Fifth-grader selected to venture ‘down under?

Kalei McLennon’s summer adventure began when she boarded the plane last week. Her destination – Australia. The 10-year-old Pine Knob Elementary student was chosen as a People to People Student Ambassador, one of 38 Michigan students. ‘I felt excited but nervous at the same time,? she said when she learned she was one of the […]

Still in the hole

A week into the new fiscal year and Clarkston Community School district finds itself $5 million short. The Board of Education voted unanimously, June 28, to approve $78.1 million in spending for 2010-2011. Revenue is projected to be $73.1 million. Last year, district revenue was $80.9 million, with $86.9 million in spending. Budget calculations included […]

Europe trip for young ambassadors

Independence Township residents Gil Guthrie and Kyle Weaver are finishing their stay in Greece this week before they head to Italy on Friday. Both were chosen as People to People Student Ambassadors and left on July 4 for Greece, Italy and France. ‘When I heard were I was going I was already dreaming about the […]

Pay cut for school board

Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education agreed to take a cut in compensation for their meeting. They decided to go from $30 down to $24. ‘I appreciate the fact this is a gesture making cut,? said Steve Hyer, board president. ‘On a personal level, as long as I have served on this board, I have […]

5-year-old celebrates birthday by giving her hair

Anjali Issac wanted to celebrate her fifth birthday in a big way. The young Independence Township resident sat tall at Alex Emilio Salon in Royal Oak and heard the snip of the scissors. The sylist cut off two ponytails, both nine inches long, for the non-profit organization Children with Hairloss, June 22. ‘It’s for Ishan,? […]

Young writers? summer camp builds literary talents

They used their sense of touch, smell, sound, sight and taste as they put their thoughts into words. Thirteen young authors participated in this year’s Writer’s Camp for the last two weeks working on their skills. ‘One of the things cool about the camp is not everyone is at the same writing level,? said Phyllis […]

Six-year-old finds his footing on water

Austin Zoldos slipped his feet into his waterskis and he went into a sitting position on the water. The six-year-old wrapped his hands around the rope and readied himself as the boat pulled away from the dock at Lake Oakland. Leah Schiller, one of his trainers, gave him a smile and shouted words of encouragement […]

Festival of fun

Families headed to Clintonwood Park on July 3 for the annual Fourth of July festival held by Independence Township Parks and Recreation. The kids enjoyed fun games and activities, playing at the Spray Park and jamming with Radio Disney. Other activities included an arts and crafts show, canine toss and fetch competition. The day was […]

‘He’s up,? six-year-old skier finds his footing on water

Austin Zoldos slipped his feet into his waterskis and he went into a sitting position on the water. The 6-year-old Goodrich resident wrapped his hands around the rope and readied himself as the boat pulled away from the dock at Lake Oakland. Leah Schiller, one of his trainers, gave him a smile and shouted words […]

Making a list

Responses were quick as the small audience listed skills and characteristics they wanted in their next superintendent. Honesty, effective communication skills, active listener, sense of humor, nondictator, and treating everyone with respect came from the audience as Richard Dunham from Michigan Association of School Boards quickly typed it onto the list Monday night during the […]