By Staff
100th Day of School
On Thursday, Feb. 15, the students at Merritt Elementary were finally able to celebrate the 100th Day of School. Due to the recent snow days, this special day was rescheduled several different times.
This is a big event that is easily integrated with activities in ELA and Math, and the Merritt staff has different activities for their students that pertain to the number 100. Anne Garrett and cast once again performed “The Wolf's Chicken Stew” for the first grade students. The students love watching the wolf's and baby chickens' actions, and it's an entertaining way to hear about the number 100.
In addition to the play, several classrooms had different activities for this special day. Some students brought in collections of 100 items, such as 100 marshmallows, paper clips, cereal, etc. Some first graders made necklaces with 100 fruit loops. Kindergarten students made crowns with 100 stamper marks from bingo daubers, and the 100 marks were put in sets of 10.
Daddy/Daughter Dance
The Second Annual Daddy/Daughter Dance was held on Feb. 16 for Brandywine Elementary girls and on Feb. 17 for Merritt girls. Both nights were a huge success, and it was evident that everyone had a wonderful time. Many fathers commented that night about how much they enjoyed it, and on Monday the girls were still talking about the evening.
Approximately 125 girls and their fathers attended the events, and it was a special night for all. In addition to dancing, refreshments were served, corsages were available, pictures were taken, and the participants had an opportunity to purchase a DVD that commemorated the evening.
Partnership for Children sponsored the event, but the lion's share of the work was done by Kymm DeJonge. We are very fortunate to have supportive parents who are willing to work hard to provide special events for our students.
Teacher nominated!
For the Brandywine Community Schools, this is the third year in a row Brandywine Elementary Special Education Teacher Diana Curran has been nominated and is a finalist for the Berrien County PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) Excellence in Education Award.
Congratulations, Diana!
Math Competition
On Feb. 20, Southwestern Michigan College hosted the Ninth Annual Math Competition. Two teams of three students each attended this competition. Team 2, consisting of Caylin Garrard, Steven Phillips and Shane DeMeulenare, brought home a third place plaque.
Congratulations students!
Educational Talent Search
Educational Talent Search is a federally funded program developed to encourage and assist low-income, first generation students achieve post-secondary education. Services provided by the program include: mentoring, academic advising, pro-social skill development, cultural outings, college planning, financial aid assistance, and counseling. The program begins in sixth grade and continues through high school graduation. Program participants generally meet with their advisor once a month.
Educational Talent Search has been a part of Southwestern Michigan College since 1991, and serves all of Cass County. We are excited about the opportunity to also serve Brandywine school district. Eve Kelly will be the counselor for Brandywine. Eve resides in Niles, but she is originally from Cassopolis. She holds a Masters in social work degree from University of Michigan. She will be working with the Brandywine staff to develop a format for the program that suits the needs of the school.