of innovators 🚀 Our young Hemlock Huskies dive into the world of LEGO robotics at the Lockwood STEM Center. Because at Hemlock Middle School, we believe you're never too young to create, engineer, and play in the STEM universe 💡 #HemlockHuskies #WeAreInnovators #STEMEducation #Huskietastic

This week's #StaffSpotlight is on the caring Karen Stine, a secretary at the Middle School who has worked for Hemlock Public School District for 17 years. We wanted you to get to know the powerhouse behind the middle school front desk, so here are some fun nuggets of information you may not know about her: • The worst fashion decision she's ever made was the perm she had in 1983. • A song she could listen to on repeat is September by Earth, Wind and Fire. • We asked her what HPSD students and families might be surprised to find out about her and she shared that she met her husband by winning a contest on the radio station that he worked at 34 years ago. • Her greatest accomplishment that fills her with pride? Her daughters. Her youngest was married in June, and her oldest gave her the amazing role of being a grandma in September. • A quote she lives her live by is: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" from Maya Angelou. We’re grateful you’re part of the Huskie Pack, Ms. Karen! #PackLeaders #Huskietastic #BetterTogether #Since1863