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.

Dedicated Columbia Teacher: Mr. Politowicz

As we approach American Education Week, which is the week prior to Thanksgiving, Columbia School District is celebrating our hard working teachers and staff members.

Jacob Politowicz is a science teacher at Columbia Central Jr – Sr. High School.  Mr. and Mrs. Liebau nominated Mr. Politowicz as an amazing teacher.  They said that, “Jacob brings kindness and care into his classroom on a daily basis.  He has dedicated so much time to his new classes.”

The Libeau’s commented that Mr. Politowicz has taught their daughter for the past three years.  They continued by saying that they are so thankful that she has had such a positive and strong role model in school.  They exclaimed that “she truly loves his class.”  As parents, the Libeau’s said that they know their daughter loves science because Mr. Politowicz has such a growth mindset and strives to create engaging activities.

Mr. Politowicz is in his fourth year teaching at Columbia and appreciates the learning environment at Columbia Central.  He said that, “Columbia is such a welcoming community!”  He continued by saying that, “I've gained friends and amazing coworkers. Administration and other teachers are always willing to go out of their way to help and are always there for other teachers and the students.”  Mr. Politowicz mentioned that he appreciated all of the “opportunities for me as a teacher to grow and perfect my craft, along with all of the opportunities for students to strive and achieve greatness!” He continued talking about teaching science and said, “I enjoy the opportunity to teach at multiple levels watching kids grow and mature over their years at CC.”

In addition to Columbia Central Jr. – Sr. High School students who appreciate Mr. Politowicz, his JV volleyball players have learned a lot about sportsmanship and grit from their coach.  Mr. Politowicz said, “I love to coach! It is an amazing chance to build strong relationships and see the students in a different light then school normally offers.”  

The caring teachers at Columbia are amazing and make a difference for all students. Columbia teachers nurture and educate our children for a successful future, by focusing on learning and relationships.  Our passionate teachers are dedicated top-notch educators and genuinely care about students.  Columbia School District continues to lead the way in Jackson County, from preschool and Early 5’s through high school and adult education; Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow.  Visit us at myeagles.org. 

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.