Graduation/Dropout Rate Clarifications

    Questions have been raised concerning what appears to be a decline in the percentage of students graduating from Coldwater Community Schools based on state reports.

    In 2007, the State of Michigan changed the method used to report school district student graduation rates.  Each student is assigned to a Cohort (class of graduating students) when they enter 9th grade.  Students are given four school years to complete graduation requirements after that date.  In most cases, students who do not finish within the four-year time period, are considered in the dropout rate, along with students who leave school permanently in that four-year period.  Exceptions to this rule apply for special circumstances, but few. 

    This is in contrast to prior years when calculations were not based on a four-year completion date.

    Coldwater Community Schools reports three graduation rates:  one for Coldwater High School, one for Franklin Alternative High School, and one for the school district (a combination of both high schools). 

--submitted by Michelle LaPratt
Director of Curriculum and Instruction

    I am very happy to announce that every one of our buildings have now been Energy Star certified!! I have had the wonderful opportunity to do presentations at Lakeland Elementary and the High School and presented Lincoln Elementary with their plaque at a Board meeting in November. To qualify a building must have shown a 40% reduction in energy use and 35% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. It also puts our buildings in an exclusive group as only about 25% of facilities in America actually qualify for this prestigious award from the EPA. I think everyone has worked hard and you all deserve pats on the back for all your efforts. Thank you, everyone, as without all of you out there turning your things off at night, without our maintenance department continually working on our mechanical systems and GRBS helping me get lights off asap this would not have been possible. We've come a long way but there is always more we can do. I will keep trying to find ways for us to save.

    I am asking you that with the talk of possible budget cuts, less governmental support and smaller student enrollment we will have to be ever so diligent in making sure we are getting every savings opportunity we can. What we don't spend in gas, electric and water bills will give us more money to work with for more important things. So please, continue to be good energy stewards. It's not only good for our environment but it's good for us, too; as teachers, administrators, students, even tax payers!

    My congratulations to you all for your continued support and efforts in our successful program! You make me proud. Thank you, Debi Wright, Energy Manager

--submitted by Debi Wright
Energy Manager/Educator