Nov. 11-15 is National School Psychology Week

Nov. 11 – 15 is National School Psychology Week, recognizing the vital role that school psychologists play in the personal and academic development of the community’s children.

The school psychologists employed by Clare-Gladwin RESD, serving the students of Beaverton, Clare, Farwell, Gladwin, and Harrison school districts, are specially trained to deliver a continuum of mental health services and academic supports that lower barriers to teaching and learning.

“School Psychologists work to identify learning and behavior problems that interfere with school success,” said Jan Weckstein, Clare-Gladwin RESD assistant superintendent for special education. “They're trained in both psychology and education and collaborate with others to help improve academic and social performance for children.  Their role is crucial to the healthy development of students.”

                       

Clare-Gladwin RESD thanks the local school psychologists for their service:

Jay Kirchheimer - Beaverton Rural Schools

Noelle Konkel - Farwell Area Schools

Julie McNeilly - Harrison Community Schools

Anna O'Dell - Gladwin Elementary School and Clare-Gladwin Area School

Marsha Shields - Gladwin Community Schools and Beaverton Rural Schools

Matt Smith - Harrison Community Schools and Gladwin Community Schools

Joann Smylie - Clare Public Schools

Local preschool students participate in Storytime

Two Harrison preschool classrooms recently joined together for Storytime, a monthly program provided by the Harrison Public Library. Children from Becky Nobis’ Early Childhood Special Education class of Clare-Gladwin RESD spent the afternoon with Cindy Scare’s Great Start Readiness Preschool class of Harrison Community Schools.

“Storytime is a great opportunity to bring the community into the schools, as well as to stress the importance of literacy and how it can be so much fun,” said Scare. “Storytime is a wonderful asset to our early childhood program and we absolutely love it!”

According to Nobis, another benefit of the shared afternoon was that it allowed her students with special needs to experience quality inclusion time with their peers. “It is important for the children in special education to have good role models during play, and in speech, sitting, and attending,” she said. “This is also positive for the children enrolled in the regular preschool because they learn that we are all unique and it helps to build compassion and understanding of others.” 

More than 530 local children celebrate National Food Day

On Oct. 24, more than 530 children in the Clare-Gladwin RESD S.P.A.R.K.S. program, local preschool classrooms, and local daycare programs celebrated National Food Day; an annual initiative that aims to promote safe, healthful diets, and supports sustainable organic farming.

Made possible by the Clare-Gladwin Health Improvement Planning Committee (a subgroup of Together We Can) in collaboration with the Clare-Gladwin Great Start Collaborative, Clare-Gladwin RESD, and MidMichigan Health, this year’s Food Day focused on food education. Activities and lessons incorporated in the event encouraged children to know where their food comes from, how to cook meals, and how doing so will give them a big advantage when it comes to being healthy and avoiding health problems in the future.

Participants received a Food Day activity book, and each classroom and daycare program was given a copy of a book developed by the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture titled, “The Two Bite Club,” which teaches kids to try foods from each food group.

Additionally, some groups explored the mission of National Food Day further with hands-on activities.

Children in various daycare programs created a pumpkin dip and integrated locally grown pumpkins into an art project, while S.P.A.R.K.S. students cooked multiple dishes that incorporated locally grown, healthy fruits or vegetables. For example, students from the Harrison Elementary S.P.A.R.K.S. site made homemade salsa from the tomatoes they planted themselves in the school garden last summer.

“National Food Day helped to educate our students on three things – healthy food can be economical, easily accessible, and it can be found locally,” said S.P.A.R.K.S. Director Keri Retzloff. “With our county health ranking being among the lowest in the state, S.P.A.R.K.S. is trying to promote and educate students on living a healthier lifestyle, including more exercise and eating a healthy diet. This day fit in nicely!” 

The students’ recipes will be used in a future S.P.A.R.K.S. cookbook.  Funds raised from cookbook sales will be used toward a backpack program that addresses food security for children in Clare and Gladwin counties.  

“We participated in National Food Day because we thought the information would be wonderful for the young children in our community,” said Sarah Kile of the Clare-Gladwin Health Improvement Planning Committee. “This year’s celebration was a big success and we look forward to bringing the program to kids again next year.” 

Cat in the Hat and friends visit Area School

Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent Sheryl Presler, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Jan Weckstein, and Assistant Superintendent for General Education Deb Snyder appeared at the Clare-Gladwin Area School as Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, and Thing 2 last week to kick off the students’ Halloween celebrations.

For the second consecutive year, the educational leaders agreed to dress in costume if contributions made by RESD staff members toward this year’s United Way campaign met the $4,400 goal set by campaign leader Cheri Umbarger. A total of $5,170 was collected.

“I was very impressed with the generosity shown by employees again this year,” said Umbarger. “It’s a great example of how combining resources can result in a big impact. Plus, Sheryl, Deb, and Jan are great sports!”

The costumes were voted on by staff members. Presler, Snyder, and Weckstein spent the morning passing out healthy snacks to the students and then causing some mischief at Central Office.

From the left, CGRESD Assistant Superintendent for General Education Deb Snyder, Superintendent Sheryl Presler, and Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Jan Weckstein

The latest issue of the, "Clare-Gladwin Close Up," is now available!

The latest issue of the, "Clare-Gladwin Close Up," the Clare-Gladwin RESD's community newsletter, is now available! Click here to read the 12-page publication!

Local high schools to participate in College Application Week

The Clare-Gladwin Career Center, Mid Michigan Community College, and Educational Talent Search are joining nearly 200 high schools around the state in presenting Michigan’s third annual College Application Week. From Nov. 4-8, Beaverton, Clare, Coleman, and Farwell high schools will assist their graduating seniors in completing and submitting at least one application to any of Michigan’s community colleges, independent colleges and universities, and state 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.”

Beaverton High School students will work on applications Nov. 5, Farwell High School will take part on Nov. 6, Coleman High School on Nov. 7, and Clare High School on Nov. 8.

Established in 2005, College Application Week is a national campaign committed to the common goal of increasing the percentage of first-generation and low-income students to pursue a post-secondary education. Last year, 73 Michigan high schools participated, helping seniors complete more than 8,500 applications. Michigan College Application Week is sponsored by the Michigan College Access Network.

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

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. 

Approximately 600 attend Worldwide Day of Play

Around 600 children and parents ran, danced, skated, created, and explored at the first annual Worldwide Day of Play on Sept. 20 at the shared campus of the Isabella Community Sportsplex and the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum.   

Shayla McArthur, a student volunteer at  
MidMichigan Medical Center-Clare  
helps a child pick out a free helmet  
at the first annual Worldwide Day of Play. 

Organized by the Clare-Gladwin and Gratiot-Isabella Great Start Collaboratives as well as representatives from Morey Courts, the Discovery Museum, the ICE Arena, MidMichigan Health, and the Central Michigan District Health Department, the Worldwide Day of Play featured free activities for parents and kids to enjoy together, including Zumba, ice skating with free rentals, and hands-on fun at the museum. Morey Courts also used a portion of their facilities to host basketball, volleyball, ball toss games, and an obstacle course set up by the Health Department.  

MidMichigan Health provided 300 bike helmets to local kids, as well as 1,000 fruit snacks and 500 bottles of water. Additionally, 200 apples were donated by Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, and GreenTree Cooperative Grocery handed out 500 samples of healthy smoothies blended by bicycle power!

“This was an awesome event,” said local parent Autume Griffus. “The activities accommodated multiple age levels and they kept kids moving and engaged. We will definitely be back next year!”

Emulating Nickelodeon’s annual Worldwide Day of Play which shuts down television programming for a day to encourage kids to get off the couch and get active, the evening of action emphasized the multitude of benefits play provides in the lives of children. “The Worldwide Day of Play not only supports physical health, but it also encourages social and emotional well-being and family support, all of which are proven to be vital in preparing children to be happy and ready to succeed in school and in life,” said Clare-Gladwin Great Start Parent Liaison Rachel Haltiner. “We wanted families to have the chance to spend time moving, laughing, and learning together while getting familiar with the resources in their area so they will hopefully come back to visit in the future.” 

Local public service agencies, including the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Mount Pleasant Department of Public Works, Mobile Medical Response, and Mount Pleasant Parks and Recreation were also in attendance to showcase their vehicles and interact with the kids. 

Chippewa River District Library and Eileen DeLorenzo also supported the Worldwide Day of Play.

“A special thanks to the organizations and 46 volunteers who contributed so much of their time and resources to make this event possible,” said Jennifer Fields of the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum. “Horns sounded, sirens sung, and children played - it was a very successful first annual Worldwide Day of Play!”

A child takes the driver’s seat in  
one of the many service vehicles available  
for kids to explore at the Worldwide Day of Play. 

Career and Technical Education student completes Law Enforcement Career Academy

Haley Forbes

Clare-Gladwin CTE Criminal Justice student Haley Forbes of Beaverton graduated from the 38^th Kiwanis Law Enforcement Career Academy at the Michigan State Police Training Academy this summer in Lansing. 

As one of 50 students who participated in the week-long camp led by ten Michigan State Troopers, Forbes’ days began with physical training at 5 a.m., followed by a strict schedule allowing limited time to get ready, eat breakfast, and attend classes covering a variety of topics, including the canine team, first aid, defensive tactics, drug and alcohol patrols, the forensics lab, and more.  

Forbes also practiced water safety using the training tanks, rode in the patrol cars with the troopers on the drive track, and shot rounds at the shooting range. “At the drive track, the troopers were hitting speeds of up to 90 mph,” she said. “It was a heck of an adrenaline rush.”   

Forbes’ knowledge and passion for criminal justice proved to be beneficial as the troopers selected her as a Class Commander for the final two days of the week, giving her the responsibility of leading her fellow cadets to and from class, through the graduation ceremony, and ensuring they always arrived at their destination on time. “It was scary, but exciting at the same time,” she said. “I got to yell just like the troopers!” 

Forbes credits the Clare-Gladwin Career and Technical Education (CTE) class for her success at the academy. “CTE really put me at an advantage because, for the most part, I had an idea of what I was doing,” she said. “I felt a lot more comfortable because I had learned so much in CTE last year.”   

Although Forbes is still discovering exactly what career she’d like to eventually pursue in the criminal justice field, she said the academy gave her a new respect for those in law enforcement. “As our class progressed through the week, I learned a lot about what it takes to become a State Trooper, and it takes all you have,” she said. “It’s truly unbelievable. I can honestly say this job takes the most amazing men and women.”  

Forbes will be attending Delta College in the fall of 2014 and plans to get involved in the school’s criminal justice program. 

Forbes encourages her peers to take part in a CTE class to gain experience in a profession they may be interested in. “Most people think the CTE Criminal Justice class is just for kids wanting to be police officers, but you learn so much about all the different jobs within the field,” she said. “If you don’t know what you want to do, CTE classes are great because they give you an idea of what the job is really going to be like.” 

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.

GSRP Outcome Report; Majority of students ready for kindergarten

Nearly 88 percent of the 455 children from Clare and Gladwin counties who attended Great Start Readiness Preschool (GSRP) or Head Start programs last school year, tested ready for kindergarten in all areas excluding mathematics, according to the recently released 2012-2013 GSRP Outcome Report. 

The report’s data is based on Teaching Strategies GOLD, an assessment system that measures the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are most predictive of school success. Used by all GSRP and Head Start programs, Teaching Strategies GOLD aids teachers in being intentional in their instruction by accurately pinpointing where children are in their development and learning. Children are assessed individually through classroom observation and work samples. 

This comprehensive, on-going assessment tool is used three times each year to evaluate children’s progress in several areas of development, including social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive. Teaching Strategies GOLD is research-based, and encompasses the developmental milestones from birth through kindergarten. 

“We are pleased to see the majority of students attending these preschool programs are meeting or exceeding the developmental expectations considered necessary to begin kindergarten,” said Kendra Curtiss-Tomaski, Early Childhood and Family Services Director at Clare-Gladwin RESD. “We will use the results of these assessments to shape the topics of our training and mentoring sessions for our preschool staff, as well as assist in identifying the subjects that need additional attention, such as math.” 

Administered by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan’s state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children with factors which may place them at risk of educational failure. Head Start is a federally-funded program that promotes the school readiness of children ages 3-5 years old. 

Research on preschool programs indicates that children provided with a high-quality preschool experience show significant positive developmental differences when compared to children from the same backgrounds who did not attend a high-quality preschool program. Clare-Gladwin RESD connects eligible children in Clare and Gladwin counties with these free and low-cost preschool programs with the goal of all children being ready to succeed in school and in life.     

The Quality Preschool Partnership is still enrolling children in high quality preschool programs for the 2013-2014 school year. Please call 989-386-8075 for enrollment information. Eligible children must be 4-years-old by Nov. 1.