Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District

Thank you to the Sleepy Dog Books Foundation for bringing their book trailer to both field days! Each GIRESD student went home with a new book! ❤️

10 months ago, Emily Sheahan-Stahl

Group of students and staff pose in front of a book trailer

Mt. Pleasant Middle School teacher Lisa Lowrey won a DJI Mini 3 Drone from REMC 5. She was part of a series of professional learning sessions (organized by Joe Trommater from REMC 5, and taught by Brian David) that allowed her to take the FAA Part 107 exam to become a licensed commercial drone pilot. She is looking forward to having her students use the videos and photos she takes in class! #REMC

10 months ago, Joe Trommater

A teacher holds a DJI Drone that she won.

Face-to-face conversations can foster #mentalhealth development, enhance communication skills, and build confidence. 💪Talk to your children and teens about mental health. Need help getting started? samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/helping-your-child #MHAM2025

10 months ago, Shelby Vanscoyoc

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.

10 months ago, GIRESD

Missy Moeggenberg, Speech-Language Pathologist: I have worked in many different schools, preschools, and home visit locations since joining the RESD as a speech-language pathologist in 2003, but I love my current position at Shepherd Elementary! Fun Fact: I have visited 25 national parks in the United States, 6 national parks in Canada, and 1 national park in Costa Rica. Favorite Quote: "Watch for deer!" - Midwesterners

Kelli Koonter, Physical Therapist: I have worked with the GIRESD for 25 years. My work family and the kiddos on my caseload make every day a rewarding adventure. Fun Fact: I have been married to Mark for 26 years. We have 3 approaching adult boys who keep us on our toes. Favorite Quote: “You are a diamond darling. They can’t break you.”

10 months ago, GIRESD

Liesa Walsh , Paraprofessional: With over 26 years of experience in Special Education, I have high expectations of all the students I have had and will work with in the MOCI program. I have made a difference in all the students I've worked with, as they have made a difference in my life! Fun Fact: You’ll never wonder what I'm thinking. Favorite Quote: "Positive thinking."

Shelby VanScoyoc, Whole Child Coach: With over a decade in education, I’m passionate about supporting staff and creating a positive, thriving environment for students. At Gratiot-Isabella RESD, I love collaborating with a dedicated team, bringing creative ideas to life, and fostering a warm, uplifting space for our staff. My goal is to inspire others, build meaningful connections, and help students become their best selves. Fun Fact: I have hiked up a volcano and a mountain, and in a temperate rainforest. OR if you want some humor... My handlebars fell off my bike while biking on Mackinac Island. Favorite Quote: "Be a voice, not an echo." - Albert Einstein

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

10 months 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

10 months 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.

10 months 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.

10 months ago, Joshua Boutwell

10 months 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

10 months 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!

10 months 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

10 months ago, Nichole Cowles

10 months 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

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

10 months ago, Shelly DuCharme

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.

10 months 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

10 months ago, Paul Hungerford

10 months 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!

10 months ago, Shelly DuCharme

11 months 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