Clean Hands, Healthy Students
Our Ontonagon County CNA students spent the afternoon teaching elementary students the importance of proper handwashing just in time for cold and flu season!
Using special glow germ powder and a black light, students got a firsthand look at how easily germs spread and why thorough handwashing is so important.
What a great opportunity for our future healthcare professionals to share their knowledge while making learning fun for our younger students.
When students are present, they build the daily reading practice that keeps them on track. Every Day Counts!
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
Our CNA students got a behind-the-scenes look at the operating room at Aspirus with Surgical Technician, Katie Sterbenz.
Katie explained her role on the surgical team and led the tour alongside her daughter, Madison Sterbenz—a former CNA student who is now an RN. It was especially meaningful to have a former student helping our current students explore careers in healthcare.
Thank you, Katie and Madison, for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. We appreciate you welcoming our students and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals
Katie explained her role on the surgical team and led the tour alongside her daughter, Madison Sterbenz—a former CNA student who is now an RN. It was especially meaningful to have a former student helping our current students explore careers in healthcare.
Thank you, Katie and Madison, for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. We appreciate you welcoming our students and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals
October is Residents’ Rights Month!
Our Gogebic and Ontonagon County CNA students recently welcomed Michelle Smith from the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program!
Michelle shared her role as a resident advocate, helping protect the rights, safety, and well-being of individuals living in long-term care facilities.
What a perfect time for our future CNAs to learn the importance of speaking up for residents and ensuring they are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion!
Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your knowledge and helping our students understand the importance of resident advocacy!
Through 3rd grade, students learn to read. After 3rd grade, they read to learn. Every Day Counts!
Regular attendance in the early years opens doors to science, history, art, and beyond. Being here early sets the stage for a lifetime of learning!
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
Regular attendance in the early years opens doors to science, history, art, and beyond. Being here early sets the stage for a lifetime of learning!
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
Mrs. Stuber spent part of the day teaching German in person and finished it by supporting her students at the final home volleyball game of the season!
Her students even asked her to join them for a photo—and let her hold the volleyball!
We love seeing our staff supporting students both in the classroom and at their activities.
Her students even asked her to join them for a photo—and let her hold the volleyball!
We love seeing our staff supporting students both in the classroom and at their activities.
💚 You're Invited! Community Connections Begins Friday!
The GOISD Early Learning & Family Resource Center invites parents, educators, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local partners to our first Community Connections meeting of the 2026–2027 school year!
This year marks a new chapter with Michigan's 32p Early Learning Partnership, an expanded focus on family engagement, and the Help Me Grow approach to connecting early education, healthcare, and social services.
Our goal is to move beyond simply sharing updates. Together, we want to identify community needs, strengthen partnerships, coordinate resources, and ensure families receive meaningful support.
📅 Friday, October 16, 2026
🕛 12:00–2:00 PM Central Time
📍 GOISD Early Learning & Family Resource Center
106 S. Marquette Street, Ironwood, MI
Community Connections serves as a Community Resource Roundtable & Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), giving both community partners and families an opportunity to share their voices and help shape the future of early childhood services in Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties.
The GOISD Early Learning & Family Resource Center invites parents, educators, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local partners to our first Community Connections meeting of the 2026–2027 school year!
This year marks a new chapter with Michigan's 32p Early Learning Partnership, an expanded focus on family engagement, and the Help Me Grow approach to connecting early education, healthcare, and social services.
Our goal is to move beyond simply sharing updates. Together, we want to identify community needs, strengthen partnerships, coordinate resources, and ensure families receive meaningful support.
📅 Friday, October 16, 2026
🕛 12:00–2:00 PM Central Time
📍 GOISD Early Learning & Family Resource Center
106 S. Marquette Street, Ironwood, MI
Community Connections serves as a Community Resource Roundtable & Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), giving both community partners and families an opportunity to share their voices and help shape the future of early childhood services in Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties.
Number Corner Expands Math Learning Across GOISD Classrooms
At Washington Elementary, third-grade teacher Sherri Nyquist is leading her students through a Number Corner lesson, creating opportunities for students to build mathematical understanding through engaging, hands-on learning. Number Corner provides students with daily opportunities to explore important math concepts, develop number sense, and strengthen their problem-solving skills.
This school year, seven new classrooms across the GOISD have joined the growing number of classrooms using Number Corner. Teachers received training and will continue to receive ongoing monthly support from GOISD Early Math Specialist Chris Samardich, who works alongside educators to build confidence and strengthen effective mathematics instruction.
At Washington Elementary, third-grade teacher Sherri Nyquist is leading her students through a Number Corner lesson, creating opportunities for students to build mathematical understanding through engaging, hands-on learning. Number Corner provides students with daily opportunities to explore important math concepts, develop number sense, and strengthen their problem-solving skills.
This school year, seven new classrooms across the GOISD have joined the growing number of classrooms using Number Corner. Teachers received training and will continue to receive ongoing monthly support from GOISD Early Math Specialist Chris Samardich, who works alongside educators to build confidence and strengthen effective mathematics instruction.
CTE Automotive Class
Our CTE Automotive students put their skills to work servicing one of our CTE vehicles under the supervision of Automotive Instructor Mr. Werkmeister.
They completed an oil change and installed new winter tires on all four rims, helping prepare the vehicle for winter!
Thank you to our students and Mr. Werkmeister. We enjoy seeing our students gain valuable, real-world, hands-on experience!
Our CTE Automotive students put their skills to work servicing one of our CTE vehicles under the supervision of Automotive Instructor Mr. Werkmeister.
They completed an oil change and installed new winter tires on all four rims, helping prepare the vehicle for winter!
Thank you to our students and Mr. Werkmeister. We enjoy seeing our students gain valuable, real-world, hands-on experience!
CTE Students Walk 2 Miles for Prostate Cancer Awareness
Last Friday, our CTE students wore light blue and walking 2 miles to raise awareness and show their support for those affected by prostate cancer.
We were excited to have Kathy Wardynski, owner of Anytime Fitness of Ontonagon, join our group for the walk! Thank you, Kathy, for being part of this important cause and showing your support for our community.
We are proud of our CTE students for taking steps—literally—to make a difference! Their participation reminds us that raising awareness starts with coming together as a community.
Every step was taken in honor of survivors, in memory of those we have lost, and in support of those still fighting.
Last Friday, our CTE students wore light blue and walking 2 miles to raise awareness and show their support for those affected by prostate cancer.
We were excited to have Kathy Wardynski, owner of Anytime Fitness of Ontonagon, join our group for the walk! Thank you, Kathy, for being part of this important cause and showing your support for our community.
We are proud of our CTE students for taking steps—literally—to make a difference! Their participation reminds us that raising awareness starts with coming together as a community.
Every step was taken in honor of survivors, in memory of those we have lost, and in support of those still fighting.
Our Construction Trades students got an up-close look at the construction of our new CTE building in Ontonagon.
Students reviewed plans, toured the site, and heard from professionals about careers in the skilled trades and the work involved in a project like this.
Thank you to the professionals who took the time to share their knowledge and experience with our students!
Students reviewed plans, toured the site, and heard from professionals about careers in the skilled trades and the work involved in a project like this.
Thank you to the professionals who took the time to share their knowledge and experience with our students!
Hands-On Learning in Ontonagon CTE Welding
Our Ontonagon Welding students had a great opportunity for some hands-on learning thanks to Clark Cole, owner of UP West Services Welding, Fabrication and Repair.
Clark brought in a 1963 Lincoln SA-200 portable welder and gave students the chance to learn more about the equipment, welding techniques, and the trade from an experienced local professional.
A huge thank you to Clark and UP West Services Welding, Fabrication and Repair for taking the time to share your knowledge and provide our students with a valuable real-world learning experience!
Our Ontonagon Welding students had a great opportunity for some hands-on learning thanks to Clark Cole, owner of UP West Services Welding, Fabrication and Repair.
Clark brought in a 1963 Lincoln SA-200 portable welder and gave students the chance to learn more about the equipment, welding techniques, and the trade from an experienced local professional.
A huge thank you to Clark and UP West Services Welding, Fabrication and Repair for taking the time to share your knowledge and provide our students with a valuable real-world learning experience!
Did you know?
Early attendance and early literacy grow side by side! Every Day Counts at school - reading, learning, and building the foundation for a bright future.
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
Early attendance and early literacy grow side by side! Every Day Counts at school - reading, learning, and building the foundation for a bright future.
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
Learning From Former Students
Our Gogebic County CNA students recently welcomed former CNA student McKenzie Ouimette back to the classroom as a guest speaker!
McKenzie discovered her passion for Dental Hygiene and returned to share her knowledge about the importance of oral health, especially when caring for elderly residents. She was joined by her classmate, Maddie Porter, and together they gave an excellent presentation connecting dental health to the care our CNA students will provide in long-term care and other healthcare settings.
It is always rewarding to see former students return and share where their education and experiences have taken them. Thank you, McKenzie and Maddie, for taking the time to educate and inspire our students!
Our Gogebic County CNA students recently welcomed former CNA student McKenzie Ouimette back to the classroom as a guest speaker!
McKenzie discovered her passion for Dental Hygiene and returned to share her knowledge about the importance of oral health, especially when caring for elderly residents. She was joined by her classmate, Maddie Porter, and together they gave an excellent presentation connecting dental health to the care our CNA students will provide in long-term care and other healthcare settings.
It is always rewarding to see former students return and share where their education and experiences have taken them. Thank you, McKenzie and Maddie, for taking the time to educate and inspire our students!
Our Gogebic County CTE Nursing Assistance students took part in a hands-on activity as part of Communication Challenges.
Students worked in pairs, with one student blindfolded while the other guided them using clear verbal directions and reassurance. Some students also wore Realityworks dementia and tinnitus simulation headsets to experience how confusion, memory changes, and distracting sounds can make communication more difficult.
The activity gave students a better understanding of why patience, clear communication, trust, empathy, and safety are so important when caring for residents and patients experiencing vision loss, dementia, hearing challenges, or other barriers to communication.
Sometimes the best way to understand a challenge is to experience a small part of it firsthand.
Students worked in pairs, with one student blindfolded while the other guided them using clear verbal directions and reassurance. Some students also wore Realityworks dementia and tinnitus simulation headsets to experience how confusion, memory changes, and distracting sounds can make communication more difficult.
The activity gave students a better understanding of why patience, clear communication, trust, empathy, and safety are so important when caring for residents and patients experiencing vision loss, dementia, hearing challenges, or other barriers to communication.
Sometimes the best way to understand a challenge is to experience a small part of it firsthand.
From CNA Student to Mayo Clinic!
Our Ontonagon CNA students recently welcomed guest speaker Teddy Menigoz, who shared her journey in healthcare and the opportunities that began with becoming a CNA.
Teddy started her CNA journey as a junior in high school, using those skills to work in a hospital downstate while continuing her education at the University of Michigan. Today, she is working at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota!
Her story was a great example for our students of how CNA training can be the first step toward many different careers in healthcare.
“It is wonderful when students remember where they started and come back to share their experiences with our classes. Hearing their stories helps our current students see where these skills can take them.” — Mrs. Sprague
Thank you, Teddy, for taking the time to encourage and inspire our students!
Our Ontonagon CNA students recently welcomed guest speaker Teddy Menigoz, who shared her journey in healthcare and the opportunities that began with becoming a CNA.
Teddy started her CNA journey as a junior in high school, using those skills to work in a hospital downstate while continuing her education at the University of Michigan. Today, she is working at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota!
Her story was a great example for our students of how CNA training can be the first step toward many different careers in healthcare.
“It is wonderful when students remember where they started and come back to share their experiences with our classes. Hearing their stories helps our current students see where these skills can take them.” — Mrs. Sprague
Thank you, Teddy, for taking the time to encourage and inspire our students!
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our CTE Food Systems & Natural Resources students recently attended the Performance Foodservice Show in Green Bay, Wisconsin!
Students had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and learn more about careers in food safety, food distribution, and food marketing. They also gained a better understanding of all the steps involved in getting food from the farm to your table.
Experiences like this give our students a firsthand look at the many career opportunities available throughout the food and agriculture industry.
Thank you to Performance Foodservice and all of the professionals who took the time to share their knowledge with our students!
Our CTE Food Systems & Natural Resources students recently attended the Performance Foodservice Show in Green Bay, Wisconsin!
Students had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and learn more about careers in food safety, food distribution, and food marketing. They also gained a better understanding of all the steps involved in getting food from the farm to your table.
Experiences like this give our students a firsthand look at the many career opportunities available throughout the food and agriculture industry.
Thank you to Performance Foodservice and all of the professionals who took the time to share their knowledge with our students!
Students who enjoy just 20 minutes of reading a day in class can encounter nearly 1.8 million words a year!
That's a world of stories, ideas, and discoveries waiting inside the classroom. Being here means becoming a stronger reader. Every Day Counts!
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
That's a world of stories, ideas, and discoveries waiting inside the classroom. Being here means becoming a stronger reader. Every Day Counts!
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
Small routines make a big difference!
Keep a consistent bedtime, pack backpacks (and library books!) the night before, and build a morning routine that works for your family.
These simple habits help students arrive ready to read, ready to learn, and ready to succeed. Let's make Every Day Count!
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
Keep a consistent bedtime, pack backpacks (and library books!) the night before, and build a morning routine that works for your family.
These simple habits help students arrive ready to read, ready to learn, and ready to succeed. Let's make Every Day Count!
#UPAttendance #EveryDayCounts
Join the GOISD team!
We’re seeking an Early Literacy Coach (Pre-K–5) who is passionate about supporting educators and helping young learners succeed. Work alongside local teachers to strengthen reading and writing instruction and make a meaningful difference in our schools!
Know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity!
Full Posting: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:b1a0e8a1-6ffd-44c4-aa13-23c536fca56a?x_api_client_id=chrome_extension_viewer&x_api_client_location=share
We’re seeking an Early Literacy Coach (Pre-K–5) who is passionate about supporting educators and helping young learners succeed. Work alongside local teachers to strengthen reading and writing instruction and make a meaningful difference in our schools!
Know someone who would be a great fit? Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity!
Full Posting: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:b1a0e8a1-6ffd-44c4-aa13-23c536fca56a?x_api_client_id=chrome_extension_viewer&x_api_client_location=share
