Tag Archives: AAPSEF

Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation win annarbor.com Deal of the Year Award

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AAPSEF Board President Omari Rush and PTO Thrift Shop Director of Communications and Community Relations Ann Farnham show off their "Deal of the Year" Award Nov. 2.

AAPSEF Board President Omari Rush and PTO Thrift Shop Director of Communications and Community Relations Ann Farnham show off their “Deal of the Year” Award Nov. 2. Photo from annarbor.com.

By Tara Cavanaugh

The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop and the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation deserve a hearty round of applause after winning an annarbor.com “Deal of the Year” Award.

The annual awards highlight business decisions that had the most impact on the area during the past year.

The shop and the foundation shared the award in the nonprofit category. They were nominated for their joint funding of late middle school busing earlier this year. Each nonprofit donated $43,000 toward the transportation costs, helping hundreds of middle schoolers get a safe ride home after participating in after-school enrichment activities.  Continue reading →

PTO Thrift Shop, Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation nominated for annarbor.com Deal of the Year award

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Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop Janet Fritsch, Director of Community Relations Ann Farnham, and Manager Leslie Wolfe

Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop Board President Janet Fritsch, Director of Community Relations Ann Farnham, and Manager Leslie Wolfe.

By Tara Cavanaugh

The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop and the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation have been nominated for annarbor.com’s 2012 Deal of the Year Award, which highlights business decisions that had the most impact over the past year in Washtenaw County.

The nonprofits are among two dozen businesses and organizations who have been nominated. Gov. Rick Snyder will present the awards at a black-tie gala at Eastern Michigan University Nov. 2.  Continue reading →

PTO Thrift Shop donates $100K to AAPS transportation fund

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The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop is a nonprofit and fundraising machine for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. It sells furniture, clothing, books, electronics, home goods and more.

By Tara Cavanaugh

The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, already a successful fundraising machine for the Ann Arbor Public Schools, is ensuring $100,000 for busing for field trips and enrichment activities during the 2012-2013 school year.

The news comes on the heels of a recent announcement that the shop and the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation are each donating $43,000 towards late middle school busing this school year, which helps students participate in after-school clubs and sports.

The $100,000 for transportation will be divided between the schools at a rate of roughly $6 per student. Principals will learn of a credit in their school’s name on file at the WISD transportation department at the beginning of the school year. Continue reading →

Ann Arbor Public Schools retirees honored at Top of the Park celebration

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By Tara Cavanaugh 

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education partnered with the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation to create the first-ever celebration for all AAPS retirees at a Top of the Park celebration June 19.

The retirees present represented a combined 1,173 years of service to the schools and were heartily thanked by AAPS Superintendent Dr. Patricia Green.

“I want to tell you all what a joy it is to be part of this first joint celebration between the Board of Education and the educational foundation,” said Dr. Green. “You have given so much to this community. I was astonished by your commitment, your dedication and everything you’ve done. You’re now part of the legendary folklore of this school district.” Continue reading →

Local business professionals mentor AAPS principals

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At the March 22 session of the mentorship program, which took place at Menlo Innovations, Pattengill Principal Che Carter and Denise Murray from Briarwood Mall listen to Bryant Principal Roberta Heyward. Photo provided by Annette Ferguson.

By Tara Cavanaugh

Principals in the Ann Arbor Public Schools are partnering with local business professionals in the Principal and Business Mentor Program.

The goal of the program is to help principals learn new skills in customer service, while at the same time helping the business professionals have a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the public schools. Continue reading →

Ann Arbor Alumni site connects district with graduates and friends

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Site launched in the fall, new items added on daily basis

From AAPSNews Service

Kristin Kelley Howard

Kristin Kelley Howard, a Huron High School graduate, manages the AAPS Educational Foundation's alumni website.

Are you an Ann Arbor Public Schools grad? Employee? Friend? All are welcome to visit and register at the new Ann Arbor alumni website, which has started to take off since its soft launch last fall.

Organizers at the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation, which makes the site possible, say although the site is still developing, they’re putting the word out so that anyone with an interest in district can find it, sign up and begin networking and finding their long-lost friends.

The site is managed through the AAPSEF and is coordinated by Kristin Kelley Howard, a 2001 Community High School graduate and the daughter of Jerry and Diana Kelley, Jerry a retired AAPS principal and teacher and Diana who still works for the district in the Physical Properties and Operations Department.

Howard likens it to some of the larger websites that allow people to find former classmates, but “it’s only for the Ann Arbor schools, so it’s personalized and it’s free,” she said.

“I think a lot of it is for the events, the reunions, as well as what’s going on at the schools. All kinds of news,” said Howard, a freelance web designer.

Only members at AnnArborAlumni.org have access to information about other members and posted information can also be limited by preferences when you sign up. Members can also use photo avatars, if they so choose. Home addresses are taken, but not published on the site. Registration asks for a visitor’s name, year of graduation, school and an optional paragraph about yourself.

Wendy Correll, executive director of the AAPS Educational Foundation, said the site is a welcome addition to offer information to the Ann Arbor Public Schools educational community.

“We wanted to sponsor this site as a way to bring people interested in the schools together at one, online location,” Correll said. “We wanted to have a simple place for those interested in our schools to connect. We hope to see it grow as friends, graduates and staff and retirees discover it.”

“We were fortunate to have had the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsor the site during its early stages. ”

In recent months, Howard has added a variety of feeds including ongoing news posts from local news outlets, the AAPSNews and also added a Facebook group page to encourage activity. There are links to school pages and ways for members to contact each other and search for people with whom they’ve lost touch. The site has a message board for members where they can post class notes, ask questions and suggest jobs for other alumni.

*“I’ve been adding and updating the site on a daily basis or whenever things come up,” she said.

She hopes visitors will send their feedback. “If people would send us suggestions of what they would like to see on the site we can consider adding it,” Howard added. She noted that she would also welcome any alumni who would like to help build the site and offer suggestions in that vein.

One of Howard’s newer projects is looking for scanned versions of Ann Arbor high school yearbooks, which she has started posting on the site. Eventually, she will have software installed where site members can upload their own photos and yearbook pages for others to view. For now, she has collected a 1937 yearbook from Ann Arbor High School and a number of Community High School yearbooks from the 1980s and 1990s.

There is a calendar link on the front page of the site listing all of the different events in date order. “This way, people can see all of the events in one place without needing to scroll through several different months to see what is coming up,” Howard said.

Those who are organizing and promoting Ann Arbor high school reunions can send an e-mail to Howard and she will post both information about reunions and Web links if groups have separate event websites.

Organizers are also considering using sponsorships on the site that would be related items including class reunion ads, local business sponsors and other selected groups. There are currently more than 140 members signed up for the site, but Howard is hoping that number will grow as alumni and other friends find out about it.

Howard is also seeking suggestions for alumni who could be featured on the site on a regular basis in short profiles. Eventually, the plan is to allow members to sign up for a regular newsletter.

One interesting piece that anyone visiting AnnArborAlumni.org can view is a Google map that pinpoints where current members are located (no addresses are listed.) Visitors will see that members live around the world.

Details: visit AnnArborAlumni.org. A link to Howard’s e-mail can be found toward the bottom of the page where she is listed as the site manager. She welcomes suggestions and information to be posted. “I hope visitors will share it with their friends and social media networks too,” she added.

School Bells: Session scheduled for prospective school board candidates

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An information meeting has been scheduled for prospective candidates for the Ann Arbor Board of Education. The session will be at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 30, 2011 at the Balas Administration Building, 2555 S. State St., Ann Arbor.

The next Ann Arbor Public School Election will be Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011.

At this informal session, representative board members Deb Mexicotte, Glenn Nelson and Susan Baskett will talk about the roles and responsibilities of school board members. Persons interested in becoming a candidate and who would like to know more about what it means to serve on the Board of Education should consider attending this session.

Two four-year terms, expiring Dec.  31, 2015 will be on the Nov. 8 ballot (All terms begin Jan. 1, 2012.)

The filing deadline for open seats on the AAPS board is 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011,  File at the  Election Division of Washtenaw County Clerk’s Office, 200 N. Main St/, Ann Arbor. (Candidates wishing to withdraw will have until 4 p.m. Aug. 19 or their names will automatically appear on the ballot.)

Petitions may be picked up from the Washtenaw County Clerk Office, Election Division. Filing must be done at the Clerk’s Office (not AAPS). For more information, call 222-6730 or visit online.

Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 is the last day to register to vote for the November General Election..

An AAPS candidate forum will also be planned for sometime in August, date yet to be determined.

3 join AAPS Educational Foundation Board

Three new members have joined the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation Board of Directors. Martin Bouma, Barbara Eichmuller and Collyer Smith join the board this summer and serve for 3-year terms.

Bouma is a local Realtor and President of The Martin Bouma Group. He has one child in the Ann Arbor Public Schools at Haisley Elementary and his youngest will enter kindergarten there this fall. He believes very strongly in the importance of a healthy public school system: “A strong public school system is an integral part of the local economy – having the ability to attract the talent necessary for continued economic growth in Washtenaw County. With all of the challenges to our local school systems (state funding cuts, losing students to private schools, economic disparities, etc.) it’s more important than ever that local leaders stay in the forefront of promoting a strong school system.”

Eichmuller is an associate broker with the Charles Reinhart Company. She attended Pattengill, Tappan and Pioneer. On joining the board, Eichmuller calls for the involvement of individuals to support our schools: “I believe it is critical that at this point in time when funding for education is being cut from all directions that citizens at large participate in funding programs however and wherever possible. We must have high quality educational programs to attract new business and new jobs to the Ann Arbor area.”

Smith works for the Bank of Ann Arbor and is a longtime supporter of the Educational Foundation. His son is a high school student with dual enrollment at Community and Pioneer High Schools. According to Collyer, “You can talk about public education, or be engaged in it. My preference is engagement.”

18 AAPS students earn special scholarships

Eighteen Ann Arbor Public Schools students have been awarded scholarships administered by the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation. At senior banquets, athletic events and end-of-year ceremonies, these students were recognized for their accomplishments:

  • Haley MeLampy, Pioneer High School, Evy Eugene Mavrellis Student Leadership Award
  • Kieana Watts and Darrel Nubin Jr., Haisley Elementary, Peter Stamos Memorial Scholarship
  • Zach Juliar, Pioneer High School, Dorothy M. Russell Scholarship
  • Max Brown, Community High School, Rick Burgess Memorial Scholarship
  • Tiffany Cole, Pioneer High School, Alex Tons Scholarship Award
  • Chi Tran, Huron High School, Taylor Calhoun Outstanding Cheerleading Scholarship
  • McKinlee Ward and Margaret Peggy Wu, Huron High School, Sunshine Awards for women’s Soccer and Tennis respectively
  • Michelle Garcia, Pioneer High School, Kacee Cronk Scholarship
  • Garrett Wood and Gilad Eisbruch, Community High School, Jill Donellan Award
  • Christina Allen-Pipkin, Huron High School, Lisa Ann Gallagher Award
  • Alissa Pace, Pioneer High School, Robert E. Lewis Jr. Award
  • Noam Zimet, Pioneer High School, Clara Goodrich Award
  • Ellen Shen, Ellen Sauer, Dyami Bomia and Adira Cohen, Women’s Symphony Fund Scholarships for Summer Music Camps

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation maintains these funds, and the award process, as a community service. Most of the awards memorialize outstanding students and faculty of the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

DFCU donates another $10,000, pledges money for new accounts

DFCU Financial has committed to another $10,000 to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation for 2011. This follows an initial $10,000 donation earlier this year as part of the credit union’s commitment to support public education in the communities where it has branches through its Schools and You program.

From May 16 to Aug. 30, 2011, DFCU Financial will donate $25 for new deposit accounts opened or loans closed at one of its five Ann Arbor area branches. Loans must close prior to Aug. 30, 2011; accounts must remain open until August 30, 2011.  Maximum donation is $50 per member.  Details at their website.

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July events at Nicola’s Books

Nicola’s Books is a sponsor of the AAPSNews website. We publish activities from the store on a monthly basis. For details of events, visit their website.

Weekly Story Time at 11 a.m. on Saturdays – An experienced teller spins yarns for the 7 & under set.
Saturday, July 16, 2 p.m. – Author Jim McGavran will have a reading and discussion of his new book “In the Shadow of the Bear: A Michigan Memoir.” In this alternately frank and lyrical memoir the author returns, after a 40-year absence, to the site of his childhood summer vacations at Little Glen Lake in northwestern Lower Michigan’s Leelanau peninsula.
Monday, July 18, 7 p.m. – Local author Harry Dolan introduces his second mystery featuring David Loogan, “Very Bad Men”. David Loogan is living in Ann Arbor with Detective Elizabeth Waishkey and her daughter, Sarah. He’s settled into a quiet routine as editor of the mystery magazine “Gray Streets”-until one day he finds a manuscript outside his door. It begins: “I killed Henry Kormoran.”
Tuesday, July 19, 7 p.m. – Michigan author Bonnie Jo Campbell, National Book Award and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist for “American Salvage”, will be at Nicola’s with her new novel “Once Upon a River.  Sixteen-year-old Margo Crane, a beauty whose unflinching gaze and uncanny ability with a rifle have not made her life any easier. After the violent death of her father, in which she is complicit, Margo takes to the Stark River in her boat, with only a few supplies and a biography of Annie Oakley, in search of her vanished mother. But the river, Margo’s childhood paradise, is a dangerous place for a young woman traveling alone.
Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m. – Local author Gregory Fournier will be here for a reading and signing of his novel “Zug Island: A Detroit Riot Novel”, a Huck Finn-meets-heavy-industry tale about a suburban white kid who gets a crash course in race relations. Set in 1967 against a backdrop of industrial blight and urban decay, the book follows Jake Malone and Theo Semple as they stumble in and out of rhythm on Detroit’s mean streets to discover that the face of racism comes in every shade of color.
Thursday, July 21, 7 p.m. – Scott Sparling will be at Nicola’s with his debut novel featuring train-hopping, drug-dealing lowlifes, “Wire to Wire.” While riding a freight car through Detroit, Michael Slater suffers a near-fatal accident–a power line to the head. After recovering, he tries to lead a quiet life in the desert, but his problems just follow him. Slater returns to his native Michigan to seek out his old train-hopping pal, only to find that the Pleasant Peninsula of his youth is none too pleasant
Saturday, July 23, 2 p.m. – Local author Carrie Harris will be at Nicola’s for a launch party to celebrate the release of her new book for children ages 12 & up, “Bad Taste in Boys.” Someone’s been a very bad zombie. Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. It’s up to Kate and her friends to save the their town and stay hormonally human.
Tuesday July 26, 7 p.m. –Nicola’s Books hosts a panel discussion with Jacqueline Carey, Jim Hines and Sarah Zettel on current trends in science-fiction and fantasy novels. All panelists have new books coming out.
Book releases:
•    Jacqueline Carey will release the final Naamah book, “Naamah’s Blessing”, on June 29.
•    Jim Hines will release his new Princess novel, “The Snow Queen’s Shadow” on July 5.
•    Sarah Zettel’s new book, the first in a new series, “A Taste of the Nightlife: A Vampire Chef Mystery”, will release on July 5.

View more district achievements at “This Week in the Ann Arbor Public Schools” published through the superintendent’s office.

School Bells: Monday is registration for free, summer GED classes

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Monday, June 13, is the final chance to register for Ann Arbor Public Schools free summer GED preparation classes. Registration will be from 4-6 p.m. at Stone High School, and potential students must stay for the full two hours for assessment and orientation.

The summer session runs only for eight weeks so there will not be open enrollment during that time. Morning and evening classes will be offered and will be located at Pioneer High School as Stone High School will be under construction.

To register, you must be 18 or older. Classes start the week of June 20. For more information, call 734-997-1250 or visit online.

Northside Elementary starts mini-golf fundraiser

Northside minigolf

Students and families play mini-golf in at Northside Elementary School. The event is a new fundraiser for the school.

Northside Elementary School hosted a new school fundraiser on June 7, creating a full mini-golf course in the school’s gym. Physical Education teacher Rick Dekeon said the event was designed to raise money, but also to bring families a fun event. “It was a great success added to our other fit type activities,” Dekeon said. The school hosts Kids Rock Camp, Cross Country Kids, Friday morning floor hockey, special floor hockey nights. The architect and builder of the golf course, Dave xxx, also served as official griller for the event.

Fundraiser brings $1,300 to Ann Arbor Open

A successful music fundraiser was reported this spring at Ann Arbor Open @ Mack. On May 4, the highly acclaimed local “jam band” the MadPodz played a benefit concert at the K-8 school, performing an appealing mix of rhythm and blues, soul, rock, and hard jazz to a full house in the school auditorium. A total of $1,300 was raised and went to the Vocal and Instrumental Music programs at Ann Arbor Open.

Huron students paint with team, help SafeHouse

Safe House

A team of painters works on a project at Safe House to brighten the education facility. Huron students assisted.

Eight Huron High School students were among a team working to paint the Education Center at SafeHouse in Ann Arbor this semester. The project included painting contractor and instructor Gene Firn overseeing the work, which included 1,200-square-feet of space being repaired, prepped and painted.

“Gene was an absolute delight and pleasure to work with on this project,” said Andrea Fiorina, operations coordinator for SafeHouse. “We are so happy and grateful to have this space renovated and painted. It would not have been possible without Firn’s help, she added.

Firn began a community painting program in the Ann Arbor Public Schools this year also. Volunteer teams from both Mitchell and Carpenter elementary schools painted hallways in their schools, brightening them over the winter break. Visit here for a story on that project.

Firn said he hopes to expand that project in the schools this fall.

Carpenter Scouts help C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital

Junior Girl Scout Troop 40682 at Carpenter Elementary School just finished a community service project to earn a Bronze Award, bringing both goodies and warmth to local children who are ill.

Carpenter Scouts

Carpenter Scouts and their handmade blankets.

The troop designated C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital beneficiary for their troop’s Cookie Share program within the annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale. That means a large portion of cookie sales were designated to purchase fleece fabric to make into blankets to be given to sick children at the hospital.

In addition, customers could donate toward the cost of a box of cookies, or buy boxes of Girl Scout cookies to be delivered to the hospital for the family lounge. The troop delivered their finished gift to the hospital on June 6. This year, the troop of 18 girls presented C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital with 25 finished blankets and 52 boxes of Girl Scout cookies.  Not including the labor to make the blankets, the gift has an approximate retail value of almost $900. (Fortunately, the Girl Scouts and their troop leaders, Pam Powell, Tracy Fischer, Julie Limp, Therese Niemi and Leader-in-Training (Huron 2011 graduate) Cassandra Ward, completed the Consumer Power badge first and did some sale price comparison and coupon shopping, too.)

This community service project is in addition to the Carpenter Girl Scouts’ Earth Day gift to Carpenter School, in which they provided and planted the flowers for the school’s exterior garden planters and weeded and re-mulched the butterfly garden.

Kiwanis give scholarships to Ann Arbor students in May

Link to photos on Kiwanis Picasa page

A total of 29 Ann Arbor students from Pioneer, Huron, Community, Roberto Clemente, and Stone high schools. received scholarship awards from the Ann Arbor Kiwanis Club in May. Serving as masters of ceremonies were Rip Kinney, Don Kossick and Peter Schork . The recipients by scholarship type were:

Hunter/Clague Scholarships – Garrett Wood, Community High, attending the University of Michigan; Ellen Dowling, Huron High, attending Notre Dame; Megan Masten, Pioneer High, attending U-M.

Carpenter Scholarships – DanYelle Hugan, Community High, attending Washtenaw Community College; Chi Tran, Huron High, attending WCC; Yoojin Chang, Pioneer High, attending Michigan State University.

Naylor Scholarship – Jason Greene, Pioneer High, attending Michigan Career Technical Institute.

Ray & Eleanor Cross Foundation Scholarships – Kyle Mills, Huron High, attending Michigan Tech; Akio Kakishima, Huron High, attending U-M; Tenzin Tsundu, Community High, attending Berea College; October Lewis, Stone High, attending Ross Medical Institute.

Kiwanis/Cross Foundation Collaborative Scholarships – Matthew Hing, Pioneer High, attending Notre Dame; Serina Johnson, Clemente High, attending Eastern Michigan University; Stephanie Lu, Huron High, attending U-M; Lucy Holland, Pioneer High, attending U-M; Chinyere Onimo, Huron High, attending U-M; Daniesha Scott, Pioneer High, attending Clark Atlanta University; Emily Burns, Pioneer High, attending U-M; Jesse Burrison, Huron High, attending WCC; Christian Arreola, Clemente High, attending WCC; Sha’rae Hendricks, Pioneer High, attending Spelman College; Dahlia Bigelow, Community High, attending Boston University; Alfredo Munoz, Pioneer High, attending U-M; Gerardo Longoria, Huron High, attending EMU; Samantha Waldrop, Pioneer High, attending Alma College; Nathaniel Coryell, Community High, attending U-M; Eric Miller, Pioneer High, attending Central Michigan University; Awah Ditah, Huron High, attending WCC; Jasper Hanifi, Pioneer High, attending MSU.

Huron’s Ljungman earns German scholarship

Huron High School 2011 graduate Erik Ljungman was awarded the University of Michigan’s Huron High School German Scholarship. He will attend U-M in the fall.

Leaders in the business leaders founded the scholrship including; Richard Sheridan of Menlo Innovations, Ray Digby of Am-Can Financial, David Granner of Thrivent Financial, and Judith Dabertin of Boulevard Health Care.

In fields such as Engineering, Business, Chemistry, Physics, Architecture and Life Sciences, U-M has an increasing need for undergraduates who have at least a few semesters of German. Any student who has taken at least one year of German at Huron High School, and who will take at least two semesters of German at U-M, is eligible to apply for this scholarship.

During his four years at Huron, Ljungman was on the tennis team,
and during the first semester of the 2010-11 school year earned a
4.0 grade average. He took four years of German. During his senior
year, he also took Physics, Calculus, and Humanities.

One Million Reasons campaign assists AAPS programs

The 2011 One Million Reasons campaign is under way for the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation. The foundation is again seeking $1 million the end of July to support the Ann Arbor schools during the 2011-12 school year.

The AAPSEF helps fund many integral programs in the Ann Arbor Public Schools such as world language, instrumental music, environmental science, and many far-reaching math, science, art and history programs.

“But growing state budget issues now threaten even the ‘basics’ in our schools,” said Wendy Correll, the AAPSEF executive director. “We can’t afford to let this happen.”

A $60 gift for every student in the schools would generate nearly $1 million, Correll added.

This is the second year of the One Million Reasons campaign. Visit www.SupportAnnArborSchools.org for more information or to make a donation.  Lawn signs supporting the campaign are also available. Supporters are also encouraged to consider hosting an informal party for the One Million Reasons campaign; past events have included hot dog roasts, martini parties or cocktail hours.

To show your support and obtain a lawn sigh, host a party or for more information, contact Correll at 734-994-1969 or e-mail her at wcorrell@aapsel.org.

2 re-electe to serve on WISD board

Gregory A. Peoples, a resident of Lincoln Consolidated Schools, and Dayle K. Wright, a Chelsea Schools resident, have been re-elected to serve on the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education for the next six years.  Both were chosen by representatives of local school boards in the district’s bi-annual election held on Monday, June 6.  Their terms begin July 1, 2011 and continue through June 30, 2017.

Peoples, an ombudsman at Eastern Michigan University, has served on the WISD Board since 1993.  He has previously been elected to both the Willow Run and Lincoln school boards.  He currently serves as President of the Michigan Association of School Boards.  Wright, a registered dietician with Allegiance Health in Jackson, was elected to the WISD Board in 2005.  She is a former Chelsea school board member.

The WISD board has five members who serve staggered, six-year terms. Other members of the board are Diane Hockett and Mary Jane Tramontin, both of Ann Arbor, and Mark VanBogelen of Manchester.

The intermediate school district is a regional educational service agency that works with the local school districts and public school academies in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run, and Ypsilanti.

Eagles to play1st game in Big Day Prep Showdown

The Skyline Eagles football team will play their first game in the Big Day Prep Showdown at EMU’s Rynearson Stadium on August 26th at 5:00 p.m.  Tickets are now available in the Athletic Dept.  as well as online.

WAY Washtenaw information night June 14

An information night for the WAY Washtenaw program is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S Wagner Road, Scio Township.

WAY Washtenaw  is designed for students who have dropped out of school, are at risk of dropping out of school, or are not on track to graduate. The program allows students to use cutting edge technology while working closely with a highly qualified teacher and one-on-one mentor, 365 days a year. Details: Sarena Shivers 734-994-8100 ext.1257

School Bells: Ed Foundation hosts budget sessions April 15

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AAPS Educational Foundation logoAnn Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation is hosting a 2011-12 budget presentation by Interim Superintendent Robert Allen from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and again from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 15.

Both sessions will be at the Ann Arbor Preschool & Family Center, 2775 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, located north of Eisenhower. For more information or to RSVP call 734-994-1969 or e-mail:  bstoelt@aapsef.org.

Volunteers sought for April 13 seedling planting day at Tappan

Volunteers are sought to help make the annual Agrarian Adventure Seedling Planting Day a day to remember for students. This year’s event will be Wednesday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tappan Garden, located behind Tappan Middle School, 2251 E. Stadium Blvd. (Rain date will be April 18.)

“We can accommodate most anybody,” said organizer April Schmidt, the Agrarian Adventure Farm-to-School coordinator. Volunteers do not have to have children attending Tappan to participate and no special gardening skills are needed.

Tappan teachers were invited to bring their students out for the day of planting, and about five teachers plan to participate. “The students will come out with their teachers and will do a variety of planting in the seed trays, spread compost and get the gardens ready for the season,” Schmidt explained.

Volunteers are needed for 1- to 2-hour slots (or longer) during the event, as well as before 8 a.m. to set up and after 3 p.m. to clean up, said Schmidt. Help is needed with everything from greeting and directing tasks, to helping students plant in the greenhouse and help to get outdoor beds ready for planting. For a full list of tasks and volunteers needed for the event, visit www.agrarianadventure.org.

Help is also needed before the April 13 event to fix the sides of raised bed in the greenhouse and to be part of the garden’s summer watering schedule starting in May.

E-mail Schmidt at farmtoschool@agrarianadventure.org to volunteer. A Volunteer Information Session is scheduled from 6-7 p.m. on Sunday, April 10 at the Tappan Garden, but Schmidt said volunteers may contact her until the day before the event.

Some of the seedlings from the event will be distributed to other Ann Arbor Public Schools that have school gardens. Anyone from AAPS schools wishing to share in the seedling distribution should e-mail Schmidt at farmtoschool@agrarianadventure.org. Most of the seedlings will be vegetables.

WISD board names superintendent finalists, schedules sessions

Two leaders of intermediate school districts are finalists for the superintendency at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.

Thomas Goodney, deputy superintendent/chief of staff for the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio and Scott A. Menzel,  superintendent of the Livingston Educational Service Agency were selected as finalists from a field of six by the WISD Board of Education.

The new superintendent will succeed William C. Miller who retired in December.

Tom Goodney

WISD finalist Thomas Goodney

Scott Menzel

WISD finalist Scott Menzel

Both finalists have been invited back to the district for second interviews.  Goodney will be in the district on Wednesday, April 13 and Menzel on Thursday, April 14. Community forums will be conducted on both days from 4:15-5:15 p.m. and the WISD board will do final interviews from 6-7 p.m. All sessions are scheduced at the WISD Teaching and Learning Center, 1819 S. Wagner Road, Scio Township. A WISD team will visit the finalists’ school districts during the week of April 18.

Goodney is in his sixth year in his current post in Columbus, Ohio. He received his bachelor’s degree in mass communications at Northern Michigan University, his master’s degree in speech at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and his doctorate in educational leadership, also at Miami University.

Menzel is in his fourth year as LESA superintendent in Howell.  He received his bachelor’s degree in religion from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., his master’s degree in philosophy and social policy from The American University in Washington, D.C. and is completing work on his doctorate at Eastern Michigan University.

Early College Alliance co-hosts information night April 12

The Early College Alliance @ EMU and the Eastern Michigan University School of Engineering Technology host an information night from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, in EMU’s Sill Hall, Room 002. (Click here for a PDF download of Sill Hall location on the main EMU campus.)

The ECA&EMU is a public, early/middle college program gives students an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school and offers strong, academically focused students a chance to enroll in advanced, college-level coursework. Ann Arbor is a partner in the program, as are the districts of Chelsea, Lincoln, Milan, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run and Ypsilanti. The program is being coordinated through the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. Students attending the program receive their high school diplomas from their home school district.

Tuesday’s event will describe the many programs and opportunities the School of Engineering Technology offers. Faculty members will be available for questions and answers followed by a tour of the many laboratories. Light refreshments will be served. Details on Tuesday’s event: Philip Rufe, 734-487-2040 or e-mail to prufe@emich.edu.

Students who live in Washtenaw County or a county contiguous to Washtenaw County and are currently in the ninth or 10th grade in any public school district, charter, or home school, are eligible to enroll in ECA@EMU for the 2011-12 academic year.  Details: www.earlycollegealliance.org or call (734) 487-4290.

All to feel effects of May 3 county special education millage vote

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Superintendent: An OK maintains services, defeat would affect General Fund

Related story: Ann Arbor Schools face $15-21 million budget shortfall for 2011-12

Below: Ed Foundation hosts budget information sessions

From AAPSNews Service

On May 3, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District will seek a renewal of .9850 of a mill for seven years to support special education services for students in the 10 local Washtenaw County districts that it serves.

Voters first approved the millage in September 2004 and the renewal is proposed to cover the years 2011-17. The millage renewal will bring in $14 million countywide, of which $5.8 million would come to the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

“If that money goes away, we will have to find another way to fund it and that’s through the General Fund,” said Ann Arbor Interim Superintendent Robert Allen. He has given presentations explaining the impact of the millage both to the school board and at a March 21 community meeting.

Allen explained that special education services are mandated by state and federal laws and local school districts are bound also by Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, which are binding legal documents between a district and families and determine how their children will be educated.

“We look at each individual child and say ‘what is the true need?’” Allen said. “We determine what’s in the best interest for the child.”

Money from the millage will be used to continue to reimburse local school districts for special education programs and to help maintain quality services for all students, said WISD Interim Superintendent Richard Leyshock,

“We’re seeking the renewal because the demand for special education continues,” he said  “And, without adequate special education millage, local districts will be required to take increasing dollar amounts from their general operating funds to provide special education programs that are required by state and federal law.”

One in seven – or an average of three students in a classroom – receive some type of special education service. Of the 16,569 students enrolled in the Ann Arbor district, 2,093 students are receiving special education services.

These include 602 students with a specific learning disability, 241 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 548 who are speech and language impaired and 124 who are emotionally impaired. Other students receiving services are those who have a cognitive impairment, severe multiple impairment, a visual or hearing impairment, some with physical or other health impairments and others who are developmentally delayed.

Last year, it cost the Ann Arbor district nearly $40 million to offer special education instruction and support services including transportation. About $20 million of that is reimbursed by the county and, of that $20 million, $5.8 million is represented in renewal being asked for on the May 3 ballot.

“It’s really an issue of what’s best for the kids,” Allen added. “The earlier you intervene, the less you’ll spend later on. And that person will become a productive member of society.”

Click here for a video message from WISD.

Click here to download more information about the May 3 millage renewal.

What voters will see on the May 3 ballot:

WASHTENAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL EDUCATION MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL

This proposal will allow the intermediate school district to levy the special education millage previously approved by the electors.

“Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property in Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Michigan, be increased by .9850 mill ($0.9850 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 7 years, 2011 to 2017, inclusive, to provide funds for the education of students with a disability (the above is a renewal of millage which expired with the 2010 tax levy); the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2011 is approximately $14,000,000?”

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Ed Foundation hosts information sessions on April 15

Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation is hosting a 2011-12 budget presentation by Interim Superintendent Robert Allen from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and again from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 15.

Both sessions will be at the Ann Arbor Preschool & Family Center, 2775 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor, located north of Eisenhower. For more information or to RSVP call 734-994-1969 or e-mail: bstoelt@aapsef.org.

Foundation awards grants, receives $10,000 donation from DFCU

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From AAPSNews Service
and the AAPS Educational Foundation

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation has awarded $22,000 in grants to the Ann Arbor Public Schools through its Initiatives for Excellence and Great Idea Teacher Grant programs. The awards are in addition to approximately $275,000 allocated earlier this year.

AAPS Educational Foundation logoAlso this week, the Foundation accepted a $10,000 check from DFCU Financial for its 2011 One Million Reasons campaign as the credit union expands into the Ann Arbor area. Proceeds from the campaign will be directed to the Ann Arbor Public Schools’ 2011-12 academic year; the fundraising campaign was launched earlier this month.

Two middle school programs and one high school program have received Initiatives for Excellence Grants. Every sixth-grade student in the district will benefit from an $8,400 grant to Project Healthy Schools, which began in 2005 as collaboration between the University of Michigan Health System and the Ann Arbor Public Schools to reduce childhood obesity. The foundation is funding equipment used in a series of 10 interactive health lessons.

Students in grades 6-12 will benefit from a $9,090 grant that will supply every middle school and high school with document cameras, which will support laboratory and hands on activities in the classrooms.

Teacher grants will impact 3,000 students at 7 schools

The spring Great Idea Grants to staff award cycle awarded seven projects at seven schools a total of $4,548. The grants impact more than 3,000 students.

Projects include: a forensics study at Skyline High School; a reading initiative for teens at Community High School; additions to the book collection at Eberwhite Elementary School’s library; a band tour for Tappan Middle School students; Scarlett transition boot camp; and support of a summer learning program at Pattengill Elementary School.

AAPSEF Great Idea Grant awards are competitive and the maximum amount of funding given per project is $1,000. A nine-member volunteer team serves as the grants review committee, including members of AAPSEF’ s board, community members and retired AAPS staff. Several projects received funding at the maximum amount. Grants were awarded from kindergarten through high school levels. For more information, visit the AAPSEF website (www.aapsef.org).

This is the 14th year that the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation has awarded grants to staff. In addition to the large-scale grants awarded to the district, the Great Idea Grants awards allow support on the classroom level.

Large donation accepted from DFCU Financial

DFCU donates $10,000 to ed foundation

DFCU Financial donated $10,000 to the AAPS Educational Foundation on March 16. Pictured from left, are AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll, DFCU President and CEO Mark Shobe and AAPS Interim Superintendent Robert Allen during a reception at the DFCU branch on Green Road in Ann Arbor.

Checks were presented at a reception at DFCU Financial’s Green Road office in Ann Arbor and AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll accepted the check on behalf of the board of directors.

Correll said the DFCU’s business model of focus on individual members ties nicely into the foundation’s focus on serving every child. “It’s a great model for us,” she said. “I think it’s clear to say, between these two educational systems here today that their mission is to stay focused on educating the students in their community and partnering with businesses in their community.”

Mark Shobe, president and CEO of DFCU Financial, made the $10,000 foundation gifts. “We’re very happy to be a part of the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti communities and extend our support to each community’s school district,” he said, noting that the credit union would offer both ongoing financial support and classroom expertise in the areas of financial literacy, budgeting and money management.

“The sum of the two, we hope will make a difference,” he added. “DFCU Financial looks forward to long and beneficial partnerships.”

Headquartered in Dearborn, DFCU is Michigan’s largest credit union with $3 billion in assets. For five consecutive years, DFCU Financial has issued the largest dividend in the history of credit unions of more than $90 million. The credit union reinvests in its membership with new branches, a no-interest, no-payment Career Transition Program and financial literacy education for all ages.

AAPS Interim Superintendent Robert Allen thanked DFCU officials and noted that Michigan school districts face “trying times economically and so the support we get from our foundation and other responsible business partners will certainly go a long way.”

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation is an independent, community-based, nonprofit organization committed to helping all Ann Arbor Public Schools students achieve their highest potential by providing community support for innovative and excellent educational opportunities. For more on the One Million Reasons campaign, visit www.supportannarborschools.org, or call 734-994-1969.

DFCU Financial currently operates 24 full-service branches – 11 in Metro Detroit, three in Lansing, five in the Grand Rapids area and five in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. For more information, call 888-336-2700 or visit dfcufinancial.com.

Educational Foundation launches 2011 ‘One Million Reasons’ campaign

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From AAPSNews Service

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation kicked off its 2011 One Million Reasons Campaign this month to raise money for programs that directly impact students in the district.

AAPSEF 2011 Campaign Launch

Members of the community attended the March 10 launch of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation 2011 fundraising campaign at the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop. Pictured from left are AAPSEF Board Chairwoman Helen Starman; IMRA American Human Resources Director Ken Castel; and AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll.

For a second year, the AAPSEF is taking a bold stand, working to raise $1 million to help fund programs that could be cut because of anticipated state budget cuts and a lack of educational resources.

“The prospect of a $15 million budget reduction for the next academic year – and limited options for improving revenues – will have significant impact on programs for students in our schools,” said AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll. She noted that the AAPS Educational Foundation and its One Million Reasons campaign offer the community a way to continue these vital programs.

The inaugural 2010 campaign was a great success, with several hundred supporters donating more than $335,000, according to Correll. This represents more than the Foundation has ever raised in any annual period. The board of AAPSEF anticipates conducting this campaign annually until funding for innovative programs in the Ann Arbor schools meets the needs of all students, Correll added.

Historically, the foundation funded  new, innovative programs in schools.  But recent and persistent budget reductions in education have prompted the foundation to consider funding existing programs that have advanced student achievement and development, Correll said.

The launch of this year’s fundraising campaign took place at an evening event March 8 at the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, where the thrift shop Board of Directors made an initial substantial gift of $10,000 to help launch this year’s campaign. Another $3,000 was pledged by the Ann Arbor Dykema law practice and $8,000 was received from individual donors at the kickoff event.

Last year, the PTO Thrift Shop donated $100,000, IMRA America gave $50,000 to support math and science programs and another $25,000 donation was made in memory of Dr. James A. Norton Jr. to match AAPS employee donations to the campaign.

All proceeds from the 2011 campaign will be directed to the Ann Arbor Public School’s 2011-12 academic year.  Donate online by visiting the AAPS Educational Foundation website, or by sending a check payable to AAPSEF at 2555 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104.

Contact Correll with questions or to get involved with the One Million Reasons campaign at 734-994-1969 or email  wcorrell@aapsef.org.

The AAPS Educational Foundation is an independent nonprofit committed to helping all Ann Arbor Public Schools students achieve their highest potential by providing community support for innovative and excellent educational opportunities.

Jazz mentoring workshop rescheduled to Feb. 15

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Jazz Mentoring Workshop graphicThe free Jazz Mentoring Workshop that was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 2 has been rescheduled due to inclement weather.  The rescheduled date is: Tuesday, Feb. 15, 3:30-5:30 pm at Community High School, Craft Auditorium, 401 N. Division St., Ann Arbor, and the workshop schedule remains the same:
  • 3:30-4:15 Jazz Concert by pros for student/parent audience.
  • 4:15-5:15 Breakout Sessions per instrument.
  • 5:15-5:30 Jam Session  Student musicians are invited to come on stage and try a solo chorus or just listen from the audience.

All Ann Arbor Public Schools middle school and high school musicians are invited to participate in this free event, either for the full two hours or for part of the session.

Featured will be local professional jazz musicians Kurt Krahnke on bass, Bill Higgins on drums, Ben Jansson on saxophone, Ingrid Racine on trumpet and Duncan McMillian on piano. The group will share their talents and experiences in a hands-on experience for students.

Maconochie, who did many of these workshops when she was the Tappan Middle School Jazz Band director, said students can come by; no RSVP is needed. “The bigger the crowd, the more fun and good energy,” she said.

Students should bring their instruments and parents are welcome to stay, she said.

Maconochie, a co-band director at Tappan Middle School since 1984, retired from the Ann Arbor Public Schools in June 2010. “But I haven’t lost my passion to enjoy and share jazz with others, especially young musicians,” she added.

For more information about the Sandy Maconochie Tribute fund and the AAPS Educational Foundation, visit online.

Questions about the event may be directed to Maconochie via e-mail at sandramaconochie@comcast.net.

Free student Jazz Mentoring Workshop is offered

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UPDATE: Due to weather conditions, this has been postponed to Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the same time and location.

The Sandy Maconochie Tribute Fund of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation is sponsoring a Jazz Mentoring Workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Community High School’s Craft Auditorium, 401 N. Division St., Ann Arbor.

Jazz Mentoring Workshop graphic

All Ann Arbor Public Schools middle school and high school musicians are invited to participate in this free event, either for the full two hours or for part of the session.

Featured will be local professional jazz musicians Ben Jansson on saxophone, Ingrid Racine on trumpet, Duncan McMillian on piano, Paul Keller on bass and Sean Dobbins on drums. The group will share their talents and experiences in a hands-on experience for students.

Maconochie, who did many of these workshops when she was the Tappan Middle School Jazz Band director, said students can come by; no RSVP is needed. “The bigger the crowd, the more fun and good energy,” she said.

Students should bring their instruments and parents are welcome to stay, she said.

Maconochie, a co-band director at Tappan Middle School since 1984, retired from the Ann Arbor Public Schools in June 2010. “But I haven’t lost my passion to enjoy and share jazz with others, especially young musicians,” she added.

For more information about the Sandy Maconochie Tribute fund and the AAPS Educational Foundation, visit online.

Questions about the event may be directed to Maconochie via e-mail at sandramaconochie@comcast.net.