Engadine Consolidated Schools
by Stu Hobbs Superintendent

Engadine Consolidated Schools has received the fall student MEAP scores for students in grades three through eight. Overall, we have seen improvement in most areas, especially in reading, mathematics, and science. When comparing this year's MEAP data with 2005, one can note which individual students and classes have, performance-wise, gone up, down, or remained the same in various content areas. We will continue to review and align our curriculum to better meet the state benchmarks.

As I stated previously, the MEAP HST (High School Test) will be discontinued this spring, and replacing it will be the Michigan Merit Examination. This new assessment will include the ACT, ACT Work Keys, and a social studies/science test. A number of teachers at the secondary level have begun introducing the ACT and the Work Keys using sample questions. The intent is to have our students become familiar with this new and challenging examination.

Elementary student scores on the Reading First program continue to show considerable growth. We are very pleased with how well this program helps students master reading. Should you have any questions on the Reading First program and test results, please see Laura Flatt, Reading First coordinator.

The Engadine High School (EHS) Student Council held a going-away ceremony last week for Frank Kuehnl, our senior social studies teacher. He is retiring with 36 years of service. At the ceremony he was recognized and thanked by students, staff, and alumni. The pep band played and Mr. Kuehnl, after receiving a number of gifts, gave a positive farewell. The ceremony ended with all of the students shaking Mr. Kuehnl's hand or giving him a hug. It was an emotional goodbye. We are grateful for his strong commitment to EHS and the district as a whole.

A special thank you goes out to Jeremiah Clark and members of the Engadine High School Honors Band for an exceptional MSBOA Honors Band concert last Saturday. Students from most EUP districts and Munising participated in this day-long session, culminating in a concert that sounded to most people like a miniature Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Engadine has hosted this event in the past and will continue to do so.

The EHS senior graduation date has been changed from June 1 to June 8 owing to a conflict with regional track finals in Kingsford.

First semester report cards will be mailed out this week.

Engadine Schools recently received a $5,000 grant from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. We will use these funds to support instruction, athletics, and Native American cultural activities. The district is appreciative of this wonderful donation.

We recently received a donation to our shop class from the Korenich Custom Logging company. This donation was in the form of birdseye maple, a rare and highly valued wood, that is used in making furniture. The tree will be milled and given to the district within the next two weeks. Scott Korenich is responsible for this outstanding donation.