District Welcome Brochure - Lake Orion Community Schools
Transcription
District Welcome Brochure - Lake Orion Community Schools
District At-A-Glance 8,000 Students 456 Educators: WELCOME L 74% hold Master’s Degree or higher 31% of educators have spent at least five years with the district; egend has it a dragon made 38% more than ten years its home in the northern Standardized Testing: Oakland County village of MEAP (grades 3-8): Lake Orion nearly a century ago. Rank in the Top Ten among 28 districts in Oakland County in reading (5th), science (6th), social studies (6th), math (7th) Since those days, families from around the world have made this close-knit community their own home, too. and writing (8th) for 2011 A cornerstone of the area’s growth over the past two decades has been Superintendent Marion Ginopolis Michigan Merit Exam: and athletics we offer children of all ages. We recognize each District annually outperforms Oakland County and state averages in all tested subject areas. In 2012, ranked 6th in county in mathematics, science and social studies; 7th in reading and writing child is unique and combine award-winning teaching expertise ACT: the exemplary Lake Orion Community Schools. We’re proud of the many accomplishments of our students, not only in academics and the arts, but also in the wide variety of activities and modern, world-class resources to provide a stimulating, caring and exciting learning environment. Average test score of 22.5, compared to state average 20.1, for 2012 graduates The district’s dedicated, professional staff is supported by the College Board 2012-13 parents and families of our students, as well as community Advance Placement (AP) District Honor Role and business leaders, and other local organizations, to assure these young people the best opportunities possible. Our goal is to prepare them for the future – wherever their journeys may take them. It’s this connection between our students, their educators and the greater Lake Orion community that breathes District Graduation Rate: 91% Each year several million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to district graduates attending college fire into learning each day and makes our schools truly unique. Marion Ginopolis Marion Ginopolis Superintendent Lake Orion Community Schools Scan for more information about the Lake Orion Community Schools OUR SCHOOLS Elementary Schools Neighborhood Options Each of the district’s four neighborhood schools – Blanche Sims Elementary, Paint Creek Elementary, Pine Tree Elementary and Webber Elementary – is designed to meet the unique needs of the families and neighborhoods they serve. All feature identical curriculum and enrollment is open to students living within each school’s boundaries. They have been recognized as Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary Schools. Webber Elementary also features the Moose Tree Nature Center, visited by students throughout the district. Carpenter School Intersession Intra-District Focus Schools Lake Orion also is home to three award-winning focus schools that offer unique opportunities; each is a Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School. Carpenter Year-Round Elementary provides an alternative to the traditional September-June school year, with a more balanced calendar that promotes learning retention. During breaks, students may attend optional theme-based learning intersessions. Orion Oaks Multi-Age Elementary was designed with Middle School Applied Technology four multi-age neighborhoods. This allows for a smaller, more closely knit community within the larger school environment. Teachers work in teams and students benefit from grade-specific and multi-age learning experiences. Stadium Drive Elementary School of the Arts features a curriculum that not only adheres to state guidelines, but also includes dance and theatre for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle Schools Lake Orion operates three middle schools for students in sixth Middle School Social Studies Exploration through eighth grades. Oakview Middle School, the newest of the three buildings, opened in 2002. Scripps Middle School and Waldon Middle School received extensive building renovations that same year. Student achievement and well-being are stressed during these critical years of learning and growth. All three buildings are Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary Schools and designated as Michigan Green Schools for their conservation efforts. L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y DID YOU KNOW? The Michigan Department of Education ranked Carpenter Elementary School among the top 1% of all schools in the state for the academic success of its students. Webber Elementary is a member of the National Math Olympiad Honor Roll, ranking in the top 10 percent of all teams internationally. S C H O O L S Lake Orion High School are offered to persons living in Lake Orion and other Situated next to Bald Mountain State Park, Lake Orion High communities. These include a high school diploma School opened in 1997. It offers a broad-based curriculum program for adults, G.E.D. test preparation, career-training with numerous options for all students. The school features certificate programs and credit recovery classes for high 71 classrooms, 10 computer labs, an instructional resource school students. Taught by certified educators, G.E.D center/library, multi-level fieldhouse, performing arts center students at Lake Orion have historically achieved and natatorium. Its Freshman Academy helps young proficiency ratings higher than other programs. In 2008, students adjust to the high school learning environment. Lake Orion was recognized as the Oakland County In recent years, the high school has been recognized as Community and Adult Education District of the Year. a National Blue Ribbon School and New American High School. It also is accredited by the North Central Association. The building regularly hosts community events, as well as regional and state athletic competitions, fine arts performances and educational seminars. Learning Options Lake Orion offers Learning Options, an alternative education program for students in grades 9-12 who have experienced limited success in a mainstream high school setting. It was established to provide personalized educational services for students who are at risk of not graduating with their LO-AM Broadcast class and/or having individual needs not being met in the traditional classroom. The program is voluntary, with the opportunity to earn a diploma and prepare for college or the workforce. Special Education The district’s comprehensive Special Education Department supports and prepares students with unique learning styles to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Its trained staff is Computer-Aided Design dedicated to addressing a wide range of needs and providing ample learning opportunities to students, regardless of a child’s disability. Children with social, emotional and learning impairments are enrolled in the program and are integrated into traditional classrooms as much as possible. The U.S. Department of Education recognized Lake Orion with the Blue Ribbon Schools Special Emphasis Award in special education. Adult Education High School Spirit Week Lifelong learning is promoted through the district’s awardwinning Adult Education program. A variety of day/night educational, vocational and enrichment opportunities L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S I nfants, toddlers, preschoolers and pre-kindergarten students in the district’s Early Childhood programs flourish in a safe and inviting learning environment that caters to their individual development needs. The pre-kindergarten program is carefully aligned with the Lake Orion kindergarten curriculum to assure a solid learning foundation. The district’s award-winning Reader’s Workshop has quickly become a model for districts throughout Oakland County. Lake Orion educators receive special training to work with young readers and their families. The goal is to not only help students improve their skills, but encourage them to truly enjoy reading. E L Early Childhood Learning Education Innovation and Leadership Academic success is celebrated through the district’s Lamp of Learning award program. Unique to Lake Orion, it recognizes students who excel in the classroom beginning in seventh grade through their senior year in high school by awarding an academic letter for these achievements. The program is funded in part through private donations from the community. Students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades have access to Math IXL, a comprehensive, standards-based math program offering unlimited practice in thousands of mathematical skills. The online instructional tool can be accessed from school or home, providing students and their families with full access to the instructional concepts and lessons. Technology in the Classroom Lake Orion is one of only a few districts in the state that uses the Middle School Concept team-teaching approach in sixth through eighth grades. Validated by national research, this program integrates the educational curriculum with small teams of trained teachers who collaborate daily and act as advocates for every student during these critical years of learning and development. DID YOU KNOW? Some 500 adults and children from more than 30 countries participate in the district’s English as a Second Language program each year. It is designed to enhance their ability to speak, read and write the English language. The program is free to district residents. L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S Elementary Writing Instruction E d u c a t i o n I n n o v a t GAP: Habitat for Humanity Scripps Middle School Anti-Bullying Rally Elementary Character Development Incoming ninth graders are part of the district’s exclusive portfolio and an exit presentation is given before a panel Freshman Academy, another county first. The Academy of educators and community members. is structured to help facilitate a smooth transition into high school. Using a modified team-teaching approach, this program is designed to help freshmen flourish academically in a positive social setting, launching their high school careers in the right direction. The district and Lake Orion community have fully embraced the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to enhance peer relations and foster a safe learning environment for all students. Lake Orion is one of the few districts in the state that is implementing this renowned program in all of its More than 180 high school students participate in the schools. This effort is self-funded through grants received district’s Leadership Development Class each year. from various state and local resources. This for-credit class fosters team building, organizational skills, problem solving, creativity, time management Lake Orion students are melding education and technology and public speaking. Lake Orion’s program has been through the district’s comprehensive Web-based recognized as one of the best in the state and regularly Learning program. More than 60 online classes are hosts regional leadership conferences. offered for high school credit in a range of subject Students blossom through Career-Focused Education at Lake Orion High School. This program starts in ninth grade areas. Blended-learning classes integrate both classroom and online course work. and aligns a student’s skills and interests with the appropriate A variety of positive afterschool recreational activities are elective classes to help explore various career pathways. offered to Lake Orion students of all ages through the During their senior year, students prepare an employability district’s Guided Activities Program (GAP), the largest L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S i o n a n d L e a d e r s h i p SPOTLIGHT: District Staff Accolades 2012 Michigan School Business Officials Meridian Award of Excellence 2012 Oakland County Excellence in Transportation Awards 2012 Children’s Choice North American School Bus Driver of the Year 2011 Michigan Association of Middle School Educators Middle School Teacher of the Year Promising Young Educator of the Year 2011 Betty Campion Education Award Grants Distinguished Support Service Award such program in Oakland County with more than 2,500 youth participating annually. Developed by students and adult supervised, programs focus on sports, arts, culture, games, technology, community service and more. Unencumbered by the traditional school calendar, 21st century year-round learning is promoted through the district’s Project 21 initiative. Geared toward elementary – Oakland County – 2011 Michigan Association of School Boards Education Excellence Awards Pine Tree Elementary and Stadium Drive Elementary and middle-school students, the program is designed to give participants avenues beyond the traditional classroom for learning, personal enrichment and community service. Lake Orion parents, administrators, school principals and police have joined forces to form the district’s DID YOU KNOW? Transportation Advisory Committee. Its goal is to The College Board recently honored Lake Orion Community monitor and enhance the safe transport of students Schools as one of only 539 districts across the country throughout the area. The group addresses issues related to bus stops, walking areas, crossings and traffic safety. Parents actually make up more than half of this committee. L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S (39 in Michigan) to make the Advance Placement District Honor Roll for increasing student access to AP classes while also maintaining the percentage of students achieving passing AP exam scores. S tudents seeking more rigorous academic challenges can enroll in a range of Advance Placement Courses at Lake Orion High School. Currently, 14 AP classes are offered in a variety of study areas, including science, economics, history, art and English, among others. Each year, more than 500 students take AP tests for college credits. The high school also offers a number of Honors Courses, including advanced algebra, chemistry, English 9 and 10, geometry, physics, pre-calculus and trigonometry. Some 1,200 students enroll in these classes each year. In addition, Engaging Classroom Instruction Lake Orion High School offers students the opportunity to enroll in college courses through partnerships with Oakland University and Oakland Community College. Something for Everyone Music exploration takes center stage in Lake Orion. All three middle schools have award-winning bands, as well as jazz combos, with numerous students selected to All-State Ensembles. For several years running, the Dragon Marching Band at the high school has finished among the best bands in state competition, as well as a finalist in the Bands of America regional competitions. The school’s wind ensemble and symphonic band regularly earn top ratings at band festivals across the state. The percussion ensemble was named state champ in 2010 and runner-up in 2011. 8th Grade Music Exploration Lake Orion’s high school Vocal Music Program features more than 100 students in three choirs, ranging from the campus choir to the more advanced chorale and highest-level chamber choirs. There also are two show choirs. Students perform in numerous school concerts and state music festivals annually. Many have enjoyed regional and state accolades, including recognition in the State Honor Choir Program. Some have been invited to sing at the prestigious Michigan Youth Arts Festival. The high school’s Thespian Society and drama students have enjoyed the stage for decades and currently perform in the 839-seat Lake Orion Performing Arts Center. In addition to fall High School Theatre L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S play and spring musical performances, students conduct an state and national competi- outdoor Shakespeare performance each summer. A variety tions, where Lake Orion has of exciting productions have taken place in recent years, placed among the best in drawing rave reviews. Drama students also compete in recent years. state theatre competitions, with many performing at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival. Juniors and seniors interested in hands-on vocational training are encouraged to enroll in the Oakland Schools Technical Campus. They spend part of the school day at the vocational Lake Orion Drum Corps program’s headquarters, studying the culinary arts, automotive mechanics and cosmetology, which are among the more popular programs. More than 100 students participate in this program annually and upon completion have the skills to enter the workforce after graduation. FIRST Robotics Competition Since 1996, future engineers and business leaders have joined Team 302 to represent Lake Orion in the prestigious national FIRST Robotics Competition, as well as regional robotics events. Members work with teachers, mentor engineers, machine/automation experts, alumni and parents. Team 302 competes against other schools in competitive robotic games that test students’ engineering prowess. The competition timeline is rigorous and members are selected to participate through an interview process. The Lake Orion school district sends 40 students each year to the renowned International Academy in Bloomfield Hills. This is a tuition-free, high school of choice for students of 14 Oakland County school districts collaborating in consortium with university and LO-AM, the high school’s student-produced daily live news business partners. Selection program, has been named the “Best Newscast” in the state into the program is by lottery. by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) for Students are immersed in a challenging, academic setting the past two years. In 2012, the program’s students also with a global focus. Oakland Schools Technical Campus won a record 50 awards for their individual work, while Lake Orion’s broadcast program was given the Spartan Award, the highest recognition in the state. DID YOU KNOW? The Dragon Yearbook staff has won many awards for writing, Students in the Forensics Society compete in a variety of photography and design. It has received the Spartan Award from regional and state forensics tournaments, showcasing their the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association for overall quality dramatic interpretation and public address skills. There are a 20 times. The yearbook is a member of the MIPA Hall of Fame. range of competitive categories, ranging from storytelling to It also has won a National Pacemaker Award for excellence prose, broadcasting to informative speaking. Lake Orion has received many individual honors in recent years, including state finals accolades. Selling is the name of the game for participants in the Distributive Education Clubs of America, commonly known as DECA. This organization is for students studying marketing education. DECA students compete at district, High School Art Instruction L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S in student journalism. T hrough hard work and dedication, students in Lake Orion compete in 15 sports on 97 athletic teams at the seventh and eighth grade, freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels. Most recently, Lake Orion’s middle schools added tennis and lacrosse programs. Our athletes compete in the Oakland Activities Association, regarded as one of the most competitive Varsity Girls’ Swimming athletic conferences in the state. An estimated 1,000 students participate in sports at the middle school level each year, while more than 1,500 student-athletes compete at the high school. student-Athlete success Academic success is stressed in each of the district’s sports programs. The average Lake Orion High School student-athlete has a grade point average of 3.265 versus 3.038 for the overall student population, with many athletes taking college-preparatory and advanced coursework. A number of Lake Orion coaches are educators in the district and welcome tutoring opportunities to help student-athletes achieve in the classroom. Lake Orion student-athletes also have enjoyed much athletic success over the years. This includes state championships in football, wrestling, baseball, girls’ Varsity Football Middle School Girls’ Basketball Varsity Girls’ Skiing L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S Varsity Baseball Varsity Volleyball Varsity Hockey golf, boys’ track and powerlifting. Teams also have enjoyed deep state playoff runs in volleyball and hockey in recent years. The high school varsity coaches are responsible for building the middle school and high school programs, fostering development and consistency as student-athletes progress through the district. In addition, a number of life skills are garnered through participation in sports, including teamwork, commitment and decision making. Research shows student-athletes also are less at risk for drug/alcohol abuse, childhood obesity and risky sexual behavior. S P OT L I G H T Athletic Facilities Lake Orion High School was one of the first in Oakland County to feature a synthetic turf football field, used by not only the high school football and lacrosse teams, but also middle school and community sports programs. Dragon soccer athletes play on one of the county’s only soccer-exclusive synthetic turf fields, situated next to the high school’s football stadium. Dragon swim and diving teams enjoy a state-of-the-art natatorium, featuring an Olympic-size 50-meter pool, warm-up pool and competition diving facilities. The pool DID YOU KNOW? Combined, senior athletes at Lake Orion High School receive an average of $1 million in academic/athletic college scholarships annually. complex, with seating for more than 650 spectators, regularly hosts county and state competitions. The community also is invited to use the pool facility, with open-swim, lesson and exercise programs. Lake Orion’s multi-level fieldhouse features ample space for multiple sports teams to condition, practice and compete. The facility also hosts numerous county and state athletic competitions throughout the year, as well as multi-age instructional sports programs. The high school’s baseball and softball diamonds, as well as tennis complex, have been updated in recent years for the high school teams and community-based youth programs. Athletic Scholarship Signing Day L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S S ervice Learning is a graduation requirement for all Lake Orion High School students. This program integrates education, service and citizenship to proactively teach our students the value of using what they have learned to help others. Students must complete 40 hours of approved community service to graduate. Designed to build character and empathy, the popular program features a virtually unlimited number of volunteering opportunities. Student educational opportunities are enhanced and enriched through the efforts of the Lake Orion Education Middle School Adopt-A-Road Program Foundation (LOEF). The non-profit organization was created by friends and supporters of the Lake Orion Community Connections Community Schools. Each year, the Foundation awards monetary grants to district educators for a variety of classroom resources. LOEF also has partnered with the district to implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Funding is raised through the organization’s annual Evening for Education dinner and auction, golf outing and 5K run/walk event. The nationally recognized Lake Orion Optimist Club, made up of local business owners, educators and residents, recognizes outstanding youth and challenges them to become active community members. The Club works closely with Lake Orion’s schools to recognize the education Lake Orion Optimist Club community’s Citizen of the Month. It also conducts essay and oratorical contests for scholarship opportunities. The group is launching a Junior Optimist Club. Area businesses of all sizes recognize the value of educating students and have contributed greatly to High School Community Blood Drive the success of the school district over the years. This L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S Elementary School Holiday Caroling Varsity Girls’ Basketball: Coaches vs. Cancer Fundraiser includes providing significant monetary support for the Lamp of Learning academic recognition program, the schools’ anti-bullying efforts and Lake Orion High School’s Challenge Day activities promoting acceptance, as well as various athletic teams. Businesses also have supported various community events sponsored in part by the district and designed to benefit Lake Orion students and families. Lake Orion Community Schools enthusiastically support the Lake Orion Special Olympics program, annually hosting basketball, soccer, track-and-field, poly-hockey competitions and other athletic events for local athletes LOEF Evening for Education ages eight and up with disabilities. Orion Township Public Library and the Lake Orion Community Schools have long-partnered to establish Think Link to enhance the educational pursuits of district students, families and educators. Its goal is to promote academic success by offering library resources to fill research and information requests from teachers and students in all grades, as well as provide tutoring opportunities. Lake Orion Special Olympics A Mother’s Wish Charity Run/Walk L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S T he Lake Orion Board of Education and district administrators take a long-term outlook in regard to fiscal planning. This forward-thinking approach has led the district to secure a strong financial position in the current, challenging funding environment. In recent years, the Lake Orion Community Schools district also has completed a variety of building renovation projects to not only enhance the learning experiences of our students, but also assure the buildings’ long-term operating efficiency. This has included a number of energy conservation projects designed to save the district hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. responsible Fiscal planning Lake Orion Community Schools enjoys an AA- bond rating – the highest available to a school district. This enables us to secure better financing rates for debt used for capital investments. The district also continually explores means for refinancing debt. In 2012, steps were taken to refinance a portion of the bond debt that will save taxpayers $6.1 million over a 15-year period. District Shared Services L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education The district’s target fund balance equity is 10-15 percent of the yearly budget. This maintains cash-flow capability, DID YOU KNOW? enabling Lake Orion Community Schools to avoid having All buildings in the Lake Orion Community Schools district to borrow money from outside lenders at much higher have Wi-Fi access, providing educators and students with interest rates to cover working capital expenses, thus protecting instructional resources. mobile access to a wealth of information on the Internet. Recognizing new ways students learn, the district enacted a technology policy that allows students to use personal To maximize its budget, Lake Orion Community Schools also has entered into shared-services agreements with smartphones, tablets and laptop computers to complete work in class at a teacher’s discretion. neighboring school districts. This includes management positions in the food service and operations (buildings and grounds) functions. Sharing such human resources not only saves the district thousands of dollars annually, but also allows for more effective sharing of best practices. In addition, select members of the district’s administrative staff are hired on a contractual basis, which helps lower the district’s fixed costs. The district has a strong working relationship with its educators, who play a more direct, active role in curriculum development compared to other school districts. This has eliminated the need for several administrative positions, resulting in more funding for educational programs. Innovative Maintenance Programs L A K E O R I O N C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S For more information visit www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us, or contact the district’s administrative offices at 248-693-5400 Photos provided by Lake Orion Community Schools and The Lake Orion Review. © 2012, Lake Orion Community Schools