it’s great to be gold
The
communicator
Corunna Public Schools
April 27, 2025
corunna public schools
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Kindergarten Registration
It is not too late to register for fall! Please click on the link below
notifying us of your interest. An electronic registration packet will
be emailed to you.
Please call (989) 743-4404 or email eeiseler@corunna.k12.mi.us with questions.
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2025-2026 CPS Parent Survey
Please click on the link below, (if you have not
done so already, to take a 30 second survey, if
you have not done so already, to help us plan for
the 2025-2026 school year.
Thank you!
CPS Community Breakfasts
The Community Breakfasts are held at
Corunna Middle School and begin at
8:45 a.m. in the cafeteria. We welcome
the opportunity to share Corunna news
and a continental breakfast (voluntary
donation) with you. To be able to
prepare, we would ask that you RSVP to
(989) 743-6338. A list of the remaining
2024-2025 dates are below. All
community members are welcome, so
please feel free to invite a friend or
neighbor!
Last breakfast for 2024-25
May 13
Our Lucky April Winner!
Community Breakfasts will not be held if
school is cancelled for the day.
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Corunna Odyssey of the Mind
Two Corunna Odyssey of the Mind teams have qualified for the 2025 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals! Thirteen students will be participating this year. It will cost each team member approximately $1,400 to participate in the World Finals. Any donations will be used to pay for the trip. None of it is used for administrative costs or other fundraising expenses.
It is both an honor and adventure for an Odyssey of the Mind team to advance to World Competition. The students have worked hard since September preparing for the Regional/State Competition. Corunna teams brought home first place and second place finishes allowing them to advance to World Competiton.
To finance the trip, the students will be raising funds through doantion drives. The World Finals will take place May 21-May 24 at Michigan State University.
If you would like to make a donation, please send checks payable to Corunna OM Boosters
CPS Odyssey of the Mind,
Attention Rosemary Johnson
2303 W. Beard Road
Perry, MI 48872
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EARTH DAY
Once a month, exploratory teachers join together to do a collaborative
activity with students at Elsa Meyer Elementary. This month the students
collected boxes to repurpose in celebration of Earth Day. Students
started out by seeing who could build the tallest tower. They also had the
opportunity to build a structure of their choice.
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This semester, students from the senior seminar classes at Corunna High School had the opportunity to visit GST Michigan Works in Owosso. During their visit, students toured the facility and explored the wide range of services Michigan Works offers. They met with staff from various departments, including career and employment coaches, who shared insights into job search strategies and professional development.
One highlight of the visit was learning about skilled training opportunities using virtual reality, particularly in the construction field. Students discovered that after completing VR-based training, they could be placed in on-the-job training positions to gain real-world experience.
In addition, the students were introduced to MI Talent Connect, Michigan’s online job search platform, where they learned how to find job opportunities suited to their interests and skills. Staff members also provided valuable feedback on students’ resumes, offering tips and suggestions for improvement.
The visit was an engaging and informative experience, helping students prepare for life after graduation by connecting them with real-world career resources.
Students gave a huge thank you to everyone at Michigan Works. They gave the kids an amazing experience.
Michigan Works
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Michigan Works
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Michigan Works
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Bill Lawson
April Employee of the Month
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Bill Lawson has been named the April 2025 Employee of the Month. Bill has been the boys and girls
tennis coach for 20+ years.
“Just as I care about each and every kid on our tennis teams, I believe the entire staff of Corunna
Schools cares about each student. And I’ve always felt and considered myself to be trusted by our
athletic directors over the years. Put more simply, Corunna cares,” said Bill.
“One thing that would surprise you to learn about me is that I went to Washington D.C. in 1971 to
protest against the Vietnam War. Later when we were withdrawing our troops, I joined the Navy to
help with the withdrawal. I love the USA and the freedoms we have here,” he said.
“Memories I will always carry with me are the kids, watching and helping them grow and gain
confidence in tennis and in themselve. What sets Corunna apart from other districts is that Corunna
Schools really care,” said Bill.
“My mother most positively influenced me in my life. She was a quiet, strong, intelligent, a thinker,
thoughtful, and wonderful human being. I was lucky,” said Bill.
Bill’s family includes his wife, Kelli, three daughters and son-in-laws and four grandchildren.
In his spare time, he enjoys tennis, walking, and a few 5K’s
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Donuts with Dad
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Puzzle Builders
Students are shown in Blake Golab’s STEM Classroom at Elsa Meyer Elementary.
Building puzzles is beneficial for both mental and physical health. It can improve cognitive skills like problem-solving, memory, and attention to detail, while also providing a relaxing and engaging activity that reduces stress and improves mood. Puzzles can also enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
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Dr. Joseph T. Spaniola, a 1981 Corunna High School graduate, is a composer on a passionate quest to engage the hearts
and minds of audiences and performers through the communicative powers of music. He studied music at the University
of North Texas, Michigan State University, and Boston University. Currently, Dr. Spaniola is a Professor of Music, and
the Director of Music Theory and Jazz Studies at the University of West Florida. Prior to joining UWF, he was the Chief
Composer/Arranger for The US Air Force Academy Band. Works by the composer are available through Giroux Music,
Musica Propria, Kagarice Brass Editions, Tuba Euphonium Press, and Joseph T. Spaniola Music. The composer is a
PARMA Recordings artist with releases on their Navona Records and Big Round Records labels.
As an active composer, arranger, educator, conductor, lecturer, producer, clinician, and adjudicator, Dr. Spaniola has
composed works for band, orchestra, chamber ensembles, solo instruments, voice, choir, and electronic tape. His works
have received honors from National Band Association, The American Prize, Global Music Awards, Florida State Music
Teachers Association, Dallas Wind Symphony, and others. His compositions have been performed and recorded by
ensembles in North America, Europe, Japan, South America, Israel, China, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Furthermore, he has worked on projects for a wide variety of artists, ensembles, and institutions across the US, Europe
and Japan including Reneé Fleming, Sammy Nestico, the London Symphony Orchestra, Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra,
Brno Philharmonic, Rick Nielsen (of Cheap Trick), Frank Sinatra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet, the
Boston Brass, the NdBrass, Paul Compton, the Eastern Wind Symphony, the White House Historical Association, Buick,
Chrysler, and others. His works have been premiered or presented at conferences and festivals hosted by the College Music
Society, American Bandmasters Association, International Trombone Association, International Clarinet Association,
International Double Reed Society, The Midwest Clinic, International Trumpet Guild, the Tuba/Euphonium Conference,
North American Saxophone Alliance, and others.
For more information on Joseph T. Spaniola, visit: www.josephspaniola.com
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Egg Hunt in Second Grade
Pictured are students in Kelly Fry’s classroom.
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Egg Hunt
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Egg Hunt
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Band Concert April 22
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Band Concert April 22
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Band Concert April 22
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April Volunteer of the Month
Kelly Scarrow
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Kelly is generous with her time as the Elsa Meyer PTO Treasurer.
Kelly said, “Volunteering for Corunna Public Schools has been such a rewarding experience for me. I truly enjoy
being part of a community that cares so deeply about its students. Getting to know the kids, watching them grow,
and being able to support the staff in any way I can, brings me so much joy. It means a lot to me to give back to a
place that feels like family and to help create a positive, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone.”
“I began volunteering at Corunna Public Schools after my son Kole became sick with a brain tumor. During one of
the most difficult times in our lives, the love, compassion, and support we received from the staff and school
community meant everything to our family. Their kindness left a lasting impact on me, and it inspired me to give
back in any way I could. Volunteering has become a way for me to stay connected, show my gratitude, and be part
of the same caring community that once lifted us up,” said Kelly.
Kelly said, “One of my favorite memories from volunteering is seeing the pure joy on the kids’ faces as they shop
for their loved ones during Santa’s Workshop. Watching them thoughtfully pick out gifts and beam with
excitement, knowing they’re doing something kind for someone they care about, is truly heartwarming. It’s the
moments like those that remind me how special this school community is and why I love being a part of it.”
Kelly and her husband, Jeffrey, have three children, Kole Scarrow, Aurora Scarrow, and Sherry Blair.
In her spare time, Kelly likes to spend time with her kids and family.
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Cavalier Rewind
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Cavalier Rewind
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Cavalier Rewind
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Cavalier Rewind
Stay up-to-date
on events,
holiday breaks,
and more.
Corunna
Calendar
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Come Join the
Transportation Department
The Transportation Department is looking for substitute and regular drivers. Call (989) 743-4666 and join the Cavalier team today!
Join the team to be the first school employee to greet students in the morning and to say good night at the end of the day. You would be providing safe transportation for our most precious cargo to and from school, for field trips, special activities, and athletic contests.
Bus drivers also have the opportunity, at Corunna, to be employed year-round. All bus drivers and their eligible family members automatically become members of our Cavalier Health Clinic, featuring no-copay for visits or prescriptions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Current CDL w/CB and PS endorsement preferred
Prefer experience as a driver (district is willing to train)
Satisfactory driving record
Satisfactory passing of physical and substance testing
Willingness to accept extra trips
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Athletic Club
Corunna
come and join the team
The Corunna Athletic Club is run
entirely by volunteers. Their
purpose is to encourage and
support Corunna’s student athletes
and sporting activities. They are
committed to financially
supporting improvements of the
school’s athletic programs by
assisting in new uniform purchases,
specialized athletic equipment, and
funds for team banquets. The club
takes pride in honoring
outstanding athletes with college
scholarships and purchasing special
recognition patches and pins.
The Athletic Club needs your help
as we continue to expand our
efforts to support Corunna
athletics and student athletes. If
your child participates in a CHS
sport, a liaison will be reaching out
to you. If you have a student
athlete or would just like to
support Corunna athletics, please
contact the CAC at
CorunnaAthleticClub@gmail.com
Officers
Candice Osika - President
Brenda Vowell - Vice President
Amy Garrett - Secretary
Bill Graham - Treasurer
Middle School Athletic Director
Steve Herrick
High School Athletic Director
Chris Deines
Meetings are held the last Sunday of every month in the
Corunna High School media center and begin at 6:00 p.m.
Athletic Club Crew
Brenda Vowell is shown with
Bob Mattiesen with Pop-ity
Popcorn Co. as she receives
an order for the Athletic
Club’s concession stand at
Nick Annese Stadium.
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Next Year’s Calendar 2025-2026