October 16, 2022

Superintendent's News

    In the effort to bolster school safety, Marcellus Community Schools will apply for grants funds that were recently allocated in Section 97 of the School State Aid Act.  The purpose of the Section 97 funds is to support the health, safety and wellness of students.  A brief overview of those grants is provided below.

     Section 97 invites schools to apply for funds that can be used to coordinate with law enforcement, train school staff on threat assessment, response, and crisis communication, address safety infrastructure needs, and/or purchase school safety services or products necessary to improve or maintain security.   The legislature allocated $168,000,000 for these purposes.  The amount Marcellus Community Schools will receive is dependent upon the number of school districts that apply for the grant, but is currently estimated to be $109 per student.  Once more information is available, including the precise amount the district will receive, school officials will solicit community input on the best use of these funds.  Please watch for opportunities to contribute your thoughts and ideas. 

     The district will also apply for grant funds under Section 97c- Comprehensive Safety and Security Assessments.  The legislature allocated $15,000,000 for districts to contract with a vendor for the completion of these assessments in schools operated by the district.  The grant will provide $2,000 per building for this assessment.  

     Additionally, Marcellus Community Schools will apply for Section 97d, Critical Incident Mapping.  According to the Michigan Department of Education’s guidance documents, critical incident mapping uses satellite imaging to create a real-life depiction of a building and surrounding area with labels for important areas such as the cafeteria or gymnasium. A grid is placed over the map to help first responders communicate their location more accurately. The map is shared with local 9-1-1 operators quarterly.   The legislature allocated $12,500,000 for this initiative.  

     Student and staff safety is a priority at Marcellus Community Schools. These grant funds will assist in our mission to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students.  

Mark your Calendar for important events:

  • October 28- The first quarter marking period ends on October 28.  Parents are encouraged to monitor their student’s progress through the Parent Powerschool portal.  
  • November 3-  ½ day for students.  Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held that afternoon,  from noon- 3:00p.m. and that evening, from  5:00 until 8:00 p.m.  Please plan to attend to meet with teachers …
  • November 4- No school for students.  Instructional staff will participate in professional learning.
  • November 8- 1/2 day for students so that teachers can collaborate on curriculum alignment.  
  • November 8- Don't forget to vote.  Four citizens are running for four Marcellus Board of Education seats.  On the ballot are incumbents Joe Tone, Nicki Hackenberg and Ed Asmus, as well as candidate Justin Ware.  
  • Nov. 23-25 Thanksgiving Break 

     And last, but certainly not least-  the Marcellus Wildcat Marching Band did it again!  The group earned a Division 1 rating at the MSBOA District VI Marching Band Festival held last week at Paw Paw Middle School.  Congratulations to Ms. Essex and the Marcellus Marching Band members. Marcellus Community Schools is proud of our marching band’s tradition of excellence.