Saginaw ISD is proud to announce that six exceptional educators from the Transitions Center School have been nominated for the Mid-Michigan NOW Golden Apple Award, an honor sponsored by The Lee Steinberg Law Firm. This community-driven award invites local K–12 teachers to be nominated through January 31st, with all nominees featured in February for public voting. The winner will be recognized throughout March on FOX66, NBC25, and CW46. The nominated educators—Alexandra Hawkins, Lindsey Jakes, Kristi Kowalski, Melissa McCommon, Dan Palmer, and Jennifer Spurling—have each demonstrated a remarkable commitment to nurturing the independence and success of students with exceptionalities.
The Transitions Center School empowers its students to make informed, adult decisions by providing a robust curriculum that includes the innovative Secondary Opportunities for Adult Readiness (SOAR) program and Work Based Learning Program. SOAR, designed for students aged 18–26 with disabilities, offers educational instruction, community-based learning, and hands-on experiences to develop essential life skills—from vocational training and social skills to independent living and mobility. In addition, SOAR provides work-based learning initiatives that cover a wide range of practical areas such as basic work skills, job search techniques, and interpersonal skills, all of which are integral to preparing students for a successful, independent future. The Work Based Learning Program, designated for Saginaw County high school Juniors and Seniors with a disability, provides community-based work skills training opportunities through partnerships with local businesses.
“I am incredibly proud of our team,” said Principal Brigette Uhrich. “Their dedication, innovation, and 110 years of combined service are a testament to the transformative education we provide here at the Transitions Center. Every day, these outstanding teachers empower our students to build meaningful lives, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive both personally and professionally.” As nominations continue and the community casts their votes, Saginaw ISD celebrates these educators whose hard work and passion make a lasting impact on the lives of their students.
We invite you to join in celebrating these outstanding educators by casting your vote! Your support not only honors their exceptional contributions to our community but also reinforces the commitment to innovative education at the Transitions Center. Please take a moment to visit this link and cast your vote before February 28th.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, five public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
MEDIA CONTACT
Coty Kuschinsky - Saginaw ISD Chief of Staff and Communications Supervisor