The St. Charles Elementary 6th graders are learning about Africa in geography class and reading about the amazing William Kamkwamba, from Malawi, Africa.
William used bicycle parts, materials from the junkyard, and Gum trees to create a working turbine that produced electricity for his family. He then built additional wind turbines and a water pump that supplied drinking water to his village.
After discussing William's perseverance and ingenuity, the students were challenged with building their own working windmills from a bag of supplies today. They had to create a windmill and then use a fan to see if it worked. If it didn't work, the students had to brainstorm why and make some changes. The students worked hard, cooperated with one another, and demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills.
William used bicycle parts, materials from the junkyard, and Gum trees to create a working turbine that produced electricity for his family. He then built additional wind turbines and a water pump that supplied drinking water to his village.
After discussing William's perseverance and ingenuity, the students were challenged with building their own working windmills from a bag of supplies today. They had to create a windmill and then use a fan to see if it worked. If it didn't work, the students had to brainstorm why and make some changes. The students worked hard, cooperated with one another, and demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills.
Hello! My name is Pete Brissette, and I am excited to be the new fifth-grade teacher at St. Charles Elementary.
Over the past few years, I have worked as a substitute teacher in the district and have also enjoyed coaching youth football and baseball. While attending Saginaw Valley State University, I completed a full school-year student teaching in a fourth-grade classroom at St. Charles Elementary. It was an incredible experience, and I learned so much. I have since completed my studies and am thrilled to be returning to this school as a full-time teacher. Prior to beginning my second career in education, I spent over 20 years working in manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics management.
I grew up in Standish, Michigan, and graduated from Standish-Sterling Central High School. My wife and I enjoy spoiling our dog, Dany, who will be nine years old this summer. We also love spending time with our many nieces and nephews and cheering them on at their school activities. Outside of school, I enjoy playing golf and attending St. Charles Bulldogs athletic events. I am very grateful for this opportunity and proud to be a Bulldog!
Over the past few years, I have worked as a substitute teacher in the district and have also enjoyed coaching youth football and baseball. While attending Saginaw Valley State University, I completed a full school-year student teaching in a fourth-grade classroom at St. Charles Elementary. It was an incredible experience, and I learned so much. I have since completed my studies and am thrilled to be returning to this school as a full-time teacher. Prior to beginning my second career in education, I spent over 20 years working in manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics management.
I grew up in Standish, Michigan, and graduated from Standish-Sterling Central High School. My wife and I enjoy spoiling our dog, Dany, who will be nine years old this summer. We also love spending time with our many nieces and nephews and cheering them on at their school activities. Outside of school, I enjoy playing golf and attending St. Charles Bulldogs athletic events. I am very grateful for this opportunity and proud to be a Bulldog!
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the St. Charles FFA participated in the district leadership contest. The Junior High Conduct of Meetings Team performed exceptionally well, overcoming public speaking challenges and earning a silver award. Emilee Rohwetter, who delivered the Creed speech, earned a gold award and will represent St. Charles at the regional level.
Congratulations to all of the students who participated.
Congratulations to all of the students who participated.
A message from St. Charles Mental Health Practitioner, Kayla Petz...
Please be advised that this is the final call for donations for the 6th-grade Leadership's Elementary Clothing Drive. Friday, January 30th, will be the last day for accepting donations. Items can be dropped off at the elementary school building. For questions, you can call 989-865-9210.
Please be advised that this is the final call for donations for the 6th-grade Leadership's Elementary Clothing Drive. Friday, January 30th, will be the last day for accepting donations. Items can be dropped off at the elementary school building. For questions, you can call 989-865-9210.
St. Charles Community Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to icy road conditions and below-freezing temperatures.
To celebrate Board of Education Appreciation Month, our elementary students created a vibrant banner that was displayed at the January 21, 2026, meeting in honor of the St. Charles Board of Education.
The St. Charles Board of Education consists of committed, passionate community members who support and guide our district.
On behalf of all staff and students at St. Charles Community Schools, THANK YOU for your dedication and service!
St. Charles Community Schools will be closed on Friday, January 23, 2026, due to extreme sub-zero temperatures expected throughout Thursday night and into the weekend. Childcare will be closed as well.
Please be advised that all afternoon and evening activities for St. Charles Community Schools are canceled for Friday, January 23rd. This includes all practices and games.
Have a great weekend!
Please be advised that all afternoon and evening activities for St. Charles Community Schools are canceled for Friday, January 23rd. This includes all practices and games.
Have a great weekend!
On Friday, January 16, 2026, Mr. Wicke and his St. Charles high school jazz band hit the road to showcase their skills in preparation for their 26th Annual Winter Ball, held on January 17th. One of the stops the band made along the way was at our elementary school. The elementary students were in awe of the talent, and the performance effectively promoted the band program to the younger students in the district. Everyone had a great time during the experience.
Ms. St. John's, St. Charles High School ELA 11th-grade students recently explored the power of persuasion by creating propaganda posters that highlight the positive aspects of our school. This creative project served as a hands-on introduction to Animal Farm by George Orwell, helping students see how language and imagery can influence beliefs. As they begin the novel, students are already thinking critically about how messages shape power and perspectives, as seen in some of their creations.
Reminder...School will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026!
Have a great weekend! School will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026!
The St. Charles Elementary 6th-grade leadership team is hosting a Clothing Drive to help out Elementary students and families! If you are cleaning out closets this month, please consider donating to our school community! Donations will be accepted at the Elementary Building during school hours now until January 30th.
St. Charles Elementary would like to congratulate our 4th-grade class for being the latest winners of the Golden Fork!
Mrs. Decker and Ms. Stimac's classes proved they were the best at following lunchroom expectations and were rewarded with an ice cream party! Let's see if they can hold onto their title or if the golden fork will travel to another class next month!
Mrs. Decker and Ms. Stimac's classes proved they were the best at following lunchroom expectations and were rewarded with an ice cream party! Let's see if they can hold onto their title or if the golden fork will travel to another class next month!
Mrs. Pumford, a teacher at St. Charles Elementary, expressed, "It is such an honor when former students of St. Charles Community Schools, who have a love of reading, donate books back to our schools. Thanks to the Greene family—Ben, Megan, and Jeremy—we look forward to sharing your books with our students!"
St. Charles Elementary students are loving their new winter gear, generously donated to us by The Headband Ladies. Thank you so much to this group that dedicates their time and talent to helping our kiddos stay warm!
Mrs. Pumford's fifth graders at St. Charles Elementary School had a chance to become forensic scientists and explore the many different ways cells look. Elderberry cells look pretty cool!
Mrs. Meier's 6th-grade students at St. Charles Elementary selected a "word of the year" to focus on for 2026. Here are a few of the words they chose, along with pictures of a few students ringing in the new year in style.
St. Charles Middle/High School is a proud recipient of the Michigan FFA Foundation's Glassbrook Grant.
This grant supports hands-on agricultural experiences and resources for students. Thanks to the foundation, students in the St. Charles "Intro to Ag" class tried on their new classroom set of jackets today, marking the first time FFA jackets have been worn by St. Charles students since 1968. The jackets and supplies purchased with this grant will help support our students in their pursuit of leadership and personal growth for many years to come.
Thank you, Michigan FFA Foundation!
This grant supports hands-on agricultural experiences and resources for students. Thanks to the foundation, students in the St. Charles "Intro to Ag" class tried on their new classroom set of jackets today, marking the first time FFA jackets have been worn by St. Charles students since 1968. The jackets and supplies purchased with this grant will help support our students in their pursuit of leadership and personal growth for many years to come.
Thank you, Michigan FFA Foundation!
Reminder!
Happy New Year from St. Charles Community Schools
