Board Briefs is a monthly newsletter published after Board of Education meetings. For additional information, please contact the Communications Department at 591-0852.

The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Davison Middle School Principal Josie Paquette and the Mezzo Voce student singing group. Mezzo Voce (“meht-soh voh-chay” Italian for “middle voices”) was created in 2016 as an avenue for gifted and talented musicians in 6th-8th grade to share their song in the local community and statewide. Singers grow in their ability to use vocal technique and music knowledge to move the hearts of their audience. The unity and community that Mezzo Voce singers experience in rehearsals and concerts make for a truly unforgettable singing experience.

Gates Elementary teacher Mrs. Cindy McCollum has been named as the December recipient of the Kids First award.

Each month, administrators nominate a DCS employee or contracted staff member who best exemplifies what it means to be “Kids First.” Winners receive a $100 Visa gift card thanks to Mark Owen, owner of MEEMIC insurance, and a certificate. The winner is chosen at random.

Cindy was nominated by Gates Elementary Principal Mrs. Natalie Miller, who wrote:

"I am delighted to nominate Cindy McCollum, a highly dedicated and exceptional third-grade teacher at Gates Elementary School, for the Kids First Award. In the time I have worked with her, I have had the privilege of observing Cindy’s profound commitment to her students’ academic growth and personal development, making her a vital asset to our school community.

Cindy’s approach to teaching is innovative and student-centered. She thoughtfully designs and implements curriculum that engages students and fosters a love of learning. Each moment of the school day is spent meeting the academic needs of her students. Her use of flexible seating is a testament to her understanding of diverse learning styles, as she creates an environment that supports collaboration, comfort, and focus.

Beyond her expertise in the classroom, Cindy’s genuine care for her students sets her apart. She takes the time to truly know each child, understanding their unique strengths, challenges and aspirations. Whether it’s providing additional support for a struggling student, celebrating achievements, or simply being a compassionate listener, Cindy consistently goes above and beyond to meet her students' needs both academically and personally. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, as she works tirelessly to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

Recently, the family of one of her students found themselves in a very difficult situation. Not only did she purchase items for the student and family, but she supported them by taking their laundry home to wash. Additionally, she provided the student with supports at school designed to help ensure that other students had no idea what was happening outside the school walls, thus taking some of the social pressures off the student. This is just one example of the ‘extra mile’ that Cindy repeatedly goes for your students.

Cindy truly embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator. Her passion, dedication and unwavering care make her an inspiration to both her students and colleagues. I am incredibly fortunate and proud to have her as part of our Gates team and celebrate her well-deserved recognition as a Kids First employee!"

Pictured below are Superintendent Matt Lobban, Gates Elementary Principal Mrs. Natalie Miller, Mrs. Cindy McCollum and Board President Holly Halabicky.

We are very fortunate to have many, many dedicated individuals from our community who are passionate and loyal in their support and service to the students and staff at Davison Community Schools. To acknowledge these fine citizens, we have established the Cardinal Spirit award.

Individuals can be nominated by any DCS staff member. Once a month, the building principal can submit one name for that month's drawing. We are pleased to announce that our winner for December is Jason Ford of Cottage Inn Pizza. He was nominated by Davison Middle School Principal Mrs. Josie Paquette, who wrote:

"Jason Ford probably doesn’t even realize that he has been an integral part of getting many of our Davison Middle School positive and preventative initiatives up and running smoothly. Jason owns The Cottage Inn here in Davison. The Cottage Inn is a restaurant specializing in pizza. Immediately upon ownership, he relayed to my secretary that he was willing to help out with our schools whenever we needed it. He has fulfilled that promise! He has readily donated food for our events. Here are a few of our programs he has assisted with, however, I do know that there are so many other activities and events across the district that he has also contributed to.

Each year at DMS, we try to build connections with our new-to-the-district students by giving them designated opportunities to interact with our Student Ambassadors. One such activity is a New Student luncheon held at DMS in our Community Room. It can be nerve-wracking to be the new student on campus. Fortunately, there’s nothing like “breaking bread” with peers to help our new students make new friends. The food Jason donated for this event has helped to welcome new students into our community with open arms.

Jason is also one of our Hope Squad Community Members. In collaboration with our DMS counselors, Joni Clemons and Sarah Abraham, Jason has committed to providing support in the form of comfort food during Hope Squad events. Our DMS Hope Squad of students go through intensive training to be a preventive mental health support for some of our most at-risk students.

In addition to supporting these great student-driven preventative initiatives, he is a big supporter of our Davison Community Athletics program. He donates box lunches for coaches, staff and students for the away football games. Cottage Inn provides Davison Cheerleaders the opportunity to hold their annual fundraiser on site. This fundraiser is very important to the success and growth of the program. Jason also helps out with the athletic banquet every year in providing students, staff and family members with a delicious meal. As you can see, there are many ways in which Jason is showing Cardinal Spirit. Jason is consistently reaching out, and offering ways that he can support our kids and essentially our Davison community. You will hear Jason say, “What can I do to help? Is there anything else I can do to support you?”

Thank you for modeling “Where kids come first and futures begin” and for instilling a positive and collaborative spirit here in Cardinal Country."

Pictured below are Davison Middle School Counselor Mrs. Joni Clemons, Superintendent Matt Lobban, Jason Ford, Board President Holly Halabicky and Davison Middle School Principal Mrs. Josie Paquette.

Davison High School senior Jesus Frias Martinez has been selected as the Davison Educational Foundation's (DEF) Cardinal Kid for the month of December.

Each month, one student from Davison Community Schools is selected as the Cardinal Kid winner for his/her efforts to better the community. The recipient is honored at a Board of Education meeting and receives a $100 gift card for themselves and $100 to donate to their worthy cause.

Jesus was nominated by Thomson Elementary teacher Ms. Staci Maule, who wrote:

"Mr. Martinez has quickly become a vital part of my kindergarten classroom. He is our teacher cadet, and my students have become attached to him. They look forward to his arrival every day. I have two Spanish-speaking students this year, and he has jumped right in to assist with translating materials and directions and goes above and beyond to help them transition into Kindergarten. He recalls his time in the then Miss Tritten's room, now Mrs. Williams, as difficult because he shared that he knew no English when he began, so he understands my students' struggles. He has started teaching my class a Spanish word of the day as the other students have grown interested in the language. Mr. Martinez consistently soars above any expectations I had when agreeing to have a teacher cadet back in June. I am constantly impressed by his gentleness with the students and his ability to take the lead when given a task."

Pictured below: Davison Educational Foundation President Todd Ferguson, Thomson Elementary teachers Mrs. Emily Williams and Ms. Staci Maule, Jesus, Board President Holly Halabicky and Superintendent Matt Lobban.

The District and fellow board members said goodbye to Trustees Karen Conover and Matthew Smith Jr., who served their last meeting as members of the Davison Board of Education on December 2.

Mrs. Conover has served on the Board of Education for 36.5 years. She did not seek re-election in November. During her tenure, she has served in various roles including President, Secretary and Trustee.

Mr. Smith was elected to the board in 2019.

Pictured below are left to right, Trustee Karen Conover, Board President Holly Halabicky, Trustee Matthew Smith Jr. and Superintendent Matt Lobban.

In December of 2018, the Michigan Legislature passed a package of laws in order to facilitate greater school safety statewide. As a part of those new laws, by January 1, 2025, a school district “shall develop an emergency operations plan (EOP) for each school building operated by the school district.”

Genesee County has been very proactive in emergency planning. Working with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and the GISD, the District has had a county-wide safety plan in place for years that is reviewed and updated annually.

The Board first approved the District’s Emergency Operations Plan in July of 2019 and reaffirmed its support of the District’s Emergency Operations Plan at the December Board of Education meeting.

The low bid of $317,500 was approved by Board of Education members to build a pole-style storage building on property next to Cardinal Station. The barn will be partly used to store curriculum supplies that the District can buy in bulk to save costs. Director of Operations Christine Kuzinski and Supt. Matt Lobban met with members of the Board's Buildings, Grounds and Transportation Committee on November 27 to review the bid documents. The committee supported awarding the low bid as recommended to J.G. Morris, Jr., Inc. in the amount of $317,500.

Cardinal Station is located on Lapeer Road and houses the District's Transportation, Food Services and Maintenance departments as well as Davison Community Enrichment and Recreation.

Board members gave their support to the Davison Area Recreation Plan. The five-year plan was up for renewal and is required in order to apply for certain grants offered through the Department of Natural Resources. The District, along with Davison Township and the City of Davison, participate in the development of the Plan.

The following donations were gratefully acknowledged:

• Trinity Quilters donated 18 handmade quilts to the Davison Community Schools. The quilts will be given to students in need of warm bedding.
• Richfield Reaching Methodist Church donated eight boxes of shoes, four bags of hats and gloves and one bag of leggings to Siple Elementary.
• First Baptist Church donated developmentally appropriate toys for the ECSE classroom at Thomson Elementary.
• The Fraternal Order of Police donated $1,000 to a family in need of housing.
• Andrew and Stephanie Thomas donated uniforms for the Science Olympiad competitions to help support team members who need assistance with the cost.