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IMPACT REPORT2023/2024 ACADEMIC YEAR’24START STRONG.STAY STRONG.FINISH STRONG.
2 2024 IMPACT REPORTPAWS Facility Dog, Mystic, visiting an elementary classroom.
3JPSONLINE.ORGFEATURES6 Commencement8 Featured Staff9 Featured Alum10 2024 JPS BondNEWS5 Letter from the Superintendent14 Annual Report16 News and Highlights18 Wildcat Way19 AthleticsBOARD OF EDUCATIONAmanda PetermanPresidentDr. Eric HartmenVice PresidentJennifer PostemaBoard SecretaryWilliam WaalkesTrusteeDr. Chris ReedTreasurerDr. Jennifer GrifnTrusteeDonna MooneyTrusteeADMINISTRATION OFFICERSDr. Brandon GrahamSuperintendentLeslie PhilippsAssistant Superintendent Kristy RogallaDirector of Teaching & LearningJulie RobyDirector of Student ServicesChristine MarcyDirector of Finance & OperationsBen HuffDirector of Brand CommunicationsSCHOOL LEADERSHIPDr. Michael LeiterPrincipal, Sr. High SchoolBrett CataldoPrincipal, Jr. High PrincipalSamuel LemmonPrincipal, Bauerwood ElementaryDr. Rachael Postle-BrownPrincipal, Bursley ElementaryLloyd GingerichPrincipal, El Puente ElementaryAmy WierzbickiPrincipal, Pinewood ElementaryLuke VerbeekPrincipal, Rosewood ElementaryJon MrozPrincipal, Sandy Hill ElementaryCrystal MorseExecutive Director, Early Childhood Center & Outdoor EducationDr. Rebekah RedmerExecutive Director of Innovative Programming, Jenison Innovation AcademyKrista OsterbergPrincipal, Jenison Innovation AcademyCONTENTS
4 2024 IMPACT REPORTJPS marching band performs at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 23, 2023.
5JPSONLINE.ORGI am thrilled to present our District Impact Report for the 2023-2024 school year—a year lled with many achieve-ments, signicant milestones, and a collec-tive commitment to our students’ success.As we reect on the past year, one of the highlights that stands out is the suc-cessful passage of the $117 million bond proposal. This monumental achievement demonstrates our community’s dedi-cation to investing in our schools and provides us with the resources needed to enhance our facilities, improve safety measures, and create optimal learning environments for our students.A MOMENT TO REFLECTBeyond the passing of the bond pro-posal, our students have made tremen-dous strides in their educational journey. From academic accomplishments like over 800 Advanced Placement exams completed to extracurricular achieve-ments like our marching band perform-ing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, our students have demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination, and excellence in all aspects of their education. As they prepare for their next steps, whether it be college, career, or beyond, I am condent that they are well-equipped to succeed in whatever path they choose to pursue.None of these achievements would have been possible without the collective eorts of our dedicated sta, supportive parents, engaged community members, and, most importantly, our outstanding students. Together, we have worked tire-lessly to uphold our commitment to excel-lence and ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.“ Together, we have worked tirelessly to uphold our commitment to excellence and ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”SUPERINTENDENT DR. GRAHAMAs we celebrate our successes and look ahead to the future, let us remain stead-fast in our commitment to providing the highest quality education for all students. With your continued support and partner-ship, I am condent that we will continue to make strides in unlocking the potential of every student and building a brighter future for our community.Thank you for your dedication to Jenison Public Schools and for being an integral part of our continued success.
6 2024 IMPACT REPORTFEATURESAs she gazed at thousands in the stands and hundreds of graduates on the football eld, 2024 Valedictorian Ella Chateld paused her speech, grabbed her phone and snapped two seles.She had just explained that many people don’t appreciate their moment until it’s passed and she wasn’t about to miss her experience of speaking at commencement.Chateld, who plans to attend Davenport University this fall for soccer and busi-ness, said she was honored to speak for the Class of 2024. As she reected on her four years at Jenison Senior High School, she realized her aca-demic honors paled in com-parison to the relationships she made along the way.“It is always about these bonds and experiences. Noth-ing in life is more important than that,” Chateld said. “…Never forget to invest in your relationships.”A few minutes later, Chateld walked down the stage with a big smile on her face. She returned to her seat, and cele-brated with her friend sitting next to her, basking in the moment and the connection.The 2024 Jenison Commence-ment was lled with a theme of connection and support from beginning to end. Superintendent Dr. Brandon Graham reminded graduates to look at the people in the stands who have supported and sacriced for them so they could make it to gradu-ation day. He also expressed gratitude to the parents for allowing Jenison Public Schools to make a connection with their students.“Thank you for putting your trust in JPS to help educate your students,” Graham said.He encouraged students to bask in the nostalgia of their journey, celebrate their growth, and know they are always welcome here moving forward.“Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat,” Graham said. “We love you guys.”Ah’ Nyah Dudley, a senior at Jenison International Academy, spoke about how she received so much support from JPS, which isn’t the case for every high school student in the country.“Jenison was an outstanding choice for a high school,” she said. Finally, during the Senior Tas-sel Ceremony, Seniors Bryan Tower and Sara Postle recognized coaches, teach-ers, parents, and family members as important mentors along the way.“Not a single one of us sitting here tonight was able to make it alone,” Postle said.Congratulations Class of 2024!“ It is always about these bonds and experiences. Nothing in life is more important than that.” - Ella Chateld, 2024 ValedictorianClass of2024
7JPSONLINE.ORG1,000+COLLEGE LEVEL COURSESTAKEN BY DUAL ENROLLED AND AP STUDENTS$4.5MIN SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATES439851APSTUDENTSAPEXAMSSENIOR SURVIVOR RAISED $35,000371GRADUATESWILDCAT PREP GRADUATES18
8 2024 IMPACT REPORT56 years of blessingsAfter serving Jenison Public Schools since 1968, Counselor Terry Dykstra retiresWhen the speaker an-nounced to the crowd that Counselor Terry Dykstra was retiring aer 56 years at Jenison Senior High School, he quietly walked onto the oor and waved to the gymnasium full of students and sta.What started as a typical assembly cheer quickly turned into a passionate standing ovation that lasted more than 30 seconds. Around here, loyalty sparks admiration.It was as if the entire school realized the magnitude of his accomplishment and couldn’t help but celebrate a person who dedicated his whole working life to one place.For the man in the corner of the gymnasium, the appreciation he has felt from the Jenison community the past few weeks has been incredible. Thousands of likes and hundreds of comments on social media, countless emails, rewarding conversations, and now this.Dykstra raised up both of his arms, then put his hand on his chest, and nally pointed to the crowd. It was clear he had made a dierence.“That’s been a huge encouragement to me,” he said about all the positive feedback.He began his school counseling ca-reer at Jenison in 1968. Back then, there wasn’t even a senior high building yet so he worked out of the junior high. And remarkably he has stayed in the same position ever since.“I came in as a coun-selor and I am leaving as a counselor,” Dykstra said. Working with students and helping them solve their problems kept him motivated all these years. “The kids, they bring a sense of accomplish-ment,” he said. His com-mitment to the district gave him the opportunity to support generations of families.“He was my counselor in the 90s and we had the blessing of him being our oldest daughter’s counselor who is just about to graduate,” Sara Snell commented for an April 18, 2024 Face-book post announcing his retirement. “He is the most caring, empathetic, and positive man. We will miss him.”Others pointed out that because he was the exchange student point sta member for decades his impact spans far beyond the Jenison borders.“The number of students and com-munity members Terry has positively impacted is pretty much beyond comprehension,” Dave Tchozewski com-mented on the same Facebook post. “...Terry Dykstra is basically the ‘Caitlin Clark’ of school counselors.”What’s next? Dyks-tra plans to spend more time with his wife of 57 years, three sons, and 14 grandchildren. Which also means more skiing in As-pen, Colorado, his favorite spot to hit the slopes. And more time to volunteer.He is excited to make the most of each day moving forward. “I count every day as a blessing,” he said.FEATURES“Terry Dykstra is basically the ‘Caitlin Clark’ of school counselors.”
9JPSONLINE.ORGJenison graduate wins prestigious Barry M. Goldwater ScholarshipRecent Jenison graduate Libby Ashby feels the robust Jenison AP program prepared her well for the success she is experiencing at the next level. Ashby, class of 2021, re-cently earned the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Schol-arship. She was one of 438 scholars across the country to receive the award, which provides $7,500 per year in funding. “I was pretty shocked at rst. The chances are very low for winning the award. It will basically get you into grad school anywhere,” Ashby said a few weeks aer nding out. “Even now … I am still trying to wrap my head around it. It’s such a huge honor.”She is studying geolog-ical sciences and chemistry and conducting research at Michigan State University. Ashby is pursuing a career in geochemistry research, with a focus on metamorphic rocks. “Libby Ashby is a stellar student with an incredible drive towards discovery,” Dr. Angela Wilson, a professor in the MSU Department of Chemistry, said in a release about the scholarship. “We are delight-ed that she is being recognized for her terric work and dedication to both ac-ademic and research excellence.”Ash-by has shared her research at MSU’s Under-graduate Research and Arts Forum, MSU’s Mid-SURE Con-ference, and the American Chemical Society spring meeting, according to the release. She also has a man-uscript in preparation for publication.“From the moment she stepped onto campus, Libby has set a high standard of excellence and success,” said Dr. Christopher P. Long, Dean of the MSU Honors College and of the College of Arts & Letters. She plans to pursue a doc-torate next, hopefully at Yale. Ashby said she took many AP courses at Jenison Senior High. The classes were challenging and helped her develop the resilient mindset necessary for success.“I am very grateful to the school for motivating me to put 100 percent eort into what I do,” she said. “It’s really starting to pay o. It’s really exciting.”Her mom said she is proud of Libby’s accomplish-ments and thankful for the role Jenison Public Schools played. “We have never regretted our decision to do schools of choice with Jeni-son,” Tammy Ashby wrote in a May 1st Facebook post.Libby Ashby shares her research at a conference.FEATURES
10 2024 IMPACT REPORTBOND 2024STRATEGICSAFEMODERNIZATIONEFFICIENTCOLLABORATIONINNOVATION
11JPSONLINE.ORGBOND 2024STRATEGICSAFEMODERNIZATIONEFFICIENTCOLLABORATIONINNOVATIONBuilding a Bright FutureRead More
12 2024 IMPACT REPORTHigh School Teacher Karina White releases salmon into the Grand River this spring. Each year her AP Environmental Science class part-ners with a 5th grade class for the project.6th graders at El Puente celebrate their elementary graduation during a special walk through their school in late May.The annual Pink Out basketball game and Senior Survivor raised thousands of dollars for those in the community battling cancer.The Kindergarten Tailgater, an annual event in partnership with JPEF, welcomes our next class of Wildcats. The Class of 2036 will be the rst 5th grade class in the upper elementary in 2029.
PPPPNwildcatfield houseSR. HIGHBAUER RDBAUER RDCOTTONWOOD DR20TH AVEJR. HIGHJCABUSCANOPYNEW UPPERELEMENTARYNEW CENTRALIZEDENTRANCENEW TENNISCOURTSMAINTENANCEAND TRANSPORTATIONRELOCATION13JPSONLINE.ORGIn a resounding display of support and unity, the Jenison Public Schools community, including our families, sta, and community members, came togeth-er to achieve a remarkable milestone: passing the 2024 bond proposal. This landmark moment is a triumph for our district and a testament to commitment and dedication to Jenison Public Schools.At the heart of the bond proposal lies a vision for the future that prioritizes excellence, innovation, and updating our students’ teaching and learning spaces. With community support, we embark on a transformative journey to enhance educa-tional opportunities and spaces that will strengthen our district for years to come.One of the bond proposal’s most signicant components is constructing a new upper elementary building—a space being meticulously designed to provide optimal learning environments for our h and sixth-grade students. Equipped with exible spaces and access to all the resources our main campus can oer, this new building will foster collabo-ration, creativity, and critical thinking skills, preparing our students for success in an ever-evolving world.Additionally, the bond proposal includes essential improvements at the high school, focusing on enhancing safety, security, and functionality. From a new main entrance to a redesigned cafeteria and commons area, these enhancements will create a campus that promotes student services and sup-ports academic achievement.Beyond physical renovations, the district’s eorts to modernize learning spaces are driven by a commitment to better support the needs of students, families, and the broader community. In today’s fast-paced world, students face an array of social, emotional, and academic challenges. Providing adequate spaces for counseling, mental health support, and community engagement will enable these updates to evolve and keep up with many student needs. As Jenison Public Schools looks to the future, the modernization of our schools stands as a cornerstone of our vision for educational excellence. By creating environments conducive to learning, supportive of students’ so-cial and emotional needs, and ecient design, the district is making a strategic long-term master plan.Beyond the physical infrastructure improvements, the passing of the bond proposal represents a commitment to investing in the future of our students and our community. It is a testament to our collective belief in the power of education to shape lives and strengthen our community.Building a Bright FutureCelebrating the Passing of the 2024 Bond Proposal
14 2024 IMPACT REPORTJENISON PUBLIC SCHOOLSSTAFF & FACULTY* BREAKDOWN2023/24 BY THE NUMBERSWith a rich history spanning decades, Jenison Public Schools has been steadfast in its commitment to fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and a sense of belonging among its students. Through these statistics, we gain insights into the 2023-2024 academic school year at Jenison Public Schools and the impact it continues to make in shaping the lives of its students and the future of its community.45%Teachers5%Transportation4%Administrators3%Athletics2%JIA2%Fine Arts1%Technology1%Facilities14%Food Service10%Student Services7%Paraprofessionals6%Ofce Support10 SCHOOLS18 BUILDINGS807 STAFF*5,145 STUDENTS**371 DIPLOMAS1 WILDCAT FAMILY* Consists of a mix of part time and full time employees** State reported full-time equivalency, total headcount 5,678
15JPSONLINE.ORGENROLLMENTUNIQUE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMSADVANCED PLACEMENT BY GRADEDIVERSE PROGRAM OFFERINGS2014-15378056106197214186548108773772304,7754,8384,9275,0945,1825,1915,1155,1985,1455,0432015-16 2016-17 2017-2018 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24Work Based LearningExperiential LearningPeer to PeerCareer Tech CenterOnline ClassesWildcat Prep3525 25462202367th Grade8th Grade9th Grade10th Grade11th Grade12th Grade12th GradeJIA Full Time OnlineJIA Home School PartnershipDual EnrollmentSpanish Immersion (K-6)PreschoolWilderness Academy
16 2024 IMPACT REPORT278Students involved in new student clubs for the 2023/24 school yearNHS41 active National Honors Society members44%340 7th & 8th graders received Honor RollCarol Johnson named 2023-24 Orchestra Teacher of the Year by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association541 students honored at the Junior High Honors Night$10,700The JR. High raised $10,700 during “Your Change Can Change Hunger”Unied PE Special Olympics Gold Medal in Division 7Rhys Weirs awarded National Merit ScholarshipRetirement Acknowledgments• Karen Barbachyn• Kelly Bolt• Ginger Brown• Kelly Cole• Kathleen DeBoer• Terry Dykstra• Lorri Gierman• Gary Kunzi• Jane Miles• Joan Reinardy• Tim Ritsema• Ann Robinet• Georgia Sager• Bonnie Scholten• Cynthia Visser• Elana Wiener• Bonnie WilliamsSECONDARYNEWS AND HIGHLIGHTSDISTRICTJPS recognized as an outstanding music education programJenison Sr. High named a top high school by U.S. News & World Report
17JPSONLINE.ORG217Elementary accelerated learning students (ACT)100%Graduation rate for the fourth year in a row274College credits earned through 83 dual enrollment courses1KAlmost 1,000 students were enrolled in an online/hybrid capacity during the school yearBauerwood named “Capturing Kid’s Hearts National Showcase School 2023-2024”Sandy Hill’s principal, Jon Mroz, named “Most Inspiring Principal” by GR Kids MagazineAll K-12 Spanish Immersion Teachers completed a year-long training to become Certied Level 1 Addalingua Teachers33 8th grade students met the Spanish language prociency requirements of the Michigan Seal of BiliteracyBook-in-a-Bag reading connection at home with families was implemented TK-2nd gradesAll 5th graders attended BizTown, a new Junior Achievement economics program simulationWilderness Academy celebrated the 2nd year of kindergarten and it’s rst year of 1st grade Wilderness Academy is expanding with 2nd grade for the 2024/25 school yearELEMENTARY JIASpanish Immersion
18 2024 IMPACT REPORTTRUSTHONESTYEMPATHYINTEGRITYRESPECTRESPONSIBILITYAt Jenison Public Schools, the Wildcat Way isn’t just a slogan—it’s our core guiding prin-ciple that shape everything we do. From our classrooms to our hallways, the Wildcat Way is ingrained in our culture, driving us to be the best versions of ourselves every day.Throughout the academic year, we uphold the tradi-tion of celebrating the Wildcat Way at each of our buildings. Every month, students and sta unite to acknowledge and honor individuals who embody the Wildcat Way values of Trust, Honesty, Em-pathy, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility. These individ-uals epitomize what it means to be a Wildcat.But our celebra-tions don’t stop there. For the past three years, we’ve had the honor of hosting the Wildcat Way Gala—an event that brings together students, sta, par-ents, and community members to celebrate the exceptional leaders of the Wildcat Way from grades fourth through twelh. Nominated by their teachers, these students are exemplary examples of what it means to live out the Wildcat Way. They embody the values of respect, responsibility, integrity, honesty, trust and empathy in everything they do. From their academic achievements to their contributions to the community, these students inspire us all with their dedication and passion.The Wildcat Way Gala isn’t solely a platform for individual accolades—it’s a celebration of the unied spirit that permeates our school community. It’s a testament to the transformative power of a character-driv-en culture and the profound inuence it exerts in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.As we reect on the importance of the Wildcat Way, we’re reminded of the profound impact it has on our students, our sta, and our community as a whole. By living out the Wildcat Way every day, we’re not just building better stu-dents—we’re building better citizens who will go on to make a positive dierence in the world.The Wildcat WayIt’s who we are
19JPSONLINE.ORGCROSS COUNTRY: BOYS• 2nd place OK Red Conference• 2nd place Regional Championship• 7th place State Finals• Seth Conner broke school record with 5k time of 14:54• Team Academic All-StateBOWLING: BOYS• Conference Champions• Regional ChampionsLACROSSE: BOYS• Conference ChampionsTRACK: BOYS• 3rd place at Regionals• 3200 relay school record broke: Seth Conner, Dom Otto, Parker Strelecki, Mason Lucas• Team qualied for MITCA State Championship MeetWRESTLING• 5 Regional Qualiers• 2 State Qualiers: Tomas Mendez, Ian BarynasBASEBALL• Overall record 30-6COMPETITIVE CHEER• Qualied for Regionals• Frannie Keeley appointed to the MHSAA Student Advisory CommitteeGOLF: GIRLS• 5th in OK-Red• Kylie Coffey won the Black Division of the Russ Johnsen Invitational• Kylie Coffey named All-Conference Honorable Mention• Team Academic All-StateSWIM AND DIVE: GIRLS• OK Red Conference Champions• 3rd at the Division I state meet• S. Umstead, G. Albrecht, L. Umstead & E. Albrecht won the 200 Medley & 200 Free Relay at State. Finished with the 2nd fastest times in Michigan history• Division I 200 Medley record• Sophia Clack All-State diving honors• Sophia Umstead, 2nd fastest 100 Breaststroke in Michigan History• Grace Albrecht won the State 50 Freestyle for the 4th year in a row• Sophia Umstead qualied for Summer 2024 Olympic TrialsSWIM AND DIVE: BOYS• State Champion, 1st place - Robby Russo• 2nd place - Matthew Gauck• 10th place - Payton Whipple• Robby Russo: Named MISCA Diver of the Year• OK Red Conference Champions• 11th at state meet overall• Robby Russo and Matthew Gauck nished at the top, going 1-2 in diving ॰ They are the highest placing divers in Jenison history• Payton Whipple placed 10th in divingFALLSETH CONNER, MASON LUCAS, MATT SCHWARTZ, GAGE CHATFIELD, JACOB HEAGLE, SAM BOTSKO, MYLES ALLEN, AUBREY JOHNSON, KARIS CHATFIELD, GRACE ALBRECHT, SOPHIA UMSTEAD, EMMA ALBRECHT, LAYLA UMSTEAD, SOPHIA CLACK, MOLLY TOUNTAS, RYAN RADAWSKIWINTERBEN SLAGTER, JAY SARBER, BRADY PETTENGER, KIARAH KROON, ELLEN SMIT, AUBREY TERPSTRA, CHLOE VANDERKLOK, PIERSON KLOPPE, ELI SYTSMA, JACK BYDALEK, CALEB STOREY, ANTON BARYNESSPRINGSPENCER STRELECKI, SAM JENKINS, MALACHI CONANT, NIKKO KROON, GAGE CHATFIELD, ADDIE CUMINGS, ELLA CHATFIELD, JAELYN LEHTI, SIENNA HOUGHTON, QUINN COCHRAN, MYLES ALLEN, CASE BOSCH, CASE HENNIP, BEN SLAGTER, JACK WIERCINSKI, AJ PARK, CORBIN BENNETTS, VINCE FANTIN, DOMINIC OTTO, MASON LUCAS, PARKER STRELECKI, SETH CONNOR, LEIGHA STOEPKER, MIA VANDERHEIDE, ALLY WRIGHT, LIVIA BISONETJENISON ALL-CONFERENCE ATHLETES2023/2024 ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
Alive MinistriesApplied InnovationAYSOBuckle In Driving AcademyCamp GenevaCare PortalChapel PointeCity on a HillCommunity Action House Food Club and Opportunity HubControl Solutions Inc.DHE Plumbing & MechanicalExcel Electric Inc.First United Credit UnionGeorgetown Animal HospitalGeorgetown Little LeagueGMB Architecture & EngineeringGoldsh Swim SchoolGR Ford FoundationGrace Community ChurchGrand River Pediatric DentistryGrandville/Jenison Congregational ChurchGreater Regional Alliance of REALTORS®Hand2HandHartman Family ChiropracticHoly Cross Lutheran ChurchHonors Credit UnionJehovah JirehJenison Public Education FoundationKevin Peterson AgencyLake Michigan Credit UnionLiberty Mufer and BrakeLMCULove Your NeighborMacatawa BankMatrix EntertainmentMeals on Mission- Dinner GirlMeijer (Jenison)Mike and Donna BergeonMiles of SmilesMomentum CenterMoms BloomNestlingsNorthern Central Credit UnionNPF AdvisorsNu-Wool Co.Redeemed Mobile BoutiqueRosewood ChurchSpringhill CampStifelTanis TruckingThreads Clothing BoutiqueTriangle Associates Inc.United BankVersatile Roong SystemsVisser Family YMCAWest Michigan Podiatry House Calls, PLLC.Zion Reformed2024 Community Partnersthank Our community partners contribute so much to the success at JPS. If you are interested in becoming a partner, please email communications@jpsonline.org.