We’ve had some very special visitors at Waldron Learning Center this March for Reading Month!
Our students have been enjoying stories read by wonderful members of our community, including guests from the Coldwater Police Department. Their time, kindness, and enthusiasm have made reading even more exciting and meaningful for our students.
Thank you to everyone who has come in to share a love of reading with us! We truly appreciate your support and connection with our school. Moments like these make a lasting impact!
#MarchReadingMonth #CommunityConnections #WaldronLearningCenter #BRANCHISD
Congratulations to Our 2025 Teacher of the Year – Cheryl Covell! 🎉
The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of honoring an educator whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
For more than 16 years at the Branch Area Careers Center, and over 16 years in Career and Technical Education overall, Cheryl Covell has dedicated her career to preparing students for meaningful and successful careers in healthcare. To Cheryl, teaching isn’t just a job, it’s truly a calling.
Under her leadership, the Health Professions program has grown from just two staff members to five instructors, now serving nearly 100 students each year. She also played a key role in launching new programs, including Medical Assisting and Health Professions Hybrid, helping build them from the ground up.
Cheryl has built strong partnerships with healthcare providers throughout the region, ensuring students receive real-world, hands-on clinical experiences. Even during the challenges of COVID-19, she stepped up becoming a CNA trainer and working with community partners to ensure every student had the opportunity to succeed.
Her students graduate not only with knowledge, but with confidence, professionalism, and the experience needed to thrive in healthcare careers. Many have gone on to become doctors, nurses, EMTs, radiology technicians, and other healthcare professionals.
Beyond the classroom, Cheryl also owns and operates CPR Michigan, providing CPR and First Aid training to businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits across lower Michigan — strengthening safety and preparedness throughout our communities.
Through her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment, Cheryl Covell continues to make a lasting impact on students, healthcare, and the entire Branch County community.
👏 Please join us in congratulating and thanking Cheryl Covell, our 2025 Teacher of the Year!
Cheryl Coville of Coldwater and owner of CPR Michigan was introduced to Altrusans last month at their monthly program meeting at the ELkS Temple.
Cheryl proved to be very informative, taking the time to update the members on the latest Hands-On Only CPR techniques as well as demonstrating some of the innovative training devices that have been developed over the past few years.
She demonstrated Hands-Only CPR techniques using a more modern manikin designed to assure trainees fully understood the techniques. The utilization of lights now immediately tell you if your hands are correctly placed and your compressions are strong enough to be effective. The utilization of light and sound are welcome upgrades for trainees who are often unsure that they are doing things correctly.
Cheryl also directed us to a short Utube video that she highly recommended. It’s 3 minutes that could save your life.
Please watch……Elizabeth Banks in “Just A Little Heart Attack”
Cheryl proved to be very informative, taking the time to update the members on the latest Hands-On Only CPR techniques as well as demonstrating some of the innovative training devices that have been developed over the past few years.
She demonstrated Hands-Only CPR techniques using a more modern manikin designed to assure trainees fully understood the techniques. The utilization of lights now immediately tell you if your hands are correctly placed and your compressions are strong enough to be effective. The utilization of light and sound are welcome upgrades for trainees who are often unsure that they are doing things correctly.
Cheryl also directed us to a short Utube video that she highly recommended. It’s 3 minutes that could save your life.
Please watch……Elizabeth Banks in “Just A Little Heart Attack”
Happy St. Patrick's Day from Early Ed Leadership and the Bishop office!! 🍀
Need help affording Child Care? Check out below from Child Care Network. For more information call Luz Fuss at (517)-682-5460
The Branch ISD Making a Difference Awards nomination remains open until March 20th. There's still time to recognize school staff, volunteers or students who are making a positive impact in our schools and community.
Congratulations to junior McKenzie Cox on an incredible accomplishment!
Kenzie attended the Michigan FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Lansing last week and was elected by representatives accross the state to serve as a State Vice President for the 2025/2026 school year. By stepping into this leadership role, she will represent Branch Area Careers Center and Coldwater High School at the state level.
We are proud of Kenzie for taking on this challenge and representing our programs so well!
Kenzie attended the Michigan FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Lansing last week and was elected by representatives accross the state to serve as a State Vice President for the 2025/2026 school year. By stepping into this leadership role, she will represent Branch Area Careers Center and Coldwater High School at the state level.
We are proud of Kenzie for taking on this challenge and representing our programs so well!
High-quality early learning shapes children’s trajectories long after preschool ends. New research from the National Head Start Association examines how Head Start helps avoid preventable special education placements by addressing developmental, health, and social-emotional needs before children enter kindergarten. For more information including the Executive Brief click HERE
Our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) has released their monthly newsletter, packed with important updates, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to stay involved in our school community!
Is your kiddo going to be 5 on or before September 1st? If so, Kindergarten Roundups are coming soon near you!!! Information to register for appointments and phone numbers if you have any questions are below.
Congratulations to our February Inclusion and Belonging recognition recipients from Coldwater High School. Thank you to Jaci Hoorman, Chelsea Wilber and Cody Fishell for going above and beyond to promote inclusivity.
Branch ISD celebrates our amazing School Social Workers for their dedication to student well-being, mental health, and family support.
Your compassion strengthens our schools and community every day. Thank you!
Your compassion strengthens our schools and community every day. Thank you!
On Monday February 23rd, students from the Branch Area Careers Center shared their knowledge on the career fields they study with 3rd & 4th graders from Jennings Elementary. All students participated in hands-on activities including learning how to stop a deep cut from bleeding, using tools to tighten bolts, how to cook alfredo from scratch, and identifying what a good teacher looks like to them.
Congratulations to the BACC's Carter VanAkin for being named a State Finalist for the prestigious 2026 Michigan FFA Star Award. This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of FFA members who have demonstrated excellence in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). State winners will be announced during the 2026 Michigan FFA State Convention, held March 4-6 on the campus of Michigan State University. Good Luck Carter!!
https://www.morningagclips.com/michigan-ffa-announces-2026-star-award-finalists/
Our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) has released their monthly newsletter, packed with important updates, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to stay involved in our school community!
Interested in FREE preschool? We are officially taking application for Fall 2026-2027. To complete a pre-application click here. For questions or for more information please call 517-279-0066 or 517-279-5830.
February Connections Newsletter 💗
Updates from the Superintendents office on the amazing things happening here at the BISD!
Updates from the Superintendents office on the amazing things happening here at the BISD!
February 2-6 is National School Counseling Week!
Thank you to our School Counselors for guiding students toward academic success, personal growth, and future goals.
Thank you to our School Counselors for guiding students toward academic success, personal growth, and future goals.
February is Career and Technical Education Month!
Career and Technical Education programs prepare students for high-demand careers through hands-on learning, industry-recognized credentials, and real-world experience. At our ISD, CTE programs empower students to explore career pathways, develop technical and professional skills, and graduate ready for college, careers, and beyond. We’re proud to celebrate our students, instructors, and partners who make CTE a pathway to success.
Next week is Counselor Appreciation Week. A huge shout out to the Branch County Counselors for all they do! Thank you!
