Once an educator who was counting down the days to retirement, Lisa discovered her reinvigorated passion for education over a cup of coffee with a few individuals who were seeking a leader for Renaissance. After an honest discussion about what she felt the community needed (since Mt. Pleasant has a robust traditional school district), she hit the ground running nearly eight years ago, and embarked on a journey to reimagine education at her school. Renaissance champions the innovative model of Project Based Learning (PBL), which at its core is about translating the learning concepts expected at each grade level into tangible challenges that students are excited to solve, in a way that helps them see that the skills they build today are applicable and valuable in the real world. Lisa now strives to continue pushing the boundaries of inquiry and instruction, and hopes that more and more educators can find new, unique ways to think outside the box, to ultimately impact kids.
I am proud to be a charter educator because of the opportunity that I believe I have through my role at Renaissance - a chance to make a difference. Education has become this field that is bound by so many rules, and sometimes those rules just don’t make sense and don’t trust us as educators to be innovative while also successfully educating kids. I have a phenomenal team and support system at my school, who share my vision.
Every day that we’ve been doing this, I have been so grateful for the relationships that we already had in place with our students. If those had not been there, if we had not known our kids and families, and they hadn’t known us, I don’t know where we’d be right now. For some kids, home life is safe and great - and distance learning is just a new experience for them. But for some kids, our school was the safest place they knew - but because of our relationships, because of those bonds, we are able to support ALL our kids - and that matters now more than ever.
Families are regularly invited into the school for students to share their learning and celebrate accomplishing their self directed goals.
These two raised chicks in the furnace room behind their classroom one winter then donated them to a farm.
Our Trailblazer students attended a three day, two night adventure camp in the fall of 2019.
All students in K-8th are in SQUADS once a week. A SQUAD is a team of 8-10 students from across all grade levels who come together weekly simply to have fun and build connections with others. Every single staff member at RPSA has a SQUAD.
We take our 8th graders to Mackinac Island overnight each year to celebrate successfully completing their journey at Renaissance. We have lunch at the Grand Hotel and enjoy games on the lawn.
Our grant recipients with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council in their chambers at the grant award ceremony.
Even our kindergarteners are given choice in the clubs they can attend. This is a group of kindergartens who chose ballet club and performed in front of close to 100 guests.
A picture from our annual "Book-Nic" all school, all families lunch during reading month. Families bring lunches and picnic throughout the school while reading with one another. We had over 600 people in attendance for our last event.
In the fall of 2020 we will move into our new addition with over 9500 square feet which will allow for greater exploration and space for larger projects in addition to a presentation space for Learning Celebrations and student demonstrations.
WORLD WATER DAY, 2019 - The World Water Day event was hosted at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort with close to 400 people in attendance. This was the Trailblazer teams group photo afterwards.
Our students in grades 5th-8th can participate in instrumental band. This year we had close to 80 students in both bands.
<< LEFT
Check out this collection of photos, submitted by Lisa, and get a peek into her life as an Admin!
RIGHT >>
Hear from Renaissance PSA parent, Regina Weare (who nominated Lisa), why she is deserving of the 2020 AOY Award!
Michigan's Charter School Association
123 W Allegan, Ste 750
Lansing, MI 48933
Ph: (517) 374-9167