Congratulations to director Jeremiah Clark and the Sixth Grade, Junior High, and High School Bands for an outstanding concert last week.

Upcoming events at the school are:

• Tuesday, December 15 - Elementary Holiday Concert 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, December 16 - Senior Citizen Luncheon at noon (Please phone reservations to 477- 6313)

• Wednesday, December 13, through Sunday, January 3 - Christmas vacation

Girls and boys basketball has begun. Contact Sherry MacArthur for sports passes. Come out and support the Eagles.

In my last article, I discussed some of the budgetary concerns that are impacting the schools. I invite the public to attend a community meeting to discuss the school budget and programs Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium. This meeting is open to anyone who is interested in the school, such as parents, students, employees, board members, and community members. The school is a vital part of the community. Please help us plan for the future of our district.

We’ve started brainstorming for ideas to reduce expenses and generate revenues. One way the Board of Education can reduce expenses is to move the annual school election to an election in November of even years. We will hold a public hearing Wednesday, December 16, at 7 p.m. to discuss moving the election. Immediately following will be a special board meeting to act on this issue.

Please continue to be vigilant in contacting your legislators about this issue. Our children are the future of Michigan and deserve schools to be funded appropriately.

Students of the Week

Ashleigh Arseneau, Zack Cameron, and Imani Miller are the Students of the Week at Engadine Consolidated Schools for the week of December 7.

Ashleigh Arseneau, the daughter of Sherry and Dennis Salter of Gould City, is the Engadine High School Student of the week. As a sophomore, Miss Arseneau was chosen by Julie Wileman for her determination and positive attitude. She has consistently arrived to class prepared to work and ready to do her best on all assignments. She is considerate, polite, and always willing to help others succeed. She is respected by both students and teachers. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and singing. This fall, she participated on the Eagles junior varsity volleyball team. After high school, she plans to earn a nursing degree.

Zack Cameron, a sixth grade student at Engadine, is the Junior High student of the week. He is the son of Lori and Lloyd Martindale of Engadine and has a younger sister, Becca, who is in the second grade. Mr. Cameron has a smile on his face every day, his teachers report, and a sense of humor that reminds his classmates and teachers to enjoythe lighter side of life. Zack excels in sports. He plays Junior Eagles football, basketball, and enjoys throwing the shot put. He excels in the classroom, as well. He enjoys fishing and hunting, helps out on the family farm, and is a member of the local 4- H club.

Kindergarten student Imani Miller is the student of the week at Engadine Elementary School. She is the daughter of Wendall and Debra Miller of Engadine. Helpful, kind, and polite are words her teachers use to describe Miss Miller. Laura Flatt says her smile brightens up an entire room. When she grows up, she would like to be a police officer. She enjoys learning and always does her best.