Tune In for Success!

Tuned in.  There are radio waves all around us 24 hours per day, for seven days per week.  There are approximately 44,000 radio stations broadcasting on various frequencies in local areas around the world.  Although we are awash in a sea of radio waves, we are not aware of them.    In order to hear what is being transmitted over the radio waves we have to tune in! 

In the Columbia School District our teachers are tuned in to assisting our students and giving them the best academic foundation for a successful future.  Recently, a group of community members, teachers, students, administrators and school board members updated our strategic plan.  The Columbia School District Strategic Planning process began through the visualization and goal setting process by the Board of Education. The theory of the board was to focus and guide the district over the next three to five years.

The Board of Education identified four goal areas important to the success of the district, and the District School Improvement Team identified an improvement goal, based on curricular areas important to student success, which has been included in the district’s plan.  The committees ensured stakeholders were heard through various surveys and verbal feedback.  Surveys were available online and at parent teacher conferences.

The Columbia School District Strategic Plan was approved and has been guiding the work of the district.  It has been revised and adjusted annually to keep us tuned in to the goals that were set. The Board of Education, the Administrative Team and the School Improvement Committee has worked together to provide guidance to ensure the district maintains its emphasis and achieves its goals.

In much the same way as the radio waves are a pervasive and ubiquitous force around us that we cannot see, the Columbia School District Strategic Plan is there broadcasting information to the teachers and administrators as they daily tune in to the success oriented goals for our students.  The Columbia School District has used the plan to guide us as we have updated our reading curriculum, added new resources and curriculum elements in mathematics, and increased our academic focus as our students learn today, so they will become the leaders of tomorrow.  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, email me at pamela.campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Join in the Fun at Columbia Elementary Kindergarten!

Now it is time for your child to attend Kindergarten, what is your next step?  Starting kindergarten is a new adventure, it is part of growing up!  You can help prepare your child and yourself to make the move to kindergarten a smooth one.  Being a kindergartner means that there are changes to their daily routine.  It is important to set up a new routine prior to school beginning and to begin to build new relationships with other children, their teachers and parents.

Many of your children will be excited!  They have heard about attending school from their siblings or neighbors.  It is important for your child to get off to a good beginning!  Help you child build their confidence because it is natural for them to have concerns about the change in their daily routine.  Discuss the activities and fun they will have at school and give him or her a chance to talk about their feelings.  Your conversations with your kindergartner will help both of you feel more at ease regarding their move to school. 

How can you describe kindergarten to your child?  Your new kindergartner will have the opportunity to experience music, art, physical education and technology class in addition to their normal school day.  They will get to use the school library, eat in the cafeteria and ride the school bus.  Your child will participate in recess on the elementary playground and have fun playing with their friends.

Your child will be in a class with other children and they will have the opportunity to develop independent work habits, learn to participate in group work, move to various learning stations and make new friends.  Your kindergartner will have the opportunity to be part of a classroom with a daily routine.  They will experience math, science, reading and writing activities in their classroom. 

If you are still looking for a positive innovative kindergarten for your child, Columbia Elementary School has caring teachers who are having a Kindergarten Roundup time for you to visit and learn more about our program on August 14, 2019 from 5 pm to 7 pm at 320 School Street in Brooklyn.  If you have questions about the kindergarten program or how your child may benefit from attending Columbia, call me at 5175926641 or email me at pamela.campbell@myeagles.org, or email the Columbia Elementary principal at Trudy.Wright@myeagles.org . 

One of the important areas of emphasis at Columbia School District is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).  Science is very important in society today.   Science impacts every facet of our lives, from the pavement we drive on; to the medicines we take; to the alarm clocks that wake us up each day.  Science has provided us with new plastics that make up our water bottles, bullet proof vests for our law enforcement professionals and parts for our automobiles.  Our students have the opportunity to take chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, physics, sports medicine and forensics.  Columbia Central High School offers the opportunity for our students to earn take college level science courses through our Early College and Advanced Placement programs. 

Globally, one of the things that science has provided is the basis for technological advancements, which paved the way for cell phones, computers and an impressive array of electronics.  Technology has given students new avenue for learning.  At the schools in Columbia we focus on integrating technology into every area: Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.  Our students use iPads, Chromebooks, desk top computers and graphing calculators.  Technology allows our students to increasing their learning potential by performing research anywhere and anytime.  Some of the lessons our students perform are flipped lessons.  In a flipped lesson technology allows teachers to provide basic learning opportunities through technology, and then the students work together with their peers and teacher to put their learning into practice the next day. 

Engineering is of increasing importance and is directly connected with the other elements of STEM.  Our students have the opportunity to learn basic engineering principles through our science lessons.  Engineering principles are also taught in our robotics course, through our robotics teams and the high school principles of engineering course.  This week our elementary students are enjoying Robotics Camp.  Even the first and second grade students have the opportunity to experience hands-on robotics learning activities.  In August, third through sixth graders will enjoy learning about underwater robotics through our summer camp programs.  Columbia Central offers robotics teams to our students in junior and senior high school.  As a bonus to our elementary students we will offer robotics teams for first through sixth grade students.

As the final letter in STEM, M stands for mathematics, which offers a platform for technology and engineering, and is directly tied to science.  Math is in our everyday lives, from shopping for bargains, to driving our cars, to figuring out how much tax we owe on a purchase.  Math is not only used in the science, technology and engineering, it is used by artists and musician in their daily work.

At Columbia, we offer our students an opportunity to play in our Academic Games after school where mathematics, language arts, social studies are combined to provide an extensive learning program for participants. Our Columbia Central High School students are able to take Early College or Advanced Placement Calculus course.  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia’s many STEM opportunities, email me at pamela.campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.  You may sign up your child for underwater robotics or one of our other fabulous summer programs at our myeagles.org website, click on All News and scroll down to Summer Camp 2019.

The Crescent Moon

Straight up in the evening sky was a bright shining crescent moon!  It was so awe inspiring that as I stood in my back yard looking up, my neighbors stopped to appreciate the beauty of the evening sky.  As parents, or grandparents, how can we take an observation of the great outdoors and use it to encourage our children or grandchildren to read? 

By using experiences in nature as an encouraging event, we can take our youngsters to the library and follow up by searching for books on the topic.  For the youngest readers, you will want to choose books that you can share in the reading, or chapter books that you may read to them.  It is important to be in the habit of sharing with your children what you read.  Following an outdoor adventure, you could also choose a book on the topic of the moon, stars, or other naturalist type topic.  By modeling for your children, you will encourage them to view reading as something moms and dads or grandparents do regularly.

One secret to raising a positive avid reader is to aim for a specific number of minutes, pages, or books in a certain length of time.  Follow up your nature reading, with reading on a topic that they are interested in, such as horses, dogs, or science fiction.  You can make reading a family affair by taking everyone on a reading-picnic!  Pack a picnic lunch, take your family outside, spread out a blanket, and bring along a book for everyone! 

Raising a reader also may involve incentives.  You may encourage your child or grandchild by having a chart for stickers marking the number of pages, minutes or books read.  Your child may enjoy a trip to the dollar store for trinkets when they pass a milestone reading goal measured in books, minutes or pages read.  You can also enjoy healthy snacks during your reading time.

In the end, your child can become a voracious reader even if they don’t seem to enjoy it now.  Allowing them to pursue their interests while reading can motivate them to find the joy in reading.  You will feel the utmost happiness and success when your child begs for reading another chapter before they go to sleep.  If you are interested in learning about the reading programs available at Columbia School District, email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow at Columbia!

Columbia School District staff members are looking forward to a fabulously successful year.  Our teachers and administrators have worked diligently this summer to make our Vision,” Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow,” come alive for your children! 

As a school family, we are proud to be a part of this community. Our outstanding teachers and staff members strive for excellence as we diligently work with your student to increase his or her educational abilities. Columbia School District provides your child an academic learning environment where their dreams will be nurtured, they will be empowered to create a better world, and grow into leaders in our community!

The Columbia School District is participating in the Jackson County Early College (JCEC) program through a partnership with Jackson College.  Now in its second year, the early college program paves the way for Columbia students to move from a traditional K-12 approach to a more vigorous -K14 conduit that will be personalized for our students.

The Jackson County Early College program will assist students gain a post-secondary education while still in high school  They may take courses along a path to earn an Associate’s degree, certification, credential, or skillset.  The early college program is deliberately designed to guarantee transferability of credits to four year universities. Our program is designed so students may begin their college education as early in high school and remain in the program through their 13th year to a maximum of 60 credits.

Our emphasis on positive learning and integrated technology helps to weave complex thinking skills into each area of the curriculum. The Jackson County Early College program will enhance the lives of our students and give them the best chance for a successful future!  If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities at Columbia School District email me at pamela.campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Teacher of the Month: Kevin Miller!

Whether he is standing tall on the sidelines of a Columbia Golden Eagles girl’s softball game, or working with the CCHS Leadership class on the Hope Run, Kevin Miller is a positive, amazing teacher and coach.  For the past 33 years his positive impact at Columbia Central has made a difference in the lives of our students as they learn today to become leaders tomorrow.

Kevin Miller has been selected as Teacher of the Month due to his involvement in Columbia Central High School as a leader, coach, role model and teacher.  His love for the community extends beyond the classroom and athletic fields.  He has been a member of the Lions Club and participated in events and projects that benefit the community for more than 30 years.  He provides mentoring as the facilitator and teacher of the Columbia Central Leadership Class.  Together, he and his students have provided an immense amount of energy and tenacity as they have conducted many projects benefiting the Mid-Michigan area.  The following projects represent only a few of the many events and activities that Mr. Miller has facilitated and completed to benefit the local community.

·        - Yearly canned food drives to assist the Brooklyn Food Pantry.

·       -  Blood drives in cooperation with the American Red Cross.

·        - Relay for Life and the Columbia Hope Run raising funds to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma.

·        - Water collection to benefit the victims of the Flint Water Crisis.

·       -  Serving food at the homeless shelter.

·        - Swimming with disabled children.

·        - Tutoring children in reading through the Buddies Program at Columbia Elementary.

·        - Adopting families at Christmas.

·        - Fundraising for hurricane victims.

·       -  Spending time volunteering and visiting at the local retirement home.

·         Coordinated and led the Columbia Athletic Boosters Cash Bash for three years.

·        - Supported the Veteran’s Day Celebration.

Twenty years ago, Kevin Miller created the Communication Camp program which brings multiple benefits to students by building bridges between various groups through research-based strategies and activities.  Kevin’s giving spirit and leadership capabilities have benefited participating students by helping them break down barriers and improve camaraderie within Columbia Central High School. 

Kevin’s creativity and love for teaching and learning led to the creation of Forum Day at Columbia Central High School.  This program brings in nationally know speakers, in combination with local leaders, to present life-long learning informative programs for the students.

Kevin Miller credits his love of teaching US History to his family.  He is a grandson of a WWI Veteran, and a son of a WWII Veteran, and he takes tremendous pride in sharing stories and information about our great Nation to the next generation.  He feels blessed and rewarded to have chosen a career in education.  The Columbia School District family is proud of Mr. Miller and his many accomplishments and wishes him a fabulous retirement!

Mrs. Phelps: Teacher of the Month!

Mrs. Phelps makes a difference in the lives of Columbia Elementary students!  She said that she, “loves being a School Counselor because of the students, and the positive relationships I get to make with each of them.”  Her enthusiasm for helping students and supporting them both socially and academically benefits the children at Columbia Elementary School.  Mrs. Phelps commented that, “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing students use the skills we have practiced to help them be more successful.”

She believes that being a school counselor is amazing.  She said that, “as a School Counselor, it is important to me to be able to help students understand their emotions.  She went on to add, that it is important to communicate to them that “it is ok feel all the things they feel, while giving them tools to best express them.”  She continued by saying, “I love being able to be a person to encourage and support students in both good times and also when they are in need of an advocate.”

When you see Mrs. Phelps, you know she enjoys working with students and counseling them on various skills.  She mentioned that she, “loves coming to school each day!  School is always a new adventure that I am grateful to be a part of.”  Her bright smile greets students as they walk down the hallway. 

Mrs. Phelps has a kind demeanor and focuses on the school motto: “Work Hard and Be Kind.”  She also works with teachers and students under the Columbia School District Mission: “Nurture Dreams.  Empower All. Create a Better World”.  Because Columbia has a positive academic environment, she said that it is especially important to communicate the Columbia Vision to our students, “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow”.

Mrs. Phelps said one of the things she loves about being a school counselor is forming relationships with the students and the seeing them grow and mature throughout the school year.  She added, “Of course all the hugs and smiles each day are also a huge perk to being a School Counselor!”  This year Mrs. Phelps was recognized by her fellow teachers and staff members as a person at Columbia Elementary that has a huge impact on the lives of the students.  For her hard work and dedication to the children, she received the “You Make A Difference Award.”  Mrs. Phelps is deserving of recognition for all of her incredible focus and enthusiasm on providing a positive, caring, and welcoming counseling program.