At  this year’s MASA Distinguished Administrators’ Luncheon, 10  new MASA members were inducted into the Winners’ Circle. These members were honored by the Membership Services Committee for initiating a unique, successful program or implementing an innovative idea that has had a significant, positive impact on their school districts that can be used by other districts across the state.

 

MCISD Transition Center's "Planting the Seeds for Success" greenhouse initiative

Donald Spencer, Monroe County ISD
with  Monroe County Superintendents (from nine constituent districts)

The MCISD Transition Center's "Planting the Seeds for Success" greenhouse initiative is a collaborative partnership between the MCISD and its constituent districts, Monroe County Community College (MCCC), Michigan State Extension, St. Isadore Farms, and North Monroe Greenhouse. This project is the first in  a series of vocational training programs designed to improve independence, and increase employability skills for Transition Center students. Currently, 13 students with disabilities attend classes three times a week at M.C.C.C. The curriculum is centered on the Junior Master Gardener program, developed by MSU Extension, and is co-taught by a special education teacher and a MCCC professor. The students are enrolled in the community college, have MCCC IDs, and all the same privileges as other MCCC students.

Students are educated in the least restrictive environment and participate in age-appropriate activities. They receive certification from MCCC, ultimately making them more employable, more independent, and more confident. They receive hands-on experience at St. Isadore Farms and training at North Monroe Greenhouse, which provides experience in a private business setting.

MASA accepts nominations for the Winners’ Circle year round. You can find more details on previous winners and their programs online.