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 Welding students complete SENSE Program: now eligible for entry-level welding employment

Eleven local high school students from the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Welding program completed the first level of the Schools Excelling through National Skills Education (SENSE) Program at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 school year. An award-winning program offered by the American Welding Society, the SENSE Program provides administrative standards and curriculum guidelines for the qualification of entry-level, advanced, and expert welders in high schools and colleges.

According to Clare-Gladwin Career Center Counselor Margie Dill, “When the students complete this first level of the SENSE Program, they receive a certificate that verifies they have met the qualifications for an entry-level position in welding.”

Welding is a career and technical education (CTE) program offered to high school juniors and seniors in Clare and Gladwin counties by the Clare-Gladwin Career Center of Clare-Gladwin RESD. Students spend half of their day at their CTE program and the other half at their home high school.

Congratulations to the following students who completed Level 1 of the SENSE Program:

Reese Avery

Zach Brown

Jordan Cottrell

Kyle Dice

Brandyn Simon

Jarod Given

Steven Scherrer

Chris Weidman

Josh Weisheim

Clay Werth

Cody Wessel

Ricky Woods

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

CGRESD Career Tech Summer Camps supported by Clare County Community Foundation

The Clare County Community Foundation has awarded Clare-Gladwin RESD with $4,716 in grant funding to support the inaugural Career Tech Summer Camps that will be offered this month to students entering grades 7-9.

On the mornings of June 16-18, students will be participating 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.

“These programs will expose students to careers they may not be aware of or know a lot about,” said Sheryl Presler, Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent. “The students can then further explore those careers by participating in a CTE program once they are in high school.”

The grant monies will fund the majority of the costs of the Career Tech Summer Camps.

“We are extremely grateful to the Clare County Community Foundation for their investment in this valuable opportunity for local youth,” said Presler. “Ultimately, it is our hope that the Summer Camps will bring awareness of career and college opportunities to students through a fun and engaging curriculum over the three-day span.”

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.  A portion of the Career Tech Summer Camp funds were awarded upon a recommendation from the Clare County Youth Action Council (Clare YAC). 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 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.

UNITE's Arrive Alive Tour reveals distracted driving dangers to students and community

The Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Criminal Justice students recently joined UNITE – a national company that works to prevent unsafe driving behaviors – in educating their classmates, Mid Michigan Community College (MMCC) students, and community members about the potential consequences of drunk and distracted driving through the Arrive Alive Tour.  

The program used a number of resources to heighten awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and texting while driving, including a high-tech simulator that allowed participants to sit in the “driver’s seat” and experience the outcomes of distracted and impaired driving in a controlled environment. A Passenger-Eye-View monitor gave those standing near the simulator the chance to see what the driver was experiencing. Each participant also received a mock ticket that explained the ramifications of their simulator experience. “Most students thought that they would be able to whip right through the simulator course,” said DJ Newman, Criminal Justice instructor. “However, most of them failed within seconds.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers younger than 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes.

Additionally, the Criminal Justice students spent time in classrooms of their peers to further enforce the dangers of these illegal driving behaviors by sharing statistics and facts, and conducting mock sobriety tests. During the tests, the other students wore goggles that replicated how their vision would be impacted if impaired.

Approximately 300 people participated in the day’s activities.

The Arrive Alive Tour event was made possible by the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, MMCC, MidMichigan Health, the Clare County Sheriff's Department, the Clare County Prosecutor's Office, and the Clare City Police Department.

Digital Media participates in worldwide computer science initiative

Throughout the week of December 8, the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Digital Media class joined millions of students around the world to participate in the Hour of Code – an international event designed to demystify computer science and show that anyone can learn the basics. The initiative introduced students of all ages to computer science through numerous hour-long online tutorials catered to all levels of ability and made available in more than 30 languages.

The Digital Media class completed three tutorials covering topics that included drawing with code, website creation and design, and databases. “We did this to not only be part of the larger initiative, but to also stress the importance of Computer Science in today's society,” said Digital Media Instructor Jim Langley. “It is a vocation that is often shunned because of its difficulty, but hopefully through the Hour of Code projects, lessons and videos, students were able to debunk the ‘scarier’ aspects of Computer Science and see what can truly be created when you spend some time learning these topics.” 

Last year’s Hour of Code event resulted in 15 million student participants worldwide.

Digital Media is one of nine career and technical education (CTE) offerings available to local high school students through the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD. 

CTE students learn about post-secondary opportunities at Kendall College

Nearly 50 students from the Graphic Arts and Digital Media programs at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center took a field trip last month to Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. Following a tour of the campus, a presentation was given about the college, the degrees offered, financial aid opportunities, and what it takes for students to find success.

“This was a good field trip,” said Digital Media student Skyler Berry. “I learned about post-secondary degrees that I didn’t know were out there. I also liked how the college gives its students huge opportunities to showcase their skills and talents all over the school.”

Digital Media and Graphic Arts are two 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.

Graphic Arts Students Leadership Group develops skills while giving back to the community

The Graphic Arts program of the Clare-Gladwin Career Center has established a Student Leadership Group, a select group of students who spend time outside of normal class hours to help the community through volunteering their graphic design skills and their time. Inspired by a concept of the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES), the Student Leadership Group consists of six members who meet once weekly online and once monthly in person.

Through the group’s initiative, Coleman student Ethan Davis recently created a new logo for the Clare County Animal Shelter. “For our new logo, I wanted something that was distinctly Clare County and something that conveyed that the shelter was a place of safety for animals,” said Susan Campbell, volunteer coordinator for the Clare County Animal Shelter. “I was just amazed at what the student came up with. It brought tears to my eyes!”

In addition to developing the organization’s logo, the Student Leadership Group also volunteered at a donation event for the Shelter held at Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare this month. The same day, they assisted the Shelter in decorating their float for the Farwell Holiday Lights Parade, as well as passed out items during the parade.

While the group’s monthly meetings typically take place at a location where they can have fun together, such as Spinning Wheels roller skating arena in Mount Pleasant, the students have elected to use their next meeting’s budget to buy a Christmas present for a family in need.

Digital Media and Graphic Arts are two 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.

Graphic Arts Student Leadership Group Board:

Ethan Davis (President)

Alyssa Haag (Vice-President)

Shyla Cassidy (Treasurer)

Graphic Arts Student Leadership Group Members:

Kirsten Head

Alexis Sines

Brad Walsh

Local students submit 765 applications during College Application Week

During the week of November 3, the five high schools in Clare and Gladwin counties, along with Coleman High School, joined high schools around the state for Michigan’s annual College Application Week; a campaign committed to increasing the percentage of first-generation and low-income students to pursue a postsecondary education. The Clare-Gladwin Career Center, Mid Michigan Community College, and Educational Talent Search joined efforts to assist the region’s graduating seniors in completing and submitting at least one application to any of Michigan’s community colleges, independent college, and universities in which they were interested in attending. 

As a result, 377 seniors applied to at least one college during College Application Week. A total of 765 applications were submitted to both community colleges and universities across the country. Students also researched and applied to technical and trade schools such as Sullivan University, ITT Technical Institute, AIS Heavy Equipment Training Center.  

“After the success we had last year, we were geared up to host another College Application Week. We saw an increase of more than 150 students who participated this year and an additional 231 applications were sent out,” said Clare-Gladwin Career Center Counselor Margie Dill. “The goal of the program is to give students the tools and guidance they need to successfully apply to college. We hope this process gave the kids additional confidence and drive to continue to submit applications - in turn providing them with more options for their future.”

College Application Week participation per district:

• Beaverton High School - 93 students sent out 130 applications

• Clare High School - 116 students sent out 131 applications

• Coleman High School - 59 students sent out 66 applications

• Farwell High School - 80 students sent out 121 applications

• Gladwin High School -100 students sent out 192 applications

• Harrison High School - 118 students sent out 139 applications

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. 

Local high schools to participate in College Application Week

The five local high schools in Clare and Gladwin counties, along with Coleman High School,  will be are joining more than 200 high schools around the state in presenting Michigan’s fourth annual College Application Week. The Clare-Gladwin Career Center, Mid Michigan Community College, and Educational Talent Search have joined efforts to assist the region’s graduating seniors in completing and submitting at least one application to any of Michigan’s community colleges, independent colleges, and universities in which they are interested. 

“The goal of the program is to give students the tools and guidance they need to successfully apply to college,” said Clare-Gladwin Career Center Counselor Margie Dill. “It is our hope this process will give kids additional confidence and drive to continue to submit applications - in turn providing them with more options for their future.”

Leading up to and during College Application Week, area high school seniors will be participating in various activities designed to help expand their knowledge of the technical schools, colleges and universities in Michigan. The goal is to have students well-informed about their opportunities so they will be prepared when their school hosts Application Day.

Representatives from Mid Michigan Community College, Saginaw State University, Central Michigan University, the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, and Educational Talent Search will be at the participating schools to assist students in the application process.  There will be opportunities for application fee waivers during this time to ensure all students can apply to the schools of their choice.

Farwell High School is scheduled to host its Application Day on Monday, November 3.  Gladwin and Harrison high schools will host on November 4, followed by Coleman High School on November 5, Beaverton High School on November 6, and Clare High School on November 7.

Established in 2005, College Application Week is a national campaign sponsored by the Michigan College Access Network committed to the common goal of increasing the percentage of first-generation and low-income students to pursue a postsecondary education.  Last year, 534 applications were submitted by students from Clare and Gladwin counties as a result of Michigan College Application Week.

For additional information, please contact Margie Dill at 989-229-8710. 

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.

Graphic Arts students place at 2014 MITES state competition

Students from the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Graphic Arts program recently submitted projects showcasing their skills developed in the classroom to the 2014 Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES) State Convention and Student Competition held at Saginaw Valley State University’s Ryder Center last month. In order to qualify for the state competition, projects needed to place fourth or better at the previously held MITES Regional Student Competition. Of the 24 projects entered into the regional competition by Clare-Gladwin students, 12 advanced to the state event.

With a mission to encourage and recognize fine craftsmanship in the field of industrial technology and career technical education, the annual MITES student competition allows kids of all grade levels to compete against hundreds of  their peers in a variety of divisions, including graphic arts, mechanical drawing, machine shop, plastics, and more.

The local high school juniors and seniors from the Clare-Gladwin Career Center who participated in the 2014 MITES State Student Competition with at least one project included Toni Boyd, Laurissa Brushaber, Shyla Cassidy, Kaitlyn Corell, Allyssa Haag, Chasity Haight, Malinda Hershberger, Mercedez Hisey, Katie Loesel, Calie Nixon, Cassie Reid, Jacob Schlaack, and Tristan Shimmons.

Nine of the 12 student projects featured at the state competition placed in their categories. Loesel placed sixth, Shimmons was awarded seventh, Boyd and Haag earned eighth place standings, and Brushaber, Corell, Hershberger, and Schlaack each finished in ninth. Additionally, a group project submitted by Loesel, Nixon, and Hisey finished fourth.

“MITES gave me an opportunity to compete against graphic design students from all over the state,” said Harrison High School student Allyssa Haag.

Andrea Boettner, Clare-Gladwin Career Center Graphic Arts instructor, said she was very pleased with the students’ placements at the competition. “To have so many students participate and place at regionals and states is a great accomplishment, especially with this year being just the second time we’ve taken part in the MITES competition."

The MITES convention not only provides students with the chance to better their abilities through competition, but it also affords high school graphic arts students and instructors funding opportunities to better their programs and their futures. Boettner was awarded a $500 grant to invest in screen printing equipment for the high school students in her Clare-Gladwin Career Center program. Student Jacob Schlaack also earned a scholarship valued at $500 as a result of his short essay that illustrated his plan to become a graphic arts instructor. Schlaak intends to receive his associate’s degree at Mid Michigan Community College in graphic design and then transfer to Central Michigan University where he will graduate with a teaching degree in fine arts.

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.