Sixty-one years ago, a bold idea took root: every child — no matter their zip code or family income — deserves a strong start in life. What began as an 8-week summer program in 1965 has since served more than 38 million children and counting.
Today, Head Start programs across all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories continue that promise every single day — offering early education, health screenings, nutritious meals, and deep family support.
Join us in celebrating this milestone and learn how Head Start continues to change lives: https://go.nhsa.org/61
#HeadStart61 #HappyBirthdayHeadStart
We also took a special moment to honor in memoriam a beloved student who would have graduated with this class. Their memory continues to be a part of our school family and will always hold a place in our hearts.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!! We are SO proud of you!
Coldwater Housing Commission breaks ground on outdoor family engagement space at Family Promise of Branch County Shelter. The project builds on a 2024 statewide pilot supported by the Michigan Department of Education in partnership with Branch Intermediate School District, with Coldwater selected as one of only four sites in Michigan. For the full story from WTVB click here
On April 30, 2026, the BISD Parent Advisory Committee proudly celebrated the incredible educators, staff, and students who go above and beyond each day to make a lasting impact in the lives of others at the Making a Difference Awards Ceremony held at the BACC. It was a wonderful evening filled with celebration, appreciation, and inspiration as community members, family, friends, and educators from across Branch County came together to honor these outstanding individuals.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s outstanding award recipients:
Administrator of the Year
• Brandon Suever – Quincy Middle School
General Education Teachers of the Year
• Elementary: Becky Taylor – Jennings Elementary, Quincy
• Secondary: Karen Kiss – Coldwater High School
Special Education Teachers of the Year
• Elementary: Stacey Kies – Jennings Elementary, Quincy
• Secondary: Nathan Davenport – Pansophia Academy
💙 Support Staff Persons of the Year
• Johnnie Dowell – Waldron Learning Center
• Kaylee Richar – Jefferson Elementary
🌟 Itinerant Staff Person of the Year
• Annie McGuire – School Social Worker, BISD
Student of the Year
• Kden Hiestand
Peer Support Student of the Year
• Harrison Pritchard – Jefferson Elementary
Thank you to all of our nominees and winners for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference every day. Your impact is truly inspiring! 💛🖤
Waldron Learning Center held our prom on May 1st and it was MAGICAL!
We want to give a huge thank you to the students in the BACC Education Professionals program for helping make this year’s Prom such an unforgettable experience!
This year’s “Under the Sea” theme completely transformed the space into something magical. What made the day truly special was the incredible connection and engagement shown to our students. The kindness, inclusion, and enthusiasm displayed throughout the event helped ensure every student felt celebrated, valued, and part of an amazing prom experience!
A special thank you also goes out to the staff who decorated and drove the prom bus and to our DJ for creating such a fun and exciting atmosphere for everyone.
We are so grateful for everyone who helped make this event such a memorable day for our students. Thank you for the time, effort, and heart you put into making prom so special. This is a memory that our students will cherish for a lifetime!!
A huge thank you to the Alligator Sanctuary for taking the time to educate our Waldron students about these fascinating and unique creatures. They were especially excited to see these incredible animals up close!
Experiences like this bring learning to life and spark curiosity in ways that the classroom alone cannot. It was a fun, engaging, and definitely a memorable experience for all of our students and staff.
THANK YOU!!
Newly elected Regional FFA Officers: Austin Preston and Caleb Souva!
We are proud to also introduce the new 2026-2027 BACC FFA Officer Team!
Thank you for your dedication to the families that you serve in our communities. Your commitment to your jobs is extremely valued and appreciated!
Today we’re celebrating This is Head Start — a statewide movement sharing the faces,
stories, and superpowers of our children, families, and educators.
Head Start is more than a classroom. It’s a community, a source of support, and an opportunity
for families across Michigan. Today, we’re proud to show what Head Start looks like in action.
#ThisIsHeadStartMI26 #MIParentsUnite26 #HeadStartWorks
We are thrilled to share the 2025-2026 Making a Difference Award nominees and winners! Today, the BISD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) traveled across our county to surprise this year's incredible winners. These awards recognize individuals in Branch County Schools who have made a significant and positive impact on the educational experience of a student with special needs.
The PAC committee is also proud to recognize students who have demonstrated significant growth academically, socially, in their independence, and in their communication skills. Additionally, the committee recognizes students who have been great peer-mentors, demonstrating care and inclusion for students with different learning needs. All of the students recognized have made a positive and meaningful impact on our educational community through their efforts, contributions, and achievements. We celebrate their dedication, progress, and the unique strengths they bring to our school.
We invite everyone to join the PAC to recognize all of the amazing nominees and winners at the Making a Difference Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 30th, starting at 5:30 PM at the Branch Area Career Center. Refreshments and dessert will be served at 5:30 PM, followed by the ceremony at 6:00 PM.
Our Remarkable Nominees and Winners
The dedication and hard work of these individuals are truly inspiring. Their commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment changes lives every day.
Administrator of the Year
Winner: Brandon Suever (Quincy Middle School)
Nominees: Brad Prater (BISD Special Education) and Hilary Curtis (BISD Special Education).
General Education Teacher of the Year
Winners: Karen Kiss (Secondary - Coldwater High School) and Becky Taylor (Elementary - Jennings Elementary)
Nominees: Katie Jewell, Leslie Welker, Sarah Medema, Shannon Bir, Alison Bassage, Ashley Macklin, Beth McDonald, Hannah Reynolds, and Tiffanie Watts.
Special Education Teacher of the Year
Winners: Nathan Davenport (Secondary - Pansophia Academy) and Stacey Kies (Elementary - Jennings Elementary)
Nominees: Juli Westgate, Katie Tackett, Krista Marshall, Lisa Kontowsky, Madison Rutz, Kelsey Closson, Sharon DeMeester, Abbie Jent, Alexis Czajkowski, Charlie George, Bri Porter, Hillary Raymond, Joe Closson, and Amber Qualls.
Support Staff Person of the Year
Winners: Johnnie Dowell (Waldron Learning Center) and Kaylee Richar (Jefferson Elementary)
Nominees: Gloria Anderson, Jessica Gruner, Jessica Kelley, Judy Wendorf, Kelsey Perkins, Rachele Barker, Tanyell Uren, Samantha Penza, Amy Linscott, Becca Quimby, Beth Schippers, Carly Boals, Deborah Fisher, Elizabeth Hall, Cheryl Hawver, Emma Pfost, Tami VanAuker, Lauren Talbot, Alexis McKean, and Rhonda Machan.
Itinerant Staff Person of the Year
Winner: Annie McGuire (School Social Worker, BISD)
Nominees: Allie Davis, Anna Feller, Annie Wulliman, Erin Salinaz, Jana Alexander, and Kristi Bronstetter.
Student Awards
Peer Support Student of the Year: Harrison P.
Nominees: Hadlie F., Kollion P., Ada H., and Landon M.
Student of the Year: Kden H.
Nominees: McKinlee K. and Perla M.
What a wonderful group of people dedicated to serving our students!. We look forward to celebrating their achievements with you!
We love our home visiting staff and appreciate all the hard work they due supporting our families.
