Tag Archives: WISD

Online county program shows high school students the WAY

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By Casey Hans
AAPSNews Service

Ask Debra Destefani what high school program has worked for her. This 17-year-old Pittsfield Township resident has a ready answer.

WAY Washtenaw

WAY Washtenaw Team Leader Jennifer Hart and Ann Arbor student Debra Destefani at the lab at Stone High School.

She is enrolled in the WAY Washtenaw program, a 365-day, online countywide high school program that uses team leaders, mentors, subject experts and regular labs to teach students.

Previously a Community High School student, Destefani said this alternative approach is better suited to her needs, allowing her to do her project-based school work, studying in ways that work for her while she holds down a part-time job.

“I’m self-motivated,” she said. “I think maybe it’s all about mindset and attitude. I guess I can be myself – it allows me to focus on what I like and at the same time get credit for it. I felt like I would get swept away in a crowd (at a traditional school.)”

Widening Advancements for Youth Washtenaw is run through the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, with individual districts participating by purchasing seat time in the program. In its pilot year in 2010-11, the program had 240 students from 10 Washtenaw districts enrolled; in the coming year, it will expand to a full program and add more students, bringing the total served to as many as 420.

WAY Washtenaw

Students work in the WAY Washtenaw lab at Stone School.

There will be only one base lab for the program at Willow Run in the coming year due to budget cutbacks, but labs will also be scheduled regularly at public library sites around the county, including Mallets Creek and downtown Ann Arbor branches to accommodate students here.

The program must follow the same guidelines as traditional high schools in meeting the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Team Leader Jennifer Hart – in a role that she said would be comparable to a principal in a traditional high school – said the alternative WAY is challenging.

“Projects are not easy – we want there to be rigor and relevance,” said Hart, a former English teacher and literary coach who oversees Destefani and many of the other Ann Arbor students in the program. “In order to receive a diploma, they have to prove they are proficient in all of the areas to pass.”

Students in the program are referred to as “researchers” and, in addition to team leaders and mentors, there are experts available in key subject areas and technicians who can help with the technical issues learning in an online, computer-based program. Before being accepted into the program, families must apply and home visits are conducted. The program carried a waiting list of students this year.

Hart said Destefani is a great success story of the program. She came into WAY Washtenaw having only earned four credits over two years, which is well below what is needed to graduate over four years. Destefani said she just didn’t go to class and fell behind. WAY Washtenaw has changed her approach and her attitude. She has already finished 6.5 credits since the fall – about one per month – and is moving along in the program so quickly, she will be on target to graduate in December 2012 – the year she would have graduated with her classmates at Community.

Hart said team leaders play many roles: principal, counselor and truant officer, among others. They are responsible for tracking students online and, if they have not logged in and worked in any given day, they are called and, sometimes, get unannounced home visits. Another team leader, Sean Fountain, said he is always on call and more often communicates with his students via cell calls or text messages.

At a recent information session for WAY Washtenaw, parents and students were eager for more information on this alternative program that targets students who either have already dropped out of high school, are at risk of doing so or are attending school but not on track to graduate with their class.

The program generally serves students who are 15 or older, and they must finish the program by Aug. 31 after they turn 20. Students who complete the WAY Washtenaw program receive a diploma from their home districts; this spring, three earned diplomas thanks to this program.

Monique Uzelac, director of instructional technology for the Ann Arbor Public Schools, has been one of the key persons setting up the program at the WISD and was involved with interviewing and hiring staff and interacting with families as they were interviewed to be part of the inaugural program.

She said the program is off to a strong start and gives students a solid approach for achieving the credits they need to graduate. Depending on the topic, in one collaborative project, students can earn credits toward English, social studies and science, for example.

“In Washtenaw County, almost 650 students drop out each year,” Uzelac said. “This program has been successful at pulling students up who are falling behind and becoming discouraged and also at returning students to the classroom who have given up hope.”

And what is Destefani’s future? She loves to write essays and plans to attend college, hoping to follow in her father’s footsteps as a writer and editor.

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

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

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

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

Northside Elementary starts mini-golf fundraiser

Northside minigolf

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

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

Fundraiser brings $1,300 to Ann Arbor Open

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

Huron students paint with team, help SafeHouse

Safe House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carpenter Scouts

Carpenter Scouts and their handmade blankets.

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

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

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

Kiwanis give scholarships to Ann Arbor students in May

Link to photos on Kiwanis Picasa page

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huron’s Ljungman earns German scholarship

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

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

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

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

One Million Reasons campaign assists AAPS programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 re-electe to serve on WISD board

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

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

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

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

Eagles to play1st game in Big Day Prep Showdown

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

WAY Washtenaw information night June 14

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

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

Voters overwhelmingly support Tuesday special education millage

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Vote results can be found at the Washtenaw County Clerk’s website

Voters in Washtenaw County have overwhelmingly supported a 7-year, 0.985 mill renewal for special education services.

The proposal was put on the ballot Tuesday by the Washtenaw Intermediate School district and covers all 10 of the local districts represented. The May 3 election saw 27,262 voters, nearly 77 percent of those casting ballots, voting yes on the measure, and 8,203 voters, or 23 percent, saying no, according to unofficial vote tallies reported by the Washtenaw County Clerk. Turnout was 13.47 percent.

The millage will bring in $14 million per year for the county and about $5.8 million for the Ann Arbor Public Schools that goes toward the district’s special education services.

Failure of the millage proposal would have caused the district to take the money from its General Fund in addition to the $15 million deficit the district faces going into the 2011-12 fiscal year which starts July 1.

Voters first approved the millage in September 2004 for 1 mill; the millage rate  has been reduced to less than the 1 mill due to the impact of the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment. This renewal will run from 2011-17.

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Board to host roundtable session with legislators

A session about state school funding with The Ann Arbor Board of Education and area legislators is scheduled for Thursday, May 5 Friday, May 6  from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Pioneer High School cafeteria.

The sessions will include a history of AAPS budget, Gov. Rick Snyder’s budget implications, ideas for reform and public commentary. The event will be telecast and rebroadcast on CTN Education Channel 18.

Public comment time will be limited, so those wishing to speak are asked to sign up in advance by calling 734-994-2232.

Tuesday election asks voters to renew millage for special education

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Update: Millage renewal passes by overwhelming margin

From AAPSNews Service

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District seeks renewal of a special education millage on Tuesday, May 3. The renewal is for seven years and would run from 2011-17.

If approved, the proposal would renew a 0.985 mill special education millage. Voters first approved the millage in September 2004 for 1 mill; the millage rate  has been reduced to less than the 1 mill due to the impact of the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment.

The millage renewal would bring $14 million countywide, of which $5.8 million would come to the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. and voters cast ballots at their regular municipal polling places. Voters in Michigan are required to show photo identification at the polls.

To locate your polling place and review the  ballot, visit online by clicking here.

Some facts about this millage renewal:

  • Local schools are required to provide special education services for students with physical, mental or emotional disabilities up to age 26.
  • Today, nearly 7,000 students or about 1-in-7 throughout the county, receive some kind of special education service, with most receiving help overcoming learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, and some having to cope with more severe physical, mental or emotional problems.
  • In the Ann Arbor Public Schools this year, 2,093 students are receiving special education services  of 16,569 total students.
  • State and federal funding has not kept pace with increased costs, which means that mandated special education funding must come from a voter-approved millage or local school district general fund budgets, thereby reducing funding available for general education programs for all students.
  • The May 3 renewal would help maintain programs for students with special needs, leaving more funds in the schools’ general operating budgets to provide service for all students.

School Bells: Endurance run on April 30 to benefit Huron High student

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For more news and achievements in the district, see “This Week in the Ann Arbor Public Schools” from the superintendent.

The Eighth Annual Endurance 5K Run and Walk will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at Gallup Park, Fuller Road and Huron Parkway. Proceeds will benefit Aubrey Hiney, a student at Huron High School with spina bifida and to help pay for her medical needs.

Featured speaker at the run will be 2008 Olympic silver medalist Nick Willis.Registration will take place the day of the race from 8-8:45 a.m. or visit online at: www.huronhills.org/5Krun.

Countywide election May 3 asks for special education millage renewal

The next election is a county-wide Consolidated Election on Tuesday May 3.
 On the ballot will be a Special Education Millage Renewal proposal from the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.

To request an absentee ballot, contact your local clerk to request an application for an absentee ballot or visit your local clerk’s office, fill out an application, and wait while they process your ballot. An application may also be downloaded and FAQs viewed at www.ewashtenaw.org/government/clerk_register/elections/el_clkelefaqs.html#absen

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. A photo identification is required in the State of Michigan. Voters should bring a driver’s license, Michigan ID card or passport to the polls.

Anti-bullying conference April 29

‘Standing Strong Against Bullies: Keeping Our Children Safe on the Playground and in Cyberspace” will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29 at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 South Wagner Road, Scio Township.

Presenting will be Glenn Stutzky, a professor of social work at Michigan State University and a nationally-recognized expert on bullying and school violence.
Cost for the program is $40 for pre-registration by April 25, or $50 at the door. Students pay $15 and groups of 5 or more: $35 each person.

Bullying, the act of willfully causing harm to others through verbal harassment (teasing and name-calling), physical assault (hitting, kicking, and biting), or social exclusion (intentionally rejecting a child from a group) has been happening for as long as children have gathered in groups. What used to be a relegated to school playgrounds is now also showing up in families’ living rooms in the insidious form of cyberbullying online.

Estimates by the National Youth Violence Prevention in 2006 say that 30 percent of students either are bullied on a regular basis or are bullies themselves. Research shows that almost one in four children between the ages of 11 and 19 have been the victim of cyberbullying. The same research shows that approximately 65 percent ofkids know of someone who has been cyberbullied.

In nationally representative surveys of 10-17 year-olds, twice as many children and youths indicated they had been victims and perpetrators of online harassment in 2005 than in1999-00.

The conference will examine what bullying is and isn’t, what cyberbullying is and how pervasive it has become, and how kids and communities are impacted by bullies. It will teach how to build a caring community by addressing our attitudes toward bullying behavior and discussing practical applications that work, as well as tips and resources that can be used in preventing damaging behavior that doesn’t need to be the norm of childhood.

For more information: contact Marcia Dykstra, program director or visit  www.washtenawchildren.org for informaton, an online brochure and registration.

Skyline DECA receives awards at conference

Ann Arbor Skyline High School DECA chapter attended the DECA State Career and Development Conference/Competition for the first time on March 18-20, 2011 in Grand Rapids. The eight students who attended won seven medals and six students qualified to move on to the International Career Development Conference/Competition held in Orlando, Fla. April 28 to May 3.

In addition to the competition, Madison Mayleben was elected as a Michigan State DECA Officer for the 2011-2012 school year.

DECA is a co-curricular program for high school marketing and business students. DECA activities are integrated into Skyline’s Business Magnet Program as well as the various business electives including Marketing and Business Fundamentals. The competitive events use interviews, tests, role-plays, case studies and written projects to evaluate marketing and management skills. The program adviser is Diane Fine.
Skyline received the following Chapter Awards:
Chapter Charter Award – given for meeting all of the requirements of becoming a new Michigan DECA chapter; Gimme 5 Award – given to chapters with outstanding recruitment activities.
Leadership Academy Qualifiers for International Conference in Orlando, FL: Ramya Chinta, Madison Mayleben and Tommy Vaughan.
Chapter Management Academy Qualifiers for International Conference in Orlando, FL: Blake Ebright and Dillon Stuart.
Test Medal – Top 5 highest test score in event: Dillon Stuart – Principles of Hospitality and Tourism.
Role Play Medal – 1st place finish for role-play event: Alex Tennant – Principles of Hospitality and Tourism.
State Finalists (Top 10 Overall in Event): Dillon Stuart – Principles of Hospitality and Tourism and Alex Tennant – Principles of Hospitality and Tourism. Team of Blake EBright, Maddie Mayleben, Celina Stead – Teamwork and Leadership Event.
State Champions (advance to DECA International Competition in Orlando, Fl): Team of Blake EBright, Maddie Mayleben, Celina Stead – Teamwork and Leadership Event.

2 seats open on WISD board of education

Nominating petitions for individuals interested in running for two, six-year terms on the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education are available at either the WISD offices, 1819 South Wagner Road, Scio Township, or at the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office.

Petitioners must file with the Washtenaw County Clerk by Monday, May 9, at which time candidates must also file an affidavit of identity. Nominations require the signatures of between 40-100 Washtenaw County registered voters or payment of a $100 non-refundable filing fee in lieu of signatures (per Public Act 157 of 2002).
The election is scheduled for June 6 at 7 p.m. Members elected to the WISD Board will begin their terms on July 1, 2011.

The WISD Board of Education is composed of five members who serve staggered, six-year terms. State law says that no more than two seated intermediate school district board members may live in the same local school district.

Terms expiring this year are that of Gregory Peoples and Dayle Wright. Peoples lives in the Lincoln Consolidated School District. Wright lives in the Chelsea School District. Both are planning to seek re-election.

The body electing intermediate school district board members is composed of one member of the board of education from each constituent district, designated by the local board of education.

For additional information, contact WISD Interim Superintendent Richard Leyshock, at 734-994-8100, ext. 1301.

Pittsfield Elementary Preps for Science Fair

Second graders work on a Volcano project for the Pittsfield Science Fair which will be on April 28.

Curious kids at Pittsfield Elementary are solving problems, assembling data and conducting experiments in preparation for the all-school Science Fair at 6 p.m., April 28.

Participation in this non-competitive event is always high and first grade teacher and Science Fair organizer Barb Killewald expects student displays to pack the multi-purpose again this year.

Students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade may work on individual projects or collaborate with friends.  Visitors can expect anything from fossils to friction, volcanoes to velocity, to be explored as Pittsfield’s Penguins celebrate the joy of scientific discovery. Pittsfield Elementary School is at 2543 Pittsfield, Ann Arbor.

Upcoming book events around the Ann Arbor community

Following is a list of book events of interest around the area, as provided by local independent bookseller and AAPSNews partner Nicola’s Books. Unless otherwise noted, events are at Nicola’s in the Westgate Shopping Center, Jackson Road at Maple.

Sunday May 1 at 1:30 pm at the Michigan Theater dowtown Ann Arbor- Stuart Little comes to the Michigan Theater as part of the Not Just for Kids series. Stuart goes on an adventure to find Margalo, the family bird, when Snowbell the cat frightens her away. Nicola’s Books will be on hand to sell a variety of Stuart Little titles.

Saturday May 7 at 11 am- Join us for a special story time with local children’s author Josepine Gambini here with her new book “Poetino Piccolino Saves the Day”. In this adventure book Poetino the mouse rescues his friends as they travel through Rome.

Friday May 6 at 6pm- Popular writer of novels for young adults, Neil Shusterman will be at Nicola’s for a reading and signing of his new book Everfound, the stunning conclusion to the Skinjacker Trilogy. In the limbo that is Everlost, Mary, Nick, Allie, and others face the decisions that will determine whether that place and the Earth itself will continue to exist, as well as where their own futures lie.

Tuesday May 10 at 7 pm- Meet author and teacher of creative writing at the University of Toledo, Jane Bradley, here with her new novel, “You Believers”. Part southern gothic, part crime, part haunting suspense story,You Believers takes the reader on an infinitely harrowing journey during which a mother uproots her life to search for her missing daughter.

Wednesday May 11 at 7 pm- Cynthia Gabriel, medical anthropologist, doula, and mother of three, will be at Nicola’s to discuss her book “Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds”. This guide is designed to demonstrate to future moms and medical professionals alike how the hospital is the best place for a peaceful, natural, and safe birth.

Thursday May 12 at 7 pm- First time novelist Amanda Hodgkinson will be here for a reading and signing of her searing debut novel, “22 Britannia Road”. Janusz and Silvana are a Polish couple torn apart by World War II trying to reform their family in England post-war along with their young son Aurek. Those of us at the store who have read this heart-wrenching story have simply fallen in love with it.

Saturday May 14- Curious George, everyone’s favorite monkey, will be here to meet all his little fans following our regular story time at 11 am.

Monday May 16 at 7:30 pm at the Michigan Theater downtown Ann Arbor- Charlaine Harris, author of the wildly popular Sookie Stackhouse novels, the basis for the “True Blood” television series, will be appearing at the Michigan Theater for a book discussion and signing event. Harris will be discussing her newest novel “Dead Reckoning” and meeting with fans following a live Q & A with the audience. Nicola’s Books will be on hand selling a variety the author’s books.

Tuesday May 17at 7 pm- Author Karl Marlantes, touring with the paperback release of his novel about the Vietnam War experience, “Matterhorn”, will here for a discussion and signing. Written over the course of 30 years by a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, “Matterhorn” is the timeless story of a young Marine lieutenant, Waino Mellas, and his comrades in Bravo Company, who are dropped into the mountain jungle of Vietnam as boys and forced to fight their way into manhood.

Thursday May 19 at 7 pm- Rachel DeWoskin, author of “Foreign Babes in Beijing”, will be at Nicola’s Books for a reading and signing of her new novel set in Ann Arbor, “Big Girl Small”, a scathingly funny and moving novel about a 16-year-old girl who becomes caught in a controversy that might bring down her whole school–a scandal that has something to do with the fact Judy is three feet nine inches tall.

For details of events, visit www.nicolasbooks.com

School Bells: Ed Foundation hosts budget sessions April 15

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

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

Volunteers sought for April 13 seedling planting day at Tappan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WISD board names superintendent finalists, schedules sessions

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

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

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

Tom Goodney

WISD finalist Thomas Goodney

Scott Menzel

WISD finalist Scott Menzel

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

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

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

Early College Alliance co-hosts information night April 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below: Ed Foundation hosts budget information sessions

From AAPSNews Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here for a video message from WISD.

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

What voters will see on the May 3 ballot:

WASHTENAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL EDUCATION MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL

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

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

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Ed Foundation hosts information sessions on April 15

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

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

School Bells: Test named new Pioneer head football coach

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For more news and achievements in the district, see “This Week in the Ann Arbor Public Schools” from the superintendent.

Paul Test has been named the new head varsity football coach at Pioneer High School.

Test has served the past year as defensive coordinator at Skyline High School and coached in the Huron High School program for eight years. He was with the Pioneer program in the 1990s, when he served as head football coach.

He is also employed by the district, teaching physical education at Thurston Elementary School.

“Paul Test can best be described as a man of character and quality,” said Pioneer Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Lorin Cartwright. “He knows how to build relationships with students and their families.  I know the players are excited to have Paul leading the program and are ready to give their all for football.

“It should be exciting to see the program develop over the next few months.”

Community High wins state mock trial tourney

On Saturday, March 26, Community High School’s Mock Trial Team A won the Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament state championship for the second year in a row. The team will now represent the state of Michigan at the National High School Mock Trial Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona from May 5-8.

The top 10 teams from throughout the state vied for the title at the Veterans’ Memorial Courthouse in Lansing, Michigan.  Originally, approximately 60 teams competed in eastern and western regional competitions. The CHS team defeated teams from Grand Rapids, Capac, Detroit and Kalamazoo to win the title.

Team members are:  Shadi Ahmadmehrabi, Cooper DePriest, Michelle Grifka, Michael Savage, Tressa Stapleton, Eli Sugerman, Elise Wander and Garrett Wood. Coaches are  Cheryl Grace, Billie Ochberg, Griffith Dick, Robert West and Dan Dormer.

Read The Communicator article about the win here.

Wines parent the winner of AAPSNews drawing from Nicola’s Books

Elizabeth Hetrick of Ann Arbor is the winner of the first semester gift drawing among new e-mail subscribers to the AAPSNews.

She has won a $50 gift certificate to Nicola’s Books (www.nicolasbooks.com). Hetrick has a daughter in kindergarten at Wines Elementary School.

Nicola’s has donated the gift certificate as one of the district’s business partners. The bookstore is located in the Westgate Shopping Center at the corner of Jackson and Maple roads in Ann Arbor.

The AAPSNews will have a similar drawing at the end of second semester 2010-11 among new AAPSNews e-mail subscribers. Log onto http://news.a2schools.org and click on the “subscribe” button to sign up.

Huron diving coach earns honors

Brad Huttenga, the men’s swim and dive team coach and an English teacher at Huron High School has been named as the Division 1 Diving Coach of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association for 2010-11.

The award is given to the coach at each respective state meet, whose divers from the same school score the highest accumulated point total in the state meet competition. According to Huffenga, the award was due, in part, to the success and depth of this year’s team, but he specifically credited the strong showing of this year’s senior divers.

New principal named at county consortium high school

Consortium leaders of the new Washtenaw International High School have named Lambert Okma the school’s first principal.

Okma, the consultant who has been assisting with the school’s development, was the founder and former principal at the International Academy in Oakland County and currently serves as a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization Board of Governors.

The school is scheduled to open this fall to 150 ninth-graders at the site of the former East Middle School in Ypsilanti. Okma begins his new job on July 1.  Student applications are still being accepted for the school. For more information, go to www.wihi.org.

Skyline earns kudos at regional science fair

Skyline High School will have a Grand Award Winner representing the school at the State Science Fair. The weekend of March 12-13 was the Southeastern Science Fair at Washtenaw Community College and Skyline’s Health & Medicine Magnet had 60 students enter for the first time.

Lily Zmachinski (Principles of Biomedical Science) received a sixth-place Grand Award and a first-place Science and Society Award. Her area of study was “musicians vs. nonmusicians – a neuro psychological test.” Her project received numerous accolades and $225 in prize money. Next month she takes her project to Lansing to have it judged and if she wins she will go to California for the International Science Fair.

Other winners from the magnet include: Kaavaya Puttagunta, third place Science and Society $100; Carmen Flesher, Sustainability Award; Johanna Buchaus, Sustainability Award; Maya Gianchandani, American Meteorological Society Award & Stockholm Junior Water Prize; Aoarsh Ghosh, U-M National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network Award; Lucas Paschal, U.S. Army Most Outstanding Life Sciences Award; Theo Kuchar, U.S. Army Most Outstanding Life Sciences Award; and Rishika Ramireddy, Honorable Mention Biochemistry/Microbiology Award.

Honorable mentions also went to: Kimberly Graziamo, Leigh Yeh, Ben Ehrlich, Alex Kaldjian, Francesca D’Introno and Jessica Eisma.

Warren represents the 18th District, which is made up of the majority of Washtenaw County. Prior to her work as a state senator, she served as state representative for the 53rd House District for four years.

Sixth candidate to be interviewed for WISD superintendency

The Washtenaw Intermediate Board of Education will interview Pinckney Community Schools Superintendent Daniel Danosky at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29. He will be the last of six interviews for the WISD top spot.

Danosky is in his fifth year as Pinckney superintendent having served previously as superintendent in Harper Woods for seven years.  He received his bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Michigan and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University.

Also on Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. the WISD Board will interview Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Staff Thomas Goodney of the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio in Columbus.  Both interviews will be at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S. Wagner Road, Scio Township and are open to the public.

Already interviewed for the post: Oscoda Area Schools Superintendent Christine Beardsley; Olivet Community Schools Superintendent David J. Campbell; Beverly A. Knox-Pipes, Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Media Services at the Genesee Intermediate School District; and Superintendent of the Livingston Educational Service Agency Scott A. Menzel.

The WISD board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room of WISD’s Teaching and Learning Center, 1819 S. Wagner Road to select superintendent finalists from among the six candidates.  Finalists will be called back for second interviews. The Board will select a new superintendent to succeed William C. Miller who retired in December.

Upcoming book events around the Ann Arbor community

Following is a list of book events of interest around the area, as provided by local independent bookseller and AAPSNews partner Nicola’s Books. Unless otherwise noted, events are at Nicola’s in the Westgate Shopping Center, Jackson Road at Maple.

Thursday, March 31 7 p.m. – Free lecture with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Sarah Marwil Lamstein Lecture Presents Young Adult Author Lois Lowry at Rackham Amphitheatre. The book sale will start at 3 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m.with a book signing from 5-6 p.m. Lowry began her career as a photographer and a freelance journalist during the early 1970s. Her first children’s book, “A Summer to Die,” was published in 1977; she has since written more than 30 books for children and published an autobiography. Two of her works have been awarded the Newbery Medal.

These events are scheduled in April:

Weekly Children’s Story Time – Saturdays at 11 a.m. An experienced teller spins yarns for the 7-and-under set. (Saturday April 23 – Stay after the regular story time to meet an Easter Bunny aka Peter Rabbit.)

Tuesday April 13 at 6 p.m. – Meet author Ruta Sepetys here with her new novel for young adults, “Between Shades of Grey”. Set in Lithuania in the wake of the Russian invasion of 1939, this story told in the voice of a 15-year-old girl named Lina, who along with her family, is forced onto a crowded train car one night and sent, under Stalin’s orders, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here is a story of love and survival under the cruelest of conditions during a little-known real-life event in history.

Wednesday April 6 at 7 p.m. – Meet local author Dr. Evelyn Katz with her new book playfully told in limericks, “Young Ing: A Guide to Staying Young Forever”, the story of a woman who refuses to grow old.   Learn how to compose limericks of your own.

Sunday April 10 at 2 p.m. – Meet “Tweak” author Nic Sheff. In “Tweak,” Sheff shared a heartbreakingly honest account of his days as a crystal meth addict. In this powerful follow-up for young adults Sheff writes candidly about stints at in-patient rehab facilities, devastating relapses, and hard-won realizations about what it means to be a young person living with addiction.

Tuesday April 12 at 7 p.m. – Author William Lychack will be at Nicola’s with his new short story collection, “The Architect of Flowers.” The stories in this dazzling new collection explore the inevitable distance between people in loving relationships and find hope in dark situations. With tiny, precise details, Lychack observes the overlooked moments of everyday life.

Thursday April 14 at 7 p.m. – Meet author Alan Paul here with his new memior ” Big in China.” Based on his award-winning “Wall Street Journal” online column The Expat Life, “Big in China” explores Paul’s unlikely, three-and-a-half year journey raising a family, playing in a blues band, and reinventing himself as an American expat in Beijing. Paul is a senior writer for “Slam” and “Guitar World” magazines, and his writing has appeared in “The New Yorker,” “Entertainment Weekly,” “People” and “Sports Illustrated.”

Tuesday April 19 at 7 p.m. – Local author Pat Smith will be here with a new mystery set right here in Ann Arbor, “Hard Pill to Swallow: A Willis and Macintyre Mystery.” A detective and PI join forces to search for a missing girl and solve her mother’s murder.As Willis and Macintyre immerse themselves in a world of corporate greed, murder, and academic politics, they encounter unethical doctors, a corrupt university official, a professor with something to hide, and a hedonistic villain.

Thursday April 21 at 7 p.m. – “Foreign Babes in Beijing” author Rachel DeWoskin will be here for a reading and signing of her latest novel “Big Girl Small,” a scathingly funny and moving novel about a 16-year-old girl attending Ann Arbor’s elite Darcy Arts Academy who becomes caught in a controversy that might bring down her whole school–a scandal that has something to do with the fact Judy is three feet nine inches tall.

Wednesday April 27 at 7 p.m. – Local author and Pioneer High School Creative Writing teacher Jeff Kass will be at the store with his book of short stories “Knuckleheads.” These stories explore generational intersections – teens making, and adults looking back on, choices that define their lives. Kass directs the creative writing program at  The Neutral Zone, where he founded and continues to direct The VOLUME Youth Poetry Project.

Friday April 29 at 7 p.m. – Fans of wordplay can meet world pun champion John Pollack, here with his book “The Pun Also Rises,” a funny, erudite, and provocative exploration of puns, the people who make them, and this derided wordplay’s remarkable impact on history.

WISD board to interview candidates for superintendent’s post

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UPDATE, March 21, 2011: The pool of candidates for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education superintendent was reduced by one today, when Big Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Thomas M. Langdon withdrew from the running and accepted the superintendent’s job in the Sturgis Public Schools. The interview scheduled has also been revised as noted below.

From the Washtenaw Intermediate School District

At a special meeting on March 15, the Washtenaw Intermediate Board of Education selected six candidates to interview for the position of superintendent.

The candidates are:

  • Christine Beardsley – She is in her 10th year as superintendent of the Oscoda Area Schools.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University in business administration, her master’s degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University and is scheduled to receive her doctorate in educational leadership in May, also from Central Michigan.
  • David J. Campbell – He is in his eleventh year as superintendent of the Olivet Community Schools.  He received his undergraduate degree in education at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and his master’s degree in educational administration at Illinois State University.
  • Thomas L. Goodney – He is in his sixth year as deputy superintendent and chief of staff at the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio  in Columbus, Ohio.  He received his bachelor’s degree in mass communications at Northern Michigan University, his master’s degree in speech at Miami University and his doctorate in educational leadership, also at Miami University.
  • Beverly A. Knox-Pipes – She is in her ninth year as assistant superintendent for Technology and Media Services at the Genesee Intermediate School District.  She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education at the University of Texas at El Paso, her master’s degree at Lesley College  in Cambridge, Mass. focusing on computers in education and is currently completing requirements for her doctorate in instructional technology and distance education from Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Fla.
  • Thomas M. Langdon – He is in his seventh year as superintendent of the Big Rapids Public Schools.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Cornerstone University in biology and physical science and a second bachelor’s degree from Calvin College in education.  His master’s in educational leadership is from Western Michigan University and his doctorate in educational leadership is from Central Michigan University.
  • Scott A. Menzel – He is in his fourth year as superintendent of the Livingston Educational Service Agency.  He received his bachelor’s degree in religion from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., his master’s degree in philosophy and social policy from the American University  in Washington, D.C. and is completing work on his doctorate from Eastern Michigan University.

Interviews are scheduled is as follows:
Monday, March 21, 2011
6:30 p.m. – Scott Menzel
8 p.m. –  Beverly Knox-Pipes
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
6:30 p.m. – David Campbell
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
6:30 p.m. –   Thomas Langdon
6:30 p.m.  –  Christine Beardsley
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
6:30 p.m. – Thomas Goodney

All interviews will be held at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S. Wagner Road, Scio Township and are open to the public.

The Board is selecting a new superintendent to succeed Dr. William C. Miller who retired in December 2010. The WISD board is being assisted in the search by the Michigan Association of School Boards. The WISD is the intermediate district serving 10 public school districts in Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor.

School Bells: Lakewood hosts community auction March 18

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Lakewood Elementary School hosts its largest fundraiser on Friday, March 18 from 6-11 p.m. at Weber’s Inn Grand Ballroom, 3050 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor.

Lakewood LizardA social hour with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and preview of the auction items will take place from 6-7 p.m. with bidding starting at 7 p.m.

The event features more than 70 bidding lots with items including everything from soccer camps and yoga classes to a Detroit Tigers VIP package, Disney Park Hopper tickets and dinner at the Chop House. Click here for a full list of available bid items and list of sponsors.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year and all of the proceeds go towards funding all of the field trips for all of our students throughout the entire school year,” said Principal Michael Johnson.

For more information, contact Leslie Rybicki at  leslie@rybicki.org or Sara Arsenault   searsen@gmail.com with questions or contact Kelly Wang  kwang500@hotmail.com to order tickets. Click here to download a PDF with a list of all auction items.

Community High teams do well in mock trial competition

Two teams from Community High School participated in the Eastern Regional of the Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament on Saturday, March 12.

Team A will advance to the state finals tournament in Lansing on March 26 and will defend their state championship title. Members include: Shadi Ahmadmehrabi, Cooper DePriest, Michelle Grifka, Max Lewis, Michael Savage, Tressa Stapleton, Eli Sugerman, Elise Wander and Garrett Wood.

Team B won an honorable mention award, finishing in the top 15 of 37 teams.  Members included: Galen Burrell, Isaac Fink, Gabe Hillebrand, Rianna Johnson-Levy, Julia Karr, Leah Penner, Dan Roy, Jeremy Simon, Kelsey Teribery and Yasaf Warshai

Timers for Saturday’s event were  Preston Horvath and Nate Porter.  The teams are coached by teacher coach Cheryl Grace,  drama coach Billie Ochberg and attorney coaches Griffith Dick and Robert West.

Pittsfield hosts all-school read-in, welcomes state rep

Jeff Irwin at Pittsfield

Pittsfield Elementary School kicks off March Is Reading Month with a visit from a special guest reader, State Rep. Jeff Irwin.

On March 4, Pittsfield Elementary School  kicked off March Is Reading Month with a visit from a special guest reader, State Rep. Jeff Irwin.  The whole school gathered in the multi-purpose room to hear him answer questions about his job in government and listen as he read “Wild About Books,” written by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Marc Brown.

Afterwards students relaxed on blankets, munched on popcorn and read their own books for an all-school read-in.  The Pittsfield Penguins have an active student council with representatives from every grade, including kindergarten, so a visit from a state legislator was an especially meaningful way to reinforce the lessons of our system of elected government.

For the remainder of the month students will be reading to earn colorful stars which will decorate Pittsfield’s halls.  To cap off a successful month in pursuit of literature, Ann Arbor storyteller Barbara Schutzgruber will bring words to life during a school-wide assembly program on March 30.

Robotics competition to be hosted at Skyline March 25-26

The First Robotics competition season is under way and Skyline High School will host a district event on March 25-26.

The goal of teams registered for the competition is to qualify for the Michigan State Championship April 7-9 at Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation in Ypsilanti. From there, 18 teams will be eligible to advance to the international First Championship in St. Louis, April 27-30.

The 2011 Ann Arbor FIRST Robotics District Competition (aka Logo Motion)
has 40 teams registered, including teams from all three comprehensive high schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools:
•   SRT & Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, Team No. 1076 (Pi Hi Samurai.)
•    SRT / Barton Malow Company / Aastrom Biosciences / D. Loius Weir Law Firm & Skyline High School, Team No. 3322 (Eagle Imperium.)
•  Washtenaw Community College/University of Michigan/Toyota Technical Center/BAE Systems & Ann Arbor Huron High School, Team No. 830 (Rat Pack)

All FIRST Robotics Competition regionals and tournaments are free and open to the public.

WISDPAC hosts talk about IEP goals

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District Parent Advisory Committee hosts its next meeting from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, where Kelly Orginski of Michigan Alliance for Families will speak about “Developing the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) Statement, and Developing Individual Education Program (IEP) Goals and Objectives.”

Parents of students receiving special education supports and services are especially encouraged to attend. The workshop is designed to help parents understand the importance of the PLAAFP statement and how it affects the writing of measurable IEP Goals and Objectives and how to help children get the services they need to be successful in school.

The meeting will be at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Teaching and Learning Center, 1819 S. Wagner Road, between Liberty and Scio Church roads in Scio Township. To RSVP or for information contact Jeanne Brakhage at 734-994-8100, x1514 or jbrakhag@wash.k12.mi.us

Visit online for directions. Michigan Alliance for Families workshops are free and open to the public. MAF is funded by the Michigan Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education, www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org

WISD board to narrow the field Tuesday in superintendent search

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting at 530 p.m. Tuesday, March 15 to select superintendent candidates to be called for an interview. The public meeting will be in the Board Room of WISD’s Teaching and Learning Center, 1819 S. Wagner Road, Scio Township.

After all selected candidates have been contacted, the Board will set a public interview schedule.

A new superintendent will succeed Dr. William C. Miller who retired in December of 2010 after more than 22 years of service to the district, 12 of them as superintendent. Applications for the position closed on March 10 at noon.

Michael Emlaw, consultant for the Michigan Association of School Boards, is assisting the WISD Board with its search.  He can be reached at  734-657.2425 or by e-mail at emlaw@comcast.net.

School Bells: Superintendent interview questions accepted

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The Ann Arbor Public Schools is accepting questions from the public to use as part of the superintendent search process.  Questions may submitted via e-mail to Amy Osinksi at osinski@aaps.k12.mi.us

Interview questions are being accepted through Jan. 31. Interviews are being scheduled and may take place as early as mid-February.

A link is also available at the district website, where additional information can be found about the search, the search firm hired and results from a community survey about what the public would like to see in a new superintendent.

The district is hiring a new superintendent to replace Todd Roberts who resigned last year. Deputy Superintendent for Finance and Operations Robert Allen is serving as interim superintendent until the post is filled.

Ann Arbor schools moving to Google

Ann Arbor Public Schools is moving to Google products for web-based e-mail service and other applications including calendars, documents, sites and groups. The changes will be powered by Google, but will be administered by the AAPS informational technology staff.

The change will have AAPS employees and staff operating “in the cloud.”  District e-mail addresses will remain the same.

The rollout for the A2SchoolsGoogle project began on Jan. 13 and will continue through mid-February until all employees are on the new service. Director of Instructional Technology Monique Uzelac said the move will save the district $100,000 and will continue to allow the proper archiving of e-mail as required by law.

The change will also give staff access to free Google consumer products including: iGoogle, Gmail, Google Groups, Picasa, Web History and others, Uzelac said. Staff members are being trained for the change and will receive self-directed instruction and technical support during the 6-week rollout.

WISD begins supertintendent search

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District will work with the Michigan Association of School Boards to help recruit and select the district’s next superintendent to succeed Dr. William C. Miller, who retired on Dec. 31.

Candidate applications will be taken until March 10, 2011.  Interviews will be held in mid-to-late March with a goal of having the successful candidate identified by mid April.

The MASB will create a candidate profile describing professional and personal characteristics. They are seeking public feedback through an anonymous web-based survey and small group meetings. Visit www.wash.k12.mi.us, to complete the survey through Thursday, Jan. 20. For more information about the search, call (734) 657-2425.

Richard Leyshock is serving as interim WISD superintendent through the end of this school year or until a new superintendent is hired. Leyshock has said he is not a candidate; he plans to retire in August.

PTOC Enrichment Forum slated for Jan. 24

The Ann Arbor PTOC will host its semi-annual Enrichment Sharing Session, in the Main Conference Room at the Balas Administration Building 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 24. Participation is encouraged from all schools and all levels.

The format for this year will be similar to a information fair.  Each PTO will have a station with two representatives.  For 20 minutes , one representative will man the table and the other will explore the tables of interest to them.  At the 20-minute mark, reps will switch and offer 20 final minutes of sharing.

“We feel that this format will allow schools to investigate the programs of interest to them and maintain a lively sharing atmosphere,” said PTOC Vice Chairwoman Donna Lasinski.

In addition, an information table will be available.  If you are a PTO rep with information and resources to share, please bring them.

Participating PTOs must RSVP. Enrichment ideas garnered from the meeting will be posted on the PTO Council website. RSVP to Donna Lasinski  at lasinski@mac.com. Schools signed up to attend and bring ideas include: Angell Elementary, Ann Arbor Open @ Mack, Burns Park Elementary, Dicken Elementary, Haisley Elementary and Wines Elementary.

The PTOC also sponsors Officer Leadership Training at the NEW Center at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Feb. 8, with RSVP required. Cost is $25 per officer, unless using a “get-in-free” dues slot. To RSVP visit the PTOC website, click on Latest News, and Updated Meeting Schedule to find the RSVP link for the event you want.  Include name, position and school, and which event to which you are replying.)

DECA teams showcase business knowledge, talent

Ann Arbor Pioneer High School DECA chapter identified themselves as one of
the best chapters of the business and professional clubs in Michigan Jan. 6 at District IV competition at Eastern Michigan University.  They set a new school record by winning 118 total medals and qualifying 55 students for the state competition in March in Grand Rapids.

This also marks the first year that Pioneer DECA has won the overall district trophy. The students chose to dedicate the trophy to Mr. John Baublit, who retired last year after serving Ann Arbor Public Schools as a teacher and DECA advisor for 37 years.

DECA is a co-curricular program for high school marketing and business students.  These activities are integrated into the Marketing, Accounting and Entrepreneurship classes at Pioneer to help teach the skills and standards to be successful in business today.  DECA’s competitive events program uses interviews, tests, role-plays, case studies and written projects to evaluate marketing and management skills. At Pioneer, the program is advised by Kara Schulz, Craig Jobe and John Baublit.

Students and their achievements include:

TEST Medal – Top 5 highest test score in event – Jessica D’Alfonso, Amanda Scull, Darren Austin, Eric Miller, Alicia Herrera, Jennifer Gu, Joaquin de la Cerda-Harlow, Mani Herring, Hailey Rishoi, Isaac Ahuvia, Eric Furlong, Javon Williams, Sabina Aghasivayli, Ryan Murphy, Kristy Aidoo, Conrad Stoerker, Megan Fearday, Benjamin Brenner, Taylor Jahnke, Deirdre Cline, Casey Warner, Nate Medd, Tim Schroeder, Zubin Chandra, Grace Hwang, Nichole Alton, Amanda Wylie, Allison Criscenti, Jay Lapinski and Greg Kim.

CASE STUDY Medal – 1st place finish in event – Sam Beck, Amanda Scull, Darren Austin, Casey Binder, Eric Miller, Ismail Husain, Cameron Inniss, Matt Paqui, Jeno Draganescu, Mani Herring, Nicholas Gorski, Justice Kwak, Deirdre Cline, Kevin Groupe, Leila Sousou, Holly Wilson, Casey Warner, Tim Schroeder, Callaghan Wise, Gabe Vanhorssen, Etian Spivak, Zubin Chandra, Grant Chen, Andrew Choe, Josh LaHaye, Megan Roberts, Grace Anderson, Jaclyn Stelter, Allison Criscenti, Jaclyn Hadler and Mara Zinn.

OVERALL event winners (advance to DECA State Competition) – Jason Matney, Sam Beck, Amanda Scull, Darren Austin, Casey Binder, David Williams, Eric Miller, Ismail Husain, Jenna Canning, Jennifer Gu, Andy
Dai, Ahmed Altairy, Cameron Inniss, Matt Paquin, Joaquin de la Cerda-Harlow, Jeno Draganescu, Mani Herring, Hailey Rishoi, Michael Blackman, Isaac Ahuvia, Nicholas Gorski, Conrad Stoerke, Joe Flanagan, Sarah Keisling, Megan Fearday, Benjamin Brenner, Taylor Jahnke, Justice Kwak, Deirdre Cline, Kevin Groupe, Leila Sousou, Holly Wilson, Casey Warner, Nate Medd, Remy Thomas, Tim Schroeder, Callaghan Wise, Gabe Vanhorssen, Etian Spivak, Zubin Chandra, Grant Chen, Grace Hwang, Nichole Alton, Andrew Choe, Josh LaHaye, Megan Roberts, Grace Anderson, Jaclyn Stelter, Allison Criscenti, Ana Vereen, Chloe Corley, Jay Lapinski, Greg
Kim, Jaclyn Hadler and Mara Zinn.

Ann Arbor Skyline High School DECA chapter attended the competition for the first time. The nine students who attended won seven medals and five students qualified to move on to state competition in March. In addition to the competition, Maddie Mayleben also announced her candidacy for DECA state officer.

The DECA activities are integrated into the Skyline Business Magnet Program. Skyline students and their achievements include:

TEST Medal – Top 5 highest test score in event – Blake Ebright, Accounting Applications

CASE STUDY Medal – 1st place finish in event – Dillon Stuart, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism

OVERALL event winner (advance to DECA State Competition) – Ramya Cinta, Marketing Management; Dillon Stuart, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism; Alex Tennant, Retail Merchandising; and Jeff Yuen and Tom Vaughan, Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making.

Pioneer juniors do fundraiser for community service

Juniors from Pioneer High School are selling Cookie-Grams for Valentine’s Day, as a fundraiser to support the class’s community service efforts.

Order a Valentine’s Cookie-Gram for a favorite Pioneer student, faculty or staff person for $4. A package of heart-shaped cookies (from Great Harvest Bread), along with a card will be delivered on Valentines Day. Mail orders to: Jane Burton, Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Blvd, AA 48103 or call 734-994-2128.

WISD to seek renewal of county special education millage

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From the Washtenaw Intermediate School District

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District will seek renewal next May of a .9850 mill for seven years to support special education services for Washtenaw County students, including Ann Arbor.  The millage – first approved by voters in September 2004 – expires this month.

The WISD Board of Education has voted to seek the renewal; the WISD will submit its request to the Washtenaw County Board of Election Commissioners for approval.  If the request is approved, registered voters residing within the 10-district WISD service area would vote on the issue on May 3, 2011.

The funds will  continue to reimburse local districts for special education programs and to help maintain quality services for all students in Washtenaw County’s public schools,  said WISD Interim Superintendent Richard Leyshock.

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

Today, nearly 7,000 – or one in seven – students in Washtenaw County receive some kind of special education service.

For more information, call (734) 994-8100 or visit:  www.wash.k12.mi.us

WISD names Leyshock interim superintendent effective Jan. 1

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From the Washtenaw Intermediate School District

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education has appointed Richard F. Leyshock as interim superintendent effective Jan. 1, 2011.

Currently the WISD’s assistant superintendent for student services, he will assume the responsibility from Superintendent William Miller who will retire on Dec. 31. The appointment will extend through the end of this school year or until such time that the district hires a new superintendent, according to information from the WISD.

Leyshock has been employed by WISD since 1977. In addition to his current role, he has served as a special education teacher, teacher consultant and special education director.  He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University and is a long-time Ypsilanti resident.

“I’m pleased and honored to serve WISD as its interim superintendent,” Leyshock said “And I look forward to advancing the district’s good work.”  Leyshock said he is not a candidate for the superintendency and plans to retire at the end of August.

“We appreciate Mr. Leyshock’s ability and willingness to step into this role.  He’s the perfect person to guide the district during this time,” said WISD Board President Mark VanBogelen.

Along with carrying out the duties of interim superintendent, Leyshock will support the WISD Board as it plans for the leadership transition. The Board will begin interviewing superintendent search firms on Dec. 14.

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

Countywide cyber school pilot proposed for Stone this fall

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• Stone students STRIVE to attend college

By Casey Hans
AAPSNews Service

Ann Arbor’s Stone High School is the proposed site this fall for a countywide cyber-school pilot program that would serve up to 180 high schools students who have either dropped out of school or who are at risk of doing so.

Called WAY Washtenaw, (Widening Advancements for Youth), the year-round secondary program is coordinated through the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and Inclusion U.S., a nonprofit that provides technology and program support for managing student projects.

“We found the kids are out there and they want to come to school,” said WISD Assistant Superintendent Rick Leyshock. “We want them to be in a safe learning environment where they can really develop and learn.”

The Ann Arbor Board of Education heard an overview of the program during a first reading on Wednesday night.

In the project-based program, students will be expected to learn and interact remotely in an online community, reporting to Stone twice each week where they can get help from on-site staff. They also will be in touch regularly online with mentors and project leaders to ensure they are making progress and meeting mandatory high school graduation requirements.

An estimated 600 students have dropped out of high school in Washtenaw County, officials said, prompting the desire and need for such a program. WAY Washtenaw will target students age 16-19 who have dropped out or who have disengaged from traditional high school.

Called “researchers” in the program, students are assigned computers and staff will do home visits to ensure there is an area in which students can work and be successful. Students will remain part of their home school district, so they can participate in sports, music or other extracurriculars at their home high school while enrolled in WAY Washtenaw. Their high school degree will be earned through their home district.

Stone High Principal Sheila Brown and Ann Arbor’s Director of Instructional Technology Monique Uzelac will coordinate the pilot.

Uzelac said a Washtenaw County curriculum team visited other cyber-school programs last December, which generated a lot of excitement and planted the seed for the Washtenaw model. She said 180 student seats were selected as a starting point for the pilot after the team reviewed county dropout rates, talked with area superintendents to gauge interest and estimated how many students might possibly enroll.

Although each district is assigned a number of seats in the program based on their dropout numbers, Leyshock said seats can be used by other districts if slots are not filled.

The program will have 30 part-time mentors, three full-time program leaders and two technicians. It is funded through state per-pupil foundation allowance money, Leyshock explained. Registration for the program is taking place now and will continue through mid-September, when the state’s official count of students takes place to determine the level of funding to school districts.

Parents and students interested in the program can apply online or call for information. They will then have a personal interview and receive full application packets. Once enrolled, staff conducts home visits to ensure there is proper connectivity for the online program and then students are assigned a mentor who will work with them on their projects, which will be reviewed weekly for progress in meeting Michigan high school standards.

Uzelac said plans include training counselors around the county so they can learn about the program and refer appropriate students to it.

Original plans called for piloting WAY Washtenaw in 2011-12, but Leyshock said local superintendents were so enthusiastic that the launch of a pilot was moved to this fall. “I feel there enough legs to this that we will want to scale up big for this the following year,” he added.

Washtenaw’s virtual school project is based on a program called NotSchool (www.inclusiontrust.org/notschool/) in the United Kingdom, which, since 2000, has engaged 5,000 teens who have been out of school in an online learning community. A program looked at locally was Wayne County’s Westwood Cyber School, which has had success since it launched in February 2009.

Glen Taylor is executive director of Inclusion U.S. that partners with districts in Clio in Genesee County and in the Upper Peninsula (www.wayprogram.net.) Taylor’s nonprofit handles the online learning community for WAY projects and will monitor and report upon student progress online.

“We are a nonprofit facilitating programs that are growing and working to create more options for kids,” Taylor explained.

Taylor, the former head of the Westwood Cyber School, said the cyber school approach is gaining popularity around the country including projects in New Jersey, New Mexico and Pennsylvania. Activity in Michigan comes after recently enacted state education reforms boosted the dropout age from 16 to 18 beginning with students graduating in 2016. Taylor said the Michigan Department of Education earmarked $650,000 last fall to address dropout rates and these types of programs.

WAY Washtenaw is one of several high school programs WISD is doing in education partnerships around the county. Other programs either in place or being planned include: an Early College Alliance with Eastern Michigan University, an International Baccalaureate program, New Tech High @ Ardis (a small, academy that uses technology in a project-based environment) and STEM, an academy that will feature a math, science, technology and engineering focus.

The Ann Arbor school board also heard a presentation on the Early College Alliance on Wednesday night.

For more information about the WAY Washtenaw program, visit online or contact: WISD Director of Assessment, Planning & Research Naomi Norman at (734) 994-8100, ext. 1263 or via e-mail.

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

Washtenaw County students can consider ‘Options’ for fall semester

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From AAPSNews Service

Information sessions for the Ann Arbor Public Schools Options Magnet have been scheduled to allow students interested in the program to obtain information and to enroll. There will be a brief description, a question-and-answer session and then time for students to sign up.

The Options Magnet is available to any student living in Washtenaw County, allowing scheduling flexibility with a combination of online classes and individualized learning plans. The sessions will be:
• 7 p.m., Aug. 16 at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District offices, 1819 South Wagner Road, Scio Township.
• 3 p.m., Aug. 25 at the Community High School Media Center, 401 N. Division St., Ann Arbor.
• 6:30 p.m., Sept. 1 at the Community High School  Media Center.

Enrolled students can take a majority of their classes in a non-traditional format and pursue classes they might not otherwise be able to take, said program coordinator Susette Jaquette. Options also serves students who may have been home schooled and want to transition into a public school setting, she said.

In addition to online courses, students can select Community Resource classes, Jaquette said. CRs are taught by a volunteer expert from the community either off-site or in the school and monitored by certified teaching staff, They can be as specialized as a student and parent want them to be and can be for one student or many. A CR allows students to explore career options, an opportunity to do community service or a way to accommodate a learning style preference.

For more information, attend an information session or contact Jaquette at jaquette@aaps.k12.mi.us or call  734-994-2026. General information about both the Options Magnet and Community Resource classes can be found online, then clicking on the appropriate submenu on the left.