CGRESD Career Tech Summer Camp a Success

Two students show off the
 backpacks given to each CTE summer camp participant.
The backpacks featured the Clare-Gladwin Career Center logo
and identified the Clare County Community Foundation
as the camp sponsor. 

More than 30 soon-to-be seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students from Clare and Gladwin counties attended the inaugural Career Tech Summer Camps presented by the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD.

On the mornings of June 16-18, students participated in one of four hands-on camp programs designed to introduce them to careers associated with career and technical education (CTE), including Caring for Children, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, and Digital Media.

Students learn infant and toddler CPR in the
Caring for Children Camp.

Each camp offered a variety of labs that grabbed the students’ attention, including blood spatter and footprint casting labs in Criminal Justice, CPR training in Caring for Children, video game creation in Digital Media, and meal preparation in Culinary Arts.

When asked for feedback about the camps, one student said, “I loved it! I wish it went on longer in the day so we could learn more.” Many students echoed the desire for extended camp sessions and also expressed how much they enjoyed meeting their peers from neighboring schools.

A camp participant learns about blood splatter
during a lab in the Criminal Justice Camp. 

“It was a great week,” said Clare-Gladwin Career Center Director Doug Pummell. “Students had the opportunity to explore a career field they were interested in while meeting students from other schools who had similar interests. We look forward to offering the camp again next summer.”

The Career Tech Summer Camps were funded by a grant from the Clare County Community Foundation, with a portion of the funds awarded upon recommendation from the Clare County Youth Action Council (Clare YAC). The Clare County Community Foundation strengthens the community by providing leadership, fostering collaboration on local needs and issues, and encouraging a legacy of giving through grants, scholarships, and events. Clare YAC is a project of Clare County Community Foundation, and is made possible through the Council of Michigan Foundations and supported by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

CTE students recognized for 2014-2015 school year achievements

The Clare-Gladwin Career Center honored a number of high school juniors and seniors last month for the efforts, skills, and commitment they displayed while completing a career and technical education (CTE) programs during the 2014-2015 school year. Representing Beaverton, Clare, Coleman, Farwell, Gladwin, and Harrison school districts, the students and their families filled the auditorium at Mid Michigan Community College in Harrison to celebrate their achievements.

The Clare-Gladwin Career Center of Clare-Gladwin RESD, offers career and technical education (CTE) programs to local high school juniors and seniors. Students spend half of their school day at their CTE program and the other half at their home high school.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2014-2015 CTE Awards:

CRIMINAL JUSTICE:

1st Year Academic Excellence

David Lingaur

Olivia Walworth

Noah Hodgson

Mariah Penix

Kyla Shannon

Milena Toupin

2nd Year Academic Excellence

Madison Crowl

Jay Poet
Bradley Gallagher

WELDING:

Best Learner - Math

Clayton Burch

Ricky Woods

Most Improved

Ricky Woods

Jarod Given

Best Welder

Brandyn Simon

Josh Weisheim

CONSTRUCTION:

Overall Outstanding Student Award

Devon Poet

Chris Schultz

Outstanding 2nd Year Student

Mike McGuire

Kyler Zinser

Caleb Bard

Outstanding 1st Year Student

Erik Hasenfratz

Jordan Green

Cameron Sherrick

Mason Nash

Charlie Allen

GRAPHIC ARTS:

Design Award of Excellence

Ethan Davis

Shyla Cassidy

DIGITAL MEDIA:

Academic Excellence

Ryan Metzger

Artist's Guild

John Libbey

Senior Programmer

Chris Hofmann

Soft Skills

Jace LeFevere

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS:

CNA Training Scholarship

Jessica Scherrer

Jordyn Minski

Jordan Spitler

April Gibson

Brittany McWherter

Rylie Alward

CULINARY ARTS:

Most Improved Award

Melissa Richards

Ryan Taylor

Citizenship Award

Katelyn Duesbout

Brandon Bentley

2^nd year Leadership Award

Heather Baker

Nicole Martin

Golden Spoon Award (Outstanding achievement in all areas)

Nicole Martin

AUTOMOTIVE TECH:

Above And Beyond Award – Student who gave 110%

          Chris Delong

          Nick Sharf

EDUCATION IN TRAINING:

Affirming to Others

Joel Middleton

Ciara Chambers

Kailin Moon

Most Improved

Hannah Bauman

Ashley Huckins

Leadership at Placement Site                   

Kaylee Bellingar

Sam Brown

Krystle Figgins

Monica Macklem

Recruiting Award            

Sabrina Wildermuth 

Desiree Sayles

Most Versatile

Jennifer Giles

Caitlynne Quick

Most Likely to have a Long Career in Teaching

Chelsea Gordan

Madison Sinks

Kayla Armstrong

FIRST SEMESTER PERFECT ATTENDANCE:

Dylan Atwell

Alyssa Bennett

Morgan Bradburn

Jason Brewer

Clayton Burch

Charles Cassidy II

Raymond Chenoweth III

Breanna Cosgrove

Tanner Davis

Clay Dennis

Zachary Dwyer

Ashley Eichhorn

Cody Forster

Blayne Fowler

John Frehling

Jordan Green

Ashley Helmer

Noah Hodgson

Christopher Hofmann

Taylor Krueger

Brody Lewis

Hannah Lipovsky

Gregory Massaro

Jordyn Minski

Madison Mott

Sean O'hare

Jasmine O'toole

Adam Palmer

Alan Poole

Raylene Ramirez

Alyson Robinson

Austin Sandel

Adam Scherrer

Jessica Scherrer

Gage Schutz

Trenton Searight

Kyla Shannon

Samuel Shaydik

Cameron Sherrick

Aaryn Shook

Austin Storms

Zac Swosinski

Max Taylor

Randy Taylor

Melina Toupin

Olivia Walworth

Bailey Davy

Silvia Davis

Erykah Curns

Marissa Mathews

Katelyn Duesbout

ALL-YEAR PERFECT ATTENDANCE:

Dylan Atwell

Alyssa Bennett

Nicole Bisby

Morgan Bradburn

Charles Cassidy II

Raymond Chenoweth III

Breanna Cosgrove

Tanner Davis

Clay Dennis

Ashley Eichhorn

Ashley Helmer

Madison Mott

Adam Palmer

Raylene Ramirez

Jessica Scherrer

Kyla Shannon

Samuel Shaydik

Cameron Sherrick

Zac Swosinski

Melina Toupin

Alan Poole

Taylor Krueger

Erykah Curns

Hannah Lipovsky

Marissa Mathews

Katelyn Duesbout

CTE student selected as Technical Education Award recipient

Sines (left) accepts the Technical Education Award from
Carol Santini of Mid Michigan Community College.

Clare-Gladwin Career Center student Alexis Sines has been awarded the Technical Education Award from Mid Michigan Community College valued at $500. Sines participated in both the Education in Training and Graphic Arts career and technical education (CTE) programs during her junior and senior years at Clare High School. She was also an active member in The Officials, the Graphic Arts program’s student leadership group whose mission is to offer their time and talents to the local communities, such as providing free design and printing work for local non-profit organizations.

Sines plans to attend Mid Michigan Community College to earn an associate’s degree, and then go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education. Ultimately, she would like to teach art in a public school setting.

The Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD, provides career and technical education offerings to local high school juniors and seniors. Students spend half of their school day in their CTE program and the other half at their local high school.   

CTE student selected as Breaking Traditions Award winner

Heather Baker, a Culinary Arts student at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, is one of 22 high school

students from across the state to receive the 2015 Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Breaking Traditions Award for surpassing obstacles and stereotypes to achieve success in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

According to State Superintendent Mike Flanagan, "The Breaking Traditions Awards recognize high school and college students who have demonstrated success in CTE programs that are nontraditional to their gender. At a time when there is a call from various stakeholders for building a more-responsive, market-driven schools-to-jobs pipeline, it is important to recognize the efforts of these students and the programs that helped them."

Baker, also a senior at Gladwin High School, was nominated for the recognition by Culinary Arts Instructor Heidi Rocha. “Heather consistently goes above and beyond in everything that she does. Her ability to enter the workforce is outstanding.”

Baker accepted the award at a ceremony at the Library of Michigan in Lansing this month.

"These outstanding students are preparing themselves to enter a career that will benefit them individually and benefit Michigan by increasing diversity in our state's workforce." Flanagan said. "By their determination and dedication to pursuing careers in an area nontraditional for their gender, they are role models for peers who may be considering such a career path."

Baker plans to attend Northwood University to earn a degree in business while continuing her apprenticeship with Chef Fred Garcia of the Lost Arrow Resort. Once she obtains a business degree, Baker would like to further her skills at a culinary arts college, such as the Culinary Institute of America, and eventually own a restaurant.

Culinary Arts is a career and technical education (CTE) program offered to high school juniors and seniors at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center. The students spend half of their day at their CTE program and the other half at their local high school.

CTE students tour Mid Michigan Children's Museum

The Clare Gladwin Career Center’s Education in Training students recently toured the Mid Michigan Children's Museum in Saginaw. The future educators explored the museum's exhibits and discussed what children learn as they play. They were also informed of the future volunteer opportunities for them at the museum. Additionally, the students participated in activities with patrons of the museum. 

Education in Training is a career and technical education (CTE) class offered to high school juniors and seniors through the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. The students spend half of their day at their CTE program and the other half at their local high school.

Criminal Justice students place third at Delta College Skill Day

The career and technical education (CTE) Criminal Justice students of the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD, recently placed third overall at the 10^th annual Delta College Criminal Justice Skill Day.

During the event, students competed against their peers from around the state in a physical agility contest in which they had to complete a half-mile shuttle run, a vertical jump, and as many as push-ups and sit-ups as possible in one minute. Student Elaina Wolfe placed third among the female participants and Tommy Nunnally placed third among the male participants.

The high school juniors and seniors also revealed their understanding of the criminal justice field by taking part in knowledge-based game called, “Survey Says.” The Clare-Gladwin team consisting of Ian Hasenfratz, Hope Macklem, and Elaina Wolfe placed third.

Congratulations to the Clare-Gladwin CTE Criminal Justice students:

Nick Benore

Aloria Benson

Madison Crowl

Juliet Dean

 Brad Gallagher

Cristina Gardner

Megan Garver

Jeremy Goheen

 Ian Hasenfratz

Danelle Kource

David Lingaur

Hope Macklem

 Mikayla McKimmy

Frank Michalski

Neil Moldenhauer

Thomas Nunnally

Mariah Penix

Alexis Petrik

Kyla Shannon

Aaryn Shook

Randy Taylor

Milena Toupin

Dustin Trevillian

Olivia Walworth

Elaina Wolf

Criminal Justice is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) programs offered to high school juniors and seniors at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center. The students spend half of their day at their CTE program and the other half at their local high school.

Culinary Arts students test knowledge at ProStart competition

 Eight local students representing the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Culinary Arts class joined 53 teams of their peers from 20 career and technical education centers across Michigan on March 22 and March 23 for the annual Michigan ProStart Competition in Lansing. Hosted by the Michigan Restaurant Association Education Support Foundation (MRA ESF), the students competed in multiple events that tested their knowledge of the ProStart curriculum; a two-year program for high school students that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders.

The high school juniors and seniors from Clare and Gladwin counties were divided into two teams – one competing in the Management portion of the competition and the other in Nutrition. On the Management team was Beaverton senior Nicole Martin, along with Gladwin seniors Heather Baker, Brandon Bentley, and Cassie Melean.  The Nutrition team included Clare junior Mehna Orr, Harrison senior Noah Cesal, and Harrison juniors Dylan Atwell and Marissa Mathews.

The Management team first competed in the ServSafe “Jeopardy!” style knowledge bowl sponsored by the Van Eerden Foodservice Company. This question-and-answer event tested the participants’ knowledge of critically important issues of food safety and sanitation. Baker, Bentley, Martin, and Melean then took part in the management/entrepreneurship portion of the competition, sponsored by Gordon Food Service. Students demonstrated their knowledge of the industry by developing a restaurant proposal, delivering a verbal presentation, and applying critical thinking skills to challenges that restaurant managers face in day-to-day operations.

During the Nutrition component of the ProStart competition, Atwell, Cesal, Mathews, and Orr created a menu and prepared a three-course meal that met the National Restaurant Association’s Kids’ Live Well and USDA menu criteria.

Ultimately, the Management team placed sixth and the Nutrition team placed second in their respective categories.

“We are so proud of our students,” said Culinary Arts Instructor Heidi Rocha. “They not only worked very hard and performed well, but in many ways demonstrated strong character, maturity, and compassion towards others. We witnessed them connecting with other ProStart students, shaking hands, and even encouraging other teams who didn't perform as well. It was definitely a meaningful experience for everyone.”

Rocha thanked Chef Fred Garcia of Tipsy Bear Bistro in West Branch and Clare County Senior Services Dietician Carol Majewski for mentoring the student teams as they prepared for the competition.

Rocha also expressed appreciation for those who sponsored the teams’ participation in the ProStart Competition:

Athey Precision

Bill & Teresa Jackson

Create It - Beaverton

Cynthia Burns Consulting LLC

Kehoe Realty - Gladwin

Lambert's Meat Market - Gladwin

MacLean's Mercantile - Harrison

Mr. Rooter

National Pipeline Services

Ponderosa Steakhouse - Clare

Culinary Arts is one of nine career and technical education programs offered to local high school juniors and seniors at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of the Clare-Gladwin RESD.

Criminal Justice program tours State Police Training Academy

Nearly 30 local high school juniors and seniors in the Criminal Justice class at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center recently toured the Michigan State Police (MSP) Training Academy in Lansing. Tour stops included the academy's fitness center, firing range, driving track, K-9 kennels, and the water "tank" in which rescue trainings are conducted. Sgt. Marc Shore also spent time with the students answering questions as well as discussing the MSP hiring process and what to expect as a trooper.

"I think some of the students’ eyes were opened as to what would be required of them if they wanted to pursue a job with the MSP,” said Criminal Justice Instructor DJ Newman. “I feel that it is very important to show them as many different types of careers in the field as I can. Some of the kids are strongly considering becoming a Michigan State Police Trooper. The experience gained today will hopefully push them in or out of that."

Criminal Justice is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) offerings of the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. High School juniors and seniors from Clare and Gladwin counties spend half of their school day in their CTE program and the other half at their local high school.

For more information about the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, visit www.cgresd.net. 

Renovations underway at Magnus Center

Renovations are underway at the Clare-Gladwin RESD’s John C. Magnus Center to address the need for better facilities to house the career and technical education (CTE) programs chosen by nearly 350 local high school juniors and seniors annually. Phase one of the project is scheduled for completion in May 2015..

Formerly home to Magnus Tractor Sales, the majority of the property’s nearly 25-acres was donated to the RESD in the spring of 2013 by the family of the late John C. Magnus and contains multiple outbuildings, a barn, and a house. The RESD began working with architectural and engineering firms last fall to determine a master plan for the space to be carried out in stages as funding is secured.

During the 2013-2014 school year, two outbuildings were removed and students in the CTE Construction Trades program prepped the property for the upcoming renovations, as well as remodeled the house to make it handicapped accessible for Clare-Gladwin Area School students to use in the future to practice life skills.

Earlier this summer, Clare-Gladwin RESD accepted the lowest bid from Bolle Contracting in Clare, and the demolition of old foundations and the back portion of the main building is currently in progress. Several beams and a portion of the barn floor will be replaced this fall, along with the construction of a new driveway to better fit school busses and emergency vehicles. To accommodate future development, a new septic field will be put in and further excavation will take place. Technology wiring will be installed and the new learning lab and classroom for the Health Occupations program will occupy the renovated front portion of the property’s main building. The $100,000 grant awarded to the RESD last year by the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation of Midland will help fund this phase of the expansion.

According to Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent Sheryl Presler, all of the project’s contractors have agreed to let the CTE Construction Trades students work side-by-side with them on various tasks, such as building new stud walls. “This is a real-world learning opportunity for our students,” said Presler. “We are grateful these companies recognize the value of vocational education and are willing to help shape the future workforce of their industry.” Approximately $15,000 will be saved by having the students’ assistance.

RESD Culinary Arts instructor attends Summer Institute

The Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Culinary Arts instructor Heidi Rocha attended the National Restaurant Association’s week-long Summer Institute last month at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Florida. Rocha’s tuition to the program and her travel expenses were funded by a $1,750 scholarship she was awarded earlier this year by the association.

During her trip, Rocha completed Level 3 of the Summer Institutes. Level 3 featured culinary topics in salads, garnishing, baking, and desserts, as well as management topics including marketing and cost control. The class also discussed global cuisines and sustainability.

This is the third time Rocha has received a scholarship to attend the National Restaurant Association’s Summer Institutes. She completed level 1 in Chicago in 2009, and level 2 in California in 2012.

Culinary Arts is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) programs offered to local high school juniors and seniors at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their regular school day in CTE and the other half at their local high school. For more information, please visit www.cgresd.net.

CTE students earn ServSafe Food Safety Certification

Fifteen students from the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts class have earned the ServSafe Food Safety Certification from the National Restaurant Association.

In order to obtain the certification, students must pass an exam administered by the National Restaurant Association, testing their knowledge on topics covering foodborne illness, contamination prevention, and proper food serving techniques.  

In the state of Michigan, every food service operation is required by law to have at least one person on staff with the ServSafe Food Safety Certification.

CTE Culinary Arts Instructor Heidi Rocha is an approved ServSafe Food Safety instructor through the National Restaurant Association. Students in her class can take the test free of charge by participating in fundraising activities. Typically, individuals pursuing ServSafe Food Safety Certification on their own will pay up to $1,000 for both the training and the exam.

Culinary Arts is one of nine Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of the Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their regular school day in CTE and the other half at their local high school. For more information, please visit www.cgresd.net. 

Graphic Arts purchases cameras with MITES grant funds

The Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Graphic Arts class recently purchased six Nikon Coolpix L28 cameras with grant funds instructor Andrea Boettner received last spring from the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES).

The high school juniors and seniors have been using the cameras to document their projects and field trips, and later in the semester, the students will learn about lighting, close-up photography, and more during the class’s photography unit.

“First and foremost, we need to thank MITES for the grant that allowed us to get the cameras,” said Boettner. “The students are already enjoying using them on a regular basis and I’m looking forward to seeing their knowledge and creativity grow during our upcoming photography unit.”

Graphic Arts is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) programs offered by the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their school day in their CTE program and the other half at their local high school.

Graphic Arts students tour McKay Press in Midland

Graphic Arts students from the Clare-Gladwin Career Center were exposed to the print and production business during a recent tour of McKay Press in Midland. Made possible by grant funds awarded to Graphic Arts instructor Andrea Boettner last spring by the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES), the field trip educated students on the variety of machines used by McKay Press, including a web press, letter press, folders, binders, cutter, stitcher, wide format printers, and more.

“The field trip was great,” said Graphic Arts student Chris Wargo of Farwell. “I liked the different machines they used. I had no idea how complicated it was going to be or how large and dynamic the space was. The people at McKay Press even gave us one of their excellent quality calendars and a huge roll of paper for our printing and crafting projects.”

According to Graphic Arts instructor Andrea Boettner, to be better prepared for a career in graphic arts, students need to have an understanding of the production side of the industry, and the field trip to McKay Press provided students with a useful introduction.

Graphic Arts is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) programs offered to high school juniors and seniors at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of the Clare-Gladwin RESD. The students spend half of their school day at their CTE program and the other half at their local high school. 

Career Center names fall 2013 Students of the Month

Career Technical Education (CTE) program instructors at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD, have announced the Students of the Month recognized during the fall 2013 semester. Students were selected based on their academic achievements, citizenship, and work ethic.    

Each month during the semester, the Students of the Month were entered into a drawing to receive a Clare-Gladwin Career Center t-shirt donated by Create-It in Beaverton. The fall winners included Wyatt Duggan of Harrison, Brook Harvell of Clare, Garret Henry of Farwell, and Jay Poet of Clare.

All recognized students were given a Student of the Month certificate along with a gift from a local sponsor. The Clare-Gladwin Career Center thanks the area sponsors: Bucilli’s in Clare and Farwell; Create-It in Beaverton; Hungry Howies in Clare and Gladwin; Lang’s Pizza in Beaverton; Mama Cilli’s in Harrison; Pizza Hut in Gladwin; and Subway in Coleman and Farwell.

Listed below are the fall 2013 Students of the Month from each program and their home high schools.

Education in Training:

Samantha Chasteen - Beaverton HS       

Samantha Rulapaugh - Clare HS

Alexis Sines-Clare HS     

Harvell: T-shirt winner. 

Brook Harvell - Clare HS

Health Occupations:

Dallas Gibson - Gladwin HS         

Brennan Baum- Beaverton HS   

Kaitlyn Jacques- Beaverton HS  

Taylor Helka - Clare HS  

Josh Kinberg - Clare HS 

Brenden Gyulveszi-Clare HS       

Bailey Reger - Clare HS

Wyatt Duggan - Harrison HS       

Megan McCarrick - Harrison HS 

Kayla Bush- Harrison HS               

Briannah Mercer - Farwell HS

Automotive Technology:

Henry: T-shirt winner.

Mariah Roskamp - Harrison HS  

Hunter Gross - Coleman HS        

Richard Walters - Beaverton HS

Ryan Rybkowski - Beaverton HS               

Dillon Hillier - Gladwin HS             

Ken Hagerty - Coleman HS

Digital Media:

Drew Porter - Beaverton HS       

Jace LeFevere- Gladwin HS         

Mason Woodruff - Gladwin HS 

John Libbey - Harrison HS

Construction Trades:

Gage Agin- Harrison HS

Kyler Zinser - Clare HS   

Garret Henry - Farwell HS            

Duggan: T-shirt winner. 

Devon Poet- Clare HS

Aidan O'Rourke - Beaverton HS

Hunter Walters - Beaverton HS 

Kyle Buckley - Gladwin HS           

Boone DeShano – Gladwin (Homeschool)

Criminal Justice:

Skyler Howard - Coleman HS     

Jay Poet - Clare HS       

Joseph Berenyi - Coleman HS     

Brad Gallagher - Gladwin HS

Graphic Arts:

Kyle Sweet - Clare HS    

Tristan Shimmons- Farwell HS   

Kathryn Loesel - Gladwin HS      

Malinda Hershberger - Clare HS

Culinary Arts:

Ariel Rose - Farwell HS  

Poet - T-shirt winner. 

Ciara Chambers - Harrison HS    

Jacob Buccilli - Farwell HS             

Randa Schultz - Farwell HS

Nicole Martin - Beaverton HS    

Kelsey Kula - Harrison HS             

Jaime Phillips - Beaverton HS     

Heather Baker - Gladwin HS

Clare-Gladwin RESD granted $100,000 from Gerstacker Foundation

Clare-Gladwin RESD was recently granted $100,000 from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation of Midland to help fund the renovation of existing buildings at the John C. Magnus Center.  When construction is complete, some of the career and technical education (CTE) programs offered to local high school juniors and seniors by the RESD’s Career Center will move to the Magnus Center.   

Located at 3200 S. Clare Ave., the John C. Magnus Center was established in October 2013. Formerly home to Magnus Tractor Sales, the majority of the property’s nearly 25-acres was donated to the RESD in the spring of 2013 by John’s wife, Verna Magnus Green, and their children, Lt. Col. Mike Magnus, Darla Schmittner, and Michelle Maeder. The land contains multiple outbuildings, a barn, and a house.

With plans to eventually use the property to improve and expand learning opportunities for local youth through all of the organization’s student programs, the RESD is currently working with architectural and engineering firms to determine a master plan to be completed in phases as funding is secured. 

“As Michigan is beginning to experience a resurgence in the trades, CGRESD is committed to providing an appropriate learning space for CTE students,” said Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent Sheryl Presler. “The space doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be safe and functional for practical experiences using the latest technology, engineering and mathematics.”

After floor plans are confirmed and approved by the state, the hope is the Construction Trades students will learn and work alongside the hired contractors for the project. 

 “A fully functional skilled trades training center has the potential to positively impact not only students, but families and communities for generations,” said Presler. “On behalf of CGRESD, its Board of Education, and all the high school students who will benefit from the Magnus Center, I would like to thank the Gerstacker Foundation for recognizing the importance of the Magnus Center project with such a generous grant.”

To learn more about Clare-Gladwin RESD, visit www.cgresd.net. 

CTE Criminal Justice students attend careers and leadership conference

The students in the Clare-Gladwin Career Center's Criminal Justice class recently attended the Criminal Justice Careers and Leadership Conference offered by the Kent Career Technical Center. The conference provided career, employability, and leadership training, and offered students the opportunity to learn from field professionals and network with industry experts.  

“The Kent Career Technical Center invited us to attend this Career Fair, which opened the doors for our students to talk to local, county, and state police officers, as well as federal agents and private security companies,” said DJ Newman, instructor for the Criminal Justice program at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center. “This gave the students insight into what types of careers are out there and what each prospective career takes.”   

Speakers at the conference presented on diversity in the criminal justice field and the importance of being physically and mentally fit.

“Overall, students seemed extremely satisfied with the experience. We look forward to attending it again in the future,” said Newman.

Criminal Justice is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) programs offered to local high school juniors and seniors at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their regular school day in CTE and the other half at their local high school. For more information, please visit www.cgresd.net.

CTE Health Occupations class welcomes certified hypnotist

Joe Gelina of Central Michigan Hypnosis recently spent an afternoon with the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Health Occupations class as a part of their preventative medicine unit. Gelina spoke about his former experiences in healthcare, as well as his current endeavor as a certified hypnotist. “The students really enjoyed hearing from Joe,” said Health Occupations Instructor Erin Lenhart. “Some students even had the opportunity to experience hypnosis themselves!”

Health Occupations is one of nine career and technical education programs offered to local high school juniors and seniors through the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their school day at their CTE class and the other half at their local high school

Clare-Gladwin Area School classroom learns basic color theory from CTE students

Students from the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Culinary Arts and Graphic Arts programs teamed up this month to teach students from the Clare-Gladwin Area School about basic color theory.

The career and technical education (CTE) students used cupcakes, icing, and food coloring to share their lesson with the kids in Rachel DuMond’s Area School class. The local high school juniors and seniors demonstrated how to make different colors by mixing icing and food coloring. After the cupcakes were decorated with the appropriate color, the treats were formed into two color wheels, offering a visual way for the Area School students to learn the basic color theory. 

"Getting to frost cupcakes with the kids was a rewarding experience,” said Graphic Arts student Kaitlyn Corell. “The best part of the whole day was getting to eat the cupcakes with the kids and seeing the joy on their faces.”

Culinary Arts and Graphic Arts are two of nine career and technical education programs offered to local high school juniors and seniors through the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their school day at their CTE class and the other half at their local high school.

Culinary Arts students learn from industry mentors at ProStart Symposium

Four Clare-Gladwin Career Center students learned culinary and restaurant management skills first-hand from industry mentors during the Michigan Restaurant Association’s ProStart Student Symposium, held last month at Sysco, the event’s sponsor, in Canton, Mich.

Joined by their peers from around the state, the CTE Culinary Arts students were split into two groups; culinary and management.

Jaime Phillips of Beaverton and Chelsie Eichorn of Farwell participated in the culinary group. “Jaime and Chelsie worked in groups with industry mentors and created a three course meal using mystery basket items, such as whole salmon, orzo, and mushrooms,” said CTE Culinary Arts Instructor Heidi Rocha.

The management group included Heather Baker of Gladwin and Kelsey Kula of Beaverton. According to Rocha, the management students worked with mentors on a case study and presented their response to the study to the more than 150 people in attendance at the symposium.

“The ProStart Symposium is a very rewarding and worthwhile opportunity for the culinary arts students,” said Rocha. “I am extremely proud of them for their demonstration of critical thinking, dedication to their tasks, and creativity. They were a wonderful representation of the Clare-Gladwin Career Center.”

The Culinary Arts program is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) programs offered to local high school juniors and seniors through the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their school day at their CTE class and the other half at their local high school.

For more information about the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, please visit www.cgresd.net. 

50 years and growing; RESD establishes John C. Magnus Center and celebrates Golden Anniversary

More than 110 people gathered on Saturday, Oct. 5, to celebrate the John C. Magnus Center Dedication and the Clare-Gladwin RESD Golden Jubilee. The event recognized the RESD’s 50 years of service to Clare and Gladwin counties, and named the nearly 25 acres of land recently acquired by Clare-Gladwin RESD in memory of John C. Magnus, the property’s former owner.

Previously home to Magnus Tractor sales, the majority of the acreage was donated to the RESD earlier this year by John’s wife, Verna Magnus Green, and their children, Lt. Col. Mike Magnus, Darla Schmittner, and Michelle Maeder. The property will be used to improve and expand learning opportunities for local youth through Clare-Gladwin RESD’s student programs, including career and technical education as well as special education.   

The land contains multiple outbuildings, a barn, and a house - many of which will be used to further the students’ skills.

Students in the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Construction Trades program have already been busy this fall cleaning up the grounds and preparing to make the home handicapped accessible for future use by Clare-Gladwin Area School students.  “The improvements that have already taken place have been exciting – and it is only the beginning,” said Verna. 

Succeeding an invocation performed by Rev. Karen Blatt, the dedication ceremony included an historical overview of Magnus Tractor Sales and Clare-Gladwin RESD.  Superintendent Sheryl Presler also shared the journey that merged the two entities. “John’s family felt he would approve of the facilities being used to teach the trades to young people,” she said. “Some kids learn best with their hands. The trades offer a purpose for learning math and English, a chance to work with others on projects, and an opportunity to learn there are rewards from a hard day’s work. There’s honor and dignity being employed in the trades and I don’t think John would want anyone to ever forget that.”  

Remarks by members of the Magnus family reinforced the significance of the property’s past and the benefits it will bring to the community in the future.

“My married life with John revolved around this business. The buildings and grounds hold so many memories,” said Verna. “John would be pleased to know that it will be used for those in need for many years to come.”

Following the program, attendants gathered around the property’s barn to witness the ribbon-cutting that revealed the sign that now identifies the location as the John C. Magnus Center. 

“I want to especially thank Verna, Mike, Darla, and Michelle for their generosity,” said Presler. “Also, thank you to the former and current CGRESD staff, students, administrators, and board members for your energy and dedication to the last 50 years and as we grow in the future.” 

To see more photos from the event, click here. 

To watch the sign reveal video, click here.