Making the Grade September 29, 2016

Tim Haist, the Superintendent of Big Rapids Public Schools, hosts the first Making the Grade of Fall 2016. Starting with the Big Rapids Middle School, who had a video go viral from a very simple gesture.

Introductions are in order for the new Middle School Principal, Mitch Cumings and also joining the show is U.S Air Force Vet Mark Brejcha, who is currently in his fourth year teaching sixth grade Social Studies. They all discuss teaching tactics to involve their students as much as possible, and for students to retain the knowledge learned in the classroom.

To wrap it all up, we hear from Clay Oosterhouse, a seventh grader at the Big Rapids Middle School. Oosterhouse gives us a different perspective on the video gone viral and how proud he is to be a part of something that is getting so much positive attention.

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Making the Grade April 14, 2016

On today’s informative episode of Making the Grade host Tim Haist, superintendent of Big Rapids High school sits down with middle school teachers Darin Hooker and Julie Jancek along with middle school student Will King to discuss bullying.

Throughout the show they talk about how bullying is affecting students in today’s society with social media, and how the schools are counterattacking it. They also talk about how Big Rapids has been implementing bullying prevention programs into the school, and the newest program they made called #231.

We hear straight from our guests how effective it has been in the school, and how bullying is decreasing amongst the student population. They also discuss other methods on how they inform students about preventing bullying and the many different forms of it.

So don’t miss this exciting episode of Making The Grade!

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Making the Grade November 12, 2015

Tim Haist, the Superintendent of Big Rapids Public Schools with guests Nick Scheible, Lori Hathaway, and Geoffrey Pisani hosts Making the Grade for November 2015.

In this session, Extra Curricular activities and various events taking place this fall are discussed. "Shrek the Musical" will be performed by Big Rapids High School Drama.

Nick Scheible shares the many successes of Big Rapids Athletics and individual achievements.

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Making the Grade October 8, 2015

In this latest episode of Making the Grade, host Tim Haist is joined by Principal, Kara Schafer, Teacher, Amy Hathaway, and Student, Mason Sleeper from Brookside Elementary School sharing information about the "Leader in Me" program.

The Leader in me program is a 5 year grant funded project that is aligned with best-in-class content and concepts practiced by global education thought leaders. It provides a logical, sequential and balanced process to help schools proactively design the culture that reflects their vision of the ideal school.

Content from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a key component of the overall The Leader in Me process. The 7 Habits is a synthesis of universal, timeless principles of personal and interpersonal effectiveness, such as responsibility, vision, integrity, teamwork, collaboration and renewal, which are secular in nature and common to all people and cultures.


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Making the Grade March 26, 2015

In this latest episode of Making the Grade, host Tim Haist is joined by a brand new set of guests from around the Big Rapids School’s community.

Howard Strom, counselor at Big Rapids High School mentions the change from ACT to SAT scheduled for next year’s students as well as the differences between the two.

Next, Tim picks Kelsey Cushway’s brain about what it is like as a high school senior getting ready for college. Eric also weighs in and gives his opinions on scholarships, college, and dual enrollment. Last, the group talks about the many different aspects of applying to colleges as well as making decisions on where to live and more.

Making the Grade February 12, 2015

In this episode of Making The Grade, host and Superintendent Tim Haist welcomes Albie Todd, Katie McInnis and Emma Hauger to talk about the importance of arts in education.

Katie McInnis talks about the Peter Pan Jr. musical that is open to the public on February 20th and 21st. She also talks about how it was not having a choir program in school while she was growing up and why she thinks it is so important to have one now.

Albie Todd talks about why he is so passionate about the arts, why he chose it as a career, and what he thinks benefits are to being involved in performing arts.

Emma Hauger talks about how she got involved in the band and choir. She also talks about what the benefits are of being a part of the musical.

Making the Grade - November 6, 2014

The topic of this week’s Making the Grade Discusses the District Safety. Big Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Tim Haist is joined by guests William Fogel, Deb Tyson, and Renee Kent as they discuss safety and security of our facilities, and the importance of the safety enhancements that have been completed through the sinking fund with the support by our community.

Tim Haist and the guests talk about how positive comments from our parents and community. Changes in the entry process of each building. They discuss why safety matters, and when it is so critical. Discussion continues with the changes introduced by the state regarding School safety drills.

The guests also cover other various ways the district promotes school safety.