Jagger Woody is one of those people you meet, and instantly know you won't forget.The first thing I noticed about Woody was his confidence. Strolling the grounds with a hammer swinging from the toolbelt at his side, he spoke directly and knowledgeably about the projects that clearly brought him great pride. He has also found a connection and a purpose in coming to school.

On April 7, the Clarkston High School Marching Band Winter Guard brought home first place honors at the Michigan Color Guard Circuit (MCGC) State Championships at Saginaw Valley State University.

Clarkston High School's Team RUSH 27 heads to the Michigan FIRST Robotics Competition State Championship at Saginaw Valley State University, April 11-14. They are seeded #1 after winning the district meet in Livonia, March 29-31.

In our first-ever elementary-level Clarkston Community Schools Battle of the Books, The Golden Read-Trievers from Springfield Plains won first place, and Mr. Pig and the Pugs from North Sashabaw placed second after a three-way tiebreaker.

The Clarkston Area Optimist Club honored Outstanding Student Citizens Isabelle Henry of Bailey Lake Elementary, Katie Jakubiak of Springfield Plains Elementary, and Savannah Powers of Independence Elementary at its breakfast meeting, March 28.

As we head off into our Spring Break today, I hope you're able to take some time to invest in your relationship with your child. If you're headed out of town on a trip, tuck away the devices and start a conversation with your kids. Ask them about their lives. What are they proud of? What are they worried about? What are they excited about?

Moving up from fifth to sixth grade is an exciting time for students, and parents! In Clarkston, sixth graders from throughout the district come together in one building to begin building bonds with their graduating class. Sashabaw Middle School is home to sixth and seventh grade students - this is a very unique and deliberate arrangement designed by middle grade educators to "Keep Kids Younger, Longer."

On March 21, Clarkston Community Schools and the Clarkston PAC celebrated the third annual Sparkle Awards to honor individuals and groups in our district who support students with IEPs. Congratulations, Sparkle Award winners!

Ten Clarkston Community Schools students recently competed in the Business Professionals of America 2018 State Leadership Competition, and seven students have qualified for Nationals! Andrew Dimmer placed in an unprecedented seven events at states - a record for the CHS Chapter! Andrew also was one of two students at this event to be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.