The Clare-Gladwin - Clare

CloseUp
The Clare-Gladwin
Volume 2 • Issue 2 • Fall/Winter 2013
2 Welcome
Recent News 3
Superintendent’s Message
Keeping Traditions Alive While Adapting to Change
During the summer and fall, I like to can fruits and
vegetables for the long winter months. Canning has
been a tradition passed down the generations in my
family, and I even have my mom’s old canning recipe
book she used when I was a child and we canned
together. The book has peach juice stains on it and my
Superintendent
mom’s special directions or secret ingredients in her
Sheryl Presler
handwriting next to certain recipes.
When my pantry is full, I like to just stop for a few minutes and admire it.
I imagine how the neat rows of peaches, pears, pickles, tomatoes, and jams
likely resemble what was found in the pantries of my ancestors. It gives
me a warm and homey feeling knowing that I am keeping the tradition of
canning alive in my family.
There is one item in my pantry, however, that wasn’t found in my
grandmother’s pantry - salsa. Most folks in that generation in mid-Michigan
probably hadn’t even eaten a taco, let alone thought to grow jalapeño
peppers and can homemade salsa! Other things have changed since the
Greatest Generation, too. The varieties of vegetables and fruit grown today
have a different sugar content or acidity which can change the canning
directions significantly. Although I love to use my mom’s old canning
cookbook, I know I have to also check online to make sure I’m using the
right amounts of sugar, lemon juice, and vinegar and the proper processing
times.
So, why am I writing about canning in a newsletter about Clare-Gladwin
RESD? I think it’s a good illustration of how keeping traditions is important
and worthy, but we also must look at the current conditions in the world
in which we live and adapt as needed. In this edition of, “The ClareGladwin Close Up,” you’ll read a lot about the John C. Magnus Center. The
acquisition of the Magnus Center allows the RESD to keep the time-honored
and valued traditions of this two-county region alive while we also adapt to
the changes technology has brought to our world.
One of the programs the Magnus Center will benefit is the Clare-Gladwin
Career Center. The RESD’s Career Center focuses on training 11th and
12th graders in the trades, including construction, health occupations, and
welding, just to name a few. Students learn the trades best not by sitting at
desks but by actually performing work they’ll do after they graduate from
high school. We focus on instilling the values of a hard day’s work, proper
behavior in the workplace, using the academic skills learned in school
while working on a project, etc. All of these traditional skills are learned
while students complete projects using the latest technology. It’s just like
canning…it’s best to learn by doing, but a person has to adapt to the current
conditions to be successful.
Stay tuned to www.cgresd.net and future publications of the, “Close-Up,”
for more news regarding future developments at the Magnus Center!
Sincerely,
Sheryl Presler, Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent
www.cgresd.net
In this Issue...
Special Education students welcome fall with local field trips
2
Superintendent’s Message
3
Recent News
4
On the Cover
6
Featured Program
8
Recent News (continued)
Students from the Clare-Gladwin Area School and
the Early Childhood Special Education classes spent
their fall days on class field trips at local businesses
including the Fruitful Orchard in Gladwin, the Wild
Pumpkin in Beaverton, and Grandma’s Pumpkin
Patch in Midland.
At the Fruitful Orchard, students from Tammie
Glumm’s special education preschool class enjoyed
a hayride tour of the orchard and learned how apple
cider is made.
The Wild Pumpkin and Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch
offered hayrides, a petting farm, and pumpkins to
Becky Rowell’s special education preschool class and
kids from the Area School.
“The field trip was a fantastic way for the children
to get exposure to animals that are not seen every
day in our area,” said Rowell. “We saw several dozen
different kinds of birds and had the chance to pet
all of the animals. The children got the opportunity
to see where pumpkins are grown and learned the
difference between gourds and pumpkins. Plus, the
kids’ sheer enjoyment from the hay rides, corn and
hay mazes, feeding the animals, and getting to pick
their very own pumpkin from a field was a benefit
alone!”
11
12
• Sheryl Presler, Clare-Gladwin
RESD Superintendent
• Special Education students
welcome fall with local field trips
• Teen Parent Support; RESD
program serves Clare and
Gladwin county parents under
age 21
• Feature Story: 50 Years and
Growing; RESD establishes John
C. Magnus Center and celebrates
Golden Anniversary
• Clare-Gladwin Middle College
• Use of Force Simulator donated
to CTE Criminal Justice class
• “Get the Scoop on Coupons”
with the Clare-Gladwin Parent
Coalition
• S.P.A.R.K.S. celebrates afterschool programs with ‘Lights On
After School’
• Mr. Vetoe’s Pizza named a
‘Family Friendly’ business
• Clare-Gladwin Career Center
collaborates with MMCC,
Educational Talent Search, and
local high schools for College
Application Week
50th Anniversary
• 50 years of Excellence in
Education Services
Stay in Touch with CGRESD
• Find CGRESD on Facebook,
LinkedIn, Blogger, and more!
Pictured top left: Early Childhood Special Education
(ECSE) Paraeducator April Marsh takes a hayride with
student Christian through the fields of the Fruitful
Orchard in Gladwin.
Pictured top right: ECSE student Jayden befriends a
chicken at the Wild Pumpkin in Beaverton.
Pictured above: Area School students Ashley, Andy, and Crystal at
Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch in Midland.
Teen Parent Support; RESD
serves Clare and Gladwin county
parents under age 21
The Clare-Gladwin Great Start Collaborative offers Teen
Parent Support for parents under the age of 21 who are
pregnant or parenting in Clare and Gladwin counties.
Teen Parent Support offers home visits, free and ongoing
developmental assessments, support groups to connect with
other teen parents, monthly playgroups for parents and
children to socialize, and connection to community resources
and upcoming events.
“With many referrals coming in, we are working hard to
build relationships with our participating teens and support
them in becoming the best parents they can be,” said Brandi
Warner, Great Parents Great Start services provider. “We
know that teen parents may experience rewards and obstacles
that are unique to their journey, so we are especially looking
forward to getting our community playgroups started.”
To learn more about or participate in the Teen Parent Support
program, please contact Brandi Warner at 989-386-8644 or
bwarner@cgresd.net.
With Clare-Gladwin RESD as its fiscal agent, the ClareGladwin Great Start Collaborative is a group of local parents,
service providers, business professionals, and leaders in the
community who work together to build, implement, and
continuously improve the network of public and private
supports and services for young children and their families.
Recent News continued on p. 8
The Clare-Gladwin Close Up
4 On the Cover
5
Feature Story
50 years and growing; RESD establishes John C.
Magnus Center and celebrates Golden Anniversary
More than 110 people gathered on Saturday, Oct. 5, to
- many of which will be used to further the students’ skills.
celebrate the John C. Magnus Center Dedication and the
Students in the Clare-Gladwin Career Center’s Construction
Clare-Gladwin RESD Golden Jubilee. The event recognized
Trades program have already been busy this fall cleaning up
the RESD’s 50 years of service to Clare and Gladwin counties,
the grounds and preparing to make the home handicapped
and named the nearly 25 acres
accessible for future use
of land recently acquired
by Clare-Gladwin Area
by Clare-Gladwin RESD
School students. “The
in memory of John C.
improvements that have
“My married life with John revolved around
Magnus, the property’s
already taken place have
this business. The buildings and grounds hold
former owner.
been exciting – and it is
Previously home to
only the beginning,” said
so many memories. John would be pleased to
Magnus Tractor sales, the
Verna.
know that it will be used for those in need for
majority of the acreage was
Succeeding an invocation
donated to the RESD earlier
performed
by Rev. Karen
many years to come.”
this year by John’s wife,
Blatt, the dedication
Verna Magnus Green, and
ceremony included an
-Verna Magnus Green
their children, Lt. Col. Mike
historical overview of
Magnus, Darla Schmittner,
Magnus Tractor Sales
and Michelle Maeder.
and Clare-Gladwin RESD.
The property will be used to improve and expand learning
Superintendent Sheryl Presler also shared the journey that
opportunities for local youth through Clare-Gladwin RESD’s
merged the two entities. “John’s family felt he would approve
student programs, including career and technical education
of the facilities being used to teach the trades to young people,”
(CTE) as well as special education.
she said. “Some kids learn best with their hands. The trades
The land contains multiple outbuildings, a barn, and a house 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.”
Pictured left: The event logo designed by the CTE Graphic Arts
students of the Clare-Gladwin Career Center.
facebook.com/cgresd
Verna Magnus Green and her children
Michelle Maeder, Lt. Col. Mike Magnus, and
Darla Schmittner cut the ribbon following the
dedication ceremony.
Culinary arts students Matt Laughton, John
Frehling, Jacob Buccilli, and Chelsie Eichhorn
prepared and served appetizers at the dedication.
More than 110 people were in attendance at the
Oct. 5 event.
While in business, potatoes were
grown on the property of Magnus
Tractor Sales and sold to Central
Michigan University for meals for
students. The potato cellar still exists
on the property!
Area School students Kahl and Addy
passed out programs and maps as
guests arrived.
Clare-Gladwin RESD Superintendent Sheryl Presler discussed
the history of Magnus Tractor Sales and CGRESD during her
presentation, “50 Years and Growing.”
CTE Criminal Justice students set up a parking map and directed
guests to the appropriate parking spot as they arrived. Pictured from
the left, William Maczynski, Zach Krzyzanowski, Braxton Gomez, Jay
Poet, Owen Rottman, Chris Dysinger, Haley Forbes, and Bailey Rose.
Fall/Winter 2013
6
Featured Program
7
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES
Middle College
at the Clare-Gladwin Career Center
OVERVIEW
Created in 2007, Middle College is offered through the Clare-Gladwin Career Center, a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD, that
guides and encourages juniors and seniors from four local high schools, including Beaverton, Clare, Gladwin, and Harrison,
through their first experience with college classes.
Students are able to earn transferable college credits and take part in job-shadowing opportunities while completing a high
school diploma. The college courses the students take include prerequisites needed to complete a certificate or an associate’s
degree program at Mid Michigan Community College, or to transfer to a four-year college.
Unlike traditional dual enrollment, students in Middle College are mentored throughout the experience. They attend seminars
and receive individualized guidance, preparing them to be successful in college. Individualized tutoring is also provided as
needed.
COLLEGE CREDITS
When Middle College students graduate with their local high school class, they will leave with both a high school diploma and
college credits! The table below illustrates the number of college credits earned through Middle College during the 2012-2013
school year.
Semester
Enrollment
MMCC Credits
Transfer Credits
Fall 2012
24
140
131
Winter 2013
23
135
125
275
256
TOTAL
D I D YO
U
K N OW
?
Midd
and bo le College tu
itio
ok
Clare-G costs are pa n, fees,
i
conjun ladwin Care d for by the
er Cen
ction w
ter i
ith
distric
ts. As a the local sch n
ool
r
Colleg
e has s esult, Middl
more t aved studen e
han $
ts
since 2 93,000
007!
While attending Middle College, students explore
careers they are interested in through jobshadowing opportunities at local businesses, as
well as attend field trips that enhance their overall
understanding of what college entails.
2012-2013 Job Shadow Sites:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Gladwin Elementary
MidMichigan Health
Clare Urgent Care
Air Services
CMU Science and Technology
Clare Animal Hospital
Mid Michigan Community College
Limelight Studios
Maness Petroleum
Gladwin County Sheriff’s Department
Signature Builders
Gladwin County Prosecutors Office
Northern Logistics
Evergreen Therapy
Dr. Richards Dentistry
Air Force Recruiter Office
Dow Gardens
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
Gladwin City Police Department
DNR
DeShano Builders
Lang’s Pizza
Meet the Mentor
Candace Opalewski
Middle College Mentor
• What do you enjoy most about working
as the Middle College Mentor? I enjoy
assisting the students in planning their
futures. I set aside time to sit down with
them on an individual basis and set goals.
These goals can be personal or academic.
I call this time “Mentoring Minutes”. When they meet a goal
or even come close, their confidence boosts and they become
intrinsically driven.
• What is your ultimate hope for students in Middle College?
I have so many ultimate hopes for them, so it is hard to choose just
one! However, the one that jumps right to mind, which I discussed
with the students recently, is that no matter what life throws at
them, it’s most important to keep going and never give up. We all
face adversity at times and the key is staying persistent, and being
consistent.
•Why do you think Middle College is a valuable opportunity
for today’s students? I believe it is a valuable opportunity
because it gives students a head start in this competitive world.
It also teaches them self-discipline, time management, and that
communication is a vital part to being successful in life.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Following the last two school years, 29 of the 32 Middle College students
pursued higher education. The table below indicates where former Middle
College students enrolled after graduation.
College/University
Pictured above: In preparation for their future
college experience, Middle College students visited
Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) last spring to
explore the campus and learn about the broad range of
higher education opportunities available to them after
high school.
Central Michigan University
Delta College
Ferris State University
Grand Valley State University
Lansing Community College
Mid Michigan Community College
Michigan State University
Saginaw Valley State University
University of Michigan
Number of Former
Middle College
Students Enrolled
1
1
2
3
1
16
1
3
1
To learn more, visit www.cgresd.net.
www.cgresd.net
Fall/Winter 2013
8
Recent News
Use of Force Simulator donated
to CTE Criminal Justice class
Ed Gallagher of Michigan Mobile Training recently donated
a Use of Force Simulator to the Criminal Justice program at the
Clare-Gladwin Career Center.
Valued at $15,000, the Use of Force Simulator is a computer
software program that presents students with up to 400
different scenarios they may face as professionals in the
multiple careers of the criminal justice field, such as law
enforcement, corrections, and more. The students are then
asked to determine what level of force they are justified in
using while in those situations. The scenario can be displayed
by a projector, allowing all students to observe their peers and
then discuss as a class the proper course of action.
“This simulator provides training that real law enforcement
and corrections officers are being trained with currently in
the field. It’s a hands-on tool that will show the students how
they will have to make split-second decisions in their jobs that
could affect them for the rest of their lives,” said Criminal
Justice Instructor DJ Newman. “To be able have this equipment
available to us at any time is awesome!”
9
According to Newman, he’s been trying to acquire a Use of
Force Simulator since he began teaching at the Career Center
nearly eight years ago, but was unsuccessful due to the cost
of the unit. After expressing his interest in the software to
Clare County Undersheriff Dwayne Miedzianowski, he was
connected to Gallagher at Michigan Mobile Training. Gallagher
offered to donate his Use of Force Simulator to Newman and
provide free training on how to use it.
“We are very thankful to Ed Gallagher and his company for
donating this to the program,” said Newman. “The students
are elated and anxious to be able to start using the equipment.
Thanks to Ed, the students will get to see real life scenarios
without the threat of having anyone get hurt. This simulator
does a real nice job of showing students what calls they may
experience in the future.”
Newman has also enlisted the help of the Career Center’s
Digital Media class and instructor Jim Langley to customize
scenarios portrayed by the simulator.
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 ClareGladwin 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.
“
This simulator provides
training that real law enforcement
and corrections officers are being
trained with currently in the field.
It’s a hands-on tool that will show
the students how they will have to
make split-second decisions in their
jobs that could affect them for
the rest of their lives.
”
-DJ Newman
CTE Criminal Justice Instructor
Pictured above: Second-year Criminal Justice student Chris Dysinger (left)
practices determining what type of force to use in a variety of law-enforcement
scenarios offered by the Use of Force Simulator.
facebook.com/cgresd
‘Get the Scoop on Coupons’ with the Clare-Gladwin Parent Coalition
The Clare-Gladwin Parent Coalition is inviting local families to an ice cream night to,
“Get the Scoop on Coupons,” on Dec. 10 at the Clare-Gladwin Area School.
The event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Area School cafeteria, and will
feature Leslie Czarnecki of Mid Michigan Community Action Agency. “I plan on
discussing the basics, including the different kinds of coupons, how to find them, and
how to combine them,” said Czarnecki. “I’ll show several different methods on how to
organize your coupons, and how to use some online coupon sites that match up deals
with the coupons currently available. I will also talk about online sites that give store
loyalty points.”
In addition to ice cream, those who attend will receive a free dinner, resources to take
home, and the chance to win door prizes. Child care will be available during the meeting.
Those interested in joining the Clare-Gladwin Parent Coalition at the Dec. 10 ice cream
event should RSVP to the Clare-Gladwin Great Start Parent Liaison Rachel Haltiner at
989-386-8641.
Join the Parent Network for information about Parent Coalition events and more!
Email rhaltiner@cgresd.net or call 989-386-8641.
S.P.A.R.K.S. celebrates after-school programs
with ‘Lights On After School’
The Clare-Gladwin RESD’s S.P.A.R.K.S. program recently
celebrated ‘Lights on After School,’ a nationwide event that
recognizes the importance of after-school programs for the
country’s children, families, and communities.
Each elementary and middle school S.P.A.R.K.S. site
participated in a variety of activities in honor of the national
celebration.
Farwell Elementary held a special dinner followed by
minute-to-win-it games, Farwell Middle School held a
Halloween Fun Night, and the Harrison Elementary site had
a Recreation Night.
Harrison Middle School hosted a Family Night where
students and their parents shared a pizza dinner and then
created teams to participate in an “Egg Drop” competition.
Teams were given a box of items they could use to creatively
protect and prevent an egg from breaking after being
dropped from a ladder. “After five rounds, we were able
to crown a first and second place team,” said S.P.A.R.K.S.
Director Keri Hamilton. “It was a lot of fun!”
“Lights On After School gives us a chance to celebrate
and showcase the after school programs that are available
for students,” said Harrison Middle School S.P.A.R.K.S.
Site Coordinator Alisa Winters. “This event is a great way to
kick off the beginning of S.P.A.R.K.S. Turning this event into
a parent night lets the students interact with their parents
in ways they normally may not get to and lets parents get a
Pictured above: From the left, James Blumerich, Sara Blumerich,
Diana Thomas, and Roger Thomas, work together to help their egg
survive the drop from the ladder during the Harrison Middle School
Lights On After School.
glimpse of what a day of program is like for their student.”
The Clare-Gladwin RESD’s S.P.A.R.K.S. program (Students
Participating in Academics and Recreation for Knowledge and
Success) is an after-school and summer-school program for
students in Beaverton, Farwell, and Harrison school districts.
Fall/Winter 2013
10
Recent News
50th Anniversary
Mr. Vetoe’s Pizza named a ‘Family Friendly Business’
Mr. Vetoe’s Pizza in Harrison is the most
recent recipient of the Clare-Gladwin Great
Start Collaborative’s (GSC) Family Friendly
Five Star Award. The award is presented six
times per year to local businesses that support
and encourage children and families through
their business practices.
“Vetoe’s is invested in making our
community better,” said Betsy Ulicki of the
Clare County Youth Council. “The owners
allow children to take field trips there to learn
about making a pizza, and have also worked
with the Clare County Youth Council in
providing quality pizza to the participants at
our parenting events. Besides running a great
business, both owners, Josh and Mandy, are
involved in youth activities with their children
and other children in our community. “
Mr. Vetoe’s is located at 6498 E. Townline
Lake Rd. in Harrison.
To nominate a local business for the Family
Friendly Five Star Award, please contact Molli
Ferency at 386-8657 or mferency@cgresd.net.
Pictured left: Mandy Grunas of Mr. Vetoe’s
Pizza in Harrison.
Clare-Gladwin Career Center collaborates with MMCC, Educational
Talent Search, and local high schools for College Application Week
The Clare-Gladwin Career Center, Mid Michigan
Community College (MMCC), 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
www.cgresd.net
them with more options for their futures.”
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 or mdill@cgresd.net.
11
50 Years of Excellence in Education Services
In honor of Clare-Gladwin RESD’s 50th Anniversary, enjoy these highlights from the last five decades!
1960s
1970s
• Creation of Intermediate School Districts
(ISDs)
• Construction of Clare-Gladwin Day School
Pictured above: Clare-Gladwin Day School
students in 1966.
1980s
• Clare and Gladwin ISDs
merge
• Day School grows
Pictured above: In the early
1970s, vocational education began
in the local districts. A student and
teacher practice clerical skills on the
comptometer.
1990s
• Clare-Gladwin ISD becomes
Clare-Gladwin RESD
• Second expansion of Day School
Pictured above: In 1996, Clare-Gladwin RESD
invested in the Internet Fiber Infrastructure.
• Clare-Gladwin ISD celebrates 25th Anniversary
• Central Office building expands
Pictured above: In 1987, Clare-Gladwin ISD released a
special anniversary edition of their community newsletter,
“Mainstream.”
2000s
• Day School becomes Clare-Gladwin Area School
• Multiple grants awarded to RESD for after-school and
summer-school programs
Pictured above: In 2004, Central Office was renovated and rededicated as
the James C. McNamara Educational Resource Center.
The Clare-Gladwin Close Up
12
Stay in Touch
With the talented students and dedicated staff of
Clare-Gladwin RESD’s programs and services, there is always news to share with the
community.
Learn about these stories as they happen with the RESD’s
multiple communication platforms listed below.
Do you have a
smart phone?
Scan the QR code below to
check out CGRESD’s new
website!
Facebook
More than 250 people like Clare-Gladwin RESD on Facebook! Join the
conversation at www.facebook.com/cgresd.
The Bulletin Board
Discover all of the details of the latest RESD news on the organization’s news blog,
the Bulletin Board, at www.cgresdnews.blogspot.com.
LinkedIn
Visit the RESD’s company page at
www.linkedin.com/company/clare-gladwin-resd.
Email News
Want the latest Clare-Gladwin RESD news sent straight to your email inbox? Signup for Clare-Gladwin RESD Email News at www.cgresd.net.
As a program of Clare-Gladwin RESD, the Career Center provides hands-on training and
academic support to local high school juniors and seniors, giving them a head start on
the path to their educational and career goals.
4041 E. Mannsiding Rd. | Clare, MI | 48617
989-386-9334 | www.cgresd.net | facebook.com/ClareGladwinCTE
Clare-Gladwin RESD
4041 E. Mannsiding Rd.
Clare, MI 48617
(989) 386-3851
www.cgresd.net
facebook.com/cgresd
The Clare-Gladwin Close Up
is a semiannual publication of
the Clare-Gladwin Regional
Education Service District.
The Clare-Gladwin Close Up
is designed and edited
by Communications and
Marketing Specialist Molli
Ferency: (989) 386-8657 or
mferency@cgresd.net.
Clare-Gladwin RESD | Excellence in Education Services