“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: 11.24.2025
From Jennifer Griffiths:
11/15/2025
Trenton’s two middle school robotics teams delivered an impressive showing at their event this past weekend, earning runner-up honors for the prestigious Innovation Award. The KnightNados finished 19th in the qualifying rounds, while the TorqueNados JV team secured 13th place and was selected to play in playoffs by the Sharkbytes—proudly competing together as the “Shark-Nados.” The newly formed alliance captured an exciting win in their first match before ultimately dropping the next two, marking a strong and memorable performance for both teams.
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
11/18/2025
Our SLC students, along with chaperone Chief Michael Hawkins, arrived at Schoolcraft College, Livonia, MI, for the Youth Violence Prevention Summit and were welcomed by the Office of School Safety staff for a well-organized registration at 8:30 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., Col. James F. Grady II, Director of the Michigan State Police, opened the event with inspiring remarks.
Following a brief video at 9:15 a.m., Mr. Ryan Tillman's keynote at 9:25 a.m. motivated students to reflect on their community roles. Mr. Anthony Grupido’s "Coping Skills, Straight Talk" session at 10:15 a.m. provided stress management strategies.
After lunch, students participated in breakout sessions from 11:30 a.m. to 1:10 p.m., covering Youth Suicide Prevention by Mr. Grupido, Ms. Cohen, and Mr. Reese; OK2SAY by Mr. Ferguson; and a Youth Dialogue session with Ms. Sharp. These sessions allowed engaging discussions and learning.
The day concluded with Col. Grady’s closing remarks and a survey at 1:15 p.m., offering reflection and feedback opportunities. The trip was a successful day of impactful learning and interaction.
Strategic Plan Goal #1: Student Achievement
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
11/18/2025
Our District Accreditation Team met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 and had a very successful day. Positive culture and climate - reframing negative communication, student achievement, professional development, and a myriad of other topics guided the team accordingly. Ms. O’Connor facilitated the day.
Topics included: book study conversation: AI with Intention, COGNIA, Cornelius Minor, Munetrix use, District Survey, Continuous Improvement, prioritization of goals and/or areas of focus, program evaluation, etc.
11/21/2025 & 11/22/2025
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
THS Play: Attack! of the Killer Man from the Sun! You’re traveling through another dimension… and it leads to Trenton High School this Friday! Don’t miss Attack! of the Killer Man from the Sun! - opening this weekend! November 21 @ 7PM, November 22 @ 2PM & 7PM
Skit written by Kate Bouquenoy, Bianka Bryant, & Zack Gajewski
I had the pleasure of attending the high school play, "Attack of the Killer Man from the Sun," which showcased the remarkable talents and creativity of our students. The entire performance was well done, reflecting the dedication and hard work of the students and staff. What made the play particularly impressive was that the students themselves wrote the script, adding a unique AND original imprint on their effort! Our young performers not only captivated the audience, but created life long memories for themselves.
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
11/18/2025
From Sarah Riley: MiCareer Quest Field Trip
Top notch!
Career Exploration in Action!
Today, 32 THS students had the incredible opportunity to attend MiCareer Quest—one of Michigan’s largest hands-on career exploration events! From trying real equipment to speaking with industry professionals, our students gained hands-on experience and valuable insight into high-demand careers across Michigan. Events like this help students discover their strengths, spark new interests, and envision their future pathways.Proud of our Trojans for stepping out, exploring, and dreaming big!
Students explored four career quadrants: Advanced Manufacturing, Health Sciences, Information Technology, and Construction & Skilled Trades.
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
Trenton High School DECA Attends State Leadership Summit
From Melanie Elliott: On Friday, November 14, Trenton High School DECA student leaders attended the Michigan State Student Leadership Summit at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business. Students participated in a keynote presentation from a business executive and attended breakout sessions led by MSU faculty, business professionals, DECA State Officers, and chapter advisors.
The event gave students the opportunity to build leadership, communication, and career-ready skills while connecting with peers and professionals from across the state. Trenton DECA was proud to represent our district at this meaningful learning experience.
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
11.17.2025
From Mr. Scott - Today we heard from Speaker Matt Hall - State Representative at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber - Downriver's Business Network, where he shared important updates on the state budget and what it means for working Michiganders and the small businesses that keep our communities moving. The kids enjoyed lunch and we also got to meet Speaker Matt Hall and our State Representative Rylee Linting!
11/15/2025
Trenton’s two middle school robotics teams delivered an impressive showing at their event this past weekend, earning runner-up honors for the prestigious Innovation Award. The KnightNados finished 19th in the qualifying rounds, while the TorqueNados JV team secured 13th place and was selected to play in playoffs by the Sharkbytes—proudly competing together as the “Shark-Nados.” The newly formed alliance captured an exciting win in their first match before ultimately dropping the next two, marking a strong and memorable performance for both teams.
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
11/18/2025
Our SLC students, along with chaperone Chief Michael Hawkins, arrived at Schoolcraft College, Livonia, MI, for the Youth Violence Prevention Summit and were welcomed by the Office of School Safety staff for a well-organized registration at 8:30 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., Col. James F. Grady II, Director of the Michigan State Police, opened the event with inspiring remarks.
Following a brief video at 9:15 a.m., Mr. Ryan Tillman's keynote at 9:25 a.m. motivated students to reflect on their community roles. Mr. Anthony Grupido’s "Coping Skills, Straight Talk" session at 10:15 a.m. provided stress management strategies.
After lunch, students participated in breakout sessions from 11:30 a.m. to 1:10 p.m., covering Youth Suicide Prevention by Mr. Grupido, Ms. Cohen, and Mr. Reese; OK2SAY by Mr. Ferguson; and a Youth Dialogue session with Ms. Sharp. These sessions allowed engaging discussions and learning.
The day concluded with Col. Grady’s closing remarks and a survey at 1:15 p.m., offering reflection and feedback opportunities. The trip was a successful day of impactful learning and interaction.
Strategic Plan Goal #1: Student Achievement
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
11/18/2025
Our District Accreditation Team met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 and had a very successful day. Positive culture and climate - reframing negative communication, student achievement, professional development, and a myriad of other topics guided the team accordingly. Ms. O’Connor facilitated the day.
Topics included: book study conversation: AI with Intention, COGNIA, Cornelius Minor, Munetrix use, District Survey, Continuous Improvement, prioritization of goals and/or areas of focus, program evaluation, etc.
11/21/2025 & 11/22/2025
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
THS Play: Attack! of the Killer Man from the Sun! You’re traveling through another dimension… and it leads to Trenton High School this Friday! Don’t miss Attack! of the Killer Man from the Sun! - opening this weekend! November 21 @ 7PM, November 22 @ 2PM & 7PM
Skit written by Kate Bouquenoy, Bianka Bryant, & Zack Gajewski
I had the pleasure of attending the high school play, "Attack of the Killer Man from the Sun," which showcased the remarkable talents and creativity of our students. The entire performance was well done, reflecting the dedication and hard work of the students and staff. What made the play particularly impressive was that the students themselves wrote the script, adding a unique AND original imprint on their effort! Our young performers not only captivated the audience, but created life long memories for themselves.
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
11/18/2025
From Sarah Riley: MiCareer Quest Field Trip
Top notch!
Career Exploration in Action!
Today, 32 THS students had the incredible opportunity to attend MiCareer Quest—one of Michigan’s largest hands-on career exploration events! From trying real equipment to speaking with industry professionals, our students gained hands-on experience and valuable insight into high-demand careers across Michigan. Events like this help students discover their strengths, spark new interests, and envision their future pathways.Proud of our Trojans for stepping out, exploring, and dreaming big!
Students explored four career quadrants: Advanced Manufacturing, Health Sciences, Information Technology, and Construction & Skilled Trades.
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
Trenton High School DECA Attends State Leadership Summit
From Melanie Elliott: On Friday, November 14, Trenton High School DECA student leaders attended the Michigan State Student Leadership Summit at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business. Students participated in a keynote presentation from a business executive and attended breakout sessions led by MSU faculty, business professionals, DECA State Officers, and chapter advisors.
The event gave students the opportunity to build leadership, communication, and career-ready skills while connecting with peers and professionals from across the state. Trenton DECA was proud to represent our district at this meaningful learning experience.
Strategic Plan Goal #2: Teaching and Learning Practices
Strategic Plan Goal #3: School and Community Relations
11.17.2025
From Mr. Scott - Today we heard from Speaker Matt Hall - State Representative at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber - Downriver's Business Network, where he shared important updates on the state budget and what it means for working Michiganders and the small businesses that keep our communities moving. The kids enjoyed lunch and we also got to meet Speaker Matt Hall and our State Representative Rylee Linting!
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - 11.24.2025
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!
