Community in Schools reports big college fair turnout; district announces LifeVac donation

Amy Burk, representing Community in Schools of NWMI, told the Mancelona school board on Nov. 12 that the district’s high school College Fair hosted 35 college and military representatives and drew more than 500 participants. Burk said October’s College Application Month resulted in about 100 college applications and that 77% of seniors submitted at least one application. She announced a Family FAFSA Night for Dec. 10 from 5–7 p.m., a middle-school Passport Party on Dec. 3, and that the middle-school Homework Club runs Monday–Thursday after school until 4:30 p.m.

Burk also reported that, with support from an MDE grant, CIS distributed fresh-produce boxes from Providence Farms to 33 district families. She noted the elementary school is arranging a grief support group with Michael’s Place and reminded the board of annual Thanksgiving lunches (Pre-K Nov. 19; K–4 Nov. 21).

In administrative reports, Bernadette Pletcher said elementary enrollment stands at 351 and highlighted recent events and staff professional development; Jake Murray said the new parent-teacher conference format in the gym received positive feedback and confirmed completion of 5/6 wing construction. Trent Naumcheff told the board 67 students were represented at conferences and that 126 athletes will take part in winter sports.

Superintendent Tina Frollo announced that the Patton family donated five LifeVac anti-choking devices in memory of firefighter/paramedic Daniel Patton. "Mancelona has been given a generous gift of 5 Anti-Choking Devices called Life Vac," she said; the devices will be placed in each building’s cafeteria, the daycare and the football concession stand.

The reports provided the board with enrollment, extracurricular and student-support updates and noted upcoming family- and community-facing events.