George James

Bridge Cards to Get February Boost

Over one million Michigan residents will receive added food benefits in February. The extra money will show up on Bridge Cards between February 19th and 28th as a separate payment from the usual monthly assistance. 

The money is part of federal pandemic assistance that began in April of 2020. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “While case numbers and hospitalizations are headed in the right direction, Michigan families still need extra assistance to put food on the table as we face rising costs. We will continue to put Michiganders first and stay focused on growing our economy, putting more money in people’s pockets, and lowering costs for families.”

The added monthly benefit is at least $95. No action is needed on the part of beneficiaries to get the additional benefit. 

Grocery store food prices are estimated to be increasing between 1.5 and 2.5% overall, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Food prices went up about 6.5% in 2021. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Kindergarten Roundup Planned for Port Huron Schools

Kindergarten Roundup is right around the corner for families in the Port Huron Area School District. Families can start planning for the big day for their little students.

To start Kindergarten, children need to be five years old on or before September 1st, 2022. Parents will attend Kindergarten Roundup with their little ones at the school in their neighborhood. If they can’t make it to that date, they can attend another district roundup or enroll at the administration building. There will be an event at the Port Huron Schools Early Childhood Center for anyone who missed a neighborhood school roundup.

Parents or guardians should bring their child’s original birth certificate, two proofs of residency, and the child’s immunization records.

This year’s motto, “Build a Bright Future”, will feature construction-themed goodie bags with student t-shirts, books, and parent packets with details on this major milestone in a child’s education. Students will get a chance to take a ride on a bus at Kindergarten Roundup.

Individual Schools Kindergarten Round Up Information

Literacy Academy at Cleveland – April 26, 2022 5-6:30pm

Crull Elementary – April 27, 2022 5-6:30pm

Garfield Elementary – April 27, 2022 5-6:30pm

Indian Woods Elementary – April 27, 2022 5-6:30pm

Keewahdin Elementary – April 27, 2022 5-7pm

Michigamme Elementary – April 27, 2022 5-6:30pm

Roosevelt Elementary – April 27, 2022 5-6:30pm

Thomas Edison Elementary – April 27, 2022 5-6:30pm

https://www.phasd.us/page/enrollment-in-port-huron-schools

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home “Winter Friendraising Campaign” Underway

The Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home is in the midst of its annual fundraiser and they are hoping you will join in. This year’s event is the “Winter Friendraising Campaign”. Last year’s event raised over $15,000. Donors simply click to donate online. The campaign runs until February 28th.

Kathleen Swantek, Executive Director of Blue Water Developmental Housing, Inc. and Corporate Manager of Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home said that the home has been serving the community for close to 80 years. The home provides assisted living services for low-income seniors.

Swantek said, “Our mission is to provide services to seniors in a safe and affordable environment where individual needs and desires are always considered. We remain affordable because the community is generous with their support.”

Sanborn Gratiot Memorial Home has expansion in its plans. Swantek said with the assistance of the Commission on Aging, they plan on adding two additional beds for homeless seniors.

For more information on the Winter Friendraising Campaign: https://www.sanborngratiot.org/donate/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Cedar Point Looking for Seasonal Workers

Spring can’t be too far away if Cedar Point has begun hiring for the season. The amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, about a three-hour drive from Port Huron, is recruiting seasonal workers.

Pay starts at $15 per hour for most positions. The amusement park is looking for custodial staff, food and beverage service, hotel staff, ride operators, and skilled trade maintenance staff.

But for seasonal workers, the main attraction is not the paycheck, but the experience. Employees get perks like discounts, rewards, a free bus pass to get around the park, and free admission.

Carrie Boldman, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point said, “On the surface, the benefits and wages are great; but on a deeper level, the connections with new friends from around the world, interactions with guests, experiences to last a lifetime and the park’s breathtaking setting make this the best place to work.”

Cedar Point is planning to hire around 6,500 seasonal workers. Opening day is May 7th.

cedarpoint.com/jobs

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program Expands to St. Clair County

The MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program has expanded to seven new counties, including St. Clair County. Fifty-two counties in Michigan are now covered by the program. St. Clair County is serviced by the St. Clair County RESA.

Dr. Kevin Miller, Superintendent of St. Clair County RESA explained, “The Tri-Share program is designed to address the current childcare crisis, making childcare more affordable for working families in St. Clair County. “

Miller said, “We’ve been collaborating with our Economic Development Alliance (EDA), Michigan Works, and our business partners. Our RESA will be the Tri-Share ‘hub’ as we have the connection with county childcare providers through our Great Start Collaborative. The power of the Tri-share grant is the cost-sharing between the State of Michigan, the business community, and our hard-working families.”

St. Clair County will have $300,000 available for the program for this year. Participation with area businesses will be coordinated by the EDA. Aludyne is one of the supporting businesses that helped secure the grant.

Details about the Tri-Share program, including current pilot regions and participating employers, can be found at michigan.gov/Tri-Share.   

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Beeler Answers Questions Regarding Curriculum Transparency Bill

State Representative Andrew Beeler has responded to questions about House Bill 5722 that he has co-sponsored.

The bill calls for the entire lesson plan for the entire year for every classroom to be made public prior to the start of the year and levies a 5% reduction in school aid for non-compliance. The bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on.

Beeler said, “I think it is necessary to have transparency in curriculum as parents have a right to know what is and what isn’t being taught to their children. 

It is necessary for parents to know what their children are being taught. The majority of parents in this state and across the country think its necessary as well. Schools should have no reason to want to conceal this information from parents. Additionally, better transparency is good for our teachers and schools. When parents aren’t able to see what their child’s curriculum consists of, they assume the worse or seek another, more transparent school. 

As lesson plans are prepared by teachers in advance of a school year so too are department curriculums. The additional burden placed on schools to provide this information seems pale in comparison to the added benefit that transparency provides. Teacher shortage or not, it is always the right time to do what is best for our students.” 

House Fiscal analysis reported that, if passed, the legislation would impose an indeterminate, but potentially significant, cost to school districts and the Michigan Department of Education, which would be required to monitor the reporting.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland