What's Going Well, 2026 Graduation Edition

Congratulations Class of 2026! It is always hard saying goodbye to our graduating students. Over the years, we have watched you grow into confident and independent individuals with a strong sense of purpose. Your accomplishments and contributions have left a lasting impact on our schools and community, and we are excited for all that lies ahead. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, continue making meaningful connections, sharing your talents, and leaving a positive impact on those around you. We are incredibly proud of you! Congratulations, Class of 2026! Senior Celebrations Senior Picnic One morning during the seniors' last week of school, all the graduates gathered on the football field for one last lunch together. While some games were being played, most students sat in groups, reminiscing and taking photos.   Pickleball Tournament The seniors held a pickleball tournament, teaming up and playing bracket-style until only one team remained. It was a fun way to end the year with a little friendly competition!   Senior Walks RHS Senior Walk Seniors at RHS spent their final morning in the building with friends and family, celebrating their accomplishments in their caps and gowns. They were welcomed through the halls with cheers and hugs, an incredible send-off for an unforgettable milestone.   CHS Senior Walk A favorite tradition at CHS is the senior walk. On the last day of school, the seniors make their way to the gymnasium, where they receive their caps and gowns, making graduation finally feel real! The seniors walk through the building while staff and students cheer them along as they make their way to the football field for a victory lap around the track. Afterward, friends and family join the graduates on the field for photos and celebrations.   Award Ceremonies Senior Scholar Awards It was such a privilege for the CHS administration and faculty to recognize so many of our seniors at the Senior Honors Assembly. During this event, students graduating Summa Cum Laude and those receiving select scholarships were honored for their outstanding achievements and dedication.   Senior Scholar Breakfast Please join us in congratulating the Top 25 students of the Class of 2026! This incredible accomplishment reflects not only their GPA but also their character, dedication, and determination.   CollegiateAthletic Signing Thirty-six athletes were recognized for committing to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. We know how much work and dedication you have put into your sport, alongside maintaining your education, family, and social life; it's not easy. We commend you and can not wait to see what is in store for you next year!   Elementary Visits It has become a CCS tradition that after graduation rehearsal, our graduates return to their elementary schools to walk the halls one last time. This special tradition allows seniors to revisit where their journey began, reconnect with former teachers, and inspire the next generation of students.   Andersonville Elementary Congratulations Eagles!   Bailey Lake Elementary Congratulations Bulldogs!   Clarkston Elementary Congratulations Dragons!   Independence Elementary Congratulations Broncos!   North Sashabaw Elementary Congratulations Wildcats!   Pine Knob Elementary Congratulations Tigers!   Springfield Plains Elementary Congratulations Dolphins!   Graduation Ceremonies LifeSkills Graduation Congratulations to our graduates from Clarkston’s LIFE Skills program. Throughout their time in the program, these students demonstrated tremendous growth in independence, communication, social-emotional development, and workplace readiness. Their hard work, determination, and resilience, along with the unwavering support of families, staff, and service providers, have helped prepare them for this exciting next chapter.   RHS Graduation One of the proudest nights in Clarkston is always the Renaissance High School graduation ceremony. Congratulations RHS Class of 2026!   CHS Graduation The weather was perfect for watching the Clarkston High School graduates cross the stage at Pine Knob. Congratulations, Class of 2026!   Military Signing Day We were proud to recognize the following students joining the Military recently at our annual Military Signing Day: Ryan Bushroe - Coast Guard Maliky Cintron - Army National Guard Julia Enriquez - Navy Tyler Scott - Navy Jack Wilson - Navy In progress: Jaden Blodgett - Air National Guard Byralise Williams - Air National Guard Congratulations!  

Monday, Jun 08 2026

What's Going Well, April 2026

April 2026 Outside of the Classroom Nutrition at CFF Jessica O’Rorke’s CHS Nutrition & Wellness class took learning beyond the classroom with a visit to the Clarkston Family Farm. Students spent the morning rotating through four stations. They explored “Food as Medicine,” learning about the healing properties of foods, discussing microgreens, and enjoying a tea tasting. At the salsa-making station, students discovered the science behind fresh ingredients as they created (and tasted) their own salsa. They also participated in garden yoga, focusing on wellness for both the mind and body. Lastly, they wrapped up with a visit to the farm animals, where students learned how animals support ecosystems and soil health—and how simply being around them can be good for the soul.   CHS Heritage Spanish Class tour with Elton Monroy Duran The CHS Heritage Spanish class took a trip to SW Detroit in order to prepare for International Night. The goal was to be immersed in another culture and observe how aspects of it are shared with pride. They got a tour with muralist and artist Elton Monroy Duran, stopped for tamales at Tamalería Nuevo León, had a private performance by Los Herederos de Mayahuel, and then had lunch in Dearborn.   Business Law Students visit Amazon Fulfillment Center Laura Van Etten took her Business Law students to an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Auburn Hills. The students were able to see operations firsthand, such as logistics, sorting, and labeling; experience state-of-the-art technology; and learn about safety measures for employees, working conditions, employee incentives, and HR information (scheduling, evaluations, time off, etc.). This particular facility only services packages less than 20lbs. So the kids were able to see drones flying around to pick up packages ready for shipment. What a cool experience!   RHS Students Make an Impact RHS PBL students explored how communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. Students examined real-world challenges such as access to clean water, emergency communication, and shelter design, applying scientific and engineering principles to develop practical solutions. To extend their learning beyond the classroom, students visited DRAW to help pack relief kits. They also made a meaningful impact by donating essential items, including 23 bath towels, 26 hand towels, 49 washcloths, 1 bed sheet set, 27 boxes of baby wipes, 7 containers of dental floss, 6 rolls of paper towels, and 52 rolls of toilet paper. We are proud of our students for turning learning into action and making a difference in communities in need!   Liberty Tree Planting On April 22, Pine Knob Elementary students, staff, and community members came together to plant a Liberty Tree, bringing history to life as fifth graders connected their study of the American Revolution to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Centered around a driving question about how to learn, share, and celebrate this milestone, students explored its significance through research and reflection. The highlight of the event was the planting of a native Tulip Poplar tree, symbolizing freedom, civic responsibility, and the power of community voices. Student speakers shared meaningful reflections, and the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard added a sense of tradition to the ceremony. Beyond the event, students extended their learning by writing persuasive essays about America’s 250th birthday, with several students recognized for their thoughtful work. With support from community partners, the project created a lasting, living symbol on campus—one that will continue to grow alongside students’ understanding of their role in shaping the future.   School - Home Connection North Sashabaw Literacy Night A great time was had by all at North Sashabaw Elementary during their recent Literacy Night. This year’s theme, “Wild About Reading,” brought students and families together to enjoy a variety of engaging literacy activities focused on reading, writing, and building foundational skills. The evening also included dinner provided by Chicken Shack, a visit from the Clarkston Public Library, and the opportunity for each child to take a book home. It was a special evening that celebrated a love of reading and brought the school community together in a meaningful way.   Color Labeling at the Early Childhood Center At our Early Childhood Center, the 3-yr-old classes spent last month strengthening their school-home connection while labeling colors. They celebrated a different color each day for age-appropriate learning. Student Achievements National Runner-Up Wrestler Camden Place, a 5th-grader at Independence Elementary, has been wrestling for several years, and for the second year in a row, he has earned 1st place in Michigan for his age and weight class. He is also a state champion in two leagues!! This year, Camden took his talents to Reno, Nevada to compete at Nationals, entering the tournament unranked and as a true underdog. In an impressive and rare feat, he battled his way through a challenging 38-man bracket—considered the toughest in the tournament—pinning his way to the championship match without allowing a single point. Camden ultimately finished as a National Runner-Up, an extraordinary accomplishment at this level of competition, and completely unheard of when coming in unranked! We are so incredibly proud of his determination, grit, and hard work. Congratulations, Camden!   NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award Congratulations to CJHS 9th-grade student Avery Fischer for receiving this year's National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award! This award is given to only 500 recipients from across the country for their excellence in the five pillars of NJHS: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. This is a huge honor Avery. We are so proud of you!   Clarkston Construction Technology State Gold Medalist Eight months of climbing the mountain from local to regional to state completions, the Clarkston Construction Technology Program is now on its way to nationals as Michigan’s gold medal representatives in teamworks! Carson Strate, Justin Walsh, Aidan Newton, and Duncan Ruby will be making their way to Atlanta, Georgia, along with instructors Jayden Wood, Neil Granlund, and Adam Gorring. They have represented the Clarkston Community with class on every level thus far, and we look forward to seeing them make us proud at the national level! Go Wolves!   Team RUSH Michigan State CHAMPIONS Congratulations to FIRST Team RUSH 27 on winning the Michigan State Robotics Championship—undefeated! They are now competing in Houston at the World Championship, entering ranked 4th in the world. Incredible job—we can’t wait to hear how they do!   Oakland County Millage Oakland County Enhancement Millage - Impact & Potential Uses The Oakland County Enhancement Millage will be on the August 4, 2026 ballot. If approved, each public school district and eligible public school academies would receive approximately $781 per student annually. This proposal would cost about $150 per year for a $200,000 home ($100,000 taxable value).  Districts would use the funding for a variety of reasons. Here are some examples on how these general fund dollars would be spent: Staff recruitment and retention Stabilizing general fund budgets Maintaining or reducing class sizes, where possible Expanding professional development Enhancing student wellness supports Improving safety and security Maintaining and strengthening district programming Visit the Enhancement Millage website for more information and a tax calculator.   Career Readiness CJHS Career Day Clarkston Junior High welcomed over 50 guest speakers for its annual Career Day. Eighth- and ninth-grade students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths, engaging in conversations and asking questions firsthand. This experience helped students gain valuable insight as they begin to think about their future goals and possibilities.   No Degree Required Renaissance High School hosted “No Degree Required,” connecting students with professionals in careers that don’t require a college degree. At Clarkston Community Schools, we’re proud to support every student’s unique path to success—whatever that may look like. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible!   Leadership FCCLA Members Attend Spring Leadership Conference Clarkston’s first FCCLA members recently attended the Spring Leadership Conference in Lansing, thanks to support from the Clarkston CTE Department and the Clarkston Optimist Club. Students connected with peers from across the state and competed in education-focused events, gaining valuable leadership and career experience. A special thank you to Emma Spaine and Emily Bryer, who helped students earn GOLD in the Toys That Teach – Storybook category. Altogether, Clarkston students brought home 4 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze medals. Way to go, ladies!   BPA State Leadership Conference Business Professionals of America (BPA) held its 54th annual State Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids. Clarkston High School traveled with 33 students who competed in a variety of career-focused events relating to business, finance, marketing, & Information Technology. As a result of the competition, the following four students qualified for the National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN, May 5-10, 2026: Julie Ampofo: Advanced Accounting Lily Haviland: Advanced Office Systems & Procedures Isiah Isaac: Advanced Accounting Julia Whitecar: Administrative Support Concepts We are so lucky these students have the opportunity to extend their learning and grow their professional & leadership skills. There are so many talented students in our CTE courses, and it's exciting to see them showcase their skills against others in the state. Special thank you to our chaperones: Sarah Ferguson, Jim Van Etten, & Laura Van Etten who were willing to sacrifice their time and sleep to support our students!   Around the World International Night What a wonderful evening our International Night was! It was truly inspiring to see the Clarkston community come together to celebrate and explore cultures from around the world, right here in our own school. The evening featured a wide variety of delicious foods representing different cultures, hands-on cultural crafts, lively music, and engaging performances. Each element offered a meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate traditions from across the globe. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed their time and talents to make this evening such a success.   Chiba Higashi High School Students Visit Clarkston High School’s Japanese program recently welcomed students from Chiba Higashi High School in Japan as part of their sister school exchange! During their visit, Chiba Higashi students spent the week with host families and attended CHS, where they experienced daily life in an American high school. From building friendships to exploring new cultures, it was a memorable and meaningful exchange for everyone involved. A special thank you to Japanese teacher Faye Valtadoros for coordinating such an incredible opportunity for our students!   Celebration Around the World Springfield Plains Elementary recently held its annual Celebration Around the World, welcoming community members to share their cultures and traditions with students. This event gives students the opportunity to learn about different cultures and experience them firsthand, as the kitchen joins in by preparing a variety of international dishes for students to try. What a cool day!   The Arts CHS Drama Club Performs Whistle Stop Our CHS Drama Club again blew us all away with their talent as they performed Whistle Stop, by Michigan playwright, Tracy Wells. Congratulations to the cast and crew on another successful show!   Middle School Honor Orchestra Performs at DSO Earlier this year, 16 students from SMS were invited to perform with the DSO Honors Orchestras. These students were selected from hundreds of students across the metro Detroit area! They got to spend the day at Orchestra Hall with members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and perform on the Max M Fischer stage. Congratulations to the following students on their wonderful performances! Paige Ashley Addison Buchowski Emily Bushroe Amelia Duffy Maddie Fry Sylvie Heist Charlotte Herrin William Isaac Alexa Lionas Eliana Lopaze Brennen Marvicsin Beverly McIntosh William Modrzynski Kai Rinke Rebekah Rogers Abby Zehr   More Than Just Academics 9th-Grade PBL Teaches 4th-Grade Across the District One morning last month, our 9th-grade PBL class visited all of the elementary schools in the district to teach a historical lesson to all 4th-grade classrooms. We love it when we get to have students teaching students!   Egg Hunt for MStep At Pine Knob Elementary, our 4th-graders had an egg hunt where each egg contained a short review problem to help them prepare for their M-STEP testing. It was a fun way to practice key skills while keeping students engaged.   Do you have an exciting classroom activity? Know of a standout student, staff, or alumnus? Have a student/child participating in a special event, competition, or just doing something cool? Help us share the Clarkston Community Schools story in photos, videos, and words! Please email marketing@clarkston.k12.mi.us or by completing THIS FORM. Your story may be featured on our website, social media, or local news. Parent permission will be confirmed as needed.

Friday, May 01 2026

What's Going Well, March 2026

March 2026 Welcome back! We hope your time off provided a well-deserved opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together. Whether your plans included traveling, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing at home, we hope everyone had an enjoyable break! Battle of the Books It was so fun watching a great 2026 Battle of the Books season! This year, at the elementary level, 115 teams, made up of 507 students from all seven elementary schools, participated with the support and guidance of 158 coaches. The energy, enthusiasm, and preparation shown by everyone involved were truly impressive. Students showcased not only their knowledge and teamwork throughout the competition but also their sportsmanship, cheering one another on. Congratulations to all of our students! 1st Place - The Page Punchers Independence Elementary - Joey Landry, Charlie Landry, Hudson Hadley, Sterling Pereira, Alex Norman 2nd Place & Best Team Name - The Cliffhanger Crew Clarkston Elementary - Kyle Mastie, Luke Holka, Brendan Collins, Cody Youngerman, Ben Aubert 3rd Place - Book Sharks Springfield Plains Elementary - Bryce Mikola, Ben Harris, Hyde Woolbright, Jack Johnston, Mylan Hatmaker Best Team Costume - Book Babies II Clarkston Elementary - Julia LaMay, Layla Bennink, Zinnia Constable, Graham Collins, Milo McGowen   SMS Battle of the Books Sashabaw Middle School also teamed up with the Clarkston Independence District Library (CIDL) to host a Battle of the Books Competition, and it was a honking good time! Congratulations to all of the participants! 1st Place -- The Grammar Gooses Elliott Brown, Nahlia Browning, Layla Rigg, and Vivianne Willhite Best Team Poster -- Sorting Hat Scholars Audrey Thompson, Savanna Smith, Ariel Powell, and Erin Grant Best Team Costume -- The Readers of Oz Grace Mastie, Kennedy Webster, Emma D’Avignon, Rebekah Rogers, Charlotte Herrin, and Juliahna O’Hearn Best Team Name -- The Bookie Wookies Emma Rush, Sophia Bauer, Alana Lawrence, Lilly Bardo, and Grace Plotts   Buzzing with Success Congratulations to all of our Clarkston students who represented our district at the Oakland Schools Scripps Regional Spelling Bee. Over eighty 5th-8th graders from across the county competed, and we are proud to say that one of our very own 5th-graders tied for 3rd-place! Congratulations to Andersonville Elementary's Robin Knoppe! Representing our district from left to right: (SPE) Dominic Sopoliga, (IE) Raphael Gutierrez, (AE) Robin Knoppe, (SMS) Adam Kelley, (NSE) Samantha Karrick, (CE) Kendall McLauchlin, (PKE) Knox Darling, and (BLE) Amelia Larashi March is Reading Month Author Roger Hess visits Clarkston Elementary Clarkston Elementary welcomed Author Roger Hess as part of their March is Reading Month activities. Roger currently has three books in his line-up: Tiger Stadium Time Machine, Freaked Out at Wrigley Field, and 3000 Feet Over Lambeau, and is working on his 4th. Thank you, Roger, for visiting and providing books to the classrooms.   Bailey Lake Mystery Readers Bailey Lake had mystery readers visit classrooms throughout the month. These are just a handful of the surprise guests. Thank you to everyone who helped make it so special for the students.   CHS Heritage Spanish Students Meet Illustrator Tony Ortega CHS Heritage Spanish students had the opportunity to connect with guest speaker and illustrator Tony Ortega. Tony shared a Spanish-language book inspired by his childhood, giving students a meaningful glimpse into his creative process. This experience tied perfectly into their recent unit, where students interviewed and wrote biographical essays about influential people in their lives, which they will soon transform into their own children’s books.   Guest Readers at Andersonville Elementary Dr. Shawn Ryan and Nancy Mahoney visited multiple classrooms at Andersonville Elementary for March is Reading Month. What a fun surprise! Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read aloud to the students!   SMS Read in Party Sashabaw Middle School held a school-wide Read-in-Party during Paws. While students read, popcorn was provided. What an enjoyable way to start the morning!   Vocabulary Parade To wrap up March is Reading Month, Bailey Lake Elementary hosted its first-ever Vocabulary Parade—and it was incredible! Students brought their words to life with creative, inspiring posters that filled the halls with positivity and imagination. But the impact didn’t stop there. Throughout the week, students used their words in meaningful academic service-learning projects, spreading encouragement across the community. From creating keychains for custodians with words that describe their impact, to designing motivational posters for high school students preparing for the SAT, to writing heartfelt thank-you notes for first responders, each grade level found a way to make their words matter. An inspiring way to celebrate the power of words!   Classroom Connections At CJHS, Mr. Hilarides History 9 class explored the driving question: “Should the United States have dropped the bombs on Japan?” Working in teams, they analyzed eight primary sources, including a letter to President Truman and a Pearl Harbor newspaper article, and evaluated the subject, audience, purpose, and speaker. Students identified claims, gathered evidence, and then determined what the source claimed about the driving question, what evidence the source provided, and connected the claim and evidence back to the central question.   At SMS, our Science 7 students used straws to create "wind" and a water bottle to create "gentle rain" to study how sediment behaves and how the landscape might change as a result of gravity and weather conditions.   Ms. Lulianelli, Ms. Allen, and Mrs. Kroll developed an exciting day of Air Pressure demonstrations for their CHS Physical Science students. Students were exposed to a variety of phenomena-based science concepts, which helped them visualize the air-pressure laws they were learning in their physical science class. Not only were marshmallows and shaving cream expanded, but minds as well.   At CJHS, students in Mrs. Baillie’s Algebra class applied their learning about least squares regression lines to analyze self-created data. They explored relationships such as distance to the basket relative to shots made, students' height relative to wingspan, basketball dribbles over time, and hand span relative to the number of Starbursts they were able to pick up. Students created graphs, analyzed their results, and presented their findings to the class.   Our IB1 (11th-grade) Literature students participated in the annual TOK Exhibition, a culminating event that challenges them to explore big questions about how we know what we know. Each of the 99 participating students selected a thought-provoking question and chose three meaningful objects to help illustrate and justify their response. They presented their ideas to peers, staff, and other students, engaging in thoughtful dialogue and offering each other both verbal and written feedback. It was a powerful display of critical thinking, communication, and reflection!   The Arts Band, Orchestra and Choir Festival Our band, orchestra, and choir students had outstanding performances at Festival. You can see by the scores that Clarkston has some incredibly talented musicians!!!   Middle School Honor Band On March 16, 8 of the 7th-grade band students performed in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Middle School Honor Band at the historic Max M. Fisher Orchestra Hall! They were selected to perform out of hundreds of students in Southeastern Michigan. Congratulations to the following students! Isla Chwasz, Harlie Keilman, Cody Johnston, Peter Betzing, Hannah Beutler, Gavin Zielke, Blake McHugh and Jack Foster.   Middle School Honor Orchestra On March 23, 16 students from the 7th-grade orchestra were invited to perform with the DSO Honors Orchestras. These students were selected from hundreds of students across the metro Detroit area! Congratulations to the following students on their wonderful performances! Paige Ashley, Addison Buchowski, Emily Bushroe, Amelia Duffy, Maddie Fry, Sylvie Heist, Charlotte Herrin, William Isaac, Alexa Lionas, Eliana Lopaze, Brennen Marvicsin, Beverly McIntosh, William Modrzynski, Kai Rinke, Rebekah Rogers, and Abby Zehr.   Art Show Reception During conferences, Independence Elementary hosted its first-ever Art Show Reception! Families were invited to walk around the building and enjoy a special piece of artwork from every student. They also held a scavenger hunt for children to discover different art styles, colors, textures, etc. We hope this incredible event becomes an annual tradition! .   Athletics State Champ Congratulations to Nate Carter, our 144 wrestling state champ!! We are so proud of you! League Champion CHS junior Braeden Covintree set a new team record with a 53.21 in the 100m back, earning him a 1st-place finish and all-league honors!!! He was also the league champion in the 200 freestyle! Congratulations! Elli Robak new All-Time Leading Scorer Elli Robak had an incredible season and became Clarkston High School’s all-time leading scorer for girls' basketball! Congratulations Elli! District Champs Our Varsity Girls Basketball team beat Rochester Adams to become District Champions!   More Highlights Pi Day Bailey Lake Elementary students from Mrs. Shipp's and Mrs. Deachin's Kindergarten classes, as well as Mrs. Stephenson's 2nd grade and Mrs. Scott's Young Fives classes, celebrated PI Day (3.14) by watching a PI-themed storytime with Cowboy Alex and making a special PI Day craft. Sledding at Independence Elementary Third-graders at Independence Elementary had a blast sledding on a sunny, blue day! Some of the teachers even got in on the action! What fun! Jump Rope for Heart We are incredibly proud of Andersonville Elementary for breaking a school record during this year’s Jump Rope for Heart challenge! Last year, students raised an outstanding $13,830. While this year’s grand total has not yet been finalized (cash and check donations are still being counted), the current online total alone stands at an impressive $18,079.13. What an amazing accomplishment by our students, staff, and families! Bailey Lake Baristas Some of our 5th-grade leadership students at BLE became "Bailey Lake Baristas" and served Neiman's hot cocoa (and toppings) to staff during the first hour of school. These staff treats were purchased with money that leadership raises from their small Bulldog store in the morning.   Do you have an exciting classroom activity? Know of a standout student, staff, or alumnus? Have a student/child participating in a special event, competition, or just doing something cool? Help us share the Clarkston Community Schools story in photos, videos, and words! Please email marketing@clarkston.k12.mi.us or by complete THIS FORM. Your story may be featured on our website, social media, or local news. Parent permission will be confirmed as needed.

Monday, Apr 06 2026

What's Going Well, February 2026

February 2026 It’s hard to believe that we’re already welcoming March! Winter is winding down, and we are looking forward to the exciting transition to spring. This time of year always brings renewed energy across the district. The days are growing longer, the sun is peeking out more often, and before we know it, the school year will be wrapping up. As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership in making our district a wonderful place to learn and grow. Around our Schools Our Master Spellers Congratulations to our 5th-grade spelling bee champions from each elementary school. These students will advance to the Oakland County Scripps Spelling Bee on March 14, 2026. We are so proud of all of our spelling bee finalists, and wish you the best of luck next month!   Fentanyl Fathers This past Tuesday, February 24th, all 9th through 12th-grade students attended a powerful all-school assembly featuring the Fentanyl Fathers. This Michigan-based group consists of fathers who have each lost a child to fentanyl poisoning. The 45-minute presentation covered the critical dangers of counterfeit pills, opioids, and fentanyl, including how to recognize an overdose and administer Narcan to save a life. The assembly included a short film and real stories from families affected by this epidemic. This important event was organized in response to thoughtful and compelling feedback from students and staff following a Wolf Time lesson last spring.   Searchable Veteran Database CHS juniors Emma Redman and Ava Uballe were recently honored by the Jeremiah Clark Sons of the Revolution for creating a searchable database of veterans who are buried in Lakeview Cemetery. These two students worked with Mrs. Rogers and the Daughters of the American Revolution to upload the information into a Google spreadsheet. We are proud of these two young ladies and their contributions to preserving our history.   Construction Trades Program Making Their Way to States Congratulations to our Clarkston Construction Trades Program individual carpenters and team build competitors! Showcasing their skills against all of Southeast Michigan’s finest, they proved to be some of the best as they qualified for the state championships! The team of Hunter Temelko, Justin Walsh, Aidan Newton, and Duncan Ruby will advance to the next level in Grand Rapids in April. Thank you to instructors Neil Granlund, Jayden Wood, and Adam Gorring, as well as our supporters from the David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation, Commercial Contracting Corporation, and Albaugh Masonry Stone and Tile. Go Wolves and all the best at states!   Be a Hero, Save a Liv On February 6, Independence Elementary hosted a blood drive in honor of one of its students, Liv O'Connell, and the results are in! The American Red Cross projected collecting 59 pints, and they exceeded expectations, collecting 66 pints from 70 donors! That is 198 patients' lives that will be impacted! We are incredibly proud of all of the students who have been educating others on the importance of blood donation.   From Stage to Studio Once Upon a Mattress The CHS Drama Club put on an excellent performance of Once Upon a Mattress, amazing the audience with the incredible talent here in Clarkston Schools. The show takes so much time and effort, and so many people to make it run smoothly: 35 cast members, 24 tech & crew members, 20 band members in the pit, 4 directors, and so much more community support. Congratulations to all who participated, it was a great weekend! And thank you to everyone who came out to see it. We hope you enjoyed the show!   Solo & Ensemble Congratulations to our choir students for their incredible performances at Solo & Ensemble. All four students received the highest rating of 1, and we couldn't be prouder! Pictured from left to right: Stella Shires, Maya Moshier, Addison Tereau, and Parker Hemsworth. Over 175 Band and Orchestra students participated in MSBOA District 4 Solo & Ensemble at Novi HS. These 175 students participated in over 100 events. More than 50 of these events earned a 1st division, or superior, rating and qualified to perform at State Solo/Ensemble at Rochester Stoney Creek HS on March 21. Congratulations to you all!   Scholastic Art Exhibition CHS students Audrey Willis and Gabby Gadley were recognized by a panel of creative professionals for their impressive works of art and selected to display their pieces in the 2026 Scholastic Art Exhibit. Their work has been on display at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit.   In the Zone Regional Champs! Congratulations to our Boys and Girls Varsity ski teams for winning the Regional Championship! This is the boys' back-to-back win and the girls' 8th consecutive championship! What an accomplishment!!!   The varsity boys' Bowling team took 1st place at regionals and is State-bound! Good luck, Wolves!   District Champs! For the 20th consecutive year, our incredible Varsity Wrestling Team has dominated the mat and secured the District Championship! This is a tremendous milestone for the team, and we are so proud of their dedication and hard work.   Fife for a Cure Clarkston High School hosted its annual "Fife for a Cure" Charity Basketball Game and Kiddie Carnival on Friday, February 6. The event included the JV/Varsity Girls basketball team vs. Stoney Creek and the Varsity Boys team vs. West Bloomfield, a high school pep rally, and a Kiddie Carnival with games for elementary-aged children. All proceeds from the event, including funds from the CHS Leadership class's basket raffles, went to: Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center Rogel Cancer Center Pancreatic Cancer Fund SCAMP Thank you to everyone who helped make these events a success.   Our Coaches are the Best! Congratulations to Varsity Ski Coach, Brian Popelier, for being named D1 Regional Coach of the Year! Congratulations to Varsity Cheer Coach, Megan Collins, for being the OAA Red League Coach of the Year for Competitive Cheer!   Faces of Dedication Excellence in Education Congratulations to Clarkston Education Association member and CJHS staff member Dan Clason! Dan was the recipient of the MEA’s “Excellence in Education” award for all of the amazing things he does for our students. Dan was awarded this honor during the MEA Winter conference in Detroit.   Making a Difference Congratulations to Nancy Distelrath, Sheila Witkowski, and Dee Smith on being awarded a $5,000 MiFamily Grant in support of our Young Career Explorers program. Through this grant, our Career Readiness and Family Engagement teams are partnering to bring meaningful career awareness and literacy experiences to CCS Young 5s families. During our most recent Professional Learning Day, our CHS counselors participated in a program with the U.S. Military. During the event, the United States Navy presented Amanda Goodwin with a Certificate of Appreciation for her “lasting influence on the development, mentorship, and success of future sailors.” The recognition highlights her ongoing work supporting students interested in military pathways across all branches of the Armed Services.   Just Joy Global Day of Play On February 4, students across our district celebrated Global Day of Play: no worksheets, no pencils, just free play and fun! Studies have shown that meaningful play is essential to children's development, as it strengthens social skills, sparks imagination, and helps builds self confidence. It’s a day that both students and staff look forward to each year. In fact, one of our Bailey Lake staff members, Alex Krentzin, aka Mr. "Cowboy Alex," enjoys it so much that he goes above and beyond each year by bringing in his "Vintage Toy Roadshow". Teachers can sign up for 1/2-hour slots to expose their students to toys spanning decades!   Winter Fun We escaped the Polar Vortex of January, and students were thrilled to be able to play outside in the snow again! Some students even had the opportunity to go snowshoeing, while others got to go sledding! We love fresh air!!!   Do you have an exciting classroom activity? Know of a standout student, staff, or alumnus? Have a student/child participating in a special event, competition, or just doing something cool? Help us share the Clarkston Community Schools story in photos, videos, and words! Please email marketing@clarkston.k12.mi.us or by complete THIS FORM. Your story may be featured on our website, social media, or local news. Parent permission will be confirmed as needed.  

Friday, Feb 27 2026

What's Going Well, January 2026

January 2026 School Board Appreciation Month January is School Board Appreciation Month! We are so grateful for our dedicated Board of Education members who volunteer countless hours to support our students, staff, and community. Thank you for your leadership, commitment, and service—you all help shape the future of our schools, and we truly appreciate all that you do! More Than Academics SMS 7th Grade Career Day Recently, our SMS 7th graders spent their morning exploring career opportunities by attending sessions with experts across a wide range of fields. They were able to hear from Attorneys, Doctors, an Aerospace Engineer, Firefighters, business owners, and so much more. They even got to meet Lance Parish, a retired Detroit Tigers catcher who won the World Series, as well as Rebel, a retired police canine. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, whether by helping throughout the morning or by offering to speak to our students. It would not have been such a success without you.   Business Professionals of America On January 9, CHS Business Professionals of America members traveled to Macomb Community College to compete at the BPA Regional Conference. Of the 43 students who attended, all 43 finished in the Top Ten in at least one event & 36 qualified for the State Leadership Conference, which will be held in Grand Rapids (March 12 - 15). A list of students & their results can be found HERE.   Future Leaders in the Making Last month, our IE 5th graders worked incredibly hard learning about government and applied what they learned in a classroom debate. They even had their President sign a bill into law. We love learning in action! Great job, kiddos! Kids Doing Great Things Clarkston Student Represents Team USA in Junior Ice Dance We are proud to cheer on Clarkston’s own Michelle Deych as she represents Team USA in Junior Ice Dance alongside her partner, Ryan Hu. The duo has qualified for the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating National Championships in St. Louis in January (1/7-1/11), with results helping determine qualification for the Junior World Championships in March 2026. She credits Clarkston’s virtual learning program with being vital to her success, enabling her to balance strong academics with full-time athletics. She says, “The support of the local community travels with me to every competition.” We wish her the very best and invite our community to tune in and support her on this exciting national stage. Watch details and event information: https://usfigureskating.org/.../2026-prevagen-us-figure...   A Big Heart Recognized at the State Level You may remember a post from last month recognizing an IE 3rd-grader, Joanna Waraniak, for her big heart and caring personality. We are proud to say it was noticed by State Representative Harris, who was so impressed by her act of kindness that he wanted to honor her with a State Tribute. Several teachers from Independence Elementary, Principal Nate Fuller, and many others gathered at this month's board meeting to cheer her on as she received this honor. We are so incredibly proud of her!   CHS Newspaper Revival Three 11th-grade CHS students, Alex Lara, Bella Popiolek, and Arianne Bruce, collaborated to revive our high school newspaper in a new digital format. They established a student-led club, recruited members, assigned editorial roles, and conducted research to develop original stories, bringing fresh energy and accessibility to the publication. Check out their first publication on the CHS website under "News & Calendar". Students in Action Keeping the Tradition Alive at Depot Park Each year, our Construction Tech students partner with the Clarkston Area Optimist Club to continue the tradition of setting up an ice skating rink in Depot Park! Thank you to the Optimist Club for your continued support. We hope you are able to get out and enjoy the rink! RoboWolves Advance to the World Stage Congratulations to the Clarkston RoboWolves, a robotics team from SMS and CJHS, competing in the FIRST Robotics League. The kids worked really hard all season and did a great job! They recently qualified for the FIRST Robotics State Championships and placed second! That finish qualified them to compete in the world championships, to be held later this year in Houston, Texas. Way to go!     Do you have an exciting classroom activity? Know of a standout student, staff, or alumnus? Have a student/child participating in a special event, competition, or just doing something cool? Help us share the Clarkston Community Schools story in photos, videos, and words! Please email marketing@clarkston.k12.mi.us or by complete THIS FORM. Your story may be featured on our website, social media, or local news. Parent permission will be confirmed as needed.

Monday, Feb 02 2026

What's Going Well, December 2025

December 2025 Welcome Back! Throughout December, the pace of our days often feels especially full—busy calendars, bustling classrooms, and full hearts. Winter break offers a welcome opportunity to slow down and reconnect with the people and moments that matter most. We hope you spent time with loved ones, did things that brought you joy, and reflected on what truly fills your cup. We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy New Year. Academic Avenue Finding Their Way Third graders across the district had a blast learning how to read maps, find landmarks, and explore directions using a giant floor map! Hands-on activities like this make geography exciting — we love it when learning is fun! A New Chapter in Poetry As part of a new poetry unit being piloted in the district, Bailey Lake 4th-grade students explored different poets and poetic forms before crafting their own poems. Once completed, they shared their poems with peers, staff, and parents. This took so much courage, and we are so proud of their creativity and hard work! Green Home Design Challenge Clarkston Junior High School recently hosted its 8th Grade Science Green Home Design Challenge Showcase. Over several weeks, students engaged in a rigorous, hands-on, NGSS-aligned project where they designed sustainable, climate-ready model homes for real locations across the United States. Student teams researched climate data, engineered structures to match those conditions, and built physical prototypes demonstrating their understanding of weather systems, climate science, energy efficiency, and engineering design principles. The showcase highlighted student-driven inquiry, creative problem-solving, and innovative solutions to real-world environmental challenges, along with the pride and ownership students felt in sharing their learning. Learning Beyond Our Walls Growing Hearts and Spreading Kindness Some of our Independence Elementary students have been working on monthly projects for the Meals on Wheels homebound seniors, and last month's project was creating Thanksgiving-themed placemats. Through our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) work, including the use of the Zones of Regulation, students practiced recognizing their feelings while applying academic skills such as fine-motor work, following directions, using rubrics, and early literacy. The result was beautifully themed placemats with artwork designed to brighten someone's day! CJHS in Action The CJHS National Junior Honor Society truly embodied the spirit of giving this season! For their Community Service Project, members collected and packed food donations for a nonprofit that provides weekly support to low-income children. When asked what they wanted for Christmas, the children overwhelmingly requested food — and NJHS immediately got to work. Students packed 90 lunch bags, surpassing their original goal of 70, and donated even more food for distribution. We’re so proud of their compassion, dedication, and commitment to serving others! Students in the Workplace Emily Bryer’s Oral Communication students had an incredible experience visiting United Wholesale Mortgage on Wednesday, Nov. 19th. Students were invited to attend UWM’s weekly sales meeting, where they heard from several business executives, including CEO Mat Ishbia. They also received a guided tour of UWM’s impressive campus, featuring arcade rooms, a full-size basketball court, multiple restaurants, and even an on-site hair salon. To conclude the visit, students participated in a panel discussion with professionals from across the company who shared their career experiences and emphasized the importance of strong oral communication in the workplace. We extend our sincere thanks to UWM for welcoming us, offering valuable insights into corporate communication, and providing our students with an engaging and enjoyable learning opportunity. A Night of Numbers & Community Recently, North Sashabaw Elementary held its annual Family Math Night, a special way to include families in making math fun! Thank you to Calvary Lutheran for providing dinner, to Bridgewood Church for providing dessert, and to everyone who joined us that evening. Clarkston Construction Gives Back The Clarkston Construction Technology Program has been busy collaborating with Pine Knob Elementary School, Make Derm Sure, Ultra Landscaping, and Michigan Rustic Woodlands on a variety of projects throughout Clarkston. From providing shelter and shade for elementary students to gaining real-world experience in excavation and millwork, our students are demonstrating how their skills can make a meaningful impact in the community. From Canvas to Curtain Spreading Joy Through Drama The CHS Drama Club, in collaboration with Clarkston Village Players, performed The Elves and the Shoemaker one weekend in December. In addition to their weekend performances, the Mime Troupe and Drama Club visited all of the elementary schools, bringing an engaging and entertaining show to our younger students. These performances provided students with an opportunity to experience live theater up close while enjoying a fun and interactive presentation that spread joy throughout the community. Student Art on Display Artwork created by our talented Clarkston students was once again showcased at Oakland Schools during the Art Show Open House on December 18. Visitors had the opportunity to admire a wide variety of student creations, including paintings, drawings, ceramics, and photographs. Each piece reflected the creativity, skill, and unique perspective of our students, highlighting the incredible talent nurtured in our schools. We love seeing our students’ artistic voices celebrated and shared with the broader community! Thespian Festival Thirty-eight members of the CHS Drama Club, Troupe 803, attended the Michigan Thespian Festival in Lansing, Michigan, the weekend of December 12th. At the Festival, they watched productions, participated in workshops, networked with universities and theatre professionals, and met other theatre students from all over the state of Michigan. Graduating senior, Luna Rzepecki, participated in scholarship auditions and received $81,000 in offers. Troupe 803 participated in 10 “Thespy” entries, and all of them received either Excellent or Superior Ratings. Superior Ratings: Maya Moshier (Solo Musical) Annabelle St. Aubin (Solo Musical) Maya Moshier and Rodrigo Garcia (Duet Musical Theatre) Peyton Kramer (Solo Musical Dance) Justin Strader (Playwriting) Leo Geering (Sound Design) Logan Malkovskii (Set Design) Excellent Ratings: Annabelle St. Aubin and Justin Strader (Duet Musical Theatre) Paige Krawczak (Costume Construction) Parker Hemsworth, Charley Bousho, Rodrigo Garcia, and Brady Lehman (Group Musical Theatre) Maya Moshier and Rodrigo Garcia were selected to perform their Musical Theatre Thespy piece, “Afternoon” from Alice by Heart, at the special student showcase. Additionally, two students, Kendal Stites and Peyton Kramer, were selected to participate in a special workshop and performance led by Central Michigan University, which allows them to be considered for a CMU scholarship. Troupe 803 proudly represented CHS and Clarkston Community Schools! Student Spotlights Fourth Graders Leading by Example Shout-out to these SPE 4th-graders! Recently, they stopped by Mrs. Skorupski's SPE classroom, found some fraction materials still spread out from a lesson earlier in the day, and took it upon themselves to clean everything up—without being asked. Their kindness and responsibility earned a small token of appreciation and a great conversation about who we are when no one is watching. Our future is in great hands! When Kindness Speaks Loudest For the second year in a row, one of Independence Elementary's 3rd-graders, Joanna Waraniak, has chosen to spend lunch each week with her peers with ASD. She connects in meaningful ways—using AAC with non-speaking students, noticing non-verbal cues, and finding activities everyone can enjoy. A recent highlight: While in the level 3 classroom, a student who rarely initiates peer play approached Joanna, held her hands, and started jumping. Without missing a beat, Joanna joined right in, jumping with him, making him smile so big, and he even hugged her afterward. This was such a special moment and a testament to her calm, caring, and genuine personality, which makes her such a beloved peer. Celebrating Our Staff Small Badges, Big Pride At Independence Elementary, our cafeteria student helpers play an important role each day—and they take their jobs seriously! From lifting benches to keeping the cafeteria clean, these students proudly take ownership of their responsibilities. Head Custodian Mr. Spring recently surprised the students with Cafeteria Helper badges as a thank-you for their hard work. According to Mr. Spring, “You would have thought I gave them a hunk of gold when I handed them out!” He’s even gained more helpers looking to earn their very own badges. A small gesture made a big impact, boosting smiles, confidence, and pride in a job well done. Thank you, Mr. Spring, for always going above and beyond for your students and helping to make IE such a special place. Helping Our Multi-Language Learners Thrive North Sashabaw Elementary is celebrating the incredible collaboration between our literacy intervention team and ELD department to provide before-school targeted reading support for our multi-language learners. Led by literacy interventionalists Jodie Gann, Jen Ford, and Barb Nelson, in partnership with ELD teacher Dianne Reinel, this program is helping students build confidence and make meaningful gains in foundational reading skills. We’re grateful for the dedication, teamwork, and deep commitment of our staff that go above and beyond to remove barriers and make opportunities like this possible for our students! Gerstacker Fellowship Program Congratulations to Laura Mahler on her induction into the Gerstacker Fellowship Program, and to Staci Puzio on graduating as a member of the distinguished Class of 2025! They now join Nancy Mahoney, a 2022 program graduate, as part of this prestigious network of educational leaders. We are incredibly proud of all three and their outstanding accomplishments. The Gerstacker Fellowship Program is designed to develop leadership capacity among a select group of exceptional teachers and administrators each year, creating a new generation of educational leaders across the State of Michigan who are committed to strengthening K–12 education in their communities. What Made Us Smile This Month You Matter You Matter Week at CHS took place December 8–12 and was organized by AWOD to remind students and staff that they are valued members of our school community. From student-designed mental health hoodies to the Zen Zone, therapy dogs, Take-a-Break Tuesday gatherings, a photo booth, and fun activities throughout the week, it was a meaningful and joy-filled celebration. A special thank you to Clarkston Coalition for Youth for their continued support and MyPic Photography for providing the photo booth again this year! Pep Rally Before Thanksgiving Break, CJHS held its first Pep Rally of the year! It was exciting to see the entire student body come together in the new gym to celebrate school spirit. The event featured student-led games and concluded with a spirited student vs. staff tug-of-war. Pumpkin Bread Our 3rd graders at Bailey Lake Elementary recently baked delicious pumpkin bread using the pumpkins they planted last year in our Bulldog Patch as 2nd graders! They put their math, science, and reading skills to work—and loved trying the fresh pumpkin bread they made from scratch!   Do you have an exciting classroom activity? Know of a standout student, staff, or alumnus? Have a student/child participating in a special event, competition, or just doing something cool? Help us share the Clarkston Community Schools story in photos, videos, and words! Please email marketing@clarkston.k12.mi.us or by complete THIS FORM. Your story may be featured on our website, social media, or local news. Parent permission will be confirmed as needed.  

Monday, Jan 05 2026