TPS receives $35,000 literacy grant for K-3

At the February 8 Tecumseh Public Schools (TPS) board meeting, superintendent Kelly Coffin announced TPS received a $35,475 grant, gave a report on the district reorganization survey, and detailed the Peer-to-Peer program taking place at Tecumseh High School (THS).

The Michigan Department of Education gave a targeted Literacy Instruction Intervention grant to the district for literacy support for children in kindergarten through third grade. Over 250 state school districts received the grant. “It allows us to continue to have additional staff members working with children in early literacy intervention,” Coffin said.

Coffin gave her report on the district reorganization survey, which amassed 750 responses. The survey is the second sent out so far to parents and staff in the district to obtain responses about utilizing current resources at TPS due to lack of space at the elementary schools as a result of large student populations

“We have bigger populations at the elementary schools and more room at the middle and high schools,” Coffin said. “The purpose of the process was developed through a committee based upon priorities in the community.”

The survey had three possible different scenarios, with the pros and cons of each stated. Survey takers were asked to choose which they preferred. Coffin said feedback was needed in order to move forward. Committee members are currently evaluating the results of the survey.

Coffin gave a summary of the Peer to Peer program at the high school, designed to connect general education students with students diagnosed with autism. Peer-to-Peer is part of the START Project initiated by Grand Valley State University to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and empower them to become involved members of their community. Special education teachers at Tecumseh High School have been looking for peers with availability during the school day to work with autistic students. The students interact during Indian Hour, a special hour of the day designated for students to have extra time to work for a particular class or project. Over 40 general education students have currently signed up for the program.

“These peer links really help students in the social part of education,” Coffin said. “Students with autism have trouble interacting with people because they don’t pick up on social cues. The group is there to help students navigate their social environment, have friends and become part of a larger school community.”

The general education students are very involved in the program, Coffin said, and TPS is planning to expand the program into Tecumseh Middle School next year. “The barriers aren’t there. The general education students are willing to help these autistic students belong,” Coffin said. “It’s very fulfilling for both groups.”