Schools

White Pigeon Community Schools has been given a waiver to begin the school year a week before the traditional day-after-Labor Day start. Superintendent Jon Keyer said in addition to the state-mandated additional five days added to the 2016-17 school year, the desire to start Aug. 29 instead of Sept. 6 is to stay consistent with Glen Oaks Community College and …

Glen Oaks Community College President David Devier was the recipient of high marks from the school’s board of trustees during his evaluation this week. The board evaluation included 48 questions covering six functional areas of performance. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “significantly exceeds expectations,” Devier’s overall rating was 4.39, representing an increase over his 2015 …

Glen Oaks Athletic Director Courtney Ivan announced today the hiring of a new men’s and women’s cross country coach, Melissa Cramton. “I am delighted to have Melissa on staff. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for running is contagious! Student-athletes, staff, and fans will love her optimism and energy. She will do great things for us here at the Oaks” Ivan said. Cramton …

The St. Joseph County Intermediate School District has announced a special meeting it will stage next week. The meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. June 29 at the ISD office on Shimmel Road in Centreville. According to the agenda, the purpose of the assembly is to conduct interviews to fill the upcoming board vacancy. The vacancy was created with the …

A local high school baseball team will return to the state semi-finals Friday and try once again to bring home a state championship this weekend. The Centreville High School varsity squad Tuesday won its quarter-final contest against Concord, 4-3, in extra innings in Battle Creek. The Bulldogs, who sport a 28-3 record, will square off against Sterling Heights Parkway Christian …

Retired Constantine Public Schools superintendent Chuck Frisbie was honored Tuesday during a luncheon at the high school, the district’s last day of the academic year. Frisbie was presented with a special-commendation award from the state, signed by Rep. Aaron Miller, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, state Sen. John Proos and Gov. Rick Snyder. The 54-year-old Frisbie also received a plaque from …

As part of GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ commitment to youth in agriculture, the cooperative recently awarded $40,000 in scholarships to 22 incoming college freshmen through the association’s scholarship program. Two area students were among the recipients of the scholarships. Loren King, currently homeschooled, plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a dual degree in foreign agribusiness management and biosystems …

Sturgis Public Schools will once again offer a summer meal program. It will run June 13 through Aug. 19, except for the week of July 4. Free meals will be made available to ages 18 and under, or up to age 26 for people who are enrolled in an educational program for the mentally or physically disabled, if the program …

How to keep students reading at third-grade level was the focus of a recent presentation before the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Board of Education. Diane Talo, director of instructional leadership, and Carla Osborn, educational consultant, were the presenters. Their focus was tied to a new state law requiring that all third- grade students who do not meet grade-level …

Glen Oaks Community College President David Devier recently received an alumni career achievement award from Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology. The award was presented in Columbus at the college’s annual alumni awards ceremony. Devier was recognized for developing technical-training programs based on regional needs, connecting with manufacturing companies to create programs that train students to meet …