Burt Township School District

Updated ESSER Plans 2023-2024

Gordon Tester — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:34:10 +0000

LEA Plan For Use Of Funds for the 2023-2024 School Year. Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Contunuity of Services Plan

June 2023

Tony Barnes — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 17:37:06 +0000

School is out and June is over. The dog days of summer are here! Apart from the hard work being done at the school to help prepare for the start of next school year, there are a couple of things happening in the community to be aware of.

First and foremost, watch for our float in the annual 4th of July parade on Tuesday, July 4th! All Burt Township Polar Bears are invited to ride as long as there is room. Meet at the school at 10:00am to help decorate the Suburban.

The Polar Bear 5k is taking place on Sunday, July 9th at 5:00pm. You can sign up here if you have not already done so. This event is a great way to get out and around Grand Marias while helping support the school athletics department. You can find a map of the route here.

Thank you for all of your continued support. Enjoy a safe and healthy July.

May 2023

Tony Barnes — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 18:00:41 +0000

As some of you already know, I will not be returning next year as the superintendent/principal of the Burt Township School District. Timing is everything and it is time for me to realize the next steps in my professional journey. We will be moving closer to family and I will continue working on my doctorate while pursuing a teacher leader facilitator position within Michigan’s Grow Your Own program. I am sad to leave but excited for the future.

Enough can’t be said for the faculty and staff I worked alongside at the school. I’d like to take this opportunity to look back on just a few of our major accomplishments over the last two years here in Grand Marais. Any success I had can be attributed to their dedication and commitment to our students and the community.

The first and most obvious improvement was the capital project that was completed last summer. The school is in great shape right now with many modern updates. Anyone who has ever gone to or worked in the school knows it is always in need of updates but we took a huge step in the right direction with last year’s construction and furniture purchases. Not only that, we’ve worked incredibly hard to improve the safety and security of the facilities at the same time.

One of the biggest challenges for rural schools is teacher recruitment and retention. We are in the midst of one of the largest teacher shortages in this country’s history. The classic teacher education pipeline just cannot keep up with demand. In thinking outside the box, Michigan developed an alternative certification program in which local people with degrees could apply for grant funding and become teachers. We supported four of our own candidates and have been awarded over $150,000 in grant money to get these individuals in the classroom.

Last, but not least, the students. When it comes to the kids, the reason we’re here in the first place, we worked incredibly hard to make sure our students had access to as many opportunities as we could provide. Athletics came roaring back in a big way, field trips and hands-on learning opportunities seemed to happen weekly, and the class trips were a thing of wonder and awe. The school is positioned perfectly to continue to offer not only a high level of academics but also enriching experiences for years to come.

This community is truly special. I will never forget my time here in Grand Marais. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support. I look forward to checking back in on Burt to see where things go from here. As always, let’s go Polar Bears!!!

April 2023

Tony Barnes — Mon, 01 May 2023 11:55:47 +0000

This month’s superintendent’s corner was written by our special education teacher, Mr. Louis Justman.

On Tuesday May 2 voters in Burt Township and across the rest of Alger and Marquette counties will see a Special Education Millage on the ballot from the region’s Intermediate school district (ISD) Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency (MARESA).

Many may not realize just how many students are encompassed by the term “Special Education.” The U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with any of these 13 categories of impairment are eligible for special education services:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Deaf-Blindness
Deafness
Emotional Disturbance
Hearing Impairment
Intellectual Disability
Multiple Disabilities
Orthopedic Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment, including Blindness
Other Health Impairment

IDEA ensures that any public education 3+ year old student who is negatively affected by their impairment in their schooling is still provided a free appropriate public education. Regardless of a student’s disabilities and unique needs, IDEA ensures that they are able to work to be prepared for further education, employment, and independent living.

When you zoom out and look at that large of a list and mission, it is easy to understand how a district’s population of students receiving special education services can climb. Here are some more statistics to consider:

More than 7 million students attend special education in the USA.
One in six children in the US has a form of developmental delay.
An equal number of boys and girls have multiple disabilities.
15% of all public school students require special education.
The number of students with learning disabilities who spent time in regular classrooms doubled from 1989 to 2017.
19.4% of students applying for college report having a disability.
19% of students receiving special education have speech or language impairments.
9.4% of children in the US have ADHD.
The federal government spends about $12.3 billion on special education for students aged 3–12.
Low-income families have about twice or more than twice the identification rate with emotional disability or intellectual disability as compared to non-low-income children.

MARESA’s special education services offer a wide variety of programs and services to students, staff and families, which are often expensive and cumbersome for a district to fund on their own – especially a small isolated district like ours in Grand Marais.

In my time in Grand Marais I have seen the number of students receiving services for special education reside around 25% (right about the rate you would expect based on the above statistics). As the students come and go, they bring their unique needs with them. One year, the district may have a need for an occupational therapist, and the next we might not. If a family moves to town or moves away, the carousel of services required moves along with them.

In my time at Burt Township School District, I have seen the district receive help in the service areas of Assessment and Diagnostics, Assistive Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hearing and Visual Impairment, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work, understanding / applying Michigan and United States Policies, and transition services and planning for secondary students with disabilities.

MARESA staff also work with local districts to identify and provide staff professional development needs. Considerable effort and expense is devoted to planning, organizing, and supporting staff development opportunities for teachers, administrators, aides, and parents to acquire new skills and strategies that facilitate the success of students with disabilities and the growth of staff.

Currently there is a special education funding shortage of $5 million each year across Marquette and Alger counties. Although school districts are mandated to provide special education services, state and federal funds fall short in terms of covering the costs. That means school districts are forced to use their general operating funds to bridge the gap.

MARESA is the only entity that can legally bring this millage to the ballot on behalf of the school districts in our area. If the millage is approved, none of the funding will stay at Marquette-Alger RESA. The entire $4.8 million collected each year will flow through to the local school districts, nearly eliminating that special education funding shortfall in the region. Each local school district, including Burt Township School District, would make their own decisions on how to reallocate their saved general fund dollars if the millage passes.

If approved, the Special Education Millage Proposal would offer support in the form of an additional 1.5 mills over the next 20 years.

To calculate the impact of the millage on your tax bill, multiply the assessed value of your home by 0.00150. The assessed value of your home is a maximum of one-half its market value. For example, a home with an appraised market value of $200,000 would have an assessed value of $100,000, resulting in a cost to the homeowner of $150/year (Or 42¢ a day).

Special education funds may only be used for costs identified as eligible under IDEA and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education. IDEA has safeguards in place to prevent cutting resources to student populations that are most vulnerable.

The distribution of millage revenue is determined by a distribution formula that is part of the Marquette-Alger RESA’s Special Education Plan for the delivery of programs and services. The revenue that will be returned to the local districts is based upon the cost to educate the number of special education students residing in the district.

You can find more information about the proposed Special Education Millage on the MARESA website . The polls will be open from 7am until 8 pm on Tuesday May 2, 2023 and Absentee ballots can be cast through Election Day.

Sources:

https://whattobecome.com/blog/special-education-statistics/#:~:text=15%25%20of%20all%20public%20school,per%2017%20 students%20 with%20 disabilities

https://www.statista.com/statistics/979003/disability-poverty-rate-us/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20data%2C%20in,U.S.%20from%202008%20to%202021.

https://tcf.org/content/report/students-low-income-families-special-education/#:~:text=Past%20research%20has%20assumed%20a,be%20more%20associated%20with%20disability.

https://www.maresa.org/programs-services/special-education/

https://behavioralinspiredgrowth.com/special-ed-resources/categories-disability-idea-law/

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.8

March 2023

Tony Barnes — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 04:30:41 +0000

Education is constantly evolving and constantly changing. New teaching tools and modern resources are available for the classroom every year. Teachers have to sift through all of the updates and pick and choose what they want to integrate into their own teaching. The key is that they usually have the freedom to choose what they want and what they don’t. That is, until ChatGPT came online.

If you are unfamiliar, ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chat bot created by California-based company OpenAI. In a nutshell, a user can talk directly to ChatGPT and it will talk back with striking accuracy. We are only beginning to realize the power of ChatGPT but one thing is certain, it will be something that educators around the world are going to have to deal with.

Take for example the following question that I posed to ChatGPT: What should I do in Grand Marais, Michigan? The quoted answer below is an unedited computer generated response that took approximately 10 seconds for ChatGPT to create. Now imagine an English class where the same question is the prompt for a writing assignment. Can you see where I’m going with this?

“Grand Marais, Michigan is a beautiful town located on the shore of Lake Superior. There are plenty of activities to do and sights to see during your visit. Here are some suggestions:

Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: This stunning national park is just a short drive away from Grand Marais and offers incredible views of the colorful cliffs and crystal clear waters of Lake Superior.
Visit the Grand Marais Harbor: The harbor is a great place to relax and watch the boats come in and out. You can also take a walk along the beach or rent a kayak to explore the waters.
Hike the Sable Falls Trail: This easy 0.8-mile trail leads you to a beautiful waterfall and offers stunning views of Lake Superior.
Check out the Pickle Barrel House Museum: This unique museum is housed in a historic pickle barrel-shaped house and offers a glimpse into the town’s past.
Go fishing: Lake Superior is known for its great fishing opportunities, so grab your fishing gear and head out on the water for a chance to catch some trout or salmon.
Attend the Grand Marais Music and Arts Festival: This annual event features live music, art exhibits, and local food vendors, and is a great way to experience the town’s culture.
Take a scenic drive: The area around Grand Marais is full of scenic drives, including the Seney Stretch, which takes you through the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Overall, there’s plenty to see and do in Grand Marais, Michigan. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, you’re sure to find something that interests you in this charming town.” (ChatGPT, 2023)

It is still too early to know how ChatGPT is going to change education but it is unquestionably going to change education. Colleges and universities are already employing “ChatGPT detectors” to root out plagiarism but K-12 institutions aren’t quite there yet. Like I said at the beginning, normally teachers get to choose what new teaching tools they want to add to their repertoire. With ChatGPT, I’m afraid they’re not going to have a choice because just like my generation had Sparknotes, this generation has chat bots.

February 2023

Tony Barnes — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 01:29:39 +0000

Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic, public school funding! The Burt Township School District is primarily funded in two unique ways. The first way we are funded is through our property tax revenues. You may think to yourself though, that’s not very unique, but it is. See, we’re “out of formula” which means we have so few students we choose not to collect per pupil allowances from the state. Instead, we collect money on non-homestead property taxes. That is, second and third homes as well as local businesses. The amount that we collect is greater than what we would get if we chose to be “in formula” and collect per pupil dollars from the state.

The other unique way we are funded is through a special line item in the Michigan state budget called 22(d)2. This one is actually super unique. So much so that there are only four other schools who receive these special dollars from the State of Michigan. The other 22(d)2 schools are Whitefish in Paradise, Mackinac Island, DeTour, and Beaver Island.

First, a little about the history. Back in 1994 when the state decided to do away with funding schools based on local property taxes and move to funding schools based on a per pupil allowance (Proposal A), small schools like ours suffered greatly. Schools like ours have so few students, even though we went out of formula and made up some of the difference, there was no way we were going to be able to keep our doors open without some type of additional funding. So, the five “island schools” got together and lobbied in Lansing for extra money, specifically for our most rural and isolated districts that were either literally on an island or were virtually on an island due to their geographic distance from their neighboring school districts. 22(d)2 was born and the Burt Township School DIstrict survived! For now…

Over the years, the state has continued to fund our five schools and even increase the allowance but not as much as we need. Rising transportation costs, teacher recruitment and retention, and infrastructure contract challenges due to our isolation make running our schools significantly harder than pretty much all the other schools in the state. We just need more money and we’re not getting it. Which brings me to the reason I am writing this post. Last week, myself and two of the four other 22(d)2 superintendents traveled to Lansing to meet with lawmakers to request additional funding. Long story short, we did the very best we could and now all we can do is wait to see if our efforts paid off.

I know school funding is not everyone’s favorite topic. But, it is an important topic if you care about our school and the health of our community both here in Grand Marais and across the UP. I hope this post has helped shed some light on yet another unique aspect of our already unique school. Go Polar Bears!!!

Vince Gross (Whitefish), Bob Vaught (DeTour), and Tony Barnes (Burt Township) in Lansing, representing the UP and 22(d)2

January 2023

Tony Barnes — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:41:45 +0000

You may or may not have heard but the Burt Township Board of Education voted unanimously at their last regularly scheduled meeting to embark on developing a “strategic plan.” The Michigan Association of School Boards will facilitate our strategic planning process and it will take place over the next 3-4 months. If you are unfamiliar with the idea of a strategic plan, this month’s superintendent’s corner will provide the information you’ll need to make sense of it all.

Strategic planning starts and ends with developing a shared vision for the Burt Township School District. Who we are, what we believe, and where we should go will be at the heart of our strategic plan. The school will develop a mission statement that will be the driving force behind the direction our school will take. Needs and goals will be developed and will be tied to a 3-5 year timeframe.

Once the framework for the strategic plan is in place, the real work begins. If you are reading this, you will likely be asked to play a role in the strategic plan! Educational stakeholders like faculty and staff, students, parents, and community members will all be given a voice throughout the strategic planning process. Surveys will be conducted and data will be collected in order to better understand how the vision for the school will be shared. Collecting stakeholder input is essential in the strategic planning process for a small rural school like ours. We are keenly aware of the inextricable link between the school and community in Grand Marais and not only want but need community participation.

After all the data is collected and everyone has had a chance to provide input, the school board will get to work on developing the actual plan itself. Like was mentioned earlier, the strategic planning process will take 3-4 months but the plan itself will be in place for years. Developing and implementing the plan needs to be sustainable considering the ambitious nature of the timeline. The school board is bound and determined to make sure the plan is successful and will review the plan at regular intervals. Our school will be on a clear path to success.

So now that you know what strategic planning is, you can be on the lookout for more information on how you can provide input. We’ll be using our school website, our school Facebook page, and our local media sources like the Grand Marais Pilot to keep everyone in the loop. This is an exciting time for the future of the Burt Township School District and the Grand Marais community as a whole. Don’t miss out!

December 2022

Tony Barnes — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:57:02 +0000

It is December and the snow has fallen. Grand Marais is beautiful year-round but nothing compares to when everything is coated in a layer of white. Drive east out of town and you will soon find yourself on H-58. It’s a far cry from the bare roads of M-77 and M-28, looking more like something out of Ice Road Truckers. In fact, it’ll feel that way too when you’re passed by snowmobiles and logging trucks that kick up little “snownadoes” that produce tiny temporary whiteouts.

Brave the road though and you’ll eventually cross Grand Marais Creek – gateway to the School Forest. You’ll notice a distinct change in the forest structure moving from once what was densely packed aspen stands and scraggly spruce and balsam to giant red pine behemoths, standing tall as they nod to greet you with gently falling poofs of snow. You then bear left to enter the School Forest.

It’s important to take your time on the main road, not only because it can be tight and winding but because the towering red pines and the snow they’re wearing is truly beautiful and you won’t want to take the magic of it for granted. As red pine trees grow vertically their foliage tends to be concentrated towards the middle and top leaving just the bare trunk at hiker’s-eye-level. This allows you to peer deep into the forest of the red pine stand and take stock of the scene.

Eventually you’ll end up at the Sucker River where you park your vehicle. The first thing you might notice after you step outside is the sheer remoteness. You might even feel slightly vulnerable knowing how deep into the Upper Michigan woods you really are. Even though you’re only four miles from Grand Marais, it can feel like you’re the only person for 100 miles.

Walking south back across the Sucker River bridge you take stock of the ever changing conditions. This time the river is still flowing but beginning to ice up from the sides. A fleeting thought about how fish can survive the cold crosses your mind as you become momentarily hypnotized by the running water. After a few minutes just staring at the stream you manage to snap out of the trance and continue on your way. Whether in snowshoes or on skis, the trails through the School Forest in winter are enjoyable to all.

Walking through the woods after a fresh layer of snow has just covered everything is an otherworldly experience. No matter what trail you choose to go down, your senses will fire all the same. The smell is of crisp, clean, cold air. The touch is soft and light. The sounds are muted and dull, save for the wind in the crowns of the trees. The sights are plentiful – beautiful healthy trees and wildlife like birds, squirrels, rabbits, and maybe even a fox or pine marten. As you do your loop you can’t help but be thankful for the opportunity to experience such conditions. We are truly lucky.

As you return back to your vehicle and prepare to leave another, less fleeting, thought crosses your mind. Where you once felt vulnerable, you now feel invincible. You have survived the forest. This refreshing thought drives with you away from the parking area, through the red pines, and out onto H-58. Sitting at the stop sign you plan for your return.

November 2022

Tony Barnes — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:31:36 +0000

Every time Thanksgiving rolls around I, like many other Americans, feel the desire to reflect on what I am thankful for. Personally this year, I am thankful for my health, for my friends and family, and for the freedoms that this country affords. Professionally however, I could not be more thankful for anything than the faculty and staff who I work with at the school. From Olivia in the office to the teachers in their classrooms to Jane in the cafeteria, this school would absolutely not be the place it is without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. We added a few new people to our team this year and so I would like to take this opportunity to highlight these individuals.

Though he isn’t necessarily a new staff member, Mr. Scott Roberts absolutely needs a mention here. Mr. Roberts donates his time and energy to teach elementary school PE three days a week simply out of the kindness of his heart. He claims we are doing him a favor by allowing him this opportunity but he’s obviously being modest. His commitment to this school is remarkable as I can think of no one who has volunteered more of their own time to working with these kids than Scott himself.

One person who sure is at least trying to give Scott a run for his money with volunteer hours though is our new Esports coach, Mr. Josh Curry. Coach Curry has over a decade of experience working with Esports teams and we are very lucky to have him donate his time and energy to helping get our Esports team off the ground. We are slated to compete in our first tournament after the new year so be on the lookout for those results!

The newest addition to our support staff team is Mrs. Shawn Larsen. Shawn fills in for Oliva and helps with office work so don’t be surprised if you see Shawn at the front desk or answering the phone. Shawn is a kind, caring individual who does a great job helping keep things afloat and organized. Her flexibility is a much needed addition to our dynamic team.

Another new addition to our staff is our new bus driver Ed Peterson. Ed joins us as an alumni of Grand Marais high school (class of 1988) and we’re so happy to have him back after decades of over-the-road trucking. Ed is dedicated to his job and always keeps student safety at the forefront of his mind. He also has excellent attention to detail, making sure the bus is in tip top shape. Although driving a school bus is a little bit different than driving a big rig, Ed has really been enjoying the change of pace. So too has Lou Bailey who has stayed on as our transportation director for the remainder of this school year. Ed sure does have big shoes to fill but those shoes are seeming to fit nicely.

Troy Morgan is our newest classroom aide in the lower elementary school classroom. Mr. Morgan came highly recommended by his teaching counterpart Mrs. Paul so it has been a smooth working transition. Troy will be the first to tell you that he’s always learning something new and that although challenging at times, he absolutely loves working with the kids. Half of the battle is finding that passion on a day-to-day basis and Mr. Morgan sure does have a knack for it (that, and coffee helps too). You want an honest review of Mr. Morgan’s performance so far this year? Ask your local K-3rd grader!

With the retirement of Gary McCormick last year opened a gaping hole in our maintenance department. Again, like Lou, filling those shoes was quite the task. Luckily for us, Dave Hyde was up to the challenge and slid right in for a smooth transition. Dave worked with Gary at the end of last year and then was on his own for the most part throughout the summer. The school year started and Dave finally had to fly solo. Dave has come soaring in to complete the countless tasks necessary of being the maintenance director in addition to his regular custodial duties. Dave and Ed are the dynamic duo at the end of the school day working as a team to really dial in the school.

Thank you everyone, from the bottom of my heart for your commitment to this school. These kids are so lucky to have such a wonderful faculty and staff to provide them transportation, instruction, nutrition, a clean environment, healthy lifestyles, emotional support, and so much more. You are all appreciated.

October 2022

Tony Barnes — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 01:58:47 +0000

When I say we have a lot going on at the school, that might in fact be an understatement. In thinking of topics for this month’s superintendent’s corner I couldn’t pick just one thing to write about. Instead, I went in the opposite direction. I’ve decided to highlight as many things as I could think of so that you can get a sense of just how much we have to offer at our humble little school. This list is not really in any particular order.

Archery
The first thing that comes to mind is archery because it’s the most recent activity that we offered. It was an easy thing to get up and running since we used to offer archery in the past and all the equipment is still in pretty good shape. So far we’ve only had one session but hope to offer more in the future.

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
This is another program that is easy to run since all the equipment is up for grabs. We’ve increased our stock of skis and will even “rent” to anyone who wants to borrow our gear. Just come see us at the school once the snow starts flying!

Hunter Safety
Back by request, we’re offering hunter safety at the end of November. Responsible hunter education is a core component of understanding Michigan’s hunting laws and regulations. We want our kids to be able to enjoy all aspects of the wonderful natural resources we are surrounded by and to do so safely.

Safety and Security
School safety is at the forefront of every administrator’s mind. We are doing everything in our power to keep our students happy, healthy, and safe. This means working with professionals in the field to enhance our security while at the same time applying for grants that provide us with the resources we need to operate safely. Additionally, we complete all of our safety and security drills to the best of our ability and will never stop looking for ways to help improve upon what we already do.

Field Trips
Our students go on a multitude of field trips throughout the year. Some might argue that we travel too much but I argue that we don’t travel enough. Experiential learning and getting outside of “your bubble” is vital to understanding the world around you. We hope that our trips are not only fun and enjoyable but are also informative and inspiring.

Botvins Life Skills
Along with our TRAILS to wellness SEL work, we are now offering programming to help students with decision making as it relates to their everyday lives. Botvins is a data-driven program taught by licensed professionals from the local health office. We are very happy to be offering this opportunity for our upper elementary and middle school students.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)
BBBS is a nationally recognized organization that pairs older students with younger students in a mutually beneficial partnership that is intended to strengthen leadership skills while offering mentoring opportunities. We have ten students currently completing BBBS work (five bigs and five littles).

Salmon in the Classroom
This DNR run program is a way to enhance the science curriculum at school. We were given an aquarium that will house our salmon eggs and our students will be responsible for raising the salmon into fry before releasing them into the local waters in the spring. Hands on learning at its finest.

Internships
Once our students enter their junior year they are eligible to apply for an internship at a local business. These office campus opportunities are beneficial on many levels. They allow students to take ownership of their own learning, provide a sense of responsibility, and help them gain real life experience.

Small engine class
We’ve revived the old shop at the school (at least somewhat) and are now offering a small engine repair class. We were gifted 10 Briggs and Straton engines and almost $2,000 worth of tools. This was enough to get going and we now have our junior/senior class wrenching away under a new set of LED lights.

Athletics
Kudos to our student athletes, especially the girls for playing multiple sports in a single day. We are not only offering soccer in the fall but also offer girls volleyball too. Basketball is on the horizon which will go through the winter and then when the snow melts it’ll be golf season soon enough. Our athletics programming is definitely back in a big way.

Esports
New this year is our Esports offering. Students can learn valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and resilience while participating in video game competitions. The Michigan Department of Education is absolutely moving in the direction of creating a state-wide Esports league and we want to be at the forefront. Esports athletes follow the same athletics code of conduct as our soccer, volleyball, basketball, and volleyball athletes.

School Forest
Our disc golf course has been the highlight of our school forest work this year. Students are afforded the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while competing with one another at Superior Pines. Keep an eye out for a work crew day that will take place in the spring to help prepare the course for what will likely be a tournament in August.

Teacher Professional Development (PD)
The best schools have the best teachers and our school has some pretty awesome teachers. In order for them to improve even further, we offer professional development both in-house and outside of Grand Marais. Teachers are provided a PD stipend and are encouraged to seek out professional development opportunities they want to take advantage of.

Classroom work
It is truly incredible the number of things that our teachers offer to our students right in the classroom. The elementary school is often visited by professionals in one field or another who take time out of their day to work with our kids. The middle and high school are also quite actively engaged in all things learning and it is not uncommon for you to see our students moving about in their work.

Daily walks
You may have noticed our elementary school (and to a lesser extent our middle and high school) taking walks throughout town just after lunch time. We feel this is a great way for our students to work off that energy and help focus for the afternoon. It’s also great physical exercise and helps them work on how to act in public. If you see them around, don’t hesitate to wave!

This list is not exhaustive and I’m sure I’m forgetting a whole bunch of things but it’s only October and these are the things that came to mind now that we’re a quarter of the way through the school year. Maybe for my April post I’ll revisit this list and add the things I missed when they come to me from now until then. Our school is unique in that it’s so small so there’s a lot we cannot offer to be sure. But, you have to play the cards you’re dealt and I feel like we’re winning every day with what we do offer.