The students in grades K-8 of Creative Technologies Academy had a special guest the last day of school before their Spring Break!  Rick DeRidder, also known as “Rick the Reptile Guy,” put on two assemblies for CTA’s students to help bring their science classes to life by sharing some of his reptiles with the school through a show and tell-style presentation. This interactive assembly allowed the students to touch, smell, see, and in some cases SIT on the reptiles! Above all of the fun and jokes provided by Rick the Reptile Guy, he also was able to relay an abundance of fun facts about the reptiles he brought and reptiles in general.

Ms. Amy Burton, 4th grade teacher stated, “This is by far one of the best assemblies we have ever had at CTA! It was fun and full of excellent facts and our students were captivated for the entire time.” Rick DeRidder is employed by Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, located in Alto, MI. Kyle Bohl, Director of Student Services, commented on Rick the Reptile Guy’s presentation when he said, “Rick’s passion is what struck me the most. If our students can be as passionate about their futures as Rick DeRidder is about his profession, our students will be able to accomplish their dreams and goals like he has!”

Rick the Reptile Guy asked that CTA come up with the name for his next reptile that will soon be staying at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park: a 14-foot alligator! All suggestions can be given to Mr. Bohl to be entered into the contest! Once the suggestions have been tabulated the students of CTA will have a vote for the best name for the alligator!

The elementary grade levels of Creative Technologies Academy challenged one another to a reading race throughout the month of March. Since March was designated throughout the State of Michigan as “Reading Month” the first grade made a challenge to the rest of the elementary at a kick-off celebration in late February. When asked about the challenge, Mrs. Jamie Pressler, first grade teacher and originator of the challenge said, “Utilizing a school-wide challenge is not only fun for everyone involved, but it truly gets the kids’ noses in books because they want to read and do well to help their classes, not just because they have to.” The challenge stated that if a student reads for a certain length of time with an adult then those minutes allowed their class to move the racecar along the “reading racetrack” in an effort to win the race!

Every Monday and Thursday the entire elementary school came together to cheer on their race car, as the teachers were able to move their cars according to how many minutes their class read that week. Kyle Bohl, Director of Student Services stated, “It was great to hear young people reading throughout our classrooms, hallways, offices and playground throughout March. Students took charge of their own learning and when that happens it’s definitely authentic.” Many students were able to read with an adult of their choice at school if they did not have an opportunity to read at home with a parent or guardians.

A celebration of enjoying rootbeer floats as an entire elementary was the culmination to a wonderful month full of reading. The class with the most minutes read was honored in an extra special way, however, with this race, everyone won!

April 19 Family Night (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – includes Town Hall Meeting at 7:00 PM)

April 19 Parent/Superintendent Town Hall Meeting  (7:00 PM)

April 24-26 Elementary and Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences (by appointment)

April 26 High School Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:00 – 7:00 PM)

April 27 No School for Students and Staff except that FlexTrac will hold school for weather make-up day

May 2 Teacher Professional Development (3:00—4:00 PM)

May 4 No School for Students – Teacher PD Day (9:00 – 3:30 PM)

May 4 Prom – Boulder Creek Golf Club (7:00 PM – 11:30 PM)

May 10 CTA Board Meeting (3:30 PM)

May 18 K-5 Field Day – Lunch with Parents (Noon – 2:15 PM)

May 24 Graduation (7:00 PM)

May 28 No School for Students and Staff (Memorial Day)

May 31-June 1 Final Exams for High School

June 1 Last Day of School for 2011-12

Creative Technologies Academy is now enrolling for 2012-2013.  Classes are filling up so do not delay in finding out more about becoming a Charger!  CTA is a tuition free, K-12 public charter school authorized by Ferris State University.  We offer activities ranging from middle school and high school sports to drama, art, and prom.  Interested in smaller class sizes for your students that focus on high academic achievement?  Wanting a safe place for your children to learn?  CTA implements Smart Character Choices, a character education curriculum that focuses on relationship building and creating an environment safe for learning.

Please contact Kyle Bohl, Director of Student Services, at (616) 696-4905, ext. 228.

Dated: April 19, 2012

Kelly Atkins

Mrs. Sue Vicari, Student Services Administrative Assistant, left CTA last November because she and her husband moved to Ohio.  The new “Face of CTA” became Mrs. Kelly Atkins when she was hired to fill the position after the departure of Mrs. Vicari.  “Mrs. Vicari had been here for several years and was beloved by students and parents alike,” says Director of Student Services, Kyle Bohl.  “The person that fills this position has more contact with our stakeholders on a daily basis than anyone else at CTA.  With the hiring of Mrs. Atkins the transition has been seamless and she has already made her place in the hearts of students, parents, and staff.”

“We are thrilled to have Mrs. Atkins on our staff,” says Dan George, Superintendent/School Leader.  “Her smile is contagious and her pleasant, calm demeanor is a priceless contribution to the culture of our school.  She is Mr. Bohl’s ‘right arm’ and she is truly the ‘Face of CTA.’

The Creative Technologies Academy girls’ basketball team wrapped up their season by winning the WMAES tournament for the second straight year, ending the season with a record of 11-6. The Chargers defeated Potters House in the semifinals and then took down Lakeshore Christian in the championship game, 33-25. It was the best record for the team in the program’s short three-year history and they have improved every year.

Junior Esther Hubbard led the team with 12 points and junior Grace VanEnk led the way in the post with 10. The Chargers held a lead at halftime 12-9 and a late third quarter charge was too much for Lakeshore Christian to overcome.

Coach Robin Greene credited the back-to-back championships to the hard work and dedication of her team. “Our girls worked hard to improve in the off season, responded to adversity, and came together as a team at the end,” explained Greene. “I speak for myself and my co-coach, Mae Hill, when I say that it is a pleasure leading a great group of girls and watching them mature into young women and basketball players.”

Captain and junior Grace VanEnk sums up the season with this, “Before every game, as a team, we would come together and pray that God would watch over our team and help us to do our best. This I believe was a key factor in helping us be a family and pull out the best season yet!”

The Lady Chargers will be strong in 2012-13 as they return the starting five and they do not lose anyone to graduation. CTA looks to build on this season’s successes and thanks the parents, fans and school for their support and dedication to the team.

Front L-R Charles Wortz and Matthew Davison; Back L-R CTA Director of Student Services Kyle Bohl and CTA 5th Grade Teacher Aaron Kenemer.

The CTA Fifth Grade was given the opportunity to participate in a writing contest sponsored by the Cedar Springs Rotary Club and the Cedar Springs Library. Students had to write about a character trait. CTA fifth graders Matthew Davison and Charles Wortz chose to write about “Integrity.” Matthew and Charles were both recognized as semi-finalists for their essay writing. Matthew is the son of Donald and Denise Davison of Sparta. Charles is the son of Jeremy and Laura Wortz of Cedar Springs.  Congratulations to these two young men for their writing accomplishments!

Contact Mr. Bohl, Mrs. Atkins, or Mrs. Hardenburgh at (616) 696-4905

April 2-6 Spring Break – No School for Students and Staff

12 CTA Board Meeting

19 Family Night (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – includes Town Hall Meeting at 7:00 PM)

19 Parent/Superintendent Town Hall Meeting  (7:00 PM)

24-26 Elementary and Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences (by appointment)

26 High School Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:00 – 7:00 PM)

27 No School for Students and Staff – possible make up day for inclement weather

You may have noticed a “Michigan Blood Bus” located in our high school parking lot last Thursday. This was our second blood drive of the year, and here are the results!

Collection Goal: 25 Units

31 People signed in

25 Units of blood donated

12 First time donors

75 Lives potentially saved! 

Our students and staff have giving hearts and want to help their community!!!! Congrats to you all. We are so proud of our Chargers. Yet again we have stepped up to the challenge!

(our next donation day will be in the fall…we’d love to get more parents involved next year too!)

Kyle Bohl

Director of Student Services