Innovative instruction is taking place in our schools all across our three-county area. 

Here's one of the latest. 

We thank the Oceana County Press for this story.  

More info link: oceanacountypress.com/2023/11/30/pirates-pumped-about-hartbeat-news/
Share this story

Copy story link

It's a Bike Rodeo & Book Ride Giveaway!

Mark Saturday, May 13, on your calendar!

From 10 am until noon, the ESD's Great Start Collaborative PreK Program and Shoreline FORCE will host a Bike Safety Rodeo and Book Ride.

This two-hour event on the campus of West Shore Community College (WSCC) is FREE and totally family friendly. All ages are welcome.

There will be variety of activities for kids at the Rodeo, including helmet checks, bike inspections, bike safety tips, and giveaways.

Right nearby will be the Great Start Collaborative's Book Ride, which will inspire children to build their interest in reading and encourage healthy activity and quality family time. 

More info link: www.facebook.com/GreatStartMLO
Share this story

Copy story link

The ESD's Adaptive Driving Program delivers safe driving skills and success. Read about it in the story link below provided by the Ludington Daily News.

More info link: www.shorelinemedia.net/business_hub/adaptive-driving-program-delivers-road-tested-safety-values-at-wsesd/article_2854abbc-e42e-11ed-902f-3765eaf0c7dd.html
Share this story

Copy story link

Here are the dates for the District Health Department #10's Immunizations and Hearing, Dental, and Vision screenings.

Please mark your calendar.

Spiderman and Elsa look forward to seeing you.

Share this story

Copy story link

Through the sponsorship and coordination of Brian Dotson, Director of the Region 9 MiSTEM Network, an expert in reptiles came to Mason County to introduce every 4th grader to the world of snakes.

 Click on the link below for the full story in the Mason County Press.

More info link: www.masoncountypress.com/2023/04/16/learning-about-snakes/
Share this story

Copy story link

CTE students in the Criminal Justice Program are going the extra mile to remind the public about the dangers of impaired driving.  

Thanks to this story and video from the Mason County Press, you can learn more about the students' "Strive for a Safer Drive" campaign.

More info link: www.masoncountypress.com/2023/03/02/video-cte-criminal-justice-students-raise-awareness-about-impaired-driving/
Share this story

Copy story link

The old saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" has stood the test of time and is now proving itself to be an effective strategy for area school leaders and other professionals to use in improving safety for their students, parents, and staff members.

With this goal in the forefront, West Shore ESD Special Education Supervisor Amanda Unger and the ESD Administrative Team are coordinating a Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Training on January 17 at West Shore Community College. 

The training is open to community agencies, local school districts and units of law enforcement which serve Lake, Oceana, and Mason counties.

The training will be led expert Dr. Melissa Reeves. Along with her formal presentation, she will work with more than 50 school, mental health, and law enforcement leaders to develop processes necessary for identifying behavioral threats and implementing appropriate interventions to keep our students, parents, and school staff safe.

"Even though the threat assessment process is new for us, everyone is rolling up their sleeves to make sure the program is successful," said Chad Skiba, the behavior management and safety coordinator with the West Shore ESD. "Sadly, the threat of violence is not something any of us can ignore today."

Skiba believes it's important to utilize a fact-based, systematic process for identifying, assessing, and managing potentially dangerous or violent situations.

"We're taking an all-hands-on-deck approach," he said. "Getting more people trained in the threat assessment framework will help us engage with students prior to they choose violence as an option. We'll be able to better target additional support and resources."  

Dr. Unger agreed.

"We want to thoughtfully and caringly identify those students who may pose a threat to themselves and others," she said. "This not only helps prevent a crisis from occurring, it connects those students and their families with on-going help from the community."

Unger believes teamwork is the key ingredient.

"No counselor, sheriff's deputy, school principal, or psychologist can carry out this process alone," she said. "This is why the January 17 training is critical. When it comes to proactively identifying and responding to potential threats, a number of pieces to the entire puzzle need to come together. We're blessed to live in a region that has so many dedicated and talented professionals involved." 

 

Share this story

Copy story link

About 600 3rd-graders from around Lake, Mason, and Ocean counties experienced a variety of "hands-on" career activities at a two-day event hosted by West Shore Community College and the ESD's CTE program.

This amazing event inspired students to think about the many future opportunities awaiting them if they keep studying and keep pursuing their dreams.

Click on the link below to read Rob Alway's excellent post in the Mason County Press.

More info link: bit.ly/3NGdzB5
Share this story

Copy story link

It's a wonderful time of year. Along with blooms in full force, our high school grads are celebrating with their family and friends at commencements, honors ceremonies, and open houses.

You'll enjoy this story by Kim Beardslee of graduate Keeton Capling who refused to let autism hold him back. 

Click the link below to see her post in the Mason County Press.

 

 

More info link: bit.ly/3LKtuwB
Share this story

Copy story link

Teacher consultant, Sarah Hresko, shared a story about a student who recently exited the special education program. Sarah is a teacher consultant for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Read what Sarah wrote below!

"Ashton Maynard is a 5th grade student at Hart Middle School. Ashton was born with a moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. He wears a hearing aid and a cochlear implant. Ashton advocates for his own needs in the classroom and is able to tell others with confidence about his hearing loss. Ashton is a great student to have in class. He attends to the teacher, is respectful, completes his work, and works well with his peers.

In the past Ashton has received speech services. He has also received direct services from myself, Sarah Hresko, the teacher consultant for students who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Working with Ashton over the past 7 years has been such a positive experience in my career. When I met Ashton he was struggling academically. It has been truly amazing to see Ashton's progress over the years. He has made significant academic gains, and he is currently on the honor roll. It is bittersweet to exit Ashton from special education services. Ashton is a wonderful role model for children with hearing loss and I know that he will continue to amaze us all."

At the West Shore ESD, we're passionate about walking with students of all needs and abilities, and are always glad to celebrate alongside our students and families! Congratulations, Ashton, and thank you for sharing, Sarah!

Share this story

Copy story link

As the intensity of the pandemic eases, students of all ages are struggling with a variety of thoughts and feelings. 

This recent post in the Ocean County Press by Kim Beardslee presents a great review of how Pentwater Public Schools and health experts are partnering to make a positive difference.

 

More info link: bit.ly/3KSIMPX
Share this story

Copy story link

You can count on the WSESD! 

The ESD's Instructional Services staff members know success in math is essential for students, too. So they are creating and giving away math literacy materials and resources to promote positive experiences in math to schools and families in Lake, Mason, and Oceana Counties. 

Click on the link below to read the story from the Mason County Press about the ESD's Math Moments.

More info link: bit.ly/3HUS2ky
Share this story

Copy story link

In late February, the Great Start Collaborative for the West Shore Educational Service District partnered with the Friends of the Ludington State Park to sponsor a lantern-lit book walk. The wonderful children's book, The Mitten by Jan Brett was appropriate for the weather. And as you can imagine, all participants had a delightful time. Click to see the article and video created by the Mason County Press.

More info link: bit.ly/3hQAago
Share this story

Copy story link

Students in the CTE Construction Trades program recently participated in a fire safety demonstration with the local fire department, put together by Instructor, Aaron Tarsa. In preparation for the event, students built Palmer Dollhouses; a small structure that exhibits how a fire can spread throughout a house.

During the demonstration, fire fighters started a small fire in the bottom bedroom and allowed the fire to spread throughout the house. They explained to students why the fire moved through the building, how to prevent it from spreading, and the importance of following building codes. Students also had the chance to practice using a fire extinguisher, in case they ever need to on a job site.

In the Construction Trades program, first year students primarily focus on classroom learning, small building projects, and various trainings and demonstrations throughout the year. Second year students have the opportunity for off-site internships, practicing skills like framing, electrical, and plumbing.

Demonstrations like this are a great example of the applied learning model used at the CTE. In the classroom, students are learning basics in construction skill, safety training, good work habits, and technical knowledge. Seeing these things in action is not only exciting but also reinforces what students are learning in the classroom.

Thank you to the volunteer fire department for coming out and making this day such a success!

Share this story

Copy story link

Be sure to read this great article by Mason County Press about the food programs going on in some of our local districts! Students are able to get food grown by Michigan farmers as part of their school lunches. The article talks about Mason County Eastern, but Hart and Shelby School Districts also participate in this! Here at the West Shore ESD we love seeing all of the wonderful ways our community works to best serve our students.

More info link: www.masoncountypress.com/2022/01/24/mce-students-eat-michigan-grown-food-thanks-to-state-grant/
Share this story

Copy story link

Oceana CAN is hosting their 7th Annual Oceana County College and Career Fair will take place on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022 as a masked, in-person event at Shelby High School. The event will be engaging Juniors, as well as some Seniors this year, to ensure they have high quality career and college exploration opportunities. We hope we can count on you as a sponsor of or participant at the event this year.

For more information about Oceana CAN, follow the link below. If you have questions prior to the event, please e-mail Alyssa at [email protected] or call
231-301-8210. We hope to see you there!

More info link: oceanacan.org/
Share this story

Copy story link

Our Career and Technical Education Automotive Technology Program received a generous vehicle donation from NAPA Auto Parts of Ludington! Read more in the Mason County Press article using the link below.

Thank you NAPA Auto Parts of Ludington!

More info link: www.masoncountypress.com/2022/01/17/cte-auto-tech-program-receives-vehicle-donation/
Share this story

Copy story link

Meet Barbara Sims of Hart, Executive Director Oceana County United Way 
 

Our WSESD is Proud to Partner with Barbara Sims. Barbara and her husband Tom have been residents of Hart for more than a decade. It was nearly 10 years ago that they opened their delightful children friendly bookstore Storybook Village in downtown Pentwater.
 

To say they love life in our West Michigan area would be an understatement - as would attempting to cap the passion Barbara has for Early Childhood Education.
 

Barbara is one of the strongest advocates for the provision of quality preschool and early years education you could find. Our school districts, parents, students, and staff are fortunate to have her in their corner.
 

As the Executive Director of the Ocean County United Way (Lakeshore), Barbara consistently promotes local and regional collaboration to maintain and improve the kinds of programs that touch all aspects of life. She shared that there are many ways for individuals to step up and impact their own communities - which is what Barbara tries to encourage.
 

Local superintendents and other school leaders in our three-county WSESD region know Barbara well and are vocal in being proud to partner with her. Walkerville superintendent Tom Langdon shared that Barbara cares about WPS schools and students. He also mentioned that every spring, she attends high school graduations throughout our area to award United Way scholarships to our grads. Teachers and students alike know that Barbara and all of the United Way partners are doing what they can to help them succeed.
 

Literacy is another passion for Barbara - as evidenced by the United Ways active match participation in the Dolly Parton Foundation - where the foundation strives to get high quality books mailed into the homes of preschoolers every month.
 

It is folks like Barbara Sims who help make our region a wonderful place to learn, earn, and grow a family. No doubt you are, too - and if you would like to connect with Barbara and get more involved - please contact Barbara directly or WSESD Superintendent Jason Jeffrey and have a friendly chat.
 

The more the merrier!
 

Barbara Sims / United Way
[email protected]

Barbara at Storybook Village / Pentwater
www.StoryBookVillageofPentwater.com

Share this story

Copy story link

Did you know our ESD offers an employability skills class for high school students with disabilities?

It is offered morning and afternoon at the CTE, located on the campus of the West Shore Community College.

About 26 students are in the class and Kim Beardslee's recent article in the Mason County Press provides a super overview.

Just click on the link below.

 

 

 

More info link: bit.ly/30PwWEv
Share this story

Copy story link

Congratulations to our EC Summit Leadership team on their Outstanding Educator Award! Check out the 3:05 mark of this video to hear some comments from Brenda, Sara and the team. We have much to be proud of!

More info link: vimeo.com/639584164/148b61d574
Share this story

Copy story link

WSESD Early On Services Provide Early Intervention for Families

Did you know that WSESD provides Early On services to 60 families in Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties? Early On is a program that provides resources and support to families with children aged birth to three years old. Early On works on all developmental skills and is facilitated through a coaching model. These skills may include; crawling, walking, talking, emotions and feelings, feeding, and play skills.

WSESD Early On has been busy this summer! Over the past few months, the team has delivered over 250 different enrichment activities to families throughout the three counties. The activities included a variety of small toys, board books, bubbles, and Magna-Doodles. With each activity provided, a team member created a handout to help facilitate engagement between parent and child and encourage further developmental skills. Pictured is a child from Lake County who receives Early On services with the bath toys she received and a book, “How to Bathe Your Little Dinosaur”. Also pictured is a child from Mason County who received a blanket. Another child from Oceana County is holding her favorite book provided by WSESD Early On. 

Parents and Children alike are grateful for WSESD Early On! 

If you think your infant or toddler may have a developmental delay, or a pre-existing medical condition, contact Early On at 1-800-Early-On or complete our online referral form here: Early On | Referral.

More info link: www.1800earlyon.org/online_referral.php
Share this story

Copy story link

Free hearing tests are available for students suffering from hearing loss thanks to a program offered by the WSESD.

This article by Kim Beardslee in Mason County Press describes how hearing tests are just the beginning of the full range of speech and language support provided to students.

Click on the link below for the article.

 

More info link: bit.ly/2ZbbXeL
Share this story

Copy story link

This is a unique gym class indeed! 

High school students – both with disabilities and without disablities – encourage each other in Mr. Brad Francis' Adaptive PE class at Hart High School.

See the recent Oceana County Press article by clicking the link below.

 

 

 

More info link: bit.ly/3uRrhZq
Share this story

Copy story link

A new bus safety law will take effect on October 1.

The WSESD's Director of Transportation Katrina Morris helped spearhead the effort to make this happen. (Thank you, Katrina!)

Click on the link below to read the Mason County Press article.

More info link: bit.ly/3kB7RV6
Share this story

Copy story link

Ms. Leah at Diman-Wolf ECC leads her new preschoolers in music at the end of the 1st day. (if you are still interested in enrolling, click on the link below).

More info link: tinyurl.com/WSESDGSRP
Share this story

Copy story link

The Old Engine Club sponsored an "Education Day" for several hundred 5th graders at the club facility in Scottville.

With so many students coming from farm backgrounds themselves, experiencing many old tools in a hands-on way was quite a treat! 

Click on the Ludington News Article below to read more.

 

 

More info link: bit.ly/2Xn7uVa
Share this story

Copy story link

Did you see the investment John Deere made recently? It's amazing when you think about it.

The 184 farm equipment manufacturer just bought a robotics firm located in high-tech Silicon Valley. Why did they do this?  

John Deere wants to be a leader in the future of "autonomous" operator-free equipment use.

Just goes to show you. AgriScience is as cutting edge as any fast-paced dynamic industry in our nation.

More info link: tcrn.ch/3yYjo4N
Share this story

Copy story link

We are fortunate to have the West Michigan Research Station (WMRS) in Hart fully up and running.

While primarily built to strengthen growers and operational partners active in our region's dynamic AgriScience industry, this amazing facility also will support the AgriScience education of area students.

For example, the first-ever AgriScience Summer Camp for 5th-8th graders took place in July. It was sponsored in partnership with the WSESD and Mrs. Erika Fatura – the secondary science teacher in Pentwater – was the curriculum coordinator.

Be sure to check out the 4-minute video using the link below.

The seed for this fantastic 40-acre AgriScience research center was planted two years ago and has steadily grown over the last 18-20 months thanks to the generous contributions of expertise and resources from Peterson Farms and a host of other local donors.

The WMRS now stands as one of five M.S.U. partnered agricultural research stations in Michigan where college undergrads and graduate students can conduct their research.

Our research station is also the only facility of the five entirely financed and built by a collaborative of local growers and operational partners. This is quite a tribute to their commitment.

More info link: youtu.be/KsHdtk9Yd1A
Share this story

Copy story link

Our region has a rich history – and an incredibly bright future – in AgriScience.

Whether it involves planting, protecting, harvesting, transporting, processing, packaging, or marketing, the tremendous work ethic and business savvy of our fruit and vegetable growers and their operational partners have elevated our region as one of our state’s top leaders in AgriScience.

And one of the things necessary to keep our local growers and our entire economic supply chain strong is cutting-edge research; research designed to help our growers and operational partners increase their productivity and yields, and also help them decrease chemical use and other potentially harmful environmental impacts.

We are fortunate to now have the West Michigan Research Station in Hart fully up and running. It was about two years ago the seed for this fantastic 68-acre AgriScience research center was planted and then steadily grew over the last 18-20 months thanks to the generous contributions of expertise and resources from Peterson Farms and a host of other local donors.

The WMRS now stands as one of five M.S.U. partnered agricultural research stations in Michigan where college undergrads and graduate students can conduct their research.

Our research station is also the only facility of the five entirely financed and built by a collaborative of local growers and operational partners. This is quite a tribute to their commitment.

Along with supporting and strengthening our local AgriScience industry, one of the stated purposes of the West Michigan Research Station is to also help younger students in our region learn more about AgriScience and discover the many career opportunities in this field.

It was with this goal in mind that the West Shore ESD was invited to partner with the research station in providing educational programs in AgriScience once the construction was finished.

The first West Shore ESD sponsored program took place at the research station during the week of July 19. A free four-morning summer camp called AgriScience Everywhere was offered for 5th-8th graders from all around our area.

WSESD Superintendent Jason Jeffrey visited the “AgriScience Everywhere” summer camp one morning to see all of the excitement for himself.

“It was impressive!” said Dr. Jeffrey.

He said it was inspiring to see that by interweaving a wide range of hands-on lessons and interesting demonstrations by guest experts, Pentwater science teacher Erika Fatura and CTE AgriScience teacher Mark Willis were able to provide an action-packed curriculum highlighting biotechnology, food production, teamwork, ecology, water and soil conservation, apple breeding, fruit processing, and much more.

“I enjoyed the presentation about mushrooms by Nastasha Worden from Scottville’s Gourmet Mushrooms,” said Dr. Jeffrey. “Plus, being able to sit down and chat with MCE 7th grader Trevor Steffes about his new mushroom growing kit made my day.”

You're invited to check out the West Michigan Research Station.

You’ll appreciate the good work occurring there as well as how the planners and donors honored our area’s deep roots in AgriScience.

Click on the link below to learn more about the WMRS.

More info link: westmichiganresearchstation.org/
Share this story

Copy story link

College For Kids is a unique summer experience designed to challenge 9-15 year old students by discovering and developing their talents, while engaging them in career exploration.

Come enjoy the fun and EXCITEMENT this week experiencing the college campus atmosphere of West Shore Community College! On campus, students will be planting & harvesting, preparing/cooking food, visiting the livestock, and learning about compost. There will also be field trips to Springdale Farms, Christofferson Orchards, Egeler Family Farm, and Larsen Dairy Farm.

College For Kids is THIS week, August 2-6. Click the link below to register. We hope to see you there!

More info link: westshore.asapconnected.com/
Share this story

Copy story link

An amazing partnership helps students with disabilities learn jobs skills by working in our state parks!

The West Shore ESD, the Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan Rehab Services have joined together in a collaborative effort for the past 9 years to make this happen, with the goal of the program to give students a work experience during the summer and prepare them for future employment opportunities.

Job trainers from the West Shore ESD work directly with the students by:
- modeling new tasks
- building up soft skills
- offering constructive coaching
- teaching students how to record time and progress
Jamie Killips is one of the Reintegration Program staff members, and one of the job trainers this summer. She shared, "Some of my favorite aspects of being a job trainer have been watching the students grow and mature from the first week to now. It’s about giving them authority to make some decisions on their own, providing them ideas on how to 'work smarter not harder' and allowing them to work together as a team instead of individuals."

Lizzie Talbert is a student at Mason County Central High School, and is working at Ludington State Park this summer as part of this program. When asked her favorite part about her job and the program Lizzie said, "I like trash and debris pickup because I can get into conversations with people while doing my job, which helps with my social anxiety. The program gives really good job experience and has helped me a lot. I’d like to do it again next year!"

Are you interested in learning more about the WSESD’s partnership with the DNR and MRS? Find more information on our website at WSESD.org. We’re excited to keep this beneficial partnership going for many more years!

Share this story

Copy story link

WSESD social worker, Stacy Cerka works with students from Pentwater Public Schools to teach about regulating emotions and building coping skills. As one of the fun projects, students built "Cool Down Bottles" to help remind them of the skills they have been working on!

Share this story

Copy story link

With the retirement of Dale Horowski, our ESD has a new CTE Director – Jamie Bandstra.

Our excellent CTE program will definitely remain in good hands.

Learn more about Mr. Bandstra by clicking on the link below.

The link will take you directly to the article in the Mason County News.

More info link: bit.ly/3yTgC1o
Share this story

Copy story link

Our farms and related agricultural businesses in Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties are leading the way in getting healthy food to more people.

Through research, new partnerships, innovation, and technology, there are many examples in our ESD region, where our animal-based and plant-based farmers are setting the stage for a bright future.

Check out the video link below. It'll open your eyes!

(Also, see the story in this feed about the AgriScience Summer Camp coming up July 19. It's a wonderful one-week opportunity for students in grades 5-8.)

More info link: youtu.be/Qmla9NLFBvU
Share this story

Copy story link

An incredible learning experience awaits 5th-8th students.

All they have to do is sign up for the AgriScience Everywhere Summer Day Camp at the West Michigan Research Station on N. Oceana Drive in Hart.

The dates are July 19-22.

Students can look forward to getting their hands dirty while digging into biotechnology, chemistry, and the ecological impact on agriculture and food production.

Use the link below to sign up and learn more.

More info link: bit.ly/3dRUlsO
Share this story

Copy story link

Great easy-to-read article here about kids and "screen time." This info is rock-solid for parents and teachers alike.

More info link: bit.ly/2TMKDRn
Share this story

Copy story link

Pictured here students from Mason County Central are using orientation skills and audible traffic signals to safely cross at traffic lights and continue to their destination. Laura McGannon, Teacher Consultant for Visually Impaired, and Lori Janssen, Certified Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist, took the two students to downtown Ludington to walk to City Park to eat lunch and walk back. These activities help prepare students for life in their communities. O&M instruction is part of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) for students with visual impairments. Braille, assistive technology, sensory, daily living, recreational, and self-determination skills are the other areas of the ECC. Oh and by the way, an interesting fact is those red, bumpy, rectangles found at street crossings, are called Tactile Warnings. The ADA requires them at all street crossings. When a person who is blind’s cane comes into contact with them, they are alerted to stop and analyze for a safe crossing.

Share this story

Copy story link

Thank you for approving the Special Education Millage Renewal proposal on Tuesday.

The renewal will enable us to us continue providing programs and services to more than 1400 students with disabilities for another 8 years.

We’re so proud to partner with the nine local public school districts and four non-public schools in our region.

Thank you!

Share this story

Copy story link

Pictured here we have a friend from Shelby Public Schools who is working on s-blends in his speech session. WSESD staff use engaging activities to capture students' attention and make learning fun!

Share this story

Copy story link

Here is the April 23 article about the millage renewal election which appeared in the Ludington Daily News. Reporter Riley Kelley interviewed Superintendent Jeffrey.

More info link: bit.ly/3gzZvf4
Share this story

Copy story link

In the recent edition of the Scoop, Kate Krieger-Watkins of the Mason County Press and the Oceana County Press interviewed WSESD Superintendent Jason Jeffrey about the upcoming Special Education Millage Renewal Election.

The date of the election is Tuesday, May 4.

Click on the link to watch the video.

More info link: bit.ly/3vjNr5A
Share this story

Copy story link

With the upcoming Special Education Millage Renewal election on May 4, three WSESD administrators have been active in getting the word out to the community.

"I'm grateful school boards, Rotary Clubs, the United Way, and so many community groups have invited us in to share the facts about the renewal," said WSESD Superintendent Jason Jeffrey. "Everyone has been very positive and affirming."

Kim Tiel, WSESD Asst. Supt. of Special Education, agreed. "Whether a group presentation has been on Zoom or in-person, we heard time and time again how everyone wants every child to have the opportunity to be a successful learner," Tiel said. "I couldn't be more pleased with this commitment."

"Clearly, the partnership the WSESD has with our local districts to deliver Special Education programs and services to students with disabilities works well," noted Supt. Jeffrey. "We have a strong professional staff and we're blessed to have strong leadership and incredible teachers and staff in every district, too. This makes good things happen for kids in Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties."

Beyond programs and services, the WSESD and local students are partners in how Special Education Millage funds are used.

The Special Education Millage Renewal proposal is the same 1 mill / 8 year levy that was approved in 1990 and renewed in 1998, 2006, and 2014. It raises $3.4 million annually to maintain programs and services to more than 1400 students with disabilities in our area.

Nearly half of the millage funds are used by the WSESD to directly reimburse our local school districts for a portion of their Special Education costs. Reimbursements to our 9 local public school districts have totaled more than $13 million over the last 8 years.

"We've been proud to partner with every local district in our region to help students with disabilities get the support they need," said Kerri Harrie, WSESD Asst. Supt. for Business Services. "All we ask is that people give our renewal request their consideration and remember to vote on May 4."

More information can be found at the May 4 for Special Education info-link below.

(Photo L-R: Kim Tiel, Jason Jeffrey, and Kerri Harrie)

More info link: may4forspecialed.com/
Share this story

Copy story link

Have you ever wondered about how you can impact your child's future success?

There's a simple answer.

Inspire Reading!

Throughout our Lake, Mason, and Oceana region, the WSESD and our local school districts are reaching out to parents and young readers to build up excitement for reading and to provide tips and tools for growing skills.

These two students from Spitler Elementary in Hart want to encourage you to click on the InspiREading link below.

Resources and tips await!

More info link: bit.ly/2S3rwS0
Share this story

Copy story link

Every month we have a Student Spotlight, for April it was Blake Porter! Check out his story here!

More info link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rh1c7iopkBM2yBa1KR8LHTggZwrxpVy0H0xUtJ0WSPY/edit?usp=sharing
Share this story

Copy story link

The WSESD's CTE and West Shore Community College Corrections Academy programs have helped MCC senior Nick Parker jumpstart his post-high school career.

This article in the Mason County Press spotlights this dedicated student and the job that awaits him. Kudos to you, Nick!

More info link: www.masoncountypress.com/2021/04/09/mcc-student-completes-wscc-corrections-academy-begins-new-job-in-june/
Share this story

Copy story link

Students who are deaf and hard of hearing in our ESD are provided assistive listening technology. This means teachers can wear small microphones and via bluetooth communicate directly into the student’s hearing aids or cochlear implants. Read the full article in the Mason County Press - West Shore School News.

More info link: www.masoncountypress.com/2021/03/18/success-for-students-with-hearing-loss/
Share this story

Copy story link

Our buses travel more than 300,000 miles every year, allowing us to provide transportation services to students with disabilities in our three county area.

Special thanks to our trained drives & aides, and safe buses!

Share this story

Copy story link

We are proud to share that Andrea Degan, Principal of Spitler Elementary in Hart Public Schools, was one of the recent recipients of the Make a Difference Awards!

She was nominated by the students and teacher from the West Shore ESD elementary special education program in her building. Congratulations Andrea, and thank you for all you do to support special education!

Share this story

Copy story link

We are proud to share another Make a Difference Aware Recipient - Dan LaDuke, Woodshop Teacher at Ludington Area School District!

Students from the West Shore ESD Trailblazers and Horizons programs located at Ludington High School nominated Mr. LaDuke to show their appreciation for him going above and beyond every year to teach them woodworking skills. Congratulations Dan!

Share this story

Copy story link

The West Shore ESD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee representatives are proud to support the partnership and collaboration in special education throughout our region. Pictured below are Andrea Herrema, Shannon Miller and James Luevano. Current Committee Members representing local school districts and the ESD include: Chairperson Shannon Miller - Ludington Area Schools Vice Chairperson Andrea Herrema - Mason County Eastern Schools Secretary Tiffany Haight - Pentwater Public Schools Treasurer James Luevano - Mason County Central Schools Representative MaryAnn Pieske - Baldwin Community Schools Representative Kim Chatfield - Shelby Public Schools Representative Jana Jett - West Shore ESD

Share this story

Copy story link

Recently, Early On (a free program for children between the ages of 0 - 3) had the honor of presenting to the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group in Ludington.

Moms were reminded that they are one, if not the most important, person in their child’s life. Developmental milestone books and wheels were handed out to the moms along with an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) card - the ASQ looks at all areas of development and knowing your child best.

Thank you Early On for your helpful information!

Share this story

Copy story link

The West Shore ESD recently partnered with First Light Safety Products, Hoekstra Transportation, the Michigan State Police, and the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation (MAPT) to add a backlit sign to the front and back of two WSESD school buses.

The West Shore ESD transports students with impairments that require assistance with wheelchair lifts and navigating the steps of the bus, thus increasing the amount of time the bus is pulled off to the side of the road. The addition of the backlit lights makes it safer for students and motorists, providing an extra level of safety.

Share this story

Copy story link

We are excited to share that 2nd Shift Graphics recently received a Make a Difference Award.

Justin and Ashley Melchert, owners of 2nd Shift Graphics, were professional, timely, and easy to work with when developing Peer-to-Peer t-shirts for students and staff at Lakeview Elementary. As a local business, 2nd Shift Graphics has gone above and beyond to support the education of all students and we are proud to have been able to present them with this award!

Share this story

Copy story link