Join us at our Art Show!

Celebrating Tina Williams: Championing Alternative Education in Michigan Our Northern Michigan communities proudly celebrate the outstanding leadership of Tina Williams, Director of the Alternative Educational Academy (AEA). Recently honored with the “Alternative Education Administrator of the Year” award by the Michigan Alternative Education Organization (MAEO), Williams has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to students and her transformative impact on alternative education in Michigan. As Director, Tina Williams has been the driving force behind AEA’s mission to serve students who thrive outside traditional classrooms. With campuses in Ogemaw, Iosco, and Gladwin Counties, the Academy offers innovative, student-centered programs tailored to meet diverse learning needs. Under her leadership, AEA has become a vital resource for students seeking a flexible and supportive educational environment. Highlights of Tina Williams' Leadership: ● Regional Impact: Oversees alternative education across Iosco, Ogemaw Counties, broadening access to quality education. ● Student-Centered Approach: Ensures students receive personalized support to succeed academically and personally. ● Innovative Programming: Leads initiatives that provide non-traditional, responsive educational experiences. ● Community Engagement: Partners with parents and local organizations, including efforts like “Raising Digitally Responsible Youth.” ● Staff Support: Honored with the 2024 Employer Patriot Award for supporting a staff member’s service in the U.S. Army Reserves. ● Resilient Leadership: Adapts programs to meet evolving student and community needs. Tina Williams' recognition by MAEO reflects her visionary leadership, advocacy, and deep dedication to alternative education. Her work exemplifies the qualities essential for success in this field: adaptability, collaboration, trauma-informed practices, and a relentless focus on student well-being. Through her leadership, the Alternative Educational Academy continues to equip students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Her work has made a lasting impact on the lives of students and earned the deep appreciation of the communities she serves. (Pictured: Tina Williams, Director of the Alternative Educational Academy of Iosco and Ogemaw Counties; Jamie Cain, Superintendent of Iosco RESA).

The 2024-25 IRESA New Teacher Network wrapped up in late April. The educators gathered one last time to share their mentee projects, reflect on their roles, and plant seeds of inspiration for their futures . We could not be more proud of the time and effort this group has put into their growth as educators. Our districts are so lucky to have them!

Early On Family Night

CONGRATULATIONS!! The following students had Perfect Attendance First Semester: Alessandra Beebe - Hale Elly Engster - Whittemore-Prescott Samantha Fore - Tawas Seth Gibson - Hale Mason Hendrickson - Hale Savanah Knack - Oscoda Steven Pace – Tawas Samuel Patten – Hale Hunter Sheffer – Tawas Kaitlyn Swales - Tawas Owen Switzer – Whittemore-Prescott Camden Uhlbeck – Oscoda Michael Vega II – Oscoda Megan Wood – Tawas Kamyrn Zilinsky – Whittemore-Prescott The following students had Outstanding Attendance First Semester (1 non-school related absence): Silicia Goodman – Whittemore-Prescott Zachary Lorenz – Tawas Grace Martin – Tawas Chase Mason – Oscoda Emma Morrison – Oscoda Hailey Morrison – Oscoda Olivia Slosser - Tawas Ashton Smith – Oscoda Jhonas Williams – Oscoda Kenaldo Williams – Tawas Brenden Zammit – Hale

December Student of the Month: The Iosco RESA Career and Technical Education Center would like to take this opportunity to recognize Tatiana Daly as “Professional Student of the Month” for December 2024. Tatiana is the daughter of Brian Daly. She is a senior at Whittemore-Prescott High School. “I am very pleased to be writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Tatiana Daly. Tatiana is a senior from Whittemore-Prescott High School and has been in the Welding & Fabrication program for two years. During her time here, she has risen to become one of our top welders and is very talented beyond her years. Her welding talents begin with her creativity. She has the ability to see the finished product before she even begins. It’s amazing to see her work methodically towards the end of her projects and the level of quality that she produces in such a short amount of time. She is currently working on several projects. One is her spider that will be part of her display that will showcase her talents at the Tawas Art Gallery. And, she is currently working with a group to create a bouquet of flowers. Each of these projects will be entered into our state competition for our MITES organization at the end of the year. Also, you have seen her work in the hallway. She created our display case and drew the welder on the poster paper. Tatiana is very deserving of this award because of her work ethic and leadership skills. Her leadership roles include: leading the student tours, serving on the leadership team, and helping to promote the Welding & Fabrication program as our spokesperson on the radio. Thanks for considering her for the December Student-of-the-Month award.” To be nominated for “Professional Student of the Month”, a student must have outstanding work ethics, no absences or tardies for the month, no discipline issues and at least a B grade point average. Iosco RESA Tech Center offers the following programs for 11th and 12th grade students: Automotive Technology, Building Trades, Business Management, Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management, Health Science, Teacher Prep Academy, and Welding & Fabrication. For more information about these programs call 989-362-3006 ext. 1163.

Early On Families

Decked out in Honolulu Blue and Silver! 🦁💙 Our Iosco RESA Special Education Center staff and students are ready to cheer the Detroit Lions to victory tomorrow! Go Lions!

Thank you Neiman's Family Market of Tawas City for hosting our Transition Students for Work-Based Learning.

Culinary Arts Thanksgiving dinner was held at the United Methodist Church in Tawas on November 21st. Culinary students worked all week to prepare food and practiced serving skills. The dinner was a donation dinner for the community. Traditional thanksgiving dishes, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, apple and pumpkin pie were served. Students served 120 meals from 4:30 to 6:30.

Giving Tuesday is more than just one day—it’s the kickoff to the year-end giving season, a time that inspires generosity and compassion across the globe. This incredible movement raises awareness and funds for causes of all kinds, offering individuals and communities the chance to unite and make a meaningful impact. By connecting donors with nonprofits in need, it transforms good intentions into tangible actions that truly make a difference. On December 3rd, Giving Tuesday, we invite you to consider a contribution to the Iosco RESA Center-Based School. Your support will help us continue to provide meaningful opportunities and resources for our students, fostering growth, inclusion, and community. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news updates. It's everything IOSCO RESA, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app! Download for Android https://aptg.co/KpnM3P Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/mvTKSY

Thank you!!

We are loving our new app! Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket. Download for Android https://aptg.co/KpnM3P Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/mvTKSY

🛒🎉 Don't miss the Garage Sale at the IRESA Main Campus on May 30th and 31st from 9 AM to 2 PM! Come find great deals on a variety of items from the Special Education & CTE Departments. See you there! 📅🕘 #GarageSale #ShopLocal #IRESA

We're thrilled to announce the new app for IOSCO RESA! It's everything IOSCO RESA, in your pocket. Download for Android https://aptg.co/KpnM3P Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/mvTKSY

We learned so much touring Kalitta Air last week! It makes us very excited for adult learners who will soon be able to complete their Airframe and Power Plant apprenticeship while pursuing their GED/high school diploma ✈️ This new program is possible thanks to our partnership with Kalitta Air and Michigan Works Region 7B! Kalitta's Apprenticeship Program Manager Angel Melendez showed us the entire system at their base. It's amazing all of the processes, equipment, money, knowledge and skill that is in our little town Oscoda. It is truly the only space in the nation of its kind! Angel said, "We are the pioneers of aviation apprenticeships!" United Airlines is in the process of trying to build a center modeled after what we have right in our backyard. If you or someone you know is pursuing their GED/high school diploma and is interested in doing a paid apprenticeship with Kalitta Air, please contact Mandi McDonald from our team. You can email her at mmcdonald@ioscoresa.net, or call/text 989-278-8762. Stay tuned for more pictures and updates 😊 MACAE - Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education Association #EarnWhileYouLearn #KalittaAir #MichiganWorksRegion7B #ApprenticeshipUSA #YAW2024 #AdultEducation

📢 Exciting news! Our Iosco RESA Tech Center team is currently attending Tawas Area High School's scheduling night! We can't wait to meet students and families, answer questions, and share insights about our programs. See you there! #CTEMonth #Education #TechCenter #CommunityEngagement 🚀📚

CTE students earn real-world skills while building a foundation for lifelong learning. In 2022-2023, there were 108,874 students (24% of all students) enrolled in secondary Career and Technical Education programs throughout Michigan. You can be one of them! Learn more on the CTE student and family webpage at https://bit.ly/4b1Ae7s #MiCareerTechEd #MiACTE #CTEMonth