Supt's Corner

Supt's Corner

Learning. Creating. Succeeding.
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Yes, spring is right around the corner. When spring arrives there is added excitement in the air. Spring Break, Prom, spring sports, concerts, field trips and the countdown to our last day of the 2024-25 school year. Whether your student is in kindergarden or 12th grade, the next few months will be filled with energy and excitement. I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable Spring Break!

Linden Community Schools will begin Spring Break at the end of the school day on March 28, 2025. Students will return to class on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Click to the link to have access to our 2024-25 District Calendar.

LEARNING

"Snow Days" and What it Means!

As people say, "We live in Michigan!"  The weather conditions this year have been unpredictable and a little extreme at best.  To date, we have had eight (8) days that we have canceled school due to the weather causing unsafe conditions.  

What does this mean?

Under current law, public schools may cancel up to six (6) school days per year due to emergencies (snowfall, cold temperatures, squirrels knocking out power, etc).  School districts may ask the Michigan Department of Education to forgive an additional three (3) days.

If we find ourselves in a position where school is canceled for the safety of our staff and students, emergencies, and/or act of god days, we will cancel and look to submit for a waiver once "winter" is over.  

Remember, "We live in Michigan!" 

CREATING

K and PreK Enrollment

Linden Community Schools offers full-day kindergarten, full-day young fives, and a preschool program (for 3 and 4 year olds) that provides education, enrichment, and engagement. Visit www.lindenschools.org to begin your enrollment.

PreK enrollment 2025
K Enrollment 2025

M-Step, PSAT, SAT, and All Things Testing

The spring testing window will begin on April 7th. Students in Linden Community Schools will participate in Michigan’s Summative Assessment Program, which evaluates their understanding of the academic standards in each subject. These standards, set by Michigan’s Academic Standards , outline clear and consistent expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. By mastering these standards, students are prepared for success in both college and the workforce by the time they graduate from high school. LCS students continue to demonstrate strong levels of academic proficiency on these standardized tests. 

LCS teachers work diligently to prepare students for standardized tests, but it's normal for students to feel a little nervous. Please encourage your child to stay on top of their schoolwork and remind them that they are well-prepared to succeed. Here are some helpful tips to support your child in both school and during testing:

  • Establish a consistent homework/study routine and create a designated study space.

  • Prioritize getting plenty of sleep and rest.

  • Ensure they have a healthy, balanced breakfast on test days.

  • Remind them that, just like in sports, practice makes perfect!

  • Keep an eye out for communication from your school regarding testing dates.

Your support makes a big difference in helping your child feel confident and ready!

To help your child practice for the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP), you can access sample test sets through the DRC Testing Portal, specifically under "M-Step" then "Online Tools Training" and "Sample Item Sets". 

Here's a breakdown of how to access and use these resources:

  • Access the DRC Testing Portal: Go to https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi

  • Navigate to Online Tools Training: Under the "M-Step" section, click on "Online Training Tools". 

  • Find Sample Item Sets: Click on "Sample Item Sets". 

  • Select Grade Level: Choose the appropriate grade level (e.g., Grade 11). 

  • Choose Subject: Select either Science or Social Studies. 

  • Log in: Use the provided username and password to access the sample test. 

  • Take the Sample Test: Complete the sample test to familiarize yourself with the format and content. 

  • Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Resources: The MDE also provides resources on their website, including information about the M-STEP and online practice tools. 

    • Visit the M-STEP webpage at www.michigan.gov/mstep.

    • Explore the resources on the MDE website for M-STEP ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

MSTEP Grades 3-11: April 7 through May 16

PSAT 8/9/10: April 7 through April 25

SAT w/ Essay: April 7 through April 25

HS ACT WorkKeys: April 10

2025 testing schedule

Spring Break Food Distribution

For those on a tight budget, Spring Break can put a damper on a family’s food budget when your children are home during the day. The Outreach Committee of St. Jude's can help.  We would like to provide the children in your family with a week’s supply of breakfast and lunch groceries to help your family bridge the gap for meals your child would normally receive during that week.  At St. Jude's, our faith in God's goodness leads us to serve all people, and we hope you will take advantage of the program. 

The Spring Break Food Distribution is at St. Jude’s Church (106 E. Elizabeth St. at corner of S. Leroy St. and Elizabeth St.) on Saturday, March 29th between 9 am and 3pm.  We are excited about partnering with Fenton, Lake Fenton and Linden schools to help people in our community. There are no pre-requisites for the program, just show up (if you have a reusable grocery bag you could bring it along).  We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, March 29th.

If transportation to St. Jude’s is an issue for you, please let us know and we can arrange to have the groceries delivered.   Simply call the church office at 810-629-5681 and let us know how many children there are in your family and the delivery location.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact St. Jude's at the number above.

SUCCEEDING

Administrative Changes at Linden Elem. and Argentine

I wanted to share with you some administrative changes that have taken place, effective February 13, 2025, at the Argentine Early Childhood Center and Linden Elementary.

Erin Bradley, Argentine Early Childhood Director, has made the decision to leave Linden.  Vicki Makaravage, Linden Elementary Principal, has been named the acting administrator for our Early Childhood Programs through the 2025-26 school year.  Mrs. Makaravage has an early childhood background and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a district educator and administrator to our early childhood programs.

Jeannine Strickert, LCS Literacy Coach, will be named as the Interim Principal for Linden Elementary.  Mrs. Strickert has been the acting building principal at Linden Elementary for the past couple of months while Mrs. Makaravage was out on medical leave.  For the past five years, Mrs. Strickert has been a Literacy Coach for LCS, and brings 30 years of educational knowledge and leadership to this position.

I am very confident that Mrs. Makaravage and Mrs. Strickert will provide a smooth transition into their new roles, thus creating excitement and an environment that is beneficial to our students, staff, and district. 

Makaravage
Strickert

Vicki Makaravage, Argentine Early Childhood Principal

Jeannine Strickert, Linden Elementary Interim Principal

LCS Everyday Educator

Linden (along with Fenton, Lake Fenton, and Holly) is partnering with TC Times to showcase the awesome educators we have in the TC Times viewing area. We want to showcase the positive impact Linden educators are having on the lives of our students.

Every Wednesday, TC Times will spotlight a selected individual in their "Everyday Educator" Column. Meet the Everyday Educators from LCS.

Any Messer (Linden High School)- March 4, 2025

Jenny Teffner (Linden Elementary)- Feb. 4, 2025

Mike Gates (Linden High School)- Jan. 7, 2025

Theresa Fitzgerald (Central Elementary)- Dec. 3, 2024

The Latest News From Our Buildings

Vicki Argentine ECC
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Jeannine Linden El
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