education

State Rep. Jaime Greene Denounces Budget Proposal Raiding Teachers’ Retirement Fund

During Teacher Appreciation Week, State Representative Jaime Greene condemned a budget proposal from Lansing Democrats aiming to divert up to $670 million from teachers’ retirement funds to other state priorities. The proposal, brought to vote in the House on Wednesday, met  opposition from Greene, who labeled it as an affront to hardworking educators.

Greene emphasized the significance of the retirement fund, designed to honor teachers’ dedication and service, not to serve as a discretionary fund for political agendas. Despite recent strides in funding other post-employment benefits for retirees, the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System remains burdened with a $24.4 billion debt.

Governor Whitmer’s plan to reduce contributions to the teacher retirement system, if enacted, poses significant risks, with economists indicating a 50% chance of underperformance, potentially leaving retirements underfunded. Despite warnings, Democratic legislators persist in endorsing budget proposals redirecting vital resources away from teachers’ well-deserved retirement security.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Schools Honors Exceptional Staff With Advocator, Innovator, And Educator Of The Year Awards For Ninth Consecutive Year

Port Huron Schools proudly recognized the dedication and innovation of three outstanding staff members during its annual Advocator, Innovator, and Educator of the Year Awards ceremony. 

Georgia Stathakis, a Teacher Consultant in Secondary Special Education, was honored as Advocator of the Year, while Logan Raney, the Choir/Guitar Performing Arts Teacher, received the Innovator of the Year award. Tami Cronce, a Kindergarten Teacher, was celebrated as Educator of the Year.

This esteemed recognition, derived from the district’s core mission actions—Advocate, Innovate, and Educate—spotlights individuals who exemplify excellence in their respective roles. Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas surprised each recipient in their classrooms on May 7th, presenting them with prizes generously donated by local businesses.

Mr. Kerhoulas expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is one of my favorite days of the entire school year! It is such an exciting way for our district to celebrate our exceptional staff and show our commitment to their success.” 

Reporting from WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches REFS Program To Support Adult Learners’ College Access

Michigan takes a proactive stance in bolstering adult learners’ access to higher education with the introduction of the Michigan Retired Educator FAFSA Specialists (REFS) Program. 

Spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) in partnership with the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), this initiative aims to enhance FAFSA completion and enrollment among adults aged 21-24 in community and tribal colleges.

Michelle Richard, acting director of MiLEAP, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing REFS’ role in guiding students through the FAFSA process and college enrollment. Funded by MiLEAP’s Office of Sixty by 30, MCAN will receive $500,000 to execute the program, focusing on marginalized populations not currently engaged in initiatives like Michigan Reconnect.

Retired educators are encouraged to apply, leveraging their expertise to support adult learners in achieving their educational aspirations.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

The Origin Of Mother’s Day: A Celebration Of Motherhood

The beloved tradition of Mother’s Day, celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May, owes its existence to the relentless advocacy of Anna Jarvis. Following the passing of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, in 1905, Jarvis conceived the idea of a day dedicated to honoring the love and sacrifices made by mothers worldwide.

With the support of Philadelphia department store owner John Wanamaker, Jarvis organized the inaugural Mother’s Day celebration in May 1908 at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia, alongside a large event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores.

Jarvis’s unwavering determination led to widespread adoption of Mother’s Day across states, towns, and churches by 1912. Finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, cementing Jarvis’s legacy of devotion to motherhood in the nation’s calendar.

Source: history.com

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gallup Poll Reveals Decline In Adequate Rest, Especially Among Young Women

Recent findings from Gallup Polls highlight a concerning trend in sleep patterns, with women consistently reporting lower rates of adequate rest compared to men. The latest poll reveals that only 36% of women feel they get enough sleep, in contrast to 48% of men, marking significant declines from previous years.

While traditionally, adults aged 65 and older are more likely to report sufficient sleep, the decline in sleep satisfaction affects all age groups, although less noticeable among young adults aged 18 to 29.

Of particular concern is the stark gender gap among younger demographics, with only 27% of young women reporting adequate sleep compared to 46% of young men. This widening gap over the years underscores a growing issue in sleep health, demanding attention and intervention to ensure better rest for all demographics.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Raises Awareness On Human Trafficking Signs And Resources

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is amplifying efforts to combat human trafficking by highlighting the signs of exploitation and available resources for both victims and community members. 

Nessel emphasized the pervasive nature of human trafficking, which ensnares individuals into labor, sex work, and domestic servitude through coercion and violence.

Human trafficking manifests in various forms, including forced labor and sexual exploitation, with victims often unaware of their predicament or how to seek assistance. Signs of trafficking, such as physical abuse, lack of control over personal documents, and fearfulness, may go unnoticed. 

Nessel urged vigilance, emphasizing the role of community members in recognizing and reporting suspicious activities to authorities, potentially saving lives. Awareness and action, she stressed, are critical in combating this heinous crime plaguing Michigan and the nation.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell