Onekama Consolidated Schools
2009-10 Annual Report

                 This past year has been very busy around the campus at Onekama Schools.  The students, faculty, and parents had a very productive year while working around a massive construction project.  We transitioned into the renovated building on September 8, 2008 and students and staff were introduced to 21st Century classrooms with Interactive smart boards that project computer screens, CD’s, video, and television feeds.   Our staff were trained to incorporate this technology into their curriculum allowing students to use the many laptop and desktop computers to produce projects and reports that prepare our students for the digital world.

Again, our students, when tested, scored in the top 5% in the state as measured by the Michigan MEAP.  On national standardized Iowa Test of Basic Skills  given to our 1st—8th graders, the students ranked above or at grade level equivalent or exceeding their peers across the country.  We graduated the highest percentage 93.5% of all the schools in Manistee County.   The calculated graduation rate is based on a four-year cohort tracking all students that enter ninth grade through completion of twelfth grade within a four year time frame.  Of our 30 graduates this year, 27 will be attending a college or university, one will be entering the military, one has been accepted in the Seafarers International Union, and one  has full-time employment in a trained trade.  One of the graduates this year scored high enough on the SAT that she will be attending Harvard University next fall with a full ride scholarship.

We continue  to “reach out” to neighboring districts and have found ways that we can add programming for Onekama students through cooperation.  During the past year our students participated in a full scale musical production of the “Wizard of Oz”.  We were able to offer additional community education opportunities through cooperation with the Manistee County Community Education program.  Also, we continue to save valuable resources by cooperating in the  Manistee County Business Cooperative.  The business coop handles grant implementation, payroll, accounts payables, and budgeting for Bear Lake, Onekama, Kaleva Norman Dickson, Casman, and the Manistee Intermediate School Districts. 

Our students participated in cooperative sports with Bear Lake High School (cross country, track, football, and baseball), Brethren High School (skiing), and Manistee High School (wrestling).  This past spring the newest cooperative team was formed between Onekama and Bear Lake for baseball, which allowed us to pool our resources to ensure baseball players from both schools the chance to compete.

The academic and athletic agreements allow expanded opportunity for Onekama students and also allowed them to receive the excellent education that a small school like Onekama can offer.

The recent expansion of the baseball and softball fields and the development of the practice football field below the school hill have facilitated the use by the MRA (Manistee Recreation Association) and Manistee County Little League.  This spring and summer youth soccer and t-ball, girl’s softball and boy’s baseball summer leagues are using the fields on a daily basis during June and July.

We are in full construction mode and the new gymnasium, cardiovascular center, art studio, daycare rooms, cafetorium, band room, weight room, and performing stage are slated to be ready in late fall.  These new state-of-the-art rooms will allow both the students and community to have expanded opportunities in the arts, performing arts, nutrition, and physical fitness.  When opened, I hope both the students and community utilize the facilities to enhance the quality of life in the Onekama Consolidated School District community.

 Kevin P. Hughes, Superintendent    

Watch for updates on our new facilities—

Stay up-to-date with the construction progress and find out what’s going on at school
by visiting our website at www.onekama.k12.mi.us