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

This group of CTA students earned the title of 4th grade math Academic Charter State champions. Post photo by J. Reed.

Rep. Peter MacGregor, CTA School Leader Dan George, and 5th grade teacher Aaron Kenemer. Post photo by J. Reed.

Students, parents and teachers at Creative Technologies Academy in Cedar Springs all have something to be proud of—last year’s 4th grade students were named by Bridge Magazine as a 4th grade math Academic Charter State Champion. One hundred percent of students tested received proficiency on the test.

The charter school, located on Pine Street, enrolls 302 students in K-12th grade. The magazine asked School Leader Dan George what the secret to their success is: “We have small class sizes,” explained George. “There are about 20-21 students in elementary-grade classrooms, along with a half-time paraprofessional for every teacher. (They get) lots of individual attention. We have wonderful teachers and a wonderful staff.”

On March 23, the students, who are now 5th graders, received a pizza party to celebrate, and special guests Peter MacGregor, 73rd District Representative, and Cedar Springs Mayor Pro-Tem Christine Fahl were on hand to congratulate the students. MacGregor presented George with a special tribute from the State of Michigan, and Fahl presented him with a “You make a difference award” from the City of Cedar Springs.

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!

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

CTA Middle School

Student Name Grade

Allen, Lillian 07

Armstrong, Dawson 06

Beck, Brandon 07

Bouma, Jarod 07

Bouma, Richard 07

Caldwell, Anna 06

Davison, Joshua 08

Foster, Lyndsey 07

Grabinski, William 06

Heukels, Destiny 08

Hofstra, James 06

Howard, Austin 06

Keech, Kaleigh 08

Knott, Ryan 07

Konrad, Arabelle 07

Korody, Michael 06

Kyser, Jordan 08

Lange, Emily 07

Lehman, Ethan 07

Lopez, Demetri 08

Maxim, Lucas 07

Miner, Leslie 06

Plowman, Joseph 08

Schultz, Jesse 08

Shelagowski, Autumn 07

VanEnk, Annalise 08

Watson, Autumn 06

CTA High School

Student Name Grade

Allington, William 12

Armstrong, Austin 11

Beck, Alicia 10

Black, Dominic 10

Bross, Paula 12

Bulatnikova, Darya 10

Burgess, Traci 11

Chilcote, Cole 12

Coffman, Chelsea 12

Colburn, Lydia 10

Colburn, Naomi 11

Couturier, Esther 11

Fahling, Adam 11

George, Dani 10

George, Jonathan H 09

Holmberg, Matthew 12

Hoops, Jonathan 09

Howard, Abby 09

Hubbard, Esther 11

Hubbard, Hannah 09

Huizinga, Maria 11

Ingersoll, Skyler 11

Johnson, Travis 11

Knott, Stephen 10

Marek, Caitlin 11

Mead, Justin 10

Munger, Erin 10

Nutt, Aaron 10

Patchett, Sage 11

Phillips, Nathan 12

Slagter, Chelsea 10

Smith, Michaela 10

Solomon, Margaret 12

Spoelhof, Ashley 12

Taber, Hope 12

Temple, Lauren 11

Temple, Rachelle 09

Tomandl, Benett 09

Tomandl, Mikayla 10

Tow, Jacob 12

Tow, Kathryn 10

VanEnk, Grace 11

White, Zachary 12

Whitlatch, Robert 12

Winters, Andre 11

Winters, Derek 09

Wortz, Jeremiah 11

Wortz, Olivia 09

Yarrington, Dylan 09

On Thursday, February 9, Creative Technologies Academy (CTA) had their first Daddy/Daughter Dance. Students in grades K-6 were allowed to bring that special male in their lives for a night of dancing, refreshments, crafts, and fun. The event was a huge success. Everyone had an amazing time, and both students and adults were dancing most of the night.

“I was so excited to see everyone having such a great time; I don’t think it could have gone any better,” stated Miss Burton, fourth grade teacher at Creative Technologies Academy.

As a K-12 school, CTA was able to have the high school students volunteer to dress up, open doors, and help with the crafts. One high school student even commented that it was better than prom. Maggie Solomon, a senior at CTA, spent over 45 hours painting a 35-foot fairy tale mural that covered an entire wall. “This has to be a new tradition,” stated the School Leader, Dan George. CTA is very excited and hopeful that this dance will continue for years to come.