Spark Series
The Spark Series is a program developed by the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation which creates opportunities to inspire and enrich the lives of Gull Lake Community Schools students, staff, and the members of the southwest Michigan communities.
Create a spark!
~ inspire and influence ~ broaden people’s perspectives ~
~ enhance the educational experience of our students ~ enrich the community ~
Create a spark!
~ inspire and influence ~ broaden people’s perspectives ~
~ enhance the educational experience of our students ~ enrich the community ~
Speaker, Author, Artist, Improv and Autos!
We have been very busy providing wonderful programs for Gull Lake students and the community, so be sure to scroll all the way to the end!
We have been very busy providing wonderful programs for Gull Lake students and the community, so be sure to scroll all the way to the end!
Holocaust Survivor Irene Miller shared her incredible story with the public at the Richland Library on May 31, 2018. On June 1 she visited Gull Lake Middle School to share her story of hope and resilience with the students.
Kalamazoo Freelance Graphic Designer and Comic Artist Paul Sizer provided three presentations demonstrating the process of his art form to grades 6, 7 and 8. Some students were even lucky enough to have their likeness drawn by Sizer!
Author Rhonda Gowler Green visited K-5 grades at the Kellogg and Richland Elementary Schools, as well as Ryan Intermediate over the course of two days. She talked to students about how to use words to add "sparkle" to their writing.
CrawlSpace Eviction Improv Group Visits the High School
CLICK HERE to see an improv skit of jousting!
How does improvisation enhance and expand education? The players of Kalamazoo's CrawlSpace Eviction demonstrated how to positively build on another's idea, while thinking "quickly on your feet." Students learned how to positively respond to each other, fostering a supportive environment where creativity thrives! These very types of team building exercises are used in many large tech companies today to build a team atmosphere.
CLICK HERE to see an improv skit of jousting!
How does improvisation enhance and expand education? The players of Kalamazoo's CrawlSpace Eviction demonstrated how to positively build on another's idea, while thinking "quickly on your feet." Students learned how to positively respond to each other, fostering a supportive environment where creativity thrives! These very types of team building exercises are used in many large tech companies today to build a team atmosphere.
First Graders Visit the Gilmore Car Museum
First graders were able to see and touch motorized vehicles of the past at the Gilmore Car Museum, thanks in part to a GLCS Foundation grant. The Gilmore Car Museum even brought the "Abernathy car," off-display due to repairs the day the students visited, to the school once repairs were complete! Students learned about the evolution of cars, how they changed the way we live, and unique features and stories associated with specific models. It was a great lesson in dreaming big, tenacity and ingenuity.
First graders were able to see and touch motorized vehicles of the past at the Gilmore Car Museum, thanks in part to a GLCS Foundation grant. The Gilmore Car Museum even brought the "Abernathy car," off-display due to repairs the day the students visited, to the school once repairs were complete! Students learned about the evolution of cars, how they changed the way we live, and unique features and stories associated with specific models. It was a great lesson in dreaming big, tenacity and ingenuity.
These events are just more examples of how the GLCS Foundation is working to enhance and expand education at Gull Lake Schools.
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"Be the Spark," a video created by 2010 Gull Lake graduate Austin Peters, showcases our Foundation events and encourages speakers to visit our schools and community. Austin attended film classes through the Education for the Arts program while attending Gull Lake High School and has since gone on to pursue film studies in college. |
Past Events:
The Year of Science 2014-2015 School Year
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The Year of Science ran throughout the 2014-2015 school year and began with a Science and Engineering Festival on November 7-8, 2014, featuring the Mind Trekkers Roadshow. This event was open to GL students and area middle school students on November 7 and to the public on November 8. More than 9,000 people were inspired through Festival activities!
The GLCS Foundation collaborated with community partners to provide exciting programs throughout the year. “We are very fortunate to have the community’s support for our Year of Science,” said Becky Eldridge, Spark Series Co-Chair. “We’ve been astounded by community organizations’ enthusiasm toward the Year of Science. It was a really fun year!” Click here for more information about this event. |
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The Wall That Heals, November 1 - 4, 2012As members of the Richland community experienced, first-hand, The Wall That Heals has incredible power. In addition to the more than 2,000 visitors who attended the Opening Ceremony, over 3,000 Gull Lake students and almost 1,300 students from other districts visited The Wall to honor our veterans and learn more about veterans' experiences in person. More than 8,000 visitors attended the event.
For so many, this four-day event was significant to their healing—allowing them to put some of the Vietnam War behind them and move forward. Emotions and gratitude were far-reaching and deeply felt. Click here for more information about this event. |
Veterans visiting the Wall.
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Jean-Michel Cousteau
Photo credit: Carrie Vonderhaar, Oceans Future
In October 2011, Jean-Michel Cousteau, marine explorer, environmental advocate, educator and filmmaker, charmed 3,000 students and more than 700 community members in his presentation "Our Water, Our World." With his beautiful films and eloquent speech, he inspired all of us to take action to protect our precious planet and all it's natural wonders.
Greg Mortenson,
author of Three Cups of Tea
In October 2009, Greg Mortenson shared his success story of building schools and providing educational opportunities to children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. His message of "one man's mission to promote peace - one school at a time" was touching and inspirational to students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Students raised over $4,000 for Pennies for Peace. The evening presentation drew more than 2,100 members of the community. People were so enchanted by Mr. Mortenson, the book signing lasted until 11:00 pm!
John Grogan,
author of Marley and Me
John Grogan launched our series of Foundation events in May 2008. In addition to an evening community event, he met with creative writing students in small break-out sessions.
The Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
