Jack Schneider's "Pandora's Serpentine Heart" ceramic box was selected to be among the artwork at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Juried High School Area Show. The show is May 19 to June 10. The juried exhibition celebrates works of high school artists living in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Jopseh and Van Buren counties. Schneider, a junior, said this is his first year taking art classes at the high school. His ceramic piece is based on the myth of Pandora.
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The Thornapple Kellogg School Board is pleased to announce that Rob Blitchok will be the district’s next superintendent. The Board voted unanimously on Monday night to enter into contract talks with Mr. Blitchok. He will begin July 1.

Mr. Blitchok is currently the assistant superintendent overseeing business and finance, human resources, facilities, transportation, and food service. He came to Thornapple Kellogg in 2014. Prior to coming to TK, he was a teacher, varsity wrestling coach, and principal at Forest Hills Public Schools. He has also served on the Grandville School Board.

The Board interviewed him Monday before an audience of staff, administrators and parents.

Board members agreed that he meets the expectations expressed by the Board, staff and community. Stakeholders said they want a collaborative leader who drives continuous improvement in student learning. They also said they want a transparent leader who will communicate clearly and consistently with the public and with staff to keep people informed.

Mr. Blitchok holds a law degree from Wayne State University, a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Western Michigan University, and a Graduate Teacher Certification from Grand Valley State University. Prior to going into education, he worked in corporate finance.

The Board extends its gratitude to the all who participated in surveys, focus groups, and the interview.

Mr. Blitchok will succeed Superintendent Tom Enslen, who has been an educator for 35 years and Thornapple Kellogg’s top administrator for the last six years.
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Brittany Brown knows that dressing up makes everything fun, including contractions — which can be a bit tricky for 6-year-olds to understand.
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Although they are just beginning their school careers, it won't be long before today's kindergarteners will be planning their futures and heading off to colleges, trade schools and other post-high school learning.
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Inspired by texts from a pilot program called "Reading Street," Lee Elementary students in Nathan Fischer's class felt the need to help out their community in some way. They decided to focus on their furry friends in the community, so they contacted the Barry County Animal Shelter to see how they could help.
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Middle school students will turn back time with the Ingalls and Olsen families in their production of "Little House on the Prairie: The Spelling Bee." There are 37 students involved in the play directed by Vickie St. John. Performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. March 22 and 23 in the high school auditorium.
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Three Thornapple Kellogg Odyssey of the Mind teams have advanced to the World competition after finishing first or second at the state last weekend. Two teams will represent the high school and one team will represent the middle school. TK also sent three teams to the World Finals last year, including some of the same students who will be advancing this year.
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