All the Buzz
HCS News and Information -- September 20, 2025
Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
Last weekend, I posted a reminder on our FaceBook page that all property owned by HCS is non-smoking, non-vaping, and non-tobacco. The reminder was needed because we had an issue at Friday night's football game (both near the field and in the Larson parking lot), as well as during youth football on Saturday morning. I'm always honest with you - I was gobsmacked at the amount of negative reactions.
Certainly, times have changed. When I was in high school (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth), we had a designated smoking spot for those 16 and older with parental permission. The plume of smoke in the hallway every time the teachers' lounge door opened was always obvious. But, as Maya Angelou stated, "when we know better, we do better."
Today, there are federal and state laws prohibiting it the use of such products on school grounds and many other sites. Our own Board Policy 3102 goes even further. Regardless, the more important piece is doing what is best for our kids. Complying with the policy advances four positive pieces: 1) it models healthy behavior; 2) it protects against secondhand smoke exposure; 2) it discourages use by students, for whom use is illegal; and 4) it encourages quitting. No one is making a moral judgment on adults who choose to smoke, vape, or chew, but it does recognize the scientific fact that such use is unhealthy.
Unfortunately, we do have students who smoke and/or vape, and who try to use in school. We attempt to combat it in many different ways, including prohibiting use on our property by all students, visitors, and guests. We work really hard when we discover a student who is smoking or vaping to teach them about the negative health consequences, how companies use the chemical components in their products to create addiction, and the use of advertising to appeal to youth. Consequences are progressive over time for repeat offenses.
I know we all desire to be good role models for all of the youth in our community. Please respect our policy. Our kids are definitely worth it.
Thank you for choosing Harrison Community Schools. In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
The Clare County Cleaver's front page story last week featured our very own Mr. Quinton Larion, Director of Bands. Click on the link and read one of the best human interest stories around!
Even better, come to one of our remaining home football games and see him lead the band. One year later, we remain Hornet Proud that Mr. Larion has returned to his alma mater.
GEO-CON CLASS IN 3RD YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL
Harrison High School’s Geometric Construction Class has ALREADY built two beautiful 8x12 greenhouses, applying the skills they’ve learned in both math and construction
- Built by students with care and craftsmanship
- Perfect for extending your growing season
- Supports a hands-on, real-world classroom experience
The greenhouses are for sale to cover material costs and to help maintain tools, supplies, and equipment for this unique program. Your purchase directly supports student learning and innovation. Please call the high school if interested.
Mrs. Cohee gets the kids moving.
Mrs. Winters helps a student count.
Mrs. Cooper guides her students' writing.
DOT DAY
WAS FUN
FOR EVERYONE
Reading buddies are the best.
Taking care of the woods behind Larson.
Using manipulatives in fifth-grade math.
Art Special with Mrs. Merillat.
Brain work in STEM Special.
Double slide = double fun.
In this issue, we are featuring Kendra Durga, who was first appointed to the Board in 2020 and won re-election in 2022. She is currently the Board President, having been selected by her peers in 2023, 2024 , and 2025.
- Number of Children in HCS: Four.
- Job/Position Outside of BOE: SAHM, business delivery for the Cleaver, Friends Ministry volunteer and youth sports volunteer.
- Why I Ran for BOE: I grew up with my own Dad providing me with an excellent example of school board service as a BOE member for most of my youth. Once I had my own kids I always hoped I'd be able to have a similar role in their education. When we moved to Harrison and a board seat became vacant a few years later, it seemed like the ideal time to begin my service. With four kids being educated in our district, I have a lot of "skin in the game" for making HCS the best it can be.
- One Thing I Wish More People Knew About BOE: I would like them to know that there is a learning curve to being a solid BOE member. We spend a lot of time educating ourselves about all aspects of governing a school district; budgets, policies, state and federal laws, etc. We are a group of well intentioned people that truly have the best interests of kids at heart. I'd also love for people to understand that so much of what frustrates them is actually dictated by state laws and not by BOE decisions at the local level. So many times we are the scapegoat for people's displeasure with legislative decisions far beyond our control. As the financial fiduciary for the district, following these state laws is required in order to obtain the funding necessary to best provide for our learners.
RECOGNIZING
SUICIDE
PREVENTION DAY
SENIOR FOCUS
DAY AT
MID MICHIGAN
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 3105 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.
