Melissa Truskowski

Secondary Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator

Kentwood Public Schools

2674 44th St. S.E.
Kentwood, MI 49512
melissa.truskowski@kentwoodps.org
Phone 616•455-1200 x 32256
August 25, 2022

Dear PEAKS parents and guardians,

Below you will find a payment schedule for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. We are so excited to get back
to, what we hope, will be a more normal schedule of field trips for the PEAKS program. After careful
consideration, we have decided upon middle school trips that have had a long-standing tradition with the program
combined with opportunities that support our project-based Green School initiatives, as well as experiences that
allow our PEAKS students to learn and grow beyond the school environment. These trips are largely unique and
valuable experiences. Our students have always had such a great time that many of them continue to talk about
their trips long after they are over; we value these wonderful memories. The PEAKS team understands that
learning outside of the school can, at times, be more powerful and meaningful for students.

However, we do realize that some families would like a way to earn money towards the field trip cost, or, in some
situations, the cost of field trips can create a financial hardship. Please consider the Raise Right program if you
would like to offset the field trip expenses; this program allows you to earn a percentage towards the field trip
expenses by purchasing gift cards for items you already normally use. It is a great option in which the total cost
of field trips can be earned through buying gift cards for everyday shopping, like: Meijer, Target, gas, etc. If you
are interested in participating in the Raise Right program, Nancy McKenzie is coordinating, and you can find out
how to sign up on the additional information sheet. If you still find the field trip expense creates a financial
hardship, please email me as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Some of the trips we have planned for this year include, but are not limited to: Camp Newaygo, research at Meijer
Gardens, Career Quest, Calvin chemistry and science trip, GVSU research school vessel, GVSU Shakespeare
Festival, VanAndel Museum, and 8th Grade trips to Detroit and Chicago. Please note, your child will still be able
to be a part of the gifted and talented curriculum and classes even if they are not able to attend field trips;
arrangements will be made for them at school.

You may pay your field trip payments with either cash OR a check made payable to KPS PEAKS - you can
send payment with your child or drop off to Crestwood’s office.. The district does not currently have an
electronic payment system for the PEAKS payments; we apologize for the inconvenience.

Sept 19th Oct. 17th Nov. 17th Jan 17th Feb. 17th Total:

6th $75 $20 $20 $20 — $135

7th $75 $50 $35 $25 $25 $210

8th $75 $50 $50 $50 $35 $260

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!

Best Regards,

Melissa Truskowski - Middle School Gifted and Talented Coordinator