“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.”
— James Baldwin |
Douglas Mentzer, Ed.S Superintendent Trenton Public Schools 734-692-4511 [email protected] https://www.trentonschools.com Inspiring Students Today for Their Success Tomorrow Academics, Athletics, & Opportunity |
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT: 1.12.2026
TPS Board President, Rebecca Caldwell, completed her service in that capacity yesterday evening and handed off to new Board President, Thomas Kinney. Ms. Caldwell will continue to serve the BOE in the role of Trustee
Strategic Plan Goal #1: Student Achievement & Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices: From Mrs. Elliott -
Prior to Winter Break, Trenton High School DECA earned Thrive Level recognition by completing all three DECA Chapter Campaigns this year. We will be receiving a plaque, pennant and flag to showcase this achievement and are eligible to register up to two DECA members to participate in the THRIVE Academy at this year’s International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, GA, this spring. Our students worked incredibly hard, and I am very proud of their accomplishment.
Thrive Level means a chapter achieved high recognition in DECA's Chapter Campaigns (Community Service, Promotional, Innovation & Entrepreneurship) or Membership Campaign, requiring success in multiple areas for this top tier award, earning them flags, plaques, and often opportunities to attend the ICDC Thrive Academy at the International Career Development Conference. It signifies excellent leadership, community engagement, and business application beyond just meeting basic requirements.
Additionally, this past Friday, January 9, 2026, our Trenton High School DECA advanced to State Competition. Our Trenton High School DECA chapter made a strong and impressive showing at the Michigan DECA District Competition at Eastern Michigan University.
Trenton students demonstrated their business and marketing expertise across a variety of competitive events, showcasing strong decision-making, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through role plays that simulated real-world business scenarios. The chapter delivered an outstanding performance, earning a total of 34 medals across multiple events. In addition, 15 Trenton students qualified to compete at the Michigan DECA State Career Development Conference, March 5–7 in Detroit, where they will compete against top DECA students from across the state.
Earning a spot to compete at Michigan DECA State Career Development Conference are: Elizabeth Bogema, Jack Brownlie, Zoe Cheff, Audrey Flores, Evan Garrett, Jackson Giorio, Ava Holman, Noell Hughes, Rylie Lewis, Leo Lustig, Brenden Osmulski, Landon Petrowski, Anthony Sawicki, Micah Scrimenti, Ella Smith (see below).
Strategic Plan Goal #1: Student Achievement: Madelyn Zurawski (class of 2022) is currently in her third season with Portland Ballet in Portland, Maine. In the photo, she is warming up on the stage at Merrill Auditorium in Downtown Portland, a historic performance venue. For the performance, Madelyn was the Dew Drop Fairy (Waltz of the Flowers), and the company performed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Madelyn loves her life in Maine, but still represents her hometown!
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices - PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) is alive and well at THS. From Mr. Scott/THS - November Students of the Month. These kids were nominated by their teachers for being positive role models, showing kindness and being helpful, lifting others up, and being great leaders who step up and set the example for others.
Strategic Plan Goal #1: Student Achievement
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
Strategic Plan Goal #4: Financial Responsibilities and Operations
Portrait of a Graduate (POG Overview): over the course of four structured committee sessions, the district will develop a finalized Portrait of a Graduate by leveraging existing student and parent survey data and the ongoing work of the standing committee. The first session will focus on reviewing survey themes and reaching consensus on a concise set of core graduate attributes that reflect community priorities and district values. In the second session, the committee will define each attribute in clear, student- and family-friendly language to ensure shared understanding and coherence. The third session will operationalize the Portrait by identifying observable, developmentally appropriate indicators across elementary, middle, and high school levels, ensuring the work is practical and actionable rather than symbolic. The fourth and final session will be dedicated to reviewing and refining the complete draft, confirming alignment with district goals, and endorsing a board-ready Portrait of a Graduate for presentation, communication, and implementation.
Strategic Plan Goal #1: Student Achievement & Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Our THS Robotics Team, The TorqueNados, has officially entered our Build Season, the period when students receive the challenge and begin designing, building, and programming a robot to meet it.
Over the weekend, our team joined several Downriver teams in Southgate for a collaborative kickoff. We focused on team building, watched the game reveal video together, and then played the game as human robots to better understand the challenges the students will be working through this season.
Strategic Plan Goal #4: Financial Responsibilities and Operations
(Advertising Revenue “application” - new transportable bleachers were purchased with advertising revenue)
COACH SZALKA RECOGNITION DAY
Mr. Todd Szalka was honored on Monday, October 27, 2025 in the THS Fitness Room by Senator Darrin Camilleri and Representative Rylee Linting for his induction in the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches and Trenton High School Coaches Hall of Fame, as well as, the City of Trenton Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to being a great coach, Mr. Szalka’s vision for the baseball program has been unmatched. Since 2008, Mr.Todd Szalka has led Trenton Baseball to a 423 win -209 loss-3 tie record. During his 18 years, the Trojans have won 3 league titles, 9 district titles, 4 regional titles, a Super Regional, and made two Final Four appearances in 2019 and 2024. In 2024, Szalka was named Division 2 Coach of the Year!
