Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District

Happy TeacherAppreciation Week to all of our dedicated, passionate, & caring GIRESD Teachers! You are the cornerstone of our organization! #GIRESDSupportsTeachers

about 10 hours ago, Paul Hungerford

REMC 5 hosted the statewide RITS (REMC Instructional Tech Specialists) group at Winding Brook last week. Members from all over the state met to work on REMC projects and plan future events. They also toured the Dow Gardens, Dow Diamond, and Shepherd High School for some place and project-based learning. A special thanks to Shepherd High School teacher Mr. Russell for sharing his classroom ahead of the MITES Competition they hosted over the weekend. #REMC

about 20 hours ago, Joe Trommater

Mr. Russell holding a student project made with a laser cutter.

A student shows RITS members the metal butterfly made with a plasma cutter.

The Fulton Pirate Preschool Early Learning Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony this past Monday, April 28th for the book vending machine provided by Gratiot/Isabella Great Start Collaborative. Children have opportunities to earn tokens throughout the school year in order to buy a new book they can take home. We had many special guests attend this event including: Representative Tim Kelly, Senator Roger Hauck, Superintendent of MCESA John Searles and our very own superintendent Paul Hungerford.

4 days ago, Marni Walker

This week, GIRESD hosted the Michigan School Health Coordinators Association (MiSHCA- https://mishca.org) for their May Association Meeting. Our very own Eugene Binder presented to them on Empowering PE/ Health Educators with Generative AI.

4 days ago, Joshua Boutwell

At Gratiot-Isabella RESD, we believe that the heart of our success lies in the incredible people who make up our team. We are launching the Meet Our Team Initiative to celebrate the unique and diverse personalities that contribute to our vibrant work culture. This initiative aims to highlight the amazing individuals we work with every day.

6 days ago, GIRESD

Tracey Galgoci, Behavioral Health Coordinator: With 20 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health, I am dedicated to helping our local districts build effective systems that support the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students & staff. I also enjoy working with our DEIT team to deliver engaging professional development to educators. Fun Fact: I taught Jazzercise for 10 years from 1995-2005! Favorite Quote: "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." - Louisa May Alcott

Jordan Waibel, School Psychologist: I began working at the RESD in 2017. I have enjoyed working at schools in Shepherd, Mount Pleasant, Alma, Ithaca, St Johns, and Ashley. I was also a part of the ASD clinic for one year. I love being able to work in schools the way my mother did. Fun Fact: I am proud of my vinyl record collection. Favorite Quote: "Please, be kind." - Mickey Hart

7 days ago, GIRESD

Nichole Howard, Special Education Supervisor: I've worked in the field of education for over 25 years. In my current position as a supervisor I love getting to see so many brilliant staff in action supporting and educating students. Each day, I have the opportunity of being able to support staff so they can keep helping children learn and grow! Fun Fact: Veggies are my favorite food, and french fries are a close second! Favorite Quote: "Something that can be done at any time can also be done at no time."

Timothy Winkleman, Paraprofessional: Being in this role as a para is exciting because I get to help and teach the students the fun and importance of learning, and watch them succeed as they grow through the years. Our team provides all the necessary tools and resources to complete their assignments. Fun Fact: I make sure everyone is included and no one is left out when doing things. Favorite Quote: "Life is what you make it"

Mark your calendars! GIRESD staff and students are invited to Island Park to cheer on the SEI Project Learning Teams in the upcoming Boat Regatta. Come celebrate innovation, teamwork, and a little friendly competition as we cheer them on to victory!

8 days ago, Theresa Richter

CBE students were pampered before Prom today. Special Thanks to Jessica and Kate from The Avenue for donating their time styling students hair 💃🏻💅🏽🕺🏽#prom2025

11 days ago, Nichole Cowles

13 days ago, GIRESD

Kevin O'Brien, Technology Services Supervisor: I am a Technology Supervisor overseeing the technology infrastructure for four rural K-12 school districts in Gratiot County. My goal is to foster innovation and bridge the digital divide to create a thriving educational environment for students and staff alike. Fun Fact: I'm an ordained minister and have performed 3 weddings. Favorite Quote: "A man who does not think for himself does not think at all." - Oscar Wilde

Denna Bunting, Administrative Specialist & SCECH Coordinator: I have worked in professional learning for more than five years. I enjoy my job because it allows me to help others and interact with different members of the community. Fun Fact: I love pineapple on my pizza! Favorite Quote:"Love is more powerful than hate, Hope is more powerful than fear, Light is more powerful than dark." - Joe Biden

Such an inspirational evening honoring the remarkable people whose passion and dedication are creating lasting positive change in our community. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. #LIVEUNITED #GIRESDSupportingCommunity

13 days ago, Shelly DuCharme

14 days ago, GIRESD

Shelly DuCharme, Associate Superintendent of Educational Innovation & Technology: My 28 years as an educator have been incredibly rewarding! As a teacher, I discovered my passion for igniting a love of learning, which led me to pursue further education and become a Literacy Coach. I have been a School Principal and Curriculum Director before joining the GIRESD. I am blessed to support educators, students, and schools. Fun Fact: Family is very important to me, and I love spending time with them. I also enjoy gardening, traveling, and reading. Favorite Quote: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi

Matthew Smith, School Psychologist: My first year at GIRESD! Previously at Clare-Gladwin RESD for 14 years and a few years prior to that in Pennsylvania. Leadership roles through MASP and the AFT union, in addition to supervising CMU grad students. Currently engaged, and I have a 10-year-old daughter with Autism. In my current role, I enjoy working with a variety of students and colleagues within a variety of districts! Fun Fact: I love Corvettes! Favorite Quote: “The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.” - Proverb

Free Statewide Event for Educators hosted nearby! A FREE PD experience like no other—300 acres of outdoor learning where project-based learning meets nature. Build connections and grow your practice in the great outdoors! Register now: https://bit.ly/remcoutdoor Sponsored by REMC 9 and Saginaw ISD.

15 days ago, Joe Trommater

A promotional flyer for the 4th Annual "Outside of the Classroom" PD event, hosted at Hartley Outdoor Education Center. The flyer features a blue and green color scheme with a nature theme. It highlights that this is a statewide professional development event for educators and administrators, emphasizing project-based learning in an outdoor setting. Key details include: Date: June 7th, 2025, Time: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Limited spots available.The keynote speaker is Alexis Dahl, with her website https://www.alexisdahl.com/ provided. A photo of Alexis Dahl, wearing a winter hat and pointing towards her name, is included.

Thank you to the Gratiot Co. Optimist Club for providing another memorable YouthAppreciation Banquet last night. The S's stories of perseverance & resilience amaze all of us!#GIRESDSupportsStudents

18 days ago, Paul Hungerford

20 days ago, GIRESD

Willi Sheahan-Stahl, SXI/MOCI Special Education Teacher: I love working for the GIRESD and with all of the wonderful staff. I am passionate about creating an environment that students can grow and learn in, but also be themselves and have fun. I enjoy working with a wonderful team and seeing the great positive changes that we can make in our students' lives. Fun Fact: I have an amazing wife and two wonderful dogs. Favorite Quote: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." - Plato

Amanda Reynolds, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (Inclusion): I have taught early childhood special education for over 15 years. I am passionate about providing inclusive opportunities for our students and love seeing their growth in language and social skills, as well as seeing their peers learn acceptance and patience. Fun Fact: I love hiking and have a bucket list of USA hikes and around the world hikes that I am trying to tackle over the next several years. Favorite Quote: “Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space, a better space for everyone.” - George Dei

We are grateful today and everyday for our Administrative Professionals!

20 days ago, Shelly DuCharme

21 days ago, GIRESD

Shannan Mitchell, Paraprofessional: I have worked here for just over two years and have fallen in love with the job. I love being able to watch students grow throughout the years! Fun Fact: I coach high school bowling! Favorite Quote: “Never be so clever, you forget to be kind” - Taylor Swift

Kari Filipiak, ASL Interpreter/Para for Deaf Student: With over 23 years of experience as an educational interpreter, I have worked in many schools within Gratiot and Isabella counties. 20 years in St. Louis and currently 3 years in Mt. Pleasant. I am very thankful to have the opportunity to witness our students grow educationally and socially. Fun Fact: I have been a certified massage therapist for 25 years. I am very passionate about the human body, nutrition, exercise, and the benefits of massage therapy. Favorite Quote: “It’s not about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” - Rocky Balboa

27 days ago, GIRESD

Tracey Cook, SLP: I am in my 10th year with the Gratiot-Isabella RESD. I have been so blessed to be assigned to the Beal City Public Schools all 10 years. I am passionate about serving each student with integrity and compassion. I have developed strong relationships within the district and the GIRESD. I enjoy collaborating, problem solving, & being involved with teams focused on students' needs. Fun Fact: I have 4 grandchildren and 3 adult children; I have been married for nearly 32 years. I love to ride our motorcycle with my husband. Favorite Quote: "Do the right thing even when no one is watching"

Dana Winright, ASL Interpreter / ASL Teacher: After working in the medical field for 20 years, I went back to school to learn sign language and become an interpreter. I started working with the RESD in 2017 and started teaching the ASL classes at SLHS in 2020. It's fun, challenging, and fulfilling! I can't imagine doing anything else. Fun Fact: I also work in Deaf Ministry, interpreting at churches, funerals, youth groups, camps, etc. Favorite Quote: "If it was easy, everyone would do it." - Unknown

28 days ago, GIRESD

Emily Sheahan-Stahl, SXI Teacher: With 9 years of experience in the classroom, I am passionate about supporting the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and promoting literacy learning for all students. In my current role at the Gratiot-Isabella RESD, I enjoy collaborating with other dedicated team members to create new opportunities and inclusive spaces for our students. Fun Fact: I am a huge fan of Taylor Swift! Favorite Quote: "Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists, it is making a new space, a better space for everyone." - Rachel Olivero

Lucas Carey, Special Education Teacher Float Sub: I started as a para with the RESD and left for 6 years. I taught 4th grade for 5 years and one year as a Title Math teacher. Now I'm back with the RESD! Full circle! Fun Fact: I'm local to the MP area. My wife and I married in October of '24. I'm an avid hockey lover (whether playing or watching). I've recently picked up golf and can't get enough of it either. Favorite Quote: "Progress over perfection!"- Nikki Green

about 1 month ago, GIRESD

Leanne Barton, Associate Superintendent of Special Education: Over the last 39 years, I have worked in education in many capacities: a Head Start Teacher, a Special Education Teacher, a Montessori Teacher, and an administrator. In my current role at the RESD, I am amazed every day by the work that our special education staff do in order to provide a great environment and quality education for our students. Fun Fact: My great-grandmother's first husband, Fred Ware, sank on the Titanic. Favorite Quote: "To succeed in life, you must have three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funnybone." - Reba McEntire

Mark V Smith, Paraprofessional: I started out with Mount Pleasant in 2011 and in 2015, started with the RESD and have been here for almost 10 years now. I have enjoyed helping in a lot of different classrooms but have enjoyed working in the SEI program. Fun fact: I have six kids, and I am the youngest of 10. Favorite Quote: “It ain't how hard you hit but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It's about how much you can take and keep moving forward.” - Rocky Balboa

REMC 5 is offering two sessions on Podcasting in Secondary Classrooms. Participants will learn how to create their own podcasts and teach students to make their own using a mini podcasting studio, or just a blanket and a Chromebook! flier: http://bit.ly/3FVQifR

about 1 month ago, Joe Trommater

You could win one of these kits (a $244 value)