C.O.O.R. Corner Newsletter

Catch up with current news and learn more about the programs and services offered by the COOR Intermediate School District right here!

A Teacher's "Why," Professional Learning, and Career & Technical Education

Greetings residents of Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, and Roscommon counties.  I hope you are enjoying our winter wonderland, getting outside, and enjoying all that Northern Michigan has to offer!

For this article, I would like to write from the heart. If you ask any educator why they became interested in education, they will likely tell you it’s because they enjoy kids and making a difference in their lives.  Educators are some of the biggest-hearted and dedicated people I know.  Over the last six and a half years in this position, I have seen many great changes that have impacted the staff and students across the large area we support. 

Professional development for school staff

Our professional development offerings for educators and administrators at our local schools have increased both in the number of offerings and the quality of what is being presented.  This training supports our educators and gives them more tools to make a positive impact on students in the classrooms. If you want to see the list of offerings provided by the ISD, go to www.coorisd.net  and click on the icon that says COOR ISD 2024-25 Professional Learning.  

Career and Technical Education programs

As you may know, COOR ISD recently enhanced our CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs by constructing a new center attached to the Roscommon Middle School. The state of Michigan paid 2.5 million dollars for the addition, which our students named the COOR Advanced Technical Innovation Center (CATIC). COOR ISD has provided skilled trades training since the mid-1970s and we are proud of our current programming and credential-earning opportunities.   Students can earn college credit up to an Associate’s degree at no cost. CATIC has an agreement with both Kirtland Community College and Ferris State University.  Go to www.coorisd.net and click on Educational Services and Programs, then Career and Technical Education. All of the courses and the offered college credits are listed on each program page. 

Renovation of our historical buildings

One of our newest projects involves renovating the COOR Educational Center and ROOC, Inc. building.  This building houses programs for both students and adults with special needs from all the counties we serve.  One main reason for the renovation is to update infrastructure, such as doors and windows. There is also a need for more classroom space, which can be created from a large space that is not currently being fully utilized.  The plan is to borrow funds for the project and pay for it over the next several years through the Special Education budget without asking for additional funding from taxpayers.  We have also applied for a State of Michigan grant to potentially assist with the costs, and we are eagerly waiting to hear if it is approved.

As the winter months settle in, we continue our daily goal of improving the educational experience of students in our region.  Our strategic planning session with community members was delayed due to the last snowstorm, but it has been rescheduled for January.  Looking ahead, we start the new year with a refreshed vision formed by a committee of those we serve. You can see updates on our goals and learn more about our services at www.coorisd.net or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/coorisd/. If you have questions, please call me. 

I hope you will enjoy memorable times with family and friends over the holiday season. 

Shawn Petri, Superintendent
December 2024

Bringing Educators Together with Regional Professional Learning Events

Do you remember what you did on November 1st? Many of our local educators certainly will—hopefully as a fascinating and inspiring day.

Over five hundred teachers, administrators, and support staff from our local school district came together for specialized training on November 1st. This event, coordinated by C.O.O.R. ISD, brought together seven school districts and public school academies for a day focused on professional development. Teachers, administrators, and other certified staff gathered at Grayling High School, where they engaged with three motivational keynote speakers and attended breakout sessions tailored to a wide array of professional interests and needs. Meanwhile, support staff received dedicated training at Houghton Lake Junior/Senior High School.

Some remarkable synergy was evident at Grayling High School as educators networked, shared insights, and found renewed inspiration. The theme of the COOR-Wide Professional Learning Day was “The Art of Education,” with an agenda designed to inspire, educate, and support meaningful professional growth and collaboration.

The first keynote speaker, Kim Strobel, is an internationally recognized motivational speaker for educators, school leaders, and organizations. She shared how happiness can profoundly impact well-being and student achievement, referencing insights from her recent book, Teach Happy: Small Strategies for Big Joy. She encouraged focusing on “radical wellness” because thoughts, actions, and behaviors determine 40% of our long-term happiness. When your brain is out of stress, in "happy mode," you are 30% more productive and a better problem-solver.

Justin Bruno of Michigan Virtual University introduced attendees to "Artificial Intelligence 101: Understanding Its Role in Our Lives and Classrooms." This session provided a comprehensive overview of AI’s landscape and transformative potential across industries with an emphasis on its implications for education.

Finally, Rodney Page, an educator and musician, closed the day with an uplifting musical presentation. A former teacher in the East Lansing and St. John’s Public School Districts, Rodney is a classically trained musician who mixes classical music with contemporary hits. He encouraged his audience to harness their unique skills and talents, using music as a powerful medium to inspire and energize the crowd.

Simultaneously, Paraprofessionals and Independence Facilitators from across C.O.O.R. ISD attended tailored training at Houghton Lake Junior/Senior High School. Maria Peak from Aspire in Lansing delivered a session focused on practical strategies for fostering student independence. Topics included techniques for analyzing tasks to provide effective support, methods for gradually reducing assistance, and a moving story about Mathew, a young man with autism who is now employed in competitive, integrated work. Mathew’s journey illustrated the significant impact of supportive educational and employment experiences on personal growth.

We hope every participant had the opportunity to enhance their skills and connect with colleagues, and that the insights gained will positively impact their work throughout the school year.

Finally, a special thank you goes to our Instructional Leadership and Special Education teams for organizing this fantastic day of learning and inspiration.

-Shawn Petri, Superintendent
November 2024


Mental Health and Behavioral Health Supports for our Students

This month for our C.O.O.R. Corner, we would like to highlight what is happening in our schools to assist students with their mental health.  As you know, mental health is an issue for all ages.  As adults, we often find ourselves feeling stressed out. This is increasingly the case for kids, too.  When they are worried about struggles in their life, students can’t focus on learning or school assignments. We assist students so they can focus on learning, which is the path toward future success. The following is an overview of what C.O.O.R. ISD is doing in local schools to provide mental, emotional, social, and behavioral health services.

Our Behavioral Health Coordinator, Michelle Culton-Ekstrom, has built a team of providers, called Whole Child Specialists, in each of our local school districts and public school academies. These specialists are trained in mental, emotional, social, and behavioral health as well as having Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. They work with students to share ways to manage their emotional and behavioral health, allowing for increased academic focus. Sessions may consist of individual or group interactions. Our Specialists emphasize building relationships, trust, and connection with their peers and teachers.

Why do we need to support students in this way? Students may be experiencing a family loss, difficulties with friends, temporary emotional issues, or managing ongoing trauma experiences. The goal of the Specialist is to provide support and encouragement to students at school during school hours. 

Our team also includes Christina Pudvan, a Student Engagement Coach who works with teachers at our local schools.  She gives teachers tools and strategies to use in their classrooms to increase student connection and success.

Whether a student is dealing with a temporary challenge or a more complex issue, our program aims to offer compassionate, accessible support right within the school day. C.O.O.R. ISD appreciates the collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and state funding for these specialists.  Services are offered at no cost to students in kindergarten through grade twelve.  Students may be referred by school staff, self-referred, or by parents/guardians. 

To learn more about emotional health and mental well-being services within your district, contact your school’s  Whole Child Specialist directly through the school’s office. You may also reach out to our Behavioral Health Coordinator, Michelle Culton-Ekstrom at:  culton-ekstromm@coorisd.net

We are very proud of this service we provide through C.O.O.R. ISD. You can learn more about each of our departments at www.coorisd.net and you can find us on Facebook. If you have questions, please call me. 

Shawn Petri, Superintendent
October 2024


Early On - supporting local families, infants, and young children

It’s back-to-school time for many children, but the education journey of our youngest students can start right at home.

A baby's brain grows and changes dramatically during the first three years of life.  It is important to watch for milestones of development.  (Are they rolling over, crawling, babbling, responding to your voice?) Sometimes a child is meeting milestones later than expected. That’s where the C.O.O.R. ISD Early On team can help.  

Our Early On team helps families of infants and toddlers from birth up to 3 years old who have developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities, or medical conditions that place them at risk for delays.  Early On partners with families, using their daily routines to work on supporting the growth and development of their babies and toddlers.  There is no cost to the families for these services. Early On services are usually provided right at home.  Our Early Interventionists include Occupational and Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, Home Visitors, and other services, but the primary teacher is always the child’s parent or guardian.  They know the child the best and can make the interventions really work within the child’s interests and routines throughout each day. 

Parents who have questions or concerns about their child can request a developmental assessment by calling 1-800-EARLY-ON or go to www.miearlychildhood.org and select your county.  Michele Cochrane or another Early On home visitor will make contact to schedule the initial appointment.  Parents can also complete a developmental screening on their own by going to the C.O.O.R. ISD website www.coorisd.net/ and clicking on the blue box labeled Ages and Stages.  

Children who need support after turning three are referred to their local school district’s Special Education services.  Similar to Early On, these supports include Occupational and Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, and other services in the Preschool and K-12 setting.

This month, we focused on what our Early On staff do for students even before they are in the classroom.  We are proud of Michele Cochrane and her team who work alongside parents and young children in the comfort of their homes. If you have any questions, I encourage you to please reach out to me. 

Shawn Petri, Superintendent 
September 2024


A Few of our Current Initiatives

Greetings residents of Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, and Roscommon counties.  My name is Shawn Petri and I am entering my seventh year as Superintendent of the C.O.O.R. ISD (Intermediate School District). In this month's newsletter, we want to share how the C.O.O.R. ISD serves local school districts, educators, students, families, and - ultimately - the community within our geographic service area.

Michigan’s ISDs were formed in 1962 by Public Act 190 and they act as a link between the Michigan Department of Education and local districts. There are currently 56 such entities. C.O.O.R. ISD provides support to the local districts in the following ways:

  • Provide accounting and auditing of student numbers for each district
  • Help to relieve individual school districts of the responsibility of operating individual special education programs
  • Provide services and support for our local districts to help ensure that state and federal regulations are followed  
  • Provide services collectively across district boundaries that the local districts would have a hard time providing independently. These services include special education services, early childhood (Early On, Great Start Readiness Program), instructional services, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and ROOC (support for adults with disabilities)
  • The revenue we receive through millages, federal funds, state funds, and grant funds are used to offset the costs of these services to our districts. 

This month I would like to highlight a few of the supports the ISD provides: Special Education Transportation, Professional Development offerings, and CTE.

Special Education Transportation  

Many of you may have seen a C.O.O.R. ISD bus at one time or another within your community.  Our buses cover over 2,600 square miles throughout four counties every day. These buses pick up students who attend the C.O.O.R. Educational Center (CEC), our ISD center-based program for students with special needs. The CEC supports students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments whose needs cannot be met at their local district. Enrollment at the center is determined by each child’s Individual Education Plan team.  

Professional Development Opportunities

Many do not know that, as an ISD, we provide robust professional learning opportunities for our local districts at all levels. We assist teachers, administrators, and other staff in growing their skill sets which ultimately benefit all students.  If you go to our website at www.coorisd.net, you will see a link to our Professional Learning catalog on the main page. For the 24-25 school year, we are offering over 40 professional learning opportunities, covering topics in K-5 Literacy, Instructional Leadership, Social/Emotional Behavioral Health, Special Education, and Instructional Practices. Our team also provides training for Early Childhood providers and Great Start Readiness through another online database. I welcome you to take a look at the catalog and see the depth of what is offered.

Career and Technical Education

One of the well-known terms nationwide is CTE (Career and Technical Education). Did you know that C.O.O.R. ISD has offered CTE since the early 70’s?  We were first housed at the old  Kirtland Community College campus because they serve the same communities. We rented space there until Kirtland began moving their campus to its current location.  Our CTE program then transitioned to local schools.  A welding lab was installed at the Houghton Lake Junior/Senior High School. A Recreational Engines class was taught at Mio AuSable Schools.  We moved Cosmetology, Automotive, Medical Occupations, and Public Safety to one wing of Roscommon Middle School.  We received a 2.5 million dollar grant to construct needed labs and other educational space at this location.  The newly renovated space was renamed the C.O.O.R. Advanced Technical Innovation Center (CATIC).  

Students attending the CATIC can receive skills training in: 

  • Automotive
  • Business 
  • Marketing 
  • Cosmetology
  • Public Safety 
  • Medical Occupations
  • Teacher Academy 
  • Welding

Next year, we will have Construction Trades onsite as well.  All of the programs offer free college credit to the students!  Also, if they enroll in the Early Middle College program, students can even receive their Associate's or a certification in their field at no cost.  Our student enrollment has grown to around 300 students from across the ISD.  Currently, there is no CTE millage for programming; the revenue to provide programming is provided mostly by local district tuition per student along with some federal and state funding.   

You can find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/coorisd/. If you have questions, please call me. 

Shawn Petri, Superintendent
August 2024

An overview of our Intermediate School District

Greetings residents of Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, and Roscommon counties.  My name is Shawn Petri and I am Superintendent of the C.O.O.R. ISD (Intermediate School District). I have worked in the field of education for 29 years.  I started my career teaching Machining and Welding at West Branch/ Rose City Schools for 15 years, then moved into administration for 7 years at Tuscola ISD as a CTE (Career Technology Education) Director/ Assistant Superintendent. I’m currently serving as the Superintendent of COOR ISD entering my 7th year.

I am happy to announce we will be starting this C.O.O.R. ISD Corner to better connect with all of the residents in this ISD and begin to share what services we provide to the districts.

For those that don’t know what an ISD does and how they are affiliated with your local district, here is our reason for existence since 1964. 

  • We provide services and support for our local school districts and help ensure state and federal regulations are followed.  
  • We’re able to provide services collectively across the ISD boundaries that local districts would have a hard time providing for students who need them. 
  • The revenue we receive through Millages, Federal, State or Grants are used to fund these services provided to the districts. 
  • The following are departments we have as an ISD: Special Education/Early On, GSRP/Early Childhood, Instructional Services, Career Tech Education (CTE), and ROOC (providing community living supports and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.) Currently, C.O.O.R. ISD provides services from birth through all the stages of life.

I will be submitting updates from our amazing team on a monthly basis so you can learn more about the wonderful things we are doing for the local staff and students. It takes many dedicated people to provide all the services we offer.  

You can learn more about each of our departments at www.coorisd.net and find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/coorisd/. If you have questions, please call me. 

Shawn Petri, Superintendent
July 2024