Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
We are about to head into our last full month of school, with students' last day being June 6. In many schools across our country right now, students (and staff too) may have countdowns going on, in the form of "X" number of early wake-ups left, or "X" number of school days left," etc.
Counting down to summer is understandable, and we all likely did it as kids. But what if we also looked at those days left as "X" number of learning opportunities remaining? For example, counting April 30, we have 27 days of learning left. As we partner between home and school, how might we make the most out of those days, so that we finish the year as strong as we started it? I know that's not nearly as fun, but every day of school is important and one of our promises to you is that meaningful learning will take place each day.
We do want to finish this year strong, even as we are already deep in planning for our next school year. Our first day of school will be August 18, and stay tuned for announcements during the summer as to open house schedules for each school.
Finally, I want to recognize the two retirees that we have as of this printing date: Tammi Lewis and Cindy Scare. Both have dedicated their professional careers to serving children and families, and a life of public service that has truly been impactful and significant. We wish you well in your next set of adventures!
Thank you for choosing Harrison Community Schools. In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
Interested in Volunteering?
Would you like to be more involved in your child's school? Do you have time during the school day or just after to volunteer? We would welcome you with open arms!
In order to volunteer, you simply fill out and submit an iChat form (linked below). This enables us to run a criminal background check in short order, to ensure the safety of all students you may come into contact with. Assuming nothing of concern shows up, you are all set to help out wherever your school may need you. The principal of each building determines the needs, and works with approved volunteers to meet those needs; some schools may have more needs than others. If you would like to view our Board Policies in regard to volunteering, please view Board Policy 4205 on our website.
Excused Absences
When communicating that your child will be absent, the following are coded as "excused" per Board Policy 5301:
- the student’s physical or mental illness (verification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner is required after 4 consecutive days of absence for illness);
- severe weather;
- medical appointments for the student;
- death or serious illness of the student’s family member;
- attendance at a funeral, wedding, or graduation;
- appearance at court or for other legal matters;
- observance of religious holidays of the student’s own faith;
- college planning visits; and
- personal or family vacations (form must be completed and turned in at least five (5) days beforehand; see principal for form).
The ABCs of a BOE Meeting
All Board meetings are open to the public, and are conducted in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. On rare occasions, the Board may go into closed session, but only as allowed by the OMA.
If it is your first time attending a Board meeting, you may not be familiar with the structure. Make sure you pick up an agenda on your way in, and if you intend to speak during the portion designated for public comments, please pick up a copy of Board Policy 2504, which is near the copies of the agenda. This will explain the parameters of the public comment portion of the agenda.
As you observe the Board conduct its business, the agenda will guide you. Common agenda sections are as follows:
- Opening of the Meeting (welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, additions/corrections to agenda/minutes, building instructional highlight, any other "organizational" items)
- Consent Agenda (items for approval that do not require a roll-call vote, and without objection from a Board member, can be considered all together)
- Non-Consent Agenda (one or more items that require a separate roll-call vote, such as budget approval)
- Informational Items (examples include resignations, other presentations, etc.)
- Public Comments (3 minutes each, Board members do not respond during the 3 minutes so that each speaker gets their full time; after, Board members may, but do not have to, pose questions or make statements)
- Communication (Superintendent's Report - includes subject matter of public comments; any other Board communication)
- Discussion Items (other matters any Board member may choose to speak about; may relate to public comments but not required)
- Adjournment
Within 8 business days of the meeting, minutes are posted on our website.
See below for information on our next meeting.
