education

St. Clair County Health Department Hosts Free Breastfeeding, Health & Nutrition Event To Celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month

The St. Clair County Health Department’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program staff are gearing up for an engaging and educational afternoon as they host a remarkable event on August 14th. Celebrating Breastfeeding Awareness Month, the event aims to highlight the profound connection between breastfeeding and lifelong nutrition.

Becki Hartman, WIC Program Nursing Supervisor, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This year’s event promises an enriching experience for all ages, brimming with breastfeeding support, health screenings, educational sessions, kids’ activities, refreshments, and a variety of vendor offerings.”

Attendees can expect consultations with breastfeeding experts, car seat safety guidance, food safety and nutrition insights, mental health resources, and a chance to win valuable prizes. The event will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area.

For event details and breastfeeding support, contact (810) 987-8222.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Hosts Wheelchair Basketball Demo Days For Students And Community Members

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and its Athletics Department are breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity by introducing wheelchair basketball to their sports lineup. To showcase this exciting addition, the college is hosting demonstration days at the SC4 Fieldhouse, welcoming both disabled and able-bodied individuals.

The schedule for demonstration days is as follows:

  • Thursday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 21 at 9 a.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.

SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos extended a warm invitation, saying, “We welcome everyone to come to demo days with us and check out this exciting new offering at SC4. It’s an exciting co-ed sport for athletes and fans alike.”

The college’s Wheelchair Basketball Team plans to showcase their skills through exhibition contests and games in its inaugural season, including participation in the upcoming Wolverine Invitational at the SC4 Fieldhouse from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

For more information on the days of demonstration, visit: sc4.edu.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

St. Clair County RESA Chosen As Groundbreaking Site For New Strong Beginnings Preschool Program For 3-Year-Olds

St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) is taking a pioneering step in early childhood education as it proudly announces its selection as a pilot site for the innovative Strong Beginnings preschool program.

RESA will launch 28 classrooms catering to 3-year-old children across 10 intermediate school districts statewide. Two of these classrooms will be hosted within the county, with Memphis Elementary School and Port Huron Schools Early Childhood Center as the chosen venues. These spaces, each capable of accommodating up to 14 children, will initiate classes in the upcoming fall of 2023.

The Strong Beginnings curriculum fosters social, language, literacy, math, and science skills in a nurturing environment, focusing on foundational attributes crucial for lifelong success. The program is available free of charge to eligible families, ensuring equitable access to quality early education.

For more information, call Betty Gorinac at: (810) 455-4037. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Prepare For The New School Year With Engaging Activities And Supplies

Don’t miss the exciting “Family Summer Learning Event” where students and their families can gather essential tools and resources to keep the learning momentum going during the summer break. 

From flashcards for practicing facts to games that foster critical thinking skills, the event promises to be a treasure trove of learning materials. Families can also fill their bags with books for their home library and reading journals for daily math and reading practice.

All students from Crull Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Literacy Academy at Cleveland, STEAM Academy at Woodrow Wilson, and Roosevelt Elementary are invited to participate.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 3rd, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Crull Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary. An additional session will take place at Crull Elementary on Friday, August 4th, from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Dive Into Nature’s Wonders At Wetlands County Park With Friends Of The St. Clair River

Friends of the St. Clair River and the Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to immerse themselves in an exciting aquatic adventure. 

On Wednesday, August 16th, at 6pm, gather at the pavilion by the St. Clair River, located at the south end of the Blue Water River Walk where participants will embark on a fascinating journey to uncover insects, snails, and clams, gaining valuable insights into the park’s ecological health.

Prepare for a hands-on experience as you explore the park’s thriving ecosystem and discover the diverse life forms that indicate the cleanliness of its water.

This free educational event aims to foster a deeper connection with nature. 

For more information, visit: porthuronrec.com or email, melissa@scriver.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Signs Historic Education Budget In Support Of Michigan Students

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed the bipartisan education budget for fiscal year 2024, ushering in a groundbreaking era for Michigan’s education system. This budget marks the highest state per-student investment in the state’s history, signaling a profound commitment to the future of its youth.

Under Senate Bill 173, significant steps have been taken to ensure student success. The comprehensive plan includes crucial measures such as tutoring, before and after school programs, and literacy support, aiming to bolster academic achievements. It also places a strong emphasis on mental health resources to help students thrive in the classroom.

The budget also introduces key provisions to alleviate barriers to learning. All public school students will now receive free breakfast and lunch, eradicating food insecurity concerns. This historic move takes the first stride toward providing free pre-K education to all four-year-olds, setting a pioneering example for other states.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell