Starting the graduation season with our preschool graduates.

As we promised, we are keeping you updated. Please read the links for further information.

Press Release

Letter to parents

Vicksburg Named to AP® Honor Roll

Vicksburg Community Schools is one of 539 schools districts across 44 of the 50 states in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 3rd Annual AP® District Honor Roll for simultaneously increasing access to Advanced Placement® course work while increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. Achieving both of these goals is the ideal scenario for a district’s AP program because it indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit most from rigorous AP course work. Since 2010 , Vicksburg Community Schools has increased the number of students participating in AP by 91% (with enrollments jumping from 183 up to 349 this year), while improving the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher from 66% in 2010 to 75% in 2012. More than 90 percent of colleges and universities across the U.S. offer college credit, advanced placement or both for a score of 3 or above on an AP Exam — which can potentially save students and their families thousands of dollars in college tuition.

Early Release/Late Start Information

Dear Parents,

This year we have scheduled five Late Start/Early Release Days with an important difference; the times have been flipped between Elementary and Secondary. On those days secondary students will start later than normal, and elementary will dismiss earlier than usual. Teaching staff will spend the time analyzing student achievement data, determining next steps to make a difference, curriculum development, and other related school improvement work.

State Announces New School Ranking System; Vicksburg Schools Remain High Achievers

Annually, public school students in grades 3 through 9 take the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test, and 11th graders take the Michigan Merit Exam (MME). The State of Michigan uses the scores from these tests to assign school building report card grades and calculate Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), a measure of year-to-year student achievement on the MEAP or the MME.

This year “raised the bar” by approving new higher cut scores, which are used to separate test takers into various proficiency categories. Despite the resulting drop in student scores across the state, Vicksburg Community Schools' scores remained high in most areas compared with other schools.

Enrollment for Non-resident Students

The Vicksburg Community Schools is accepting applications for enrollment from non-resident students residing in a school district located in any contiguous intermediate district (outside of Kalamazoo County). At this time, enrollment is open for all grades and schools, including the WAY Program, within the Vicksburg Community Schools Program.

Parents or guardians interested in submitting an application for enrollment under the provisions of this program for the 2012-13 school year must submit a completed Vicksburg Community Schools School of Choice application form to the Office of the Superintendent, 301 S. Kalamazoo Avenue, Vicksburg, MI 49097 by September 9, 2012. Please call 321-1003 for information on how to receive and process an application.

Please click here Non-resident Enrollment for the application.

Caring Clubs Help Promote Anti-Bullying

Mrs. Houghton, the counselor at Indian Lake and Tobey Elementary invited 2nd – 5th graders to join something called a Caring Club in both buildings. There were so many students interested in joining the Caring Clubs this year at Indian Lake that they had to form 3 clubs. We formed 2 clubs at Tobey Elementary. This was a new organization that started at both elementary schools to encourage students to get involved in promoting an anti-bullying climate at our schools. These groups met once a month and they came up with their own plans with direction and guidance from Mrs. Houghton.

Click on the MORE to see some of the things that each group accomplished this year.

Recognize Excellence in Special Education

We would like to recognize Special Education excellence in any school employee who does outstanding work with special education students.

Please go to www.kresa.org/pac to nominate!

Updated Information on Vicksburg Student Tickets for Athletics Admittance

Vicksburg Community Schools, along with most school districts in Michigan, made significant cost reductions as a result of a decrease in the per pupil funding from the state of Michigan. Unfortunately, for the 2011-12 school year, we face further reductions in state funding. As a result, we will no longer have the luxury to allow students into athletic events at no charge. Students may purchase tickets at a reduced price of $3.00 for home events in their school’s main office.

*Tickets can be purchased in the high school athletic office for events held prior to the start of school.

**The two Varsity football games, which occur before school starts on August 18 and 25, will have a special Vicksburg student-only entrance where Vicksburg students can purchase tickets for $3.00.

All proceeds from athletic ticket sales are retained in the Athletic Department to help pay for athletic opportunities for Vicksburg students.

Grievance Procedures for Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity/Access

Any person who believes that s/he has been discriminated against or denied equal opportunity or access to programs or services may file a complaint, which shall be referred to as a grievance, with the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator,

Assistant Superintendent
Vicksburg Community Schools
301 S. Kalamazoo Avenue
Vicksburg, MI 49097
Telephone – 269-321-1000

The individual may also, at any time, contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, 600 Superior Avenue, Room 750, Cleveland, OH 44114-2611.

Good News from the Lunch Line!

At our new parental website, you can view student activity, make a credit card deposit and check student balances. Please click on the Parent Portal link on the left column to get complete details.

Athletes Don't Pay to Play in Vicksburg!

The Vicksburg Athletic Boosters have stepped up and committed to funding the Athletic Department to avoid student athletes having to “pay to play”. This has become a common cost cutting practice in school districts across the state. Vicksburg is blessed to have supportive and dedicated boosters who want to ensure students have every opportunity to participate in athletics. Club teams, 7th and 8th Grade Football and High School Lacrosse, still have club fees.

Process for Determining the Existence of a Specific Learning Disability

Per the MDE, each local educational agency and public school academy in Michigan is required to publicly post the process used to determine the existence of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). Please click on the following link to view/download important information.