Thursday, September 21, 2017

Grit and September Updates

The school year is off and running.  Students and staff are settling in to routines and the honeymoon of the new year is wearing off.  This is when it starts to become harder and harder to get up early and also, when struggles start to appear and present themselves.  It is important to keep in mind that struggles are a very important part of the learning process and that as parents it is critical that you do continue to encourage your children to work hard and not give up.  The grit of working through the struggles is one of the most important skills a child can learn.  Without the grit, it is impossible to be successful in school, but more importantly in life.  Part of having grit is having a Growth Mindset. a simple way of thinking about a Growth Mindset is that it is not that a student cannot do something, it is that they cannot do it yet! So, as a parent one of the best things you can do is to instill grit and a growth mindset in your children. This does not require understanding Algebra but rather simply encouraging your children each day to not give up and keep trying. VESTABURG=GRIT!

Updates:

  • Congratulations to this months Shout Out Recipients:
  • Ms. Sharon Davis:  Ms. Davis has volunteered her own time this summer painting room 84 and decorating the upper elementary wing.  She has also been seen in the office volunteering and creating many bulletin boards around the building. Vestaburg Community Schools is blessed to have her.
  • Carol Herman: For taking time out of her schedule to come and organize the art room closets and cupboards.  She did an amazing job and everything is neat and organized.  Thank you, Carol!!
  • DALMAC Volunteers and Sports Boosters: This is a huge event for our school and our community. This year we hosted two different groups totaling 900-1000 people. Once again, we received outstanding feedback and reviews. It truly is a community event and could not be done without all of the help. A special thanks to the Vestaburg Sports Boosters and Mr. Walderzak for all of their time and effort planning and executing this event. Running an event like this requires more help and volunteers than we can list. So, to everyone that came to help cook and serve the visitors, set up for the event, or baked desserts, THANK YOU.
  • Val Palmer: For all of her work enrolling 50+ students with all of the paperwork involved and still keeping a smile on her face and a positive attitude.
  • The school is happy to announce that enrollment is up approximately 50 students this year. This is great news! We have many new faces and we are glad to have all of the new families and students. Welcome to our great school and community.
  • Strategic Planning: The Board of Education is in process of exploring and implementing a Strategic Planning process. This process is critical for school districts as it helps to set the course for the next 3-5 years. The process is a multi-step process that requires participation and input from the community through surveys and meetings. Stay tuned for more information.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Vestaburg Pride!

In today's world of negative news and it is important that we take time to celebrate our accomplishments and what makes us proud to say We ARE Vestaburg!  

Located on M-46 West of Alma, Vestaburg is a community rich with tradition, where athletics and academics go hand in hand.   A supportive community that added state of the art facilities to their schools in 2009, many local volunteers and partnerships with youth organizations and extensive booster groups offer opportunities to be involved.   Academic programs include an Early College program, Dual Enrollment courses, state of the art technology and Virtual School, Career and Technical Education programs, and a student centered approach that is committed to ensuring our students have 21st-century skills.  Students at Vestaburg Community Schools are also provided many academic competitions and clubs to participate in. Vestaburg offers an extensive athletic program that includes a wide variety of athletic teams, a new athletic complex that was opened in 2009 that hosts Softball, Baseball, Track & Field, Football, and is open to the public during daylight hours for walking or running, and new and updated fitness room that is also open to the public.

This tight-knit community opens its arms to new faces and embraces the strengths everyone brings to our community.  Each July the community comes together to celebrate the Vestaburg Community Days complete with a parade, car show, pig roast, softball tournament, 5k race, fireworks, and many more activities for all ages. In addition, every August the school and the town play host to over 1000 DALMAC riders on their way to the Mackinac Bridge, providing meals and shelter along with smiling faces from countless volunteers.  Vestaburg is a proud and caring community that offers a top notch education and a hometown experience. The supportive community and excellent educational opportunities make Vestaburg Schools and community a destination for families.

Additional Points of Pride:
  • Updated and remodeled facilities (2010).
  • School Security – School security is a priority.  The district and community raised over $25,000 in a month last February to upgrade every classroom and office as the “Boot” locking device.  Installing a Bluetooth and light notification system, the “Shield” protective device, and new placards for classroom notification for the 2017 school year.  The only school in mid-Michigan with the “Boot Device” and only the second school in Michigan to install the new lighting and Bluetooth systems.
  • Partnered with Success Virtual to provide an Alternative Virtual Education to students around the State of Michigan.  Approximately, 11 sites throughout Michigan.  This program is a blended program that has helped hundreds of students graduate high school.
  • Approximately 25% or more of 11th and 12th-grade students earn college credit through Dual Enrollment offerings.
  • 9 VHS students are participating our Early College Program earning both High School Diploma’s and a 2- year college degree - 6 students have completed this program.
  • 5-star Preschool Program.
  • Offer a 3-year old Preschool Program.
  • Host ISD based playgroups for preschools and Head Start.
  • New and updated curriculum including, Math (k-12) and Science (k-12) Next Generation Standards.
  • Offer a Multi-Tiered System of Support to our students.  Interventions for at-risk children and common intervention time for all students.
  • Sponsor a full-time Michigan College Access Network Advisor that works with students on financial aid, scholarships, college applications, and career options.
  • The 2017 VHS Robotics team won the Shepherd District, qualified/participated in the State Finals, and qualified participated in the World Championships.
  • Girls Softball Team was Academic All-State in 2017.
  • The football team has qualified for the State Playoffs in 2016 and 2017.
  • Three Students qualified and medaled at the MHSAA State Track Meet.
  • State of the Art Fitness Room and highly qualified Athletic Trainer.
  • Vestaburg High School students participated in over eighteen (18) sponsored academic activities including Quiz Bowl, Model U.N., Forensics, Language Arts, Talent Review, Band and Honors Band, Technology Competitions, Art Review, Voice of Democracy Writing Competition, Foreign Language Club, Close-up, Student Council, National Honors Society, Math Competitions, Drama Club, in addition to the 42% of the student body that participates in over eleven (11) school sponsored athletic programs.