Tag Archives: Advocates for K-12 Education

Let’s get ready for 2017 Back to School

July 28, 2017 OFFKM

Getting ready?
We are a few short weeks away from the start of the 2017-18 school year . . . and all that that brings.

One major component of this time is preparing for Back to School, shopping for school supplies and new — or gently used — clothing.

Here are a few places that are hosting free school supplies for those needing them:

* “School Supply Spectacular,” hosted by United Way of Southwest Michigan: Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, Brook Learning Center in Cassopolis. http://www.uwsm.org/school-supply-spectacular.

* Salvation Army Backpacks/School Supplies giveaway, hosted by the Salvation Army of Niles: Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and 1 to 3 p.m., for first- through 12th graders. First-come, first-served; items available as long as supplies last. Those hoping to pick up free school supplies will need to present the parent’s ID, a social security card for each child receiving supplies and proof of the school the child will attend; this giveaway designed for students in Niles, Buchanan and Cass. Contact the Salvation Army at 269.684.2660.

(Also, find out more about the Salvation Army’s Feeding His Sheep backpack weekend-feeding program for area children.)

TO MAKE DONATIONS

If you’d like to contribute items for back-to-school supplies and backpack drives, here are some events that are soliciting donations:

* “16 Pack A Backpack,” coordinated by NewsChannel16 WNDU, and other partner agencies. From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2017, WNDU will accept back-to-school supplies donations at McDonald’s restaurants in Benton Harbor, Mich., Goshen, Ind. and Plymouth, and at the television station in South Bend, Ind. PLEASE NOTE THESE DONATED SCHOOL SUPPLIES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOW-INCOME CHILDREN/FAMILIES IN THE STATION’S 10-COUNTY VIEWING AREA AT LATER DATES! Visit the WNDU website for a list of agencies that will be distributing these back-to-school items.

Advocating for Excellence in K-12 Education, Uncategorized

Summer’s almost here: Ready . . . set . . . read!

Image May 26, 2016 OFFKM

The arrival of Memorial Day signals the beginning of summer! Yaaay!!

For some children, it’s the time to enjoy some leisurely days and time away from daily rigors of school . . . but not completely!

Educational studies say students can lose two to more months of reading and math skills over the summer if efforts are not made to engage in some things educational and stimulating.

So, between the long, lazy days of summer, go to your local library, and if your child does not have a library card, sign up for one. Find out what reading programs and games your local library has.

Take time out to visit a museum . . . or take a nature hike, identifying the flowers, plants and birds and animals as you go.

Enjoy your summer, but dare to be deliberate with your child’s summer reading!

Ready . . . set . . . READ!!

Preschool story time @ Cass District Library, Cassopolis
Teen time @ Cass District Library, Cassopolis

Advocating for Excellence in K-12 Education

Community, Let’s ‘Wake Up’!

March 30, 2016 OFFKM

SAES 2013-2014 MEAP RESULTS ONLY 31.6 PERCENT GRADES 3-6 AT READING & MATH LEVEL

This is an open letter to the parents and other stakeholders in the Cassopolis Community School District and a plea to take action by asking questions and sharing your concerns with your Board of Education:

Did you know that 68 percent of our 3rd to 6th graders are “BELOW“ grade level in both Math and English?
Did you know that 80 percent of our 7th – 8th graders are “BELOW“ grade level in both Math and English?
Did you know that our student-athletes are allowed to continue participating in sports and extracurricular activities, even if they have one or more failing grades, instead of being required to attend a Study Table session (until that grade improves)?
Visit the Cassopolis School District website and share your concerns with the Schools Superintendent, Mr. Tracy Hertsel, “for improving education for our children and our leaders of tomorrow.” He can be reached at (269) 445-0503.
It is your right and responsibility to share how you feel about these scores: Share your concerns at the next Board of Education meetings: April 11, 2016, and April 25, 2016 (the board meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month).