SJPS hosts community forums on district facilities study
St. Johns Public Schools is hosting a pair of community forums next week to provide information on the district’s school buildings and potential changes based on the findings and recommendations of the Facilities Study Committee.
Meetings are planned for January 26 at Gateway Elementary School and February 4 at Oakview Elementary School. Both meetings are open to the public and begin at 6:30 p.m.
Community forums have already taken place at East Olive Elementary School and the Wilson Center.
The committee was formed based on an Enrollment Trend and Facilities Impact report presented to the Board of Education in May 2015. The committee’s charge was to:
* Analyze enrollment trends and projections as well as other information impacting enrollment;
* Analyze building capacities and utilization;
* Examine building assets and liabilities in light of instructional needs of the students and the district;
* Examine potential capital needs that could impact instructional programming;
* Consider the impact of recommendations on instructional programming; and
* Provide a comprehensive report and recommendation to administration and the Board of Education based on its findings.
The committee presented its findings and the following recommendations at the December 14, 2015 meeting of the Board of Education.
* Transfer ownership of Wilson Center to the city, county, Arts Council or other organization; or salvage, demolish, or sell the property.
See the timeline of Rodney B. Wilson High School
* Restructure Gateway and Oakview into lower and upper elementary buildings with grade configurations of pre-K through second grade at one of the existing school buildings, and third through fifth grade at the other school building; and determine best locations for District elementary Special Education classrooms.
* Close East Olive School and redraw elementary geographic boundaries.
Administrative personnel will facilitate each community forum, assisted by committee members. There will be ample time for questions and answers, as well as listening to concerns and other creative ideas that persons attending may want to share.
While no final decision has been made, the district administrative team will review all information and considerations in preparing a final recommendation for the Board’s consideration. Detailed information on the facility study is available at the district web site
http://www.sjredwings.org/aboutus/superintendentsupdate/
http://www.sjredwings.org/facility-committee-/
St. Johns Rotary to host annual fundraiser
The Rotary Club of St. Johns will hold its 19th annual Helping Hands Dinner on Saturday, February 6, 5:30-10:00 p.m. at Smith Hall at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in St. Johns. Almost one of every ten tickets sold will be awarded cash or prizes through the Deal or No Deal type of drawing with the largest prize $5,000 cash.
A limited number of tickets for the event are still available at $150 per couple from any St. Johns Rotarian or by calling Amy Palus, 517-749-9929. The ticket price includes prime rib dinner for two and participation in the raffle drawings.
Jason Harr-Harr’s Jewelry, Pam Foster – St. Johns Rotary President, Dru Mitchell – 2016 Helping Hands Dinner Chairman, Molly Harr – Harr’s Jewelry, Gregory Martin – 2016 Helping Hands Dinner Co-chairman, Chris Brewbaker – St. Johns Rotary President-elect
As the major fundraiser for Rotary, tens of thousands of dollars have been returned to local organizations and global projects, helping to enrich lives in the community and world-wide. Past support has gone to National Night Out, Toys for Tots, Sparrow Clinton Emergency Room expansion, and the fight against polio.
Dru Mitchell, chairman of the 2016 Dinner and president of the Clinton County Economic Alliance states, “This community-wide effort is supported by over 400 community leaders and residents. They gather for an exciting evening filled with fun, food, and prizes, but most of all, a desire to raise money for our local community and its various charitable causes. Our thanks go out to everyone participating in this event!”
Corporate sponsors are crucial to the success of this fundraiser and club members appreciate the continued support from Sparrow Clinton Hospital at the Platinum Level, Turning Point Youth Center and K-13 Dentistry as Gold Sponsors and Raffle Ticket Sponsor RSI/Wayne Door. An exciting silent auction will have attendees bidding on items including golf packages, food gift cards, St. Johns Police and Fire Department ride-alongs, and a lottery ticket gift basket.
About Rotary
Rotary is 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable.
SJHS Athletic Hall of Fame needs nominees Deadline for nominations is March 31
Attention Redwing athletic fans. Something new and exciting is brewing in St. Johns.
Preparations are underway for the inaugural induction into the newly established St. Johns High School Athletic Hall of Fame, set for Friday, Sept. 9 at halftime of the varsity football game with Mason.
But before that can happen, help from the community is needed in two different ways. Nominations for the Hall of Fame will come from members of the Redwing community. And funding for the Hall of Fame will rely on financial support from local individuals and businesses.
“The Hall of Fame will recognize both individuals and teams for exemplary accomplishments, contributions and service to St. Johns High School Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Chris Ervin. “To do that, we need both nominations and financial support from the public.”
Creation of the Hall of Fame was approved by the St. Johns Board of Education last fall. Its purpose is to celebrate the rich heritage and tradition of Redwing athletics, according to Ervin, who presented the concept to the board. The groundwork has been laid.
Now comes the exciting part – determining who will be included in the first group of inductees.
According to Ervin, three categories will be represented in the Hall of Fame: Student-athletes, contributors to the athletic department and teams.
To qualify for induction, an individual must have distinguished himself/herself while a student-athlete at SJHS. Nominees must have graduated at least five years prior to being nominated, completed their interscholastic athletic career at SJHS and earned at least one varsity letter. The student-athlete must have made a significant impact on SJHS athletics, had an outstanding career, demonstrated good character and achieved acceptable academic standards. Criteria to be considered for student-athlete inductees will include individual honors, school records achieved and outstanding college and/or professional athletic accomplishments.
Inductees in the “contributors to the athletic department” category may be individuals, athletic administrators, coaches or staff members who have served SJHS within the athletic field for at least 10 years. Nominees in this category do not need to be graduates of SJHS; however, all nominees must have had outstanding careers, setting high personal and professional standards in their service to SJHS.
Redwing athletic teams are not eligible for induction until at least five years after completion of the successful season. Criteria to be considered for teams include things such as undefeated seasons, championships and MHSAA state tournament success.
The inaugural class of inductees will consist of no more than 10 selections, including both individuals and teams. Thereafter, a maximum of five inductees will be included each year.
Nominations may be submitted by anyone, except the individual or a member of the team being nominated or individuals on the selection committee.
Nomination forms are available online at www.sjredwings.org/athletics and must be received at the SJHS Activities Office by March 31 to be considered for induction that fall. Nominations not selected will be kept on file for consideration for five years, so the same nomination does not need to be resubmitted. Submissions will remain confidential.
The longevity of the SJHS Athletic Hall of Fame will depend on financial support from individuals and businesses. Donor levels include Platinum, Gold and Bronze options, but donations in any amount are welcome. Contributions qualify as charitable donations for tax purposes. Anyone interested in making a donation is encouraged to contact the SJHS Activities Office at (989) 227-4134 or view the website for details.
For more information, to make a nomination or to make a donation:
Visit www.sjredwings.org/athletics
Call (989) 227-4134
Deadline for nominations is March 31
SJ students honored at Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet
St. Johns students were honored January 7 at the 2015-16 Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet held at VFW Mint City Post 4113 in St. Johns. The annual event recognizes students in senior and junior divisions for their award-winning essays.
This year’s theme for the VOD senior division was “My Vision for America.” First place winner was Autumn Rey Petrick; second place, Madison Crum; third place, Ethan Webster.
First through third place winners in both divisions received VOD trophies and award certificates along with awards of $100, first; $75, second; $50, third.