Welcome to Gaylord Community Schools

COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 12, 2012

    Davenport University and Gaylord University Center will be hosting College Goal Sunday on February 12, 2012.   Student financial aid experts will be available to guide students and their parents through each step of completing and filing the FAFSA.  Students under 23 years of age are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian. Parents and students should bring their completed 2011 Federal tax return (1040) if possible, or their W-2 and 1099 forms. 
    Valuable prizes will be awarded during College Goal Sunday events, including a $1,000 scholarship, two $500 scholarships, and three $250 scholarships. Additional support for College Goal Sunday was provided by the C.S. Mott Foundation, the Lumina Foundation for Education, and the DTE Energy Foundation.  For more information and a complete list of locations visit www.EduCash.org.


GAYLORD BLUE DEVILS HOCKEY
Reaches Out for Otsego Memorial Hospital's Mammography Assistance Fund
Gaylord Blue Devils vs. Cheboygan Chiefs
Friday, January 27, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Otsego County Sportsplex
Admission is $5.00
    All funds raised will be used to assist Otsego County women who are under or uninsured in receiving a mammogram to help detect and prevent breast cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and early detection has proven to be the most effective weapon in the battle against this deadly disease. Join us in saving local lives.
    The Gaylord Blue Devils will wear pink jerseys to raise support and awareness for the fight against breast cancer and the Mammography Assistance Program at Otsego Memorial Hospital.

GAYLORD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
RECEIVED FULL NCA ACCREDITATION

Gaylord Community Schools went through a rigorous accreditation process conducted by a team from North Central Accreditation.  The review team spent 3 days reviewing reports, examining artifacts, interviewing administration, teachers, support staff, students and community members, as well as visiting and observing various classrooms in the district.  You can see the full NCA Accreditation Report on our resources page.
  

                               NORTH OHIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL "BEATING THE ODDS." SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

The Michigan Department of Education recently ranked 3011 public schools and recognized 123 throughout the state that are “Beating the Odds.”  For the second year in a row, North Ohio Elementary has been included in the list of schools outperforming others with similar risk factors and demographic composition. 

The department identified those schools “Beating the Odds” through two separate studies using considerably different methodologies.  Study 1 identified 60 schools that are performing above their predicted levels, based on risk factors such as percent economically disadvantaged; percent students with disabilities; percent English language learners; and percent minority students. Study 2 identified 83 schools that perform better than a comparison group of schools with similar demographics.

This year's list differs from the list of 2009-2010 schools beating the odds published earlier this year in two ways: (1) this list is based on 2010-11 school year data while the list previously published was based on the previous year's data, and (2) the outcome used in this year's list has been improved. Last year's list was based solely on percents proficient in each tested subject. This year's list is based on a school's ranking on the top to bottom list, which includes school-wide improvement rates and achievement gaps in addition to achievement levels.

Of the 123 schools identified, North Ohio Elementary was one of only 20 schools that met both study criteria including 15 elementary, two K-8, two middle and one high school.

“Beating the Odds” schools are helping students make progress and finding ways to overcome traditional barriers to academic achievement.  The department credits various factors for their success including strong building leadership; common vision; highly qualified and dedicated staff; high academic and behavioral expectations; a collaborative school culture; commitment to technology; strong community and parent involvement; and staff commitment to do whatever it takes to help students succeed.

"Beating the Odds schools have found ways to work smarter and harder, not just harder," state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan said. "They have good leaders, knowledgeable and prepared teachers who engage students and a commitment to involve and embrace parents and the community."  Flanagan added, "I encourage all educators to explore what “Beating the Odds” schools are doing and, when appropriate, replicate what will work in their buildings."

“I am extremely proud of the dedication and hard work of our staff that made this possible for the second year in a row!,” said North  Ohio Principal Dan Vaara. 
  

OPEN SKATE NIGHTS

Gaylord Community Schools is sponsoring 3 open skate nights at the Otsego County Sportsplex. 
Open skate nights are free to the public.  All you need is skates, or $1.00 for skate rental.  

 HONEYWELL INSTANT ALERT
Gaylord Community Schools uses Honeywell Instant Alert to notify parents of school  closings, delays, and special activities.  Please be sure to inform your child's school of any changes in your contact information.  The school will automatically update the information so you won't miss any instant alert calls.

 
ENROLL MICHIGAN
The majority of uninsured children in our state and in our district
are eligible for low-cost ($10 per month) or free health insurance.
It is very important for children to have health insurance. 
Click on the following link for information on how to get
this low-cost or free health insurance:  http://www.mha.org/mha_app/enrollmichigan/docs/em_poster.pdf 

Front L-R, Jackie Warren, GCS Director of Maintenance; Randal Henige, Consumers Energy Account Manager
Back L-R, Carlee Allen, GCS Director of Finance; Anthony Esson, Project Architect; Justin Kowatch, Project Engineer

Gaylord Community Schools Receives Consumers Energy Rebate 

 The Gaylord Community Schools (GCS) received a $36,294.51 refund check from Consumers Energy as a result of energy savings initiatives implemented at GCS this year. Improvements to various mechanical and electrical systems in the district were possible as a result of 2010 voter-approved sinking fund upgrades. These energy saving measures included: new, high efficiency gymnasium lighting reducing power consumption by 29%; the installation of new lighting control systems; and 23 high efficiency motor replacements in air handling units. Additionally, high efficiency chiller improvements resulted in a 12% improvement on minimum energy code requirements. Various other mechanical and electrical system upgrades rounded out the refund issued by Consumers Energy.

In a letter to GCS, Consumers Energy commended the district saying, “Consumers Energy would like to thank you for doing your part to help reduce energy use in Michigan. Your energy efficiency activities will not only save you energy and money, but also help Michigan’s environment.” Project engineer Justin Kowatch added, “The goal of this project was to sensibly spend the taxpayers’ sinking fund dollars in a sustainable manner that will benefit the students and the school district for years to come.”

Every year districts are being asked to do more with less financial assistance from the state, so it is becoming increasingly important to look beyond the initial investment. “Sometimes it makes sense to spend…on improvements now to save on operating costs over the life of the building/system,” said Kowatch.

The Gaylord Community Schools will continue to assess and identify additional ways in which the district can continue to trim expenditures so that programs and services continue to serve our most important resource, our students. 

Lights for Learning

 The first annual Lights for Learning was a success in more ways than one. 
        • The fundraiser for teacher mini grants generated $7,235.
        • 447 lights were sold and a generous donation from Community Financial Credit Union 
        • Mrs. Nancy Wind from Gaylord St Mary received the most honors and will receive a $50 gift card to Dunn’s Business   
          Solutions.
Local merchants, community volunteers, school staff and administrators, collaborated and as a result teacher mini grants will be a reality in 2012. Teacher mini grant applications are now on line. Please encourage teachers in your building to go to www.otsegofoundation.org (applications are at the bottom of the home page). 

Kleenex Donates $5,000.00
South Maple Elementary School received $5,000.00 from the Kleenex Brand Back to School Program
to be used for field trips.  Thank you to Kleenex for their generosity!

South Maple Elementary Teacher Beth Marshall received a $1000.00 donation of school supplies from Office Max, through the "A Day Made Better" program.  With this donation, Mrs. Marshall's class received 20 boxes of school supplies, as well as a label maker, digital camera, a new desk chair, and individual bags of supplies for her students.  Thank you to Office Max for their generosity!

 
North Ohio Elementary & South Maple Elementary
Are 2 of 24 Elementary Schools in Michigan to Receive BCBS Grant
Media Release:  BCBSM

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan continues commitment of reducing childhood obesity by awarding grants to 24 elementary schools across the state.
More than 24,000 Michigan kids impacted by Building Healthy Communities program since 2009
Michigan has found itself on a less than desirable list: among the 30 states nationwide with a 30 percent or higher rate of obese children, ages 10-17. As part of its nonprofit mission to create a healthier Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield is kicking off its third annual healthy living program to ensure students learn the benefits of healthy lifestyle habits, extending their education beyond the traditional reading, writing and arithmetic. Twenty-four elementary schools and five community partners throughout Michigan are receiving grants, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per school, to implement programs intended to increase physical activity and improve nutrition for students.

“We are focusing on the future of Michigan,” said Diane Valade, director of Social Mission for Blue Cross. “Our goal is to help elementary school students understand the value of choosing a healthy lifestyle and help them adopt healthy practices that will continue into their adult lives.”

Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Michigan’s annual obesity expenditures total nearly $3 billion, with 70 percent of medical expenses directly related to this epidemic. According to the American Heart Association, childhood obesity is now the number one health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking. U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona characterized this generation as “ the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.” Educating and encouraging young people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits will positively affect health care costs in the long run.
 

The grants are part of the Blues’ Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Elementary Schools and their Community Partners program, a unique and unprecedented platform designed to make Michigan a healthier state. Since 2004, Blue Cross has awarded nearly $4.3 million in Building Healthy Communities and related grant funding, impacting more than 24,000 elementary students.

Building Healthy Communities grant recipients are required to have:

        • An assessment tool to measure the overall health of the school environment
        • Physical activity and nutrition education, using specific programs
        • A walking club for students and faculty
        • A celebratory 5K run or walk event

These healthy elements contribute to the overall sustainability of the program after the funding cycle ends. For instance, many former grantee schools maintained their walking programs and 5K events, even after the designated funding year. Other schools implemented changes in their school lunch menu and continue educating children and families on healthy eating and nutrition.

The grants are part of the Blues’ mission to promote healthier lifestyles, prevent childhood obesity, reduce associated health risks, improve the health status and ultimately reduce the cost of health care. Obese children are more vulnerable to diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit bcbsm.com for additional details about the Building Healthy Communities program.

The following 24 schools received funding for the 2011-12 school year:

Southeast Michigan region schools and their respective community partners:

• Jackson County: Concord Elementary School in Concord and Concord Village
• Macomb County: Mount Clemens Montessori Academy in Mount Clemens
• Macomb County: Mount Clemens Seminole Academy in Mount Clemens
• Oakland County: Houghton Elementary School in White Lake and Charter Township of Waterford
• Shiawassee County: Byron Elementary School in Byron
• Shiawassee County: Perry East Elementary School in Perry
• St. Clair County: Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and Port Huron Housing Commission
• Wayne County: Charles H. Wright Academy of Arts and Science in Detroit
• Wayne County: Fordline Elementary School in Southgate
• Wayne County: Maybury Elementary School in Detroit
• Wayne County: Neinas Elementary School in Detroit

Southwest region partners:

• Berrien County: Fair Plain West Elementary School in Benton Harbor and First Chance, Inc.
• Barry County: Delton Kellogg Elementary School in Delton
• Muskegon County: Campbell Elementary School in Muskegon
• Van Buren County: Lawton Elementary School in Lawton

Saginaw, Flint and Lansing region partners:

• Osceola County: G.T. Norman Elementary School in Reed City and Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital
• Saginaw County: Big Rock Elementary School in Chesaning

Northern and Upper Peninsula partners are:

• Iron County: Stambaugh Elementary School in Iron River
• Mason County: Mason County Center Upper in Scottville
• Mason County: Scottville Elementary School in Scottville
• Menominee County: Carney-Nadeau Elementary School in Carney
• Ontonagon County: Ontonagon Elementary School in Ontonagon
• Otsego County: South Maple Elementary School in Gaylord
• Otsego County: North Ohio Elementary School in Gaylord

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit organization, provides and administers health benefits to nearly 4.3 million members residing in Michigan in addition to members of Michigan-headquartered groups who reside outside the state. BCBSM also offers dental, vision and hearing plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com.
 

DISTRICT VISION:  "Excellence through Education"

DISTRICT MISSION:  "Our mission is to provide a quality education that inspires students to achieve their potential and become productive citizens."

DISTRICT PROFILE:
Gaylord Community Schools is a K - 12 public school district located in northern lower Michigan. Our district encompasses approximately 265 square miles, including portions of Otsego, Antrim, and Crawford counties. We are a quality learning community and provide our students with a rigorous and relevant academic program enhanced by an array of co-curricular and athletic opportunities. GCS welcomes you to become part of this outstanding learning community.

* Teaching, Learning & Achievement * Communication * Collaboration * Innovation *
* Accountability * Safety * Civility * Trust *

• High Educational Standards
• Student Transportation
• Athletics
• Student Computer Labs in all buildings
• Band, Music, Art and Physical Education
• Extra-curricular programs
• After School Childcare Programs
• Food Services
• Preschool and Daycare Programs