Orchard View Schools

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Orchard View Schools is located in Muskegon Township, just a few short miles east from the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan. The Muskegon River flows thru the northern corner, making our community a desired location for families of all different diversities. Our qualified and dedicated staff serviced over 2,800 students enrolled in our K-12 programs, along with Orchard View Community Services reaching out to over 10,000 individuals in the community with education, leisure, resources and offering a community connection. Orchard View Schools believes in servicing the family as a whole. We provide an environment that promotes problem solving, critical thinking, and encouragement for all to reach their full potential.

Happy New Year to all parents, students, staff and members of the Orchard View community!

Soon we will be starting our second semester at Orchard View Early Elementary, Orchard View Cardinal Elementary and Orchard View Middle School. Orchard View High School students and staff are already into the second trimester. OV staff has been busy implementing new initiatives and finding ways to be resourceful during this time of financial difficulty. Our District received the ‘Breakfast Challenge Award’ from the Michigan Department of Education for increasing the number of children receiving breakfast. Research shows children are more attentive, on task, and have less behavior problems when they have eaten breakfast. Students in Orchard View Early Elementary, Cardinal Elementary and OVMS are enjoying a breakfast at no cost, and are in class ready to learn.

Hopefully you have had a chance to visit our new and improved website. We now have several helpful links on the home page, including an option to follow us on “Twitter”. Twitter provides you with emergency updates and information on school events. We have also posted an OV Webcast with a message from me and an overview of the district’s curriculum and financial information. Parents throughout the district often comment on how helpful the Parent Grade Viewer is in keeping them informed on their child’s progress.

As many of you are aware, the State of Michigan is experiencing one of the worst economic downturns in over a decade. Public education as well as a number of area services has fallen victim to mid-year funding reductions. Public schools receive over 90% of their operating funds from the State. Our Governor anticipates budget shortfalls to increase in 2010. The Governor will hold a ‘Revenue Sharing Conference’ in late January to reveal the financial shortfalls for the State of Michigan. It is very likely public schools will see another mid-year reduction after this conference.

As you can expect, responding to mid-year budget reductions is very challenging. The district is committed to seeking input from staff, parents and community members as to how we can best meet the needs of our students within these budget constraints. In an effort to keep you informed, you are invited to attend an “OV Community Informational Session” to review Michigan's School Funding Crisis and how this may impact our school community. This session will be held on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Community Room. No reservations are required. We look forward to having you attend.

On behalf of Orchard View Schools, I wish you a safe and successful 2010!

Yours in Education,
Patricia Walstra