School Bells: CHS Ecology Club will work on 3-year project

The Ecology Club at Community High School was selected to work with the Huron River Watershed Council on 3-year project that teaches students scientific study of local waterways and connects their data results to community decisions. The students will evaluate the health of their local streams and develop skills to present their results and concerns to their communities. The project is funded by a $225,000 grant from Toyota.

Registration open until June 10 for GED prep class

Applications are still being accepted for the 10-week Ann Arbor Public Schools Adult Education Summer GED Preparation program.

Classes have already begun, but those who are interested may still attend and register after class through June 10. Those who are 18 years of age or older and want to get a GED, may come to either the morning session on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or the evening session on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Both classes are in Room 314 of Stone School, 2800 Stone School Road.  Registration for the fall semester will begin at the end of August.  Details: 734-997-1250.

2 earn ‘Celebration’ awards from school board

Two AAPS staff members were recognized by the school board on May 26, receiving Celebration of Excellence awards. Pat Butler, Northside Elementary School custodian, was nominated for Outstanding Customer Service and Sandy Maconochi, a Tappan Middle School teacher was nominated for Outstanding Customer Service & Innovation.

Northside staff and students nominated Butler. According to the nomination: “Pat has one of the best work ethic of anyone we know. She greets everyone, staff, student and parents alike, with a friendly ‘Hi!’ when they enter our building. Pat also has a friendly and caring demeanor with the students.” She is lauded for her high level of energy and commitment to detail.”

“I’ve worked with Pat for over 10 years and she is such an asset to Northside School. Her work ethic is above reproach. Pat always has a good attitude and a happy thought to share with others. Always, always a kind word for others,” said one comment submitted with the nomination. “Pat always treats our building as if it is her home,” said another.  “Her work ethic is amazing and her cheerfulness while doing her duties is never missed.”

Maconochi, who is retiring after more than 32 years in the district, was nominated by colleague Fred Smith, who noted that she has worked for more than 26 years as band director at Tappan Middle School, has an exceptional middle school Jazz Band and takes an innovating approach to her teaching, often bringing top musicians to her classes.

“She has been a beacon on a hill for our students and schools,” he said. “She’s always up for a challenge …  from her humble beginnings as an AAPS school bus driver to her teaching accomplishments and honors she’s a class act, most notably for those who have had her and worked with her.”

Ann Arbor well represented in library short story contest

Ann Arbor Public Schools students did well in this year’s Teen Short Story Contest, sponsored by the Ann Arbor District Library. There were 253 total submissions to the contest and Ann Arbor was well represented in the finalists and winners categories.

Judges for the contest were published authors. First-place winners earned $250; second place winners $150 and third-place winners $100.   Below are finalists and winners from Ann Arbor followed by their school and story name (Note: middle school names are not listed in full, as per school Web guidelines):

Middle School Category winners
• 2nd Place – Jessica L., Scarlett Middle School,  “Hana.”
• 3rd Place  – Hanel B., Clague Middle School, “My Brother, Isaac.”

High School Category, Grades 9-10 winners
• 1st Place – A. Bishel, Skyline High School,  “The Bird Syndrome.”
• 3rd Place – Erin Baughn, Community High School,  “Switched.”

High School Category, Grades 11-12 winners
• 2nd Place – Kayla Stoler, Community High School, “It’s Like a Sanctuary.”

Middle School Finalists
Christy C. – Clague Middle School, “Reading Beauty.”
Claire F. –  Clague Middle School,  “Found and Lost.”
Quinn J. – Clague Middle School,  “The Siege of Alesia.”
Rishika R.  – Clague Middle School, “A Second Chance.”

High School Finalists, Grades 9-10
Erin Baughn – Community High School,  “Switched.
A. Bishel  – Skyline High School,  “The Bird Syndrome.”
Jing Chai  – Huron High School, “The Sailor Moon Card.”
Christa Kuck – Huron High School, “Bailey.”
Susan LaMoreaux – Community High School,  “Swimsuit Situation.”
Yunhan Wei – Huron High School. “Karma.”

High School Finalists, Grades 11-12
Michelle Grifka  – Community High School, “Fresh Start.”
Zubin Khan – Huron High School,  “Ephemeral.”
Megan Shiplett – Community High School, “Razzmatazz.”
Rachel Stokes – Community High School, “Descent.”
Kayla Stoler – Community High School, “It’s Like a Sanctuary.”

Library hosts summer reading events

Just as school gets out in mid-June, the Ann Arbor District Library will launch its 2010 Summer Reading Program for all ages, “Make It Happen,” with registration starting on Friday, June 18.  This year’s summer reading theme is a celebration of  “Do It Yourself.”

Elementary, middle school and young read-to-me listeners can read six books listeners and receive colorful stickers to add to their summer reading dragon card, while older elementary-aged youth will also receive an AADL Make it Happen scrambler puzzle.
If youngsters read (or listen) to at least 10 books by Friday, Aug. 13, they will receive a paperback book (courtesy of the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library).

Middle school and high school students can choose from a wide selection of activities in this program to be eligible for a prize drawing – a chance to win a Toshiba Notebook or one of several $50 gift certificates to Vault of Midnight, Quality 16 Theater or Acme Mercantile.  If they choose and complete 10 activities (attend a library event, read a book, watch a DVD, etc.) by Friday, Aug. 13 they will receive a book (courtesy of the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library), an AADL scrambler puzzle and a coupon for Library Fines Forgiveness/ complimentary Zoom Lends DVD rental.

A variety of events, a photo contest and Lego contest are all part of the summer fun. There are also prizes for reading adults. For more information, contact any Ann Arbor District Library location or call 734-327-4200.

Click here for more student and staff achievements in Superintendent Todd Roberts’ “This Week in the Ann Arbor Public Schools.” An archive of past achievements is also at this site.

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