Sharing Our Successes
Connecting the Dots Between Aspirations and Achievements
“I want to become a teacher, but I can’t pay for college.”
“Can you help my mom fill out my FAFSA?”
“I didn’t pass a class! Can I make up the credits and graduate over the summer?”
Fielding big questions–and alleviating heavy worries–are all in a day’s work for Amy Derrer, CIS Program Manager and Site Coordinator at Mancelona High School.
Ryan Finds a Way Forward
Ryan* was struggling academically. His teachers at Mancelona Elementary School suspected that he needed additional support to succeed. So the school reached out to Ryan’s family to authorize a Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED), a process that formally determines the educational services he needed to flourish. But dad worked long hours, and every attempt to make contact was unsuccessful.
Standing Up and Standing Tall
School used to be a bright spot in Tabby’s* life, but bullying about her appearance made school less enjoyable. Knowing that her CIS Site Coordinator’s door was always open, Tabby looked to Ms. Autumn for advice and affirmation.
Riley: Sharing her Talents Through Giving
When Riley started her 5th grade year, she suffered the loss of her grandfather. The unconditional support from her CIS site coordinator, Lisa Shepperley helped Riley stay on track and inspired her to use her creativity to impact others in a meaningful way
Ashlee: Defeating the Odds to Begin a College Career
Moving to the rural northern Michigan community of Mancelona was a tremendous challenge for Ashlee and her family. Ashlee was born with a visual impairment and diagnosed as legally blind. As a new student, with unique challenges, Ashlee admits
Noah & Owen: An Opportunity to Achieve
Noah and Owen did not graduate with their senior class this past June. They did not meet the traditional definition, or timeline, of a high school graduate.
