education

Rep. Harris Plan For School Safety And Student Mental Health

With all of the recent news surrounding violent attacks occurring at our schools, State Rep. Mike Harris along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced legislation to bolster safety  at Michigan K-12 schools and to support students’ mental health.

After months of in-depth work by the House’s Bipartisan School Safety Task Force the legislation is being presented with the hopes of helping in these areas involving our students. 

The package is designed to organize a unified approach with their plans being outlined as follows:

  • Establish the School Safety and Mental Health Commission.
  • Dedicate school staff to student safety and mental health.
  • Plan for safety.
  • Expand and improve OK2SAY.
  • Improve responses to school safety crises.

 Rep. Harris says, “This integrated, statewide strategy was thoroughly vetted by experts, and it will help strengthen school security, improve safety training, expand mental health resources, and build other supports for students and staff.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Honoring And Remembering Two Influential Members Of The Port Huron Community

The late Rev. Alex Crittenden and his wife Ruby, who recently passed away in January approximately one year after her husband, are prime examples of African Americans who have made contributions to their community without being a household name. 

Mr. Crittenden moved to the City of Port Huron in 1969 to become a teacher. He served not only as a teacher for the Port Huron Area School District (PHASD), but he also served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Reverend at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Crittenden was also awarded the Spirit of Port Huron Brotherhood Award in 2012. He was also involved with multiple organizations such as the NAACP and Operation Transformation.

His wife, Ms. Ruby Crittenden, was also a teacher in the PHASD. She was the first African American teacher to teach at Port Huron Northern. Ms. Crittenden was also Co-Founder of Couples Christian Ministry.  

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Do You Know Who The First African American Pilot Was?

The contributions African Americans have had in this country are many, so let’s find out more about the little known, first African American pilot.  

Bessie Coleman, born January 26, 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, was described as a daring woman due to the acrobatic tricks she performed in her plane which earned her the nicknames “Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bess.”

After being denied attending flight school in the U.S., Coleman went off to France where she earned her pilot’s license. It wasn’t a walk in the park being a woman and also being “black,” but Coleman accomplished what she set out to do.

She later returned to the U.S. where she would perform at certain airshows as long as “blacks” were allowed to watch. Coleman had dreams of opening a flight school to teach other “black” women to fly before her untimely death in 1926. 

Source: Smithsonian Institute

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Share Your Support Of MSU Students And Spartan Broadcasters

In light of the tragic event that took place on the campus of Michigan State University earlier this week, we are working to help show support for those affected by the tragedy and sending our well wishes. 

There was a shooting on campus that led to a loss of lives and has negatively affected the survivors emotional and mental health. General Manager of Impact 89 FM WDBM, Jeremy Whiting, has sent a notification asking for the community to come together and share kind words in support of those affected.

Whiting says, “ I’d like your help with a small show of support. I am collecting encouraging words to share with our radio station staff. They will be printed out and placed throughout the station. I have been overwhelmed by the kind words thus far and would like to thank you all for your support of our students when they need it most.” 

You can visit our website at WGRT.com for the link if you would like to show your support.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Participate In The Great Backyard Bird Count

Are you a bird watcher or know someone who is a bird watcher? Every February people from all over the world participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, so get out your binoculars and join the fun!

This month between February 17 – 20th, you can be a part of the four day event. The free community science project creates a real-time snapshot of bird populations worldwide. Participants are asked to spend at least 15 minutes bird watching in their favorite place such as a park, forest, or your own backyard.

Participants are asked to take photos, videos, and to report their findings at birdcount.org. You can also use the Merlin Field ID app or eBird app to help you with identifying birds in your area. Each checklist submitted helps researchers learn more about how birds are doing in that area and how we can protect them.  

There is also a free Audubon webinar today, February 15th for you to check out. Happy Hunting!

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

SC4 Receives Federal Funds To Support Challenger Learning Center

St. Clair County Community College’s (SC4) Challenger Learning Center has received $955,000 in federal funding that will contribute to the unique learning experience it has to offer. 

U.S. Senator Gary Peters allocated the funds to support STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning opportunities available at the Challenger Learning Center and Experience Center.

The Challenger Learning Center is the only one of its kind in the state of Michigan, and one of 40 Challenger Learning Centers globally and nationwide. It provides a space-themed, simulated learning experience that teaches visitors of all ages critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. 

Senator Peters says, “After visiting the Center and seeing the exhibits firsthand, I know this is a meaningful investment in St. Clair County and will provide invaluable learning experiences for its visitors.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell