Susan Wooden chosen as new leader of Beaverton Rural Schools

Susan Wooden
Superintendent, Beaverton Rural Schools

The students, staff, and community of Beaverton Rural Schools welcomed Susan Wooden this summer as the district’s new superintendent.   

After an extensive three-month search process, Beaverton Rural Schools Board of Education President Adam Zdrojewski said Wooden’s, “very strong education background and many valuable experiences,” made her stand out among the other candidates vying for the job. “Susan also had a very professional, well-articulated position on her desire to succeed and her passion for education,” he said. 

A few of the many notable career achievements found on Wooden’s resume include serving as superintendent of East Jordan Public School District, director of curriculum/instruction/assessment for Owosso Public Schools, and professor of English at Alpena Community College and the U.S. Air Force Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena. 

Wooden said she was drawn to Beaverton Schools for a variety of reasons, including the district’s strong academic and extracurricular programming, compelling sense of pride, and the sheer beauty of the Beaverton area. “BRS has huge potential to soar to the next level because of extremely talented Board members who have a common vision for the district, the district staff who genuinely care about kids, and the supportive community.” 

With a few weeks under her belt as Beaverton Rural Schools’ new leader, the Byron native said she is eager to move the district forward in all aspects of the organization, such as student achievement, communication, technology, community partnerships, and more. Additionally, Wooden said she is excited to become an active member of the school district’s community; a goal she is clearly committed to as she and husband, Russell, recently moved to Beaverton. 

“The Board believes that having someone living in the district allows them to have the ability to be available for the varied events that take place, as well as have a finger on the pulse of the community and become a proud member of the Beaverton area,” said Zdrojewski. “Susan’s leadership and desire to become vested in Beaverton Rural Schools will do nothing but benefit everyone involved.  We welcome the Woodens to our school and our community.” 

Free preschool; now enrolling children for 2013-2014 school year

 

The Quality Preschool Partnership (QPP) of Clare and Gladwin counties is now enrolling local children, ages 3-5, in free preschool programs for the 2013-2014 school year.  As a joint recruitment effort by Mid Michigan Community Action Agency, NEMCSA Head Start, Harrison Elementary, and Gladwin Elementary, the QPP ensures an efficient preschool application process for all eligible families in Clare and Gladwin counties.  Those who apply will be referred to either Head Start or Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). 

Research has shown that during the first five years of life, important skill sets such as emotional intelligence, motor development, visual recognition, early sound recognition, and music are optimally developed, providing the foundation for learning throughout life. “These findings illustrate how significant an early childhood education is for a child’s future,” said Kendra Curtiss-Tomaski, director of early childhood and family services at Clare-Gladwin RESD (the QPP’s implementing agency).

During the last year, many of the state’s legislators have also taken notice to the proven long-term benefits of granting Michigan kids with a quality preschool experience. As a result, Gov. Rick Snyder recently allocated funds to increase the number of GSRP slots statewide for the 2013-2014 school year, giving more children the chance to attend preschool at no cost. Clare and Gladwin counties received an additional 194 GSRP slots, creating five more GSRP classrooms. A total of 421 GSRP slots will be available this fall. 

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to provide even more local kids with a high-quality preschool experience which will set the stage for success in kindergarten and give them an overall great start to their lives.” 

To be eligible for Head Start or GSRP, children and families must meet federal and state guidelines, including income. All programs serve children with disabilities and/or special needs.  For more information or to request an enrollment packet, call 989-386-8075.  

Deadline for school of choice application slated for 2013-2014 school year

Under the Schools of Choice legislation (Section 105 and Section 105(c) of the School Aid Act), kindergarten through twelfth grade students residing within the Clare Gladwin Regional Education Service District (RESD) and contiguous intermediate school districts may apply to attend participating public school districts in the two-county region, including Beaverton Rural Schools, Clare Public Schools, Farwell Area Schools, Gladwin Community Schools, and Harrison Community Schools. 

Transportation for these students is the responsibility of the parents or guardians.

The participating schools are listed below. For those grades or programs allowing an unlimited number of students from other school districts, request/application must be made to the preferred school district by no later than the end of the first week of school. For those grades or programs with a limited number of openings, the 15-day application period is from August 12 to August 30, 2013. 

The schools accepting students from other school districts during the first semester/trimester of the 2013-14 school year include:

Beaverton Rural Schools, Gladwin Community Schools, and Farwell Area Schools

•          All grades and programs (unlimited openings)  

Harrison Community Schools

Larson Elementary

•          Kindergarten: 10 openings
•          1st grade: 5 openings
•          2nd grade: 10 openings

Hillside Elementary

•          3rd grade: 7 openings
•          4th grade: 5 openings
•          5th grade: 12 openings

Middle School

•          6th grade: 7 openings
•          7th grade: 25 openings
•          8th grade: 15 openings

High School

•          9th grade: 0 openings
•          10th grade: 0 openings
•          11th grade: 10 openings
•          12th grade: 15 openings

Clare Public Schools

Primary

•          Kindergarten: 10 openings            
•          1st grade: 10 openings
•          2nd , 3rd, and 4th grades: Unlimited

Middle

•          5th and 6^th grades: No openings
•          7th and 8^th grades: 10 openings, each grade

High School

•          9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades: 5 openings, each grade
•          Alternative Education: No openings

FREE Parent Boot Camp slated for Aug. 12-14

*Due to lack of participation, this event has been canceled*  (updated 8/9/13) 

The Clare County Youth Council (CCYC) invites local parents and grandparents, as well as those who are expecting a child to attend Parent Boot Camp 2013. The free, three-day program will cover topics including dental care and substance abuse prevention, and will feature a presentation by Community Service Tpr. Michael White of the Michigan State Police about changing one’s self-image and the important role fathers play in parenting. 

The classes will take place Aug. 12-14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brown Corners Church, located at 5540 S. Clare Avenue in Clare. Free on-site child care and lunch will be provided each day. 

“Parent Boot Camp is a great place for parents to get updated on current topics related to their family’s health and development,” said Betsy Ulicki of CCYC. “Every parent can use some help and support when raising children; it can be a stressful job!”   

Please pre-register by calling Erin Balbough at 539-5895.

The Clare County Youth Council is a member of the Great Start Collaborative of Clare and Gladwin counties and a partner of the United Way of Clare County and the Children’s Trust Fund of Michigan. Special Funding is provided by United Way to support Parent Boot Camp.

Graphic Arts students participate and place at state competition

Students from the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Graphic Arts program recently submitted eight projects showcasing their skills acquired in the classroom to the 2013 Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES) State Convention and Student Competition, held at Central Michigan University. 

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 their peers from other states and Canada in a variety of divisions, including graphic arts, architectural drawing, machine shop, wrought metal, and more.

“MITES is a wonderful organization to be a part of that supports both teachers and students in the areas of industrial and career and technical education,” said Andrea Boettner, instructor for the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s graphic arts program and MITES member since 2005. “I believe in the power of hands-on, relevant, and real-world learning. This organization gives my students a place to shine and show off their skills.”

In order to qualify for the state competition, projects needed to place fourth or better at the previously held MITES Regional Student Competition.

The local high school juniors and seniors from the Clare-Gladwin Career Center who entered at least one project to the 2013 MITES State Student Competition included Erik Canute of Farwell, Tabatha Chambers of Clare, Steven Clink of Farwell, Dallas Howell of Farwell, Richard June of Clare, Julie Lester of Gladwin, Lacey Martinez of Farwell, Jacob Schlaack of Beaverton, and Samantha Tomaski of Clare.

Of the eight projects submitted, four placed at the state level. For their individual projects, Martinez placed third, Clink placed sixth, and Canute placed fourth. A group project submitted by Schlaack, Clink, and June finished sixth.

“I was very excited to see the results of the state competition,” said Boettner.  “This was my first year as an instructor competing. My goal was to have at least one student place at states. Finding out that three students and one group project placed was a dream come true.”

In addition to the student project competition, the MITES convention featured a Pen Turning for Troops event. Using a lathe, the kids created 50 wooden pens that would be sent to the country’s service men and women overseas. The participants were then entered into a drawing to win a $500 mini-lathe donated by Barn Door Lumber in Hemlock.

Farwell’s Steven Clink was the winner of the equipment. With some past woodshop experience, Clink said he was looking forward to making, “a lot of really cool projects with the lathe. I can make pens, fix my mom’s dining room chair, and maybe make a wooden bowl!”

Boettner said Barn Door Lumber is a faithful contributor to MITES and supporter of industrial education. “Barn Door Lumber’s generous gift provides the financial and moral support needed for MITES to continue their mission,” she said. “There is no way to fully express our gratitude for their loyalty.”

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 day at their CTE program and the other half at their local high school. 

Making a 'change' for area youth; Clare County students collect more than $1,000 in change for Clare County Youth Council

Mrs. Mellish's Class at Clare Primary. 

Children from Clare Primary and Hillside Elementary schools recently collected more than $1,000 in change for the Clare County Youth Council (CCYC); a non-profit organization dedicated to prevent and reduce child abuse and neglect in Clare County.

Mr. Long's Class at Hillside Elementary. 

The classes that collected the most change included Mrs. Mellish’s kindergarten class at Clare Primary and Mr. Long’s class at Hillside Elementary. Both classes were awarded with a pizza party. The CCYC also gave every student in each school a popsicle to recognize and thank them for their participation.

The CCYC would like to thank the schools for their efforts to help make a difference to prevent child abuse and neglect in Clare County.

The Clare County Youth Council is a member of the Great Start Collaborative of Clare and Gladwin counties. With the Clare-Gladwin RESD as its fiscal agent, the Great Start Collaborative works to coordinate a system of community resources and supports to all local families to give their children a great start from birth to age five. In alliance with parents, businesses, and community leaders, the Great Start Collaborative strives to ensure all children in Clare and Gladwin counties will enter kindergarten safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and in life.

For more information on the Clare County Youth Council, call 989-386-8644. To learn more about the Great Start Collaborative, call 989-386-8613.

$1,500 in grants awarded to Clare-Gladwin Career Center graphic arts instructor

Graphic Arts Instructor Andrea Boettner and
Clare-Gladwin Career Center Director Doug Pummell displaying
the grants Boettner was awarded during the MITES State Convention
last month. 

Graphic Arts Instructor Andrea Boettner of the Clare-Gladwin Career Center has been awarded $1,500 in grants by the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society (MITES) to fund classroom activities and professional development opportunities. Specifically, Boettner will receive $650 to purchase class cameras, $250 for educational field trips, and $600 to attend special workshops and trainings.

According to their website, the generosity of the Abrams Foundation allows MITES to offer numerous scholarships and grants to help support career and technical education in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Canada.

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 day at their CTE program and the other half at their local high school. 

Four graduate from Clare-Gladwin Area School

Donned in their caps and gowns, Jonathan Barager, Zachariah Braley, Melissa McBride, and Jacob Shrock represented the Clare-Gladwin Area School’s class of 2013 during the school’s graduation ceremony earlier this month. With the, “Pomp and Circumstance,” melody playing in the background, the graduates entered the Area School gym where they were met by their classmates, teachers, family, and friends to celebrate the milestone.

Following the processional, the audience enjoyed singing and dancing performances by each Area School class to tunes including The Beatles’, “All We Need is Love,” Dierks Bentley’s, “Home,” and more.

Between performances, Clare-Gladwin Area School Principal Mike Simon shared school-year highlights such as the students’ fundraising efforts for community organizations, and the 62 students who were recognized throughout the year for their outstanding work habits, good behavior, and positive attitudes. He also expressed his gratitude to the local businesses that have partnered with the school to help students gain work experience.     

                                                     

“The graduation program is a wonderful showcase of the hard work and success of the Area School’s students and staff,” said Simon. “I’m very proud of their efforts toward making this year’s program the best it could be and I’m moved by the number of people who attended the program to support and encourage our school.”

At the conclusion of the program, Simon and Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent Sheryl Presler presented Certificates of Completion to the 2013 graduates. Keeping with tradition, Simon read words of reflection written by each student and their parents.

“The job everyone has done in caring and helping Zachariah is certainly commendable and we want to thank everyone involved in making our experience a most positive one,” said Braley’s father, Rob. “Respect, love, and great care should be afforded to each and every one of us, no matter what our abilities or disabilities are and we are proud to state that all personnel at the RESD greatly exceeded our expectations.”

Barager’s mother, Laurie, wrote a speech on his behalf and explained how for all the years Barager has attended the Area School, many changes have taken place, including staff, students, and bus drivers. “But with all the changes,” she continued, “the important things have stayed the same; the dedication, care, compassion, and respect of all those responsible to provide a safe, healthy, and happy learning environment for all of the students. My time here has been wonderful. I will miss you all and I thank you all.”

For more information on the Clare-Gladwin Area School and the Clare-Gladwin RESD, please visit www.cgresd.net.  

Local school board members recognized for exemplary service

Local school board members Connie Cauchi, Therese Haley, Don Hannah, Barbara Richards, and Marie Roth were celebrated during the recent Clare-Gladwin Area School Board Association meeting for their exceptional contributions to the school districts they serve. 

In honor of his 26 years of participation on local school boards, Don Hannah, current treasurer of Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District (RESD) Board of Education, was presented with the 2012-2013 Forrest Sogge Memorial Board Member of the Year Award. Created in 2004,the Board Member of the Year Award recognizes a local school board member who demonstrates high standards of service, educational enrichment, and leadership to the school district he or she serves.  Over the years, Hannah has filled seats on the boards of education for Beaverton Rural Schools and Clare-Gladwin RESD, and has performed the roles of president, vice-president, treasurer, and trustee.

The remaining four award recipients accepted certificates acknowledging their successful completion of classes offered to school board members by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). These classes are designed to help in the development of new skills and keep participants informed on the latest educational issues.    

Harrison Community Schools Board President Roth, Vice-President Cauchi, and Secretary Haley, along with Clare-Gladwin RESD Board President Richards were each given Level One Certifications for conquering  MASB’s nine 100-level courses covering topics such as school budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, the legislative process, data informed decision making, and more. The community leaders were also granted the Award of Merit for gaining an additional 45 education credits through professional development, leadership experience, and service.

Richards and Roth earned further acclaim with the Award of Distinction which recognizes board members who have accumulated a minimum of 208 education credits and completed the 100-level courses, as well as four 200-level courses. MASB’s 200-level classes address capital planning for school districts, superintendent selection, community relations, school law, reporting organizational performance, and more.

“Our communities are fortunate to have school board members who make every effort to become experts in their roles so they may offer effective guidance to the local districts,” said Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent Sheryl Presler. “Their actions clearly illustrate their dedication to their responsibilities as school board members and their commitment to our students.”  

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Don Hannah (left), current treasurer for Clare-Gladwin RESD’s Board of Education, receives the 2012-2013 Forrest Sogge Memorial Board Member of the Year Award for his 26 years of service to local school districts, including Harrison Community Schools and Clare-Gladwin RESD. Sheryl Presler, superintendent of the RESD, presented him with the honor.

Clare-Gladwin RESD Board of Education President Barbara Richards (left) accepts the Level One Certification, Award of Merit, and Award of Distinction from Ruth Coppens (right), president-elect of the MASB Board of Directors.

Barb Russell of MASB’s Board of Directors (left) presents Harrison Community Schools Board of Education President Marie Roth (right) with the Level One Certification, Award of Merit, and Award of Distinction.

 Harrison Community Schools Board of Education Secretary Therese Haley (left) accepts the  Level One Certification and Award of Merit from MASB’s Barb Russell and Eric Griggs. 

Connie Cauchi (left), vice-president of the Harrison Community Schools Board of Education, smiles after receiving the Level One Certification and Award of Merit from Ruth Coppens, the president-elect of MASB’s Board of Directors.

Hot off the press! The latest issue of the Clare-Gladwin Close Up is now available

Clare-Gladwin RESD's semiannual community newsletter, The Clare-Gladwin Close Up, will be delivered to homes in Clare and Gladwin counties this Friday!  In the meantime, be among the first to view the publication online.

Click here to download the PDF or here to read the publication like a virtual magazine!