Our new Vulcan Voice student voice group will be having some fun on Mondays with a little Mic fun! Our students will take a mic to ask their classmates a question and hear what they have to say. Tune in for some laughs and a chance to get to know our Vulcans! 🎥. Check out their first video!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kDQrSlYBAtrf_1kQtwduAhQU84JcTM87
Last Thursday, we held an Academic Breakfast to honor our 10th–12th grade students who earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher last school year. Congratulations to these students for their hard work and dedication to their education. We’re proud of you, Vulcans!
We’re proud to see our students giving back and helping care for a piece of Vassar’s history!
Here is the new Michigan Youth employment Permit Portal (YEPP) information for students under 18 getting a job.
🧡🖤 Please welcome Brendan Brophy, our new Middle School ELA Teacher!
Originally from Ann Arbor, Mr. Brophy attended Michigan State University and holds a degree in Secondary English Education. He teaches 6th Grade ELA, 8th Grade ELA, and 6th Grade Communications at Vassar Middle School.
Mr. Brophy completed two years of student teaching at East Lansing Public Schools and has coached with Saline Community Education and East Lansing High School Athletics.
He’s excited to get to know our teachers and students! In his short time here, Mr. Brophy has already noticed Vassar’s positive, close-knit community and is happy to be a part of it.
Outside of school, Mr. Brophy’s favorite activity is playing guitar. Fun fact: He has known he wanted to be a teacher since sixth grade!
His message to students and families: He’s grateful for the opportunity to teach and strives to bring positivity and excitement to learning every day.
We’re glad to have you on our team, Mr. Brophy! Forge On! 🧡🖤
Mrs. Folino grew up in Caro and has lived in the Vassar area for 27 years. This year, she’s teaching Math, Social Studies, and Study Skills in the high school building.
After attending Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, Mrs. Folino earned her Special Education degree from Western Governors University in 2021—the same year her oldest son graduated from high school! Now in her sixth year teaching Special Education, she previously worked as a substitute teacher in Vassar and surrounding districts and spent nearly 20 years as a bank manager.
Mrs. Folino is especially excited to teach in the district her children attend, walk into school with them, and share their schedule. As a Vassar parent, she already knows many of our students and appreciates our welcoming staff, who are always ready to help students and one another.
Outside of school, Mrs. Folino enjoys camping, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on her children in sports. She’s also active in the Vassar Athletic Association and helps with football team dinners. Between football, basketball, wrestling, and golf, her family stays busy!
Fun fact: In high school, Mrs. Folino drove a dump truck and operated heavy equipment for her dad’s trucking company! 🚛
Her message to students: “I believe in them. I don’t expect perfection, but I expect them to try. This is going to be a great year!”
We’re glad to have you on our team, Mrs. Folino! Forge On! 🧡🖤
Originally from Bay City, Mrs. Wauters earned her B.S.E. in Secondary Mathematics Education with a minor in History Education from Saginaw Valley State University. She is now in her 12th year of teaching, including the past 10 years at a private school.
Mrs. Wauters is excited for the new experiences this role brings as she gets to know our students and learns the routines of a new district. She appreciates Vassar’s welcoming and supportive staff as she settles into our school community.
Outside of school, Mrs. Wauters enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, camping, and playing softball and volleyball. She also loves crocheting and is the owner and creator of Campfires, Chapters & Crochet!
We’re glad to have you on our team, Mrs. Wauters! Forge On! 🧡🖤
Originally from Hemlock, Ms. Watson teaches grades 9–12 in our 6–12 building. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University and her Associate of Arts degree from Delta College. This is her first year teaching!
Ms. Watson already appreciates how friendly and respectful our students are and how willingly they help one another.
Outside of school, Ms. Watson enjoys quilting and getting crafty. She also has a large vintage Pyrex collection that keeps growing! Fun fact: She originally planned to become an art teacher, but fell in love with history and social studies during college.
Her message to students and families: She’s excited to begin her teaching journey! While she’s still learning, she’s passionate about teaching and helping today’s youth grow into successful young adults.
We’re glad to have you on our team, Ms. Watson! Forge On! 🧡🖤
Originally from Vassar, Kayla is excited to be back in her home district! She brings 11 years of experience in education and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University.
Mrs. Kern appreciates how welcoming everyone has been and how willingly the staff has opened their doors to her support. She’s passionate about all things literacy and loves helping students learn to read and write. She’s excited to share her knowledge and support throughout the district!
Outside of school, Mrs. Kern enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family. Fun fact: She and her husband were married in a cave!
We’re glad to have you join the team Mrs. Kern! Forge On! 🧡🖤
Ms. Ziel is from Millington and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University. She is currently pursuing her teaching certification through the #TEACH program as she begins her first year in education!
She’s excited to grow in her profession and build relationships with our students and staff. As a former Vulcan, Ms. Ziel is especially happy to return to her roots and give back to the school community. She hopes to help students have the same positive experience she had at Vassar.
Outside of school, Ms. Ziel enjoys coaching softball and spending time with friends, family, and her dog. Fun fact: She’s getting married next summer!
Her message to students and families: “I will do whatever I can to help you succeed!”
We’re glad to have you back, Ms. Ziel! Forge On! 🧡🖤
The new The Messy Tiger Art and Crafts Studio downtown is offering workshops all next week for students in grades K–12! It’s a fun opportunity to get creative and try something new while school is out.
Check out the attached schedule for workshop details! 🖌️🐯
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be introducing the newest members of our Vassar team—join us in getting to know them and giving them a warm Vulcan welcome!
🧡🖤 Please welcome Abigail McKenzie, our new 6–12 Academic Advisor!
Originally from Flushing, Mrs. McKenzie most recently worked at Kearsley Community Schools in Flint. She also worked in Fruitport on Michigan’s west side before returning to this side of the state. Now in her sixth year in education, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornerstone University and a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University.
Mrs. McKenzie is excited to help students dream about and prepare for their futures! She’s passionate about guiding their educational journeys and helping them become successful students and young adults who are equipped to pursue their dreams beyond our school doors.
She appreciates how kind, supportive, and welcoming Vassar’s staff has been. She loves the district’s close-knit feel and is excited to become part of our community! 🧡
Outside of school, Mrs. McKenzie enjoys spending time with her husband and both of their families, exercising, and going to the gym throughout the week. She also loves traveling and is always planning her next vacation! Her most recent adventures took her to the San Juan Islands in Washington and Newport, Rhode Island. Wherever she goes, she loves trying new coffee and pastry shops!
We’re happy to have you here, Mrs. McKenzie! Forge On! 🧡🖤
🍂🏈 A big thank-you to Coach Hahn and the football players who helped rake leaves at the Vassar Historical Society yesterday!
We appreciate you giving your time and effort to support our community. It’s great to see our Vulcans making connections and showing teamwork beyond the football field! 🧡🖤
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be introducing the newest members of our Vassar team—join us in getting to know them and giving them a warm Vulcan welcome! 🧡🖤
🧡🖤 Please welcome Mr. Jacob Premo, our Behavior Interventionist in the 6–12 building!
Mr. Premo is from Carrollton/Saginaw, Michigan, and graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. He began his career in education at Carrollton Public Schools, serving as Athletic/Transportation Director for six years.
He’s excited to take on a new role and get to know our students and families. He already appreciates Vassar’s small-town feel and our community's pride.
Outside of school, Mr. Premo loves spending time with his daughters, ages 3 and 6. He also enjoys the weight room, hunting, and watching sports. Fun fact: He played football at SVSU from 2006–2009 before injuries led him to retire from the game.
His message to students and families: “My door is always open to anyone who needs it. I want students and parents to feel they can trust me and my judgment.”
We’re glad to have you on our team, Mr. Premo! Forge On! 🧡🖤
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be introducing the newest members of our Vassar team—join us in getting to know them and giving them a warm Vulcan welcome! 🧡🖤.
🧡🖤 Please welcome Mr. Zak Zuzula, our Middle/High School Principal!
Mr. Zuzula grew up in Bridgeport and Midland and brings 19 years of experience in education. His career includes 14 years teaching at Carrollton’s middle and high schools, two years as an elementary assistant principal in Carrollton, and two years as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at John Glenn High School before joining Vassar.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Secondary History Education from Saginaw Valley State University, with endorsements in History, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. He also holds a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University and an administration certificate through MASSP.
Mr. Zuzula is excited to build close connections within our community and explore the opportunities we have to grow together. He appreciates our students’ kindness, acceptance, and positive energy; our staff’s hard work and commitment to learning; and our families’ and community members’ willingness to partner with the school.
Outside of school, Mr. Zuzula loves spending time with his wife and children, playing music, golfing, exercising, and cooking. He also enjoys trying new things, learning about others, and exploring the places around him.
His message to students and families centers on a favorite reminder: “Be better than you were yesterday.” He believes that making mistakes, learning, and moving forward with effort each day helps us find progress and success.
We’re glad to have you on our team, Mr. Zuzula! Forge On! 🧡🖤
Congratulations to our 6th–12th grade students who earned a place on the honor roll! We’re proud of your hard work, determination, and commitment to learning.
Join us in celebrating these students and their accomplishments! Keep up the great work, Vulcans! 🎉