Tag Archives: 11/2/09

‘Communicator’ a finalist in national journalism contest

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Members of the staff of "The Communicator" at Community High School. (Courtesy, Community High School)

Members of the staff of "The Communicator" at Community High School. (Courtesy, Community High School)

• Click here to see a video clip about Community High School on Channel 4.

By Casey Hans

Step into Tracy Rosewarne’s classroom at Ann Arbor’s Community High School in the Kerrytown area and discover a new world of news with a team of enthused student journalists.

They recently received national honors for their newsmagazine, The Communicator, and have found themselves on the cutting edge of a journalism industry in chaos, said Rosewarne, a teacher and the publications’ faculty adviser.

It’s an exciting time, she said, and one that has prompted a review how students are delivering news and features.

New this year: A revamped Web site for not only journalism contributions, but also a showcase for creative writing, photography and other student work. A new version of the Web site, found at the-communicator.org, is expected to be up and operating this month. Unlike the former online edition – which simply posted items from the print edition – the new site will be its own newsgathering operation with fresh content and a new look.

“It’s a real world application,” she said, adding that no one had anticipated how quickly the scales have tipped toward readership on the Internet.

But despite increased Web activity, “The Communicator” will not stop publishing in print, said Rosewarne, who has advised the staff for about 10 years. It will continue as a 32-page tabloid edition and the student journalism staff is larger than ever: The 60 student journalists will divide into Web and print teams – although she said students will have opportunities to work on both.

The student-run print edition is one of seven newsmagazines around the country named finalists this fall in the Newspaper Pacemaker contest, sometimes referred to as “the Pulitzer Prize of student journalism.” The annual contest is sponsored by the National Scholastic Press Association and the Newspaper Association of American Foundation.

The student newsmagazine at Community High School, which is a finalist for the national Pacemaker award in student journalism.

The student newsmagazine at Community High School, which is a finalist for the national Pacemaker award in student journalism.

Rosewarne said one of the reasons The Communicator is successful is that student journalists take their responsibility seriously, which helps them with decision-making skills.

“It’s important to have them go through the intellectual process,” she said. “I tell students ‘I’m not their net.’ It starts with you, then it goes to the section editor, then to the editor. These students do a great job – it really is student run.”

Rosewarne attributes the national attention to a solid group of experienced students and a redesign of the publication over the past few years with the help of design guru Tony Majeri, a former Chicago Tribune editor who is active with the Society of News Design.

“I had a lot of student strength and energy,” Rosewarne added. “It’s a very big award.”

Senior student co-editors Kayla Stoler and Julia Mogerman are returning to The Communicator staff this year. Mogerman also credits the redesign for bringing them national attention. “Our paper started to look really different,” she said. “It was a lot more consistent and focused.”

Stoler said there’s a lot of pride among the staff and that the achievement has brought them together. “We know who we are as a school. We know who our readers are and we try to keep it focused,” she said.

Winners of the contest will be announced at the Journalism Education Association/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 14-15 and a delegation of 20 from the Ann Arbor school will attend.  Rosewarne said the conference will give students new ideas for moving ahead.

The Communicator competes with student magazines in Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Georgia, Texas and California for the award. Entries were based on an overall review including coverage and content, quality of writing and reporting, leadership on the opinion page, evidence of in-depth reporting, layout and design and photography, art and graphics.

Kathy Huting, NSPA contest and critique contest coordinator, said although her organization has heard the Pacemakers referred to as the “Pulitzer of student journalists,” they don’t refer to it that way. “But it definitely represents the top high school newspapers in the country,” she said. The group has given out Pacemaker awards since 1927.

This year’s Pacemaker contest was judged by a group of professional journalists from the Seattle area. A total of 339 entries were considered in categories that included Newsmagazines, Newspapers 1-16 pages, Newspapers 17 or more pages and Jr. High/Middle School Newspapers. There are 56 finalists, and about half of those will earn Pacemaker awards, Huting added.

Casey Hans edits this e-newsletter for The Ann Arbor Public Schools. Contact her via e-mail or by calling 734-994-2090 ext. 51228.

Gridiron pie-eating contest a winner for Komen Foundation

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From AAPSNews staff

Although a fall pie-eating contest between two Ann Arbor high schools ended in a virtual tie, the winner was clearly the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Members of the Pioneer and Huron high schools varsity football teams compete in a pie-eating contest last month at Whole Foods-Cranbrook Village to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Members of the Pioneer and Huron high schools varsity football teams compete in a pie-eating contest last month at Whole Foods-Cranbrook Village to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The first Pioneer vs. Huron Pie Eating Contest raised $80 in one hour, which is as long as it took the two five-person teams to finish their pies, said Veronica Pasfield, marketing chairwoman for the Pioneer High School Football Boosters Club. “They were so ready to go,” she said.

Whole Foods–Cranbrook Village was the location for the Oct. 7 event between the two varsity football teams to raise money for the Komen Foundation and its 3 Day For the Cure walk and to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The theme was carried throughout both schools during the week, with students, athletes, band members and others wearing pink T-shirts imprinted with the motto “Rivals on the field, United for a Cure,” and designed by Huron Athletic Director Dottie Davis.

Photos courtesy, Pioneer High School Football Booster Club

Photos courtesy, Pioneer High School Football Booster Club

A weeklong series of “pink” events for the cause, including sales of some of the shirts to the public, raised a total of $722.66, according to a recent blog post by Pioneer Athletic Trainer Anne Solari.

Solari is participating in the 60-mile 2010 Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day For the Cure walk on Aug. 13-15 and had suggested that school teams consider raising money for the cause. For the past six years, she worked on the support team for the regional fundraising event.

“This is the first year I’ve chosen to walk it,” she said. “I thought it was time.” Solari must raise at least $2,300 to participate in the event and said she wants to raise more.

Solari said the pie-eating event was the football teams’ idea and that other athletic programs are pitching in for the cause.

“We’re just trying to get the word out. I’d like to raise more awareness,” she added.

Huron’s coaching staff presented Whole Foods Marketing and Community Relations Director Susan Bellinson with one of the special pink T-shirts. Bellinson arranged space for the event and donated the pies.

The contest was part of a week of cross-town rivalry between the two schools, culminating in the annual gridiron match-up the following Friday evening. Pioneer won the game, 23-18.

For more information about Solari’s participation in the Breast Cancer 3 Day or to pledge to her cause, visit her blog.

Huron and Pioneer football players team up to raise money for the Komen Foundation.

Huron and Pioneer football players team up to raise money for the Komen Foundation.

Young students work to enhance paths at Eberwhite Woods

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From AAPSNews Service

A large pile of wood chips and lots of community muscle have made the paths of Eberwhite Woods a bit more navigable, once again.

Eberwhite Elementary School students take part in "Wood Chip Day," an annual event that allows them to spread wood chips in nearby Eberwhite Woods.

Eberwhite Elementary School students take part in "Wood Chip Day," an annual event that allows them to spread wood chips in nearby Eberwhite Woods.

Students from nearby Eberwhite Elementary School and teams of volunteer parents spread some 50 yards of chips along the paths this fall – something the school community does annually, covering one third of the trailways, rotating them to different areas each year.

Wood Chip Day, which took place on Oct. 16, involved students from every grade who dragged sleds full of chips out into the woods while others helped to spread them.

“This basically maintains the trail. It’s a community service project,” said Pam Baker of the Eberwhite PTO was in charge of this year’s project on behalf of the school, which coordinates the effort with the Eberwhite Woods Committee. “We got lucky – it’s not raining,” she added.

Eberwhite Elementary School parent Dave Sleamon pulls sleds laden with wood chips along a path in Eberwhite Woods, preparing for another classroom of students to come and spread the chips.

Eberwhite Elementary School parent Dave Sleamon pulls sleds laden with wood chips along a path in Eberwhite Woods, preparing for another classroom of students to come and spread the chips.

Baker said this year’s chips were purchased at Lodi Farms, who gave the group a discounted price.

Area resident Dave Sleamon often runs and walks in the Eberwhite Woods with his family, including his second-grader, Olivia, who attends Eberwhite. This day, he was helping with the wood chip project.

“We’re in here all the time,” he said. “I especially like to hike back here. My wife does nature walks with the kindergarteners in the spring. It’s beautiful through the whole season.”

The Eberwhite Woods and adjacent land were sold to the University of Michigan in 1915 for natural and educational purposes. In 1946, the U-M Regents deeded the woods and nearby property to The Ann Arbor Public Schools to be used as a school site. Eberwhite School was built in 1950 to relieve the overcrowding at Bach School, but a large portion of the woods was maintained in its natural state. In recent years, the City of Ann Arbor purchased 2.5 acres adjoining the woods.

See more about Eberwhite history online.

Raleigh Sadlier: OT committed to helping students

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By Casey Hans

Not everyone loves their work. In Raleigh Sadlier’s case, she not only enjoys it but takes her work home.

The occupational therapist who works at Haisley and Pattengill elementary schools and Scarlett Middle School, says each day – sometimes each hour – brings a new challenge but one that she loves. She and the other OTs in The Ann Arbor Public Schools also get together on weekends to swap information and tips.

Raleigh Sadlier, an Ann Arbor Public Schools occupational therapist, works with students at Haisley Elementary School. Here, two fifth-graders assist younger students in exercise.

Raleigh Sadlier, an Ann Arbor Public Schools occupational therapist, works with students at Haisley Elementary School. Here, two fifth-graders assist younger students in exercise.

Sadlier says she gleans a lot from teachers with whom she works, since her job requires her to be a jack-of-all-trades.

“It’s a job that requires creativity, patience,” she said. “You have to shift to accommodate the audience: age level, teachers, developmental level. It’s ever-changing. I find it challenging, frustrating and rewarding.”

On Monday mornings, Sadlier has fifth-graders mentor younger students. “They’re great guys who like to help out,” she said.

Fifth-grader Kyle says he’s proud to be helping younger kids with writing and exercise which builds skills. “It’s fun, “he said. “We’re helpful to them.”

Another fifth-grader, Joe, said he enjoys doing exercises with the younger students. “We’re older and we know a lot, so we can teach them what we know,” he added.

“She’s excellent,” said Haisley Principal Mary Anne Jaeger. “She is able to bring students together, including general ed. “She’s extremely competent and looks out for all kids.”

Sadlier said she has loved her profession and that, although college offered a good base, occupational therapy requires a lot of on-the-job training because of students’ individual needs. “You have to get your degree and just get in there,” she added.

Sadlier, 43, has been in the occupational therapy field since 1995, working in Atlanta and Chicago before arriving in Ann Arbor 5 ½ years ago. Coming from a blended family of 9 children, Sadlier grew up in Chicago but said she now calls Ann Arbor home with her husband, Chris, and their two sons.

“I love all of the UMS (University Musical Society) functions, all of the cultural activities, hiking and woods and the river,” she said. “What’s keeping us here are the values of the people of Ann Arbor. They think outside of their neighborhood. People (in Ann Arbor) are aware and interested in the larger picture.”

One of the personal things Sadlier is most proud of is her involvement with a local advocacy group for ALS research, called Ann Arbor Active Against ALS. The group formed after a neighbor developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. In just two years, members have raised $40,000, making donations to the University of Michigan and ALS Therapy Development Institute in Cambridge, Mass.

“We’re trying to have it become a communitywide organization,” she added. The group does some fundraisers locally, but also sponsors community events and activities to raise awareness. For more, visit www.A2A3.org.

Casey Hans edits this e-newsletter for The Ann Arbor Public Schools. Contact her via e-mail or by calling 734-994-2090 ext. 51228.

Raleigh Sadlier, in a light-hearted moment in her room at Haisley Elementary.

Raleigh Sadlier, in a light-hearted moment in her room at Haisley Elementary.

Raleigh Sadlier
Occupation: Occupational therapist for The Ann Arbor Public Schools. Assigned this year to work at Haisley and Pattengill elementary schools and Scarlett Middle School.
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin.
Age: 43
Family: Married to Chris. They have two sons, Noah, 12, who attends Tappan Middle School, and Nathan, 9, who attends Burns Park Elementary.
Pets: A golden Retriever named Flyer, a turtle named Victory and dozens of fish.
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, canoeing and enjoying Ann Arbor’s cultural activities.
Favorite campground: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon.
Community Service: Active in her sons’ school PTOs. She serves on the board for Ann Arbor Active Against ALS, a group formed after her neighbor developed the disease.
Favorite meal: “Anything Indian that my husband cooks well.”
Last book read: “I just reread “The Bean Trees” by Barbara Kingsolver. I also recommend “Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers, about Hurricane Katrina.”
Life philosophy: “Live and let live.”

Welcome to your new school district newsletter

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Dear Reader,

Welcome to the first edition of our Ann Arbor Public Schools e-newsletter.

Our goal is to get news and information about school programs, students, staff and education initiatives into the public eye. We also want to encourage you to send us your story ideas, interesting tidbits about things going on in your schools and even photos and video clips of school events.

Superintendent Todd Roberts, Ann Arbor Public Schools

Superintendent Todd Roberts, Ann Arbor Public Schools

Our goal is to get news and information about school programs, students, staff and education initiatives into the public eye. We also want to encourage you to send us your story ideas, interesting tidbits about things going on in your schools and even photos and video clips of school events.

We welcome story ideas and contributions from staff, parents, students and members of the Ann Arbor community.

Send us your information or simply give us a call and we’ll take it from there.

This is a place where you can share all sorts of information from events and great programs to suggestions of special teachers and staff members to profile. We also welcome your feedback about this newsletter and what you would like to see included in future editions.

This edition, we feature an occupational therapist based at Haisley Elementary, a feature about an award-winning student newsmagazine at Community High School,  as well as information about Tuesday’s millage election and other school news of interest.

We plan to publish this newsletter every other week, or about twice each month; our next edition will be posted online on Monday, Nov. 16. You will find a regular link to it on the school district’s Web page and past editions will be archived here. If you have friends and family without Internet access, a PDF with much of the same information can be found by clicking on “print edition.”

As part of this initiative, we also will offer updated information at this site. You can subscribe here to receive notification when something is updated.

Most importantly, this is your newsletter, so we invite you to help us decide on a name for it. Send your newsletter name suggestions to Casey Hans at hansc@aaps.k12.mi.us and we will consider them all. Once a name is selected, we will invite our high school art students to design a logo that we can use, as well.

Story ideas and information also can be sent to Casey at the e-mail address above.

Thank you for reading and for contributing to this new venture in The Ann Arbor Public Schools.

– Todd Roberts, Superintendent, Ann Arbor Public Schools

Have an idea for a name?
We are looking for your help in choosing a name for this new electronic newsletter that will include information about programs and activities around The Ann Arbor Public Schools. Please e-mail your newsletter name ideas to Casey Hans at hansc@aaps.k12.mi.us. by Nov. 30. Include your suggested newsletter name, your name, your contact e-mail and/or phone and the best way and best time to contact you. Thank you for your contribution.

WCC nursing students bring healthy lesson to Carpenter

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By Casey Hans

At Carpenter Elementary School last month, the annual Teddy Bear Clinic was a learning experience all the way around.

Washtenaw Community College nursing student Anne Salgat works with Carpenter Elementary students, showing them how pupils react to light as part of the recent Teddy Bear Clinic.

Washtenaw Community College nursing student Anne Salgat works with Carpenter Elementary students, showing them how pupils react to light as part of the recent Teddy Bear Clinic.

There were no teddy bears to be found, but there was a warm-and-cuddly approach by visiting nursing students from Washtenaw Community College. The nurses gained experience working with youngsters age 5 and 6 while the young students learned about nutrition, vision, their senses, exercise and other health-related issues.

And students learned that every time you see a nurse, it’s not for a shot.

“They always want to know ‘am I getting shots today?’ or whether they’re getting any pokes,” said instructor Carole Baker, who also works in private nursing. “Students (here) get to see nurses as a caregiver and not be afraid.”

WCC nursing students work with Carpenter Elementary students on health lessons as part of the annual Teddy Bear Clinic. Students learned about their senses, healthy eating, vision and other topics.

WCC nursing students work with Carpenter Elementary students on health lessons as part of the annual Teddy Bear Clinic. Students learned about their senses, healthy eating, vision and other topics.

The visit is an annual event by the WCC nursing program. Head nursing instructor Sherry MacGregor said the event has been going on at the eastside elementary school for some 14 years and that they also visit other Ann Arbor elementaries during the year.

“Carpenter has always been our school because we’re so close” geographically, she said.

Some 20 nursing students spent four hours at the school event which brought about 200 students through several health stations for hands-on activities. MacGregor said her nursing students often work in area hospitals and the school activity affords them the opportunity to see children in a healthy setting.

“They have to use what we learn about growth and development,” she added. “The other thing my students learn is how to do a health fair.”

Carpenter first-grade teacher Michelle Seals said she looks forward to the program each year. “They’re a wonderful asset,” she said of the WCC nurses. “What a great connection. They need the outreach and we need the outreach.”

Casey Hans edits this e-newsletter for The Ann Arbor Public Schools. Contact her via e-mail or by calling 734-994-2090 ext. 51228.

School Bells: Student numbers increase in fall count

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SCHOOL BELLS

Following is a series of news briefs from The Ann Arbor Public Schools. Student and staff achievements and news of note in the school community may be submitted for publication. E-mail information to hansc@aaps.k12.mi.us. Submitted photos must be in a .jpg format, 200 dpi resolution.

Student numbers increase by 68 in fall count

Student counts taken this fall in The Ann Arbor Public Schools saw an unexpected gain of 68 students over last year. Officials had projected an increase of just 50 students, so were pleased with the increased numbers, said Liz Margolis, the district’s director of communications.

The district saw its largest growth in the high schools, she added. The new count brings the district’s total number of students to 16,489.

Fall and winter student counts determine how the state funds public school districts around the state. A blended number from the two counts is used to determine the number of pupils for funding; the state takes 75 percent of the total from the fall count and 25 percent from the previous winter count.

Student-made video used with History Channel documentary

A video created by Pioneer High School students Kyle Anderson and Aidan Barrer about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy was selected and used by producers of a documentary on The History Channel in October.

The two created the rap video as an assignment for their American Studies class with Brent Richards last year. They posted the video on Youtube and it caught the attention of a New York producer who asked for permission to use a portion of it in a documentary.

The documentary aired Oct. 12. Link to the video here.

H1N1 clinics canceled in the Ann Arbor schools

The Washtenaw County Department of Public Health wil not host H1N1 flu clinics in The Ann Arbor Public Schools this month as originally planned.

Instead, a mass vaccination clinic for high priority groups is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov 5 at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center, 299 North Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti.

The clinic is limited to the high-priority groups due to limited supply of the vaccin, health officials said.

High-risk groups include: Pregnant women, household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months, health care personnel who provide direct patient care, children from 6 months through 4 years of age and children and teens age 5 through 18 who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications, such as asthma.

Health department officials have said they hope to begin getting more vaccine that can be offered to the general public as soon as possible.

For flu clinic information, call the health department at 734-544-6700 or visit publichealth.ewashtenaw.org.

OF NOTE

Following is a series of achievements about people in The Ann Arbor Public Schools community.

AAPS ESL students become citizens

Two Adult Education ESL (English as a Second Language) students from Russia received citizenship certificates in a ceremony in Detroit this fall.

Nina Stesikova has been in the United States since 2003 and enrolled in the Adult Ed program this past summer. Nina Pakhomova has been here for three years and started in Odette Petrini’s beginning ESL class two years ago.

Adult Ed offered the summer ESL class for the first time thanks to a No Worker Left Behind Adult Learning Demonstration grant funded through the Workforce Investment American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Ann Arbor Public Schools was awarded the grant as part of the Washtenaw Region Adult Education Collaborative.

Stone High School teacher wins grant

Stone High School teacher Joanna Johnson won a grant this fall from DonorsChoose.org for a project called “Cooking Class.”  This donation is for approximately $500 worth of equipment that she will use to help students gain skills in food preparation.

National Merit semifinalists at Huron, Community high schools

Huron High School reported 23 semifinalists in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Competition. They include:  Siyue Ai, Rebecca Cao, Yanoing Chen, Robin He, David Hiskens, Robert Isenberg, Lanxin Liu, Nicholas Luongo, Eric McCabe, Rachel Miller, Renee Philson, Christina Rowan, Kathleya Strode, Callie Svaan, Xu Tang, Michael Toner, Catherine Vogt, Brett Williams, Victoria Wu, Daniel Yang, Qiao Zhang, Jonathan Zhu and Tianyang Zou.

In addition, Donovan Hyter is a semifinalist in the 2010 National Achievement Scholarship Competition.

Community High School reported six semifinalists. They include: Anna Bogolomova; Stephanie Chueh; Catrin Dowd; Zoya Erdevig; Quentin Long; and Hannah Sorscher. Community High also had one semi-finalist in the 2010 National Achievement Scholarship Competition – Max Bowen – and two commended students in the 2010 National Merit Program, Ariana Rastelli and Kayla Stoler.

Teacher honored in Celebration of Black Men

On Oct. 10, Thurston Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Michael Johnson was honored by the Delta Psi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at the group’s 8th Annual Celebration of Black Men Brunch for his contributions to education.

In addition to honoring five men who have made significant contribution, they recognized seven area black high school seniors as Young Men of Promise.

Teacher receives leadership award

Sal Barrientes, a language arts teacher at Scarlett Middle School, has received the 2009 NCTE Affiliate Leadership Development Award supported by a partnership between National Council of Teachers of English and Pearson Education.  He was nominated by the Michigan Council of Teachers of English.

The award recognizes early career teachers who demonstrate a capacity for professional leadership as well as a willingness to join and participate in their affiliates during the 2009-2010 academic year. The $500 award is to help defray the costs of attending the NCTE Annual Convention in Philadelphia, Penn. On Nov. 21.

Partnership brings special program to Mitchell

Kate Kuper, teaching artist with the Kennedy Center, presented the workshop “Dancetalk:  Creative Movement and Language Development” and spent time in second-grade classrooms on Oct. 8-9 through the AAPS partnership with the University Musical Society.

Art, media, physical education and vocal music specialists from Mitchell Elementary attended the workshop along with three second-grade teachers. Kuper worked in the second-grade classrooms, using movement and muscle memory to build language and literacy skills. The teachers received a copy of her CD to use in their classes in the future.

Huron drumline volunteers for Big House Big Heart run

On Sunday Oct. 4, members of the Huron High School Marching Band Drumline volunteered their time and talent at the Big House Big Heart run. The drumline played for about an hour at the halfway point of the 5k run and then relocated to play along the route of the 1-mile fun run.  They finished the day by playing through the tunnel and into the University of Michigan stadium.

Mosaic Foundation sponsors school field trips

The Ann Arbor Mosaic Foundation donated funds to sponsor field trips for K-12 students to the Detroit Science Center.  Each field trip includes a tour of the Detroit Science Center and an IMAX movie that supports elementary science curriculum. At Logan Elementary, the following teachers will participate:  Hyeuo Park, Amy Naples-Webster, Michael McIntosh, Katy LaCroix, Dee Dee Combi, Dante Watson and Erica Hatt.

School millage on ballot Nov. 3

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From AAPSNews Service

Voters in Washtenaw County will consider a regional property tax for the county’s 10 public school districts Tuesday, Nov. 3. The measure is being put on the ballot by the Washtenaw Intermediate School District at the request of local boards of education.

The ballot issue asks for two mills for a five-year period. If approved by voters, it would be effective for budget years from 2009-13. The millage equates to $2 per $1,000 of taxable property value, costing the owner of a $100,000 house with a taxable value of $50,000 an estimated $100 per year.

Of the estimated $30 million that would be raised, Ann Arbor would receive $11.2 million. Other districts that would receive revenue from the millage include: Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run and Ypsilanti. Money would be distributed based on each district’s enrollment using the most recent audited student count. Public charter schools would not receive any money.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.
City of Ann Arbor residents can get more information here.
For residents living in areas outside of the Ann Arbor city limits, click here.

Language on the Washtenaw County ballot will read as follows:

REGIONAL ENHANCEMENT MILLAGE PROPOSAL I
Pursuant to state law, the revenue raised by the proposed millage will be collected by the intermediate school district and distributed to local public school districts based on pupil membership count.

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property in Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Michigan, be increased by 2 mills ($2.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 5 years, 2009 to 2013, inclusive, to provide operating funds to enhance other state and local funding for local school district operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the intermediate school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2009 is approximately $30,000,000?

H1N1 clinic planned for Thursday

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The Washtenaw County Department of Public Health will not host H1N1 flu clinics in The Ann Arbor Public Schools as originally scheduled.

Instead, a mass vaccination for high-priority groups is being offered on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center, 299 N. Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti.

The free H1N1 shots are being offered only to high-priority groups due to limited supply of the vaccine. These groups include: pregnant women, household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months, health care personnel who provide direct patient care, children from 6 months through 4 years of age and children and teens age 5 through 18 who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications, such as asthma.

Details: 734-544-6700 or visit the health department online.