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Newsletter

The EUPISD Newsletter is published monthly to share the work we are doing with our students, teachers, administrators and community. Click on the most recent date to view the current newsletter, or other dates to view previously published editions of the EUPISD Newsletter.

SCHOOL NEWS How many of us have heard “well, that’s not fair!” from our students, coworkers, or our own children? Caroline Beldon wrote in The Inclusion Solution “Equality is leaving the door open for anyone who has the means to approach it; equity is ensuring there is a pathway to that door for those who need it”. In my role as ISD superintendent, I’ve had many conversations with legislators and other educators discussing equity for our students, staff and communities in the region. We have seen great strides in the past few years with school funding becoming more equitable across districts in the state. Our funding for our younger students in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) has become more equitable as well. Special education funding has improved, but there is still work to be done. Another area of equity for our region is secure and affordable broadband connectivity. Through the EUPConnect Collaborative, we have been pursuing access to broadband at every 911 address in the region. Approximately 80% of unserved or underserved areas now have funding committed for fiber installation. Some of our areas, particularly in West Mackinac County, are already seeing this investment. We are excited to see infrastructure investment and look forward to a continued pathway to equitable access. In our classrooms, let’s work to make sure equity is ever-present. All students benefit when each student receives what they need to succeed. I’d love to hear how you promote equity in your classrooms!
SCHOOL NEWS Happy New Year! I hope you each had a safe and peaceful holiday break and were able to re-energize. Welcome to 2024 ~ may it be a great year of growth and learning! Shortly before the holiday break, I attended a concert sponsored by the Soo Theatre. Individually, each musician was very talented. Collectively, the musicians created a wonderful evening of holiday music and singing. It made me think of how we work in our schools. Individually, we each have our strengths. We focus our efforts on our own special area, whether it is instruction, administration or supporting services. But together, we bring more. What is collective efficacy and why does it matter? Collective efficacy is the belief that we can achieve more together than alone. Collective efficacy can help us overcome challenges, learn from each other, and create positive outcomes for ourselves and others. Researchers such as Bandura (1977) and Hattie (2016) have identified collective efficacy as a major impact on student achievement. Let’s start 2024 with the intention to work together and bring our best to our students and communities!
SCHOOL NEWS I am completely gob smacked that it is December! How does time fly by so quickly? The first semester of the school year is well-entrenched. How are you doing with the goals you set for yourself for the school year? As we close out 2023 and welcome 2024, now is a great time to reflect on your personal and professional goals and habits. Our region is still extremely short-staffed in many areas, but especially for bus drivers and substitutes. Please share the following information. Driving a school bus is a huge responsibility but extremely rewarding. The driver is the first and last school contact many children have each day. The driver can create positive relationships with the students. If you have thought about driving, even on a part-time basis, please sign up for the training. Our next regular Beginning Bus Driver training is scheduled for February 17th and 24th at Brimley Area Schools. Call Tracy at 906-632-3373 x5104 for more information. We are offering special week-long training for drivers January 8-12. Potential drivers must have taken their CDL, have P and S endorsements, and air brake endorsement tests at the Secretary of State and have a DOT physical prior to the class. Contact your local superintendent if you are interested. If you are interested in being a substitute teacher or classroom aide, contact edustaff.org. There are a variety of positions available. The next in-person training meeting is Thursday, December 21st at the EUPISD. I wish each of you a very merry Christmas and a happy holiday se
SCHOOL NEWS Last month, over 500 educators attended the EUP Fall Educators’ Conference, held at LSSU. The last event like this was in 2017. It was great to see so many familiar faces, and the feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to Valerie Masuga and Julie Coneset, as well as superintendents Angela Nettleton, Amy Scott-Kronemeyer, Kari Visnaw and Andrew Alvesteffer for their work in organizing the event. A huge thank you to all presenters as well! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with your peers. Our keynote speaker, Dr. John Hodge shared his story and reminded us to be the barrier to the risk factors many of our kids face. How have you “gotten in the way” of barriers on behalf of your students since the conference? November is Native American Heritage Month. Did you know that about a third of students in the EUP are Native American? Please take note of the activities highlighted below in the newsletter. November is Election Month. Next Tuesday, November 7th, a few of our local school districts have proposals on the ballot, as well as some municipal elections. I encourage you to be an informed voter and practice your civic duty. Go vote! Lastly, a word of thanks to all staff in the EUP who work with our students, parents, and community members to make our region a better place to live and learn. Thank you for all you do!
SCHOOL NEWS Each month, I identify a topic or issue to guide my thinking as I write my newsletter article. October has many designated appreciation days, but I’d like to focus on those that recognize school personnel. School Custodian Appreciation Day is October 2nd. October is National School Principals Month. Coaches’ Day is October 6th. National School Lunch Week is October 9-13. National School Bus Safety Week is the third week of October. World Occupational Therapy Day is October 27th. Individuals who serve in these roles provide incredible services to our students and schools. Schools simply could not function without their dedicated support for our students. To our custodians, principals, bus drivers, coaches, food service providers, and our occupational therapists, I say thank you! You are often the first face or voice our students see each day and you make an amazing difference. October 9th is our EUP Fall Educators Conference at LSSU. We have a great keynote speaker and many breakout sessions for educators to choose to attend. Thank you to our conference planning committee! We look forward to seeing our attendees next week! The EUP has moved firmly into fall ~ take time to enjoy the beautiful colors of the season! Be well!