Two schools from Lake Orion were recognized recently by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) and SET SEG School Insurance Specialists with their 2011 Education Excellence awards.
‘In the face of complex education challenges and limited resources, Lake Orion Community Schools, kept the focus on student achievement to create an innovative solution to address their needs,? said Kathy Hayes, MASB executive director.
The Education Excellence awards honor the top three local school district programs in eight categories and the top three intermediate school district programs for a total of 27 honorees. Entries are judged by an independent panel of state education specialists. Lake Orion will receive a trophy and a metal street sign proclaiming it an ‘Education Excellence Winner.?
Winners will move on to round two judging to determine ‘Michigan’s Best? and the recipients of a cash prize to help further the goals of the programs.
The programs were honored yesterday (Tuesday), May 17 at a luncheon at the Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath.
So, what programs represented for Lake Orion?
In the Creative and Media Arts category, Stadium Elementary’s was tops. The Program Coordinator is Karey Hart.
Each fourth grade class produces six one-act plays consisting of both comedies and tragedies. The program is presented to the school and the community, giving students the opportunity to practice the valuable life lesson of presenting in front of groups.
For ‘Improving Student Achievement for At-Risk and Special Education Students? Pine Tree Elementary’s Dragon Summer Reading Club was honored. This program is headed by Diane Dunaskiss.
Pine Tree Elementary staff members volunteered their time and expertise every Wednesday throughout the summer. Children select books; staff and children read together and engage in book discussions. Pine Tree’s program not only helps at-risk students maintain their reading skills, but also fosters confidence and builds relationships.