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

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Casey Hans

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

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

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 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

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

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Casey Hans

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 logo Also 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 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

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Casey Hans

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.

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.

Family’s gift will match staff donations to school foundation

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Casey Hans

From the AAPS Educational Foundation

A $50,000 donation in memory of the late Dr. James A. Norton Jr. has been made to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation’s One Million Reasons campaign. The gift serves as a matching grant for AAPS employee donations through Sept. 30.

Proceeds from the One Million Reasons Campaign, including staff contributions, will be directed to the Ann Arbor Public School District’s 2010-11 academic year.

Norton was a mathematician, a researcher and a teacher and was “deeply committed to the struggles for peace, civil rights and social justice,” the Norton family said in a statement. “We are pleased to be able to make this gift in his memory to support the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation and encourage wider participation in its important work. … Ensuring that every person could receive a rich and well-rounded education was, for Dr. Norton, a critical step in securing a more equal and just society.

“He also cherished the opportunity to help young people use the tools of science to enrich their understanding of the complicated world around them. With two grandchildren attending the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Jim Norton would be very pleased to help spark programs that would ensure an excellent education for all children in this diverse community.”

The matching grant works like this: For each payroll deduction up to $2.99 per pay period, the grant will match that individual’s contribution. For each payroll deduction of $3 or more per pay period, it will match 2 to 1. For example, a staff contribution of $5 will net a $15 contribution to the One Million Reasons campaign. The matching support will continue until the $50,000 threshold is reached.

Donors can designation one of the following categories and the matching support will follow: Where Most Needed, Arts & Humanities, Math & Science, Early Childhood Education, or College and Career Readiness. A payroll deduction card can be found on the AAPSEF website or from the AAPS Finance Department office. The deadline for initiating a payroll deduction donation is Sept. 30.

Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Todd Roberts said the donation highlights the importance of how the foundation and school district work together. “Our community sees our great teachers at their important work every day, our teachers see our parents and business leaders lending their support, and now a local family joins the challenge to make our staff’s contributions double, or triple, their impact,” he said. “The grants we receive from AAPSEF really make a difference in our teachers’ work and in our classrooms.”

Community members who wish to support the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation can donate online at www.supportannarborschools.org, or by sending a check to AAPSEF at 2555 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104.

Ann Arbor firm donates $50,000 to educational foundation

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Casey Hans

From The AAPS Educational Foundation and AAPSNews Service

Fiber laser technology leader IMRA America has donated $50,000 to The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation as part of its “One Million Reasons” fundraising campaign.” The donation will support math and science programs in the Ann Arbor Public Schools for the 2010-11 school year.

The company celebrates its 20th anniversary in Ann Arbor this year and IMRA America’s President Takashi Omitsu said education was critical to the company when selecting Ann Arbor as its headquarters and research facility.

“The availability of excellent education, from K to graduate school, was one of our most important criteria when selecting this site,” he said. “We have had great success bringing talent from all over the world to the Ann Arbor area. Choosing Ann Arbor has helped lead to today’s success.”

AAPSEF Executive Director Wendy Correll said she was pleased not only with the donation, but what it represents to the foundation and public education in Ann Arbor. “This is an important beginning to the long-range partnership we are forging with our local business community on behalf of excellence and innovation in our public schools,” said Correll. “We are deeply grateful that IMRA’s leadership acknowledges the importance of excellent math and science education in the development of our community’s workforce.

“They are truly making an investment in our shared future.”

During a back-to-school talk to staff this week, Ann Arbor Superintendent Todd Roberts noted that the fundraising campaign puts the nonprofit foundation on track to raise half a million dollars by the end of the calendar year to support programs in the district.

All proceeds from the campaign – including IMRA’s gift – will be directed to the Ann Arbor Public School District’s 2010-11 academic year. Donate to the foundation 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. Call (734) 994-1969 for more information.

IMRA America was established in Ann Arbor in 1990 by one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, the Aisin Group, Japan. Today, IMRA America is active around the world. Research, development, prototyping, manufacturing, and marketing and sales of ultrafast fiber lasers are carried out at IMRA’s Ann Arbor headquarters.

Foundation’s ‘One Million Reasons’ campaign off to solid start

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Casey Hans

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation has already raised $60,000 in the first month of an ambitious campaign to raise $1 million in funds for the 2010-11 academic year.

The funds include an initial challenge gift of $50,000 from an individual donor. The Educational Foundation is an independent non-profit 501(c)3 organization that raises private money for the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Executive Director Wendy Correll notes that the campaign’s title refers to “one million reasons to support Ann Arbor Public Schools.” On making their contribution, donors can designate which program area they wish to support: Arts & Humanities, Math & Science, Early Childhood Education, or College and Career Readiness. Donors are able to post their reasons for supporting the schools on the Educational Foundation’s website and Facebook Fan Page.

Throughout May, June and July, the Educational Foundation is enlisting volunteers to carry its message to school PTO meetings, end-of-year events such as ice cream socials, performances, graduations, and community gatherings such as the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and the Townie Street Party. Supporters are also hosting house parties to answer questions about the Educational Foundation’s work, and why this campaign is needed now.

Historically, support from the Educational Foundation has been given in the form of grants to teachers and through the “Initiatives for Excellence” program. Since the crisis in school funding has escalated, resulting in mid-year and multiple budget cuts, the foundation is broadening its direct support to programs that secure the margin of excellence in the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

The deadline for donations and pledges of support to the “One Million Reasons” Campaign is July 31. Gifts can be made online by visiting the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation website, or by sending a check payable to AAPSEF to 2555 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104. Contributors can also arrange for a scheduled draft from their checking or credit card accounts by contacting Educational Foundation staff at (734) 994-1969 to complete the necessary forms.