Schools

The first St. Joseph County school district to begin its summer break is in Colon, where its students have a noon dismissal today, wrapping up their 2011-12 academic year. Other last days of school in St. Joseph County are June 1 for Constantine; June 6 for Burr Oak; June 7 for Three Rivers and White Pigeon; June 8 for Centreville …

Members of White Pigeon Community Schools’ Board of Education recently recognized key representatives from the Chief Pride campaign. Jody Davidson, Melanie Atherton, Joy Weber and Melissa Grant were instrumental in organizing a “vote yes” campaign that resulted in the May 8 passage of the sinking-fund renewal. Superintendent Ron Drzewicki  said the district is grateful for the residents who helped with …

Members of the Three Rivers Education Association and the district’s Board of Education have reached an agreement on a two-year contract. Approved by the board Monday, the contract results in no raises but factors in step increases for teachers who reach certain levels of seniority, according to Superintendent Roger Rathburn. Another item of note is the adjustment of extra-duty pay …

Saturday’s fundraiser for the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services of St. Joseph, Cass and Van Buren counties was hailed a success by event organizers. Rose Parshall, director of operations for the Three Rivers-based agency, said more than 40 men – most wearing high-heeled or other women’s shoes – took part in the four-lap walk around the track at Three Rivers …

A White Pigeon woman was the winner of Saturday’s Cow-Poo-Looza event at Central Elementary in White Pigeon. A ticket purchased by Lisa Eger was drawn after the Holtein used to determine the winner failed to produce a cow pile. Event co-organizer Jody Davidson said Daisy, on loan from Burr Oak farmer Rich Ultz, was hot and agitated for the first …

Officials from Three Rivers Community Schools are appealing to the public to help a Hoppin Elementary family whose house was destroyed in a fire last week. Donations of clothing, furniture, toiletries and gift cards are being accepted at Hoppin Elementary. Clothing is being collected for two boys, a girl, and their mother and father. More information may be obtained from …

Glen Oaks Community College has announced the appointment of two new professors. Michelle McNamara, who previously served as an instructor of oral communications, and Sheryl Smithson were hired as professors at the Centreville-area school. McNamara will continue to teach oral communications, while Smithson will serve as professor of microbiology. In addition, a trio of faculty members received tenure after completing …

Overwhelming support from voters in White Pigeon Township Tuesday helped carry a 3-mill renewal request sought by White Pigeon Community Schools. By a margin of 595 in favor to 271 opposed, the five-year renewal of a request originally approved in 2007 will generate about $5 million from 2013 through 2017 for the 780-student district. The district plans to continue thorough …

The Centreville Public Schools Board of Education took action Tuesday that will eliminate 2 1/2 teaching positions, two classroom aides and a bus driver in the 2012-13 academic year. The special meeting drew more than 40 people, including almost two dozen students who have banded together to support one of the teacher casualties, media specialist Meredith Bunning. A 310-signature petition …

Glen Oaks Community College graduated 225 students Friday, as the class of 2012, its family members and friends gathered in the school’s gymnasium for the ceremony. About 150 of the graduates participated in the commencement exercise, which was led by school president Gary Wheeler. Also addressing the standing-room-only crowd were faculty member Michael Northrop, alumni Bruce Gosling and student Lynn …