Creative Technologies Academy, 350 Pine Street, Cedar Springs, held a ground-breaking ceremony for their new soccer field on Wednesday, May 26. 

The property is located adjacent to the west side of their campus, which has been farmland owned by Fred and Carollee Gunnel. In March of 2018, the Gunnells gifted the 10 acres to CTA.

Former Superintendent Dan George had approached the Gunnells in December 2017 to inquire if they would have any interest in selling 10 acres of their property to CTA for future development. Five days later, Mr. George received a phone call that Fred and Carollee had made the decision that they would like to donate the land to the charter school rather than sell it for a profit. Fred and Carollee Gunnell are both former educators and wanted to be able to gift the property to the school in order to provide more opportunities for the students at CTA.

During the ceremony, CTA students and staff were in attendance along with members of the Ferris State Charter School Office and several community members. Honored guests included Jodi Coxon, who represented the Coxon family, who are the founders of CTA; former CTA Superintendent Dan George; CTA Board President Cynthia Patin; Fred Gunnell; and current CTA Superintendent Autumn Mattson.

“Today is a very exciting day for our CTA students, staff and community, and we are grateful to Fred and Carollee for their donation,” shared Mattson. “We want to also thank Mr. George for his passion towards CTA. It has been a privilege this past year working with our CTA Board of Directors and administration to make this project not just a dream but a reality. We are excited to see our students on this soccer field and are looking forward to the opportunities this will provide to partner with our community.”

Dean’s Excavating will begin work on this project mid-summer with an estimated completion date for the fall.

CTA is a Preschool through grade 12 public charter school endorsed by Ferris State University. CTA combines small class sizes, a family atmosphere and academic rigor to create a truly successful and innovative school.

CTA wraps up up the basketball season

The 20-21 season for the Varsity Lady Chargers was a great one filled with many learning opportunities. The Lady Chargers started the season with five returning players. Many players were new to basketball or had to fill new roles. Overall, the girls learned a lot as a team and their unity remained strong and spirits were high, despite the many challenges. Captains Ruby Tompkins and Molly Wortz led the Chargers with their positive energy and focused on the job ahead of them. Sophomore Taylor Dells stepped into the point guard role and led the Chargers in scoring. Alison Fisk led in rebounds, and first year player Lydia Romancky earned herself a starting role. The Lady Chargers look forward to working hard for next season, as well as learning and growing together as a team. All-conference Awards went to senior Ruby Tompkins, junior Molly Wortz, and junior Alison Fisk.

The 20-21 CTA boys Varsity basketball team endured injuries and missing players throughout the season to persevere through practices and games. Coach Eric Besmer had one returning starter from last year: senior John Wortz. Besmer noted that several players including juniors Evan Besmer and Ethan Watson; sophomore Parker Tompkins; and freshman Jake Perry stepped up their game this year in various ways. “We had newcomers this year that showed lots of growth, and I am looking forward to the years ahead,” shared Coach Besmer. CTA had a 2-8 league record and 1-1 tournament record.

The 2021 CTA middle school girls basketball team had a great season for their second year in the program. The girls finished 4-4 and 1 tied game. Coach Justin Harding was impressed with how the girls responded to the challenges of having minimal practice time and so many games in a short time span. The Middle School Lady Chargers were led by team Captains, eighth graders Alyssa Bishop and Katie Christie. “I am proud of the team,” commended Coach Harding. “They stayed focused in every game and they never stopped giving 100%. I look forward to the future of the Lady Chargers Basketball program at CTA”.

Mrs. Andrea Cedglowski

Though this is only Mrs. Ceglowski’s 2nd year as a Charger, it is her 28th year in education. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Kindergarten. One of her many passions is to keep a strong balance of both appropriate developmental play for social growth as well as high standards and high supports for academic growth. CTA’s youngest Chargers are lucky to have their Kindergarten experiences led by Mrs. Ceglowski!

Mr. Justin Harding

Mr. Harding is in his fifth year teaching at CTA; he teaches math for 6th-8th grades. Mr. Harding builds strong relationships with his students and strives to keep learning interactive and fun. It is his goal to have all students see themselves as mathematicians. Mr. Harding was awarded WGVU’s Cool Teacher Award in 2020. He also enjoys sports and serves as CTA’s athletic director. Our secondary Chargers are fortunate to have Mr. Harding lead their learning.

Mrs. Teresa Marsman

This is Mrs. Marsman’s third year at CTA. She teaches 7th grade Science and Social Studies for 6th-8th grades. Mrs. Marsman engages her students by bringing Science and Social Studies to life with captivating projects and hands-on activities. Her students look forward to her inviting classroom and sense of humor. Mrs. Marsman makes sure everyone feels welcomed and ready to learn each day.

Ms. Kelsey Rogers

Ms. Rogers is in her second year of teaching 1st grade here at CTA, though it feels like she has been here for years. Ms. Rogers brings compassion and creativity into the classroom on a daily basis. Promoting mindfulness along with the character education curriculum, she believes even our young Chargers can make a big impact. She is passionate about growing 1st graders to become World Changers!

The Creative Technologies Academy boys varsity soccer team took first place in the Great Lakes 6 (GL6) regular season and first place in the conference tournament, which took place on Sat., Oct. 17 at Algoma Christian School.

“Our teamwork continues to grow each year as the boys begin to trust one another and learn the game. We have players that are good on defense and we have players who are more geared for offense,” shared Coach Mark Winters. “Learning to not give up and push through when it gets tough shows positive growth and experience for these young men.”

CTA is a part of the GL6 Conference (Great Lakes 6), that consists of the following teams: (Runner-up) Algoma Christian, Barry County Christian, Libertas Christian, Sacred Heart Academy, West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, and West Michigan Lutheran.

“It definitely has been a challenging year with the COVID-19 pandemic, cancelled games, and sourcing facilities for games,” expressed Athletic Director Justin Harding. “We really want to thank Algoma Christian for hosting the League Tournament and being flexible with the schedule.” 

The CTA boys soccer team is on season 3 and looks forward to growing together as a team and learning new skills each year.

CTA is pleased to announce its new staff members for the 2020-2021 school year!

Ms. Megan Kilts is the high school English teacher. Ms. Kilts is a graduate of Grand Valley State University. She is looking forward to being a part of CTA’s close-knit community of students, families, and staff.

Ms. Alexis Lucarelli is the 6th-grade Homeroom and Middle School Language Arts teacher. Ms. Lucarelli graduated from Cornerstone University and has a passion for investing in the lives of young people.

Both Ms. Kilts and Ms. Lucarelli are native to Cedar Springs.

CTA’s new third grade teacher is Ms. Gabby Schatz. Ms. Schatz hails from Central Michigan University and resides in Cedar Springs. She loves being outdoors, fishing, and gardening and is thrilled to be part of the team.

Mrs. Carrie Hovanec is the new GSRP Preschool Lead Teacher and Director of Preschool. Mrs. Hovance has worked her entire career with young children and their families. She lives in Cedar Springs with her family and enjoys being outside on her boat and in the sunshine. Mrs. Hovanec is excited to start preschool at CTA on October 5. If you have questions regarding preschool, please email her at chovanec@ctachargers.org.

Mrs. Nancy Freyling is the Elementary Teacher Assistant and Cross Country Coach. Mrs. Freyling discovered CTA four years ago while searching for a smaller school for her two boys, who now are in 6th and 8th grade.

Mrs. Freyling shared that she knew her family was meant to be at CTA from the moment she stepped in the door. She has been serving on campus for several years, volunteering and subbing, and is overjoyed to officially be a part of the team.

CTA is excited to have these amazing educators join the team!

Staff and coaches at CTA are looking forward to providing student-athletes as traditional of an experience as possible this season. CTA provides two fall sports for students. The Boys and Girls Cross Country team is coached by Nancy Freyling and is open to 6th-12th grade students. “ This year we have a couple of seasoned runners, but the majority of the team is new to cross country,” stated Freyling. “I was a little shocked and excited to see so many new runners. It is great to see these kids get out there and push themselves, and learn how running is a great outlet. The experienced runners have taken the new runners under their wings, helping encourage and lead them. They are a young, fun group, keeping me on my toes and always making me smile.”

The CTA Boys Soccer team is coached by Mark Winters and is open to 6th -12th grade. “This is our third year of CTA soccer. We started out as a very young Varsity team and the boys have grown in size, speed, and as a team, shared Winters. “We have put in a lot of hard work and can’t wait for the season to start.”

CTA is prepared for a fun, and perhaps unpredictable, Fall Sports Season, and is committed to working together to provide a safe and exciting experience for its student-athletes.

With school ending early this year, and students missing out on many of the end of the year activities due to COVID-19, the class of 2020 at Creative Technologies Academy finally had something to celebrate last week.

The CTA class of 2020 held their commencement ceremony on June 23 at Red Hawk Stadium at the Cedar Springs High School. Eighteen students graduated, with 15 of them participating in the ceremony.

The school adhered to state guidelines of outdoor gatherings of less than 100 people. Students were allotted to bring a certain number of guests. 

Students, staff and board members were all spaced the recommended 6-feet apart on the stage and track, while families in the stadium sat spaced with their immediate group. 

Dan Quisenberry, president of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies, served as the guest speaker and shared words of wisdom with the students as he encouraged them in their future endeavors. Superintendent Dan George encouraged the students to “Change the World” as has been his mantra during his tenure at CTA and this was his last graduation before his retirement. Former elementary principal Autumn Mattson has now taken the reins as Superintendent/School leader.

CTA is proud of the Class of 2020 and thankful for their flexibility during these unprecedented times.

Creative Technologies Academy completed its search for a new elementary principal to take effect July 1, 2020. Current principal Autumn Mattson will become the Academy’s superintendent/school leader on that date, creating the need to hire a new principal. CTA is pleased to name Kate Bialkowski as the school’s elementary principal effective July 1.

Bialkowski is no stranger to CTA. She has served the Academy for five years—first as a teacher and currently she is an Instructional Coach at the Academy. 

Bialkowski received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 2006 and her Master’s Degree in Education from Montreat College in 2011. She and her husband, Steve, live in Cedar Springs with their two children.

Current Superintendent Dan George said this: “Ms. Bialkowski brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to this position. She has approached each assignment at CTA with enthusiasm and she has been a key initiator in many of them. Her experience in compliance, interventions, academic support, student success teams, leading PLC groups, our WIN (Whatever I Need) program, and supporting teachers with her coaching will launch her into success as a principal. Most importantly, she loves kids, and they know it.”

Autumn Mattson, current Elementary Principal, commented: “Mrs. Bialkowski has played an important role in enriching and developing key instructional components at Creative Technologies Academy. She is a mentor to many, a leader of multiple teams, and a facilitator of growth for several diverse groups. Her charismatic leadership style allows for all voices to be heard while at the same time continually moving forward with a vision of success. She has a natural way of supporting and encouraging, reflecting, and growing others. She is continuously seeking ways to improve herself and the school experience for students and staff. The staff and student learning needs are at the core of all that she does and her broad experience brings the type of credibility that will make her asset to continuing to support the growth of our CTA World Changers!”

Ms. Bialkowski shared this statement: “It is with great excitement and honor that I accept the CTA Elementary Principal position! My family and I are thrilled to continue serving CTA and growing with this great community. My passion for education has always aligned with the mission, vision, and values of this district and it is a privilege to continue to grow professionally alongside such a strong and inspiring staff. I am grateful for the growth and leadership Mr. George and Mrs. Mattson have provided for me over the last 5 years and I hope to continue the great work they have done for the Elementary. I care deeply for the elementary students at CTA; I care for their academic growth, individual needs, and overall well-being as future world changers. Because of this, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next Elementary Principal!”

CTA students had an opportunity to take a step back in time at the Sweetheart Sock Hop on Saturday, February 15. Festivities included retro decor, throwback music, and fun photo opportunities!

CTA is celebrating March is Reading Month school-wide!

In the elementary, Ms. Lane created a bulletin board filled with staff and student book recommendations. There have been a slew of parents and community members in the building as mystery readers, and 4th & 5th graders are building a Yellow Brick Road to Oz as they log their reading!

The freshmen created a world map for students in grades 6-12 to promote reading books from around the world, and secondary students are accumulating as many reads as they can throughout the month. Students are competing to see which class can read the most!

ALL students are having a shared reading experience through ​One School – One Book​, partnering the elementary and secondary together! Every Monday morning in March, K-5 students read Barbara O’Conner’s ​Wish​ with their secondary partners, and preschool students and their partners will read a variety of picture books. You can find students throughout the campus reading and discussing together. ​Every student will be able to keep his or her copy!

Happy reading, everyone! 

Creative Technologies Academy had two teams win conference championships this past week. Both the CTA women’s varsity basketball team and the CTA boys varsity basketball team earned the Great Lakes 6 League Conference Championship title.

The girls finished 7-1 in the league and hope to bring home the district title next week. The team swept the series 2-0 versus West Michigan Lutheran, Libertas Christian, and West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science. The girls split the series with Algoma Christian giving them their only loss. “The Lady Chargers have developed into a strong team led by returning captains, seniors Faith Watson and Hannah Hofstra,” shared Coach Lisa Perry. “Both girls have been leaders both on and off the court and will be missed next season.”

The boys finished 8-2 in league play and look forward to their district tournament. The boys are being led by senior caption Luke Hubbard who averaged 25.7 points per game and sophomore Ivan Winters who averaged 21.1 points per game. The conference came down to the last game where the Chargers defeated Barry County Christian by a score of 59-56. The Chargers swept the series 2-0 versus Algoma Christian, West Michigan Lutheran, and Hudsonville Libertas Christian. The boys split the series with West Michigan Academy of Environmental Sciences and Barry County Christian. Good luck to the Chargers as they look to bring home a district title next week.