Community Education

Ionia Community Education, headquartered in the new Douglas R. Welch Community Education Center on Harrison Street, helps Ionia Public Schools accomplish its mission to educate all students by offering a non-traditional setting.  The goal of Welch High School is to help students attain graduation and employability and to prevent students from dropping out.

Jack Manciu is the principal at Welch High School and can be reached at  527-3530.

Young People's Theatre, an award winning dramatic program for children ages 4 to 14, is a school-sponsored activity for youth. Annually, a delightful March production is presented by a cast of 100 or more in Watt Auditorium.

A program for young children, known as Early Fours, is offered free to qualifying students at the Marge Melchert Child Development Center on Tuttle Road. Transportation is provided.  For information, call 527-9610.

Golden Passes, which permit seniors age 55 and above to attend school activities free, are issued to district residents through Community Education or at Central Office.

Communication with the community includes The School Report, a monthly newsletter distributed to residents of the district, brochures, and programs which foster 2-way communication with the public. The district maintains its web site, www.Dawggle.net, which includes Parent Interent Viewer access. Board briefs are published after each meeting. The annual Community Dinner, designed to display student talent in art, vocal music, instrumental music and service, is another avenue for the public to see and hear what students in grades K-12 are achieving.

Ionia Public Schools welcomes community input and involvement at all times.