Dear Hornet Nation,

Since there are only 12 months in a calendar year, sometimes "monthly awareness" tags have to be shared. April is both Autism Acceptance Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, and just like Hornets, both are typified by the color blue.

The latest research (2023) from the CDC, cited in the Autism Parent magazine, is that 1 in 36 children are being diagnosed somewhere along the spectrum or continuum. As a parent of a young adult with autism, I can vouch for the importance of early interventions. I can only vouch for the statement that if you've met a person with autism, you have met one person with autism; it presents in many different ways. As educators, we continue to support kids and families who are navigating this journey.

Right here in Harrison, we host the offices and Child Advocacy Center of the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children. Full disclose: I recently joined its Board of Directors. The mission is to partner with the three communities it serves (Clare County, Gladwin County, and Missaukee County) "to bring healing, hope, and justice to the abused children of rural Michigan." As educators, we are mandatory reporters and receive training each year. If you suspect abuse or neglect, call 855-444-3911 any time day or night. This toll-free phone number allows you to confidentially report abuse or neglect of any child or adult to the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Sometime this month, wear blue to honor one or both of these important causes. Hornets wear blue (and yellow) on Fridays, so join us then, too!

In partnership and with Hornet Pride,

Judy

juwalton@harrisonschools.com

989.539.7871

The staff of Harrison Community Schools, in the spirit of a growing and changing community, pledge to educate all students by teaching the District Curriculum and beyond, ensuring the development of responsible learners prepared to take an active role in a complex society.

Zachary Driver -- Kendra Durga -- Therese Haley

James Neff -- Chelsea Roland -- Betsy Ulicki -- Carrie Whitaker

To date, we have had a little over 300 responses; thank you if you have already filled it out. If you have not yet filled it out, please use this link. It will be open for approximately one more week.

On Friday, April 5, the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District held a formal groundbreaking ceremony for its $25 million expansion. With a projected opening date of August 2025, the expansion includes:

• Creating spacious, state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with specialized labs and modern equipment.

• Enhancing program flexibility for new course offerings.

• Incorporating a brand-new 6500-square-foot conference center, excellent for meetings and collaborative events.

• Providing a cutting-edge commercial kitchen for the culinary arts program students.

Juniors and Seniors in Harrison, as well as those from all CGRESD districts, will benefit. For more information, including a video, please click here.

Would you like to be more involved in your child's school? Do you have time during the school day or just after to volunteer? We would welcome you with open arms!

In order to volunteer, you simply fill out and submit an iChat form (linked below). This enables us to run a criminal background check in short order, to ensure the safety of all students you may come into contact with. Assuming nothing of concern shows up, you are all set to help out wherever your school may need you -- the cafeteria, the playground, the gym, a field trip, or an individual classroom, just to name a few. If you would like to view our Board Policies in regard to volunteering, please view Board Policy 4205 and Board Policy 4205 on our website.

If your home/work responsibilities don't allow you to spend time with us during or right after school, there are still ways to support. Perhaps that might be chaperoning an evening event, or helping to organize a fundraiser for a team or group. Just reach out!

All Board meetings are open to the public, and are conducted in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. On rare occasions, the Board may go into closed session, but only as allowed by the OMA.

If it is your first time attending a Board meeting, you may not be familiar with the structure. Make sure you pick up an agenda on your way in, and if you intend to speak during the portion designated for public comments, please pick up a copy of Board Policy 2504, which is near the copies of the agenda. This will explain the parameters of the public comment portion of the agenda.

As you observe the Board conduct its business, the agenda will guide you. Common agenda sections are as follows:

• Opening of the Meeting (welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, additions/corrections to agenda/minutes, building instructional highlight, any other "organizational" items)
• Consent Agenda (items for approval that do not require a roll-call vote, and without objection from a Board member, can be considered all together)
• Non-Consent Agenda (one or more items that require a separate roll-call vote, such as budget approval)
• Informational Items (examples include resignations, other presentations, etc.)
• Public Comments (3 minutes each, Board members do not respond during the 3 minutes so that each speaker gets their full time; after, Board members may, but do not have to, pose questions or make statements)
• Communication (Superintendent's Report - includes subject matter of public comments; any other Board communication)
• Discussion Items (other matters any Board member may choose to speak about; may relate to public comments but not required)
• Adjournment

Within 8 business days of the meeting, minutes are posted on our website.

Due to the regional high school track meet being scheduled for Thursday, May 16 in Charlevoix, we have switched the graduation date for the Class of 2024 to Friday, May 17. Same time -- 6:30 pm.

• With a positive COVID test, 5 days from either the onset of symptoms, or if no symptoms, from the test date. Onset of symptoms or test date = day zero, and student may return on day 6 with a mask assuming symptoms are improving. This is the same as employees.
• For 24 hours after fever, diarrhea, or vomiting ends, without medication.
• Contagious diseases such as chickenpox, measles, strep, pinkeye, flu, etc. Ask your doctor or health care provider when they can return to school. Generally, the following apply: chickenpox (no school until all spots /lesions are dried and crusted), lice (no school until after the first treatment), strep throat or other strep infections (can return if they do not have a fever and have been on antibiotics for at least 12 hours).

April 11-13: Barefoot in the Park - HS play (HS auditorium)

April 25L Info Night for Current 8th Graders and Families (5:30 pm, HS Auditorium)

May 6: Seniors Honors (6:00 pm, HS gym)

May 17: Graduation (6:30 pm, stadium - weather permitting)

• Early Childhood & Larson Elementary, 989.539.3259 (Principal Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Sandy Hargraves, shargraves@harrisonschools.com)
• Middle School, 989.539.7194 (Principal Jennifer Thrush, jthrush@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)
• Hive, 989.539.7417 (Principal Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
• High School, 989.539.7417 (Principal Joe Ashcroft, jjashcroft@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)

Superintendent, 989.539.7871 (Judy Walton, juwalton@harrisonschools.com)

Special Education (Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)

Homeless Child/Youth Services (Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com)

Bus Services, 989.539.7082 (Kelli Whitaker, kwhitaker@auxilioservices.com)

Allowed waiting area for afternoon pick-up at Larson is on West Hornet Drive, highlighted in orange