AAPS teacher Jonathan Royce authors children’s book

Posted on February 5, 2013 by AAPS News Editor

Roberto Clemente teacher Jonathan Royce shows off his debut children’s book.

By Tara Cavanaugh

Roberto Clemente High School English teacher Jonathan Royce’s debut children’s book, “Detective Dwayne Drake and the Alphabet Thief,” is a tale that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Especially the adults.

“As a parent, you can only read something so many times before you start going crazy,” said Royce, a father of six. “So I wrote it like this in hopes that when parents read it to their kids, it’s something they can go through more than two times without being bored. It actually tells a story as it’s going through all the different letters.” Continue reading →

School Bells: Online student safety topic of panel discussion

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Casey Hans

A panel presentation is scheduled to offer information to families about how students and children function in an online world.

“Stop, Think Connect: Online Safety & Digital Citizenship” will answer the questions of what students are doing online and discuss the topics of digital citizenship, online privacy, cyberbullying and more. Students are welcome to attend.

The event will take place at 6 p.m. Monday June 6 at the Forsythe Middle School Media Center, 1655 Newport Road, west of Main Street, north of Summit Street. This panel presentation is sponsored by the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Washtenaw Area Council for Children and the Ann Arbor Police Department.

E-mail Director of Instructional Techbnology Monique Uzelac with any questions.

2 honored with excellence awards

Two Ann Arbor Public Schools staff members received Celebration of Excellence awards at the May 25 Board of Education meeting.

Huron High School business teacher Christy Garrett was nominated by co-worker Diane Stocker-Bendersky and  Ann Arbor Open teacher Mike Derhammer was nominated by parents Annie Rubin, Angie Smith and Laurie Krauth. Both were awarded for excellence in outstanding customer service.

Garrett was nominated for her excellence in teaching and her “zest in preparing students to compete and win consistently” in business competition and for bringing the real world to the classroom. “She is the type of teacher that demands excellence and pulls brilliance from each student she works with,” according to her nomination.

Derhammer’s nomination says he is “beyond an exceptional teacher. There are concrete and tangible things we can point to that he does to go above and beyond to create opportunities and build community within the classroom.”

In addition to an after-school math club, he hosts a barbecue to celebrate his graduating sixth-graders, organizes a parent Euchre night and invites former students who are now in middle school to come back to his class to talk to sixth graders about what to expect. He also involves his students in community service projects.

“But there are so many other countless ways that Mike goes above and beyond that are less tangible. There are countless stories from parents and students that summarize the impact Mike has on kid’s learning, self-confidence, their understanding of their place in the world and their responsibility to give back, and simply how they have been inspired by Mike to learn, and to stand at their full height.”

Clemente grads heading for college

The following Roberto Clemente Center seniors have been recognized for their college admission, according to information from Principal Benjamin Edmondson:

James Kelly (Pioneer). Eastern Arizona College, Owens College
Kayla Jones (Huron) Alabama A & M University
Anthony Abrams Hugan (Pioneer) Northwood University, Defiance College
Serina Johnson (Huron). Eastern Michigan University
Jeremy Jackson (Pioneer) Ferris State University, Western Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University
Yasmin Warren (Pioneer) Wayne State University
Bria Galloway (Huron) Wilberforce University
Christian Arreola (Huron) Washtenaw Community College
Nicole Davis (Huron) Jackson Community College
Tynisha Sharp (Pioneer) Jackson Community College
Ameen Benin (Pioneer) Ferris State University
Wilniqua Battle (Pioneer) Wayne State University
Desmond Bright (Pioneer) Eastern Michigan University
Ameer Frederick-Toure (Community) Washtenaw Community College

These college-bound seniors represent 14 of the program’s 16 graduating seniors. Clemente students graduate from their home high schools.

Skyline students place in spring Special Olympics

Four Skyline High School students competed in the Spring Games for Special Olympics Track and Field on May 17. Each took home three awards for their competing division:

Jasper Lindsay brought home second place for the Softball Throw and Wheelchair Obstacle Course and first Place for the Wheelchair Race event.
Ean Neville brought home third Place for the Softball Throw and 100 M dash and second Place for the Standing Long Jump.
Grace Pearson took home first Place in the Softball Throw, 50 M Wheelchair dash and Wheelchair Obstacle Course.
Jared Whitfield took home third place in the 100 M Wheelchair Dash, second Place in the Wheelchair Obstacle Course and first Place in the Softball Throw.

WAY Washtenaw Information Night schedule for June 14

WAY Washtenaw, a program to help high school students achieve their educational goals and earn a high school diploma, is hosting an informational night will on Tuesday, June 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District offices, 1819 S Wagner Road, Scio Township.

WAY Washtenaw uses technology to reinforce learning while working with a qualified teacher and one-on-one mentor, 365 days a year. The program 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.

Details: Call Sarena Shivers 734-994-8100 ext.1257

PTO Thrift Shop continues district support

The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop donated more than $101,000 to the Ann Arbor Public Schools for the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop Transportation Fund in the 2010-11 school year. The shop also supports AAPS Educational Foundation as well as additional end-of-year contributions to the district.

The PTO Thrift Shop is a nonprofit, community-based resale store featuring gently-used everyday items, unique treasures, and more. The shop has a special connection to families and to the district. All shop profits go toward Ann Arbor Public Schools and students.

Visit the store at 2280 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor or online at www.a2ptothriftshop.org. They can be reached by phone at 734-996-9155.

Library launches reading program

The Ann Arbor District Library will launch its annual Summer Reading Program during the Taste of Ann Arbor event.

The preview launch takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 5. Visit the Library booth (on Liberty Street between Main Street and Fourth Avenue) at Taste of Ann Arbor as the Ann Arbor District Library spreads the word about the Summer Reading Game.

Featured will be Hula-hoops, bubbles and sidewalk art. For more information on this event call the Library’s Youth Department at 734-327-8301 or visit http://play.aadl.org/

Pioneer student work to be featured in planner

Maggie Lemak, a 15-year-old Pioneer High School freshman, picked up a paintbrush one day during summer vacation and let her happy mood come out in bright‐colored pictures of flowers. Her style caught the eye of Sarah Nicoli, cofounder of dotmine day planners.

Maggie Lemak, center, with the artwork she created that will be featured on the cover of a 2012 time.mine day planner through dotmine day planners. Pictured with her are dotmine co-founders Lisa Edwards, left, and Sarah Nicoli.

Lemak’s artwork will grace the cover of a 2012 time.mine day planner, according to information from the company. Geared to students in middle school through college, the planner starts this August and goes through December 2012.

After seeing Maggie’s work last summer at the Kids’ Art exhibit of the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, Nicoli and her business partner, Lisa Edwards, knew it had the perfect flair for dotmine. “Maggie is so spirited,” Nicoli said. “Happy Day is full of optimism. It says, ‘Today is the day. Let’s live it well!’ She stole our heart, and we just had to share her with our customers.”

Clemente drama students choose ‘Fences’ for inaugural performance

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Casey Hans

Award-winning play chronicles black America in the 1950s

From AAPSNews Service

A proud Roberto Clemente community offered its first student drama performance this month with August Wilson’s award-winning play “Fences.” The new student group took to the stage on May 11-12, offering public performances of the acclaimed production.

Drama students from Roberto Clemente star in August Wilson's "Fences."

A number of Clemente students starred in the production, representing all attendance areas of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Students also took part in set creation, production and lighting for the school’s inaugural production.

“This adaptation is a moving story and intensely performed by our students,” said Principal Ben Edmondson in a note about the performance sent to school staff. “We are particularly proud to bring this play to you, as it is a great demonstration of our understanding of what equity work looks like within our building.”

Wilson’s play is set in the 1950s, and chronicles one African-American family’s experiences living in the Hill District in the city of Pittsburgh, where playwright Wilson grew up. “Fences” is one of series of plays that he wrote chronicling the African-American experience in the 20th Century.

“I have learned more in this first year than I think I have in all my 11 years with the Ann Arbor Public Schools so far,” said teacher and play director Joey Parins, who came to Clemente last fall after teaching at Clague Middle School. “The students you are about to see have gone through a great transformation. Everybody – from our lights to our backstage to our set design.”

Parins, who began the drama program this year at Clemente, told the audience that she shared a special connection with playwright Wilson, spending time with him years ago when she worked at a restaurant named Esteban’s in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“He used to come in and he used to sit there at the bar every afternoon,” she said. “It was quiet and nobody was there and he would come in and write. And he’d have a cup of coffee and I would sit there and visit with August.”

Parins noted that the play “has been a natural fit for our students” and said she would love to do another of Wilson’s plays, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” or another of his through-the-decades plays next year.

Clemente student actors included: Marcus Buggs playing the lead role of Troy Maxson; David Wren as Corey; Courtney Tubbs and Serena Johnson as Rose Maxson; DaVonn Harding as Bono; James Kelly as Gabriel; Bria Galloway and Mica Sims as Raynell; and Arquise Patterson as Lyons.

On the crew were Tyler Sheldon and Anthony Hugan on lights and Chris Coghlan, YaJaira Marin, Dennejah Drumright and Raven Hinton in the technical area.

AAPS Educational Foundation logo Technology teacher Mike Fransten and his students handled set design and English teacher Jonathan Royce wrote the grant for the production. It was funded with grant money from the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation and with proceeds and donations taken at the door. Lowes donated fencing for the set and Uncle Ed’s Oil Shoppe allowed the use of its jumpsuits for the play’s wardrobe.

A number of school staff saw a preliminary performance of Clemente’s “Fences” the previous week. Fine Arts Coordinator Robin Bailey said staff and students did “a marvelous job” on the production. Slauson Middle School Principal Chris Curtis was quoted as saying: “If I were to sum up my reaction in two words, they would be ‘spine tingling. It was awesome.” Assistant Superintendent Joyce Hunter said, “the students at Clemente should also receive a Tony Award.”

“Fences” won four Tony Awards including an award for best play and also won the Pulitzer Prize and several other prestigious awards. The original Broadway version starring James Earl Jones set a record for a nonmusical when it grossed $11 million in a single year and ran for 525 performances. August Wilson died in 2005 of liver cancer, according to published obituaries.

Angell Elementary, music teacher Joey Parins earn top honors from UMS, DTE Foundation

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Casey Hans

At Sunday's 16th Annual Ford Honors Gala are (from left): Kenneth C. Fischer, UMS President; Joan Singer and Gary Court, accepting the DTE School of the Year award on behalf of Angell Elementary School; Renée Fleming, recipient of the 2011 UMS Distinguished Artist Award; and Joey Parins, DTE Educator of the Year with Fred Shell, President of the DTE Energy Foundation.

The University Musical Society has named Ann Arbor’s Angell Elementary School as its 2010-11 DTE School of the Year and Roberto Clemente music instructor Joey Parins the 2010-11 DTE Educator of the Year.

The awards were formally presented at the 16th Annual Ford Honors Gala benefiting UMS Youth Education Programs on Jan. 16. DTE Energy Foundation sponsors the award through a financial commitment to UMS Youth Education Programs.

The awards were also scheduled to be highlighted this week by the Ann Arbor Board of Education.

Angell Elementary was honored for its dedication and commitment to arts education and for its commitment to engaging its students and educators in the arts, both in the classroom and beyond. The school has participated for more than two decades with the UMS K‐12 Education Program, seek out new opportunities to discover and explore arts and culture with students, creating a holistic learning experience, said a statement from the UMS.

The Angell Elementary community has participated in UMS Youth programs since the early 1990s, when they were part of the UMS first “Opera for 4h Graders” and as recently as the Carolina Chocolate Drops December 2010 Youth Performance.

Parins was honored for her passionate commitment to arts education at both Clague Middle School and at the Roberto Clemente Student Development Center, where she currently teaches. She has been a model educator, demonstrating a commitment to UMS programs and making arts education a priority for all students, the UMS statement said.

Parins is known for her long history of participation in UMS professional development workshops for educators and her deep involvement connecting her students to the arts community at large. Recently, Parins worked with the UMS Education team to arrange pre‐performance drumming events featuring her students prior to UMS youth performances.

“It’s important to recognize the tremendous difference educators like Joey Parins and schools like Angell Elementary can make in young people’s lives,” said Fred Shell, DTE Energy vice president of corporate and government affairs and president of the DTE Energy Foundation. He said helping students develop an appreciation for the performing arts is “something that can enrich their lives forever.”

UMS President Ken Fischer called Angell Elementary a “cherished partner” with the UMS and noted that Parins’ longstanding history with UMS educator workshops is just one way she enhances student lives.

The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy. UMS is now in its 132nd season, offering a program steeped in music, dance, and theater with 60‐75 performances and more than 100 free educational and community activities each season.

The UMS Education Program reaches up to 25,000 children and adults each year, giving many students their first opportunities to experience the live performing arts.

NAACP honors 102 Ann Arbor students, up 26% from last year

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Casey Hans

From AAPSNews Service

A total of 102 Ann Arbor high school students were honored this month by the Ann Arbor Chapter of the NAACP during the group’s annual Freedom Fund Dinner.

The awards represent a 26 percent increase in the number of Ann Arbor students honored from last fall.

“This year, we had more scholars than ever before and, for the first time, students from Roberto Clemente,” said chapter President William Hampton, about the Nov. 6 event.

Last year, 81 Ann Arbor students were selected as top scholars at the Freedom Fund Dinner, which honors academic achievement among African-American high school students. The Ann Arbor chapter concentrates heavily on education, giving out scholarships and tutoring students.

Each student honored had a grade point average of 3.2 or higher during the last academic school year.

Chauné Rael-Whitsitt, an honor student from Skyline High School, performed a musical selection on her viola as part of the program, Hampton said. The keynote speaker for this year’s dinner was Keith Owens, former Michigan Chronicle editor and communications professional.

Ann Arbor students honored this year and the schools they represent included:

Community High School:
Third-year scholars: Tamara Parks and Bradie Connor.
Second-year scholars: Senait Dafa and Chelsea Evans-Warren.
First-year scholars: Leah Awkward-Rich, Melissa Chime, Rianna Johnson-Levy and Kylah Thompson.

Huron High School:
Third-year scholars: Brittany Cole, Blaire Crockett, Awah Ditah and Marysa Hill and Imani Watkins.
Second-year scholars: Christiana Allen-Pipkin, JeJuan French, LaMicah Hughbanks, Kamaria Lee, Maya Long, Fatou Ndaw, Cynthia Ofili, Lindsey Whitlock and Dallas Williams.
First-year scholars: Brianna Brewer, Tavion Calhoun, Ibrahim Fasina, Camille Frazier, Jessica Gibson, Sara Golidy, Rachel Hutchings, Alexis Marable, Danielle Marshall, Olivia Martin, Xavier McClair, Chelsea Mercer, Hannah Mohamed, Deborah-Luti Munganga, Gabriel Stevenson and Bianca Wilson.

Pioneer High School:
Third-year scholars: Triesha Arnold, Tiffany Cole, Chloe Corley, Gregory Goss II, Megan Graham, Mani Herring, Kailen McKay, Kaitlyn Mills, Crystal Smith, Willie Smith Jr., Joshua Weiland and Aaron Wilson.
Second-year scholars: Malachi Bowerbank, Jazmine Cooper, DeLaynna Corley, Ashli Marable, Justin Pendleton, Daniesha Scott and Ana Vereen.
First-year scholars: Josephine Alinoti, Sinclaire Fonville, Taylor Gayton, Ivy Gregory, Shana Jackson, Terrell Jordan-McKnight, Ti’Anna Mercer, Jassadi Moore and Antonia Smith.

Roberto Clemente Student Development Center:
First-year scholars: Wilniqua Battle, Roderick Casey II and Yazmin Warren.

Skyline High School:
Second-year scholars: Hafsa Farah, Jeremy Jagers, Kelsy Lee, Jasper Lindsay, Jonathan Muriu, Chauné Rael-Whitsitt and Paige Wint.
First-year scholars: Oreoluwapo Abatan, Emily Anderson, Shalena Blocker, Christian Boyd, Kevin Burden, Mariam Carson, Joshua Crawford, Densu Dixon, Tionna Griffin, Dominique Hardy, Austin Lee, Abeni Lynk, Kiyah Mills, Lena Mitchell, Mariah Mitchell, Frederick Newing II, Hussain Sandifer, Imani Schneider, Christopher Shepherd, Jayla Sims, Mahal Stevens, Ashlie Turner, Sina Webster, James Wilks, Emajae Woodley and Malaika Worsham.

The Ann Arbor NAACP Chapter meets on the first Monday or each month at 7 p.m. the Amistad Community Church, 2730 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor. For information, visit www.hvcn.org/info/a2naacp/officers.html or call 734-761-9084.

826michigan picks Ann Arbor as centerpiece project for 2nd year

Posted on October 25, 2010 by Casey Hans

Creative writing students from Huron were the focus last year, Clemente student writing to be published next spring

By Casey Hans
AAPSNews Service

Ann Arbor students will be in the publishing limelight again this year as the centerpiece project of a 5-year-old nonprofit that aims squarely at literacy and writing for area youth.

826michigan has chosen the Roberto Clemente Center as its major project for this school year; volunteers come into the classroom to work with students, help them write and eventually publish a book of the finished work. Last year, the nonprofit writing center published a book of essays from Huron High School students.

Roberto Clemente teacher Terry Carpenter, left, works with 826michigan volunteers and his U.S. History students who are part of a writing collaborative with the Ann Arbor nonprofit.

Smaller 826michigan writing projects are also under way this year at Scarlett Middle School, Pattengill and Mitchell elementary schools and Community High School. On-site workshops and after-school tutoring at 826michigan’s downtown site involve many other local students, said Amanda Uhle, executive director for the nonprofit.

“The feeling is one of fun and encouragement,” she explained. “It helps students feel good about being here.”

The Ann Arbor nonprofit, which has just 3 paid staff members and several interns and AmeriCorps-paid assistants, works with an army of 1,400 volunteers that makes the program go, Uhle said.

Katie Jones, a former volunteer and current AmeriCorps assistant with 826michigan, works with Roberto Clemente students as they begin their fictional accounts of the Civil War. The student writings will be published in a book next spring.

They work with other kid-friendly local agencies including Ozone House, Avalon House and the Community Action Network and also take part in The Ann Arbor Public School’s Summer Learning Institute, an elementary summer program that teams Ann Arbor teachers with University of Michigan education students for remedial learning.

This fall, students in Terry Carpenter’s U.S. History class at Roberto Clemente are blending learning with creative writing. Students are stretching their imaginations, asking “what if” questions and allowing them to rewrite fictionalized versions of history around the Civil War.

On this day, students started with silent reading time, then moved into collaborative groups to talk about their fictional Civil War accounts and begin their writing. “What if people from America became slaves in Africa? What if the Native Americans had enslaved us? What if the south had won?” Carpenter asked, prodding students to think.

“It’s your story and you make it what you want,” he added. “You can write anything you want, as long as it’s about the Civil War.”

Carpenter said he sees the project as a unique way to engage students. “I want them to be curious about history,” he said. “And this was a way to do it in a social justice and civil rights framework.”

Carpenter first worked with 826michigan when he was a teacher in the Willow Run district and also last year at Roberto Clemente for a Harlem Monologue Project, in which his students wrote and performed one-minute monologues for the entire school.

“I’ve been working with them for years,” said Carpenter who is in his second year teaching at Clemente. “They have a great program.”

826michigan volunteers Renuka Uthappa and Curt Mark as well as Katie Jones, a paid AmeriCorps assistant for 826michigan, visit Roberto Clemente weekly to assist in the project.

This is Uthappa’s second year volunteering and she also helped with Clemente’s Harlem Monologue Project. “To see the difference between how they prepared to how they eventually put it out on the stage was huge,” she said. Uthappa said she is excited to work at the school again this year.

The 826 movement was started in San Francisco by writer Dave Eggers who named it after the nonprofit’s address. Locally, writer and author Steven Gillis founded the Ann Arbor chapter. Mark first got involved with 826michigan in the San Francisco area and volunteered locally when the Ann Arbor storefront opened.

“I was happy to see them come to town,” he said, adding that he was impressed with the whole concept. “It seemed like such an extraordinary thing for a writer to do – to give back to the community.”

Jones first got involved with 826 Michigan because she was an English major. “I wanted an outlet to talk about writing,” she said. She said she has learned as much as she has given. “I was surprised at just how much I could learn … and how differently kids learn,” she added. Jones hopes to someday teach creative writing at the college level.

She was involved with last year’s project at Huron with teacher Quinn Strassel and his Short Readings class, where 90 student essays were published in the “Talking Back, Giving Thanks – and Why It Never Pays to Drink the Haterade” project through 826michigan.

In addition to the local publication, eight of the Huron students were published in a nationally distributed book of the same theme called “Talking Back.” All wrote about their experiences in education. Strassel called 826michigan “an invaluable resource for me this past year.”

826michigan has been in place for five years, operating behind the Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair shop, which it also runs. Having a unique storefront operation is a model used at 826 chapters use nationwide – it is inviting to the public and helps fund the writing programs, Uhle said.

Casey Hans writes and edits this newsletter for The Ann Arbor Public Schools. E-mail her or call 734-994-2090.

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About 826michigan

After-school tutoring is one of the programs offered at 826michigan. (Courtesy, 826michigan)

Started in 2005, 826michigan is a downtown Ann Arbor nonprofit that supports students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills and helps teachers inspire students to write. Their philosophy is that one-on-one attention and strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. Free programs including drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-school programs, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications are all part of their mission. They do a lot of work in The Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Getting involved – About 1,400 area residents have signed up to be volunteers, including a number of college students and adults from every walk of life; about 400 of those are active in 826michigan programs. Persons interested in volunteering should fill out 826michigan’s online application to be invited to the November orientation by visiting www.826michigan.org/volunteer

Open House – The nonprofit is also hosting a community open house from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11. Come into the Liberty Street Robot Supply and Repair shop at 115 E. Liberty St. between Fourth and Main streets in downtown Ann Arbor.

Details: Visit www.826michigan.org/

Partnership brings Ypsilanti students to Clemente, Stone

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Casey Hans

By Casey Hans
AAPSNews Service

Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti school districts are collaborating on a tuition-based program allowing Ypsilanti students to attend alternative programs at Roberto Clemente Student Development Center and Stone High School in Ann Arbor.

Students work in a summer Geometry class at Roberto Clemente.

Ten students are already enrolled at Roberto Clemente, starting in the summer school program so they can effectively transition into the 2010 fall semester.

A number of students are also expected to enroll at Stone as school begins this fall, said Joyce Hunter, administrator for secondary education for the Ann Arbor Public Schools and a member of the committee that formed the partnership. There will not be a rolling enrollment, she said, but students will be able to sign up at the start of each semester.

“These schools have a smaller, individualized setting and can really make a difference for students,” Hunter said. “This is about people coming together to combine resources to create the best situation for kids.”

Kwame Stephens, assistant principal at Ypsilanti High School, said he referred a number of students for the summer session at Clemente after identifying those he thought would be successful there and meeting with parents and students to present the option. Ypsilanti does not have an alternative high school program.

Stephens said he thinks the partnership will be a good one. “All of these are just alternative methods of reaching students,” he said. “It’s an excellent opportunity for the most obvious reason: It’s another chance to help students be successful.”

Stephens said the two Ann Arbor alternative programs, as well as Ypsilanti’s New Tech High School @ Ardis are all good ways to assist students who are looking for a different learning environment than a large, traditional school setting.

Students figure out math problems in preparation for a presentation to the class.

The sharing partnership came into being when officials from Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Lincoln Consolidated Schools met during the 2009-10 school year to discuss the option of sharing resources, Hunter said. Lincoln also considered the program but is not sending any students this year, Hunter said.

Ypsilanti families must work through their own school counselors, teachers and administrators to apply to attend one of the Ann Arbor programs. Although the Ypsilanti students will retain their home district status, Ypsilanti will pay tuition to Ann Arbor for each student.

Clemente is a non-diploma program that prepares students to earn a diploma at their home school in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti; Stone is an accredited high school that serves students in grades 11 and 12 and allows students to earn a diploma. Hunter said she has met with staffs at both schools to discuss transitioning the new students into the programs.

At Clemente, Principal Ben Edmondson said he wanted the Ypsilanti pupils to start in his program this summer to get them acclimated and ready to go in the fall.

About 80 students are attending summer school at Clemente, taking mostly math and English and credit recovery classes. Students continue to wear uniforms – white shirts and black pants – as part of the Clemente experience.

Edmondson said what Clemente offers is critical for non-traditional students. “This school is needed,” he explained. ‘Every student is at risk here.” The program is designed to help students and then transition them back into high school setting for graduation. Since it is a non-diploma program, the staff works to build student confidence, control behavior and encourage good choices, improve grades and prepare them for a successful future.

Heading into the fall, Clemente has a waiting list of about 40 students for the first time in the program’s history. The school will enroll about 110 for the fall semester, including the new students from Ypsilanti.

Co-lead teacher Barbara Malcolm said she is proud of the program she has worked for during the past 7 years. “I love to come to school,” she said, noting that each school day brings a new challenge and a new way to reach students. She said parent involvement with the program is key. “”We treat these kids exactly like our own,” she added.

The other co-lead teacher is Derrick Bird said his 6 years at Clemente “has been a positive experience.” On a recent weekday, Bird and Edmondson were having a heart-to-heart talk with one student who had gotten into trouble outside of school. They used a tough, but caring, approach.

“For many of our kids, their home life is really tough,” Bird said. “That’s why we can really help them here.”

The partnership committee will next look at visiting other alternative programs to determine how they can best strengthen the Ann Arbor programs. There are at least two such programs in the state – Mott Community College in Flint and Kent County Schools in western Michigan – that they are considering for site visits, Hunter added.

Ypsilanti students attending Clemente’s summer school are able to pick up a bus at the Meijer store on Carpenter Road to get to class and Stephens said he was working to arrange transportation for students this fall, as well.

Students or parents interested in these alternative programs may contact one of the following people:
• Sheila Brown, principal at Stone High School, browns@aaps.k12.mi.us or call 734-997-1237.
• Benjamin Edmondson, principal at Roberto Clemente, edmondb@aaps.k12.mi.us or call 734-997-1236.
• (For Ypsilanti students) Kwame Stephens, assistant principal at Ypsilanti High School, stephens@ypsd.org or call 734-714-1004.

Casey Hans edits this newsletter for The Ann Arbor Public Schools. E-mail her or call 734-994-2090 (internal ext. 51228.)

High School students reach out to peers to teach about depression

Posted on April 26, 2010 by Casey Hans

RELATED STORY: District partnership with U-M focuses on depression

By Casey Hans
AAPSNews Service

Emily Cepla has fought depression throughout high school and college. The University of Michigan senior said telling her parents about the problem was the best thing she did to put her life back on track.

U-M senior Emily Cepla speaks about her experience with depression to students at the Roberto Clemente Center. The Peer-to-Peer program in Ann Arbor high schools is part of the district's partnership with the U-M Depression Center.

“I thought if I told people, they’d think I was crazy or suicidal,” Cepla told high school students at Ann Arbor’s Roberto Clemente Student Development Center at a recent all-school assembly. “After I told my parents, they got me into therapy. It was the best decision of my life.”

Cepla shared her story with students at the culmination of the school’s Peer-to-Peer Awareness Campaign, which is part of the Ann Arbor Public Schools’ partnership with the University of Michigan Depression Center. Spring events also have taken place or are planned at Community, Stone, Skyline and Huron high schools, designed to raise awareness of depression and its symptoms and reduce the stigma of getting help.

Cepla told students she tried many different drugs and went to eight different counselors over her years of treatment with varied success. She said she has now found the right drug to treat her depression and sees a counselor she trusts.

“Only you know if something is wrong,” she told students. “Ask for help if you need it. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You deserve to be happy, you deserve to be loved and you deserve to get better.”

Cepla spoke at Roberto Clemente with Polly Gipson, a clinical child psychologist at the U-M Department of Psychiatry’s Child and Adolescent Section.

Gipson said that, although there is sadness in everyone, sometimes depression exhibits itself as irritable behavior and anger. “I know we all have periods of time we might feel sad of down and that’s to be expected,” she said. “It’s when we have it for weeks at a time that we get concerned.”

Some signs of adolescent depression include:
• Lack of enjoyment
• Weight changes
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Problems concentrating

She noted that young women are at a higher risk of depression and that sometimes living arrangements, parental relationships and a lack of self esteem can also play a role in depression risk, especially in African-American youth.

‘I think it’s very necessary. I know friends who are depressed and they kind of run away from it. Some of them do things like take drugs to hide from it. By informing people of it, you will help to save lives.’
– Richard Johnson III, president of the Roberto Clemente Student Council who helped to organize the Peer-to-Peer awareness event

Gipson urged students who have signs of depression to talk with a school staff member, a parent or someone close to them such as an older cousin, sibling or youth minister to get help. “There’s a lot of people rooting for you,” she said. “Talk to someone you trust. Tell someone who can help you.”

Roberto Clemente junior Richard Johnson III is president of the school’s new Student Council and is one of several students that helped organize the Peer-to-Peer Awareness Campaign and event. The April 14 event included talks from experts, as well as some student and staff discussion and an impromptu rap poem by two students about “feeling good about yourself.”

“I think it’s very necessary,” Johnson said about the campaign, which educates students so that they can learn to help each other. “I know friends who are depressed and they kind of run away from it. Some of them do things like take drugs to hide from it. By informing people of it, you will help to save lives.”

Johnson said the program is important at a smaller, close-knit school like Clemente, where many staff and teachers serve as mentors and can be the type of person students will go to with concerns. “We’re family here,” he added.

Clemente Principal Ben Edmondson told students his personal story: When he and his family moved to the area 10 years ago, his wife became depressed and reached out for help. The move away from their family support network and the stresses it placed on her were just too much, he said. He encouraged students to pay attention to people in their life who might become depressed suggested students seek out help at school if they need it.

He also talked about himself and how he sought out a counselor when he attended the University of Virginia. “It was the best thing I could do,” he said.

Project Coordinator Stephanie Salazar has worked with Peer-to-Peer projects in Ann Arbor high schools. She also coordinates the Campus Mind Works Web project at the U-M Depression Center, which offers online assistance and education for college students seeking help for depression.

At Stone High School, the “Stressed and Depressed” program was a partnership between the U-M Depression Center, the Stone Youth Advisory Council and the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools Health Center.

“It’s gone really well,” she said of the Ann Arbor Peer-to-Peer program. “It’s been nice to see it come to fruition.” She said the center staff is planning an end-of-school celebration to bring all of the high schools students together to assess the program.

Other Ann Arbor high schools have had activities or are planning programs as well:
• At Stone High School, the “Stressed and Depressed” program was a partnership between the U-M Depression Center, the Stone Youth Advisory Council and the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools Health Center at Stone. It offered a skit performed by the Youth Advisory Council students as well as a student interviewing a small panel about adolescent depression.
• Community High’s program was part of the school’s lunch-and-learn series which spoke about the importance of good sleep habits for mental health.
• Huron High School had a speaker in sophomore health and wellness classes. Part of the program included a depression video made by students.
• Skyline High School plans an event in May to coincide with National Childrens Mental Health Awareness Day. Students are having t-shirts and bracelets made with their slogan “Stigma Hurts, Awareness Helps.”

More information and resources for adolescent depression can be found at the U-M Depression Center website.

Casey Hans edits this newsletter for The Ann Arbor Public Schools. E-mail her at or call 734-994-2090, internal ext. 51228.

Student peacemaking program expands to 4 more schools

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Casey Hans

• Positive Peer Influence group has a long history at Pioneer

By Casey Hans
AAPSNews Service

The roles are set: Two Slauson Middle School students are peer mediators; two others play a boyfriend and girlfriend in a dispute from an off-site party that has carried over to school.

The “boyfriend” has apparently flirted with another girl.

Slauson Middle School students work out a role-playing situation as part of the Peers Making Peace mediation program, new at the school this year.

Tempers flare and accusations fly, but eighth-grade conflict managers Lalita Ramirez-Lopez and Evan Shambaugh hold to their rules. They follow a script and procedure they’ve been taught through Peers Making Peace – a new program at the Ann Arbor middle school this year.

“No interrupting,” says Evan firmly, putting an arm out toward Alina Frye, who is beginning to speak directly to her “boyfriend,” played by Mason Kupina. “Don’t talk to him.”

The students must communicate via the peer mediators. They use questions such as “would you like to add anything?” and “what do you need to feel OK about this situation?” and “what can you do to solve this problem?”

“It’s good to get everybody in an opportunity to solve a conflict,” said Evan after the exercise. “It makes sure they listen to the other person.”

The program is gaining ground in Ann Arbor secondary schools, empowering students to help peers resolve their own disputes and keep potential problems from escalating into larger issues.

Conflict managers from the Slauson Middle School "Peers Making Peace" program, which is new at the school this year.

Pioneer High School adopted it in 2007 and four other Ann Arbor schools trained in the program this year including Slauson, Skyline High School and alternative programs at Stone High School and the Roberto Clemente Student Development Center, said Kenzi Bisbing, youth services manager for the Oakland Mediation Center who oversees the program that serves more than a dozen schools in southeast Michigan.

Bisbing said the program is “for students, by students. Our ultimate vision is that will be at every, single grade level.”

The program is funded through a Title IV Safe and Drug Free Schools federal grant, so districts pay no money for training.

The program not only equips students with skills to resolve disputes, but also reduces staff time spent on discipline and improves school climate, according to program information. Research shared by the OMC shows that schools using the national program have generated a 75 percent drop in expulsions, a 90 percent drop in assaults and a 57.7 percent drop in discipline referrals.

Stone, Clemente and Slauson have trained students and Skyline is scheduled to train students in April, Bisbing said. A three-day trainer workshop was conducted in Ann Arbor last fall for staff who, in turn, train students and put the team in place. Training includes the principles behind mediation and communication and problem-solving skills, as well as team-building exercises.

Slauson teacher Donna McVey and counselors Jan Mackenzie and Grace Harbison are program advisers. They say it should make the established program at Pioneer and the new one at Skyline stronger as students move into high school.

“Conflicts are like an onion. Layers and layers of things may have taken place at earlier times,” explained McVey. “You see them (students) in a bad mood, you check in. If you do see them going at it again, you can pull them right in.”

McVey said students are generally comfortable being part of it. “We talk about the school as a community,” she said. “They love that they can talk to someone and it’s private. Whatever happens in the room stays in the room.”

Slauson Principal Chris Curtis is pleased with it. “I think it’s a terrific program,” he said. “I’m very supportive of it. It empowers the students. The district has done similar things, but this has been a more organized and thorough approach.”

At Stone High School, counselor Madeline Davis works both with the Positive Peer Influence class – designed to help students with challenges that may interfere with their academics – and the new Peers Making Peace.

Fourteen Stone students were trained in PMP in conjunction with several students from Roberto Clemente, where community liaison Barbara Malcom coordinates the program.

“All of my leaders are good students and keep up their grades; that’s a requirement of the program,” Davis said. “We’ve had some referrals already.” She said her PMP leaders are ” in the know, so they come to me. That’s what I’m so proud of. They’re able to maintain relationships (within school) but stand out as leaders.”

Davis said Pioneer counselors Evelyn Tolson and Sara Vance approached Davis about implementing it at Stone. “I went (to training) and the rest is history,” she said. “I love that students are empowered. I think the students are relieved that there’s a place to come to resolve issues. They don’t want to fight.”

Stone senior Nate Graulich is a trained conflict manager and has handled two situations so far. “It gives the kids a chance to talk about things instead of fighting and leaving school,” he said. Graulich said often the student leaders check in informally with fellow students following a PMP session, after which students have signed an agreement about how to proceed. “They know they’re accountable,” he added.

“I see (the program) growing and getting bigger,” said Davis, noting that she is hearing students use some of their skills in everyday conversation around school. “It’s something we’re committed to. It will all contribute to the positive culture we’re trying to create an maintain.”

The Oakland Mediation Center is the only entity credentialed in Michigan to train school staff in the Peers Making Peace program. Visit www.mediation-omc.org for information.

Casey Hans edits this newsletter for The Ann Arbor Public Schools. E-mail her at or call 734-994-5090 ext. 51228.

School bells: Forsythe 2nd, Tappan 3rd in competition

Posted on December 14, 2009 by Casey Hans

A team of 35 Forsythe Middle School sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders placed second out of 10 teams in Michigan in the Knowledge Master Open on Dec. 2. On the national level, Forsythe scored in the top 5 percent of all teams, ranking 28th out of 577 middle school teams nationwide.

Forsythe Middle School sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders placed second out of 10 teams in Michigan in the Knowledge Master Open.

Forsythe scored 1,461 out of a perfect 2,000 points, above the average Michigan score of 1,292 and the national average of 1,138. A team from Tappan Middle School also competed Dec. 2, placing third in Michigan and 45th in the nation, with a score of 1,410.

The KMO is a nationwide knowledge contest that tests students’ ability to answer questions in all the subject areas, quickly and accurately. Students compete in the KMO without leaving their own schools; teams receive curriculum-based contest questions on a CD-ROM and compete using a computer at their own schools. The KMO began in 1983 with 72 schools; it now annually attracts over 3,000 schools and 45,000 participants from the U.S. and several foreign countries.

The members of the Forsythe team included: sixth-graders Elaine Chamberlain, Tara Dorje, Joshua Nacht and Maurits Sier; seventh-graders Andrew Ames, Veronika Beyer, Morgan Borjigin-Wang, Sophia Camp, Nathan Ceely, Marianne Cowherd, Jason Dean, Matthew Epperson, Betty Hu, Derick McIntyre, David Morrow, Lawrence Mullen, Kavin Pawittranon, Stephen Nurushev, Sorbie Richner, Sehej Sawhney, Daniel Tarasev, Noah Thornton and Kevin Zhang; and eighth-graders Dylan Aikens, Noah Chen, Chris Chou, Sam Ellison, John Houghton, Julia Kerst, Mohan Kothari, Chris Nicholson, Prashant Puttagunta, Lillie Schneyer, Tim Wolfe and Michael Zhang.

The KMO is a Forsythe student club open to Forsythe students of all grades. Teacher Dan Ezekiel coaches it. There are three more KMO competition dates in 2010. Details: www.greatauk.com.

Bach music teacher travels in China

Kristi Bishop, a music teacher at Bach Elementary, is traveling this month with the organization People to People as a music education delegate and Citizen Ambassador. to mainland China. Her trip runs from Dec. 11-21, which she will spend with 50 other music educators from around the United States.

During her trip, she will be part of round-table discussions, panels, seminars and site visits allowing her to gain an in-depth understanding of the common interests and challenges she shares with those overseas.

She also will have a chance to experience the culture and history of China including visits to locations such as the China Conservatory, Beijing No. 35 High School and spending the afternoon with the Yanan High School Chorus.

Authors visit, share with Clague students

Dasher
Horowitz
Ottaviani
Clague Middle School had an exciting week of author visits Nov. 18-20, according to media specialist Michelle Rodriguez:

• On Nov. 18, author James Dashner treated our students to an imaginative visual presentation about writing that kept us laughing.
His latest book, “The Maze Runner,” has been selected as one of the best young adult books of 2009 by Kirkus Reviews.

• On Thursday, international New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz entertained staff and students with a hilarious monologue.
His books include the popular Alex Rider series and the Diamond Brothers books.

• On Friday, local University of Michigan librarian and comic writer Jim Ottaviani inspired the entire eighth-grade with his presentation on scientific graphic novels and comics.
His books include “Dignifying Science” and “Two-Fisted Science.”
Students researched scientists and are now incorporating their research into a graphic novel of their own.

Ann Arbor nurse featured in magazine

Ann Arbor Public Schools nurse Laurelle Brennan is featured both on the cover and in an article about the H1N1 flu in the December edition of the MEA Voice, the Michigan Education Association’s magazine. Link here to the magazine. Brennan is coordinating all H1N1 activities for The Ann Arbor Public Schools, monitoring attendance and coordinating the district’s efforts with the Washtenaw County Department of Public Health.

Counselor honored in Lansing

Krista McKinney-King, a counselor at Skyline High School, was honored in November for receiving her National Board Certification. She was honored during the Educator Recognition Reception in Lansing with the Michigan State Board of Education.

Clague students receives social studies award

Clague Middle School eighth-grader León Pescador received the Middle School Student of the Year Award from the Michigan Council for the Social Studies. He received his award Nov. 2 at the Council’s annual state conference on Nov. 2. His school will receive $250 from MEEMIC Insurance, which sponsored the awards.

Students earn kudos in MSBOA competition

The Ann Arbor Public Schools was well represented in the MSBOA All-State High School/Middle School Band and Orchestra competition.

The following students auditioned for and were accepted into the following groups: High School Orchestra: Emma Powell, Briang Chang, Ben Merte (Skyline Orchestra), Tina Rowan, Catherine Vogt (Huron Orchestra/Band); High School Band: Karen Matsuo, Skye Huerta, Julia Pekela, Gina Son, Michael Sullivant (Pioneer Band), Peter Dixon, Peter Dolce (Huron Band), Doan Ichikawa (Skyline Band); Middle School Orchestra: Hiro Adachi, Maria Bonvicini, Deen Adzemovic, Dallan Roan, Shwetha Rajaram, Caroline Elliott, Alan Xu, Jessie Kim, (Clague Orchestra), MIchael Lee, Charles Wang, Chenxi Sun, Irene Wei, Lizzie Zinn (Slauson Orchestra), Andy Hsiao, Noah Aaron (Tappan Orchestra), Grace Pernecky (Forsythe Orchestra); Middle School Band: Paulina Tsao, Emily Ji, Lorna Barron, Nir Glazer (Clague Band), Anna Latterner, Kevin Jiang, Charles Wang, Elliot Polot (Slauson Band), Jordan Steiff (Scarlett Band), Griffin Roy, Halley Bass (Ann Arbor Open Band) Brandon Cutler (Tappan Band).

Clemente Student Council members elected

Nikko Ceoux was elected president and and Richard Johnson III vice president of the Roberto Clemente Student Council. The candidates campaigned as well as debated and answered questions regarding their platform at a school-wide assembly.

The staff and student body participated in a simulated voting process; voters were required to register and show proof of identity at the polls.

Logan raises $1,500 plus in coin drive

Logan Elementary School recently had its annual school coin drive to benefit United Way and Food Gathers. With support from Logan students, staff, families and other employees, the school presented a check for more than $1,539.97 to Superintendent Todd Roberts as proceeds from the event.

Clemente meets achievement, attendance goals

Roberto Clemente Student Development Center students met achievement and attendance goals, the school has reported.

Students achieved a cumulative school 2.5 or better GPA for the first trimester. 83.7 percent of students passed all their classes and 58.7 percent of students had a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Twenty one percent of students are on the honor roll.

Also, Clemente students have broken the barrier in attendance records by having less than 600 absences for the trimester.
For their accomplishments, students have earned an “out” of appropriate dress attire day on Fridays for the new trimester and had a staff vs. student basketball game on Nov. 24.

Dicken hosts blood drive, thanks soldiers

The Dicken Elementary School Service Squad had a busy fall, including a great turnout for a blood drive and the start of a Thank a Soldier initiative, according to first-grade teacher Laura Carino.

Some 31 donors gave blood during an Oct. 28 American Red Cross Blood Drive and students that helped recruit one of the donors received a small prize from the Red Cross. Of the donors, the Red Cross was able to collect 20 units of blood, allowing the group to help save 60 lives.

In discussing what they were thankful for around Thanksgiving, Service Squad members decided upon a Thank a Soldier Initiative. Members organized a station at the Thanksgiving potluck allowing students to make a “thank you” card for a soldier. The cards were compiled and made ready to be mailed.

Students from Huron help at museum

In what has become an annual tradition, students who study German at Huron High School help the city of Ann Arbor decorate the city’s Kempf House Museum, according to language teacher Andrew Smith. Museum officials said they reached out to area German teachers in an effort to bring more youth to the historic site and introduce German language learners to the culture.
In the mid-1800s, Ann Arbor was shaped by the many German immigrants who energized the area, built homes and starated businesses. The Kempf House, a reminder of that era, is open to the public. It is at 312 S. Division St. Details 734-274-0528.

Math Night hosted at Bryant/Pattengill

A total of 109 students from Bryant/Pattengill elementary schools community attended the school’s annual Math Night on Dec. 2 with their parents and siblings. Each student received a Math Game kit so they could play the games at home.

Old favorites included Baseball Multiplication, Penny Plate, Monster Squeeze and Multiplication Bingo, and new bean bag toss games were added to give students a math challenge. “They even played hopscotch,” said event organizer and Pattengill teacher Sue Beech.

The Bryant/Pattengill PTO provided funding and volunteers ran the games. Staff members who volunteered were: Principals Ché Carter from Pattengill and Luther Corbitt from Bryant; and Angela Klein, Jeanne Kitzmann, Rachel Toon, Sue Beech and Dee Vayda along with 31 Pioneer High School students from Robert Klemmer’s class. PTO parents were on hand to help serve pizza and drinks: Joe Sims, Stacey Szuszman, Julia Mattucci-Clark, Cheryl Mitchenor, Caroline Vitale, and Christine Bian.

Pioneer students who volunteered were: Zubin Chandra, Jenny Shen, Kevin Tang, Julia Chen, Caroline Laman, Mary Fitsgerald, Katie Mc Coy, Anna Benson, Ruth Wei, Saqib Usman, Elise Huerta, Miriam Holzman, Zornica Hadjiglo, Jeni Nao, Zach Miller, Peter Wang, Edward Ersoy, Chris Taylor Proctor, Ruby Liu, Anthony Yu, Eli Schultz, Ian Gottschalk, Diane Wang, Max Brodsky, Pracanth Gareson, Levy Li, Richard Gu, Vijay Ilankamban, Yusef Halamed, Kritika Rajan, and Ishika Rajan.

Dicken, Haisley sponsor annual food drives

• The Dicken Elementary School Student Council, chaired by classroom teachers Jennifer Brogno and Cathy Cieglo, sponsored its annual food drive for Food Gatherers of Ann Arbor from Nov.16-23. The community donated canned foods, dried goods, diapers, formula, and other much needed items. A total of 747 pounds of food and other items were donated.
• Haisley Elementary School fifth-graders, in partnership with their PTO, organized a Fall Canned Food Drive collecting 841 pounds of food and personal hygiene items for Food Gatherers.

Haisley students create fall placemats

Haisley Elementary School art teacher Jim Schulz worked with two fifth-grade classes and all second graders to create fall placemats for use with the morning breakfast program at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The Haisley office staff helped by laminating the student mats.

St. Andrew’s has provided daily breakfast to homeless persons in the Ann Arbor community for 27 years. Tate Stark, student teacher for Schulz, organized the leaf-painting process and Mary Edwards, PTO president, arranged for delivery to start on Thanksgiving Day.