On Thursday, September 19, Riverview Elementary welcomed Dr. Corinne Edwards, Director of Educational Supports at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), for a special visit. Dr. Edwards spent the day connecting with students and staff, reading her favorite book, Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss to several classrooms, inspiring students to think about their future paths and aspirations.
Dr. Edwards also learned about Big Rapids Public Schools' new district-wide CARDS character initiative, which focuses on instilling core values like compassion, accountability, responsibility, and determination. Students proudly shared how they are incorporating these values into their everyday school life, showcasing the district’s commitment to personal growth alongside academic achievement.
In her role as Director of Educational Supports, Dr. Edwards oversees efforts to accelerate student achievement and close achievement gaps for the most at-risk students. The Office of Educational Supports (OES), part of the MDE’s Division of Educator, Student, and School Supports (DESSS), provides assistance to local education agencies and Public School Academies (PSAs), helping them implement programs funded by federal or state initiatives. The OES also supports MDE policy development on key areas such as equitable education, school turnaround strategies, and tools for improving instructional practices.
“We were honored to have Dr. Edwards visit our school and interact with our students,” said Principal Renee Kent. “Her insights and dedication to educational equity and student success align with the values we emphasize through the CARDS initiative. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the impact of their efforts on a broader scale.”
Dr. Edwards’ visit is just one of the many highlights this year at Riverview Elementary as the school continues to foster academic excellence and strong character development. Stay tuned for more about her visit in The Pioneer soon!
For more information about the Office of Educational Supports, visit MDE OES Website.
