Keys to a Great Learning Environment

 Keys, keys, keys.  We all have keys to various things; cars, the house, and the office. In education, funding is one of the main keys to excellent teaching and learning environments.  On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, Columbia School District voters will have the opportunity to vote on a sinking fund levy proposal. 

You may have some questions regarding this proposal, so here are some questions and answers: Why is this sinking fund proposal important for the Columbia School District? The Columbia School District is looking to our school community to consider a sinking fund to help with technology purchases, increase student safety, and facility updates. 

How can funds from a sinking fund be spent? Sinking Funds cannot fund regular maintenance, purchasing teaching supplies or textbooks, or paying teacher and administrator salaries. The law requires districts with Sinking Funds to keep these funds separate from other district accounts. Sinking Funds must also receive a separate audit each year to ensure they are being spent appropriately.

What is the difference between a sinking fund and a bond proposal?  In Michigan, a Sinking Fund is a millage levied to support school safety improvements, technology improvements, and the repair and construction of school buildings.  It is a “pay as you go” system that does not require borrowing money or paying interest.  Sinking Funds cannot fund regular maintenance, purchasing teaching supplies or textbooks, or paying teacher and administrator salaries. The law requires districts with Sinking Funds to keep these funds separate from other district accounts. Sinking Funds must so receive a separate audit each year to ensure they are being spent appropriately. Having a Sinking Fund to pay for safety improvements, technology improvements, and repairs would allow the district to preserve the money it receives from the state to support instruction, programs, and salaries.  A bond is a maximum loan amount that must be sold or paid off when it matures.  It cannot be used for salaries, maintenance or operational items.

Would the approval of the sinking fund have any impact on our current school operation budget? Having a Sinking Fund to pay for safety updates, technology improvements, and facility enhancements would allow the district to preserve the money it receives from the state to support student instruction, programs, and salaries.

How will the proposed 2021 sinking fund affect my tax rate? The Sinking Fund millage is calculated using the taxable value of a home, which is usually about half of the assessed value. Columbia School District is proposing a .65 mill sinking fund, which is 65 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation for ten years.  If approved, the increase on current tax rates would be expected to be “Net Neutral” because the district’s 2022 debt millage is expected to drop by the same .65 mill amount.

The drop in debt millage that would cause this to be “Net Neutral” was made possible in part because the Columbia School Board of Education voted last winter to refund its 2013 bonds. Similar to refinancing a home at a better interest rate, the district’s taxpayers were able to benefit. 

Please feel free to contact me directly at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or at 5175926641 with any questions regarding our Sinking Fund program.  I encourage you to engage with the Columbia School District Board, committee members and staff members for more information.  

Mrs. Melissa Adams: Columbia Hero!

Columbia School District has fabulous teachers who have collaborated with each other and focused on positive improvements as the world around us changed.  Columbia teachers learned to teach on new educational platforms and worked to help their students fulfill their academic potential.  At Columbia Options High School, our students had the opportunity to learn History and English Language Arts from one of our teacher Heroes, Mrs. Adams. 

As a Columbia teacher, she has put her heart and soul into reaching out to her students in new and different ways.  Melissa has embraced the opportunity to use the virtual platform to assist her students, and support them to attain academic success.  She has a great rapport with her in person students and uses her creativity and ingenuity, which has allowed her students to continue to learn and grow to their maximum potential.

Mrs. Adams was nominated as a Columbia Hero by Cody Wilcher.  He nominated Mrs. Adams via email and said, “I would like to nominate Melissa Adams as our building’s hero.  She has pursued students that have left the building and encouraged them to come back to finish their education.  When Mrs. Adams learned that she had been nominated as a Columbia Hero, she said, “This is so exciting!  Thank you so much!”

Cody continued writing about his teacher Mrs. Adams by saying she always greets you with a smile on
her face and a fierce firm attitude of “You can Do It!”  He mentioned that she always gives her students the feeling that whether you believe in yourself; she believes in you!  He said that Mrs. Adams is a teacher who makes it clear to her students that they have to get their school work done, or else! He added, “LOL!”  Cody said that Melissa talks about how it is important that her students become successful members of our society.  Cody mentioned that Mrs. Adams is always working to help her students be successful especially during this trying time.

Melissa said, “I love working with my students because they inspire me to become a better person and educator.  Every day they make me want to learn more and do more with them. I love to see their successes. I know that I am where I belong. These students hold my heart.”  “If a student knows they are safe, they are free to learn and bloom,” said Melissa Adams as she was discussing her love for teaching at Columbia Options High School.  Melissa cares a lot for her students and continued by saying, “Each student deserves to know they are special.”  Her focus is to “build students up from the inside out.”  She commented that she tries “to build a relationship based on respect and trust.”  She mentioned that, “A student who is cared for can develop not only the skills required to be an excellent student, but learn those that will build a fulfilling life.”

Melissa talked about her love of teaching and said, “I love to educate the whole child. I love to see them trust themselves.”  As she continued, she said, “I look forward to seeing my students gain the confidence to explore learning. When they learn to unpack information they are given and build their own questions and discoveries, I have done my job.”  As a teacher in Columbia, Mrs. Adams feels that, “In today's world students need to have more than a basic education. I am proud to work in a district where caring staff helps develop today's youth into a strong generation of strong self-reliant adults.”

This summer Mrs. Adams will be teaching summer school and credit recovery for ninth through 12^th graders from Columbia and across the Jackson area.  If you want to learn more about our credit recovery program, call 5175299400.  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District and our programs, email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.

Columbia Hero: Kelly Rentschler!

Columbia School District teachers are Heroes!  Over the past year our teachers have made tremendous strides in learning new innovative distance learning platforms and stretched their skills to increase their effectiveness in a digital environment.  Mrs. Rentschler has had the opportunity to teach our kindergarten through second grade virtual students.  She has retooled her teaching strategies and worked to help her students fulfill their academic potential.  Because of her dynamic teaching strategies and academic activities, Mrs. Rentschler was nominated as a Columbia Hero!

As a Columbia teacher, Kelly Rentschler has put her heart and soul into reaching out to her students in new and different ways.  She has embraced the opportunity to use the virtual platform to assist her students, and support them to attain academic success.  Her creativity and ingenuity has allowed our Columbia Elementary virtual pupils to continue to learn and grow to their maximum potential.

Denise Coolbaugh nominated Mrs. Rentschler as a Columbia Hero.  She wrote about how Mrs. Rentschler has had a tremendous impact on the children in her classroom.  Denise mentioned that, “Kelly has went over above and beyond with our virtual learners making sure each and every one of them receive time.”   Kelly is a passionate teacher who loves going on a learning adventure with her students.  Mrs. Coolbaugh continued commenting on why Mrs. Rentschler is a Hero by saying, “This has been trying times for all of us, yet she is still there and responsive to not only her students but all of us parents too from 3 different grade levels.  I could not even imagine the amount of time she puts in way beyond school hours to make sure these children are staying successful.  Kudos to Mrs. Kelly Rentschler!”

When Mrs. Rentschler heard she had been nominated as a Columbia Hero she said, “I am very excited and honored to have been nominated as a CSD Hero!  I love building meaningful relationships with each child as we build our own little family together.  I love seeing each child happy and excited for school and to learn something new.”  Kelly continued by saying, “Their face when they "get it" is the best thing in the world!  I am also glad to have come full circle and be back where I started, as an Eagle!” If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District and want to be a Golden Eagle, call me at 5175926641 or email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .

Columbia Hero! Mr. Williams

This past year has brought about innumerable changes.  Columbia School District teachers have worked collaboratively to develop innovative programs, learned to teach on new educational platforms and worked to help their students fulfill their academic potential.  Some of our teachers retooled their skills to work with our virtual learners.  One of our virtual teachers, Mr. Williams, was nominated as a Columbia Hero!

As a Columbia teacher, he has put his heart and soul into reaching out to his students in new and different ways.  He has embraced the opportunity to use the virtual platform to assist his students, and support them to attain academic success.  His creativity and ingenuity has allowed our Columbia Upper Elementary virtual pupils to continue to learn and grow to their maximum potential.

Mr. Williams was nominated as a Columbia Hero by the Schoeff’s.  They nominated Mr. Williams via email and said, “Being a virtual teacher certainly has more challenges than normal, but Mr. Williams is always ready with a smile, joke, or fun way to interact with the students on their zoom meetings.”  When Mr. Williams heard that he had been nominated as a Columbia Hero, he said, “Awesome, thank you so much!”

Mr. Williams continued by commenting, “I love working at Columbia with our staff and students because it feels like family.  I love seeing the smiles on students’ faces when a difficult problem finally makes sense.  I love the curiosity and wonder that each student brings to class.  I love the excitement in a child when I relate to something they are passionate about.”Mr. Williams talked about the relationships he has been able to build with his virtual students.  He has been impressed with the tenacity and work ethic of many of his students.  As he talked about his students, he mentioned, “Most importantly, I love that when a student is in my class that they can feel safe and supported in a world that has so much uncertainty in it right now. Even though every day is a new challenge, the students always bring a smile to my face.”

Wrapping up their email to nominate Mr. Williams as a Columbia Hero, Kelly, Olivia & Sophia Schoeff said that, “He definitely makes it fun for us! Thank you Mr. Williams for being our ‘superhero’ of virtual school:-)”  If you see Mr. Williams, tell him congratulations and “Thank You!’ for all he does for our students at Columbia Upper Elementary!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, call me at 5175926641 or email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .

Columbia Hero: Mrs. Van Wagnen!

Over this past year there have been many changes for Columbia administrators, teachers and staff members.  Our community of learners and staff members have collaborated to create additional points of pride and excellence.  Our administrators and teachers have worked together to create new ingenious programs, learned to teach on new educational platforms and through intense cooperation, have benefited their students.  Our Columbia Heroes have put their heart and soul into reaching out to students in new and different ways.  The creativity and ingenuity exhibited by these special staff members have allowed our Columbia pupils to continue to learn and grow.

One of the nominated Heroes is Columbia Upper Elementary principal, Mrs. Van Wagnen.  Mrs. V as her students call her, was nominated as a Columbia Hero by Tina and Larry Caryl.  They wrote that they “are grateful for Mrs. Van Wagnen and all of the teachers and staff.”  They continued by commenting that, “We have such an amazing staff.”

As the leader of Columbia Upper Elementary School, Mrs. V has made an impact on our students and their teachers.  When Jennifer Van Wagnen heard that she had been nominated as a Columbia Hero, she was so humble and thankful.  She immediately gave the credit to her staff and fellow administrators.  Jennifer said that her staff members are hard workers and passionate for the education of their students. 

The Caryl’s mentioned that they appreciated all Mrs. Van Wagnen has done for students over this difficult year.  They said, “Again my words can't come close to expressing our appreciation. These are the hardest times and I know the teachers are doing everything they can to think of each and every student, not just academically but their emotional as well.”  They continued by commenting, “We are grateful!”

When notified that she was nominated as a Columbia Hero, Mrs. V said, “Thank you so much for the nomination!”  Mrs. V’s positive attitude and spirit of encouragement benefits Columbia Upper Elementary School students and those around her each and every day. Mrs. Van Wagnen continued by saying, "My pleasure! I haven’t worked a day in my life since becoming a Golden Eagle. I love the students, the staff and the members of our community, and I feel blessed to live and work in such a great place. We come together during times of adversity and lift each other up. We work together to achieve greatness and I could not be more proud. Every day is a GREAT day to be a Golden Eagle!"

Congratulations to Columbia Upper Elementary School Hero Mrs. Van Wagnen!  Her determination to make a difference in the lives of our students and give them an opportunity to grow and mature, has made a positive impact on hundreds of children.  If you see Mrs. Van  Wagnen, please tell her “Thank You” for all she does each and every day for our students!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, please contact me at 5175926641 or email Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .

Congratulations Columbia Hero Mrs. Denney!

Columbia School District has many terrific teachers.  Our students experience amazing educational opportunities.  Columbia has teachers that are Heroes!  Our community members and parents nominated many of our teachers and staff members for the Columbia Hero Award.  Tina and Larry Caryl nominated Columbia fifth grade teacher Mrs. Denney as a Hero for her work with her students.  Tina and Larry wrote that, Mrs. Denney “has been amazing with the kids!”

They talked about how “Mrs. Denney is constantly thinking about how her lessons impact her students.”  The Caryl’s son commented that Mrs. Denney is his favorite teacher.  Mrs. Denney’s positive attitude and spirit of encouragement benefits her students and those around her each and every day.  The Caryl’s said, that “Mrs. Denney always addresses any concerns and is quick at returning emails.”  They wrote that they “appreciate Mrs. Denney’s care, concern and the hard work she puts into caring for their kids.”

Mr. Moore, Columbia technology teacher, also nominated Mrs. Denney as a Columbia Hero.  He noted that he and Mrs. Denney “always have uplifting conversations.”  He mentioned that he “sees the way she works with all levels of kids” and commented that “Mrs. Denney is very sympathetic to students who are at risk.” 

When notified that she was nominated as a Columbia Hero, Ms. Denney said, “Well, thank you!  This was an uplifting email to receive!”  She continued by saying, “I love working at Columbia because it is home, and every year my classroom feels like a family.  We work hard together and learn so much from each other!  I especially love teaching fifth graders.  They are growing and changing so quickly, and they are becoming individuals with different interests.  They are developing the ability to think more deeply about what they are studying and what is happening around them.  They are eager to help and to support each other.  The students in my class become ‘my kids.’  I love hearing about their adventures and their successes, even long after they leave the fifth grade!”

Congratulations to Columbia Upper Elementary School Hero Meredith Denney!  Her determination to make a difference in the lives of our students and give them an opportunity to grow and mature, has made a positive impact on hundreds of children.  If you see Mrs. Denney, please tell her “Thank You” for all she does each and every day for our students!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, please contact me at 5175926641 or email Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .

Columbia Hero! Congratulations Ms. Kimble!

Innumerable changes have happened this year for Columbia teachers and staff members.  Our teachers have worked together to create new ingenious programs, learned to teach on new educational platforms and through collaboration with their peers, have benefited their students.  Our Columbia Heroes have put their heart and soul into reaching out to their students in new and different ways.  The creativity and ingenuity exhibited by these special teachers have allowed our Columbia pupils to continue to learn and grow.

One of the nominated Heroes is Columbia Central Senior High School resource room teacher, Lauren Kimble.  Ms. Kimble was nominated as a Columbia Hero by Karen Catallo.  Ms. Catallo wrote that, “Lauren has been a rock for us during this school year.”  Ms. Kimble has worked diligently with her students to ensure that they have academic support and the best opportunity to succeed in their classes.  In addition to supporting the students, Ms. Kimble co-teaches and provides support for other teachers to benefit their pupils.

Ms. Catallo continued by saying, “No matter what we need she has been there for us at all times, she maintains a positive attitude and her patience is amazing.”  Ms. Kimble not only works with her students and their families, but she assists in positive activities for all students through the Student Senate.  She works with other teachers and sponsors dances for high school pupils, Homecoming activities and special events for Columbia students.  Additionally, she focuses on improving the educational environment for students by being a class advisor.

When talking about Ms. Kimble, Ms. Catallo wrote, “I have leaned on her a lot and as a very frustrated parent, she has shown me nothing but support and compassion, never making us feel like a burden.  Columbia is very lucky to have her on their team.  She is our hero!!!”

When notified that she was nominated as a Columbia Hero, Ms. Kimble said, “Thank you so much for the nomination!”  She continued by saying, “Each year brings a new group of students and challenges.  I enjoy working with my students and getting to know them personally.  Helping them find ways to be successful and grow as individuals is the most rewarding thing of teaching.”  Ms. Kimble’s positive attitude and spirit of encouragement benefits her students and those around her each and every day. 

Congratulations to Columbia Central High School Hero Lauren Kimble!  Her determination to make a difference in the lives of our students and give them an opportunity to grow and mature, has made a positive impact on hundreds of children.  If you see Ms. Kimble, please tell her “Thank You” for all she does each and every day for our students!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, please contact me at 5175926641 or email Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .