Carol Slagh and Tom DenHerder have been re-elected to their respective positions as president and vice president of the Zeeland Board of Education. The vote by their fellow board members took place during the board’s organizational meeting July 1 in the Zeeland Public Schools administration building.  To check the Board's meeting schedule for 2010-2011, click HERE. 

A large crowd was on hand  May 27 in the Zeeland West High School cafeteria to honor the careers of 14 individuals who made a difference in the lives of our children. The work experience represented by the group totals 406 years!  Among them were 10 teachers, one counselor, a bus driver, a principal, and an assistant superintendent.  The late announcement by the state of an incentive plan for retirees could result in more individuals coming forward to announce their retirement.  We will promptly update the list as necessary.

Our list of retirees is shown below as well as the number of years they have worked at their current job or in another position at Zeeland Public Schools. 

• Summit graduation May 20
• Geocaching . . . the new hide and seek
• Rachel's Challenge . . . Creekside steps up

The decision has been made: tonight's Zeeland West High School graduation ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. in Zeeland Stadium, according to Principal Colleen Johnson. Because of the stadium location, no tickets will be needed for entry.

A celebration for five Summit School seniors Thursday night, May 20, kicks off the graduation season at Zeeland Public Schools. Family and friends will gather at 6:30 p.m. in the Zeeland East auxiliary gym to honor the accomplishments of Leon Faucett, Alexandrea Hernandez, Katelyn VanOrder, Kris Velthuis and Misty Williams. Each year, the Summit seniors "circle up" with parents close by.  Summit Director Roberta Brown Parker introduces each graduation candidate and describes in detail each student's climb to the top. 

That's Entertainment will delight audiences May 14 and 15 with choreography inspired by the best that movies, the theater, and television have to offer.  This year's concert opens with the crowd-pleasing Fame. Other highlights including music from the soundtracks of  Harry Potter, The Lion King and Legally Blond. Dance styles featured include lyrical, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, modern, African, tap, Irish, and musical theater. Performances take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at DeWitt Auditorium.  Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students.NOTE: A special matinee featuring the talents of dancers from Cityside Middle School, Zeeland Recreation, and Dance I and Dance IIA happens at noon, May 15. Matinee tickets are $6. 

• For more details, click HERE. 
• To view a photo gallery, click HERE.

All students who want to participate in middle and high school sports next school year need to get a physical.  Sports physicals will be given by area physicians starting at 6 p.m. on May 25 at Zeeland East High School.  Athletes from either high school or middle school are invited to come and must be accompanied by a parent. Please bring health insurance information.   The cost is $10 cash. 

Here is the schedule for physicals, based on the first letter of the athlete's last name: 

• A-G—6 p.m.
• H-M—6:30 p.m.
• N-R—7 p.m.
• S-Z—7:30 p.m.

A $20.275 million bond issue okayed February 22 by the Zeeland Board of Education is designed to handle growth needs without increasing the 6.63 millage levy. 

"This plan is community driven and handles continued growth during tough economic times," Superintendent Gary Feenstra said. "We feel it provides what's best for children."

The bond proposal is based on four key areas.  
1. Growth.  We’ve gained 600 students in the last five years alone.

2.  A clear path ahead. Our community told us they want to see kindergarten returned to our elementary buildings. and clearly defined path of how their children move through elementary, middle school, and high school. 

3. The need for instructional technology improvements.

4.  Safety and security for students and staff. 

For more details, visit our Facebook page, "Building Our Future Together"  HERE.