Spring 2016

a publication of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
Spring 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
• Let’s Tell Our Students & Families
About the Promise!
• Weekly Tech Webinars
• Consumers Energy Boosts Reading
• Security & Technology Millage
• Math Recovery: Early Mathematics
• Law Day 2016 Asks Tough
Questions about Security, Privacy
and Students’ Rights
• Self-Management Practices
for Students with Autism
Spectrum Disorder
• First Author Writing
Curriculum Series
• Light It Up Blue!
• Optimists Honor Top Students
• Expressions 2016
• Muskegon County Crisis Response
• Wesley Writers
• Annual Event Connects
Students with Opportunities
• Students Shine In Future Health
Professionals Competition
• CTC Students Top In State in
Cybersecurity Competition
• New Registration System -
ABC Signup

Let’s Tell Our Students & Families
About the Muskegon Area Promise!
A letter from MAISD Superintendent John Severson, Ph.D.
Superintendent
John Severson, Ph.D.
This spring Megan Byard,
our College Access
Specialist and I have been
sharing the news of the
fully funded Promise with
parents, school board
members, school staff,
business leaders, community
members, and even
local Realtors! You may
remember the Muskegon
Area Promise surpassed the
$1 million mark back in January of this year. Now we need
everyone’s help in telling others about the new two-year
countywide college scholarship for resident Muskegon
Area high school graduates with a 3.5 grade point average
or higher.
While we still are working to raise additional dollars to
allow even more students to attend college tuition-free, we
now have what we need to make the Promise a reality for
Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Holton High Schools
this year, and for ALL eligible 2017 high school graduates
and beyond.
By law we had to fund the first two years of the Promise
privately. Back in October, four local business leaders
stepped up to make a $400,000 collective initial
investment in the Promise. Hines Corporation, Nichols,
ADAC Automotive, and the Alcoa Foundation were the
first gold level investors.
Since then additional funds have been received from
the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, the
Donahue Family, Sheryl and Dan Kuznar, MasterTag of
Montague, Newkirk Electric Associates, Steve & Deb
Olsen, Parkland Properties of Michigan, Quality Tool
& Stamping of Muskegon Heights, Supreme Machined
Products of Spring Lake, Tyler Sales, Verplank Trucking
Company of Muskegon, and Webb Chemical Service
Corporation for a total investment of $995,200. The
Community Foundation, Kuznars, Quality Tool &
Stamping, and Verplank Trucking Company are all gold
level funders with a $100,000 investment. An additional
$35,391 was generated through grass roots efforts that
include an active GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.
com/promisescholarship).
These funds will now allow Muskegon County to capture
one-half of the growth in the existing state education tax
beginning in 2017. In future years, these private funds
combined with the tax capture will fund the Promise. If
property values continue to climb, we anticipate being
fully funded through the tax capture as early as year six and
beyond.
Now I am asking for your help in spreading the news to
our students and parents. Our preschoolers, kindergartners,
elementary, middle and high school students all need to
know about this chance at a free, life-changing gift. They
need to know college is now within reach! Please consider
sharing this video link on your social media sites: http://
www.viddler.com/v/cd0ff65e. It was created for parents
of small children. Please tell everyone you know about
the Muskegon Area Promise! Direct them to our website
to learn more at http://www.muskegonareapromise.org.
Finally, if you have contact with any of our private funders,
please thank them for changing lives in the Muskegon
Area. Our future is brighter than ever!
For more information or to invest in the Promise,
visit http://www.muskegonareapromise.org.
On The Cover
Some of the 2015 Muskegon Area Promise Scholars pose with a
banner during a press conference on January 15, 2016. They are (left to right) Elizabeth Kurdziel,
Latyria Johnson, Sam Hansen, Caprice Wallace, Audrie Daniels, and Breeana McGlothin.

Weekly Tech Webinars
Taught by Local Educators
submitted by Andy Mann, Instructional Technology Consultant
231-767-7242 or amann@muskegonisd.org
The Learning on the Lakeshore’s Wednesday Webinar Series highlights the
amazing ways area educators are using technology to improve teaching and
learning. You can tune in and participate in one of the webinars on Wednesday
afternoons from 4:00 - 4:30 pm. If you miss participating in a live webinar, you can
watch a recording and access resources related to the presentation. Find these at
http://www.learningonthelakeshore.org/wednesday-webinars. To view upcoming
presentations, go to http://learningonthelakeshore.org or see the list below. On
the events page if you click “Yes,” the event with a link will be added to your
Google Calendar.
These webinars use Google Hangouts On Air, Google’s free webinar app.
Presenting with Hangouts On Air is new to most teachers. An additional benefit
of using Hangouts On Air is that teachers are learning to use another tool which
many want to begin using with their own students.
uuMarch 23 - Primary Sources + Tech Tools - Alex Parr, Mona Shores
uuMarch 30 - Inquiry Based Instruction Using Technology
Amy Niklasch, Reeths-Puffer
uuApril 13 - Making Weebly Amazing - Kathy Six, Fruitport
uuApril 20 - EDpuzzle - Add Questions and Checkpoints to Videos
Colleen Robison, Fruitport
uuApril 27 - Sub Day - Make it Count! - Jennifer Jenkins, Orchard View
uuMay 4 - Google Classroom and Digital Rubrics (Goobric)
Beth McCaskey, Mona Shores
uuMay 11 - Using Google Drive with Schoology - Erica Trowbridge, Oakridge
uuMay 18 - Flip Math Instruction - Cecil Hammond, Oakridge
Join us to add to your tech toolkit!
MAISD
Muskegon Area
Intermediate School District
630 Harvey Street
Muskegon, Michigan 49442-2398
Board of Education
Kevin Donovan
Carol Mills
Lisa Tyler
William M. Loxterman
Dwight Vines
Leadership Team
John Severson, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Kathleen Flynn
Associate Superintendent for
Special Education and
Early Childhood Services
Randy Lindquist
Associate Superintendent for
Academic Services
Michael Schluentz
Associate Superintendent
for Administrative Services
MAISD News
Inquiries should be directed to
231-767-7200
The MAISD News
is a publication
of the Muskegon Area
Intermediate School District
www.muskegonisd.org
MAISD Mission Statement
To provide leadership, programs,
and services that enhance the
success of everyone it serves.
MAISD Vision Statement
To be the premier source
for quality educational leadership,
programs, and services.
Nondiscrimination Notice
It is the policy of the Muskegon Area Intermediate
School District that no staff member, candidate for
employment, program participant, or recipient of
services shall experience discrimination on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual
orientation or transgender identity), disability, age,
religion, height, weight, marital or family status,
military status, ancestry, genetic information, or
any other legally protected category (collectively
“Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities,
including employment opportunities. The MAISD
is an equal opportunity employer.
Inquiries related to issues of discrimination on the
basis of disability should be directed to:
Assistant Director of Special Education
630 Harvey Street, Muskegon, MI 49442
231-767-7249
All other discrimination inquiries or requests
for special accommodations to participate in a
program, event, or activity should be directed to:
Director of Human Resources
630 Harvey Street, Muskegon, MI 49442
231-767-7213

Consumers Energy Boosts
Read early. Read often. Efforts
submitted by Kristin Tank, Public Information Officer, 231-767-7263 or ktank@muskegonisd.org
A $15,000 grant from the Consumers
Energy Foundation will boost the
efforts behind a local movement to read
early and often to infants and toddlers
throughout Muskegon County. The
funding for the MAISD will impact
the community’s early literacy in three
areas: increasing parents’ competence
and confidence as their children’s first
teacher, increasing children’s exposure
to reading and early literacy activities,
and instilling early literacy as a social
norm.
“We want to promote reading for the
youngest children in the Muskegon
area because it will have a clear and
powerful impact on the community’s
future,” said Carolyn Bloodworth,
secretary/treasurer of the Consumers
Energy Foundation. “Early childhood
education, which our company and
foundation supported with over
$530,000 last year, is a building block
for a strong Michigan.”
The Consumers Energy Foundation
funding will fuel the work of Read
early. Read often. liaison Laura
Chaffee as she connects with families,
health and human service providers,
and other community networks that
serve our youngest children. Mrs.
Chaffee’s position began in September
2015 with support from the MAISD,
Community Foundation for Muskegon
County, and the Gerber Foundation.
According to MAISD Superintendent
John Severson, the Consumers Energy
Foundation funding is critical to Mrs.
Chaffee’s future work.
“Thanks to our partners at Consumers
Energy, Read early. Read often. will
be able to continue to make face-toface
connections with the parents of
our tiniest children, and the health
and human service
providers who serve
them,” said Dr.
Severson. “Mrs.
Chaffee is doing
a fantastic job by
spreading the message
about why reading
early and often is
important, and by
providing free books
to families who need
them,” he added.
Mrs. Chaffee has
worked with premature
and medically fragile
babies and their
families for the past 17
years. In addition to
meeting families oneon-one,
she has been
focused on identifying
community partners
to promote early
literacy. In addition
to families and health
and human service
providers, Mrs. Chaffee
is currently connecting with businesses,
schools and colleges, libraries, media,
faith, government, and community
members. She has also been managing
the growing influx and outflow of books
funded by private business owners and
community book drives. Since July of
2015, thousands of books have been
given to families throughout Muskegon
County.
The Read early. Read often.
initiative, prompted by public school
superintendents, began in August of
2014, with a few hundred yard signs.
Since that time it has garnered a high
level of interest and support throughout
the Muskegon Area. The initiative,
meant to change the culture to one that
reads every day, everything, everywhere
to infants and toddlers, has generated
loads of positive ideas and actions. See
www.readearly.org to learn more.
The Consumers Energy Foundation is
the philanthropic arm of Consumers
Energy. It provides funding for a
variety of areas including education,
community and civic development,
culture and the arts, social services,
the environment, and emerging issues.
Consumers Energy, its foundation,
employees and retirees last year
gave over $6.5 million to Michigan
nonprofits.

Report Reveals Variety
of Safety and Technology
Needs Met by Millage
A recent report that details how each school district
has invested their countywide Technology & Security
Enhancement Millage funds is now available online at
http://bit.ly/1OwJhAp. The first of its kind, the 16-
page report provides a listing of first year successes
in 2014-15, and plans for 2015-16 and beyond.
It includes how much money each of the eleven
districts received through the new $4.2 million annual
millage, and how much schools spent in the areas of
technology, professional development, and security.
“This report, to the citizens of Muskegon County,
features the faces of the students who are actually
benefiting from this remarkable investment. We want
to celebrate the difference this funding has already
made in each of our districts in the first year. We also
want to help educate our community about the wide
variety of needs our districts are addressing,” said Dr.
John Severson, MAISD Superintendent.
According to the report, some districts made
significant investments in security, while others had
recently upgraded security systems and instead
spent their funds on faster, more reliable Internet
connections and/or personal learning devices for
student use. Others used funding to cover teacher
training costs related to integrating technology into the
classroom to optimize learning.
“As a nation, we continue to see
an increased level of violent
intrusions into our schools and
colleges,” said Dr. Severson.
“Now we have dedicated funds
to make our campuses safer,”
he added.
Captain Michael Poulin
of the Muskegon County
Sheriff’s Office said, “As
a result of the support of
our community, our area
school districts have
been able to create
a safer learning environment for our youth. With the
addition of monitored video intercom systems, districts
are able to create a single point of entry which helps
with screening of persons entering a building.”
The countywide enhancement millage is a first for
Muskegon County. Voters passed the one-mill, tenyear
property tax increase back in February of 2014
to provide $163 in per-student funding to eleven
local public school districts to pay for upgrades to
technology and security. By law, the funds must flow
through the MAISD to local districts.
“The MAISD has done a fantastic job of quickly and
accurately distributing the funds generated from
the countywide Technology & Security Enhancement
Millage. Every cent is arriving in our neighborhood
schools as promised,” said Muskegon Public Schools
Superintendent Jon Felske.
According to Dr. Severson, while the process of sorting
and prioritizing needs varies by school district, every
elected school board of education has complete
control and oversight of the expenditure of millage
funds. “Our schools are making wise investments
that are resulting in safer schools, and students who
are better prepared for college and careers that rely
heavily on the use of technology.”
submitted by Kristin Tank, Public Information Officer
231-767-7263 or ktank@muskegonisd.org

Math Recovery:
An Innovative Approach to Early Mathematics
submitted by Rachel Zorn, Math Recovery Grant Coordinator 231-767-7336 or rzorn@muskegonisd.org
Since April 2015, 102 Muskegon and Newaygo
County K-5, Special Education, and Math
Interventionists have joined teachers from across the
state in Math Recovery ® professional development
training opportunities. Teachers learn to administer
diagnostic assessments that assist teachers in
understanding each student’s level of proficiency.
Math Recovery’s approach to instruction focuses on
developing strategies for young students to use in
understanding and solving problems while relying less
on memorized facts, charts, or algorithms.
Teachers from Muskegon Public Schools, Fruitport,
Reeths-Puffer, Montague, Hesperia, North Muskegon,
Orchard View, Grant, and Fremont have participated
in Math Recovery professional development trainings
held at the MAISD Regional Mathematics and
Science Center (MRMSC). Remarks left by teachers
Math Interventionist Carrie Carlson (Reeths-Puffer)
works with a student on sequencing
numbers forward and backwards.
Second Grade Teacher Pattie Bartolini (Hesperia)
observes a student counting a collection
of items that are covered under a screen.
in an end-of-program survey included: “We needed
this, we needed help to diagnose and prescribe
activities and strategies to help students.” Another
commented, “This training really changed the way
I look at the progression of students learning in
math and how I will teach math.” others indicated
the trainings were, “Wonderful! Long overdue! And
excellent information on where kids need to be and
when.”
The MAISD Regional Mathematics and Science
Center was awarded funding through a competitive
Math/Science Partnership grant with the State of
Michigan Department of Education to Facilitate Math
Recovery professional development in Muskegon and
Newaygo County; in addition to partners from across
the state. The Math/Science Partnership grant will be
funding the delivery of the first elementary education
course at Grand Valley State University that integrates
Math Recovery training. Faculty from Grand Valley
State University and Kristin Frang, MAISD/Newaygo
Regional Mathematics and Science Center Director,
have begun work on creating this GVSU course for
elementary education math majors which will take
place this summer.

Entries due by April 15, 2016
Law Day 2016 Asks
Tough Questions about
Security, Privacy
& Students’ Rights
“You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can be used against
you in a court of law. You have the right
to an attorney. If you cannot afford an
attorney, one will be provided for you.
Do you understand these rights?”
These brief words are well-known, thanks to the popularity
of television crime dramas. The implications, however, are
far greater than the words and those implications are the
subject of Muskegon County Law Day, 2016.
The theme, Miranda: More Than Words, will give
students throughout Muskegon County the opportunity
to draw, write, and speak about the rights of the accused
and broaden the thinking to a school setting. Elementary
students in grades 3rd-5th can compete in an art contest,
exploring the meaning of a variety of due process rights
and equal protection under the law. Middle school students
will be able to write an essay, arguing their position on how
these rights might apply in a school setting. High school
students will create persuasive speeches on the same topic.
To write a strong essay or speech in response to the prompt
below, students will have to struggle with the dilemmas
seemingly taken right from the news: the use of police
power, the extent of school authority, the need to keep
schools safe, individual rights of students to privacy, and
protection from self-incrimination.
When a person is taken into custody and accused of breaking
the law, the Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona
requires police officers to inform that person of certain rights -
such as the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney
– before questioning the accused about the alleged crime.
The law also provides those accused of a crime with the right
to confront their accuser. If an assistant principal called a
student into the office and accused that student of breaking
a school rule, should the rights that student has in a criminal
setting be applied to that student in a school setting?
Should that student have the right to confront his/her accuser?
Should that student have the right to have a parent present
during the meeting with the assistant principal?
Students are expected to provide reasoned and evidencebased
arguments, not just their opinions. They are
evaluated by a group of attorneys from the Muskegon
County Bar Association. Prizes including scholarships for
high school seniors, are awarded for the best speeches,
essays, and art entries, and recognition is given to the
student’s sponsoring teacher and principal. Additionally,
an educator is honored by the Bar Association for their
outstanding contribution to law related education. Entries
for all contests are due by April 15, 2016.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1QC8fJo or contact
David Klemm at dklemm@muskegonisd.org or 231-767-7255.
Submitted by David Klemm, Social Studies and Special Projects Consultant, 231-767-7255 or dklemm@muskegonisd.org

Self-Management Practices
for Students with
Autism Spectrum Disorder
submitted by Missy Post, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavior Consultant, 231-767-7257 or mpost@muskegonisd.org
Generalization has been a long known
area of difficulty for individuals with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Due to this, there has been a focus on
teaching students with ASD all of the
skills and behaviors needed in each
instructional setting. This is a daunting
task for educators, and due to the
limitless variations in our world, there
can still be unforeseen circumstances
that can change the setting or skill
needed in a unique situation. Teaching
skills that can transfer across settings
is a more efficient and effective
approach, and self-management
is one of these transferrable skills.
Self-management teaches a general
skill that can be used in an unlimited
number of environments (Buckmann,
S., 2000), it is an important skill
itself and creates a platform to teach
unlimited other skills. It also helps
individuals with ASD become less
dependent on direction from others
and in turn, become more self-directed
and independent.
Self-management is an evidencedbased
practice (EBP) identified by The
National Professional Development
Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder
(NPDC) that has been found to be
effective for preschoolers to young
adults and across academic, behavior,
communication, social and transition
domains. This intervention teaches
learners to independently regulate
their own behavior. This is done by
teaching individuals to discriminate
between appropriate and inappropriate
behaviors, and accurately monitor,
record, and reflect on their own
behavior.
Koegal, Koegal and Parks (1995) detailed five basic
components to a self-management plan:
Operationally define the target behavior:
What is the student doing that is interfering with their success
in school and what behavior can be used as a replacement?
Identify functional reinforcers:
What are the student’s interest areas? How can these be incorporated
into the self-management system to increase engagement?
Design or choose a self-management device:
How will the student systematically record his progress?
Teach the individual to use the self-management device:
How will the team directly teach the use of this system; including
whom, when, where, and how (modeling, video-modeling, visual
supports, etc.)
Teach self-management independence:
How can we fade adult supervision and support out of the system?
How can we expand the system to target a new skill area?
More resources for information on implementing self-management strategies with your students:
OCALI Autism Internet Modules: http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/ (there is a module on self-management)
START Website: https://www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter/
The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder: http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/
References:
Koegel, R.L., Koegel, L.K., & Parks, D.R. (1995). “Teach the individual” model of generalization: Autonomy through self-management.
In R.L. Koegel & L.K. Koegel (Eds.), Teaching children with autism: Strategies for initiating positive interactions and improving learning
opportunities (pp. 67-77). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company.
Buckmann, Steve (2000) don’t forget about self-management. Bloomington, IN: Indiana Resource Center for Autism.
START, Self-Management for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. https://www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter/self-management-212.htm

First Author Writing Curriculum Series:
A Series for CI Teachers, SLPs and OTs
submitted by Theresa Augustyniak, Autism Spectrum Disorder Consultant, 231-767-7259 or taugustyniak@muskegonisd.org
“A beginning writer is one who is learning to use written language
to express communicative intent, and beginning writing is defined
as starting with emergent writing (drawing, scribbling and writing
letters) and ending with conventional writing abilities, usually
acquired by second or third grade for typically developing children.”
Previous assumptions on literacy
instruction for students with
disabilities continue to evolve into
new perspectives and practices
as reviews of research results
demonstrate that students with
significant disabilities make positive
gains in written expression when
provided with consistent, strategybased
instruction. Special education
teams from Fruitport, Mona Shores,
Muskegon Public, Oakridge, Reeths-
Puffer, Wesley, and Whitehall are
participating in a dynamic professional
development series featuring the
comprehensive, classroom-tested
writing curriculum for beginning
writers, the First Author Writing
Curriculum, at the MAISD.
This curriculum, developed by
Janet Sturm, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, in
coordination with Don Johnston
Incorporated and Central Michigan
University, was designed with
consideration for Universal Design
for Learning. It was created to
offer instructional supports and
accommodations for students with
complex learning needs such as
significant intellectual disabilities and
complex communication needs.
Special educational teams comprised
of classroom teachers, speech-language
pathologists, and occupational
therapists supporting students with
significant instructional needs in
Muskegon County, have been engaged
in the exploration of the resources
offered within the curriculum during
monthly sessions. Participants have
- Sturm, Cali, Nelson, Staskowski, 2012
used and reflected upon the sequential
daily lessons for explicit writing
instruction and have developed
additional modifications based
upon students’ needs. Participants
have also applied the use of various
tools included in the curriculum to
measure student accomplishments
in communication and behavior in
order to guide continued focused
and effective instruction thereby
increasing students’ overall capacity to
regulate their behavior successfully in
the classroom.
The First Author Writing Curriculum
is a unique instructional resource
that has been thoughtfully aligned
with the Common Core Essential
Elements for Writing, Speaking, and
Listening and draws from practices
of writing instruction that have been
scientifically validated. It is comprised
of the following three key components
that are part of the instructional
framework:
1) Mini-lessons - These lessons
emphasize a target concept and are
intended to be repeated over time to
foster student independence in the use
of writing strategies.
2) Writing Time - This crucial time
offers each student an opportunity to
write about a self-selected topic and
to create writing products that can be
shared.
3) Author’s Chair - Students learn
to value writing as communication
with others in this essential learning
environment where writing pieces are
shared with fellow authors.
The First Author Writing Curriculum
provides educational teams with the
necessary tools to provide students
with developmental disabilities access
to high-quality writing instruction to
optimize each student’s potential for
literacy learning while encouraging
joyfulness and fearlessness in
beginning writers. The value of this
curricular resource is matched only
by this training series participants’
willingness to reflect and continuously
improve on current instructional
practices, to embrace new perspectives
on students with developmental
disabilities, and to effectively create a
culture of writers by optimizing what
can be achieved in every classroom.
Many students and staff in local
schools and at the MAISD will be
celebrating Autism Awareness on
April 29, 2016, rather than World
Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) or
“Light It Up Blue” Day, which is
scheduled for Saturday, April 2,
2016, when schools will not be in
session. Plans for the events that
will occur within many districts will be
developed at the West Michigan Autism
Collaborative Coaches Meeting. Autism
Awareness posters and “Light It Up
Blue” stickers will be distributed to
all districts to encourage awareness
of autism throughout the month of
April. This campaign will stress the
importance of early diagnosis and early
intervention as well as an opportunity
to celebrate the unique talents and
skills of individuals with autism in our
local schools and around the world.

Optimists Honor Top Students, Writers & Speakers
submitted by Kristin Tank, Public Information Officer, 231-767-7263 or ktank@muskegonisd.org
The Mona Shores Optimist Club
sponsors a variety of projects to benefit
children and the community including
an annual Essay and Oratorical
Contest.
2016 Essay Contest winners Madison
Bosset of Holton Public Schools (1st
place - $100 prize), Katharine Uganski
of Reeths-Puffer (2nd place - $50
prize), and Jenna Beemer of Mona
Shores (3rd place - $25 prize) will
each attend a luncheon later this
Spring to celebrate their success. Each
student wrote a 700-800 word essay
on the topic “Lead by Example: Reality
or Fiction.” The Oratorical Contest
required a four to five minute speech
on “How My Best Brings Out the Best
in Others.” The speech was given at
Baker College in mid-March and prizes
were awarded there. Students winning
first place in the essay and oratorical
contests will have the opportunity to
compete at the state level for $2,500 in
scholarship awards.
In January and February, Mona Shores
Optimist Club members celebrated
the successes of top area high school
students with Youth Appreciation
Day luncheons at Baker College. Two
students from 13 Muskegon Area
high schools were honored for their
academic success and for best reflecting
the Optimist Creed. The creed charges
members to expect only the best, wear
a cheerful countenance, forget the
mistakes of the past, and press on to the
greater achievements of the future.
The following high school students
were recognized: Rebecca Frucci and
Marisa Carmean (Fruitport), Tristan
Anderson and Riley Hicks (Holton),
Abigail Zuidema and Kevin Lukens
(Mona Shores), Abigail Christmas
and Ashlyn Lohman (Montague),
Kalil Pimpleton and Taria James
(Muskegon), Cheyenne Barnard and
Haley Wiewiora (Muskegon Catholic
Central), Ericka Day and Antonio
Thomas (Muskegon Heights), Lily
Wilkie-Jones and Brianna Kimbler
(North Muskegon), Natalie Bowen
and Sam Deuling (Orchard View),
January 27, 2016, Mona Shores Optimist Youth Appreciation Luncheon Honorees (Back
Row Left to Right) Josh Robidoux, Frank Uganski, Lauren Lopez, Tristan Anderson, Riley
Hicks, Christopher Visser, and Nathan Landheer (Front Row Left to Right) Zoe Kelly,
Brianna Kimbler, Abigail Christmas, Ashlyn Lohman, Lily Wilkie-Jones, Cheyenne Barnard
February 3, 2016, Mona Shores Optimist Youth Appreciation Luncheon Honorees (Back
Row Left to Right) Kevin Lukens, Abigail Zuidema, Sam Deuling, Marisa Carmean, and
Kalil Pimpleton (Front Row Left to Right) Antonio Thomas, Ericka Day, Taria James,
Natalie Bowen and Rebecca Frucci
Kyle Dick and Lucy Correa (Ravenna),
Zoe Kelly and Josh Robidoux (Reeths-
Puffer), Nathan Landheer and
Christopher Visser (Western Michigan
Christian), and Lauren Lopez and
Frank Uganski (Whitehall).
Mike Helsen, Baker College of
Muskegon Vice President of Student
Services, welcomed the students to
campus at each luncheon and spoke
about the value of having a personal
purpose and mission. He applauded the
students for their success, reminded
them to look for the strengths in others,
and shared how their attitude would
determine their altitude. The students
briefly shared their accomplishments
and plans for the future. At the close
of the luncheon, each student was
awarded a gold keychain and certificate.
Optimist J.P. Ryan said the students
honored will be attending a wide range
of colleges and universities. “These
students have set very high standards
for themselves and will be preparing for
careers in some of the most challenging
career fields,” added Ryan.
To learn more about the Mona Shores
Optimist Club call J.P. Ryan at 231-
798-7741.

2016
Student artists throughout Muskegon County have
submitted artwork to display at the 34th annual
Expressions Student Art Exhibition at the Muskegon
Museum of Art. Approximately 250 pieces will be on
display.
In all, 11 public school districts, four charter schools,
nine private schools, and four alternative schools have
been invited to participate. Schools are assigned a
number of entries based on their enrollment, and artwork is
chosen by art specialists for each school.
The exhibition will be on display in the Muskegon Museum
of Art’s Walker Galleries from Tuesday, March 29 through
Sunday, April 24.
Receptions have been scheduled where the public can view
the artwork, meet student artists, and mingle with other
student art admirers. Admission is free for the receptions.
Middle & High School Reception
Tuesday, March 29, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Elementary Receptions
Wednesday, March 30 and
Thursday, March 31,
5:30 - 7:00 pm
The Muskegon Museum of Art’s
hours and regular admission fees
are available on their website,
www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Expressions is organized annually
by the Muskegon Museum of Art in
partnership with the Muskegon Area
Intermediate School District (MAISD).
A visual delight, it celebrates the artistic
talents of Muskegon County K-12
students. Two- and three-dimensional
artworks in a variety of media are included
in the show. Expressions 2016 is sponsored
by the MAISD and the Muskegon Museum of
Art. It is underwritten by Comerica Bank and
Old Orchard.
submitted by Joel Selby, Instructional Services Project Specialist,
231-767-7227 or jselby@muskegonisd.org

Muskegon County Crisis Response
submitted by Jennifer Nelson, School Climate and Culture Consultant and Health Education Consultant,
231-767-7333 or jnelson@muskegonisd.org
Every day, devoted
teachers, administrators,
and support staff within
our schools focus all of
their efforts on providing
safe and supportive
learning environments
for the students they
serve. When that sense
of safety is disrupted,
our students need to feel
protected and supported
by the adults responsible
for their care. In the
unfortunate event of a
crisis, is your district or
building equipped to
respond in a controlled
and organized manner?
Does your district
know how to support
students and staff during
traumatic incidents?
In Muskegon County, forty-four staff members across
eight districts and the Muskegon Area Career Tech
Center are now trained in Critical Incident Stress
Management (CISM). CISM is a comprehensive, highly
structured and empirically validated, multi-tactic crisis
intervention approach to managing critical incident
stress following traumatic events (Cook, Stevens, and
Whitehurst, 2015; Flannery 1998, Everly & Mitchell,
1997). Staff trained in this model learns how to
effectively manage a crisis and mitigate the impact of
the event by normalizing reactions and ventilating
emotions. Furthermore, trained individuals learn how
to identify high-risk students and staff in need of further
intervention.
The crisis response continuum includes preventative
instruction using the Michigan Model for Health
Emergency Preparedness modules, the creation of bestpractice
policies, and regular practice of emergency
response procedures.
The MAISD is committed to establishing a countywide
crisis response network with consistent training
in the CISM model. To this end, further training will
be provided and staff members trained will be invited
to participate in a crisis response network group at the
MAISD in the coming year. For further information
regarding these efforts, please contact Jennifer Nelson at
jnelson@muskegonisd.org or 231-767-7333.
“
Knowing how to respond
quickly and efficiently in
a crisis is critical to ensuring
the safety of our schools
and students. The midst of
a crisis is not the time to
start figuring out who ought
to do what. At that moment,
everyone involved – from top
to bottom – should know the
drill and know each other. ”
Margaret Spellings
Former United States
Secretary of Education

Literacy is important at Wesley
School and we began this school year
with a school-wide focus on writing
instruction. Students are participating
in daily opportunities to increase their
independence in writing by using a
combination of First Authors Writing
Curriculum and the 4 Block Literacy
Model. At the beginning of the school
year, staff developed a writing inventory
assessment to effectively measure
the progress of every Wesley School
student. Last October, Wesley teachers
and support staff presented the research
and tools for staff to use when working
with students. Common assumptions
and the new perspectives were shared
with all staff, revealing how important
literacy is for all students. Teachers
shared videos of lessons and trained
all staff to use the common writing
inventory assessment tool.
Students with cognitive disabilities
need daily exposure and opportunities
to write! Teachers are finding new
and fun ways to engage them in the
writing process. Topic selection plays
a huge role in student interest and
engagement in writing. Students are
using a variety of media to find topics
that are fun, relevant, and inspire
their writing creativity! Students are
using Google, pictures from field trips,
magazine photos, and more to create
author’s tool kits. Writers use these
tool kits to save writing pieces, which
helps with ideas and spelling support.
Whether students are writing about an
opinion, listing their favorite objects,
classmates, or a personal narrative,
there is a way for everyone to engage
in writing!
Core words are being used to connect
the dots in writing! Students are
learning to write, using many of the
core words being learned throughout
the year. It is exciting to see students
use new core vocabulary in their
writing. Classrooms are encouraged to
participate in the four blocks method
of literacy instruction, which includes
shared reading, guided reading,
writing, and working with words.
Predictable chart writing is a daily
activity for
Wesley students.
The computer lab at Wesley School
looks different, with new adapted
keyboards, flipcharts, slant boards, easy
mark pencils, and label makers. All
students are able to find a pencil that
works for them and their individual
learning needs.
On March 3, 2016, a small group of
Wesley staff presented their journey
of writing instruction for students
with the most complex needs at the
Michigan Council for Exceptional
Children Annual Conference in
Grand Rapids.
submitted by Mary Bradley, Principal Wesley School,
231-767-7303 or mbradley@muskegonisd.org,
Julie Steketee, Occupational Therapist Wesley School,
231-767-7309 or jsteketee@muskegonisd.org,
Katie Patton, SCI Teacher Wesley School,
231-767-4306 or kpatton@muskegonisd.org, and
Lisa Pierce, SXI Teacher Wesley School,
231-767-4315 or lpierce@muskegonisd.org
Annual Event Connects Students with Opportunities
On January 21-22, 2016 Wesley School partnered with Health West to host a Community Opportunities
Open House for Wesley and Transition students, who will be graduating next year, and their parents.
The goal of this event was to connect students with programs and resources to prepare
for program completion. Wesley looks forward to hosting this event annually.
submitted by Mary Bradley, Principal of Wesley School, 231-767-7303 or mbradley@muskegonisd.org

News from the
Career Tech Center
Career Tech
Students Shine
in Future Health
Professionals
Competition
submitted by Kathy Andrews, Health Science Academy Instructor,
231-767-3675 or kandrews@muskegonisd.org and
Stephanie Hoekenga, Student Outreach Specialist,
231-767-3613 or shoekeng@muskegonisd.org
Over 40 local high school students from the Muskegon
Area Career Tech Center (MACTC) are headed
to a state level competition in Traverse City after
demonstrating exceptional skills and knowledge during
a recent regional competition. The students are enrolled
in the Allied Health Technologies, Foundations of
Healthcare, and Health Science Academy courses.
They were among 400 students to participate in the
HOSA: Future Health Professionals Region 6 Leadership
Conference, held on February 5, 2016, at
the new Health Science
Center at Baker
College of
Muskegon.
Nursing Assisting students get ready to compete. Left to right:
Brittany McKenzie (Ravenna), Ni’Kaja Flowers (Muskegon),
Chloe Fox (Reeths-Puffer), and Hannah Kuck (Reeths-Puffer)
Competitions that day tested the skills and knowledge
of high school students from seven high schools and
technical centers, in the areas of health professions
and emergency preparedness. Categories included
medical assisting, nursing assisting, forensic medicine,
physical therapy, and many others. Written responses
were required for several categories, including medical
terminology and behavioral health, while others
categories tested students abilities to perform tasks such as
physical therapy and medical assisting.
All 43 medalists from the MACTC will advance to the
HOSA State Leadership Conference, on April 14–15,
2016 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City,
Michigan. The mission of HOSA is to enhance the
delivery of compassionate, quality health care by
providing opportunities for knowledge, skill and
leadership development of all health science
education students, therefore, helping the
students meet the needs of the health care
community.
Above: Brandi Taylor (Holton)
and Re’Onna Moore (Fruitport)
pause for a photo following their
presentation for Health Career
Display.
Right: Over 400 Students prepare
for HOSA Region VI Competition at
Baker College of Muskegon.

CTC students
top in state i n
cybersecurity
competition
submitted by Susan Rhem-Westhoff, Internet, Network & Security
Technologies Instructor for the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center,
231-767-3676 or swesthof@muskegonisd.org
After completing two preliminary rounds
of CyberPatriot – the National Youth
Cyber Defense Competition, three teams
of high school students from the
MACTC have earned the highest
scoring “Platinum Tier” ranking.
They are three of four teams in
Michigan to do so.
Led by Instructor Susan Rhem-
Westhoff, the team of students
excelled in the state round held
in late January. The students
demonstrated teamwork, critical
thinking skills, and technical
knowledge key to a successful
career in cybersecurity. The teams’
performances earned them a spot
in the Platinum Midwest Regional
Round held on February 19, 2016.
The students are currently awaiting
their results.
“This is the first time we have
competed in this event and I am
so proud of their success. In the
regional round, we competed
against teams from all 50 states and
Canada. Their performance was
exceptional!” said Rhem-Westhoff.
In each contest, the student teams
were challenged to find and resolve
cybersecurity vulnerabilities in
simulated environments and were
then scored on their work. The
“Space Jam” team earned second
place in MI with team members:
Kyle Wilcox and Shane Drum of
Orchard View; John Wilbur of
Whitehall; Jacob Blackmore of
Oakridge; and Cameron Lanore of
Fruitport. Placing third in the state
is team “Gold Savages” with team
members: Jakob Hicks and James
Zuidema of Reeths-Puffer; Jordan
Lathrop of Muskegon; and Charles
Engquist, Julian Crawford, and Dionasio
Mendiola of Orchard View. Ranked
Team Space Jam Left to right: Shane Drum (Orchard View),
Kyle Wilcox (Orchard View), Cameron Lanore (Fruitport),
and John Wilbur (Whitehall).
Team Gold Savages Left to right: Julian Crawford
(Orchard View), Jakob Hicks (Reeths-Puffer), Jordan Lathrop
(Muskegon), Dionasio Mendiola (Orchard View), James
Zuidema (Reeths-Puffer), Charles Engquist (Orchard View) and
Jacob Blackmore (Oakridge) from Team Space Jam.
Team 01000111 01000111 Left to right: Kyle Knight
(Oakridge), Corey Jobes-St. John (Oakridge), Eric Olejarczyk
(Mona Shores), Chad Gemzer (Oakridge), Derek Forner
(Ravenna), and Kellen Timlin (Ravenna).
fourth in the state is team “01000111
01000111,” including members: Chad
Gemzer, Kyle Knight, and Corey Jobes-
St. John of Oakridge; Kellen
Timlin and Derek Forner of
Ravenna; and Eric Olejarczyk of
Mona Shores.
Ultimately, only the top 12 teams
from all across the United States,
Canada, and from Department
of Defense Dependents Schools
abroad will move on to the final
national competition. The 12
winning teams will enjoy an allexpense-paid
trip to Washington,
D.C. for the live National
Finals Competition to compete
for national recognition and
scholarships.
In all, 3,379 teams registered to
compete in CyberPatriot VIII
(the eighth year), including 31
teams from Michigan.
Established by the Air Force
Association, the CyberPatriot
National Youth Cyber Education
Program was created to excite,
educate, and motivate students
toward careers in cyber security
and other science, technology,
engineering and mathematics
(STEM) disciplines critical to our
nation’s future.
The Air Force Association
is a non-profit, independent,
professional military and
aerospace education association.
Their mission is to promote a
dominant United States Air Force
and a strong national defense,
and to honor Airmen and the Air
Force Heritage.

MAISD
Muskegon Area
Intermediate School District
630 Harvey Street
Muskegon, Michigan 49442-2398
New Registration System – ABC Signup
Submitted by Joel Selby, Instructional Service Project Specialist, 231-767-7227 or jselby@muskegonisd.org
ABC Signup is the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District’s new registration
system for workshops in Muskegon County. This new system will be used for all
events starting in June 2016. The new system is more user-friendly and flexible to
accommodate the wide variety of events the MAISD offers.
• Registration will still be available at muskegonisd.org/development
• Highlights of our Transition to ABC Signup
• ALL USERS will need to create new accounts.
• Users can register and pay for multiple events using the new cart feature.
• Confirmation messages will be more helpful with workshop and payment
information, location directions, and a map.
• Users can continue to pay with a credit card or purchase order number.
• Added ability to accept American Express and Discover cards.
Users have the option to change their registration form selections, and even
cancel their registration automatically.
Student events such as Summer Fun at the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center and the
WINGS Summer Enrichment Program will utilize ABC Signup to streamline registration
and allow entire families to register as one.
We can also collect evaluation responses for each workshop.