Montcalm Messenger by BluFish

ontcalm M M E S S E N G E R

A QUARTERLY NEWSLET TER FOR PARENTS & FRIENDS OF MONTC ALM STUDENTS

Montcalm girls were asked to submit their responses to a recent service learning project for this issue of Montcalm Messenger. Below are their responses.

Wilcox My experience at the Friendly Home has been great.Visiting the Friendly Home each week has been such an incredible experience because it is a great way to stay involved in the community. The ladies at the Friendly Home are so nice and they are so wise. Spending time there teaches responsibility, respect and maturity. Helping out and visiting with the women is so fun because they share stories that you can learn from. Interacting with people who have experienced so much and have so much to say can really change how you think and give you the strength to move on and work on things. Visiting the Friendly Home is no doubt one of the most beneficial experiences because you know you’re not there to help yourself but to help the women, and that can change the way you think about life. Every time we leave the parking lot, I leave with a smile on my face, feeling encouraged and proud knowing that I have helped out in the community. That is why I love visiting the Friendly Home. - Christina continued on page 2

WINTER 2011

Friendly Home Visits Helping others through service learning projects is just one of the ways the girls of Montcalm School give back to the community. Service learning teaches students civic responsibility, while integrating in-classroom learning and social skills with community service. Applying knowledge obtained in the classroom and social interaction to real-world situations allows students to get the most out of learning, bettering the community in the process. This past summer, residents of Wilcox Cottage worked with United Way of Jackson performing services such as gardening and painting benches. When the United Way service learning project ended, Margaret Grose, Labor Liaison at United Way of Jackson, thought the girls were very respectful and set them up with Jackson Friendly Home, an organization established in 1878 that offers affordable and comfortable assisted living for women, ages 60 and older. Since August, the students have taken two trips per month to the home. “The reason we go to the home is to give the girls the experience of selflessness,” said Stacya Boyd, Activities Coordinator at Wilcox Cottage. “A lot of the girls are used to getting but never really giving. This has given them the opportunity to experience that unselfishness. The overall goal is teaching them empathy.” Women residing at Jackson Friendly Home are unable to live on their own but do not need the extensive services offered by a nursing home. However, many of their families are unable to provide the necessary care. In some cases, residents of the home do not have family to rely on. “The girls always say that they want to adopt the women as grandmothers because some of them don’t have a lot of family,” Boyd said. “The women have become a part of many of the girls’ families, and I know the women feel the same way.” continued on page 2

Wilcox

(cont)

When I first found out about the Friendly Home, I was very happy. Being there makes me want to make good choices in life, learning from them and having fun with them. I love to be around the women because I can have new friends. I like to do the activities there. I learn that the Lord is always there when you need Him. When you pray sometimes, the prayers are answered. The people at the Friendly Home are so easy to talk to. - Katya I look forward to coming to the Friendly Home every other week. The ladies there are always welcoming to me. I have fun, and I even learn when I am with them. They seem to bring out a different person in me when I am around them. I also start to socialize more. They encourage me to do well without saying anything at all, by secretly creating a motivation in me. Whether we make crafts together or share stories, we have a blast. I know I do. Then, when I take another look at them, they are smiling, too. It makes my day all the better to know they enjoy being around me. - Kiera I love going to the Friendly Home because every time you’re there, you have a different experience. You meet different people all the time, and from these people, you realize how similar and different they are from you. They have many stories to tell about how things were for them as children. They also genuinely listen to you and what you have to say. I think that is what I love about the ladies there. They are real. I appreciate them all so much because of their honesty, and I know they appreciate us, too. - Desirae -

MEET OUR STAFF Aaron Warren Associate Director of Montcalm School Seeing students succeed is what drives Aaron Warren, Associate Director of Montcalm School. Warren graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from The University of Michigan and also holds a Master’s degree in Education from Spring Arbor University. He joined Montcalm School in 2004 as a Teacher/Counselor at Newton Cottage, a position he held until 2008. Warren then became Associate Dean of Students in 2008, his title before moving to his current position in 2011. As Associate Director, Warren focuses on the role therapy plays in academics. Working with students and their families from a different perspective than the classroom is a challenge he looks forward to every day. “I have a chance to interact with students beyond the educational framework,” Warren said. But the classroom will always hold a special place in his heart. “I love working beside a student in class and watching as they finally get a concept for the first time,” Warren said. “All of our students have had that ‘aha!’ moment where something clicks. That’s the highlight of my job.” Warren appreciates the impact he has had on the lives of many throughout his tenure at Montcalm School and considers it a blessing to have taught each of his former students. “Watching high school graduation and seeing the pride and sense of accomplishment from both the students and their families is wonderful,” Warren said. “Just hearing back from former students who are either in college or have graduated from college and are now successful is so rewarding.” To contact Aaron Warren, email him at warrenw@starr.org, or call 517-629-5591, ext. 2338.

Friendly Home Visits continued

In addition to helping the residents in various ways, students play piano, make friendship bracelets, paint fingernails and talk. Boyd said the project is mutually beneficial, and both the women and students look forward to the visits. “I know the women at the home enjoy our visits by the looks on their faces,” Boyd said. “The girls are always very excited to go, too, and I know it’s very rewarding for them.” The girls of Wilcox Cottage will continue to visit Jackson Friendly Home in upcoming months, continuing Montcalm School’s dedication to helping children become successful in and out of the classroom.

continued on page 4

For more information about Jackson Friendly Home, visit www.jacksonfriendlyhome.com.

Montcalm Boys Montcalm students were asked to submit their responses to Founder’s Day for this issue of Montcalm Messenger. Below are their responses. On Founder’s Day, I learned a few things from the speaker, Wes Moore. The first thing was about persistence, like when he talked about getting out of military school. The second thing was about hope, like the other Wes Moore and his second chance at life. - Nick When Wes Moore was here giving his presentation, the part that really spoke to me was when he was talking about the fact that the other Wes Moore’s story could have been his. That really makes a lot of sense to me because the choices we make in life have consequences. - Tyler Wes Moore is a cool guy, and we should turn our lives around now so we do not end up like the other Wes Moore. We should do well to stay in the world and out of jail. - Robert Wes Moore’s story was somewhat inspirational. The message is the same as everything I’ve heard throughout my life. He said it differently, however, this didn’t impact me more. But I do have some respect for him. He was undeniably right when he said, “We’re not a product of our environment. We’re a product of our expectations.” - Anonymous -

Alumni impacted by Montcalm teacher The following letter was written to Mr. Warren from a former Montcalm student: Things have been crazy to say the least. I can't believe I'm 21 now. These past seven years since I left have been a blur. Things have been up and down. My life tends to be a rollercoaster. I'm a junior at Bowling Green now, and I'm studying psychology with a minor in creative writing, although I'm not sure where that combination is going to take me. I was going to Columbus State and actually lived there for about year, but that whole situation didn't work out too well. I have a part-time job, but I still live at home, and it’s driving me crazy. But for right now I think it’s best I stay put and get things in order. Overall, I must admit things have gotten a lot better, and I'm partially pleased with where I’m at in my life. I got a 3.75 last semester. I have a 3.5 so far for midterms. I quit smoking six months ago, and things have definitely headed in a more positive direction. There is still plenty of work to be done, though. I'm not ready to grow up yet! But hey, give me four or five years and maybe I'll have “Dr.” in front of my name! It sounds like things really have changed over in your neck of the woods (with your recent promotion). That reminds me when I came back and transferred to Findlay High School. The first day I walk in to meet my class, my teacher told me she had graduated from Albion. She knew exactly where I was. Funny, right? Anyway, good for you climbing up the ladder! You were such a good teacher. If it weren’t for you, I wonder if I would've ever found my intellectual side again. Hey, maybe once I get my degree I can weasel into a position over there. It’s good to hear from you. I think about that place a lot and the different people from time to time. But you definitely had an impact on me. Just know that your effort hasn't gone to waste because one day, I will make you and everyone proud, including myself (my biggest critic). You will see! Kolassa Sensory Integration Room

Koby Cottage. For one weekend, parents can call it home. Open for parents to reconnect with their children in treatment. Parent visits are coordinated through the Cottage staff/Senior Clinician. To cover the cleaning and maintenance of Koby Cottage, there is a per night charge. Call 517.630.2401 for Koby Cottage availability and reservations. Reservations are dependent on approval of Senior Clinican and treatment progress.

Special Olympics Students from Montcalm School’s Wilcox, Newton and Reynolds cottages took part in the 40th Special Olympics Michigan State Summer Games at Central Michigan University in June. This was the 11th consecutive year Starr Commonwealth and Montcalm School have sent a group to volunteer for the games. Service learning projects like this help students learn responsibility, while using educational and social tools learned at Montcalm School to make a difference in their community.

Wilcox

MONTC ALM SCHOOL AC TIVITI ES

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When I go to the Friendly Home, I look forward to seeing their happy faces and that is usually what I see when I enter. I like going there because the ladies there care and try to help you just as we try to help them through their time of need. The ladies there are so nice, I like talking with them because they have so much knowledge about the world. I have adopted a grandmother and she is nice, helpful, caring, and she always gives me a hug. - Allison I enjoy going to the Friendly Home because I like spending time with people and talking to them. My lady at the Friendly Home is Pat. She has two turtles, Mortimer and Leroy. They are really friendly. Sometimes, Pat and I take them for a walk. I like to spend time with the other ladies, too. - Cassie -

Campus Activities

Mendelssohn

Newton

Basketball Team Wrestling Club Floor Hockey Tournament Basketball Tournament Swim Meet

Humane Society Bowling Club Laser Tag Ice Skating Sledding Movie Nights Snow Shoveling (Service Learning in Albion)

South Central Food Bank (Service Learning) Alpha Omega Women’s Shelter (Service Learning) Toys for Tots Drive Trip to Frankenmuth, MI

Norton Humane Society of Jackson (Service Learning) Airway Lanes of Kalamazoo Marshall Lanes bowling on Saturdays 2-Ball Basketball Tournament

STL Whitetail Museum Battle Creek Symphony American Red Cross (Service Learning) Interfaith Shelter (Service Learning)

Wilcox Poetry “Wicked” Jackson Friendly Home (Service Learning) United Way (Service Learning)

Marshall Christmas Parade Many of the staff and students at Starr Commonwealth and Montcalm School got into the holiday spirit by participating in the 47th Annual Marshall Christmas Parade. The event took place Monday, Nov. 28 on Michigan Ave. in Marshall’s downtown area. The All Starr Choir, a student group comprised of singers and musicians, and the All Starr Drum Line, a new student group at Starr, performed in the parade. The choir also did a step routine, which was accompanied by the drum line’s cadence. Students from both Albion and Battle Creek sites marched alongside the “Up on the Housetop” float, the theme of the parade. “The crowd was very receptive of our choir, drum line and float,” said Jeff Cornhill, Director of Fine Arts for Starr Commonwealth. “The students demonstrated pride in themselves and were an example of the greatness that students at Starr possess.” Kutsche Cottage students helped decorate Starr’s float, and a member of the choir wished onlookers happy holidays with a microphone. Practicing was also a source of enjoyment for the students, as they marched around Starr’s campus. “The students had a great time with the whole thing,” Cornhill said. “It was nice for the cottage groups on a Saturday to hear the drums and see the kids marching around campus to prepare for the parade. The parade itself went off without a hitch. All in all, it was a great event.”

13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224 PH 866.244.4321 FX 517.629.4650 montcalmschool.org