U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced this afternoon that Hill Elementary is one of 356 schools across the nation, and one of 11 in Michigan, included in the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools.

This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said Secretary Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”

Hill Elementary serves approximately 300 students in grades K-4.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Hill Elementary has been selected for this distinction,” said Superintendent Matt Lobban. “For 25 years, Hill Elementary has operated on a balanced calendar model, fostering an environment that blends educational excellence with a deep sense of collective pride. It’s a proud day for all of us in Cardinal country.”

The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.

“At the core of Hill Elementary school's success are the relationships that unite our school community,” said Principal Jennifer Burke. “Our dedicated staff embodies collective efficacy, where high expectations and mutual support are the norm. Teachers work closely together, holding one another accountable while offering steadfast support. This collaborative approach ensures every student is recognized, valued, and encouraged to excel. Our commitment to relationships extends beyond the classroom. Parents and families are vital members of our community, actively engaging in events like our cherished annual family picnic, Harvest Day, and Field Day. These activities strengthen the bond between home and school, creating a supportive network around each child.”

A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.

The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of

Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private

Education.

While sitting on a bench outside of Davison High School one day, sophomore Parker Forbus noticed that the U.S. flag flying across from where he sat was beginning to look a little faded from the sun and a bit tattered at the ends. So, he sent an email to Principal Jerry Piger to let him know.

Mr. Piger responded right away to Parker, thanking him for the email and that he would have it replaced as soon as possible. Impressed with his principal’s quick response, Parker then emailed back to let him know that he, along with a few of his DHS classmates in the Junior ROTC program at the Genesee Career Institute, would be happy to help with retiring the old flag and hoisting a new one. Again, Mr. Piger emailed back instantly and said he would love for that to happen and, after a few more emails, a date and time were determined to officially retire the old flag and raise the new one.

A couple of weeks ago, Parker and his fellow ROTC classmates, Landon Kolly, Jacobi Burt and Kaleb Locklear performed a short ceremony to retire the old flag and then hoisted a brand new one as Mr. Piger proudly watched.

Parker, a sergeant in the ROTC class, said he was a bit hesitant about emailing Mr. Piger at first but was glad he did it. Landon is a staff sergeant, Jacobi is a private first class and Kaleb is a sergeant.

Eleven Davison High School students will have their art work featured in the Credit Union One Cardinal Gallery.

Students were invited to the "unveiling" held at the bank on Thursday. Each year, representatives from Credit Union One in Davison select several pieces by our art students during the annual spring art show. In return, the students donate their art to hang in the gallery for one year. Credit Union One professionally frames and displays their work for public viewing.

This year's Credit Union One Cardinal Gallery Artists include:

• Ewan Birmingham

• Hailey Bristle

• Emily Calliotte

• Savannah Duncan

• Ava McAboy

• Kameo McCurdy

• Lilly Morey

• Andrew Ohlsson

• Addisyn Tyler

• Lena Velliquette

• Jessica Wagle

Davison High School Teacher Pam Ruggiero was recently recognized by The Flint River Watershed Coalition for her participation in Flint River GREEN in the spring of 2024. Pam and her students went to the stream and did real-world science that meets Next Gen Science Standards. Their work supports FRWC in its efforts to protect, promote and improve the Flint River watershed.

You can check out the FRWC annual report, which includes photos of Davison students completing their work, by opening the attachment below.

If you plan to order a T-shirt for the October 18 Pink Out game, you will want to get your order in soon.

Deadline to order from K&C Special Ts is Friday, October 4:

https://kcspecialts.com/search?q=davison+pink+out&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

Deadline to order from Hilton Screeners is Sunday, October 7: https://hiltonscreenersinc.com/davison_pink_out/shop/home

Shelving units made by students in the Construction Trades classes are starting to be installed.

The unfinished (no paint) shelves were constructed for Health Sciences teacher Mrs. Laurie Heath's classroom while the painted ones are going in Mrs. Darci Kondel's math classroom at Davison High School.

You may have noticed that our new Parent Drop Off loop off Clark Street is now completed. Visitors dropping off or picking up students are encouraged to use the new loop. Drivers may also continue using the drive at the new Performing Arts Center if that is more convenient.

Thank you for your patience as construction crews completed the site work project, which also included new lighting and signage.

Is your Internet slow, unreliable or both? NextGenesee, a partnership between Genesee County and Merit Network, is set to take the first step on the path toward better Internet for our more than 400,000 residents. To help county officials take this first step, please click the link for a quick survey so that areas of need can be identified. Please SHARE! Paper surveys are available upon request by calling 810-257-3278 or by email at broadband@geneseecountymi.gov. Survey link: merit.edu/nextgenesee/

Genesee Health Services is presenting a Mental Health Symposium for parents, mental health professionals and school staff on October 15. Keynote speaker Dr. Angela Pharris will present "The Science and Power of Hope." The registration deadline is October 4. Seats are limited.

The Genesee Intermediate School District has launched the new Beyond Graduation website for Genesee County residents, ages 14-26. The site provides information and resources for career and college planning, skilled trades and apprenticeship programs, and transition planning for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. A major focus of the site is on helping high school students plan their future beyond graduation and to help guide them through important decisions on how to get there.

A toolkit that contains sample content, graphics, and promotional materials has been developed to assist educators with sharing information about the Beyond Graduation website in their schools and community.

The Beyond Graduation toolkit, along with toolkits for promoting College Planning and Genesee Opportunity (GO), is located here: https://bit.ly/GISDToolkits

Our Lady Cards swimmers had an amazing two days in the pool last weekend, finishing third in the Genesee County meet.

Two school records were reset, with both girls beating their own previous records:

• Lucy Stevens, 50 freestyle, 24.94
• Isla Puzjak, Diving, 349.20

Several swimmers made the cut to go onto state competitions, including:

• 1 State cut
• Lucy Stevens, 50 freestyle
• 7 MISCA cuts
• Isla Puzjak, Diving
• Lucy Stevens, 50 and 100 Freestyle
• Rebecca Simonsen, 500 Freestyle
• Morgan Hoppe, 100 Breaststroke
• 200 and 400 Free relays
• Lucy Stevens, Augusta Young, Rebecca Simonsen, Morgan Hoppe

The top eight in each event medaled.

Coach Doug Towler has been selected as the Michigan High School Athletic Coaches Association State Boys Ice Hockey Coach of the Year. The award will be presented on November 17 at the MHSCA State Awards Luncheon in Midland.

Last December, Coach Towler became the winningest coach in Michigan state high school hockey history with 630 wins. This is Towler's 46th season as a coach and has served as the head hockey coach for Davison since 1992.

Selections for the MHSACA Coach of the Year are based on the performance of the coach's program over the years and their contribution to the sport, school and community.

It was a week packed full of celebrating all things Cardinal. From spirit days to football, to homecoming court and pep assemblies, it was an awesome week to come together as a community and show our pride for DCS. Check out some of the highlights in our video below.