CCS What's Going Well - 12.12.2023

Dear Clarkston Community,

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and a full week off to relax, recharge, and reconnect, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on all we have to be thankful for. In Clarkston, we’re surrounded by incredible students, dedicated staff, and a community that truly cares about education and each other.

This edition of What's Going Well is filled with stories highlighting the best of who we are—from classroom achievements to the countless ways we support each other. These moments remind us how fortunate we are to be part of this amazing district.

As you enjoy the holiday week with family and friends, I hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate the joy and connection that make Clarkston such a wonderful place to live, learn, and grow.

Wishing you a restful, meaningful, and joyful Thanksgiving holiday.

With gratitude,

Dr. Shawn Ryan

Thank you for your support in renewing the Non-Homestead Operating Millage. Your vote helps us continue providing a school environment where students, staff, and families feel challenged, engaged, healthy, safe, and supported. We are incredibly grateful to our community.

At the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education meeting on November 11, 2024, Superintendent Dr. Shawn Ryan was honored as the Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) 2024 Superintendent Communicator of the Year. This esteemed award recognizes one Michigan superintendent annually for outstanding leadership and an exceptional commitment to effective communication. We are so lucky to have you as our Superintendent, Dr. Ryan. Thank you for all you do!

Clarkston High School principal Gary Kaul is a finalist in the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and MASC/MAHS High School Administrator of the Year Awards. This award recognizes one outstanding secondary school principal in Michigan for their work to progress student activity groups, school leaders, and their building culture. Mr. Kaul is an exceptional leader who always puts students first, giving them a voice and helping them to achieve their personal goals. Congratulations, and thanks for all you do!

Congratulations to recently retired Clarkston educator Daryl Biallas, who on Oct. 10 received the World Language Association’s (MIWLA) Barbara Ort-Smith Award. The Barbara Ort-Smith Award is the most prestigious award a professional in the field of world languages can receive in Michigan. It honors those who have shown a strong commitment to the profession, manifesting itself in leadership and promoting excellence in world language education. Amazing job!

Please join us in congratulating Samuel DeKonink and Abigail Finnerty for their selection as two of 16,000 National Merit Semi-finalists for the 24/25 school year. Each year, about 1.6 million juniors across the country take the PSAT. Those who score in the top 1% achieve the distinction of National Merit Semifinalist. Congratulations to you both on your hard work and commitment to academic excellence.

Makayla Truby, a senior at Clarkston High School, decided to pursue her passion for government by working at the clerk’s office for the election. Makayla had the incredible opportunity to learn outside the classroom, helping to register voters and collect ballots. Her commitment to ensuring that every vote counts reflects her dream of pursuing a career in law. We couldn’t be more proud of her.

We are thrilled to announce that Kailey Shannon has officially signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) to study and compete at the University of Cincinnati. This is an incredible milestone in her academic and soccer journey, and we couldn’t be more proud of her achievements. Although she will be graduating early this December and will miss our Spring Signing Day celebrations, her accomplishments will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy here. We wish Kailey all the best as she embarks on this new chapter.

Congratulations to Braden Tossey on his commitment to play college soccer at the University of Findlay! This is an incredible achievement and a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent on and off the field. We are thrilled to see what the future holds for Braden as he takes this next big step in his athletic and academic journey.

Congratulations to Cooper McNaughton on shattering a 28-year-old cross-country record in the freshman 5,000 meters, running an impressive time of 16:31.7. This incredible performance broke the previous record, set in 1996, by a margin of 1.63 seconds. Achieving such a feat speaks volumes about Cooper's dedication, skill, and hard work. Amazing job!

November is National Career Development Month, and we at CCS believe high school is a time for students to explore their interests and passions. Career skills development programs allow students to explore various fields and industries, allowing them to discover what genuinely interests them. These insights can guide their career decisions to pave the way for more rewarding futures.

Students from the Clarkston Junior High Drama Club worked hard over two months rehearsing for their show, "Backstage," a drama that takes center stage at Theatre Baroque when idol Burton Cavendish dies just before the premiere, leaving understudy Ajax to play both his role and the star’s persona. The show was a fast-paced farce full of plot twists, critics, and comedic chaos. Congratulations to the cast and crew on a successful performance!

CHS Mixed Media students have been buzzing with creativity, producing an array of unique art pieces, including puppets, cardboard portraits, and linocuts that showcase the students' imagination and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the ceramics classes have brought their artistry to life, crafting Monsters, Coil Vases, and Sgraffito Trays that highlight their diverse skills and innovative techniques. Together, these projects celebrate the vibrant and dynamic spirit of the CHS art community.

On November 11, schools across our district opened their doors to Veterans to honor and thank them for their service. Students dressed in red, white, and blue shared their reflections on the meaning of freedom. The day included flag ceremonies, video presentations, the playing of "Taps," and plenty of heartfelt singing. Thank you, Veterans, for your service.

Each year, Independence Township hosts a Veterans Day luncheon at the American Legion. This year, some CHS AP World History students volunteered to assist by serving food and beverages, performing the National Anthem and God Bless America, and listening to inspiring stories shared by Veterans. It was such a great way to give back and say thank you for your hard work and sacrifice.

Congratulations on an outstanding season!

For the third consecutive year, Clarkston Athletic Department has been awarded the OAA Directors Cup for their excellence during the 2023-24 school year. Congratulations to the Coaches, Players and Teams! Way to go Wolves!!

Work on the Clarkston Jr. HIgh is moving right along. Recently the Board members were able to walk through to see the progress that has been made. As always thank you to our community for supporting Clarkston Schools and for your understanding as we navigate through the construction.

The middle school (Clarkston Jr. High and Sashabaw Middle School) cross-country team hosted the annual elementary race. This year, 301 elementary students were lucky to enjoy the record-breaking 75-degree weather! Congratulations to all the participants!

Our annual Powderpuff game was quite an exciting game, as the Juniors beat the Seniors! This has only happened a few times in over 50 years! Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on the girls while raising funds for a good cause.

CCS secondary teachers spent a day enhancing their skills in a teacher lab focused on Collaboration. They explored district initiatives like Building Thinking Classrooms, Restorative Practices, and FAME while observing these in action during classroom visits.

Our CHS Marching band had a great season and made it to the State Finals! A special congratulations to Dane White for being awarded a $2000 scholarship from The Michigan Competing Band Association. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding senior planning to pursue a music career. What an honor!

Halloween

Students throughout the district had a great Halloween celebration through classroom parties, parades, fun, and treats!

Fun Runs

The Elementary Schools participated in their annual fun runs, many of which are their biggest fundraisers of the year. It's a day that the kids love!