Breitung Township Schools superintendent presents update to Golden K
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KINGSFORD -- Geese fly in formation, one side longer than the other. Do you know why? Because there are more geese on that side.
The leaves are falling and rakes are in action. The season for massages and soothing achy joints has arrived.
Golden K Chairman Judy Sielaff rang the bell and began the opening ceremonies. Birthday wishes were given to Bill Roberts and Joe Anderson. Welcomes went to guests Aaron Yonke and Shirley Winters. Sarah Gospodarek happily took home the 50/50 drawing winnings. The sport reports came through Happy Dollars from Bill Roberts, keeps the Golden K abreast of the weekend wins -- the Lions, Packers, Brewers and, best of all, Michigan Tech beating Grand Valley in overtime. All this information for only a dollar!
The Thought for the Day, "Never stop learning because life never stops teaching."
The guest speaker for the day, was Aaron Yonke, superintendent of Breitung Township Schools, who brought updates about changes at Woodland Elementary School. The focus is on safety, with changes in the student service area and entrance to the building. The Woodland Elementary building also received a new roof. There is even a new book vending machine that is popular with the students. Each grade level at Woodland has access to their own playground, with some new equipment and continued upgrades. For the fifth and sixth graders, a new virtual welding course is available and may expand in the future. In other grades, additional courses like the Maintenance Program and DIY projects are offered to teach students how to design and use trade skills. For example, the student must design and build a working model of a bathroom, including plumbing, electrical and drywall. The hands-on learning experiences are designed to prepare students for future occupations and maybe even provide essential knowledge for future homeowners. Several local businesses have offered tools and equipment supporting these innovative programs.
Yonke also spoke about the "Sinking Fund" program, which is approaching renewal. This is not attached to a tax increase. Future projects for use of this fund include elevator upgrades mandated by the state of Michigan, additional roofing and building maintenance, parking lot resurfacing, and securing safety through evolving challenges.
Information regarding the use of the Sinking Fund, past and present, are available. Contact the district at www.kingsford.org if interested in viewing these -- Yonke welcomed communication. Call for a tour to view the upgrades at the Woodland Elementary School building. Attend the question-and-answer open houses to be scheduled in the future.
When asked about enrollment, Yonke shared his knowledge of the numbers. Enrollment is slightly less this year yet stable compared with other districts. Many things need to be considered when evaluating the numbers, including home schooling, birth rates and school of choice. The district is stable and remains open to ways to connect to diverse ways of learning.
On the recent lockdown, Yonke said information and actions were coordinated. Safety procedures established prior to the situation were followed. Breitung Township Schools have safety personnel in place, keeping staff, students, community and parents informed and secure.
Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with guest speaker Abby Baumgartner. All are welcome.