All the Buzz

Hornet Nation,

Last week was stressful for our school community. I am grateful for the overwhelming number of parents and others who have reached out to not only help us get better, but to express their appreciation for what we do.

We have a truly dedicated staff. I've said it before and I'll say it again -- people who choose education as a career are special. Dedicating your work life to building the next generation is an amazing form of public service. You'll never get monetarily rich doing it, but you are enriched in so many ways.

Another group that has dedicated themselves to building the next generation is our school board. January is School Board Appreciation Month, and we certainly do appreciate ours. Elected by you, the community, school board members approach their work like it is a full-time job. They are citizens whose decisions affect our children and build our community.

School boards are charged with making decisions that can sometimes be quite difficult or require sifting through a great deal of information. They contribute hundreds of hours every year to the Board, while only receiving a stipend of $20 per Board meeting, for which they receive a W-2 and have to claim on their taxes.

Collectively, school board members across the state spend more than 7,500 hours on professional development to keep well-informed of the latest trends in educational leadership, and our members are no exception. Each member is deeply involved in community activities and spend many hours at extracurricular events. Through their dedication, collaboration with staff, and their governance and advocacy, they are building the future of education here in Harrison and across Michigan.

Thank you for choosing Harrison Community Schools.

In partnership and with Hornet Pride,

Judy

Judy Walton

juwalton@harrisonschools.com

989.539.7871

The staff of Harrison Community Schools, in the spirit of a growing and changing community, pledge to educate all students by teaching the District Curriculum and beyond, ensuring the development of responsible learners prepared to take an active role in a complex society.

Honesty: We believe in being truthful in our actions and communications, and fostering a culture of honesty, trust, and integrity.

Openness: We believe in a culture of collaboration and transparency, where students, staff, and families openly share ideas and information.

Respect: We believe in an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all, and we value the diverse background of each individual.

Neighborliness: We believe in being welcoming and inviting to each person who walks through our doors. We also believe in being a good neighbor beyond our schools’ walls, actively engaged with our local community, and instilling a sense of civic pride and responsibility.

Excellence: We believe in striving for excellence in all we do, and encouraging both academic and personal growth through hard work and commitment.

Trust: We believe in a culture of reliability and confidence, where students, staff, and families work together to foster trust.

Stewardship: We believe in embedding good stewardship and governance into our decisionmaking to ensure long-term success and well being.

Deputy Nick Oster, who spent 12 years as the HCS School Resource Officer (2010-2022), is back! When Deputy Chinavare decided to take a position with the Clare Police Department, Deputy Oster jumped at the opportunity to return. "I'm excited to be back, and I really missed being with the kids," Deputy Oster said.

A graduate of Houghton Lake High School and the Kirtland Police Academy, Deputy Oster's mantra is "pride in keeping kids safe, and holding parents accountable" in truancy matters.

Source: https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Talking-to-Parents.pdf

Cheer Competition

In this issue, we are featuring Betsy Ulicki. Mrs. Ulicki was elected to the Board in 2020.

• Number of Children in HCS: One high schooler.

• Job/Position Outside of BOE: School Counselor.

• Why I Ran for BOE: I ran for the school board because I saw a need for more parents to become involved in our school systems. I was excited to be able to have a voice and vote in district decisions.

• Hobbies/Interests: I love to do event and party planning, spend time with my family, and read.

• One Thing I Wish More People Knew About BOE: One thing I wish people knew about the board is that we are presented with many challenging issues and have to make decisions based on information we have available. Posting hurtful things on social media does not change school board operations. We are all doing our best and want the best for all kids.

Implementing a Support System to Maximize Student Growth and Behavior

By June 2030, the district will fully implement a multi-tiered system of support for all students in academics and behavior, with the target of at least 80% of students meeting or exceeding their individual growth goals. Additionally, we aim to reduce negative behaviors and increase positive behaviors, as measured by a 20% decrease in behavioral incidents and a 25% increase in positive behavior referrals, through targeted interventions and ongoing staff training.

Academics ~ Guaranteed & Viable Curriculum: Implement a guaranteed and viable curriculum and provide tiered delivery of supports in order to reach all students in all areas.

Systems ~ Framework (General): Improve our systems using the MDE MTSS Practice Profile as our framework.

SEL ~ PBIS Student Support Network: Implement an effective system of support in behavior/SEL in order to promote healthy social and emotional development.

Along with the new state superintendent and five other superintendents from across Michigan, Dr. Walton met with Attorney General Dana Nessel to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts on education. Especially in our area, the impact of losing federal funds meant to support rural and/or high poverty districts is keenly felt. The roundtable was hosted by East Lansing Public Schools, and was facilitated by the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators.

From the City of Harrison:

We are excited to host a Young Entrepreneur Showcase where kids and teens can sell their items, share their ideas, and shine!

This event is designed to encourage creativity, confidence, and leadership in young makers and business minds.

February 28, 2026
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Venue on Main
Ages 5–18

Whether your child already has a small business or is ready to try selling for the first time, this is a supportive and exciting opportunity to get involved.

Click here for the registration form.

2025-2026 Calendar

Linked below.

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 3105 on our website.

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).

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.

Kendra Durga, President (12/31/28) -- James Neff, Vice President (12/31/26) --

Therese Haley , Secretary (12/31/30) -- Chelsea Roland, Treasurer (12/31/30) --

Betsy Ulicki, Trustee (12/31/26) -- Carrie Whitaker, Trustee (12/31/28) --

Mick Haley, Trustee (12/31/26)

28: Half day for students (staff professional learning in the afternoon)

February

2: Committee of the Whole Meeting (5:30 pm, Board Room)

6: No school for students (full day of professional learning for staff)

9: No school for students or staff (Mid-Winter Break)

9: Board of Education Meeting (5:30 pm, Board Room)

• Early Childhood Learning Center, 989.539.6902 (Principal Sandy Hargraves, shargraves@harrisonschools.com)
• Larson Elementary, 989.539.3259 (Principal Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Krystal Watrous, kwatrous@harrisonschools.com)
• Middle School, 989.539.7194 (Principal Jennifer Thrush, jthrush@harrisonschools.com, Executive Dean of Students Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
• High School, 989.539.7417 (Principal Joe Ashcroft, jjashcroft@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com, Student Success Officer Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)

Superintendent, 989.539.7871 (Judy Walton, juwalton@harrisonschools.com)

Special Education (Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)

Homeless Child/Youth Services (Shannon Haines, shaines@harrisonschools.com)

Bus Services, 989.539.7082 (Gary Boegart, Director)