features
Spotlight on Students
Book-a-Day challenge brings joy to eager young readers by Corey Peña Students in Laura Whitaker’s second-grade classroom at Smith Elementary are working their way through 180 days of reading tied to specific themes in the curriculum, including a Positivity Project objective. This reading-for-pleasure project was planned during the summer and rolled out on the first […]
Staff Spotlight: Julie Rentfrow assists children in becoming better communicators
by Amy Haggerty Having difficulty communicating can be a huge challenge, and in some cases, an inability to communicate can even be life threatening. Julie Rentfrow, the speech-language pathologist for Stockbridge Community Schools helps to work with students to conquer communication problems early. Rentfrow has been at her job since 2008. She works with students […]
Exploring gender identity in two middle-grade novels
by Shuyler Clark March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day devoted to recognizing and spreading awareness about transgender people. As a vastly underrepresented group, the transgender community has only recently seen more positive representation in media. Middle grade novels in particular have experienced an increase in transgender coming-of-age tales, which are vital […]
Women of Note
Volunteering is a way of life for Cheryl Holloway by Tina Cole-Mullins Retired Stockbridge teacher and coach Cheryl Holloway spends much of her time giving selflessly to others. Her help extends to organizations such as Stockbridge Community Outreach and a women’s golf league at Hankerd Hills Golf Course at Pleasant Lake. She works with programs […]
Outreach in Action
Chelsea Hospital extends beyond brick and mortar to assist with community needs by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall It used to be, when we thought of Chelsea Hospital, we visualized the building, the emergency room, and the talented people—many from our school district—providing medical care. It was always a comforting thought. But recently, we’re realizing […]
Students in new Alternative Education Program already show significant progress
by Joan Tucker and Corey Peña In the Fall 2022 semester, Stockbridge Community Schools (SCS) started a new and successful alternative education program. Prior to that, the school system had an online component for alternative ed., but it wasn’t as successful for some students compared to in-person learning. With increased monies from COVID relief, this […]
Women of Note
From a refugee camp to achieving her dreams, Fay Odeh continues sharing what she has learned by Chuck Wisman Six thousand miles from Stockbridge and nearly 80 years ago, a young girl was born and raised in the town of Jimzu, Palestine. As the firstborn, she was given the name of Fathieh, meaning “the beginning.” […]
Rural Perspectives
The antics of Fox Squirrels are fun to observe as they forage for food by Diane Constable The Fox Squirrel is found in forested areas and in our neighborhoods. This squirrel gets its name because its fur coloring reminds people of the gray fox. The scientific name Sciurus niger means “shadow tail with dark fur.” […]
Bridge to Wellness
Medicine disposal methods for keeping the community and the environment safe. by Emily Stewart Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem across the country, even here in Michigan. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the misuse of prescription drugs refers to taking a medication in a manner or dose other than prescribed. That […]
Active Aging
Time—there’s no greater gift by Dana Blaszkowski Introducing Active Aging, a new column sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Senior Center. Regardless of your age, join us each month for some pearls of wisdom inspired by the community’s most experienced residents! Folks are placing a new value on their time. Perhaps it’s a post pandemic state […]