Mott Middle Messages
March 2026
Mott Middle College Mission Statement
MMC prepares high school students for a successful work and educational future through full integration of high school, community college and the world of work.
What is March Known For:
March is known for the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, unpredictable weather, March Madness basketball, and celebrations like St. Patrick's Day and Mardi Gras. It's also designated as Women's History Month, and often includes the beginning of Daylight Saving Time.
The Fun Starts Here:
March 2026
- March 5th - Parent Teacher Conferences 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Students Dismissed at 12:05 p.m.
- March 6th - Students Dismissed at 12:05 p.m.
- March 9th - 13th - Mott Community College Spring Break
- March 27th - MMC's Got Talent - Talent Show Early Release 2:30 p.m.
- March 27th - 12 Week Progress Reports
- March 30th - April 3rd - Mott Middle College SPRING BREAK
April 2026
- March 30th - April 3rd - Mott Middle College SPRING BREAK
- April 6th - Students Return From Spring Break
- April 15th - TESTING
- M-STEP (11th grade - Science and Social Studies)
- April 16th - TESTING
- WIN (11th grade)
- April 17th - NO SCHOOL - Staff Professional Development Day
- April 20th - WIN-MSTEP - Make Ups 11th grade
- April 21st - TESTING SAT/PSAT 9th - 11th grades
- April 21st - Earth Day
- April 22nd - Steel Band Spring Concert
- April 23rd - SAT/PSAT - Make Ups
- April 24th - 16 Week Marking Period - Semester Ends
- April 24th - Students Dismissed at 12:05 p.m.
- April 27th - SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS
- APRIL 30th ALL TESTING MUST BE COMPLETED
ALL IN APRIL
Officer Sara Gleason, School Resource Officer, encourages students to maintain perfect attendance during the month of April.
All students who have NO TARDIES AND NO ABSENCES in all classes WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING for a $20 gift card. One student name will be drawn. All other students entered in the drawing will receive a PRO CARD and Donuts on May 1st.
About HOPE SQUAD
The Mott Middle College HOPE SQUAD Sponsor is Ms. Cox which meets five times a week.
Peer Nomination: Students vote for peers they believe are trustworthy, caring, and good listeners to be on the Hope Squad.
Training: Nominated students receive training from advisors and mental health professionals on how to recognize signs of struggling peers and how to offer support.
Intervention: Hope Squad members are trained to talk to a peer who is struggling, listen to them, and help persuade them to seek support from a school counselor or other trusted adult.
Reporting: If a peer's concerns cannot be resolved by the Hope Squad member, the member is trained to inform a school counselor, who can then reach out to the student and their parents for further help.
Awareness & Stigma Reduction: Hope Squads also work to promote mental health awareness throughout the entire school, reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues.
Key aspects
National Program: Hope Squad is a nationwide, evidence-based program with a goal of preventing youth suicide.
Community Support: The program encourages a collaborative effort between students, staff, and the community to support student mental health.
Empowering Students: It empowers students to be proactive in supporting their peers and creating a culture of hope and connection within their schools. AI Overview
Steel Bands Directed by - Mr. James Coviak and Mr. Jason Russell
Kenneth Edson (not pictured) First Division - Marimba Proficiency. Kenneth is currently in Europe with the Flint Youth Symphony.
Oliver Houston Second Division Marimba Proficiency
William Strong Second Division Piano Proficiency
Scoring
At District Competition, each student (or group of students) is evaluated by one judge and rated on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the highest rating possible . Students (or groups) that earn a rating of 1 (or "Superior") are qualified for State Solo & Ensemble Festival which is held in March. The basic structure of State Solo & Ensemble Festival is the same as District, but the students are held to a higher standard.
Each of these students earned a "1 rating" at District to qualify for State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Each of these soloists performed Proficiency Exams which included scales and sight reading at State Solo and Ensemble Festival and all three students received medals for their performance.
Harman Williams
Harman Williams applied and was accepted on the Mott Commmunity College trip to Accra, Ghana. He worked as a buisness consultant, visited schools and assisted the community with business ideas. Harman was in Accra, Ghana from February 26 to March 8th.
Mott Community College's (MCC) Global Business Immersion trip to Ghana for 2026, featured real-world learning, market analysis, and cultural exchange. The program, associated with Global Brigades, focused on supporting local entrepreneurs and sustainable economic development, with fundraising efforts (Double Good Popcorn). Global Brigades +1
Key Details Regarding the 2026 Trip
- Focus: Global Business immersion, included work with local teams on financial literacy, banking, and economic opportunities.
- Purpose: Provided students with international business experience, the study of global markets, and engagement in cultural exchange.
- Partnership: MCC is a chapter of Global Brigades, which helps coordinate these initiatives.
Global Brigades +1
What do Global Brigades do? We are an international non-profit that uniquely implements a holistic model to meet a community's health and economic goals. Our model systematically builds community ownership and collaboratively executes programs with the end goal of sustainably transitioning to a relationship of impact monitoring.
GHANA
Ghana, country of western Africa, situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. Although relatively small in area and population, Ghana is one of the leading countries of Africa, partly because of its considerable natural wealth and partly because it was the first black African country south of the Sahara to achieve independence from colonial rule. Wikipedia +4
Ghana is a highly multilingual country with over 80 indigenous languages, though English is the official language used in government, education, and business. The most widely spoken indigenous language is Akan (specifically Twi), used by nearly half the population, followed by Ewe, Da. AI Overview
Karolein Orozco's Internship is in HAMBURG.
Hamburg is not located inside another state; it is its own federal state (Bundesland) known as the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. As a city-state, it serves as both a municipality and a state, making it one of Germany's 16 federal states. It is located in Northern Germany, surrounded by Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. Wikipedia +4
Key Details About Hamburg's State Status:
- City-State Status: Hamburg, along with Berlin and Bremen, is one of Germany's three city-states.
- Geography: It is officially located in Northern Germany, bordering the states of Schleswig-Holstein to the north and Lower Saxony to the south, according to the
- Germany is a leading federal parliamentary republic in Central Europe, known as an economic powerhouse with the EU's largest population (approx. 83 million). Known as the "Land of Poets and Thinkers," it has a rich history, significant cultural impact, and is famous for its beer, over 3,000 types of bread, engineering, and iconic landmarks like the Black Forest. AI Overview
Karolein with Host Family
Chloe Wooten- "FURever Loved"
Chloe Wooten submitted an application a few weeks ago to the Mott Foundation Youth Choice Awards. Ms. Hackett worked with Chloe on her application. Chloe had to pick a project, describe the project, explain why this was important to her, and describe how her project would help the community. Chloe had some help for her project from Camara Southward and Phaijah Jett. The title of the project was "FURever Loved".
We are happy to announce that Chloe Wooten's submission to The Mott Foundation Youth Choice Awards was chosen to receive $1,926.00 to use for her project.
Chloe's project was to help the animals in Flint. Chloe plans to divide the money between Streethearts Animal Rescue, The Humane Society, and Genesee County Animal Care (the name has just recently been changed from Genesee County Animal Control). Ms. Hackett wlll accompany Chloe, Phaijah and Camara on a shopping trip and then deliver the items to these great organizations. Please tell them "Congratulations!"
Mr. Stan Page and Ms. Joette Carpenter, Intern
Mr. Stan Page, Early College Social Worker at Mott Middle College, was recognized along with his intern, Ms. Joette Carpenter, for their ongoing service to students and staff at MMC.
School social workers are licensed mental health professionals who act as the vital link between home, school, and community to support students' academic, social, and emotional success. They address barriers to learning—such as trauma, poverty, or mental health issues—by providing counseling, crisis intervention, and connecting families with community resources. AI Overview
Officer SARA GLEASON
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a sworn law enforcement officer assigned to schools on a long-term basis, trained to provide a safe learning environment through a tripartite role: law enforcer, law-related educator, and mentor/counselor. They collaborate with school administration, implement safety protocols, investigate crimes, and build positive relationships with students. AI Overview
Children's Champion Award Breakfast
6th hour
7th hour
Zion Brown First Place - Dance Routine
JaNiyah Thorns -Second Place - Spoken Word
Oliver Houston Third Place - Marimba
Isaiah Chatelain-Gilmore
Isaiah Chatelain-Gilmore won two 1st Place Medals and one 2nd Place Medal at the Regional Championship Karate Event held in Bensonville, Illinois. Isaiah has been practicing karate for 3 years and is a 1st Degree Black Belt. Way to Represent Isaiah!!!
What is Karate:
Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art originating from Okinawa, specializing in "empty hand" combat techniques like punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and open-hand techniques. It focuses on self-defense, discipline, and physical/mental development, often structured around kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). AI Overview
Happy Birthday Ms. Rivard!
On Thursday, March 12th, the staff and students celebrated Ms. Rivard for her birthday. Ms. Rivard has been an English teacher and ancillary employee of Mott Middle College for over 34 years. To the celebration of her life and service to MMC Ms. Rivard replied, "I was just overwhelmed by the love and caring shown me by staff and students on my special day. Mott Middle College means the world to me and I am so glad my life journey brought me here with all these special people."
February Students of the Month
Heart of the Hallways (Compassionate, consistently shows kindness. Integrity: Does the “right thing”. Stewardship treats the school with care and respect.)
· 1st year: Janiyah Key
· 2nd year: Mikayla Johnson
· 3rd year: Jenai Willis
· 4th year: Marcus Burden
· 5th year: Josiah Deloney
· Students Choice: Lon’Dyn Lane
FOR INTEREST IN ITEMS FROM THE PANTRY CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
Items can be picked up or delivered. Contact the main office at (810) 232 8530.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S1DUj-PWXg4g49g1TBhlJO0FPL_J9RRVCy0v3l2kg8k/edit
Class of 1997
My time at Mott Middle College was a formative turning point in my life. I leaned into my teachers, and they poured into me encouragement, their time, and genuine care, which motivated me to push myself to do better. Every teacher, along with Dr. Chery Wagonlander and the office staff, showed kindness and belief in me. They saw my potential before I could see it myself and helped shape a vision that set me on my own purposeful journey.
Enrolling in Steel Band deepened my dedication, strengthened my determination, and built my sense of responsibility to always give my very best. For the first time, I felt real hope and excitement about my future. Traveling beyond what I had ever known—flying eight hours over the Atlantic to London, surrounded by new accents, unfamiliar languages, and breathtaking Renaissance architecture—gave me a profound perspective on how one individual can create change in the world. Competing in a Steel Drum competition in London, England inspired me to strive for more.
As a first-generation high school graduate, first-generation college graduate, and first-generation graduate degree recipient in my immediate family, I am blessed and deeply grateful for the wisdom, knowledge, and experiences that shaped who I am today. Since graduation in 1997 I have held numerous jobs working in service and attending college.
Since beginning my journey at Mott Community College in 1997, I have remained committed to growth, service, and education. After earning my Associate’s degree, I completed my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at Central Michigan University in 2005 and later obtained my Master’s in Rural and Urban School Leadership from the University of Arkansas–Little Rock in 2019. Over the years, I have worked various jobs in service, including hospitality and public schools, while volunteering to build experience and strengthen my interpersonal skills.
I taught for 15 years across rural Delta and Central Arkansas, working in five different school districts and building lasting connections within each community. One of the most exciting, challenging, and humbling experiences of my career was living and serving as the Student Success Coordinator on Beaver Island—the most remote island in Lake Michigan, I worked at Beaver Island Community School for three years. Having traveled to 15 states and served diverse communities, each step of my journey has shaped my strength, determination, wisdom, and deep appreciation for community, culture, and the human spirit and resiliency. I currently serve as Dean of Students at an elementary school in Northern Michigan, continuing to lead with purpose, resilience, and heart.
My advice to MMC current students is:
● Success begins with character. Always choose to do what is good for others and lead with kindness in your words and actions. The way you treat people matters and will shape your reputation far more than achievements alone.
● Dream big and write those dreams down. Keep a journal for your goals, ideas, and reflections. Each day, write down 5–10 things you are grateful for—simple or big. Gratitude builds a positive mindset and helps you stay grounded even during challenges.
● Build healthy habits early. Stay active by moving your body at least 30 minutes a day—walk, bike, stretch, or strength train. Fuel your body with good nutrition and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. A healthy body supports a strong mind.
● Surround yourself with people who encourage, motivate, listen to you, and keep you safe. Choose friends who inspire you to grow. Avoid speaking negatively about others—your words should uplift, not tear down.
● Volunteer whenever you can. Serving others builds valuable skills, strengthens connections, and helps you discover your purpose.
● High school is not just about grades—it’s about becoming the person you are meant to be. Choose growth, choose kindness, and choose habits that will help you succeed in life.
FAQ's
What is March Madness? March Madness is the popular nickname for the annual NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, a 68-team, single-elimination competition played primarily in March to determine the U.S. college basketball champion. It is not an NBA event, but rather a college tournament featuring 7 rounds over 3 weeks, culminating in the Final Four. AI Overview
MMC 4 Learner Outcomes
(These Learner Outcomes are the foundational elements of student success and the basis for the 5th year Exit Portfolio and Presentation in May of the graduation year.)
In this presentation students must describe how they meet the criteria for each Learner Outcome in addition to building their presentation around the 4 Xello - EDP Questions:
Who Am I?, Where Am I Going?, How Am I Going To Get There?and Who Will Help?
1. Self-Directed Learner
● Takes responsibility for own learning.
● Practices and extends learning processes.
● Applies knowledge set goals/plans.
● Self-evaluates – is aware of own thinking and resists impulsivity.
2. Effective Communicator
● Expresses ideas clearly, both orally and in writing
● Demonstrates capable listening and reading skills.
● Communicates through a variety of mediums and purposes.
● Communicates with diverse audiences.
3. Creative/Complex Thinker
● Accesses, evaluates, integrates information.
● Uses a variety of reasoning strategies (15) for managing complex situations/issues.
● Generates new ways of viewing.
● Seeks accuracy & clarity.
● Perseveres
4. Cooperative Group Member
● Possesses effective interpersonal skills.
● Evaluates/manages individual behavior in a positive manner.
● Participates constructively in cooperative learning groups
● Demonstrates sensitivity towards others
