As we approach the end of the first semester, we celebrate the incredible progress our students have made during the semester! Cohort 14 has truly made their mark, and many are eagerly preparing to transition into college courses in the upcoming semester. This newsletter is packed with helpful information as we wrap up the final two weeks of the semester and look forward to a well-deserved three-week winter break. The second semester begins on January 6, 2025, and we are excited for what lies ahead! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's mentor teacher or myself—we are here to support our students and their families every step of the way.
Wishing all of you a happy, safe, and relaxing holiday season! Thank you for being an essential part of our GLBEC family.
Yours In Education,
Mr. Rodney Woods, Program Director
The Student Leadership Council has been hard at work this past month, bringing some fun and excitement to the school! The Penny War wrapped up, and after all the coins were counted, it was revealed that Mr. Christensen’s jar had the most change, earning him a pie to the face! In addition, some dedicated GLBEC students had the opportunity to volunteer at the Children’s Museum, where they helped younger kids enjoy Halloween-themed games and crafts.
With finals week approaching in December, it’s understood that stress levels are rising as students dive into their studying. The SLC recognizes how overwhelming this time can be, so no volunteering event will take place this month, allowing everyone to focus on their studies and enjoy some quality time with loved ones over the holidays.
But don’t worry—there’s still some fun to be had! To help brighten the mood during this hectic time, the SLC is hosting a Gingerbread House Making Competition at the monthly meeting on December 4th at 2:20 pm. The winner will receive a festive, winter-themed gift from the committee!
Stay in the loop by joining the SLC Google Classroom with the code: yeku2ld.
The SLC wishes all students the best of luck on finals and a joyful holiday season filled with happiness and relaxation!
Co-Presidents Molly Wahl & Savannah Bellinger
On Friday, December 6th, Cohort 14 students are invited to bring a friend to school! This is a great way to share the exciting opportunities at GLBEC. The school day will run from 8:30am to 2:05pm, and lunch will be provided for all students and their guests.
Guests will need to have their home school sign the attached permission slip to ensure they are not marked absent. The signed form should be turned in to Mrs. Gloss either on the day of the event or beforehand.
We’re excited to welcome new faces and show them what GLBEC is all about!
As winter approaches, so does the start of an exciting second semester for Cohort 14. For students credentialed out of math, this marks a time of transition and growth in their academic journeys. While this change may bring some anxiety, we encourage students to embrace the principles of growth mindset and communication that we’ve fostered this fall.
Students continuing in Algebra II will explore advanced topics like trigonometry, matrix algebra, vectors, and combinatorics—building a strong foundation for future studies. Geometry students will transition into Algebra II, diving into concepts such as functions, trigonometry, and polynomials, ensuring readiness for college-level math by fall. Meanwhile, Pathways to Calculus students will prepare for exciting college opportunities, armed with the soft skills they’ve developed.
A reminder to all families: Friday afternoons remain open for academic support. Students are encouraged to use this time for GLBEC or college coursework. Wishing you a restful break and a fantastic second semester!
Mr. Christensen, Math Teacher
Cohort 14 students will be touring Saginaw Valley State University on Wednesday, December 4th, from 10am to 1pm. Students will be dismissed from class at 9:15am to allow time to arrive and find the meeting location.
Important: Students and families are responsible for their own transportation. We do not promote carpooling unless approved by parents.
We’re excited to offer this opportunity as students begin exploring college options and planning their next steps. This experience will be invaluable as they consider their future paths!
It’s hard to believe we’re nearly halfway through the school year. Time has flown by, and our students have accomplished so much. They’ve completed the foundational curriculum needed to explore the deeper, more nuanced forces that govern our universe. Last week, we wrapped up Unit 3, a heartfelt tribute to the brilliant scientific minds that paved the way for us today. These great thinkers—armed with little more than blown glass and sharp deductive reasoning—added their unique contributions to humanity’s collective understanding of the natural world.
As we enter the latter part of the semester, the coursework will become increasingly rigorous. First semester in GLBEC Science Methods culminates in applying the diverse skill sets students have been honing since August. This next phase will take a more quantitative approach, which can feel challenging at times. However, I am confident that Cohort 14 is fully prepared to meet the challenge head-on.
Unit 4 marks the dramatic climax of Science Methods, tying together everything we’ve worked toward this year. It’s my hope that students will begin to see the “big picture” as they integrate their skills and knowledge into a cohesive understanding of the scientific process. By the end of this unit, students will walk away with not only a deeper appreciation for the material but also a sense of accomplishment for the growth they’ve achieved.
Let’s keep the momentum strong as we continue this exciting journey.
Mr. Conklin, Science Teacher
Mr. Rodney Woods, Program Director
Students are wrapping up their semester in English by diving into the world of Dystopian Literature. During this unit students analyze the short story “The Perfect Match” by Ken Liu, research dystopian elements present in our modern world, and, as their final project, create their own dystopian worlds. In preparation for this, students have been looking at examples of different dystopian stories and conducting research on topics such as surveillance, censorship, and Artificial Intelligence. They are currently working on annotated bibliographies to gain a deeper understanding of their research, and will begin their final project when we return from Thanksgiving break. Make sure to ask how their world-building project is going over the next two weeks.
Ms. Kojak, English Literature and Writing Teacher
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) is now open. To complete the FAFSA you will need to create a Federal Student Aid(FSA) ID, as well as a parent. If a parent/guardian already has an account, they will use that account to complete your FAFSA. Christmas break is a great time to fill out the FAFSA, which you will need to do if you plan on applying to the Community Foundations Scholarship Application.
Now, through the end of Christmas Break, is the best time to search and fill out scholarship applications. Check out the Community Foundation, your church, parent(s) union, and college websites for scholarships. Attached is a copy of the Scholarship tip sheet with links to scholarship search sites.
Students and families with questions, please reach out for assistance. We can meet virtually or face to face.
Mrs. Gloss, Career Navigator
Attention Plus 1 Students! Delta College is offering scholarship opportunities that could help ease the financial transition as you prepare to continue your college journey after this school year. These scholarships are a fantastic way to support your academic goals and reward your hard work. Be sure to check them out and take advantage of these opportunities. If you have questions or need assistance with applications, don't hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Gloss our Career Navigator.
The Giving Tree Program provides items for families who are not matched through the Adopt A Family Program, or who enter the shelt very close to the holiday. Please consider donating to this worthy cause, and help a family celebrate the holiday season. For more information please see the attached flyer.
