When I first heard her speak at the “Bishop’s Breakfast” in 1998, I was stunned by her humble honesty about Emmaus House of Saginaw. At that time, Emmaus House was only a decade old. It was formed out of necessity in a former convent on Fourteenth Street when Sister discovered that inmates leaving the Saginaw County Jail often had nowhere to go but back out onto the streets.

She knew all too well from her jail ministry about recidivism. Sister termed it as “the revolving door.” Inmates would serve their time, be released to the streets, and then run afoul of the law again.

Sister joined forces with Sister Shirley to form Emmaus House to help females being released, to provide safe transitional living for them. The need was tremendous, and soon word spread about the safe haven Emmaus House offered.

The program grew; it became a 501(c)3 nonprofit with by-laws and a volunteer board. Sister Shirley lost a battle with cancer, and Sister Marietta became the driving force of the organization.

Sister Marietta lived at Emmaus House as she led the work. Round the clock, 24/7. In service. My wife Joan and I began to volunteer there in August 2013 when Emmaus was a well-oiled machine.

Sister Marietta “ran” things by example; she modeled civility and decency for women who frankly had not had much of either in their lives. When we began there, Sister sat us down and explained her personal beliefs about the residents at Emmaus House. She politely stated we likely had loving parents and a good home to grow up in, and she pivoted quickly to say, “None of us get to choose our parents.”

Sister’s compassion is unforgettable. She had the uncanny ability to discipline and enforce rules and expectations while maintaining respect. Sister could deal with the disappointment of relapse or unexpected death due to her strong resolve and faith in God.

She moved in retirement with her order in Cincinnati, Ohio some six hours from here, yet her influence carries on, now and well into the future.

Craig Douglas has served as a community leader in Carrollton for nearly three decades. In between his K-12 superintendency and his township board service, he was dean of the College of Education at Saginaw Valley State University, in effect leading the way to teach and train our future school teachers. He is a frequent guest on WNEM, Channel 5 and has joined his wife, Joan, in longtime support of Emmaus House

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The class focused on comparing German schools with the United States through the eyes of a previous exchange student named Till, who had spent the 2016-17 school year at Central High School. Till and his mother, Dorothy returned to Bay City for a wedding. It was fascinating to observe American students listen to Till’s observations and to pose questions to each; how wonderful for them to take a day out of their visit to share with students.

What I saw can be boiled down to this: There are differences in the two systems, yet there are many things in common. Till was asked point-blank, which system he preferred. His answer was, in effect, both systems. He saw value in each and, more importantly, seized the strengths of both systems. For example, he loved “American” football when he was here.

So why is it we are told American students are behind others Internationally? PISA test scores! PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) is a series of tests administered to 15-year-old students in math, science, and reading, and the U.S. traditionally ranks unfavorably. For example, in 2018 U.S, students were above average in reading and science but below average in math. 

Should we be concerned? “Yes” and “No.”

“Yes,” because we want our students to be competitive and ready for living and working in a “world” environment. The experience in the German class is a case-in-point; the likelihood of U.S. students interacting with International students is ever-increasing.

“No,” because there is little to motivate US students to take the tests seriously. The test is given to a sample of students and must be worked into school schedules. Scores are not shared with students or parents, or with the school principals, teachers, or counselors. They are put together to measure systems. PISA officials offer the following disclaimer:

“Many students view PISA as a low-stakes assessment.  Their lack of willingness to give the assessment ‘their all’ is reflected in students’ performance.  Boys are often disengaged, resulting in low test performance.  Disengagement should be measured in various different ways to better understand it and improve assessment design.”

Based upon what I am seeing in schools today, US students are well-suited for the International stage.  Reports about PISA results need to put it into context,” many students view PISA as a low-stakes assessment.”

This is an example of students feeling disengaged, resulting in low test performance. Disengagement should be measured in various different ways to better understand it and improve assessment design. Based upon what I am seeing in schools today, U.S. students are well-suited for the International stage. Reports about PISA results need to put it into context,” many students view PISA as a low-stakes assessment.” 

Thank you, Mrs. Elder for inviting me in your classroom.

Craig Douglas has served as a community leader in Carrollton for nearly three decades. In between his K-12 superintendency and his township board service, he was dean of the College of Education at Saginaw Valley State University, in effect leading the way to teach and train our future school teachers. He is a frequent guest on Channel 5 morning newscasts.

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Craig Oatten was exceptionally appreciated and respected. He had a distinguished career in Carrollton from the time he started as a policeman (1984), ascending to Police Chief (1996) and ultimately, as Police Chief/Director (2006).

My relationship with Craig began when I became Superintendent of Carrollton Public Schools in 1995. Carrollton Schools are the heart of our community. School facilities are literally at the center, and Chief Oatten’s offices are just down the road. To say the schools and township work together is an understatement.

We have worked very well together, in large part due to Craig Oatten and school leaders. He knew the same thing that we knew: More could be accomplished together.

It was Craig who wrote a grant for a school liaison officer well before they were commonplace, giving our schools a leg up on security.

It was Craig who agreed to support the Carrollton Lions Club to begin hosting a July marathon on Carrollton’s roads. For thirteen consecutive summers, Chief placed cars at the intersection of Mapleridge & Carrollton roads for several hundred runners & walkers who entered. (Chief was there in-person for the 6:00 a.m. start! One time there were tornado warnings that caused us to delay the start, and Craig was there to guide us to a delayed and safe race.)

It was Craig who authorized DPW workers to repair a broken water main in front of the elementary school throughout the evening so we would not have to cancel school the next day.

There are literally hundreds of examples where Craig Oatten stepped up to assist our schools. I had his cell phone number; he had mine. We functioned as a team.

After I retired as superintendent, I became a member of the township governing board as a trustee. It was in that shift of roles that I became keenly aware of his leadership as Director. I recall the first budget adoption in March 2015, holding meetings on four consecutive Monday evenings to review every department and nearly every item. It was impressive to see how the township was saving money to purchase replacement vehicles, for example.

Fiscally conservative, Oatten looked for innovative ways to support our community. For example, when a 5-mill water millage expired, Craig helped frame a road millage to improve our streets for about the same amount of money. The road millage passed in 2020.

Craig helped gain grant funding for the Iron Belle Trail to come through Carrollton; the trail head will be completed and dedicated sometime this spring.

Craig A. Oatten is an example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of thousands of others. His loss will be felt for a very long time, and it is up to the rest of us to try to fill that void.

Craig Douglas, from the Village of Concord near the state’s southern border, has served as a community leader in Carrollton for nearly three decades. In between his K-12 superintendency and his township board service, he was dean of the College of Education at Saginaw Valley State University, in effect leading the way to teach and train our future school teachers.

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