Tag Archives: News in brief

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

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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.

School Bells: P.E. teacher earns ‘Celebration’ award

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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.

John Fisher a physical education teacher at both Angell and Pattengill elementary schools, was recently named a Celebration of Excellence award winner by the Ann Arbor Board of Education.

He is known as a four-time All-America wrestler for the University of Michigan and holds the record for the all-time wins on the mat for the Wolverines. In addition, he’s a freestyle World Cup champion, a two-time Olympic team alternate and a U-M assistant coach for 10 years.



According to parent Martine Perreault’s nomination, Fisher is deserving of the recognition. “I have been hearing about his classes for over 10 years as my three children have made their way through Angell,” said Perreault. “I only recently learned of his Olympic heritage. He is perennially positive and smiling, and helps us all smile everyday! We now share him with Pattengill School, and his smile is still just as bright.” 

She said he places an emphasis on personal fitness and establishing a lifetime habit of health and wellness. He teaches non-competitive, cooperative games and reinforces counting and math skills. “John Fisher leads by example,” she said. “He inspires and encourages everyone, of any ability to achieve their personal best, to set and reach for their own personal goals.”

“He makes a big impression on his students, and always greats those visiting alumni with his huge smile, and by name!”

Carpenter bagel program gives $1,000 to RIF

The MultiAge Classroom at Carpenter Elementary donated another $1,000 to the Reading in Fundamental program. This equals 40 percent of the program’s total RIF budget and has allowed the school to keep the national program even though we no longer qualify for federal matching grant dollars.

Teachers Sandrea Luce and Marilyn Freeman were recognized with a special certificate and gold honor pins from RIF’s National Office as part of the 2010 Volunteers of the Year.
 
During the school’s book distribution, each child could choose one new, free book to keep. In addition, there will be drawings held in each classroom for extra prizes. RIF sponsored a Read Around Carpenter Elementary where all all classrooms will have a special reading time.

For more information contact Pam Powell at the_rif_lady@yahoo.com or call her at 528-0894.


Huron earns national BPAC honors

Huron High School’s Business Professionals of America Chapter returned in mid-May from the 2010 National Leadership Conference
in Anaheim, Calif. with top national BPA honors. 

Three of the wins were first place wins in Banking & Finance, C++ Programming, and Financial Math & Analysis. 
 
According to Maurice Henderson, Michigan’s BPA State Director, Huron High School received the most assessment event awards than any other school in Michigan’s Secondary Division.

There were more than 5,600 participants from 27 different states.  Michigan had 551 participants in attendance and Huron had 19 participants. 
 
Three staff members –Diane Stocker-Bendersky, Christy Garrett, and
Mary Winkler – took the students to the BPAC event. A total of 17 awards were given to Huron students.
Winners included: 
• Jing Chai, Third Place Extemporaneous Speech, Ambassador Torch Award  for outstanding community service.
• John Han, First Place – Banking and Finance, Top 10 Finalists – Financial Math and Analysis, Fourth Place – Management/Marketing/Human Resources Concepts, Ninth Place – Medical Office Procedures
 • Andrey Kuklev, Second Place – Computer Security,10th Place – Information Technology Concepts
• Stephanie Liu, Ambassador Torch Award for outstanding community service  
• Lanxin Liu, First Place – Financial Math and Analysis, Ninth Place – Advanced Accounting
• Stephanie Lu, Ambassador Torch Award for outstanding community service
• Teddy Perry, Eighth Place – Computerized Accounting
• Tom Tang, Ninth Place – Java Programming
• Chaturi Wijesundera, Ambassador Torch Award for outstanding community service                                  
• Daniel Yang, First Place – C++ Programming
• Stephan Zhu, Fourth Place – Computerized Accounting
 
Parent University program tonight

AAPS Parent University will present Dr. Patricia A. Edwards on Monday, May 24, speaking about “Capturing Your Child’s Interests With Books.”
The free event takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the Bryant Community Center, 3 West Eden Court, Ann Arbor. Details: 734.994.2318 – Ext. 52138.

Edwards continues her discussion on the benefits of reading to your child and will discuss ways parents and teachers can capture children’s interests through books. She will focus on ideas that are interesting to children; talk about how to negotiate reading with your child; and fun opportunities to start a book club . There will be a prize drawing for parents who pre-register and are present during the presentation. For child care information, email: bryantdirector@gmail.com or call 734-477-0292.

On Wednesday, June 2, Parent University presents Horacio Sanchez speaking about “What Every Parent Should Know.”

Pioneer crew team is state champ

The Pioneer Women’s Crew Team won the Women’s State Championship at the Third Scholastic Rowing Association of Michigan Championship Regatta this past Saturday.  The combined Pioneer Women’s and Men’s teams finished second in overall combined points.  The women’s varsity coach is  Suzanne Buzzell and the men’s varsity coach is Rich Griffith.   The rowers will advance to the Canadian Scholastic Championship Regatta.

Skyline artist earns first place

Sherry Zhao, Skyline High School sophomore student, won first place in her age/grade category for her drawing (among 40 works from art students across the country) that will go into the “2010 Permanent Collection” of the World Awareness Children’s Museum (http://www.worldchildrensmuseum.org) She also serves as our Integrity Skyline Student Senate Council Representative. Skyline art teacher is Corrine Gignac.

Pioneer band earns 2 top awards

The Pioneer High School Concert Band, under the direction of David A. Leach, won two top awards at the Festivals of Music/Music in the Parks national competition at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio on May 15. The 72 members of the Pioneer Concert Band competed with ensembles from throughout northeastern United States. All of the ensembles were assessed using a set of national criteria and were rated by a panel of two nationally recognized adjudicators.

The Pioneer Concert Band received a Superior rating and earned First Place in the AA High School Concert Band category, the festival’s highest band classification.  Additionally the Pioneer Concert Band was awarded the Overall High School Concert Band trophy based on earning the highest number of points of all of the competing instrumental ensembles.

School Bells: Program tonight focuses on preventing bullying

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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.

School Bells: Student musician plays with U-M jazz ensemble

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Trombonist Max Hully, a Community High School Advanced Combo member and a Pioneer High School Jazz Band member plays at the Power Center during University of Michigan Jazz Festival.

Trombonist Max Hully, a Community High School Advanced Combo member and a Pioneer High School Jazz Band member, was recently selected as “outstanding” at the University of Michigan Jazz Festival. Though a non-competitive event, the faculty did ask Hully and two other outstanding high school soloists to play with the U-M Jazz Ensemble in the evening concert, said Jack Wagner, jazz program director at Community.

“Making the occasion even more special was the last-minute announcement that the guest bassist Christian McBride was going to play with the kids onstage at the Power Center,” Wagner said. “McBride is inarguably one of the top three upright bass stars in jazz today. It was a real thrill for Max and all of our kids.

“The whole day was wonderfully inspiring, and our three combos that attended played beautifully in the workshops. The students got to rub shoulders with a lot of big folks in the business, and learned a ton.”

Pioneer student earns ‘emerging artist’ award

Pioneer High School art student and senior Paige Monroe received the 2010 Saul Bell Emerging Artist Award in a competition sponsored by jewelry supply house Rio Grande, according to her jewelry teacher Helen Bunch.

Monroe will receive $500 worth of jewelry supplies and a trip to Las Vegas to accept the award. A poster will also be made featuring her and her jewelry piece that will be included in Rio Grande’s catalog. Pieces are judged on the innovation and uniqueness of the design and the quality of workmanship. Pictured here is Monroe’s jewelry design and work.

2 receive Celebration of Excellence awards from district

Two Ann Arbor Public Schools employees were recent recipients of the district’s Celebration of Excellence awards. The awards are sponsored by the Ann Arbor Board of Education and the PTO Council. Both Patrick Dombrowski and Beth Bernacki received awards at the March 10 school board meeting.

Dombrowski, a Forsythe Middle School paraeducator was nominated for Outstanding Customer Service by Danielle Bowles, Barbara Hunt, Richard King, Kelli Bert, Karen Sanderson.

He has been called an “invaluable” member of his school team who works with the students in both self-contained classrooms and in general education to support inclusion experiences. Acccording to his nomination, Dombrowski “easily makes adaptations/modifications to help our students participate and interact with general education peers.  In the process of including our students, he forms relationships with the peers.”

Known as “Mr. D.,” Dombrowski is dedicated to students with disabilities and outside of his time in the district works with adults with disabilities.  He helps students achieve their potential and encourages them to be independent using a calm and quiet approach.

Bernacki, a history teacher at Skyline High School,  was nominated for an Outstanding Customer Service by Katy LaCroix, a fourth-grade teacher at Logan Elementary School.

“While Beth happens to be my sister and best friend, I am nominating her because of her diligence and dedication to her work,” LaCroix said in her nomination.  “… There is no limit to the amount of time that she puts into her role as a teacher. … Beth is the epitome of a teacher that goes “above and beyond” her calling.”

‘Read to Feed’ under way at Allen Elementary

At Allen Elementary, students and families are encouraged to give back through this year’s theme “Read to Feed”  as part of March is Reading Month.

Four teams will compete to record the most minutes read with the final goal being 100,000 minutes for the entire school, according to information from the school’s Web site. The reward for the school will be to support Heifer International and purchase a heifer.  This nonprofit provides families in need with a cow to provide milk and income, helping families to become self-sufficient.

To this end, classrooms are divided into reading cow teams  to promote a healthy competition. A visual display of the progress the cows are making toward the reading goal  will be on display in the school’s front hall. The school will celebrate on March 26 with a “Milk and Cookie” party. The Allen Parent Council contributed $250, allowing them to purchase the heifer.

Pioneer boasts 4 Presidential Scholar candidates

The Ann Arbor Public Schools has four Presidential Scholar candidates for 2010 and all are from Pioneer High School, according to information from Superintendent Todd Robert’s office. They include: Spencer O. Johnson, Daniel J. Kriz, Leah A. Latterner and Jacob C. Postema.

The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by Presidential Executive Order  to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. Scholars are chosen on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas – academic and artistic success, leadership and involvement in school and the community – and represent excellence in education. The 2010 Presidential Scholars will be announced in June.

Foundation conducts survey through March 18

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation is conducting a brief survey of donors, parents, community members and prospective donors to solicit thoughts on areas of possible funding support to the Ann Arbor Public Schools during the next academic year.

The 11-question online survey will remain open until March 18. Those taking the survey can remain anonymous, but those that provide an e-mail address will be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift certrificate to the Chop House.

“As you probably know, the Ann Arbor Public Schools need to reduce their budget by $20 million for the 2010/2011 academic year,” said AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll in a recent e-mail notification about the survey.  Your input is very valuable in helping the board of directors to determine areas of funding.  We will also seek input from AAPS administrators and staff.”

Here is the link to the survey

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2qb7g3lg5nxr4zn/start

Inaugural scrapbooking event to raise money at Pittsfield Elementary

Pittsfield Elementary School is hoping to attract scrapbookers to a Scrapbook Crop in March to raise funds for school enrichment and PTO-sponsored activities, according to Pittsfield Elementary School parent and PTO member Ann Farnham.

The crop provides space for scrapbookers to spread out materials for the day. Registration includes an individual table, scrapbook supplies, a catered lunch and an opportunity to make some progress on projects while connecting with friends.  The event is planned for March 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pittsfield Elementary. Registration is $45 per person, or $40 each if signing up with a friend or friends.

There will be three demonstrators – all seasoned scrapbookers – onsite to assist those attending. Cricut machines will be available to use and more than $500 of stamping and scrapbooking products are up for raffle. Pittsfield Elementary is looking to host the event annually, Farnham said.

Contact event organizer Angelique Boerst via e-mail at boerst@umich.edu or call 734-572-8805.

Haisley collects a ton  – of shoes – for Haiti

The staff of Ann Arbor’s Haisley Elementary School discovered an opportunity to teach children about the power of giving by supporting an event that collected 1,704 pairs of gently worn shoes – weighing nearly one ton – to be sent to the Haitian people.

“We were thrilled at the overwhelming response we received from local residents and school children,” said Mike Bell, who co-owns Foot Solutions Ann Arbor with his wife, Dana. The local store collected the shoes for Soles4Souls, a Haitian relief agency, and worked with the Haisley community in the effort. The shoes are shipped to the charity’s distribution center, then sorted and delivered to the Haitian people.

The Bells plan to continue the collection of gently used shoes. Donations may be dropped off at the Foot Solutions Ann Arbor store, 3780 Jackson Road. Details: 734.998.3668 or visit www.footsolutions.com/annarbor.

Angell International Night features many cultures

Angell Elementary School hosted its annual International Night on Feb. 4. Following are some photos shared by the Angell staff and parents from the event, one of the largest the school hosts during the school year.

School Bells: Tuition preschool open houses in March

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Tuition Preschool Open Houses in March

Families with children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2010, are invited to visit one of two open houses for The Ann Arbor Public Schools tuition pre-school program.

The program and open houses will be at two locations:
• Thursday, March 4 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Allen Elementary School, 2560 Towner Blvd. Ann Arbor.
• Thursday, March 11 from 6 – 7 p.m. at Thurston Elementary School, 2300 Prairie, Ann Arbor.

Programs feature a developmental curriculum, certified early childhood teachers and support services. The program operates according to the school district calendar and has flexible scheduling options.

The open houses are an informal opportunity to meet staff, explore the space and hear about the program philosophy. While the presentation is geared for adults, children are encouraged to attend with their parents.

Details: 734-994-2300.

Young Fives Kindergarten application deadline is March 19

The deadline to apply for The Ann Arbor Public Schools Young Fives Kindergarten program at Abbot Elementary School is March 19, 2010.

Interested parents must have completed enrollment packets turned in to the Abbot school office by March 19, after which an enrollment lottery will take place. To be eligible for Young Fives, students must turn 5 years old between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1, 2010.

Following the lottery, parents will be notified if their child was selected and parents have 24 hours to confirm that their child will attend. Children not selected in the lottery process will be on a waiting list and contacted as openings occur.

Details: 734-994-1901 or click here for a Young Fives brochure.

Washtenaw Literacy partners with Stone High School

Stone High School is one of several sites involved in a tutoring partnership with Washtenaw Literacy, a nonprofit organization devoted to eradicating adult illiteracy. At Stone, WL tutors offer on-site support to teachers in English as a Second Language classrooms.

In addition to The Ann Arbor Public Schools, WL has also partnered with Ypsilanti Public Schools and Milan Public Schools to provide tutoring. Two other tutoring programs in Ann Arbor, one at the University of Michigan Hospital with hospital employees to improve communication skills and another at the Washtenaw County Jail where inmates are tutored in pre-GED, are also offered through WL.
Workforce Investment Act II funding supports the programs.  

Details: 734-879-1320 or visit online at www.washtenawliteracy.org.

Dicken Woods Winter Walk brings out dozens


The Friends of Dicken Woods hosted its sixth annual Winter Walk Feb. 2, when some 386 students, parents friends and neighbors came out and walked the candlelit trails.

The event was hosted by Dicken Elementary School and Stephanie Hunter organized the event. Art teacher Theresa Erickson her students created the luminaries that lit the paths. Photos of the event are posted on the Dicken Woods picture page.

Volunteers send food to Haiti

More than 100 volunteered over the weekend for the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor’s Kids Against Hunger project to send food to Haiti. According to a story posted on AnnArbor.com, members of the Pioneer and Huron high schools’ key clubs and other community members took part. Some 10,000 packages of dried food were put together for the shipment. Click here for the full story.

For a listing of more school districts accomplishments and achievements published through the Superintendent’s office, click here or visit a2schools.org and click on “This Week In The Ann Arbor Public Schools” under the publications section.

School Bells: NAAPID Showcase slated for Feb. 8 at Skyline

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Skyline High School hosts the countywide NAAPID at NIGHT Showcase of Student Talent from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8 at the school auditorium, 2552 N. Maple Road. It is part of the annual National African American Parent Involvement Day.

The seventh annual event will feature student art and other projects and well as displays of student talent. Winners of the NAAPID Poster Contest also will be on display.

Students, teachers and parents are invited to display exemplary student work and accomplishments, including: artwork, technology, academic work, school involvement, leadership, community service projects and sports accomplishments.

Displays may be tabletop or floor, and should be creative, attractively arranged, and free standing and should include the student and/or class name, grade level, teacher, school name and district. Transporting displays is the responsibility of the parent or school coordinator.

To reserve a space, or for assistance contact Sylvia Nesmith at nesy@comcast.net, 734-358-6354 (cell) or 734-747-8543 (days,) by Wednesday, Feb. 03. Works should be delivered to the event location between 3:30-5 p.m. on the day of the event.

In addition to the Ann Arbor Public Schools, other Washtenaw County districts supporting the event include: Lincoln Consolidated Schools, Milan Area Schools, Saline Area Schools, Willow Run Community Schools and Ypsilanti Public Schools. Refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. General event details: 734-434-1144.

Angell hosts International Night

International Night is a longstanding tradition at Angell Elementary School. The multi-faceted, homegrown event is different year-to-year because up to 30 percent of the school’s families may change from one year to the next.

Angell PTO Council representative and PTO Council Chairwoman E. Martine Perreault calls the event is one of the “highlights of the academic year at Angell” and said many neighborhood families visit long after their children have grown and left the school.

This year’s International Night will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4. The school is at 1608 S. University.

Slauson counselor honored by peers

Jan Mackenzie was recently lauded by her peers for her outstanding service to The Ann Arbor Public Schools. The Slauson Middle School counselor was nominated and received the school district’s first Celebration of Excellence award for the 2009-10 school year for her outstanding customer service.

She was nominated by teachers Toni Burton and JanaÈ Townsend, who stated in their nomination: “For Jan Mackenzie, offering the support and love that her students and colleagues need always comes first. Her work touches both students and adults in her building. She is never too busy to listen, smile, or cry with anyone who comes to her door.”

The nomination said that in handling tough situations in the district, Mackenzie demonstrates “care in a time of crisis.” She was honored by the Ann Arbor Board of Education.

Nominees for both innovation and customer service are considered for these awards, which are selected by a Celebration of Excellence committee. The award for innovation recognizes staff members who have demonstrated creative and innovative approaches to their jobs. The award for customer service celebrates those staffers who provide outstanding service to their customers.

For detailed nominating information, an online nomination form and a list of past recipients, click here.

Free the Children features motivational speaker

Motivational speaker Elaine Rosenberg of the Free the Children program (www.freethechildren.com) will be the motivational speaker Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 7-8 p.m. at Clague Middle School’s media center.

Clague is located at 2616 Nixon Road, north of Plymouth Road and west of US-23 in Ann Arbor.

Rosenberg will speak about ” Free the Children: Inspiring Youth to Become Agents of Change!” She will discuss the Free the Children program and how it has helped students at Clague, Tappan and Scarlett middle schools make a difference, both in their local community and abroad. The program is part of Project Healthy Schools.

Free The Children is a network of children helping children through education, with more than one million youth involved in innovative education and development programs in 45 countries.

This event is free and open to the public. Details: (734) 975-7440.

Eberwhite ‘shoe’ wall designed to encourage
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Eberwhite Elementary School Principal Debi Wagner shows off a wall in the school that has the title “One Small Step. The wall was designed and added this year using photos of student feet and shoes.

Wagner said the project was designed to encourage students and let them know that small efforts can lead to even bigger things.

Huron High School BPA group earns honors

On Friday Jan. 8, the Huron Business Professionals of America Chapter from Huron High School traveled to Henry Ford Community College to compete in the annual BPA Regional Leadership Conference 2010.

According to BPA adviser Diane Stocker-Bendersky, of the 57 Students that attended, 45 students won a total of 94 awards including 36 first-place wins and 25 second-place wins. They also earned 13 third-place awards, 10 fourth-place awards and four fifth-place awards. In team competitions, Huron entered seven with four teams placing first and three teams placing second.

Of the 40 competitions in which Michigan students can enter, the Huron Chapter placed first in 20 of those events that include both individual and team competitions. A list to recognize those students who won at BPA Regionals can be found on the Web.

Haisley 5th-graders attend MLK Day tribute

On Jan. 19, two fifth-grade classes from Haisley Elementary attended Wayne State University’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. The keynote speaker was Dr. Benjamin Carson, a world-renowned neurosurgeon. Students were enthused to hear Dr. Carson’s story of growing up in a single parent home in Detroit, being challenged by poverty, poor grades, and other challenges.
A signed copy of Carson’s book “Gifted Hands” is now displayed in Haisley School’s Media Center. The trip was arranged by Cee-Jay Davisthrough his contacts at Wayne State University. Haisley students were the youngest to attend the event.

Logan students collect pennies for Haiti

To kick off Logan Elementary School’s MLK Day assembly, “Pennies For People” was introduced to the Logan community to participate in a relief effort for Haiti. Special area teachers organized the event. By the end of the assembly, parents had donated more than $300. Students brought in pennies through the rest of the month with proceeds to be delivered to the American Red Cross.

News of note from around the district:

• Thirteen Bach Elementary School fifth-graders and four fourth-graders placed first in Michigan in the Knowledge Master Open on Jan. 20. The K.M.O. is a team academic contest that tests students’ ability to answer questions about all the school subjects. The Bach KMO Team scored 466 of a possible 1000 points. The average score in Michigan was 420 and the mean nationwide was 466. Nationally, Bach placed in the top half of all teams. Learn more about the KMO at www.greatauk.com.

• A team of 10 Forsythe sixth-graders scored in the top 20 percent in the Knowledge Master Open, placing fourth in Michigan among 17 teams. The Forsythe team scored 636 points of a possible 1,000. That was well above the state average score of 544. Coach Dan Ezekiel says that this is a good finish, and the team hopes to do even better next time. Ann Arbor’s Tappan team scored 587 and came in sixth in the state.

• On Saturday Jan. 16 Skyline Orchestra Students traveled to Livonia Franklin High School to participate in the MSBOA District 12 Solo and Ensemble Festival. They took 21 events with 6 events earning a II (Excellent) rating and 15 events earning a Superior (I) rating. The following students received a II rating on their ensemble performances Katie Loreman, Rheilly Cole, Alex Wilks, and Jack Hu. The following students earned a II rating on their solo Priya Menon, Erika Sasaki, Preetom Chakraborty, and Grace Taylor Loring. The following students received a I rating on their solos and have qualified for MSBOA State Solo and Ensemble Festival at Chelsea High School in March: Jack Hu, Senait Dafa, Emily Espinosa, Sherry Zhao, Shruthi Narayanan, Karen Duan, Brian Chang, Claire Gruber, Rose Brown, Ahliyah Kim, Rheilly Cole, Leah Awkward-Rich, Priya Menon. and Max Xu.

• Jane Nixon was named National High School Field Hockey Coach of the Year for 2010. She has been the head coach at Pioneer High School since 1990 and has won 16 state championships.
• Skyline High School teacher Jason Smith received a technology grant from the Technology Institute for Music Educators for a project to integrate technology into the music classroom. The mission of the group is to assist music educators in applying technology to improve teaching and learning in music.
• Karen Metzger, Logan Elemenary School art teacher, was selected as an “2010 Educators To Japan” participant. Karen will be in Japan from June 27 through July 8. She said she is excited about the impact this culturally rich opportunity will have on her K-5 art classes.

• Pioneer Band students received 111 first division and 23 second division ratings in SOLO competition, as well as 119 first division and 18 second division ratings in ENSEMBLE competition on January 16 at Livonia Franklin High School. Students throughout the state performed in this state qualifying event. The following Pioneer High School Band students participated in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District Solo and Ensemble Festival on January 16. Students prepared a solo and/or an ensemble and performed for an MSBOA Certified Adjudicator. Their performance was evaluated and a rating between “I” (Excellent) and “V” was assigned. The symbol (2) after a students name indicates that they had two events receiving that rating in the same category.

Pioneer High School Band students receiving a “I” (Excellent) rating for their performance of a SOLO were: Shreya Bahl, Aaron Baum, Alex Baum, Joella Bennett, Jeff Bertram, Rachel Bielajew, Jonathan Bower, James Boyd, James Campbell, Kate Centurione, William Chen, Jae Hyun Choe (2), DíArcy Cook, Katie Copp, Rennie Cotner, Alayna Coverly, Elizabeth Cvercko, Ruby Emberling, Jonathan Evans, Jesse Fernandez, Kerryann Fingerle, Kevin Flannagan, Prasanth Ganesan, Corey Garff, Charlie Geronimus, Sachi Gianchandani, Nya Greenstone, Christopher Haddlesey, Christopher Hass, Saunders Hayes, Andrew Hess, Clare Higgins, Leila Hofer, Skye Huerta, Max Hully, Vijay Ilankamban, Andy Johnson, Kiley Judge, Jae Jung, Kayoon Jung, Jared Kaufman, Ryan King, Sara King, Caroline Laman, Christopher Landau, Amin Lanseur, Dylan Larkins (2), Leah Latterner (2), Tyler Leach, Edward Lee, Meekyoung Lee, Moritz Lehner, Levy Li, Siyan (Daniel) Li, Samuel Lichtman-Mikol, Hyeon Su Lim, Yuming Liu, Sara Long, Natalie Martin, Karen Matsuo, Megumi Matsushita, Kyle Mattimore, Hannah Maxbauer, Anna Mayne, Jack McKarns, Jordan McKay, Miriam Michaels, Luke Mykolenko, Sowdeepya Nadimpalli, Emily Northrop, Junghyun Kayla Oh, Henry Pakela, Julia Pakela, Konstantinos Papaefthymiou, Neil Parikh, George Perrett, Duncan Polot, Linda Relson, Carly Renner, Tim Rittinger, Molly Rogow, Natalie Roll, Nicholas Rombes, Sarah Rontal, Michael Saunders, Laura Schickling, Rebecca Shipan, Daniel Siler, Ken Simon, Antonia Smith, Gina Son, Mario Sulaksana, Michael Sullivant, Jacob Swanson, Nick Terrell, Victoria Tillman, Peter Wang, Xiao Wang, Devin Webster, Hope Wilson, Thea Yagerlener, Eric Yamakado, Jay Yamakado, Tina Yu (2), Ryan Yunck, Kevin Zhang and Alan Zhou.

Pioneer High School Band students receiving a “II” (Good) rating for their performance of a SOLO were: Alexa Arvidson, Alex Bartko, Riley Bean, Caitlin Berrigan, Samuel Blackburn, James Boyd, Joel Burgener, Iris Chen, Amelia Diehl, Christine Etter, Skye Huerta, Grace Iverson, Kyle Kantebet, Olivia Lee, Sowdeepya Nadimpalli, Jennifer Nao, Patricia Nease, Veronika Olszewski, David Shao (2), Andrew Siddall, Hunter St. Pierre and Emily Topham.

Pioneer High School Band students receiving a “I” (Excellent) rating for their performance of an ENSEMBLE were: Shreya Bahl, Riley Bean, Joella Bennett, Rachel Bielajew, Jonathan Bower (2), James Boyd, Joel Burgener, Elizabeth Bush, James Campbell (2), Takeo Cauley (2), Iris Chen, Heewon Choi, Hyewon Choi, D’Arcy Cook, Rennie Cotner, Rosie Curtis, Liz Cvercko (2), Nick DeMarsh, Meera Desai (2), Jonathan Evans, Jack Fan, Kerryann Fingerle, Monica Fink, Corey Garff, Charlie Geronimus, Sachi Gianchandani, Meaghan Glanville, Celisa Gutierrez, Christopher Hass, Andrew Hess, Leila Hofer, Conor Howe, Max Hully, Esther Hur, Vijay Ilankamban, Andy Johnson, Kiley Judge, Jae Jung, Nathan Karr, Jared Kaufman, Ryan King (2), Sara King, Tanay Kulkarni, Megan Kymal, Caroline Laman, Christopher Landau, Amin Lanseur, Reina Larkin, Dylan Larkins, Leah Latterner, Tasha Le, Edward Lee, Harry Lee, Meekyoung Lee, Aidan Mase-Kemnitz, Karen Matsuo, Megumi Matsushita (2), Abbey Maxbauer, Anna Mayne, Jack McKarns, Isabel McKay, Jordan McKay, Miriam Michaels (2), Alex Mitropoulos-Rundus, Sowdeepya Nadimpalli, Jeni Nao, Emily Northrop, Alyssa Natoci, Jeongah Oh, Junghyun Kayla Oh, Veronika Olszewski, EunSoo Park, Bo Peng, Stefan Petrmichl, Timothy Rittinger, Natalie Roll, Niko Rombes (2), Sarah Rontal, Michael Saunders, Kaylee Schonsheck, David Shapiro, Michael Shin, Jeff Shipan, Rebecca Shipan, Ken Simon, Antonia Smith, Gina Son, Jacob Swanson (2), Nick Terrell, Victoria Tillman (2), Emily Topham (2), Peter Wang, Xiao Wang (2), Devin Webster (2), Hope Wilson, Eric Yamakado, Jay Yamakado (3), Angela Yang, Ted Xiao, Tina Yu, Annie Zhang (2) and Megan Zheng.

Pioneer High School Band students receiving a “II” (Good) rating for their performance of an ENSEMBLE were: Ben Bielajew, Andrew Choe, Katie Copp, Sam Deschamps, Ruby Emberling, Jonathan Evans, Grace Iverson, Younkyoung Lee, Rebecca Lennington, MacKenzie Miller, Amanda Osinski, Duncan Polot, Laura Schickling, Josh Sherick, Jeff Shipan, Thea Yagerlener, Ryan Yunck and Eric Zimmer.