OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Inter-workings Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Employee News and Information
Welcome Back Breakfast OAISD Celebrates 50th Anniversary OAISD Summer Improvements It’s a futurePREP Summer!
Karen Lubbers and Students at Lubbers Family Farm, futurePREP Summer Immersion–Food Matters
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IN THIS ISSUE
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Superintendent’s Message
Celebrating ISD’s 50th Anniversary
Welcome Back Breakfast Looking back, moving forward, and playing games (mock Jeopardy)
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OAISD 50th Anniversary
A year-long celebration
OAISD Summer Improvements CTC Diesel/Heavy Equipment Mechanics building expansion
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ESB Staff Donates to United Way Community Baby Shower
Over 70 items collected for children ages birth to five
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Pet Parade
Meet Drake, the latest ISD Star Pet
Green Solutions
New recycling bins, updated lighting, and streamlined heating and cooling sytems
10 futurePREP An active summer for those who participated in IChallengeU, Summer Immersion, Unite4Insight, and Make Lab
12 Technology Services Department Goes Regional OAITC providing technology support in five districts
14 New Employees Introducing you to our newest staff members
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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Happy 50th Anniversary! If you were at our Opening Day Breakfast, you know that ISDs celebrate their golden milestone in 2012…50 years of serving students, schools, and communities with exceptional educational service and leadership. It’s likely the original writers of the legislation that created ISDs in 1962 were focusing on our potential to create “economies of scale” in the newly emerging systems of special education and vocational education statewide. They were true visionaries. It’s ISDs that have worked to achieve exceptional instructional delivery and exceptional savings in both of these areas. Even today, over twothirds of our 420 employees work in these two fields. Fortunately, though, those legislative writers also had the foresight to allow ISDs to develop programs and services that are specific to a region, providing flexibility and customization in markets that differ widely across the state. For instance, how Wayne RESA (ISD) serves the Detroit area has developed differently over the years than how the Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD serves that region. In fact, no two ISDs are alike. That’s good for schools and students. Not great, however, for trying to explain to politicians in 2012 how important ISDs are to the next 50 years of educational development in Michigan. At
times, we are all singing a slightly different song…the notes are similar, but the words can be different. That’s why it’s more important than ever to tell our own story in our own community and continue to build a strong relationship with the constituents we serve. In order to do that, the next 50 years will require new thinking, bold changes, and continued commitment to serving our region’s unique needs. In order to move forward, we can lean on our past model for success: listen, then dream, design, develop, and deliver. Individually and collectively, we will insure our place in Michigan’s educational framework for another 50 years…and beyond.
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WELCOME BACK
Welcome Back Breakfast Looking back, moving forward
Denise Dhuse, Human Resources Specialist, said. “We are all working on the same team and this is a great way for employees to get together and have some fun.”
The last days of August might prompt some folks to think about summer’s end, but at OAISD it had employees OAISD Superintendent thinking of banana Karen McPhee took One of the best parts of this walnut pancakes. center stage and event is getting staff from all The fifth annual elaborated on the theme of our buildings in one room. Welcome Back “Looking Back, Moving Breakfast held at Forward” by recognizing - Denise Dhuse the Doubletree the 50th Anniversary Hotel and of the establishment Conference Center of Intermediate School in Holland kicked-off the 2012-2013 school Districts in Michigan. With humorous year with fellowship, fun and yes…food. anecdotes and some “interesting” photos, attendees were treated to a walk down “One of the best parts of this event is getting memory lane with a look at 50 years of staff from all our buildings in one room,” OAISD history.
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WELCOME BACK
Then it was time for the question and answer segment. Or should we say answer and question? With a wave of McPhee’shand, the stage became the OAISD Jeopardy Game complete with our own Alex Trebek “played” by Assistant Superintendent of Special Needs, Greg LaMore. Staff members Chris Lamer (ESB), Val Putnam (M-TEC) and Terry Goldberg (Grand Haven CBI) volunteered to come front and center as contestants to show off their knowledge of 50 years of OAISD history. “We decided to do things a little differently this year,” McPhee said. “The 50th anniversary is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the depth and breadth of services our organization provides and recognize the top-notch employees who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to execute them.”
Greg LaMore (aka Alex Trebek) with Jeopardy contestants Chris Lamer, Val Putnam, and Terry Goldberg. 5
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ISD TURNS 50
50th Anniversary Many notable Michigan events occurred in1962-the first Kmart opened, Gordy Records of Motown fame released their first album titled “Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance), and Public Act 190 established Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) in Michigan. Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) is one of 56 regional entities joining in the year-long observance and celebration of 50 years of providing programs, services, initiatives and support to help educate students statewide. “We are excited to work with Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) to celebrate the past, present and future success of Michigan ISD’s in education,” Superintendent Karen McPhee said. Throughout the 2012-13 academic year, OAISD will issue news releases about the many ways our ISD supports local students and schools through teaching and learning, specialized student services, technology services, administrative services, early childhood education and more.
1962-2012
In addition to news releases, releases OAISD will collaborate with wiit MAISA to promote and presenting to the the anniversary by submitting articles aan Chamber of Commerce, Commercee community partners and local locc legislators as well as including articles about abbo the anniversary in n local district newsletters. n “We want to take “ this th h opportunity to promote the services prr our ou ur ISD has provided to O Ottawa Area students overr the past 50 years and will ccontinue to provide in future,” Julie Gillespie, the fut tu Superintendent of Human Superin n Resources/Communications Resourc ce OAISD, at OAISD D said.
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FACILITY IMPROVEMENT
OAISD Summer Improvements While students are away, facilities management will play! And by play, we mean work incredibly hard to make sure all planned facilities improvements are complete before students walk through the doors in September. The first and largest project on the summer improvement calendar was the Careerline Tech Center (CTC) Diesel/Heavy Equipment Mechanics (HEM) building expansion. Originally, the building housed just the HEM program. Four years ago, the Diesel program moved to the HEM space making for very tight quarters. The 9,300 square foot addition will double the high bay area for lab space as well as add a wash bay for
large equipment, a second classroom, a small library/conference room, and storage space. “The building expansion allows us to give our students more space and therefore more learning opportunities,” Dave Searles, Director at Careerline Tech Center, said. “The program is already successful so we are excited to watch it grow and improve even more.” While CTC is for junior and senior high school students, early planning can give students a head start on college while they are in high school. “CTC has so much to offer OAISD students. We want to ensure all students, and their parents, are aware of the money saving and career planning opportunities available to them,” Bunn said.
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BABY SHOWER/PET PARADE
ESB Staff Donates Over 70 Items to the United Way Community Baby Shower Once again, OAISD employees came through for the Greater Ottawa County United Way’s fundraising effort by donating baby items intended for low-income families. For one week in June, the Casual for a Cause program supported the first annual Community Baby Shower for Greater Ottawa County United Way. Employees donated items for children ages birth to five earning the opportunity to dress casually for each day
that week they donated an item. Low-income families were the beneficiaries of the collected clothing, books, blankets, etc. “Even though only the ESB employees were able to participate due to summer break, we collected over 70 items,” Julie Gillespie, Assistant Superintendent of Communications and Human Resources, said. Countywide, over $4,000 worth of items were collected. “We are proud to be a part of this community effort to help deserving families in the Ottawa area,” Gillespie said
The ISD’s Pet Parade Meet Drake. He’s a one and a half year old chocolate lab who calls Stephanie DeDoes, “mom.” Besides duck and goose hunting with his “dad,” Blake, Drake loves chasing bugs, squirrels and tickling four-year-old Kylie with his nose -much to her delight! He is usually moving, but will also slow down enough for snuggle time with Blake and Kylie. After all, who wouldn’t want an 80 pound dog laying on them? 8
Bird dog Drake
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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
GREEN SOLUTIONS
Going Green Another environmentally conscious update Ottawa Area Intermediate School District is district-wide lighting improvements is getting a little “greener” every day. This spearheaded by John Wujcik, OAISD summer the Facilities Management team Facilities Management Supervisor. replaced recycling bins with more efficient stations and updated lighting with energysaving bulbs in most ISD buildings. The team “After doing our research we learned we can receive nearly $16,000 worth of rebates from also streamlined the heating and cooling utility companies if we make the renovations systems within district buildings. before year-end, “ Wujcik said. “With that amount of money Facilities coming back in, Management These new stations are more we will recoup our added updated aesthetically pleasing, easier to expenditures in less recycling stations understand, easier to use, and than three years, to Careerline which is a fantastic give a consistent feel throughout Tech Center, the return on investment.” the ISD. Educational Services Building Improvements - Angela McCoy (ESB), Ottawa include parking Area Center lot lighting and (OAC), and improved exterior Thompson M-TEC this July in an effort to wall lighting at Thompson M-TEC, as well reduce OAISD landfill contributions. These as energy efficient bulbs installed in the OAC new stations accept large gym and the Lakes conference rooms at • • • •
Waste Paper Deposit Plastic/Cans Non-Deposit Plastic/Cans (must be clean and free of food debris. If they are dirty, they must go in the waste receptacle)
“The previous recycling stations felt like a patch,” Angela McCoy, Facilities and Transportation Manager, said. “These new stations are more aesthetically pleasing, easier to understand, easier to use, and give a consistent feel throughout the ISD.” The updated hallway recycling stations are in addition to the office–and now classroom– paper-recycling receptacles also present in all ISD buildings.
ESB. The final phase of OAISD environmental upgrades included moving the HVAC systems under one, overarching control to improve heating and cooling efficiencies. “Previously, all systems were operated independently,” McCoy said. “Now, efforts are coordinated and it is running much more smoothly.” “We have found this to be a simple yet very effective modification,” McCoy said. “By better utilizing the change of seasons and outside air flow, our systems will last much longer due to working smarter, not harder.” 9
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FUTURE PREP
IT WAS A BUSY SUMMER FOR:
futurePREP Alexander Graham Bell’s statement, “When one door closes, another one opens,” can be used to describe the opportunities futurePREP offers students in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD.) As summer programs drew to a close, planning for fall programs was already under way. OAISD’s groundbreaking program, futurePREP, aims to ensure all Ottawa area students graduate high school with the skills necessary to be successful in achieving their personal life goals which might include going to college or technical school, landing a dream job, starting a business, or discovering new talents. futurePREP incorporates innovative partnerships with local employers, colleges, universities, and business organizations into the curriculum to prepare students to succeed in the 21st century workforce.
IChallengeU IChallengeU is just one of several futurePREP programs currently available to students. This was the first year for this two-week educational opportunity for 11th and 12th graders who developed solutions to real business “problems” as identified by local business leaders. According to Pasatta, the feedback from participating business partners, mentor teachers, students, and their parents has been incredibly positive. The program paired 45 students and 12 teachers from around Ottawa County with six area businesses including Haworth Corp, Hope College, Holland Hospital, Innotec, Greater Ottawa County United Way, and Zeeland Farm Services. Two teams at each location spent 12 days “problem solving” for the host organizations.
“Students definitely embraced my challenge “This summer has been an amazing summer to ‘think outside the box,’” Karen McPhee, of ‘firsts’ as well as successful program OAISD Superintendent, said. “With some continuations for futurePREP,” Jason teams merging, an 18-year-old volunteering for Pasatta, OAISD Development Director a mammogram, and students reimagining how for Career and Technical Education, said. to recruit new employees, these high school “Between IChallengeU, Summer Immersion, Unite4Insight (formerly Educators Working for students impressed educators and business Relevancy), and Make Lab, our programs enrich partners alike.” the learning for many students and educators in “We are already starting to plan for next summer the Ottawa area.” with returning and new business partners,” Pasatta said. 10
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FUTURE PREP
Students of IChallengeU making their presentation.
Summer Immersion The Summer Immersion program also launched this summer. This three-week extended learning opportunity allowed students to explore local farming, dunes ecology, and big city living. Over 40 students and three educators participated in the unique program that involved students gaining an in-depth understanding of their chosen topic through learning excursions, hands-on fieldwork, and a technology- based student project to complete the course. “You just can’t replicate what happens in a dune ecosystem in a classroom,” Bradley Smit, Biology instructor at Saugatuck High School and Dunes Ecology program teacher, said. “Summer Immersion allowed me to teach students about what goes on in their own
backyards and foster stewardship for the place they call ‘home’.” “Thanks to Summer Immersion, I learned how it feels to be at home in a town that isn’t where you live. I now know how it feels to find you,” Victoria Sanchez, Zeeland High School junior and Urban Experience participant, said. “That is something that will stay with me far beyond high school.” 11
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FUTURE PREP SUMMER
Unite4Insight In its second year, the Unite4Insight program (formerly Educators Working for Relevancy) successfully paired educators and local businesses to bring real world business experiences to classrooms. Troy Wells, Art instructor at Lakeshore Middle School, partnered with Concept A: Graphic Design Studio. “I wanted to see firsthand what skills students need to be successful in our current and future job market.” Make Lab Unite4Insight teachers in training. For high school juniors and seniors who crave the opportunity to take an idea and make it a reality, the new futurePREP Make Lab program is a unique, immersive, semester-long “What makes Make Lab so exciting is it allows educational experience designed to test their students to take an idea from conception to inspiration and see it reach its fullest potential. production,” Pasatta said. “Few adults have Students will cycle through the innovation that opportunity, let alone junior and seniors in process related to a real-life problem that high school.” a partnering business or The application futurePREP is creating an organization interviews begin in amazing amount of opportunity currently November, and the for our Ottawa area students. faces. While program starts in IChallengeU By incorporating partnerships January. challenged with local colleges, businesses students to and community leaders, we are “futurePREP is develop a creating an amazing helping to create a dynamic solution in two amount of opportunity 21st century workforce. weeks, Make for our Ottawa area Lab participants students,” McPhee - Karen McPhee will have a full said. “By incorporating semester to work partnerships with local through the entire colleges, businesses and design process including a tangible product or community leaders, we are helping to create a service solution at the end of the program. dynamic 21st century workforce.”
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NEW EMPLOYEES
WELCOME New Employees as of October, 2012
Employee
Building
Jannette Bole
Communications & Integrated Marketing
Carlos Esquivel Darcy Gooder Terry Kraker Jason Kruse Angela Lindeman Christopher Petta Bill Wolbrink David Wolffis
CTC CTC CTC CTC CTC CTC CTC CTC
Carrie Ashba Heather DeFer Jennifer Field
District Services District Services District Services
Darlene VanKampen
Early Childhood
Chelsea Green
Infant
Joe McKenzie
Instructional Services
Jennie Ferwerda Renee Garlock Tom Grant Ashley Lenhart Mary Lutke Jane Negley Phil Stevens Alyssa Stinehart Mary Thornsen Audrey VanderKolk
OAC OAC OAC OAC OAC OAC OAC OAC OAC OAC
Ali Greene
Specialized Business Unit
Troy Calgaro Robert Callejas Tyler DeBruler Joe DeKock Aaron VanderStelt Josh VerHelst Steven Wise Christine Zeeryp
Technology Technology Technology Technology Technology Technology Technology Technology
NEW
OAISD is now on Facebook.
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OAITC
Technology Services Department Goes Regional;
Launches the Ottawa Area Information Technology Consortium Technology Services Department Goes Regional; Launches the Ottawa Area Information Technology Consortium. If you have been in the Technology Services Department lately, you have undoubtedly seen several new faces – depending on the day, eleven new faces to be exact. Most of these “new faces” were brought on to support the latest shared services model at the OAISD – the Ottawa Area Information Technology Consortium (OAITC). The use of technology around the region has been expanding in scope, mission criticality, and other dimensions for a number of years. It was becoming apparent that the ability of each “district-level” IT department to keep up with the breadth and depth of technologies would soon become severely, if not critically, stressed. After discussions with local superintendents requesting additional support, the common thread between the requests was “there must be a better way”-one that: • allows the sharing of technical expertise, • takes advantage of efficiencies of scale (e.g., using a common help desk), • promotes stability throughout the districts (e.g., distribution and redundancy of technical knowledge so that the district is not susceptible to technical staff transitions), and • encourages new exploration of educational uses of technology.
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On July 1, the OAITC officially began providing technology support in five districts/ schools: Hamilton Community Schools, Holland Public Schools, Ottawa Area ISD, Saugatuck Public Schools, and Wavecrest Career Academy. The mission of the OAITC is “to relentlessly improve the consortium partners’ learning ecologies by means of effective educational technology” with an emphasis on the operations and infrastructure aspects of technology support. All together, the OAITC will support approximately 10,000 students in addition to teachers, staff, and administrators. The technologies supported include over 7,700 computers/iPads, printers, copiers, academic software and custom databases, to name a few. This past year, Technology Services has been making organizational changes to provide this newly requested service. The major change has been the addition of the District Field Support team that joins the existing Client Support, Enterprise Systems, Network Operations, and Technology Services Operations teams. A PDF of the new organizational chart is on the Technology Services home page http://bit.ly/OW1j0O. The following is a brief description of the focus of each team: • District Field Support – Serves as the liaison between local education agencies and the rest of the Technology Services Department (everything from break/fix to senior IT leadership).
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OAITC
of scale offered to other member districts. For example, the District Field Services staff can be deployed to the OAISD schools as needed. So don’t be surprised if several new “Tech” faces show up sometime in your building.
• Client Support – Focuses on providing support to OAITC participants from a centralized location (e.g., the Help Desk) which improves issue resolution time and decreases travel costs; also focuses on creating images, managing computer lifecycles, and asset management. Client Support also provides technical support for various academic applications. • Network Operations – Focuses primarily on the network (both the network physical plant and electronics), server administration and enterprise level communication applications (e.g., email, video conferencing, etc.) • Enterprise Systems – Focuses on database development, business intelligence systems, and general application development. Also coordinates web content management systems. • Technology Services Operations Focuses on strategy, operational and budgetary oversight, project coordination, and cross-team support functions.
Please contact Mike Rohwer, Director of Technology Services, with any questions regarding how the OAITC will affect your building or department. And feel free to stop by Technology Services to say hello to the new staff members –if you can catch them between service calls that is.
Link to Technology Services page –
Link to the Technology Services organizational chart
The Technology Services Department is the service provider for the OAITC, which includes OAISD “schools” such as OAC, SPS, CTC, etc. That means the OAISD is both provider and customer. This allows the OAISD to take advantage of the same economies
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