Questions to Ask You Child's Teacher

Now that the new school year has started, we are all very busy.  We often talk about the partnerships that exists among the students, teachers, and parents.  One of communication links that is sometimes hard to develop is the parents communicating with the teachers.  This can sometimes be difficult, because parents don't know what to ask.  I was sent a blog post that offered some questions that could help parents start a conversation with teachers that can help strengthen the educational partnerships.

Parents: 19 Meaningful Questions You Should Ask Your Child's Teacher

Special Speaker

We are fortunate that one of our community partners, Community Mental Health of Central Michigan, is sponsoring a special speaker that will be at Shepherd Schools on Tuesday, September 17th.  Dennis Liegghio will be speaking to the high school and the middle school.  Mr. Liegghio will help students deal with stress, depression, and emotional overload.  In particular, he wants to help prevent youth suicide.  For more information about Dennis Liegghio visit www.knowresolve,org.

Below is the flyer information for the presentation.

September 6th High School Tail Gate

The students and staff have started this school year with a lot of enthusiasm.  The student leaders have been working closely with teachers and other staff members to build school spirit and create a positive school climate.  Several student council members met with the teachers during their opening building meeting to express how they wanted to partner with the teachers to work on school climate.  The first week of school went very well and there is a great deal of enthusiasm.  This enthusiasm led to a last minute idea to have a tailgate for the high school.  Mr. Willett took  the lead, but there were many people who contributed.  The students really stepped up and got behind the event.  The teachers and staff did as well.  I don't want to start naming names, other than Mr. Willett, but I don't want to forget someone.   But, there were eighteen staff members at the tailgate.  Many brought their spouses and kids.  This also does not count the teachers who were involved in the football game in other ways such as coaching, filming, and band.  This was a great success and fun event.  It really showed a caring school community.  Students were competing with staff.  Students who would not normally hang out at school were playing ladder golf against each other.  There was also tug-a-war and bean bag toss.  Everyone was treated to an ice cream sandwich before they entered the game.  As it turned out, the band got stalled at the entrance gate because it was locked.  So, they joined in the fun with an impromptu playing of the fight song while they waited for the gate to be unlocked. There was a great spirit at the game and the student section was great.  The students and staff are already talking about the next tailgate.  Word on the street is they want to make the next one bigger and better.  I have no doubt it will be. If they can pull this off in a couple of days, who knows what they can do when they have a couple of weeks.


What is really great to see is the students and the staff working together to create a great school environment.   Hopefully, even more students will get involved next time!

State of Michigan 2012-2013 Accountability Scorecard System

As many of you may have heard, the State of Michigan recently changed the school rating system for accountability.  The new system is called the school's "Scorecard".  There has been some media coverage, but it is difficult to articulate the process and meaning.  This new system uses a color coded system for schools.  The Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District's Instruction Division has prepared a presentation to provide an explanation of this system.  Please click the link below to view this presentation narrated by Ms. Kathy Stewart, Associate Superintendent for Instruction, and learn more about the Accountability Scorecard System.

GIRESD Presentation on the Accountability Scorecard System