Clio Area Schools

06/14/2026

Danyell Willoughby’s journey with Clio Area Schools has been one filled with care, growth, and a deep commitment to students and staff, and we congratulate her on her well-earned retirement.

Danyell began her time in Clio in 1996 as a lunch aide at Lacure Elementary. From there, she moved into a Title I role, where she discovered a passion for helping students build their reading and writing skills and gain confidence in themselves. She later served as the librarian at Lacure for nine years before transitioning to Clio Middle School in 2016 as the Media Specialist.

Throughout each role, Danyell made a lasting impact by supporting students, staff, and families in meaningful ways. She often reflects on how much her colleagues meant to her, sharing that they became like family over the years. Her time in Clio provided not only professional growth, but also lifelong relationships and memories she will always cherish.
While she will miss the daily interactions with students and coworkers, Danyell looks forward to the next chapter. Her dedication and kindness have left a lasting mark on the Clio community.

Thank you, Danyell, for your years of service, heart, and commitment to Clio Area Schools. We wish you the best in your retirement!

06/13/2026

Patti Wager is retiring after a remarkable career dedicated to teaching first grade and helping generations of students build strong foundations in reading, math, and lifelong learning. Known by many students simply as Ms. Wager, Patti brought creativity, passion, and energy into her classroom each and every day. From engaging lessons to finding new ways to help students grow, she viewed teaching not only as a profession, but as a true passion.

Throughout her career, Patti continuously worked to improve education not only for the students in her classroom, but for all students within her school community. She helped lead literacy initiatives, organized collaborative reading groups, and played an important role in creating systems that strengthened student support and academic growth. She also served as a grade level chair and worked closely with colleagues to improve instruction and learning opportunities for students at every level.

Patti earned her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan-Flint and a MAT degree from Marygrove College. As a lifelong learner, she continued taking graduate courses and professional development opportunities throughout her career to better serve her students and fellow educators.

Outside of the classroom, Patti enjoys camping, kayaking, home improvement projects, and most importantly, spending time with her growing family and grandchildren.

Thank you, Patti, for the incredible impact you have made on the lives of your students, colleagues, and the entire Clio community. Your passion for teaching, dedication to children, and commitment to helping others grow will always be part of your lasting legacy at Clio Area Schools!

06/12/2026

Marcie Sanocki began her career at Clio Area Schools in the fall of 1997. She completed her student teaching with CMS History Teacher Mr. Ancheta before continuing her Special Education student teaching with Mrs. Geri DiPerno in the winter of 1998. After finishing in March, Marcie interviewed and was hired to lead a newly created resource room for 7th and 8th grade students at Clio Middle School. She remained at CMS for one additional year before moving to Clio High School, where she spent the majority of her 28-year career. This year also marked the first time she had the opportunity to work with elementary students, splitting her day between CHS and CES.

Throughout her time at Clio, Marcie held several extracurricular roles, including Cheerleading Coach, Track Coach, Class Advisor, Department Head, and Transition Coordinator. She loved every role she served in and built countless meaningful relationships with students and staff along the way. Marcie shared that one of the most rewarding parts of her career was watching students who struggled find success, something that fueled her passion for education for nearly three decades.

We would like to thank Marcie for her years of dedication, compassion, and commitment to students. Congratulations on your retirement, Marcie, and best wishes in this exciting next chapter!

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

After an incredible career dedicated to education and the Clio community, we congratulate Ryan Niemi on his well-earned retirement!

Ryan has spent the past 25 years teaching 8th grade science at Clio Middle School, impacting nearly 4,000 students along the way. His classroom was a place of curiosity, connection, and consistency for generations of kids.

Beyond the classroom, Ryan served as science department head, coached track, volleyball, and cross country, supported Academic Track, and even DJ’d middle school dances for about 10 year, creating memories students will never forget.
Ryan often shared how much Clio meant to him. He built lasting friendships with colleagues and truly loved being part of the Clio Middle School community, never imagining himself teaching anywhere else.

While it’s hard to see him go, we’re excited for what’s ahead for Ryan. His impact will be felt for years to come in the lives of the students and staff he worked with every day.

Thank you, Ryan, for your dedication, heart, and 25 years of service to Clio. Enjoy this next chapter, you’ve more than earned it!

06/10/2026

Clio Area Schools is proud to recognize Kelly Minore as she retires after 26 years of service to the district. Throughout her career, Kelly touched the lives of countless students through her dedication, versatility, and passion for education, leaving a legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Kelly began as a student teacher during the 1999–2000 school year and officially joined the district the following year. Over the years, she took on many roles, always bringing care, flexibility, and a strong commitment to doing her best.

She spent much of her career in the English department, teaching a wide range of courses and helping develop the original curriculum for English 11 and English 12. She also made a lasting impact through drama, teaching classes, directing plays, leading Drama Club, and revamping the Light and Sound Crew. In addition, she coached Science Olympiad and Quiz Bowl, supporting students in so many different ways.

In 2015, Kelly moved into the counseling office, where she helped establish the early college program and organized Honors Night. Later, she returned to the classroom teaching personal finance and nutrition, something she especially valued because it brought her back to daily interactions with students.

Kelly has always been someone willing to step in wherever she was needed, working to support both students and colleagues. While her accomplishments are many, it’s the small, everyday moments, the conversations, the encouragement, the connections, that truly define her time in Clio.

Thank you, Kelly, for your 26 years of dedication, heart, and service to Clio. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter!

06/09/2026

As we continue to celebrate our retirees, we are proud to recognize Brandon Reno for more than 25 years of dedication, service, and commitment to the students and families of Clio. Throughout his career, Brandon has made a lasting impact on countless students through his passion for teaching, creativity in the classroom, and genuine care for those he served.

Brandon completed his student teaching at Edgerton Elementary under Judy Leonardo, whom he credits with helping prepare him for his own classroom and future in education. He was hired in 2001 and briefly taught second grade as a long-term substitute before finding his home in third grade, where he remained throughout the rest of his career.

Brandon taught at Lacure Elementary from 2001 until the creation of Clio Elementary School and also spent time teaching summer school early in his career. One of the greatest joys of teaching for Brandon was building relationships with his students and finding creative ways to make learning engaging and meaningful for every child. A major highlight of his career was receiving a Good Apple Award in 2024.

Raised in Clio himself, Brandon spent his career serving the community he calls home. Along the way, he built countless meaningful relationships with dedicated colleagues, students, and families. He proudly says he has always "bled orange and black. Go Mustangs!"

Thank you, Brandon, for your years of service, dedication, and impact on the Clio community. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!

06/08/2026

Day one of summer break and the projects are already underway!

While students and staff enjoy the start of a well-deserved summer vacation, work has already begun on several improvement projects across the district. These upgrades will help ensure our schools are ready to welcome students and staff back for another successful year this fall!

06/08/2026

Brenda Corrion has worked for Clio Area Schools for the past three years, first serving as the Administrative Secretary at Clio High School for one year before transitioning to Clio Intermediate School, where she continued in the same role for two years. During her time in both buildings, she built meaningful relationships with staff, students, and families that have been both impactful and personally fulfilling.

Supporting students and their families has always held a special place in Brenda’s heart. She takes pride in providing comfort, reassurance, and a welcoming environment, while helping ensure students receive a quality education. She is grateful for the opportunity to support staff in creating the best possible experience for students. Throughout her time at Clio Area Schools, Brenda has also formed lasting friendships and connections that she will always value.

Brenda began her career in education in 1999 with the Genesee Intermediate School District, where she served as a Pupil Accounting Auditor for 22 years. In this role, she was responsible for auditing state funding and ensuring accuracy and accountability in educational reporting processes. It was a highly rewarding position that allowed her to contribute to the stability and support of educational programs and services.

Combined with her time at Clio Area Schools, Brenda’s career in education has been truly meaningful and rewarding. She is incredibly thankful for the relationships, experiences, and memories that have shaped her journey. As she enters retirement, Brenda looks forward to reflecting on those moments while spending more time with family and loved ones, who remain at the heart of what matters most to her.

We extend a sincere thank you to Brenda for her years of dedication and service. Congratulations on your retirement, we wish you all the best in this next chapter!

06/07/2026

Cynthia Lupina’s time with Clio Area Schools has been filled with dedication, growth, and meaningful connections, and we congratulate her on her well-earned retirement.
Cynthia began her journey in 2002 at Edgerton Elementary in the Connections program. She then spent over a decade working in the Edgerton library before transitioning into a secretary role, first at Edgerton, then at Clio Intermediate School, and most recently at Clio Middle School. Through each role, Cynthia brought consistency, care, and a strong commitment to supporting students and staff.

Her impact did not go unnoticed, Cynthia was honored with the Good Apple Award in both 2015 and 2024, a reflection of the appreciation and respect she earned throughout her career.

Cynthia often shares how fortunate she feels to have worked alongside so many wonderful colleagues, expressing deep gratitude for the relationships and experiences she gained over the years.

Thank you, Cynthia, for your years of service, dedication, and the positive impact you’ve made across Clio Area Schools. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!