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.

The Parent University, a program of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Student and Support Services Department, is offering a program about preventing bullying tonight, May 10 from 6-8 p.m. at Bryant Community Center, 3 W. Eden Ct., Ann Arbor.

Horacio Sanchez, president and CEO of Resiliency, Inc., will speak about “The Science of Understanding and Preventing Bullying.”  Why is bullying on the rise? Research shows that assumptions made about this behavior are false and interventions escalate the practice. Sanchez will explain why bullying occurs and ways that are proven to reduce and extinguish it.

The program is free and open to the public. Children are welcome to attend with parents and childcare is provided.

Other upcoming Parent University programs scheduled include:
• “Benefits of Reading to Your Child” – Tuesday, May 17 with Patricia A. Edwards, a professor of language and literacy at Michigan State University.
• “Reaching Nontraditional School Families in Nontraditional Ways” – Tuesday, May 24 with Patricia A. Edwards.
• “What Every Parent Should Know (the one thing that determines if your child will be successful)” – Thursday, June 2 with Horacio Sanchez.

Details: 734-994-2318 ext 52138.

Pioneer Water Polo Team wants can and bottle donations

In planning graduation parties and other functions this spring, the Pioneer Men’s Water Polo Team is asking the community to consider donating returnable bottles and cans to the team as a fundrdaiser. Representatives of the team will arrange pickup of all returnables.  Call Isabel Quelhas 734-930 9830 or e-mail her.

WISD expanding fingerprinting services

Washtenaw Intermediate School District is expanding its fingerprinting and background check services beyond school and daycare workers to include individuals applying for Driver Education License, Third Party Tester, and the Michigan State Bar.

The district has been performing criminal history and background checks for school districts for the past five years.  The service began in response to the passage of  school safety legislation requiring a criminal history check by the Michigan State Police and a criminal records check through the FBI for all school district employees and individuals who regularly and continuously work under contract in a school district, intermediate school district, public school academy or nonpublic school.

“Since that time, we have been able to service the needs of applicants for not only school employment, but daycare licensing and student teacher and volunteer placement, said Winnie Garrett, WISD’s Human Resources Director.  “And, we’re pleased to be adding services for these three new categories.”

WISD offers fingerprinting at its offices at 1819 S. Wagner Road on Mondays 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; Wednesdays 2 p.m.-5 p.m. and Thursdays 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The cost is $69 (no checks please) and a photo ID is required.  Garrett said off-site fingerprinting for groups of individuals is also available.  To schedule the mobile unit, e-mail LaShonda Taylor.  Click here for online details.

U-M summer mentorship program available

Michigan Mentorships are available for high school students this summer in grades nine through 12.  Students select an area of interest and spend 8 hours between June 24 and Aug. 19 exploring this area with a University of Michigan graduate student.

Last summer, students were matched in aerospace and mechanical engineering, English, art and chemistry plus other areas of advanced study. Details of the mentorships are planned between students and their mentors.

The Michigan Mentorships program is arranged through a cooperative effort between U-M and The Washtenaw County Alliance for Gifted Education. Cost is $150.

Obtain applications from Elaine Fisher by calling between 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at  734 663-1706, through high school counseling offices or at Mallett’s Creek Library.  Applications are due May 24.

Center for Independent Living Awards John Weir Scholarship

The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living has awarded Benjamin Case, a senior at Huron High School, the 2010 John Weir Scholarship.  The John Weir Scholarship is given to outstanding students with disabilities for their achievements in academic and extracurricular activities.

“I’m proud to have my disability; it has shaped me into who I am,” Case said. “I wouldn’t be the same without it.”  Case said advocacy has played an important role in his life and in getting to where he is today.   When he was younger, he said, “I started asking for the accommodations I needed (in school,) making sure I got them, and getting notes from lectures.  This made a difference that showed in my academic success.”

The John Weir Endowment Fund, which supports the scholarship, is held in trust and managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.  Graduating high school seniors with disabilities in Washtenaw, Livingston, and Monroe Counties are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which the Ann Arbor CIL administers.

The late John Weir was a pioneer for individuals with disabilities in many ways and a founder of the Ann Arbor CIL in 1976.  “Back then, CILs were a new idea designed to provide resources to people with disabilities and to assist in ways that facilitated a more active life,” Lou Weir, John Weir’s brother, said.

The scholarship is intended to carry on the mission and beliefs that John Weir had. The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living is a nonprofit community enrichment, learning, and advocacy center for individuals with disabilities and serious health conditions.  More information is available at  www.aacil.org.

Clague’s Crowley earns ‘Celebration’ award

Clague Middle School teacher Courtney Crowley was awarded Celebration of Excellence award at the April 28 Ann Arbor Board of Education meeting. She was nominated for Outstanding Customer Service by parent Gundy Sweet who has an eighth-grader at the school where Crowley is the teacher consultant and case manager for autistic students.

“In our years with the Ann Arbor Public School system we have had the opportunity to interface with many people, perhaps more than the average family,” she said in her nomination. “While many of the people we have worked with have been very good, few have truly stood out as outstanding educators and advocates for our son.”

She continues: “When I met Courtney for the first time I was immediately struck by her warm smile, welcoming manner, and enthusiasm for what she does. In working with her now for the past 7 months those first impressions have held true, but I have also seen her limitless patience, terrific sense of humor, easy going style, high expectations of the students, creative thinking, and dedicated work ethic. Courtney shows a true commitment to her career and genuine caring for the kids with whom she works.”

Sweet said Crowley communicates well, shares her creative ideas with others and has compassion and empathy for her students.

“She is wonderful to work with because she truly listens to and tries to understand the underlying problem, and then works with the team to implement solutions,” Sweet said. “Her collective skills and genuine empathy are unique gifts that are not often seen in our society in general.”

Forsythe finishes 11th in national Knowledge Master Open

The Forsythe Middle School KMO Club competed in the Knowledge Master Open on April 21.  Of 649 teams in the country, the Viking Auks finished No. 11, within the top 2 percent of all teams in the competition.

The Viking Auks placed second in Michigan of 13 teams.  Forsythe’s score of 1,605 points was far above the national average score of 1187 points and the Michigan average score of 1,347. In addition, a team from Tappan placed third in the state and 40th in the country.

Knowledge Master Open is a national academic contest that challenges teams of students to answer questions accurately and rapidly, in all the subject areas and at all levels of difficulty.  Dan Ezekiel is the coach at Forsythe.  Details: greatauk.com.

Students earn awards at SkillsUSA championship

At the April 16-18 annual SkillsUSA State Championship, Ann Arbor Student Home Building Industries Program student Chris Ziemba, a senior from Huron High School, won the Silver medal for second place in the Carpentry competition.

Ziemba took the gold medal at the SkillsUSA Regional Carpentry Competition at Washtenaw Community College qualifying him for the state competition. The Ann Arbor Public Schools Teamworks group finished in fifth place including seniors Mark Hugan (electrician from Pioneer High School) and Hernan Recendiz (plumber from Huron) as well as Huron juniors Brian Ziemba (carpenter) and Aaron Wyse (mason.)

John R. Birko is the program’s instructor and Joel Davenport is the paraeducator.

Click here for more student and staff achievements in Superintendent Todd Roberts’ “This Week in the Ann Arbor Public Schools.