Hats off to a very special group today.

Did you know April is National School Volunteer Month?

We can’t let this month go by without showing our appreciation to the more than 40 parents and community members who take time away from their own busy lives to come into our schools support our students and staff EVERY WEEK.

When you consider the gifts of time and talent given by these folks come on top of the generous contributions our district receives from our athletic boosters, performing arts supporters, club & activity coordinators, and our community – FSD is fortunate indeed!

If all of our amazing volunteers were hockey players, we’d enthusiastically throw our hats onto the ice in their honor.

Hopefully though, you and I can find less wasteful ways to take our hats off to our volunteers – as they do so much to enhance FSD’s learning mission.

Although this is just a partial sampling, I thought you’d enjoy these brief snippets about our volunteers.

And I bet you know most of them!

Principal Kristen Hecht at E.F. Rittmueller Middle School spotlighted six volunteers who guided the Fox Indoor Archery After-School Program.

Over ninety students from E.F.R and surrounding schools participated in two four-week indoor archery sessions held from January to March.

At the end of each four-week session, club organizers gave away two bows and many other prizes!

We appreciate the volunteers who spent their time sharing their knowledge with our students and the Frankenmuth Conservation Club for their support. 2022 Indoor archery volunteers pictured (L-R) are Sara Aldrich, Tom Ezop, Jerry Fulmer, Terry Sprowl, and Don Techentien.

Volunteer Bill Fischer also works hard behind the scenes to make the Frankenmuth Outdoor Explorers (FOX Club) possible. Bill organizes indoor non-competitive and competitive archery at EFR during the winter months. During the fall and spring, students can participate in trap and skeet at the Frankenmuth Conservation Club (FCC) under the direction of Bill and several FCC volunteers.

During the summer months, Bill organizes Family Fun Nights held at the FCC. Bill is an avid fan of the outdoors and volunteers his time to make these experiences possible for our youth.

Secretary Wendy Yagiela is grateful for all that volunteer Kristy Haskell does for others at List Elementary.

Kristy is one of those special people who is always willing to lend a hand to our school. And she takes on a wide-range of volunteer responsibilities with competence and good cheer.

As List’s “official” Popcorn Coordinator and Popper, Kristy coordinates all the school’s popcorn volunteers, as well as makes sure all of the actual “popping” goes smoothly, too.

Kristy’s willing heart never stops when it comes to supporting the students, parents, and staff at List. She’s also an active volunteer in List’s READ program and reads with students every week as well.

Thank you, Kristy!

FHS Athletic Director Kevin Schwedler couldn’t dream of a more dedicated and supportive volunteer than Don Ackett.

The time, effort, and energy that Don selflessly devotes to helping me make sure our day-to-day operations run smoothly is incredible.

Don is all about doing the right thing every single day in every single moment.

Besides Don’s huge heart for our coaches and student athletes, he’s a wonderful guy just to talk sports with.

He’s a tremendous asset to our athletic program – and to our entire district!

Kindergarten teacher Keri Hudek at List Elementary doesn’t want you to miss the contributions of volunteer Joyce Callahan.

Kind-hearted Joyce Callahan has been practically a full-time volunteer in my kindergarten classroom the past 6 years and this amazing lady reads with 1^st and 2^nd graders as well.

Joyce reinforces our daily instruction by helping kids with writing and math and especially loves to read stories with them that offer important life lessons that are essential to being a good student and friend.

Simply said, one of Joyce’s main joys in life is to help others and most particularly, to help young children learn to read.

More students than I can count have benefited by having Mrs. Callahan patiently practice with them on their reading aloud, sight words, letters, and sounds.

I am so thankful for Joyce and all that she does to help our students succeed in school!

If you’d like to step up and help our Athletic Program via the FAA (FSD Athletic Association) now would be a great time!  

As you probably are aware, the mission of the FAA is to help provide items our student-athletes and coaches need that our school budget simply cannot provide.

There are many things they have helped with in the past: the weight room renovation, the turf & multipurpose space in the high school gym, the track shed, uniforms for all sports, our Ranger vehicle, and technology items like HUDL. 

The FAA is continually able to do so much because of its strong commitment to fundraising.  Whether it’s through concession sales at events, Autofest, and the annual Stand up for the Eagles Golf Outing, FAA volunteers will to whatever it takes to help our boys and girls teams have quality uniforms and equipment.

Thanks to the FAA we truly have one of the best athletic programs and facilities in the area – and you can help!

Please connect with the FAA on its Facebook Page.

In closing, if you haven’t already responded to our short district “perception” survey, I hope you’ll volunteer a couple of minutes to do this by May 2.

Here’s the link to take the survey.

And as always, thanks for supporting FSD!