GATEWAY TO SUCCESS tab

G2S

A special publication of the

Ludington Daily News Thursday, August 18, 2016

G2S Open House CELEBRATION Friday, Aug. 19, 6-8 PM

GATEWAY TO

SUCCESS

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LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS/GS2 ACADEMY

| THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Designing for our communities’ future

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

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A new way to learn

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Gateway to Success takes a different look at education

BY BROOKE KANSIER DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Superintendent/Principal Jamie Bandstra shows the mural inside G2S Academy’s entrance.

M

ason County’s newest school is offering students a different path to success.

Gateway to Success Academy, at 526 N. Scottville Road in Scottville, emphasizes project-based, collaborative learning. Students are able to participate in a variety of areas of specialty outside of typical core subjects, including mechanics, photography, digital art, welding and audio recording.

The facilities, custommade to fit the school’s design, include a gym area where students can design custom workouts, various workshops, a lunch area and a large, open common area.

For a number of years, the community relied on Journey to provide alternate education. Knowing the school was going to close in 2015, local superintendents came together to come up with a new program — not to replace Journey, but offer a new, nontraditional school to meet the community’s needs.

With a graduation rate in Mason County of lower than 80 percent, something needed to be done to serve students who struggled in a traditional school environment. From there, Gateway to Success was born.

The school’s superintendent, Jamie Bandstra, explained more about the school during a staff training session Monday.

How did G2S get started?

We started two years ago,

JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

in May of 2014. Some of the local superintendents came to me and asked if I would be willing to look at developing a different platform for supporting students who struggle in the traditional school environment.

They wanted us to look at pursuing a charter school model because the state, at that point, was offering a charter school planning grant. So that was kind of the idea on the table.

look at a variety of different models for project-based learning and settle in to what our model would look like. In looking at all those schools, we developed a list of ten exemplary ideas that we thought fit our community and our purpose. And those 10 exemplary ideas, we’ve implemented into our school.

How did you go about creating the curriculum?

It’s just a completely different instructional method.

One of the things that you see with a project-based learning environment, it’s more based on skills than a traditional environment.

And that doesn’t mean it doesn’t focus heavily on

We went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and we looked at a number of Ed-Vision schools, along with California and Michigan. What we really wanted to do is

How does G2S differ from a traditional school?

content as well, but it really is a higher integration of meaningful skills and corearea content.

The other thing would be that I think we’ll have a very different school climate. An example would be a heavy emphasis on collaboration.

Some students don’t actually like collaboration in a traditional environment, but in a project-based learning environment, it’s very organized, there are a lot of processes in place for collaboration and what it looks like.

So they’re learning skills that are not necessarily academic skills, like creativity, communication — those are all emphasized in a much different manner. And actually, they get grades on those areas.

I think this school is going to offer a higher level of student engagement because core-area content is going to be connected to meaningful project work. Another thing that you’re going to see that is different from other schools is a more personalized learning environment.

What do you think of the finished product?

I’m excited for Gateway to Success Academy, but more than that, I’m excited for our students and our community. I think we’ve been able to put together an educational model combining the way we’re going to teach students, and a facility that’s going to support that. It’s an incredible opportunity.

We’re looking forward to how it’s going to impact students and families in our communities, and, I think, influence people’s view of education. It’s all coming together as we had hoped, and I couldn’t ask for anything better.

How did you go about finding staff?

When you’re promoting the model that we are, people know what they’re applying for. They’re able to look at the website, they’re able to do some investigation to find out what our emphasis is, and so we had people applying who were applying because they were excited about our concept.

SEE Q&A, PAGE 4

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LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS/GS2 ACADEMY

Q & A: Superintendent Jamie Bandstra talks Gateway to Success FROM PAGE 3

We did some very specific things in our interview process to make sure that the people we’re hiring had the characteristics of teachers and staff we felt were going to be successful in this environment. So we were very intentional about it, and I think we’ve got a great group of people that applied. We’re really proud of the staff we put together.

So, what’s the next step?

We’re continuing down this path of getting the final pieces of the building put together.

But really, this next threeweek period is going to be about staff preparing We did some very specific things in our interview process to make sure that the people we’re hiring had the characteristics of teachers and staff we felt were going to be successful in this environ-

ment.

We did some very specific things in our interview process to make sure that the people we’re hiring had the characteristics of teachers and staff we felt were going to be successful in this environment. So we were very intentional about it, and I think we’ve got a great group of people that applied. We’re really proud of the staff we put together.

Can students still register?

Yes, they can. Enrollment’s still open, 100 students are enrolled currently and we have capacity for 125. There are some grade levels that are full, and some levels that are getting very close to full, but we can still take applications up to 125 students.

The lot is 16 acres. What’s the plan for the rest of the land beyond the school?

The school takes up approx-

imately 5 acres of the land. We have to see where things go as we move forward. We haven’t planned everything out specifically, but we have a lot of ideas and dreams. We’d love to be adding a couple sports in the future, so we could add a soccer field or have a space outside for athletics and sports. We’ve also talked about building a tiny home in construction technologies.

We’d really love to actually put a model tiny home on the property, so people could come and see what a tiny home is like.

What do you hope to see this first year?

I hope that as students come in, the school will become their own. We’ve created this canvas, so I hope that the students personalize it and that the things that they’re interested in will start to fill the space. As you come through this building six months from

now, you’ll see a lot of student work. There’s art up, there’s a lot of different work that students have designed or created.

I think the building will start to represent those kinds of things. When students come through those doors, they’re going to feel cared for, they’re going to feel supported.

Where did the school’s funding come from?

The funding came from a charter school planning and implementation grant. We initially received a state grant of $350,000 and we were awarded that in fall of 2014. In May 2015, we applied for additional funding that was available. We received $370,000 in supplemental funding. Then we received $1 million as a donation from Pennies from Heaven. Since then, we have received donations, pledges and in-kind gifts of approximately $500,000.

Jamie Bandstra TITLE: SUPERINTENDENT and principal EDUCATION:“I HAVE a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University, and have worked with youth professionally for twentyplus years.”

FAMILY LIFE: “I have five children between the ages of 13 and 21. I’ve been married to my wife Tammy for more than 23 years.”

SOMETHING INTERESTING: Bandstra enjoys basketball, running and hiking.

WHY G2S? “Over the last eight years, I have conducted extensive trainings throughout the United States and Canada for LRP. Working with the National Crime Prevention Centre, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Canadian government officials about how the program could be used effectively within various communities. I’ve also had the chance to train staff in very remote parts of northern Canada.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

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INSIDE G2S

JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

Lockers, above, line the school’s lobby. Booths and tables will furnish the room.

We build great buildings

Growing in our Community!

So they can build great minds.

Thanks for including us in this project.

We are proud to be a part of this project

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Jeffrey Allen TITLE: AUTO-MACHINE engineering instructor EDUCATION: POST-HIGH school technical training in automotive tech, Fordson high school.

SOMETHING INTERESTING: Allen has a passion for automotive restoration WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO G2S? “The opportunity to pass knowledge to the younger generation, to be valuable assets in the community.”

HOMETOWN: DEARBORN

TITLE: MIDDLE School self-contained teacher EDUCATION: A Bachelor of Arts from Aquinas College FAMILY LIFE: Deb has a husband, Randy, and three daughters — Kelly, Molly and Sara SOMETHING INTERESTING: “I love being in the education business.”

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO G2S? More than 30 years teaching alternative education in Mason County.

HOMETOWN: LUDINGTON

James Dennis TITLE: STUDENT success coordinator EDUCATION: GRADUATED from Ludington High School in 1978 SOMETHING INTERESTING: Dennis has more than 26 years as a supervisor in the Michigan Department of Corrections and more than 20 years of volunteer experience working with youths through community service, education and recreation. He started working with youth through coaching basketball, soccer, crosscountry and track and field. He also served as a youth minister with his church and Knights of Columbus Council. His passions eventually led him to volunteer to run for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan, and he became one of the top fundraisers in the state.

HOMETOWN: LUDINGTON

Paul MacKenzie TITLE: BUILDING technologies instructor EDUCATION: BACHELOR of Arts in human services, Brighton High School FAMILY LIFE: Mackenzie has a wife, Laura, a daughter, Leila, and a son, William.

SOMETHING INTERESTING: “(I’m a) gigantic Michigan football fan.”

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO G2S? “I love working in education, teaching things I love to do myself.”

HOMETOWN: BRIGHTON

TEACHERS Melissa Zumback TITLE: ENGLISH/LANGUAGE arts and history teacher EDUCATION: BACHELOR of Science in education (English and history) from Central Michigan University, Master of Science in education (Divergent learning) from Columbia College. Gladwin High School FAMILY LIFE: Melissa is married and owns a dearly-loved beagle.

SOMETHING INTERESTING: “I enjoy reading, boating and gardening.”

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO G2S? “I was ready for a change in my career and a new, more innovative way to approach education.”

HOMETOWN: GLADWIN

Jeff Wykes TITLE: TECHNOLOGY coach EDUCATION: “I’VE been in the education field since I graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1990 with a teaching degree. I taught technology education for grades 6 to 12 for four years in the CharlotteMecklenburg Public Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In 2003, I attended the University of Phoenix online and in 2004, I earned a Master of Arts in education with a major in adult education and distance learning.”

FAMILY LIFE: Jeffrey and his wife live in Ludington with their two Jack Russell terrier puppies. He has a daughter and one grandson.

SOMETHING INTERESTING: Jeffrey owns two businesses, an educational technology consulting firm and a vacation rental business. His consulting service, Phoenix Educational Inc., provides services to schools, businesses and individuals, providing IT consulting, grant writing and professional development.

HOMETOWN: ANN Arbor

Daniel Lubin TITLE: SCIENCE teacher EDUCATION: BACHELOR of Science in biology from Bowling Green State University, in Ohio, and a Master’s degree in secondary education from Oakland University FAMILY LIFE: SOMETHING INTERESTING: “(I) enjoy running, the outdoors and travelling. I will be completing my fifth triathalon this year and my first marathon. I have been to five continents, most recently Africa this summer for a safari.”

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO G2S? “I love the project-based learning model.

When students engage in hands-on projects, they are motivated to learn more. I am also excited to work with an incredible staff and live in beautiful west Michigan.”

HOMETOWN: FARMINGTON Hills

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LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS/GS2 ACADEMY

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meet the OFFICE STAFF Becky Stone

Brenda Andersen

Faith Nelson

meet the SCHOOL BOARD TITLE: STUDENT counselor EDUCATION: “I am a licensed professional counselor, having earned a Master of Arts degree in counseling from the University of North Carolina.”

WHY G2S? “I am passionate about working with children of all ages and very much believe in the importance of offering support and hope to those students who struggle.

I am excited about working with G2S. I value every student and feel honored to be able to continue to be involved with helping and assisting them.”

HOMETOWN: UNION, South Carolina

TITLE: ADMISSIONS and student records coordinator WHY G2S: “I worked in alternative education at Journey High School for 12 years. I have a passion to connect with students and am skilled at giving them academic guidance, I handle many of the day-today operations of a school. I am excited to make the transition from alternative education to the innovative Project Based Learning at G2S.” HOMETOWN: LUDINGTON

TITLE: OFFICE manager WHY G2S: I have over 17 years of experience in office management and working with families linking to community resources. I have passion to serve, but more importantly I thrive on working with children in our community and wants every child to know just how important they are.”

“I AM the proud mother of three, Charlee (12), and the twins, Max and Isla (5).

HOMETOWN: CHARLOTTE

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

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SPECIAL

EDUCATION Erin Swiatlowski TITLE: SPECIAL education teacher EDUCATION: GRADUATED from Mason County Central High School in 1995 and graduated from Hope College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in learning disabilities.

FAMILY LIFE: “(I’ve been) married to my husband, Stacey Swiatlowski, for 11 years and we have a 3-year-old son, Ara, who will be starting preschool at Covenant Christian School this fall.”

SOMETHING INTERESTING: “I played softball at Hope College as a pitcher, but I am now an avid golfer.”

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO G2S? “As a special educator for 16 years, I know that not all students learn in the same way. I am extremely excited about this new, innovative way for students to demonstrate learning in a way that helps build their confidence and experience with educational success.”

HOMETOWN: SCOTTVILLE

CE STAFF

OL BOARD

An innovative space G2S Makerspace offers technical skillbuilding

and Final Cut Pro. The lab also houses GoPros, cameras, mics and a soundbooth for audio recording.

“What I think’s so cool about that is, they’re going to encompass the core subjects into that,” said building trades instructor Paul Mackenzie, who runs the room. “Think about it. When you build a house, it’s all

BY BROOKE KANSIER math driven, and then drawDAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER ing up plans, you’ve got to write, you have to be able to ne of G2S’s most get through all that.” unique offerings is The class will focus on technical training — projects like creating bikes, and it’s all through the storage items — and maybe school’s makerspace. even a house.

The space, off the school’s “To start off, we’re going common area, offers a 3-D to be doing things like buildprinter, silk screens, a sol- ing custom storage cabinets dering station, mechanics for the school,” Mackenzie area, a sewing machine and said. “Ultimately, the long a CNC machine. project to possibly start The makerspace also in- this year is to build a tiny cludes a small computer lab home community. These equipped with Adobe Suite tiny homes are popping up

O

everywhere, and there’s just shy of 17 acres here for the school. In my opinion, as the building, let’s get these kids, let’s build these homes. You get to go to school, you get to learn something that you can walk out and get a job in, and you possibly are going to build your own house before you graduate from high school.”

Mackenzie, who is a licensed builder, has high hopes for the innovative program.

“You know, I think about my woodshop class in high school. We built birdhouses. We’re not going to build houses,” he said.

“We’re really excited, and I’m really excited.”

The computer lab area will be run by Jeff Wykes, technology coach.

“I’ll be CNC, 3-D printing, media technologies,” he said.

“In the studio, we have Final Cut Pro. The students will start with iMovie, and then they’ll work their way up to Final Cut Pro. With the audio, they’ll start with Garage Band and then work up to Pro Tools.

“We have a boom mic, we have lapel mics so they can do interviews, we have a green screen so they can do Chroma, and a white screen and a black screen,” he added.

Wykes said he’s looking forward to the start of classes, Sept. 6.

“I’m excited to see how far we can go, as far as skill level. Everybody’s going to start on the same level, even seniors. Kids are so into their phones and can do so much, even with a smartphone.” brooke@ludingtondailynews.com (231) 843-1122 x307

meet the OFFICE STAFF 10 |

LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS/GS2 ACADEMY

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meet the SCHOOL BOARD Don Fallis, President

Anita Wilson, VP

Margaret Mitchell, Treasurer

Douglas Bacon, Secretary

Dr. Lisa Stich, member

Mr. Fallis was a farmer, and worked for 32 years in the tooling and automotive industry.

After retiring to Ludington over 20 years ago, he has been and remains a dedicated member of the community.

He possesses an unwavering passion for education, and understands its relationship to the success and well-being of a person, which is why he was invited to be a part of the Leadership Team that became the G2S Board. He believes that if we want better results from our schools, then we must inspire educators and students alike to become lifelong learners.

Mrs. Wilson has over 20 years experience in youth leadership in organizations such as the Girl Scouts, 4-H and Youth Ministry. She is an active community member, but has focused her time and energy on youth and education. Mrs. Wilson has been a key leader in initiating Mason County Family Link, a program that supports and serves students in schools with the placement of school coordinators, DHHS case workers, and mental health clinicians. Ms. Wilson became involved with G2S because she feels it is the next step for students who need special resources to be successful in the classroom.

Ms. Mitchell is retired from public education after spending 40 years as a special educator and administrator. She was intricately involved in programming and curriculum for special children and worked to provide cutting edge professional development for Oakland County special educators.

Her professional focus was to find new teaching techniques and programs for students who are unsuccessful in a traditional school program. Ms. Mitchell continues to be active and volunteers in her community. From her volunteer spirit, to her extensive knowledge and experience, Ms. Mitchell is a valued member of the G2S team.

Mr. Bacon had an eclectic career as a small business owner, an entrepreneur, 27 years as a special projects automotive engineer and the facilities director for Saline Area Schools for over 10 years helping to revive and maintain his former campus.

Mr. Bacon brings more than a facilities management perspective to the G2S Board. His success came from the willingness to learn by getting his hands dirty. It wasn’t until Mr. Bacon had the opportunity to work with alternative education students at Saline that he began to understood his own frustrations in school and relate to those students. He inspired students like his art teacher inspired him. He remains an artist, and a friend to his former art teacher to this day.

Dr. Stich has 26 years’ experience in higher education serving in a variety of positions including faculty, associate dean, dean and vice president. Her career has led to extensive experience with specific expertise in curriculum and assessment, dual enrollment and articulation, strategic planning and accreditation.

Dr. Stich recognizes the role a quality education, especially a high school diploma, plays in available opportunities.

She was invited to the team based on her expertise, and Dr. Stich accepted because she believes in the mission of G2S. She believes that G2S can complement the local public school districts to offer an alternative to students who need another option.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

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| LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS/GS2 ACADEMY

DISTRICTS

PARTICIPATING IN G2S BALDWIN COMMUNITY Schools HART PUBLIC Schools LUDINGTON AREA Schools

Student success coordinator James Dennis, left, stands in Gateway to Success Academy’s gym area, which offers a variety of workout equipment.

MASON COUNTY Central School District MASON COUNTY Eastern School District PENTWATER PUBLIC Schools SHELBY PUBLIC Schools WALKERVILLE PUBLIC Schools

JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

Working students’ bodies and minds A unique P.E. experience

BY BROOKE KANSIER DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

U

nlike a typical gym class, students at Gateway to Success will be able to make their own workout plans with the help of student success coordinator James Dennis.

Dennis’ main responsibility will be to take the lead in managing student behavior. As a secondary responsibility, he will run the school’s workout area, which includes treadmills and other equipment stu-

dents are welcome to use.

Dennis is active himself.

“I’ve been into running and other sports,” he said.

The main idea, rather than mandating what students do, is to instill concepts of healthy living.

“The student success coordinator oversees a personal workout plan. So we won’t have your traditional P.E. class, but we will have a workout room,” said G2S Superintendent Jamie Bandstra. “So what are your personal goals for health and exercise, and how can we work on that in our workout room. If you’re a student, you can work out a plan, something like, I’m going to work out twice a week for 30 minutes. And then we

create a schedule for them.

Students will follow a pull-out schedule and will catch up with class work later. The ability to leave and work out builds coping mechanisms and healthy responses to stress, while giving students an outlet to work out and stay healthy.

The building also includes showers and laundry facilities.

According to Dennis, collaborative workouts are also something the school is considering.

“We’re not going to have any varsity sports here, but I’m looking at doing unified sports,” he said.

Dennis praised the program.

“It’s incredible,” he said.

The Right Combination for Student Success!

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