Here’s your discount ticket.

March is National Reading Month

It’s only fitting that I pass along something valuable to you in honor of it.

So here ’tis.

“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.”

I like the spirit and truth of this quote – and I Iike that it came from Mary Schmich, retired Pulitzer Prize winning columnist of the Chicago Tribune. 

I also like this cartoon.

I like the spirit and truth contained in it, too!
 
So I have three “must reads” for you today.
 
MUST READ #1
 
 A “March is Reading Month” Resource
 
There are many resources packed with reading tips and recommendations online for teachers, parents, and grandparents today.
 
They’re easy to find – and some are better than others.
 
Here’s one that’s clear and worthwhile and it has a connection to an institution many of us know well.

Leave it to Sparty and the MSU Extension Office to serve up a post called: 10 Tips to Keep Reading Fun

MUST READ #2 

Kudos to FHS Science Teacher JESSIE BASSETT
on her recent award from SVSU and the MiSTEM Network

Jessie has been a teacher in our district for 23 years. She is the Science Department Chair at FHS and she instructs Biology and Physiology.

It’s definitely accurate to say Jessie is the “backbone” of our incredible science department.

So, it wasn’t a surprise to learn Jessie received a 2023 STEM Star Award a couple of weeks ago in recognition of her continuing legacy in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

For more than two decades, Jessie has encouraged FSD’s Eagles of all ages to be risk-takers, to think outside the norm, and have fun in applying STEM skills in the pursuit of solving problems that matter.

We’re blessed to have Jessie play a big role in our district and I hope you’ll congratulate her when you next see her.

I also hope you’ll take a moment to read SVSU’s one-page STEM Star write-up about the award. (Must Read #2)

MUST READ #3 

Here’s another FSD Award-Winner!

This big shoutout goes to Special Education Teacher Madalyn McKenzie.

Madalyn teaches at our middle school she was recently selected as the “2023 Promising Young Educator of the Year” by the Michigan Association of Middle School Educators (MAMSE).

Madalyn is in her second year of teaching in FSD.

She graduated from FHS in 2016 and earned her teaching credentials from CMU before starting her career with us.

EFR Principal Christine Fry nominated Madalyn to the MAMSE Awards Committee, and her letter of recommendation is a superb spotlight on the dedication and talent Madalyn imparts in her students.

I was touched by Christine’s words beginning her last paragraph; “In my twenty-three years I have seen a variety of teachers, but Madalyn was meant to be a teacher.”

You’ll appreciate Christine’s one-page letter about Madalyn. It’s Must Read #3

In closing, I wish READING actually could be our discount tickets to take our families somewhere sunny and warm in the weeks ahead.

Wouldn’t that be nice?

As always – thanks for all you do.