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Cherry Creek principal gives MAPS board update

MARQUETTE — Cherry Creek Principal Holly Muscoe gave the Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education an update on her facility’s operations at Monday’s meeting.

The meeting took place at Cherry Creek Elementary School where there are 430 children at Cherry Creek with 53 dedicated staff members — all of whom were invited to the beginning of the year’s open house. There, students and parents could meet the staff and teachers their kids would be spending time with in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.

Muscoe said parents, students and staff enjoyed ice cream, snacks and even a demonstration by the Chocolay Township Fire Department.

Chocolay Township Police Department officers were present as well, as they are every day at pick-up and drop-off at Cherry Creek.

“They go above and beyond. They actually had playing cards this year made up with their photos and information, fun things they hand out to the kids. They’re always bringing them little items to share so that’s just amazing,” Muscoe said about the officers. “I cannot say enough about the community that supports us at Cherry Creek.”

She also discussed a theme the staff have supported for this school year based on a book called “Be the Sun: Not the Salt” by Harry D. Cohen. A first grade teacher taught the staff the word “heliotropic” meaning “turning or growing toward the light.” Muscoe said this vocabulary word has been a guiding principal for both students and staff this year. “Be the Sun” T-shirts are currently being ordered for staff members.

“I thought I’d take the opportunity to thank the board for you continued support of our professional learning,” Muscoe said.

“I just wanted to thank Mrs. Muscoe for the great presentation. I loved everything you said, every single thing,” said Trustee Cherryl Maddox-Smith. I’m just so glad to be part of such a great community that supports our schools.”

In terms of action items, the board unanimously approved two bids for the winter season snow and ice removal job, splitting the duties evenly between the two contractors.

The new MAPS Director of Auxiliary Services Lloyd Vander Schaaf said the total the board spending is about $2,230 less than the previous year.

Board members unanimously approved both snow removal bids.

On the next matter of business, MAPS Superintendent Zack Sedgwick said, “Every year we desginate certain charitable organizations which allows us a little bit more leeway in gathering and donating on behalf of Marquette Area Public Schools to those organizations.”

Board members unanimously approved the naming United Way of Marquette County a charitable solicitation organization for the 2024-25 school year.

Board President Kristen Cambensy announced Graveraet Elementary School received a $5,000 grant after being selected by Fox Marquette Subaru through Subaru’s natrionwide initiative Subaru Loves Learning in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org.

“Thank you to Fox Subaru for the donation, it’s very generous,” said Trustee Jason Zdunek.

Cambensy rounded out the meeting by saying, “This is my favoirte time of the year, when we get to come to the different schools and just see what you guys have going on.”

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