Kalamazoo Times

At their recent board meeting, the Comstock Public Schools recognized students from across the district as students of the month and gave accolades to staff as well.

Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Thoenes congratulated all the students, having their principals bring them up and share why they were chosen by their teachers as they received a goodie bag with a T-shirt, sticker and a certificate for their accomplishment.

Among those honored on March 13, Kaylee Pulz, a Pre-K student at the Great Start Readiness Program, was nominated for her eagerness to learn and help out her classmates. Fourth-grader Zander Bare, from the elementary school, was chosen because of his dedication to doing the right thing in every situation.

STEM Academy’s third-grader Kaitly Newell was selected for her leadership and positive attitude that encourages her peers to try their best in class. Samantha Brizendine, an eighth-grader from the middle school, was recognized for her academic excellence and dedication to class.

High school freshman Valeria Burr was named because she is a role model to her peers, while senior Zyler Richards was recognized for their compassion for classmates and excitement for learning and growing in the future.

Finally, fifth-grader Elijah Moody from the Virtual Academy was honored for his work ethic and willingness to ask questions.

Additionally, Traci Spada, a math teacher at Comstock High School, was chosen as the staff member of the month for her willingness to dedicate extra time and effort to helping her students understand their lessons and help the school’s administration tackle staffing and scheduling difficulties.

“Tracy is a huge help at the high school. She's very involved with the meetings at the beginning of the year, trying to find a new math teacher, certain she'd come to me and talk to me when I need help and advice, which I appreciate, because she's been in high school for a while,"  Principal Mary Spade said. "She is willing to invest time in her students."

She described Spada as a teacher always hard at work.

“During our seventh hour after school, before school, after school, you will see Tracy working in her classroom. Kids are always in there,” she said.