
Summer is coming. Use this Checklist or make your own to stay busy- https://www.pbs.org/parents/printables/pbs-kids-summer-bucket-list


It is our last day celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week. However, we will continue to support their work at Help Me Grow Allegan. Thank you for all you do for our littlest learners!


We are celebrating National Teacher (Educator) Appreciation Week from May 8th until May 12th. Thank your favorite educator on social media by sharing this post with them today!


We're Celebrating Teachers ALL Week! Have your child color a page for their teacher(s) this week- https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/events/taw/2022/english/thankateacher-coloring-pages.pdf


We're Celebrating Teachers ALL Week! Have your child fill out this Certificate of Appreciation for their teacher(s)- https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/events/taw/2023/taw-23-certificates-eng_student.pdf


It's National Teacher (Educator) Appreciation Week starting May 8th until May 12th. Let's celebrate those who invest in our littlest learners all week long.


Preschool registration for 2023-24 is open. Go to helpmegrowallegan.org/preschool to learn more.



It's time to sign your child up for preschool for the 2023-2024 school year! Fill out a Help Me Grow referral form at www.helpmegrowallegan.org/preschool or call 269-512-7775 to get your child connected to FREE or LOW COST preschool options in Allegan County.



This month we will be talking about local SUMMER events at our Allegan County play-and-learns! Come visit us for more information at these locations:
Allegan- 5/18 @ 10:30am (Allegan District Library) *3-5 year olds only
Plainwell- 5/18 @ 10:30am (Ransom District Library)
Wayland- 5/23 @ 10am (Baker Elementary School)
Fennville- 5/24 @ 11:30am (Fennville District Library)





It's our LAST month of Play-and-Learns this school year. Please join us at one of our four locations this Month (Allegan, Fennville, Plainwell, Wayland)





We had so much fun yesterday at the Allegan Aquatic Center with 14 of our Allegan County families!! We look forward to seeing more families at our FREE “Let’s Talk About Nature” event May 19th at the Holland Outdoor Discovery Center. Register online at https://bit.ly/joinGSFC






This week the House and Senate passed their versions of the Fiscal Year 2024 school aid budget. I am pleased to announce that I am excited about these recommended numbers. These recommendations are historic in size, scope, and potential impact on the students and families served by Allegan Area ESA.
Some of the key recommendations include:
Historic funding for special education
Increased Early Literacy funding
Groundbreaking changes to Great Start Readiness Program services and funding
Including ISDs (like Allegan Area ESA) eligible for mental health and safety funding
Increased funding to support the well-being of students and staff
I am grateful to the subcommittees, led by former teachers, for their excellent work. I thank our area legislators for continuing to put our students first and placing a priority on their education and well-being. Thus, supporting our vision to "Ensure every learner, school, and community thrives".
I look forward to working together with our legislators to ensure future academic success for all students.
Yours in Education,
William Brown
Allegan Area ESA Superintendent


As you get outside this spring or summer try "Welcoming Wonder (And Endless Questions!) With (your) Kids". Read more at https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/welcoming-wonder-and-endless-questions-with-kids


We've been talking about Nature/Earth all month. Now it's time to STEP IT UP with our local Allegan County Health Department from May 2nd-June 24th. Register and check out their full list of events at miottawa.org/stepitup.





Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence is hosting a 4 week educational series called "Self-Empowerment for Survivors" throughout May in-person (11am-12pm) and online (6-7pm). Please email to RSVP.


Join Ms. Laurie Zywiczynski at Dorr Township Library for a fun Creepy Crawly Night on May 8th from 5:30-6:30pm. Free books will be handed out to families!


Mark your calendars for our upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Event at Harding's Market (300 Reno Drive, Wayland) on Saturday, May 6, in Wayland from 9 am to 12 pm!



Giving babies the recommended vaccinations by age two is the best way to protect them from serious childhood illnesses like whooping cough (pertussis) and measles. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf



A Grief Support Group is being held every Thursday morning, starting this week, from 8-9:30am at Positive Options in Allegan (114 Chestnut Street). It is open to anyone dealing with grief. You are NOT alone.


My Way to Wellness is a FREE online nutrition program offered by MSU Extension for individuals living in Michigan who are eligible for supplemental food assistance. https://www.canr.msu.edu/my_way_to_wellness/
