The first session of our New Teacher Academy was held Wednesday evening. Thanks to Chris Huizinga and Heather DeFer for leading our learning around supporting behavior and classroom management!
This week we wrapped up the Winter Wellness Challenge with 47 participants from across the ISD.
Our seasonal wellness challenges offer any school employee the opportunity to learn about and practice various strategies to strengthen their mental, emotional, physical, and social wellness.
The Spring Wellness Challenge will be open for registration after spring break.
Our seasonal wellness challenges offer any school employee the opportunity to learn about and practice various strategies to strengthen their mental, emotional, physical, and social wellness.
The Spring Wellness Challenge will be open for registration after spring break.
📢 Happening Now!
Members of our administration and special education team are attending the Michigan Assoc. of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Hot Topics in Special Education Law event today! 💼📘
Staying up to date on special education law and policy is essential to the work we do every day. Events like this help ensure we remain informed, proactive, and aligned with current legal guidance and best practices—so we can continue making thoughtful, student-centered decisions and support our educators with confidence.
We’re grateful for opportunities like this to stay on top of evolving special education matters and bring that knowledge back to better serve our students, families, and school communities.
#ProfessionalLearning #SpecialEducation #MAASE #ContinuousImprovement
Members of our administration and special education team are attending the Michigan Assoc. of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Hot Topics in Special Education Law event today! 💼📘
Staying up to date on special education law and policy is essential to the work we do every day. Events like this help ensure we remain informed, proactive, and aligned with current legal guidance and best practices—so we can continue making thoughtful, student-centered decisions and support our educators with confidence.
We’re grateful for opportunities like this to stay on top of evolving special education matters and bring that knowledge back to better serve our students, families, and school communities.
#ProfessionalLearning #SpecialEducation #MAASE #ContinuousImprovement
🎉 We’re OPEN for business! 🎉
The Snack Shack is officially open in the lobby of the West Shore Community College / Michigan Works building on River Street in Manistee!
The Snack Shack is a student-run initiative of the Manistee ISD Older- MOCI's TCLE Transition Program, which supports young adults ages 18–26 with moderate cognitive impairments as they prepare for life after high school. Through hands-on, real-world experiences, students are building skills in communication, independent living, and workplace readiness — all while connecting with our community.
Every purchase helps our students practice customer service, money skills, teamwork, and responsibility. Our students, along with their Community Coach, will be taking inventory and restocking weekly to keep your favorite snacks coming!
🙌 A HUGE thank you to our amazing sponsors for helping make this possible:
Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, West Shore Community College, Munson Healthcare, and West Shore Bank!!
🧾 Self-service / Cashless purchase system
We accept credit and debit cards only via a quick and easy QR code using Square.
If you’re in the building, swing by, grab a snack, and help support our students as they gain confidence, independence, and real-world job skills. Your support truly helps open doors to belonging and lifelong success. 💙
#SnackShack #ManisteeISD #MOCITransitionProgram #InclusionInAction #SupportLocalStudents #Manistee
The Snack Shack is officially open in the lobby of the West Shore Community College / Michigan Works building on River Street in Manistee!
The Snack Shack is a student-run initiative of the Manistee ISD Older- MOCI's TCLE Transition Program, which supports young adults ages 18–26 with moderate cognitive impairments as they prepare for life after high school. Through hands-on, real-world experiences, students are building skills in communication, independent living, and workplace readiness — all while connecting with our community.
Every purchase helps our students practice customer service, money skills, teamwork, and responsibility. Our students, along with their Community Coach, will be taking inventory and restocking weekly to keep your favorite snacks coming!
🙌 A HUGE thank you to our amazing sponsors for helping make this possible:
Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, West Shore Community College, Munson Healthcare, and West Shore Bank!!
🧾 Self-service / Cashless purchase system
We accept credit and debit cards only via a quick and easy QR code using Square.
If you’re in the building, swing by, grab a snack, and help support our students as they gain confidence, independence, and real-world job skills. Your support truly helps open doors to belonging and lifelong success. 💙
#SnackShack #ManisteeISD #MOCITransitionProgram #InclusionInAction #SupportLocalStudents #Manistee
Paraprofessionals from our local districts met last night for the third session of our Paraprofessional Literacy Network. We talked about supporting students with learning and behaviors and strategies for decoding and encoding.
January is School Board Recognition Month, and we want to say thank you to our dedicated school board members for their time, leadership, and commitment to our students, staff, and community. Your service and support truly make a difference! 👏📚
SPARC CONSORTIUM REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
✨ Professional Development Spotlight! ✨
Today our team had the privilege of learning from Dr. Debbie McFalone of McFalone Consulting, LLC—and what an inspiring day it was! Session #2 out of #3 in the books!
Dr. McFalone shared her time, experience, and deep wisdom with us, guiding our staff through leadership strategies, effective communication tools, and the art of navigating critical conversations with confidence and clarity.
We are incredibly grateful for her expertise and the meaningful learning she brought to our district. Thank you, Dr. McFalone, for investing in our growth and helping us strengthen our leadership practice! 💙📘
#ManisteeISD #professionaldevelopment #fridayvibes #leadershipinaction
Today our team had the privilege of learning from Dr. Debbie McFalone of McFalone Consulting, LLC—and what an inspiring day it was! Session #2 out of #3 in the books!
Dr. McFalone shared her time, experience, and deep wisdom with us, guiding our staff through leadership strategies, effective communication tools, and the art of navigating critical conversations with confidence and clarity.
We are incredibly grateful for her expertise and the meaningful learning she brought to our district. Thank you, Dr. McFalone, for investing in our growth and helping us strengthen our leadership practice! 💙📘
#ManisteeISD #professionaldevelopment #fridayvibes #leadershipinaction
🎄✨ Holiday Cheer with an Amazing Team! ✨🎄
Today we gathered for our annual Special Holiday Luncheon, and it was the perfect reminder of how fortunate we are to work alongside such dedicated, caring colleagues. We are truly grateful for one another and the strength that comes from being part of such a supportive team.
A heartfelt thank you to Golden Stag for preparing the delicious meal that made our celebration even more memorable! 🍽️💛
We are also deeply thankful for our local school districts, our community partners, and the unwavering support they show our work each and every day. And most importantly — we are grateful for our students and their families, who inspire us and give purpose to everything we do.
Wishing everyone warmth, joy, and togetherness as we head into the holidays! ❄️🌟
#holidaycheer #ManisteeISD #manistee #thanful #holidaycheer #weloveourteam
Today we gathered for our annual Special Holiday Luncheon, and it was the perfect reminder of how fortunate we are to work alongside such dedicated, caring colleagues. We are truly grateful for one another and the strength that comes from being part of such a supportive team.
A heartfelt thank you to Golden Stag for preparing the delicious meal that made our celebration even more memorable! 🍽️💛
We are also deeply thankful for our local school districts, our community partners, and the unwavering support they show our work each and every day. And most importantly — we are grateful for our students and their families, who inspire us and give purpose to everything we do.
Wishing everyone warmth, joy, and togetherness as we head into the holidays! ❄️🌟
#holidaycheer #ManisteeISD #manistee #thanful #holidaycheer #weloveourteam
🎉🌲 We’re bringing home TWO big wins! 🌲🎉
We’re excited to share that our “Woodland Creatures” tree took 1st place in its category and earned the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Manistee Festival of Trees! 🏆💚
For those who haven’t been, the Manistee Festival of Trees is an annual holiday event held at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, featuring beautifully decorated trees and holiday displays created by local businesses, schools, and organizations. Attendees “vote” for their favorite displays by donating canned goods, which go to local food pantries and help support our community.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated canned goods and cheered us on — your generosity helped us earn the People’s Choice Award and made a real difference in our community.
And of course, a huge shoutout to our incredible staff and students for their creativity, teamwork, and heart. 🦌🌲🐻
We’re so proud and grateful. Until next year! ✨
#happyholidays #weloveourcommunity #WeareMISD #manistee #michigan #specialeducation
We’re excited to share that our “Woodland Creatures” tree took 1st place in its category and earned the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Manistee Festival of Trees! 🏆💚
For those who haven’t been, the Manistee Festival of Trees is an annual holiday event held at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, featuring beautifully decorated trees and holiday displays created by local businesses, schools, and organizations. Attendees “vote” for their favorite displays by donating canned goods, which go to local food pantries and help support our community.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated canned goods and cheered us on — your generosity helped us earn the People’s Choice Award and made a real difference in our community.
And of course, a huge shoutout to our incredible staff and students for their creativity, teamwork, and heart. 🦌🌲🐻
We’re so proud and grateful. Until next year! ✨
#happyholidays #weloveourcommunity #WeareMISD #manistee #michigan #specialeducation
📣 This week, members of our Special Education team attended the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Professional Development Conference in Lansing!
They spent time learning with administrators and educators from across the state, focusing on two powerful topics:
✨ Systems in Action: Collaborative Change to Strengthen Access and Outcomes in Special Education
✨ From Compliance to Culture: Reimagining LRE for Sustainable Change
✨ Enhancing LRE through Ed Benefit Review
✨ Practical Solutions to Ensuring Timely, Valid, and Reliable Data
We’re excited to bring fresh ideas and strategies back to our schools—continuing our commitment to improving access, inclusion, and outcomes for every student we serve. 💙✨ Thank you, Becky, Joanne, and Denver, for attending and representing our team!
#MAASE #SpecialEducation #LearningTogether #StudentSuccess #InclusiveEducation #ManisteeISD
We are so thankful here at the MISD for students, families, the board of education and all staff who partner together to help all learners reach their full potential ! Happy Thanksgiving Break and we will see everyone back on Monday December 1st, 2025.
#AboveAndBeyond #Attendance #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow! #ShowingUpMatters #Thanks #ManisteeCounty
#AboveAndBeyond #Attendance #HereTodayReadyforTomorrow! #ShowingUpMatters #Thanks #ManisteeCounty
Literacy Coaches Shannon and Val shared at home literacy tips with parents and students of Onekama Consolidated Schools. Preschoolers - 5th graders enjoyed 10 different literacy stations that helped practice reading and writing activities they could do at home.
We are so thankful here at the ISD for students, staff, and families!
The General Education department enjoyed passing out all most 300 books to the Trunk-or-Treaters at Bear Lake on Halloween.
🎃 Halloween Fun with Our Older MOCI Students! 👻
Our Older MOCI students had a fantastic time celebrating Halloween with hands-on activities, laughter, and plenty of festive spirit! From creative crafts to spooky games, the day was filled with smiles and connection.
We were thrilled to have a special guest join in on the fun — Brooke McIsaac, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education (and pink flamingo!) — who helped make the celebration even more memorable. 🧡
#happyhalloween #halloweenfun #manisteeISD #manisteecounty
Our Older MOCI students had a fantastic time celebrating Halloween with hands-on activities, laughter, and plenty of festive spirit! From creative crafts to spooky games, the day was filled with smiles and connection.
We were thrilled to have a special guest join in on the fun — Brooke McIsaac, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education (and pink flamingo!) — who helped make the celebration even more memorable. 🧡
#happyhalloween #halloweenfun #manisteeISD #manisteecounty
🎃 Halloween Fun at Onekama! 👻
On Thursday, 10/30, the Manistee ISD classrooms housed at Onekama Consolidated Schools (OCS) joined forces with community volunteers, the OCS Student Council, and staff to host a spooktacular Halloween celebration!
Students enjoyed pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, and festive games—all filled with creativity and laughter. A huge thank you to Watson’s Manistee for donating pumpkins and gourds from Miller’s Modern Market, making this day extra special! 🧡🎃
#halloweenfun #manisteeISD #manisteecounty #thankyou #communitysupport #specialeducation
CPR Training at Manistee ISD 🫀
Today, our staff participated in a CPR certification class at Manistee ISD! Hands-on training like this helps ensure we’re always ready to respond in an emergency and keep our students and colleagues safe.
A huge thank-you to our instructor, Jeff, for guiding us through these life-saving skills — and to our team for showing up, learning, and leading with care!
#manisteecounty #manisteeISD #cpr #staffdevelopment
💡 Professional Learning Day Recap!
On October 10th, Manistee ISD staff spent the day learning and growing together with Debbie McFalone, Ph.D., focusing on the theme of Crucial Conversations.
Through reflection and collaboration, we explored:
🤝 Protocols for nurturing and maintaining trust
💪 The elements of a high-functioning team
🦁 Strategies for developing a brave culture where every voice is valued
A huge thank you to Dr. McFalone for leading such an engaging and thought-provoking session — and to our incredible staff for their openness, participation, and commitment to continuous growth! 🌟
#MISDAwesome #ProfessionalDevelopment #Teamwork #Leadership #BraveCulture #CrucialConversations #WeareMISD #ManisteeISD #manisteecounty
On October 10th, Manistee ISD staff spent the day learning and growing together with Debbie McFalone, Ph.D., focusing on the theme of Crucial Conversations.
Through reflection and collaboration, we explored:
🤝 Protocols for nurturing and maintaining trust
💪 The elements of a high-functioning team
🦁 Strategies for developing a brave culture where every voice is valued
A huge thank you to Dr. McFalone for leading such an engaging and thought-provoking session — and to our incredible staff for their openness, participation, and commitment to continuous growth! 🌟
#MISDAwesome #ProfessionalDevelopment #Teamwork #Leadership #BraveCulture #CrucialConversations #WeareMISD #ManisteeISD #manisteecounty
🔥🌶 Congratulations to Glenda, our 2025 Manistee ISD Chili Cook-Off Champion! 🌶🔥
Glenda brought the heat (and the flavor!) to our 3rd annual Chili Cook-Off, earning her name a proud spot on the legendary Winner's Spoon—which, might we add, she matches perfectly! 🥄✨
What a fun and delicious way to kick off our Professional Development Lunch & Learning Day on Friday! Thanks to everyone who joined in the friendly competition and taste testing!
#MISDAwesome #ChiliCookoff #StaffFun #LunchAndLearn #WeareMISD #weloveourteam #staffdevelopment #manisteecounty #MISD #professionaldevelopment
Glenda brought the heat (and the flavor!) to our 3rd annual Chili Cook-Off, earning her name a proud spot on the legendary Winner's Spoon—which, might we add, she matches perfectly! 🥄✨
What a fun and delicious way to kick off our Professional Development Lunch & Learning Day on Friday! Thanks to everyone who joined in the friendly competition and taste testing!
#MISDAwesome #ChiliCookoff #StaffFun #LunchAndLearn #WeareMISD #weloveourteam #staffdevelopment #manisteecounty #MISD #professionaldevelopment
