Student Services
Student Services
Student Services connects students and families with programs that support academic success, school participation, and overall well-being. Whether a student is learning English, experiencing housing instability, or receiving additional academic support through Title I, Sturgis Public Schools is here to help families find the resources they need.
Office of Multilingual Learners
Helping students build language skills and succeed in school.
McKinney-Vento Support
Supporting students and families experiencing housing instability.
Title 1 Services
Providing additional academic support for students who qualify.
Office of Multilingual Learners
The Office of Multilingual Learners ensures academic achievement for all Multilingual Learners by promoting English language proficiency through rigorous instruction that integrates both content and language learning and by valuing our students’' rich language and cultural backgrounds.
Sturgis Public Schools serve families representing different languages and cultures. Data representing the diverse Multilingual Learner population within our district demonstrates the demand for needed services and resources to the diverse students we serve.
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English Language Development (ELD) is specialized instruction that helps students whose primary language is not English build the skills they need to communicate and learn in English. Students receive support in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while continuing to learn grade-level academic content. The goal is to help every multilingual learner become confident and successful in the classroom.
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Students receive English language instruction based on their individual language proficiency and educational needs.
- Designated ELD provides dedicated English language instruction during a scheduled portion of the school day. Students work with an English language specialist in a small group or other instructional setting to strengthen their language skills.
- Integrated ELD takes place throughout the regular school day. Classroom teachers intentionally incorporate language supports into daily lessons so multilingual learners continue developing English while participating in grade-level instruction alongside their peers.
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English Language Development (ELD) focuses on helping students build the language skills they need to succeed in school and everyday life. Instruction includes:
- Listening and understanding spoken English
- Speaking and communicating with confidence
- Reading a variety of texts
- Writing for different purposes
- Building academic vocabulary
- Developing study and learning strategies
- Using English in classroom discussions and activities
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English Language Development (ELD) services are available throughout Sturgis Public Schools at:
- Congress Elementary School (Grades K–2)
- Wall Elementary School (Grades K–2)
- Wenzel Elementary School (Grades K–2)
- Eastwood Elementary School (Grades 3–5)
- Sturgis Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- Sturgis High School (Grades 9–12)
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The Multilingual Learner Handbook provides detailed information about eligibility, English language services, student assessment, family rights, program expectations, and additional resources available to families.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act & Support
The mission of Sturgis Public Schools Homeless Liaison is to assist Sturgis students experiencing homelessness through direct support and advocacy. The primary objective is to remove educational barriers to help ensure students engage successfully in school and school related activities, as well as eliminate any barriers that will hinder social, emotional, and academic growth.
Contact Homeless Services
Call: 269-659-1524 or email Ben Critz.
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The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The law ensures students can enroll in school, attend regularly, and receive the support they need to succeed, regardless of their living situation.
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Students may qualify if they do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include families or students who are:
- Living in a shelter or transitional housing program
- Staying in a motel or hotel because they have nowhere else to live
- Living temporarily with friends or relatives due to the loss of housing or financial hardship
- Living in cars, parks, campgrounds, abandoned buildings, or other places not intended for regular housing
- Unaccompanied youth living without a parent or legal guardian
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies, please contact Ben Critz with Homeless Services. We are happy to help determine eligibility.
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Eligible students may receive support that helps them remain engaged in school, including:
- Immediate school enrollment
- Transportation assistance
- School supplies
- Clothing or uniforms, when needed
- Hygiene items
- Assistance accessing school meals
- Referrals to community resources and local support agencies
Services are provided based on each student's individual needs.
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Yes. Whenever it is in the student's best interest, children experiencing homelessness have the right to remain in their school of origin, even if they move outside the school's attendance area.
Sturgis Public Schools works with families to determine the best educational placement while prioritizing school stability whenever possible.
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Your child can be enrolled immediately, even if you do not have documents such as:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residency
- Immunization records
- School records
SPS staff will work with you to obtain any necessary documentation after enrollment so your child's education is not interrupted.
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If you believe your family may qualify for McKinney-Vento services, please contact the district's McKinney-Vento Liaison. All conversations are handled respectfully and confidentially, and our goal is to connect your family with the support and resources you need.
Contact the McKinney-Vento Liaison by calling 269-659-1524 or email Ben Critz.
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Call 211 for Emergency Shelter
St. Joseph County - Department of Health and Human Services - 269-467-1200
St. Joseph County Fresh Food Distributions
St. Joseph County Human Services Commission
692 E Main St.
Centreville, MI 49032
Email: stjosephcountyhsc@gmail.com
108 W Main St
Centreville, MI 49032
Phone: (269) 309-0358
62527 Shimmel Rd.
Centreville, MI 49032
220 S Main Street
Three Rivers, MI 49093
Phone: (269) 858-5583
United Community Assistance Program (U.C.A.P.)
320 N. Main Street
Three Rivers, MI 49093
Phone: (269) 244-4599
Email: ucap320@gmail.com
Stone Cottage Free Store
Phone: (269) 535-2786
(Located on the corner of Bennett and West streets in Three Rivers, MI)
Shelters
(269) 467-7078
505 E Market St., Centreville, MI, 49032
Homeless Outreach Practiced Everyday (HOPE)
215 N Main St., Three Rivers, MI 49093
(269) 718-8779
Counseling/Mental Health
Crisis Line 24/7 1-800-622-3967
1555 E Chicago Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091
Center For Health & Wellness
(269) 659-8474
345 Vinewood Ave, Sturgis, MI 49091
Title 1 Services
The Title I program gives federal funding to school districts for supplemental instruction for students who qualify. Title I funding is used to offer support services to students who need extra time and instruction to master grade level curriculum. Title I schools are identified through a state formula each year that is based on the number of students from economically disadvantaged homes. Congress, Wenzel, Wall, Eastwood, and Sturgis Middle School all have Schoolwide Title I programs.
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Title I is a federal education program designed to help students who need additional academic support. The program provides resources and services that help students strengthen their skills and succeed in school.
Title I funding also supports professional learning for educators and encourages strong partnerships between schools and families.
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Title I services are based on each student's individual academic needs. Eligible students may receive additional instruction or intervention in:
- Reading and language arts
- Mathematics
- Both reading and mathematics, when appropriate
Support may be provided for a short period of time or throughout the school year, depending on each student's progress and needs.
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Students are identified using multiple sources of information, including:
- Classroom performance
- Teacher recommendations
- Standardized assessment results
- Classroom assessments
If your child qualifies for Title I support, you will receive a letter from the school explaining the services that will be provided.
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Parents and guardians are an important part of every child's education. Working together, families and schools can help students build confidence and achieve their academic goals.
You can support your child's learning by:
- Reading with your child every day
- Listening to your child read
- Attending parent-teacher conferences
- Participating in your school's open house
- Volunteering for field trips and classroom activities
- Attending school events and family engagement opportunities
- Joining your school's Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) or parent organization
If you need a translator for conferences or school meetings, translation services are available upon request.
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Parents have important rights and opportunities to participate in the Title I program. Additional information is available through the district's Title I resources, including:
- Parent and Family Engagement Policy
- School-Parent Compact
- Parent Right-to-Know Information
- Sturgis Board Policy for Title I Services
These documents explain how families and schools work together to support student success.