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🌱 Patch AM: Why Kalamazoo’s third-grade reading scores are drawing statewide attention.

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Hi there, Kalamazoo! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Kalamazoo's third-grade reading scores are drawing statewide attention.
  • How WMU interns are quietly reshaping Kalamazoo's recycling habits
  • Which Kalamazoo nonprofits brought in the most government grant money?

Also on today's calendar: Dynamic Bird Diversity of Sarett Nature Center and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tractor say to the plow? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Kalamazoo Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Kalamazoo Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Partly sunny, warm and humid, with a high of 83 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 77, low: 47.
  • Monday: Decreasing clouds, with a high of 72 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. KPS superintendent says reading test scores improve in district (wkzo.com) — Families in Kalamazoo Public Schools are getting encouraging news as third-grade reading scores rose in 15 of 17 elementary schools, bucking a slight statewide decline. Superintendent Darrin Slade credits an interdisciplinary, science-of-reading approach and strong support systems, improvements significant enough to draw Governor Gretchen Whitmer to Woods Lake Elementary to celebrate the gains.
   

2. Broncos Lead interns lead efforts to encourage sustainability in Kalamazoo (wmich.edu) — Western Michigan University Broncos Lead interns are helping Kalamazoo push toward its zero-waste and recycling goals, from Bronson Park to the Kalamazoo Farmers Market and Lunchtime Live downtown. Their work includes adding bins, improving signage, and talking directly with residents to boost recycling habits and long-term sustainability across city public spaces.
   

3. Kalamazoo 2024: W E Upjohn Unemployment Trustee Corp led non-profits in government grant revenue (kalamazootimes.com) — Kalamazoo nonprofits saw significant government support in 2024, led by W E Upjohn Unemployment Trustee Corp with more than $11.6 million in grants and nearly $100 million in total revenue. The ranking also highlights groups like Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, the YWCA of Kalamazoo, and Interfaith Homes, showing how heavily some local organizations rely on government funding.
   

4. Sr. .Net Developer - Tekfortune Inc. - Hybrid in Kalamazoo, MI, US (dice.com) — A senior .NET developer role is open right in Kalamazoo, offering a year-long hybrid position focused on backend, database, and cloud solutions for genomic testing products. If you're experienced with C#, SQL Server, Azure, and modern DevOps tools, this could be a strong local career opportunity with three in-office days each week.
   

5. Kalamazoo-area high school football scoreboard for Week 3 (Sept. 11) (mlive.com) — High school football fans around Kalamazoo can see how local rivalries played out in Week 3, with Portage Central topping Portage Northern and several other area teams posting big wins. The scoreboard highlights results for Kalamazoo Central, Kalamazoo United, and nearby schools across Southwest Michigan so you can track how your team is shaping up this season.
   

📸 Around Kalamazoo

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Kalamazoo

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Kalamazoo Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Punk Rustic Farms is excited to share this unique experience for another year with you all.
    They will be hosting a Fall Holistic & Metaphysical Fair on September 12th at the Kalamazoo Expo Center North Building from 10am to 5pm There will… (Nextdoor Springbrook)
  • Securitas posted a job opening for Dispatch Security Officer in Kalamazoo. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Carpet Clean Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$47/Hr in Kalamazoo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Kalamazoo here.

Ok Kalamazoo! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Hold me close John Deere. (Thank you Jenny H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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