Change of Seasons

 

As I rounded the corner, there it was a beautiful mix of colors and sizes of plants.  At the edge of the road grew bright yellow goldenrods, immediately behind them was a bunch of wheat grass just beginning to turn brown, standing tall behind them was a group of reeds and cattails.  That scene was only three weeks ago.  This week, the goldenrods were gone and the wheat grass had withered.  The bright spot in the landscape was of course the trees! 

As I rounded the same corner and cruised up the hill the brightly colored leaves were peaking over the edge of the road, lightly waving in the fall breeze.  Each day as I drove up that same incline I notice the trees becoming more vibrant with their leaves almost leaping off of their branches, bursting with color!

Just as the seasons change the colors of the leaves and the scenery around us, so has the passage of time changed the way schools are funded and the amount of funding received from the state. In November 1978 Michigan voters approved the so-called Headlee Amendment which was considered earth-shaking tax reform in those days. 

 In March of 1994, state voters approved school-finance reform legislation (Proposal A), which replaced local property taxes with state level taxes, principally the sales tax. Proposal A revamped how schools would be funded and also provided educational reforms. Proposal A promised a minimum per pupil foundation allowance, more equity among local school districts, lower property taxes, and more school accountability.  Proposal A dramatically decreased the amount of property taxes paid by Michigan residents and limited future increases.

Property is now classified as homestead and non-homestead. Homestead property is considered to be a Michigan resident’s home. Business property, rental housing, and vacation homes are considered to be non-homestead property. Property that is not a homestead and not qualified agricultural property can be assessed up to an additional 18 mills for local school operating purposes.

 Currently those who have business property, rental housing, and vacation homes that are classified as non-homestead are paying 18 mills for local school operating purposes.  On Tuesday, November 8^th Columbia School District will have an operating millage proposal on the ballot.  The proposal will allow the Columbia School District to continue to levy the statutory rate of not exceed 18 mills for non-homestead property tax.  Please remember that this renewal does not apply to a Michigan principal residence (your principal home) or qualified agricultural property.  Passage of this operating millage proposal is required for Columbia School District to receive the full $9,150 per pupil foundation allowance, which funds the education of our students.  If you have any questions, please email pamela.campbell@myeagles.org or call 517.592.6641.

Options High School & Adult Education Graduation

 Keys, keys, keys.  We all have keys to various things; cars, the house, and the office. In education, the academic environment is one of the main keys to a successful experience for students.  The Columbia School District Class of 2022 has taken a key step towards a successful future by completing their high school requirements and graduating.  On Thursday, Columbia Options High School and Columbia Adult Education had 17 students graduate, and on Friday, Columbia Central High School had 86 seniors successfully graduate from high school. 

Columbia students were given the opportunity to work with their teacher mentors to improve their academic skills.  The teachers, administrators and staff members have developed a partnership with parents to benefit the students and set them on a pathway to success.  For Columbia students graduation is a time to reflect on their sacrifices and accomplishments, along with the confidence, enthusiasm, and focus for their future.

We are so thankful for our 2022 graduates.  They have given so much to the community and have left their imprints on the hearts and minds of their fellow students and teachers.  They have triumphed through adversity, first when they were sophomores and school shut down in March, then again as juniors they had the opportunity succeed online when schools were closed due to the pandemic.  Although they faced a great amount of adversity, but have continued being successful, earning many scholarships as they graduated from high school.  They have been a blessing to the Columbia School District and the Irish Hills area. 

Our graduates have benefited from a positive, caring, and nurturing learning environment.  Our fabulous teachers have given our graduates the key to a successful future.  Please join me in congratulating the Class of 2022!  For more information about Columbia School District, email me at pamela.campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Reading is Important

Research shows that children who read as little as 30 minutes per day will become good readers.  They may read magazines, newspapers, comic books, or books.  By paying attention and giving reading a prominent place in our lives, your child will benefit and that advantage will last a lifetime.  Being a good reader gives your child an opportunity to excel in school and at work.  Encourage your child to read each and every day.

Initially you may want to read aloud with your child.  You will want to begin reading to your child when they are an infant.  Your calm voice will soothe your child.  Many children enjoy having their parent read to them.  Begin by reading for as little as 10 minutes.  Children can listen to books that they are not able to read.  By listening, they will increase their vocabulary and benefit from various subject matters.  As they grow and mature, they may want to begin reading portions of the book. 

For most of us our television has a prominent place in our homes, but books are on out of the way shelves or hidden in cabinets or under end tables.  Help your child learn to appreciate reading by setting up an assigned reading time when the family may read together.  Give your child the gift of reading by setting up a personal book shelf for them.  The book shelf doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, but it gives them an opportunity to select a book from their interesting collection during reading time.

Set a schedule to go to the library.  Setting aside time to visit the library and check out books will help your child develop a powerful reading habit.  While you are at the library with your child, make sure you choose a book for yourself.  This way you set a good example for your child!

Columbia School District teachers place an element of importance on reading.  Your child may bring home books or e-readers that they contain assigned reading.  Make sure they are working on their reading assignments, this will greatly benefit them both in life and in school.  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia Schools, call me at 5175926641 or email Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .

Students Soar at Columbia!

Educating the whole student at Columbia School District is a result of our community working in partnership.  Teaching our students takes more than simply having them memorize facts.  The Columbia School District family believes that real education gives children an opportunity to discover.  They discover their talents, skills and interests.  Our students discover how to learn, so they may become life-long learners!

Our students find that the key to their success comes from the nurturing and caring teachers at Columbia.  Our extensive list of Advanced Placement courses, Early College options, electives and solid academic classes at the secondary level and enriching academic activities and specials at the elementary level help our students to pursue their interests as they grow and mature in to the next leaders for our community.

At a time when many districts have cut art and music, Columbia offers music and art to all of our students Kindergarten through 12^th grade.  Our elementary students are enjoying learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the STEM exploratory.  These special enriching activities help develop our students in to successful adults.  In addition, the offering of various levels of physical education at each grade level, along with elementary recess periods, helps to keep our students active and healthy. 

Our students have excellent opportunities to take college classes through the Jackson County Early/Middle College.  By participating in college courses while at Columbia Central High School, our students gain valuable experience and increased levels of confidence.  Many of our students are able to graduate with enough college credits to get them started off as a sophomore or junior at their chosen university.  The Early/Middle College offers our Golden Eagle students the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree by taking college courses through their 13^th year.

Our Columbia students soar as they learn today, and become leaders tomorrow!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia, check out our website at myeagles.org, email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.