Welcome to CIS – A Message from Principal Staffen
Welcome to a brand-new school year at Coloma Intermediate!
Whether you’re a returning family or new to our school, we’re excited to have you as part of our community. The 2025–2026 school year promises to be filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and continued success. Our staff is energized and ready to support every student academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we’re building an environment where children are not only learners, but also kind classmates, critical thinkers, and confident individuals.
As we kick off this new year, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit of my journey. This marks my fifth year as Principal of Coloma Intermediate School, and I also continue to serve as Director of Special Education for Coloma Community Schools. It has been a true privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team of educators and a supportive community that always puts students first.
I was raised in Lawrence, Michigan, just twenty minutes east of Coloma, and today I live in the countryside with my husband, Terry. We share our home with our loyal dog, Luna, and a spirited cockatoo named Abbigail. We have two children and are proud grandparents to five wonderful grandchildren. Family is incredibly important to me, and that sense of family is something I also value deeply here at Coloma Intermediate.
Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to experience a variety of roles that have shaped who I am as an educator and leader. I hold certifications in K–12 Administration and Director of Special Education through Western Michigan University and MASSP. I earned a Master of Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities from Calvin College, and completed my Bachelor’s degrees at Western Michigan University in K–5 Elementary Education and 6–12 English, along with minors in Middle School Science and Art.
These experiences have grounded my belief that all students deserve to feel seen, supported, and successful. At CIS, we work daily to build a school culture rooted in care, accountability, respect, and empathy. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or during independent work time, we strive to create spaces where students thrive and staff feel empowered to make a difference.
As always, communication and connection are key. I encourage you to read our Family Newsletter to stay updated. We are proud of what we’ve built together—and even more excited about what lies ahead. Here’s to a fantastic 2025–2026 school year at Coloma Intermediate School. Let’s make it our best one yet!
Go Comets!
Mrs. Staffen
Coloma Intermediate Principal
District Special Education Director
