A Mattawan Consolidated School Publication

WILDCAT CONNECTION I SSUE 3 l BACK TO SCHOOL- AUGUST 2021

IN THIS ISSUE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY “OFFICIALLY” OPENS

MATTAWAN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER A Community Earned Point of Pride 2 District News Mattawan Early Childhood Education Center staff cut the ribbon, marking the official launch of new spaces to serve children and residents. Brief remarks 3 Important Back to School Info praising everyone involved in the project were given before Principal Stephanie Eaton, and her administrative assistant, Brandi Roberts led the ceremonial 4 District, State, Federal Notices event. Superintendent Fleenor, Ted Roethlisberger, Board of Education Member, and a supportive team of central office leaders were in attendance. The ribbon cutting was a culmination of extensive community planning and support. The Early Childhood Education Center houses our Young 5 students, Early Childhood Special Education Programming, and the Van Buren County Great Start Readiness Program. In addition, one wing of this building is committed to community services. The Mattawan Food Pantry, Supplies for Success, and the Wildpaks will each be moving into this building as well. This building will also house a future community-based health clinic.

OUR MISSION

Every child has a right to be connected. Every child has a right to intellect.

OUR VISION

A Collaborative Learning Community in which every individual is valued, engaged and connected. 12

DISTRICT NEWS

WE’RE READY. Forward-Thinking & Growth-Minded Randy Fleenor, Superintendent of Schools

Dear Mattawan Families & Communities: In the midst of many unforeseen challenges last year, we were able to keep an eye looking out our windshield and accomplish many significant It is hard to believe that in a few short days we will welcome back goals that positively impacted our students, staff, and campus facilities. our students….IN-PERSON! We thought this day would never come! We hope you share this same excitement about a new This year, I challenge myself and you to do the same with this amazing school year, full of new learning and unlimited possibilities. We are opportunity in front of us. We each have 180 school days. Will your view ready! focus on the past, things you cannot change, waiting to react, or allowing your growth to stagnate? Or, will your view focus on the future, on things We’ve been busy finishing up many summer projects around you can change, on being proactive, and growing as an individual? What campus. One major accomplishment was completing our most will your view be? Choose wisely! recent set of bond projects. Part of this bond included renovating one of our buildings into a brand new Early Childhood Education On behalf of a grateful Wildcat Team, thank you for allowing us to partner Center for our youngest Wildcats! I’m happy to report that their first with you this year. It is going to be a great year! day of school will be in their new building. In addition, this building boasts a community wing, which will house the Mattawan Area Best regards, Food Pantry, Supplies for Success, and WildPaks. It will be wonderful to have these vital support organizations within our campus. One last amazing note: this building also has space for a community health clinic. Stay tuned for developing news on this Randy Fleenor exciting opportunity. THANK YOU to our generous community for Superintendent making this dream a reality and investing in the lives of the next generation of Wildcat Learners! BUS RIDER REMINDER As we move into a new year, I want to challenge you on how you view what lies ahead. There is a conflicting leadership concept All students need to submit a bus registration form this year for each student. called windshield leadership vs. rear-view management. Simply Students not registered with transportation will not be assigned to a bus. The bus stop may or may not be located at the home address. However, students put, rear-view management tends to be more reactionary while will be assigned within the prescribed walking distance. Any changes must windshield leadership is more forward-thinking, anticipatory, and be made in writing. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation. growth-minded. Not every situation you find yourself in allows for Please go to our website, www.mattawanschools.org and click on the yellow a windshield view; undoubtedly, a crisis can come without a "FILL OUT THE FORM". moment’s notice and you are left to only react as a person, a family, or an institution. In most situations though, a forward- thinking mindset is not only available to choose from, it is paramount for progress. 2

BACK TO SCHOOL INFO SAVE THE DATES CONTACT INFO your back-to-school guide DISTRICT DEPARTMENTS PHONE

Open houses in our schools are a great way to ADMINISTRATION BUILDING...... 269.668.3361 ext 8700 learn about your child’s school and programs. We 56720 Murray Street, Mattawan, MI 49071 welcome students and their family to attend. We

know that a strong home-school partnership is ATHLETIC OFFICE ...... 269.668.3361 ext 1279 crucial to the success of our students. Please Chad Yager, Athletic Director mark your calendar and join us.

FOOD SERVICE ...... 269.668.3361 ext 1865 MATTAWAN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION David Rose, Director of Food Services CENTER

OPEN HOUSE – MEET THE TEACHER SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS ...... 269.668.3361 ext 1774 August 26 ...... 5:00-7:00 PM Amy Wotring, VBISD Regional Special Education Supervisor SCHOOL HOURS

Full Day 8:35AM-3:40PM TRANSPORTATION DEPT...... 269.668.3361 ext 8710 Half-Day 8:35AM-12:00PM Scott Hitchcock, Transportation Director

MATTAWAN EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOOLS ...... PHONE OPEN HOUSE & MEET THE TEACHER

August 25 ...... 5:00-7:00 PM MATTAWAN EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL HOURS EDUCATION CENTER [Y5] ...... 269.668.3361 ext 1880 Full Day 8:40AM-3:45PM Stephanie Eaton, Principal Half-Day 8:40AM-12:05PM

MATTAWAN EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL [K-2] ...... 269.668.3361 ext 8600 MATTAWAN LATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jim Owen, Principal OPEN HOUSE & MEET THE TEACHER Pete Campbell, Dean of Teaching and Learning August 25 ...... 5:00-7:00 PM

SCHOOL HOURS MATTAWAN LATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL [3-5] ...... 269.668.3361 ext 8500 Full Day 8:40AM-3:45PM John Berlin, Principal Half-Day 8:40AM-12:05PM Carrie Wendell, Dean of Teaching and Learning

MATTAWAN MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTAWAN MIDDLE SCHOOL [6-8] ...... 269.668.3361 ext. 8400 OPEN HOUSE Chip Schuman, Principal 6TH Grade Cathy Brewster, Dean of Teaching and Learning August 24 6:00-8:00 PM th th Nate Engels, Dean of Teaching and Learning 7 & 8 Grade

August 25 6:00-8:00 PM MATTAWAN HIGH SCHOOL [9-12] ...... 269.668.3361 ext. 8300 SCHOOL HOURS Tim Eastman, Principal Full Day 7:40AM-2:35PM Greg Mickelson, Dean of Teaching and Learning Half-Day 7:40AM-11:00AM Jonathan Waldron, Dean of Teaching and Learning

MATTAWAN HIGH SCHOOL

MEET THE TEACHER

August 31 ...... 6:30 PM [Follow Student’s Schedule]

SCHOOL HOURS

Full Day 7:40AM-2:35PM Half-Day 7:40AM-11:00AM

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STUDENT RETRIEVAL DURING POLICY EMERGENCY SITUATIONS NOTIFICATIONS In the event of an emergency when students are required to either evacuate buildings or take shelter in place, it is

ANNUAL important that parents do not come to school to retrieve children until advised by administration via media coverage to do so. Mattawan Consolidated School has developed appropriate plans to protect your child and we will work diligently to keep your child safe and secure. Your cooperation is a key component to the success of maintaining an orderly and safe environment for all SEVERE OR INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES students. In the event of an emergency, please tune to the following television and radio stations to receive up to the minute information about an emergency situation. • WWMT - Channel 3 • WOOD TV - Channel 8 • WKZO - AM Radio 590

WELLNESS POLICY The Mattawan Consolidated School Board recognizes that good nutrition and regular physical activity affect the health and well-being of the District's students. Furthermore, research concludes that there is a positive correlation between a student's health and well-being and his/her ability to learn. Moreover, schools can play an important role in the In the event of severe or inclement weather, the following procedures will developmental process by which students establish their be followed: health and nutrition habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks through the schools' meal programs, by supporting Tornado Related Procedures the development of good eating habits, and by promoting If a tornado watch (potentially severe conditions exist) is issued by the increased physical activity both in and out of school. Weather Bureau or Civil Defense Authorities, students will remain at school for the remainder of the normal school day. Administrators, or designees, The Board, however, believes this effort to support the shall watch for severe weather in the local area. If imminent severe weather students' development of healthy behaviors and habits with exists, students will be instructed to take cover according to established regard to eating and exercise cannot be accomplished by procedures that utilize the safest shelters possible. the schools alone. It will be necessary for not only the staff, but also parents and the public at large to be involved in a If a tornado warning (an actual tornado has been sighted) is issued by the community-wide effort to promote, support, and model such Weather Bureau or Civil Defense Authorities, students will be instructed to healthy behaviors and habits. For more details on this policy take cover according to established procedures that utilize the safest [po8510] please see www.mattawanschools.org. shelters available.

After-school activities, including the use of facilities by outside groups, will Free & Reduced Priced Lunches automatically be canceled in the event a tornado watch or warning extends Mattawan Consolidated School participates in the Federal into the late afternoon or evening hours. School Lunch program. Certain persons are eligible for free or reduced priced lunches. Notification of procedures and Non-Tornado Related Conditions necessary forms are on the District website and in each In the event severe weather or other emergency occurs while school or school office. school activities are not in session, the Superintendent may cancel or postpone school or school activities. Appropriate media shall be notified according to established procedures for communicating such action.

If school is in session when a severe snow storm or other emergency is imminent or in progress, students may be systematically dismissed according to established procedures when transportation can be provided if local conditions. Dismissal shall occur according to the usual sequence of buildings. Students that are not transported shall be dismissed at the same time students that are transported by school vehicles are dismissed. Appropriate media is notified for communicating such action.

When school has been canceled for the day due to conditions other than tornado watches or warnings, the Superintendent may determine the advisability of holding school activities such as practices or evening events as conditions evolve during the day.

4 ANNUAL BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS The District is subject to regulations from the Occupational POLICY Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to restrict the NOTIFICATIONS spread of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) in the workplace. These regulations Material Safety Data Sheets are designed to protect employees of the District who are, or could be, exposed to blood or other contaminated bodily [MSDS] fluids while performing their job duties. Under Section 313 Community Right-to-Know Act, Material Safety Data Sheets are available for your viewing in all school offices. Because of the very serious consequences of contracting HBV or HIV, the District is committed to taking the necessary precautions to protect both students and staff Right to Inspect Instructional Materials from its spread in the school environment. A parent, guardian, or adult student may review instructional materials Part of the federally mandated procedures include a such as textbooks, library books, reference works and other requirement that the District request the person who was instructional aides used in the district. Please contact the building bleeding to consent to be tested for HBV and HIV. This principal for requests, suggestions, or complaints regarding information would then be provided both to the exposed instructional materials. employee and the treating physician to determine property medical treatment. Personal Curriculum Annual Notice of right to request a personal curriculum modifying The law does not require parents or guardians to grant Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements for graduation with a regular permission for the examination of their child's blood, but it High School Diploma. does require the District to request that consent. Although we expect the incidents of exposure will be few, we want to notify parents of these requirements ahead of time. That way, if the situation does develop you will understand the reason for our request and will have had an opportunity to consider it in advance. These are serious diseases, and we sincerely hope that through proper precautions and cooperation we can prevent them from spreading.

QUALITY CONTROL STATEMENTS Asbestos Information Mattawan Consolidated School contracted to remove nearly all asbestos materials in our buildings. Asbestos in public areas was removed. Where advised asbestos in non-public areas was treated and secured rather than being removed in accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act (AHERA). Following is an update:

"Mattawan Consolidated School contracted for a three- year Asbestos Re-Inspection Management Plan as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). The re-inspection was completed June 13 and 14, 2001. This three-year Asbestos Re-Inspection Management Plan is currently available for review in all school offices in the district."

"The Management Plan contains information regarding the location of asbestos-containing materials in school buildings, the condition of the asbestos, and a plan for dealing with any remaining asbestos. A re-inspection of all district buildings is required by law every three years."

USE OF PESTICIDES Pesticides are periodically applied to school property. Pesticides are usually applied during non-school hours. Parents/Guardians may request an Advisory Form from Brian Cornish, Director of Facilities, by calling (269)668- 3361, extension 1750. The Advisory Form will provide prior information on any application of an insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide made to the school grounds or buildings during this school year. In certain emergencies, pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent injury to students. Advisory Form participants will be notified following any such application.

5 ANNUAL

POLICY NOTIFICATIONS

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Student Accident Insurance The Mattawan Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis The Board of Education underwrites the cost of a supplemental of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, accident insurance policy for every student. If a student is height, weight, or marital status, or any other legally protected injured at school, the student is covered for cost that the parents' characteristic in its programs and activities, including employment insurance does not cover. Claims should be reported promptly opportunities. Please contact Jay Larner, Assistant Superintendent, and are handled through the school office. 56720 Murray Street, Mattawan, MI 49071, (269) 668-3361, extension 1770 with inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies. Please contact Jay Larner, Assistant Superintendent, if you have any questions relative to the preceding Annual Notices. Records regarding each student are maintained by the student's Mr. Larner may be reached at [269] 668-3361, extension 1770. school office personnel. The information is available for review only Mattawan Consolidated School by the parents or legal guardian of the student, student that has 56720 Murray Street, Mattawan, MI 49071 declared adult status (eighteen (18) years of age or older), and those Ph: [269] 668-3361 | FAX: [269] 585-3043 designated by Federal Law or District regulations.

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC RECORDS Civil Rights Compliance Officer Freedom of Information Act The Board of Education encourages visits by parents, guardians and district residents. In order for the educational program to Randall Fleenor, Superintendent, is our District's Freedom of continue undisturbed when visitors are present and to prevent Information Act (FOIA) Coordinator. He may be reached at [269] 668- the intrusion of disruptive persons into the schools, it is necessary 3361, extension 1700. to establish visitor’s guidelines. School administration has the authority and legal obligation to prohibit entry of any person or to EDUCATION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS expel any person when there is reason to believe the presence of such person would be detrimental to the good of the school Kim Porco, Director of Whole Child Services, is our District's climate or safety. If such individual refuses to leave the school Homeless Liaison. She may be reached at [269] 668-3361, extension grounds or creates a disturbance, the school administrator is 1772. authorized to request from law enforcement whatever assistance Section 504 & ADA is required to remove the individual. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE OFFICER District Student Access Technology Jay Larner, Assistant Superintendent, is our District's Section 504/ADA compliance officer. He may be reached at [269] 668-3361, An individualized account permits parents/guardians and students extension 1770. to access confidential student attendance and academic information. It is important that this access be kept secure and not shared with others. To safeguard this confidential information, it is Civil Rights Compliance Officer imperative that the parents/guardians and students protect the Jay Larner, Assistant Superintendent, is our District's Civil Rights password system designed to provide access to student Compliance Officer. Mr. Larner may be reached at [269] 668-3361, information. The District will provide this information only to the extension 1770. student or legal parent/guardian. The District cannot and will not be responsible for any disclosure of information that occurs as a Harassment result, directly or indirectly, of the parent/guardian or student's failure to safeguard the access information. Harassment of students, staff (including those who volunteer their services), or applicants for employment is prohibited, and not to be Code of Conduct tolerated. Any person that believes s/he has been or is a victim of harassment should immediately report the situation to the teacher, The Board of Education acknowledges that conduct is closely the principal, or may report it directly a Title IX Coordinator, Jay related to learning and that an effective instructional program Larner, Assistant Superintendent can be reached at [269] 668-3361 requires an orderly school environment, which is, in part, reflected extension 1770. in the behavior of students. The board shall require each student of this district to adhere to the code of conduct promulgated by each building administration. All buildings will publish a student Electronic Surveillance code of conduct for board approval. Electronic surveillance, both video and motion detection, is used on the premises of Mattawan Consolidated School. Registration for Selective Service Federal Law requires all male students aged eighteen (18) or older Search & Seizure to register for the selective service. School authorities are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the students in their care. In the discharge The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 of that responsibility, in all situations in which the student is under the requires school districts to: give military recruiters the same access jurisdiction of the board, the school authorities may search the person to secondary school students as provided to post-secondary or property (lockers and vehicles) of a student, with or without the institutions or to prospective employers; and provide students' student's consent, whenever they have individualized, reasonable names, addresses and telephone listings to military recruiters, suspicion that the search is required to discover evidence of a when requested, unless a parent has opted out of providing such information. violation of law or of school rules. 6

ANNUAL POLICY NOTIFICATIONS

Drug Free Schools [5530F2] DIRECTORY INFORMATION ON STUDENTS In accordance with Federal Law, the Board of Education A parent, guardian, or adult student has the following rights: prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or • inspect and review the student's education records; distribution of drugs by students on school grounds, in • request amendments if the parent believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, school or school-approved vehicles, or at any school- or otherwise in violation of the student's rights; related event. Drugs includes any alcoholic beverage, • consent to disclosures of personally-identifiable information contained in the anabolic steroid, dangerous controlled substance as student's education records, except to those disclosures allowed by law; defined by State statute, or substance that could be considered a "look-a-like" controlled substance. • challenge District noncompliance with a parent's request to amend the records Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all students. through a hearing; Any student who violates this policy will be subject to • file a complaint with the Department of Education; disciplinary action, in accordance with due process and • obtain a copy of the District's policy and administrative guidelines on student as specified in the student handbooks, up to and records. including expulsion from school. When required by State • these rights transfer to the student when he or she turns 18 years of age or enters law, the District will also notify law enforcement officials. a postsecondary educational institution at any age ("eligible student"). • the local school district is required to transfer disciplinary records, with respect We are concerned about any student who is a victim of to a suspension or expulsion, to any private or public elementary or secondary alcohol or drug abuse and will facilitate a process by school for any student who is enrolled or seeks, intends, or is instructed to enroll, which the student receives help through programs and services available in the community. Students and their on a full- or part-time basis in the school. parents should contact the principal, counselor, • A parent, guardian, or adult student has the right to request a change or addition interventionist or social worker whenever such help is to a student's records and to either obtain a hearing with District officials. If they needed. are not satisfied with the result of the hearing, a complaint may be filed with the U.S. Office of Education if the parent, guardian or adult student is not satisfied Protection of Pupil Rights with the accuracy of the records or with the District's compliance with the Federal Rights and Privacy Act. Amendment (PPRPPRA governs the administrationA). to students of a survey, analysis, or evaluation to students that relates to one or The following information about each student is considered "directory information" more of the following eight protected areas: • political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the and will be made available upon legitimate request unless a parent, guardian, or student's parent; adult student notifies the building office in writing within ten (10) days of the • mental or psychological problems of the student or beginning of each school year that she/he wishes to OPT-OUT and will not permit the student's family; distribution of any or all of such information: • sexual behavior or attitudes; • name, address and telephone number; date and place of birth; photograph in • illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning both printed and/or electronic form, including the school website, social media behavior; and the Internet; major field of study; participation in officially recognized • critical appraisals of other individuals with whom activities and sports; height and weight, if a member of a school student activity respondents have close family relationships; (athletics, fine arts, etc.); dates of attendance; date of graduation and awards • legally recognized privileged or analogous received; and any other information the District considers would not be harmful relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers; or an invasion of privacy, if disclosed. Directory information is available to • religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the colleges/universities, vocational/technical schools, the armed forces, etc. student or student's parent; or • income (other than that required by law to determine If you have questions regarding school records, please contact the building eligibility for participation in a program or for principal. receiving financial assistance under such program). Health and Reproductive Education Local school districts must provide parents and students The Board of Education adopted a comprehensive health education program that effective notice of the following rights under PPRA: includes education on human sexuality and venereal and other non-casual contact • right of parents to inspect, upon request, a survey communication diseases such as communicable disease. It is designed to provide created by a third party; an appropriate means for students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes • arrangements to protect student privacy; necessary to maintain good health. • right of parents to inspect, upon request, any instructional material; In compliance with State law and with its desire to maintain effective communication • administration of physical examinations or with parents and the community, the Board will make arrangements for the screenings that the school may administer to programs and instructional materials to be available for review by a parent or students; interested member of the school community. • collection, disclosure, or use of personal information; • right of parent to inspect, upon request, any Students are required to participate in these courses, but the law allows parents the instrument used in the collection of personal right to have a child excused from participating in classes which include instruction information; in sex education, reproductive health and communicable disease education. The • local school districts must offer an opportunity for Board's policy is to honor parents' written requests that their child(ren) be excused parents to opt their child out of participating; and from a portion(s) of a course. • these rights transfer to the student when he or she turns 18 years of age or enters a post-secondary Please contact the building principal if you have any questions or concerns educational institution at any age ("eligible student"). regarding Health and Reproductive Education.

7 Mattawan Consolidated School 56720 Murray Street Mattawan, MI 49071

WILDCAT CONNECTION

www.mattawanschools.org 2021.2022 DISTRICT CALENDAR AUGUST 30 First Day of School [Full Day MS & HS] [Half-Day ECEC, EES, LES] SEPTEMBER 3 Labor Day Observed – No School 7 Classes Resume 22 ½ Day - Staff PD OCTOBER 6 Count Day 13 ½ Day - Staff PD 29 ½ Day – Staff Records NOVEMBER 1 Staff PD – No School 11-12 ½ Days – Parent/Teacher Conferences 23 ½ Day PD 24 Thanksgiving Recess begins 29 Classes Resume DECEMBER 15 ½ Day – Staff PD 20 Winter Break [December 20-31] JANUARY 2022 3 Classes Resume 14 ½ Staff Records 17 Staff PD – No School BOARD OF EDUCATION FEBRUARY 2022 2 ½ Staff PD 2021.2022 9 Count Day Scott Sylvester, President 23 ½ Staff PD MARCH 2022 Ted Roethlisberger, Vice President 11 ½ Staff Records Shari Magrath, Treasurer 14 Staff PD – No School Maureen Ford, M.D., FACEP, Secretary 24-25 ½ Days – Parent/Teacher Conferences Vickie Mabin-Herzberg, Trustee APRIL 2022 1 Spring Break [April 1-8] Bruce Miller, Trustee 11 Classes Resume Mark Noffsinger, M.D., Trustee 20 ½ Day – Staff PD MAY 2022 Randall Fleenor, Superintendent 11 ½ Day Staff PD 30 No School - Memorial Day Jay Larner, Assistant Superintendent JUNE 2022 8 3 ½ Day Staff Records- Last Day of School