Reaching Out and Changing Lives
by Isabel Blake Evans, Executive Director of Secondary and Community Education, Muskegon Public Schools
Muskegon Community Education, a division of Muskegon Public Schools, is committed to providing a non-traditional school experience of the highest quality that prepares students with skills and knowledge to accomplish their post secondary goals.
Our motto is "reaching out and changing lives" and we accomplish that by offering a variety of high quality, year round programs for students of all ages.
As a full service program, Muskegon Community Education offers:
- Early Childhood Programs -- HEAD START and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
- Muskegon Alternative HS -- A Credit Recovery focus with full access to Muskegon Area Career Tech Classes
- GED preparation classes and GED testing services
- Adult High School Completion Classes
- English as a Second Language Classes
- After School programs in both our elementary and secondary buildings
- KidsWorld Childcare for children six months of age and older
In addition we are home to the student run M106 FM "Rock n Soul" Radio Station. This is the only FCC licensed high school radio station in Western Michigan. It provides students a wonderful opportunity for hands on learning experiences in all aspects of broadcasting.
"You are the one that can stretch your own horizon" and Muskegon Community Education staff is here to help you. To become part of the Muskegon Community Education Family, for further information and/or to talk to a staff member about your educational needs contact us at (231) 720-2530.
Steeped in the rich traditions of Muskegon Public Schools, you can learn more about Muskegon Community Education at muskegonpublicschools.org or visit 571 Apple Ave.
Education Savings
by Sherry Albertie Becker, Waddell and Reed
Childhood, as we all know, is a time to be cherished. Care-free afternoons at the park and the pool. Playing with friends. Celebrating birthdays.
It's also a time of learning, as in learning to walk, learning the alphabet and learning to ride a bike. And before long, those early and simpler lessons give way to the more complex, as in solving mathematical equations, conducting science experiments and writing compositions.
As much as we may not want to admit it, the innocence of our children's youth passes much too quickly, and as parents it's never too soon for us to help them prepare for their future -- especially when it comes to saving for their education. A few of your savings options are introduced here:
UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act)
- A custodial account that allows you to transfer or gift assets to a minor without setting up a trust.
- The custodian can make withdrawals from the account for any purpose, and isn't limited in using the funds.
- Friends and family may contribute (up to $13,000 a person each year free of gift tax) to the child's account.
Coverdell Education Savings Account
- Coverdell ESAs allow you to invest $2,000 per year, per child up to age 18, to save for educational expenses.
- Other family members can set up Coverdell ESAs in your child's name.
- The funds may be used to cover costs associated with attending elementary or secondary school, be it public, private or religious. Covered costs include uniforms, computers and transportation.
Section 529 College Savings Plan
- There are no income restrictions on the account owner, and you -- and anyone else -- may contribute regularly in any amount you choose until a maximum balance per beneficiary is reached.
- With the annual $13,000 gift tax exclusion (or $26,000 in the case of a married couple) relatives or friends can donate substantial amounts to your 529 account without incurring any gift tax.
- Earnings and qualified withdrawals on your account are federal income tax-deferred, enabling your money to potentially increase faster than a comparable taxable account. State and local taxes may apply.
Please remember that the investments inside of these savings options involve risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with 529 plans carefully before investing. More information about 529 plans is available in the issuers official statement, which should be read carefully before investing.
The availability of tax or other benefits may be conditioned on meeting certain requirements.