Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation
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Jump with Jill Comes to Gull Lake!

1/20/2020

 
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In January, 2020, GLCS Foundation kicked off the new year and our #GLWELL Spark Series featuring Jump with Jill, the premiere rock n' rock nutrition show.  Jump with Jill entertained and educated over 1,400 K-5 students at Gull Lake Community Schools.  The Emmy-nominated school assembly show was created by a Registered Dietician and musician named Jill.  Students sing and dance while learning to fuel their bodies with healthy food, exercise daily, drink water and much more.
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Foundation in Action:  Spark Series!

1/10/2020

 
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GLCS FOUNDATION SPARK SERIES

The Spark Series is one of the many ways the Foundation has been able to successfully reach out and touch the lives of our students, teachers, and community members. It is an initiative that is designed to identify influential speakers, dynamic programs, and inspirational stories, and share them within our community. The goal of the Spark Series is to inspire students, enhance the classroom experience, and broaden the perspective of our community.
 
Some of the wonderful events that have been facilitated by the Spark Series include the Science and Engineering Festival featuring the Mind Trekkers Roadshow, the Wall that Heals which included a traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial, and the presentation of “Our Water, Our World” by marine explorer, filmmaker, and environmental advocate Jean-Michel Cousteau. In addition, the Sparks Series has also featured artists, actors, storytellers, and authors such as John Grogan (Marley and Me) and Greg Mortenson (Three Cups of Tea).
 
This year the Spark Series is implementing a community wide well-being program that will focus on nutrition, emotional health, and physical activity. The program will kick off in January with the world's only rock and roll show about nutrition, Jump with Jill; and continue throughout the school year with many programs, speakers, and events designed to educate, inspire, and enrich our community. Look for the upcoming #GLWELL program and help the GLCS Foundation create a Spark!


John McCann, Spark Series Chairperson, Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation Trustee

Foundation in Action:  Scholarships

1/10/2020

 
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GLCS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation offers a heartfelt thanks to all the generous members of our community who support our scholarship program.

In the last 10 years, we have awarded over $950,000 in scholarships for over 370 scholarships to Gull Lake High School, Gull Lake Middle School, and Gull Lake Gateway Academy students!

Each individual scholarship represents the vision and generosity of an individual, family, organization, or business.  Some of the scholarships are memorials to a member of our community, some honor a respected teacher, some encourage a field of study, and some represent a commitment to volunteering.

Students attend trade schools, community colleges, and universities with the support of the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation scholarships.

Descriptions of our scholarships are posted on our scholarship page.
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Mari Draeger, Scholarship Chairperson, Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation Trustee
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Henry Fiocchi, recipient of the The First Responders: Sergeant Collin J Rose Memorial Scholarship, along with Collin's mom Karen Rose
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Andy Bornhorst of Parker Hannifin with recipient of the Parker Hannifin Engineering Scholarship Brandon Ruge
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GLCS Foundation Trustees: Beth Rhodes, Becky Eldridge, Laurie Klok, Beckett Lockerbie, Karen Schweinzger, Kelly Renwick, Linda Engle, and Scholarship Chairperson Mari Draeger
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Family of the Jill Adamski Memorial Scholarship: Jill's daughter Kelsey, Jill's mom Jane Puvogel, and Jill's husband Dave Adamski

Grant in Action:  Leader in Me!!

1/10/2020

 
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GLCS FOUNDATION GRANT IN ACTION

LEADER IN ME
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The Leader in Me initiative at Ryan Intermediate builds leadership and confidence in every student.  Students learn that they are capable of great things, and they are given a platform to share their ideas, passions, and dreams.  Students learn about the 7 Habits and how implementing those habits allow them to be successful with their relationships, school work, outside activities, and so much more.

Within Ryan, this initiative has provided staff with a common language when working with students.  It has helped staff set personal and professional goals, and to maintain high levels of expectations.  We believe that each student is a leader, and when we give them the opportunity to lead, they amaze us.  We have witnessed students growing in their belief of themselves, and have seen students step out of their comfort zone to lead those around them.  

Annually our school spends around $12,000 to continue teaching and learning the 7 Habits.  This money goes toward training new staff, continuing the training of existing staff, purchasing materials for our student learning, and improving our building aesthetically.  Our goal is to ensure that the students who walk through our doors know that they are supported and loved.  We want our building to be inviting to students, parents, and all members of the community.  The Leader in Me Initiative has brought about a lot of change to Ryan Intermediate - change that brings students to the forefront.

Tia Schumaker, Fourth Grade Teacher, Thomas M Ryan Intermediate
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Parents' Night at Ryan Intermediate - students exploring the Leader in Me initiative with GLCS Foundation Trustee Beckett Lockerbie.
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Student excitement about the Leader in Me program during Parents' Night at Ryan Intermediate.
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Students share the Leader in Me initiative during Parents' Night at Ryan Intermediate.
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Students present the Leader in Me initiative at Ryan Intermediate during parents' night.

Grant in Action:  Project Lead The Way!!

1/10/2020

 
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​GLCS FOUNDATION GRANT IN ACTION

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PROJECT LEAD THE WAY
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Project Lead The Way programs at Gull Lake Middle School provide students the opportunity to build in-demand skills while completing real-world challenges in an engaging, hands-on learning environment. PLTW pathways include Computer Science, Engineering, and Biomedical Science. Current available classes at GLMS are Design & Modeling (Engineering), Automation & Robotics (Engineering), Intro to Computer Science (CS), and Medical Detectives (Biomedical). 

Grants from the GLSC Foundation are essential in facilitating programs that require many tech tools and consumable items. Students in Design & Modeling create physical projects that include therapeutic toys for patients with Cerebral Palsy, scale model furniture for the school, and 3D printed puzzles. Robotics students use VEX systems to navigate mazes and race each other. Funding introduces new and innovative tools and supplies programs with essential materials.
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Matt B Hawkins, STEM/PLTW Teacher, Gull Lake Middle School
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Teacher Matt Hawkins demonstrates Project Lead The Way at the Foundation's Gilmore Car Event.

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Above is an example of a Project Lead The Way challenge: ​recreate a setting from a favorite story into a
​computer-generated scenario

Grant in Action:  Robotics!!

1/10/2020

 
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​GLCS FOUNDATION GRANT IN ACTION


ROBOTICS
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Gull Lake Area Robotics offers an opportunity for STEM learning and teamwork to any student in Gull Lake Community Schools. FIRST Robotics is a team sport based on robotics, programing, and real world problem solving. Teams compete as they learn how to work together and communicate effectively to solve real world problems. The FIRST Robotics Program brings a strong connection to the Core Values of Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Teamwork. The motto of the program is that this is the only sport where EVERYONE can go pro!

The Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation has played a pivotal role as we have grown as a program. Over the past 3 years, we grew from 3 Middle School and 1 High School team, to now serving any student Young 5s through High School with a total of 21 teams. With this support, Gull Lake Area Robotics directly impacts over 150 students every year. We are also proud to be hosting our first-ever qualifying event containing FLL Jr, FLL, and FTC teams, one of only 3 events in the state to offer a competition displaying all these levels of FIRST under one roof. At this competition, 92 area teams will converge at our own Gull Lake High School to compete for a chance to move to the State Championship.

Patrick English, Third Grade Teacher, Thomas M Ryan Intermediate
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Gull Lake Robotics Team showing off their robots in the Hickory Corners Memorial Day Parade!
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Teacher Patrick English discusses Robotics at the Foundation's Gilmore Car Event.
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8th season for Gull Lake's Twisted Devils Team #4381 at the Robotics Worlds Competition in Detroit
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The Robotics Worlds Competition in Detroit - the 8th season for Gull Lake's Twisted Devils Team #4381

Grant in Action:  STEM Computer Science

1/10/2020

 
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GLCS FOUNDATION GRANT IN ACTION

STEM Computer Science
Computer Science is strong at Gull Lake High School thanks to the continued support of the Gull Lake Community School Foundation.  We have grown from offering just Introduction to Computer Science and Computer Science & Software Engineering to adding Research & Development, Advanced Computer Science, Cyber Security and piloting Computer Science Independent Certification courses.  These courses offer a wide variety for students to hone their skills in segments of Computer Science that they strive and enjoy.  

​Students work all year on projects and curriculum to showcase in mid May at Gull Lakes Innovation Day being held this year on May 14 between the hours of 8:30 - 1:00 in which you can stop in at Gull Lake High School to view how students grow throughout the year.  I suggest for you to follow my twitter @langeb75 in order to see all the amazing things students are doing throughout the year in the program.  You can also listen to our Podcasts at anchor.fm/langebogs to learn about  student’s growth in their respective programs.  Lastly, Computer Science is strong at Gull Lake High School due to the amazing students, administration, parent and GLCS Foundation support.  

Brad Lange, Business Education Teacher, Gull Lake High School
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Introducing Gull Lake High School's CyberPatriot XII members with teacher Brad Lange

Grant in Action:  Debate and Model UN!!

1/9/2020

 
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GLCS FOUNDATION GRANT IN ACTION

DEBATE and MODEL UN
Gull Lake Debate and Model UN has continued to grow and thrive. Some of the major achievements of our last grant cycle include trips to New York and Washington, D.C. to compete. In Washington, our students were treated to a private meeting with Congressman Fred Upton in his office, where they were able to discuss meaningful topics. Our reputation of success has led to ever greater opportunities to represent some of the top and most coveted delegations at major conferences. At Michigan State University, we brought just seven delegates, and among the thousands of delegates competing for just a few awards, Gull Lake brought home five!

Many of our alum have gone on to take on leaderships positions in Model UN at University of Michigan and Michigan State, and a number have completely changed the course of their lives by pursuing international relations in college and as a career. Our club is truly putting Gull Lake graduates on the path to become future global leaders and changemakers. Students of our club will tell you that Model UN has pushed them to become more globally aware, has shaped their view of their potential impact in the world, and has taught them to speak up and speak out for global change. The most sincere thanks is due to the generous donors of the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation without whom we could not have given this opportunity to so many. Thank you, GLCSF, for your impact on changing kids’ lives through global education opportunities like this. We utilize about $7000 per year in grant money, and that is for registration fees and some transportation costs. Students pay for hotels, except students who are dedicated and cannot afford to pay.

Sheila Wood, English Language Arts Teacher, Gull Lake High School
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Language Arts Teacher Sheila Wood exhibiting Model UN information at the Foundation's Gilmore Car Event
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Model UN brought home four major awards from a MSU conference! Tova Carter won best delegate. Leo Cooper won outstanding (silver) delegate. Haley Schumann and Haley Archambault won Gold medals!! Spring of 2018.
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Gull Lake Model UN prepares for an eventful year.
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Gull Lake High School student David Sharp winning the Best Delegate at the Model UN competition!
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Teacher Sheila Wood (far right) with Gull Lake High School Model UN team

Grant in Action:  Read and Ride!

1/8/2020

 
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GLCS FOUNDATION GRANT IN ACTION
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READ AND RIDE - READ AND RIDE ROUNDUP Camp and Summer, Fall and Winter Camp Experience
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In the past ten years, over 500 at-risk students from Gull Lake Community Schools, grades K-2, have had an amazing time at the summer, fall and winter "READ AND RIDE ROUNDUP” camp at the Cheff Center in Augusta. This unique and innovative therapeutic approach to reading and learning is designed to increase oral reading fluency scores and improve self-confidence in reading fluency. Summer half-day camp combines exercises for brain and body integration and therapeutic riding which increases coordination, reflexes, and motor planning. Campers’ equine skills are expanded as they are tested on a morning of real "trail riding”. Phonics skills are practiced in the classroom as well as through arena games. Campers also enjoy reading to our trained therapy canine friends every day. The Fall and Winter six-week morning pullout camp concentrates on phonics, fluency, and comprehension in the classroom, and reading to therapy dogs. Arena time also concentrates on phonics skill games and horsemanship. Benefits of this therapeutic intervention include gains in oral reading fluency scores, reading attitudes, personal responsibility, and pride. Gains have been documented through test scores, surveys, and teacher observations.

READ and RIDE is designed to be a creative and affordable intervention program for our school community. Gull Lake Community Schools, GLCS Foundation, James R. Ryan Family Foundation, Brad Hoorn Endowment Fund, Richland PTO, Battle Creek United Way, Gull Lake Community Volunteers, Lakeland Asphalt, private donors, area businesses and families have historically provided funding.   

Karen Koets, First Grade Teacher, Richland Elementary, and GLCS Foundation Trustee - Distinguished Academic Scholars Chairperson
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Scholarships Available until February 28, 2020

1/7/2020

 
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