Welcome to Gaylord Community Schools

2012-13 Kindergarten Preregistration
Gaylord Community Schools is now preregistering kindergarten students
for the 2012-13 school year. Please call (989) 705-3009 between
10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Monday through Friday to preregister your child.

Step-up Kindergarten information and preregistration will also be available
for students who will be turning 5 after August 1st but before December 1st.
 

                      
 GAYLORD BLUE DEVIL HOCKEY BOOSTERS AND PLAYERS REACH OUT
The REACH OUT benefit game was a great success, raising over $5500.00 for the Otsego Memorial Hospital Mammography Assistance Fund!

GAYLORD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS EARNS HIGH HONORS
GAYLORD—The Gaylord Community School District as a whole can now boast an impressive, upgraded accreditation status.

AdvancED, the global leader in advancing education excellence through accreditation, sent a team of five educators to Gaylord Community Schools in November 2011 for a Quality Assurance Review (QAR).  During their three day on-site review, the AdvancED team met with District leaders, interviewed a variety of stakeholders including staff, students, and community members, and toured individual schools.  At the end of the visit the team recommended the District for full district accreditation which is the highest honor that can be achieved.  

District accreditation differs from building accreditation in that the practices of each building are examined along with the functioning of all areas within the entire school system.   These areas include the Board of Education, Community Relations, and Central Office along with the following departments: Transportation, Maintenance and Food Service.

The QAR Team evaluated the District using seven standards: Vision and Purpose, Governance and Leadership, Teaching and Learning, Documenting and Using Results, Resources and Support Systems, Stakeholder Communications and Relationships, and Commitment to Continuous Improvement.  Each one of these standards uses specific, detailed definitions of activities and artifacts that represent best practice within the industry.  The ratings for each category are as follows:

The QAR Team also awarded GCS five commendations for its practices, including having an exemplary degree of fiscal responsibility and developing a viable and articulated curriculum based upon state standards.

“AdvancED accreditation represents the standard for K-16 education. Subjecting our District to AdvancED’s rigorous evaluation takes us above and beyond State of Michigan requirements.  The fact that we received such a high rating and full accreditation speaks volumes for our entire system and reflects a supportive community,” stated Curriculum Director Brian Pearson. “It is beneficial to have a trained group of evaluators research our school and not only validate what we are doing well, but also provide recommendations for improvement.”

Gaylord Community Schools will strive to improve in the areas which are currently rated “Operational” by adopting a future-oriented statement of purpose, reviving the school improvement process and formulating stakeholder perception surveys. While the District has two years to show improvement in these areas, Pearson said the task is already under way.  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.

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