By Judy Reed

We’ve often heard the phrase “it takes a village…” And sometimes, it even takes a neighboring village. 

That saying was put to the test last Friday evening, May 21, when the Village of Sand Lake closed off Lake Street for several hours and hosted a prom outdoors for both Cedar Springs High School and Creative Technologies Academy.

“I was so glad to be able to do something for the kids,” said Mollie Doerr, President of the Village of Sand Lake. “I’d hate for them to have to go another year without one.”

And by all accounts, the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves. “I’m really glad they could pull it off,” said senior Sarah Chenowith.

“This is awesome,” said another student, when asked what they thought of the prom.

According to organizer Katy Austin, the Nelson Township treasurer and mother of a senior at Cedar Springs this year, she wanted to do something to help the students get a prom this year, since last year’s was canceled due to Covid-19. She said she reached out to school officials in February to find out if they would be able to have one. She said that at the time, the place the school had booked only had a capacity of 25 percent, so it looked like a no go. So she began to plan one herself, starting in March. She got the idea to have it outdoors, where the capacity could be greater. But she also wanted to bring business to the struggling restaurants. “I just thought we could pack these restaurants full,” she explained.

Austin said she talked to the City of Cedar Springs, but they couldn’t shut down Main Street, and if they held it in the Heart of Cedar Springs, it would need to be a public event. So she approached the Village of Sand Lake. Skinner Field officials also offered but ultimately, Austin opted for Dancing Under the Stars on Main Street in Sand Lake. “Both the Village and the Cedar Springs Chamber approached me and asked me to please consider Sand Lake,” she said. “They really wanted to do it.”

 So Austin and three others—Heidi Greenland, Tami Elliston, and Shannon Cooper—got to work. Donations came pouring in from both private citizens and businesses to make the event happen. Tickets were $10 each. For that $10, the teens got a $6 voucher for Rosie’s, and a booklet is being bought to give to the students with memories of the night. 

About 300 attended the event. 

Main Street was beautifully decorated with lights, a tent, balloons, and various spots to get photographs taken. There was a vintage truck from Dean’s Excavating; Phil Harrison donated a vintage car for kids to take pictures in; a flower wall; a starry night backdrop with 8 foot moon; and a balloon garland in the VFW hall. Kids were also able to get free pizza thanks to generous businesses. They also had a DJ to play music.

Austin said people came out in droves to help set up, including the Village employees and their families; the Sand Lake Chamber and their families; the Sand Lake Fire Department and families, and their own families as well.

Austin was overwhelmed at the generosity. “Thank you to everyone,” she said. “It truly takes a a village. I could not have done it without everyone’s help.”

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.

On Monday, August 24, 2020, Creative Technologies Academy welcomed back its students for the 2020-21 school year. For this school year, CTA is offering students an in-person or virtual option.

CTA spent time the first week on campus practicing policies, protocols, and procedures around campus and also building relationships and team-building with students. Students and staff adapted well to the new guidelines, maintaining an atmosphere of respect and positivity.

CTA staff has also been connecting with virtual families, monitoring their progress with online platforms, and holding informational Zoom meetings to build community relationships. Whether online or in-person – it’s been a great week to be a Charger!

From Dan George, Superintendent, Creative Technologies Academy

With the governor’s formal announcement this morning of the closing of school for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, I understand we are moving into unexplored territory. The decision to close our buildings is highly disappointing, but understandable and necessary.  The governor had no choice. If this decision saves only one life, it is worth it.

Our entire nation is facing a challenge perhaps unlike anything since World War II, certainly unlike anything I’ve seen in my lifetime. But hope springs eternal for Americans and our community. We know how to pull together. And we will! And we are! Even though our campus is closed, teaching and learning will continue through the end of May. I have been so encouraged by the spirit of the educators in this community, those on my own staff and those at CSPS. I am blessed by the partnership of CSPS Superintendent Scott Smith to feed the children of CSPS and CTA. My administrators and teachers have been collaborating with educators from other districts, sharing ideas for distance learning. My staff has been sharing resources with parents and students for three weeks, having Zoom meetings, and preparing for this announcement. 

We continue the development of our plan for continuity of learning to meet the emotional and academic needs of all our students, and we will implement it as soon as possible. We will especially reach out to our seniors and collaborate on some innovative ways to celebrate their achievements. 

We also want you to know this:

• Our staff is not surprised by this and we have been preparing for this event. We believe we are ahead of the curve in our preparation. We are experienced in innovation and personal instruction.
• Our target date for implementing our plan is April 20. This date could change depending on factors for approval. We will keep you posted.
• Spring Break (April 6-10) will be honored for our students.

We are extremely proud of our families and staff for their flexibility, patience, and understanding during this crisis. We also know this situation presents unique challenges to each family. We want our CTA families and the Cedar Springs community to know you are our family. We are in this together. Please reach out if you are in need of help.

Lastly, please take the appropriate measures to keep your family healthy.

Sincerely,

Dan George
Superintendent
Creative Technologies Academy
350 Pine Street
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Office: (616) 696-4905
Mobile: (616) 893-1507

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!”

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.

Creative Technologies Academy was recognized this week for over 20 years of continuous operation as a Michigan Public School Academy authorized by Ferris State Charter Schools. 

A familiar face will be leading the charge for Creative Technologies Academy after current Superintendent Dan George retires on June 30. 

The charter school, located at 350 Pine Street, in Cedar Springs, announced at its regular board meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, that they had chosen Autumn Mattson, current Elementary Principal of the Academy, to replace George effective July 1, 2020. 

Cindy Patin, President of the Board of Directors, announced the selection of Mrs. Mattson with this statement: “For twenty-one years, Creative Technologies Academy has provided a unique learning opportunity for children within our community andsurrounding area, led by great leaders who have a genuine desire to see children succeed in all areas of their lives. We are thankful for the next phase of our history to be led by another individual as equally committed to that vision and mission, Mrs. Autumn Mattson. Her energy, enthusiasm, and passion for continual growth for her students, for her staff, and for CTA, made her the ideal candidate for the search committee and for the Board of Directors. We look forward to continuingour work of developing world changers with Mrs. Mattson as our school leader.”

Dan George has served as the Academy’s school leader for more than a decade and approved wholeheartedly of the decision of the Board of Directors. “I look forward to working with Mrs. Mattson over the next four months on this transition. Autumn Mattson has proven her value to CTA over the last four years as the Elementary Principal. She combines academic qualifications, leadership skills, vision, a growth mindset, knowledge of the community, and high energy and work ethic that will be invaluable to the Academy in her role as Superintendent/School Leader,” said George. “Most of all, she has a sincere heart for kids. I consider that her most important quality.”

Before joining CTA in 2016 as Dean of Students/athletic director, Mattson served as athletic director at Cedar Springs Public Schools for almost 10 years and was both dean of students and athletic director there for almost 3 years. She also held several other positions within the school district prior to that.

Mattson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Superior State University in 2001, her Masters in Education from Aquinas College in 2010, and her Michigan School Administrator Certificate in 2017.

She has been an Executive Mentor/Coach with the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals since 2018. Among her many leadership accomplishments, she is responsible for initiating and implementing the “WIN” (Whatever I Need) program in CTA’s elementary grades, elevating student success. Mrs. Mattson is married to husband, Scott, and they have two sons, Drew and Evan. She expressed her appreciation with this statement: “My family and I are extremely excited and grateful for this opportunity to continue to serve the CTA students, staff, families, and community as the new CTA Superintendent/School Leader. Since the minute I stepped onto the CTA campus, this has been a place that has supported, inspired, and challenged me to grow professionally and personally. I am filled with gratitude for the leadership that Mr. Dan George has provided for me and so many others during his time at CTA. He will be greatly missed by CTA students, staff, and families. We will continue to honor his legacy by always remembering what he has taught us: We are Chargers! We are World Changers!!”

Creative Technologies Academy’s middle school teacher Justin Harding was recently recognized with WGVU’s Cool Teacher Award. Mr. Harding was nominated by CTA student Kirstin Willis. 

The Cool Teacher Award is bestowed on dedicated, creative, and resourceful teachers who work hard to have a positive impact in the lives of their students and within their communities.

WGVU visited Mr. Harding’s classroom to film him in action with his students, where he makes everyday learning an adventure. This feature aired on WGVU and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQws5GyxBTE&feature=youtu.be. When Harding was asked by WGVU what advice he would give to fellow teachers, his response was, “My teaching tip is to build relationships. It’s the most important part about teaching.”

Congratulations to Justin Harding on winning the Cool Teacher award!

Congratulations Class of 2019

Hundreds of students stepped out into a brand new world over the last couple of weeks as they graduated high school and now celebrate what lies ahead. Here in our area, students graduated from Cedar Springs High School, New Beginnings High School, Creative Technologies Academy, Algoma Christian School, and Tri County High School.

To see photos of top honors students in our area and class photos, click here to download