Dear Macomb Community,

As the fall season settles in, I am once again reminded of how fortunate we are to live, work, and learn in a place where people care deeply for one another and for the next generation. This issue of Flight Path captures that spirit by highlighting the stories of students, staff, and community members whose contributions make Macomb Schools truly special.

You will meet educators like Donna Marlow, whose special education classroom is as vibrant as the flower farm she tends, and Kristine Sapii, who has traveled from the Philippines to teach science and share her culture with our students. Their stories remind us that teaching is not only about academics, but also about creating bridges of understanding and opportunity.

You will also read about students who inspire us with their resilience and promise. John Fowler’s courageous comeback from a serious illness demonstrates the power of perseverance and community support. Maksym Netkachev’s journey from Ukraine to Macomb shows us the value of peace, friendship, and dreams for the future. Faraz Khan, an eighth grader balancing record-breaking athletics with advanced academics, reflects the quiet leadership we hope to nurture in all our students. And through the eyes of Charlie Sievers, a fourth grader whose imagination knows no bounds, we are reminded of the wonder and joy of seeing the world in new ways.

The strength of Macomb Schools is also seen in the programs and people who invest in our students every day. From Ag in the Classroom’s hands-on learning to the literacy foundations built by Brayden Davis and the multi-tiered support led by Kate Hall, these efforts ensure that every child is met where they are and given the tools to thrive. Our community heroes, like Larry Aurelio, who supports generations through Larry A’s Pizza, and Fred Nartey, whose smile lights the hallways, show that education is a shared responsibility. And leaders like Gretchen Weiss, who has created a stage where students can discover themselves and one another, illustrate how learning extends far beyond textbooks.

Together, these stories remind us that education in Macomb is about more than achievement alone—it is about resilience, imagination, generosity, and connection. I invite you to celebrate with us the many ways our students, staff, and community members make this district exceptional.

With gratitude,
Dr. Mark Twomey
Superintendent, Macomb CUSD 185