About 100 people attended the recent community budget discussion. Our goal was to get the facts out about the funding crisis, take a look at Engadine school’s budget, and talk about options. I feel we met the goal. From that meeting, we identified two areas of action. First, everyone needs to contact their legislators and tell them to fix the structural problems with Michigan’s budget. Secondly, we need to reach out to the community and alumni. We will be working on both of these items throughout the upcoming months.

The first call to action involves people contacting their legislators. To help with that, go to www.sosmichigan. org, or select the link from the school’s homepage. There are several helpful ideas on the Save our Schools, State and Students (SOS) Web site that help promote advocacy for the school. We will be putting out sample letters and e-mail addresses to make this process easier. Anyone with questions, please give me a call.

The school board will continue to work on budgeting issues. The Business Affairs Committee will meet Wednesday, January 20, at 6 p.m., and every other Wednesday until further notice. These committee meetings are open to the public. Throughout this funding crisis, Engadine Consolidated Schools continues to strive for excellence in educating the students. There is a Financial Aid Meeting Thursday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m. for seniors and their parents. Please attend to gain helpful information about post-secondary funding options.

The first semester ends Friday, January 22, with a noon dismissal. Exams will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Report cards will be sent home the following week. Remember to use Parent Connect to see how a student is doing academically and behaviorally. Anyone with questions about assignments or grades may contact the child’s teacher by phone or e-mail.

Students of the Week

Mackenna Hopper, Shelby Flatt, Evan Richards, and Anna Gouza are recognized as Students of the Week for their work at Engadine Consolidated Schools.

The Engadine Elementary School student of the week for January 11 is Mackenna Hopper, a third grade student. Miss Hopper is a great helper in the classroom, her teachers report. She gets along with others and comes to class ready to learn. She is artistic, kind, and motivated. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking with her mother. When she grows up she would like to be a police officer.

Shelby Flatt, daughter of Wayne and Laura Flatt of Engadine, is the Engadine High School student of the week for January 18. Miss Flatt is a good student, her teachers say, a hard worker, and a great example to her peers. She comes to class prepared everyday, asks great questions, and is helpful to the students around her. Besides being a hard worker, she also has a positive attitude.

Junior high student Evan Richards possesses the qualities of a responsible and hard-working student. He is an active member of the student council and he is helpful to his teachers. He always has a smile on his face and he gets along well with others. He is a positive influence at many school events, his teachers say, where his contagious spirit radiates to others. He is the son of Sheila Richards of Engadine and Brad Richards of Marquette.

Anna Gouza, a first grade student, is the Engadine Elementary student of the week for January 18. She is the daughter of Chad and Melissa Gouza of Engadine. She has a younger brother named Chad. Her teacher, Mrs. Smith, said she is a good listener and learner. She is an excellent reader and is excited about learning. Her work is always done neatly.