Dialog District Newsletter: June 2016

A Community With Character
A
Livonia Public Schools
Graduation Issue
www.livoniapublicschools.org
June 2016
Vol 48, Issue 1
From Superintendent Andrea Oquist
Greetings from Livonia Public Schools!
We are proud to be wrapping up an
outstanding school year in our district,
during which our students excelled
in academics, the arts and athletics.
In addition to all of those stellar
accomplishments, we also saw many
examples of the high character and
determination of our students shine
through each and every day. They make
us proud as educators and as a community that cares deeply
about our youth! We are pleased to share with you just some
of these many points of pride in this issue of the Dialog.
In early June, we saw the exciting contrast of the continuum
that spans our educational offerings as we welcomed more
than 750 eager young students from the future Class of
2029 to Kindergarten Round Up, then finished the week with
commencement ceremonies for more than 1,200 graduating
seniors from the Class of 2016. What a journey it is, to take
these students through 13 years of building a foundation for
learning upon which their future will rest. It is an awesome
responsibility and privilege we have each day in Livonia
Public Schools!
This year, in addition to a constant focus on high
achievement and student growth, we have focused on
learning and growing in a culture that values each individual.
As part of our District School Improvement Team efforts
in the area of Climate & Culture, we had the opportunity
to hear from students, staff, parents and community
members on what we could do to achieve our district
climate goal of “All students will experience a positive, safe
and welcoming environment, where both students and
adults respect and value one another.” As you see in the
The fiFirst day of
school is Tuesday,
September 6.
Mark your Calendar:
Bounce Back to
School
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Churchill High School
RESPONSIBILITY
GRIT
Showing high regard
for all
RESPECT
Taking ownership of your
actions
Persevering; never giving up
Sh
MINDFULNESS
ELEMENTS
EMPATHY
M
Being aware;
being present
Understanding and
sharing the feelings
of others
INTEGRITY
REFLECTION
CONFIDENCE
Do the right thing
Thinking things through
Believing in yourself
graphic represented here, our team has researched and
established eight core elements that have been determined
as key competencies for future student success. We look to
build and encourage the development of these in all of our
students. Throughout the coming school year and moving
forward, we will focus on each of these characteristics that
we believe will enhance the ability for our students to meet,
and exceed, the challenges, goals and opportunities before
them.
Also included in this issue of the district’s Dialog, you will find
numerous examples of volunteerism, generous partnerships
with our community and a team-oriented spirit that exists
within our community. We continue to be grateful for each
of you who partner with us. With you, we are the shining
definition of Livonia Pride.
Congratulations,
Class of 2016!
Congratulations to the 1,233 graduates
of Churchill, Franklin and Stevenson high
schools! This year, 133 students graduated
Summa Cum Laude (3.95 GPA and above);
104 are graduating Magna Cum Laude (3.753.94 GPA); and 143 are graduating Cum
Laude (3.5- 3.74 GPA). A large section of
this edition of the Dialog is dedicated to the
Class of 2016! We hope you enjoy reading
Churchill High School senior Ahron Egan gives his friend
about just a few of our many talented and
a high-five after receiving his diploma at USA Arena.
accomplished students. Congratulations,
Photo courtesy of the Livonia Observer
Class of 2016!
New Student Registration Information
Online registration
New families will once again be able to begin the registration
process online. In order to help families save time, and
to streamline the registration process, most registration
documents will now be completed through our website.
To begin the registration process, visit
www.livoniapublicschools.org/registration and complete the
forms from the comfort of your home! If you do not have
access to a computer, don’t worry! We will have computers
available for your use.
Please see the information below for locations, dates, and
times of registration during the summer months . You MUST
come in to complete your registration on or after July
11. Registration will not be complete until you visit in
person to present the necessary documentation.
Call (734) 744-2541 with any questions, or to find out which
school your child will attend.
Webster Elementary and Jackson Early Childhood Center
will register students at their building. Please call (734) 7442765 to register students for specialized early childhood
programs.
Online Registration at a glance
•
Visit www.livoniapublicschools.org/registration
to begin the registration process as early as
possible.
Complete all registration forms online. If there are
any issues with your registration, an LPS staff
member will contact you.
If you do not have access to a computer, we will
have computers available at registration sites for
your use.
You MUST present all required documentation
in person on or after July 11 to complete
registration.
•
•
•
School Tours for New Families
School tours will be offered this year at most K-4
schools. Tours will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, August 23: 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 24: 10:00 a.m.
No reservations are required. Simply arrive promptly
at your child’s school at the listed time. If you do not
know which school your child will attend, please call
(734) 744-2541.
Please note that, due to construction, no tours will
be held at Grant, Hoover, or Randolph.
2
Centralized Registration will be offered for K-6 students
during summer months at the Administration building,
located at 15125 Farmington Rd. Please use back
entrance.
Registration hours are:
July 11-September 2 Monday/Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
CLOSED FRIDAYS
September 6-16
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
CLOSED LABOR DAY
Beginning September 19, all registrations will be
completed at your child’s school.
Summer registration for students in grades
7-12 will take place at the high schools
from July 11-August 11. Appointments
are strongly recommended, but walkins are welcome.
July 11-August 11 (Monday-Thursday)
Churchill High School
(Frost & Churchill students)
734-744-2650, ext. 46113
7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Franklin High School
(Franklin and Emerson students)
734-744-2655, ext. 47103
7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Stevenson High School
Due to construction, please check the website for
registration dates and times for Stevenson and Holmes
students.
734-744-2660, ext. 48103
Beginning August 15, registrations for grades 7-8
return to the assigned middle school building,
EXCEPT FOR HOLMES.
Beginning August 15 (Monday-Friday)
Emerson and Frost
7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Holmes students will register at Riley Upper Elementary
through September 1.
Emerson: 734-744-2665, ext. 36102
Frost: 734-744-2670, ext. 37103
Community team analyzing enrollment
and school usage studies
A district-wide study team
is conducting an in-depth
analysis of Livonia Public
Schools enrollment and
building utilization data.
“We have very important work
to do, and we think we have
a tremendous team to do that
work,” said Superintendent
Andrea Oquist.
The 45-member committee consists of community
members, staff and parents – many of whom grew up
in the district and/or have children in the district. Every
school is represented on the committee, which is charged
with delving into the details of two studies recently
completed by Plante Moran CRESA – an enrollment
study and a building utilization study. Plante Moran
CRESA is one of four certified demographers in the state
of Michigan.
The enrollment study included an analysis of live birth
data for our area, housing starts and turnovers, and
a variety of detailed metrics, including community
demographics that impact current and future enrollment.
Both studies were commissioned by the Board of
Education, during this approximate mid-point of the bond
projects.
The Board has continually inquired about building use
and capacity, throughout the bond planning process.
Board members have expressed concern that newlyrenovated schools would be under enrollment capacity,
and, therefore, may be at risk of closing. Prior to
renovating every school, the district wants to be sure that
all of the buildings will be needed for the foreseeable
future. This summer marks Phase 3 in the $195 million
bond projects that are providing top-to-bottom renovations
at the district’s 40-60-year-old schools.
“We want to be sure we are being good stewards of our
resources,” said Lisa Abbey, Assistant Superintendent for
Business Services, noting that the district wants to take a
close look at these studies before committing bond funds
to phases 4 and 5.
Enrollment is at the heart of the issue. Following a
statewide downward trend, LPS has approximately 1,500
fewer students now than when the planning began for the
bond issue five years ago. There are fewer kindergartners
entering school than graduating seniors, thus the
enrollment dip each year. The Plante Moran CRESA
enrollment study analyzed enrollment data from the last
seven years and projects future enrollment in the next five
years.
Paul Wills, from Plante Moran CRESA, said the district
wants to aim for building capacity of approximately
80%, which is the state standard. On average, the lower
elementary schools are at about 65% capacity, while
the upper elementary, middle and high schools are near
optimal capacity while keeping existing triads and grade
configurations intact, according to Wills.
The time frame for the committee’s recommendation to
the Board of Education is anticipated to come in early
fall. No schools will be closing during the 2016-17 school
year.
The district has been providing continuous updates on
the process, and has posted an FAQ on the LPS website,
along with articles and links to keep our community
informed.
Stay fifIt this summer with free LPS workout programs!
All LPS students in grades 7-12 are invited to participate
in the free Physical Education Program (PEP) this
summer!
Beginning Tuesday, June 28, middle and high school
students from LPS will have the opportunity to participate
in a variety of health and fitness activities at Churchill
and Stevenson high schools. The program will run every
Tuesday and Thursday from June 28 - August 11. (No
activities will be held on July 5 and 7.)
All participating
students
must submit a
permission slip on
their first day of
attendance.
Visit livoniapublicschools.org for more information and
the permission slip. This program is made possible from a
federal Physical Education Program grant.
Activities include: yoga, pilates, basketball, CrossFit, and
access to the fitness center, weight rooms, and track.
3
Churchill High School
Class of 2016
Sports Highlights
Girls Cross Country
City Champs
Division Champs
Girls Volleyball
Division Champs
District Champs
Regional Champs
MHSAA Final Four
Boys Tennis
City Champs
MHSAA Regional Runner Up
MHSAA State Qualifier
Football
MHSAA State Qualifier
Hockey
Division Champs
Pom Pon
Mid American D-2 State Champions
Cheerleading
Lakeland Inv. Champs
MHSAA Regional Qualifier
Girls Basketball
District Champs
“All of the teachers at CHS are
so caring. They don’t teach
because they have to; they
teach because they love it.
They care about more than
just students’ grades. This has
been true for every school I’ve
attended in LPS.”
“My time in Livonia Public
Schools has been truly special.
The lessons I have learned are
timeless. The staff is second
to none, and have always
supported and encouraged me
to be the best version
of myself.”
Alex Jackman
Kathryn Calleja
Honors & Highlights
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Brightest and
Best Representative:
Yilin Yang
Boys Basketball
District Champs
Girl’s Tennis:
Wayne Inv. Champs
Girls Track & Field
City Champs
Division Champs
Observerland Inv. Champs
James P. Carli Scholarship
Angelica Zhou
Livonia Observer 2016 Academic AllStar Team Member:
Angelica Zhou
National Merit Finalists
Boys Track & Field
Division Champs
Observerland Inv. Champs
Students entering
the Military
Michael Lenert
Marines
Zak Reschke
Marines
Michael Rea
Air Force
Christopher Trotta
Air Force
4
Angelica
Zhou
Zach
Obsniuk
James
Jahns
Franklin High School
Class of 2016
Sports Highlights
Football
MHSAA District Champions
MHSAA Regional Champions
MHSAA Semi-Finalists
Boys Soccer
MHSAA District Champions
MHSAA Regional Finalists
Wrestling
MHSAA District Champions
City Champions
State Champ: Nathan Atienza
Boys Tennis
Pinckney Invitational Champions
Students entering
the Military
Natalie Alcantara
Air Force
Kyle Kennedy
Air Force
Tyler Boyd
Marines
Jacob Kwolek
Army
Dante Brown
National Guard
Jennifer Tripp
Air Force
Dante Cortes
Marines
James Martines
Marines
Kyle Davis
National Guard
Brittany Miller
Air Force
Michael
Delossantos
Marines
Nicholas Wolfe
Marines
“My time at Franklin and LPS
has been fantastic. I have had
the opportunity to be involved
in many extracurricular and
academic activities. All the
teachers throughout my years
have been so amazing and
helpful and I wouldn’t have
wanted to go anywhere else.”
Larson Karns
“Franklin impacted both my
education and my social
life. I was a part of Student
Congress and the hockey
team which created life long
bonds. Classes at FHS were
challenging, but still enjoyable
and effective in a way that
taught me valuable skills.”
Trevor Lassaline
Honors & Highlights
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Brightest and
Best Representative:
Paige Stabler
Livonia PTSA Outstanding Youth
Riley Burnette
Kenneth B. McClain Scholarship
Brendan Whitney
Perfect Attendance Award
Hayley Coutts
James P. Carli Scholarship
Riley Burnette
Stone Hostrawer
Army
Paige
Stabler
Riley
Burnette
Brendan
Whitney
Hayley
Coutts
5
Stevenson High School
Class of 2016
Honors & Highlights
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Brightest and Best
Representative:
Turner G. Miller
Livonia Observer 2016 Academic All-Star
Team Members:
Allison R. Cale
Turner G. Miller
National Merit
Finalists
“LPS has provided me with
many opportunities and has
continuously challenged
me academically. I am
exceptionally grateful for the
students and staff I’ve met and
the overall experience I’ve had
through this district.”
“The programs that Livonia
Public Schools and Stevenson
High School have to offer have
given me opportunities that
will help me excel in my future
endeavors.”
Benjamin Kowalske
Sarah Miller
Sports Highlights
Boys Swim
City Champs, MHSAA State Qualifier
State Champ: Jackson O’Dowd
Girls Gymnastics
Holt Invite Champs
MHSAA Team State Qualifier
State Champs: Jessica Weak and
Brianna Rhoad
Girls Golf
City Champs
Boys Football
MHSAA State Team Qualifiers
Girls Swim & Dive
City Champs
MHSAA State Qualifier
Ean
Brinker
Boys Track & Field
City Champs
Regional Qualifiers
MHSAA State Qualifier
Girls Tennis
Brighton Invite Champs
City Champs
MHSAA Team State Qualifier
Boys Hockey
City Champs
KLAA Central Division Champs
KLAA Kensington Conference Champs
MHSAA Regional Champs
MHSAA Division II State Runner-Up
Boys Baseball
City Champs
MHSAA District Champs
Competitive Cheer
KLAA Central Division Champs
KLAA Kensington Conference Champs
KLAA Association Champs
Students entering
the Military
Pom Pon
Mid-American Division II State Qualifier
Aliya Berro
Army
Boys Soccer
City Champs
Girls Basketball
City Champs
Boys Cross Country
Wayne County Champs
City Champs
Noah Carpenter
Army
Boys Golf
City Champs, MHSAA Regional Qualifier
Softball
City Champs
6
Elizabeth
Keebler
Dalen Curry
Army
Program Recognitions
IB Program Graduates
Franklin High School has the distinct honor of being the
first high school in Wayne County to offer the prestigious
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. In 2009,
the program was awarded IB World School status
and began recruiting students who would take up the
challenge of a college preparatory curriculum that
would emphasize the skills of inquiry and international
awareness. IB courses provide students with the
opportunity to do college-level work that is measured
against an international standard.
The eleven-member class of 2016 accepted more than
$250,000 in academic scholarships to their prospective
universities. They will be attending Central Michigan
University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State
University, Michigan State University, Purdue University,
Schoolcraft College, Wayne State University and
Wittenberg University.
Math/Science/Computer (MSC) Program Graduates
First Row (L to R):
Kevin Tarta,
Gina Newman,
Lilly McCarthy,
Angelica Zhou,
Rachel Bruinsma,
Renee Fabien,
Amatullah Burhani,
Alex Jackman,
Sean Moisan
Second Row (L to
R): Laura Danila,
Stephanie Gardner,
Adnan Barazi
Third Row (L to R):
Elise Brehob,
Laura DeMarco,
Olivia Rampersaud,
Alexann Zahara,
James Jahns,
Andrew Ferguson,
Ben Lenze, Josh
Morningstar
Fourth Row (L to R):
Zachary Obsniuk,
Kevin Grezlik,
Osamah Ansari,
Milan Durnell,
Brendan Vande Kieft,
Romario Pashollari,
Yilin Yang
The Math/Science/Computer (MSC) program was founded
at Churchill High School in 1984, and is celebrating the
conclusion of its 32nd year. The MSC program is open to
students from all three LPS high school attendance areas.
Students must have a high level of interest and achievement
in math and science. Students in the program take a
minimum of 22 credit hours of coursework in mathematics,
science, and computer science. The foundation of the
MSC curriculum is the College Board Advanced Placement
exams. Students apply for this program during the fall of
their 8th grade year, and selection is based on academic
test scores, student essays, and teacher recommendations.
Western Wayne Skill Center (WWSC)
Creative & Performing Arts
Program (CAPA)
The Western Wayne Skill Center is a work skills program
for students with disabilities. Our mission is to provide
instruction in the life roles of worker, family member, citizen,
and recreation participant. Our goal is to prepare students to
make choices leading to a healthy, satisfying, and productive
lifestyle. Congratulations, graduates, on a job well done!
WWSC Class of 2016
Regina Anthony
James Bearden II
Corissa Bigford
Alex Broggi
Charles Brunson
Emily Campbell
Ashley Clough
Jarad Cook
Christopher
Erickson Katlyn
Hahn Kayoma
Harris Emily
Hedges Alexander
Herrera Nicole Huff
Tanisha Hughes
Erin Livingston
Jenna Marinelli
Samantha Marker
Autumn Marsh
Dexter Mosley
Samantha Nolff
Edrees Sabeeh
Lauren Samuels
Amanda Sleiman
Christian Wygrecki
The CAPA program builds the skills, passion, creativity
and supportive artistic community that performers need
in order to continue their formal education in the creative
arts. CAPA provides a safe, imaginative, and caring place
for young people to land and learn. The program includes
intense studies in the areas of acting, dance, and vocal
music. For any questions, or to set up an audition for the
program, please contact Ms. Hillman, Director of CAPA,
at [email protected].
CAPA Program Award Recipients 2016
Acting Award: Kelsi Fay
Vocal Award: Emma Visscher
Dance Award: Kathryn Calleja
7
Career Technical Center Technology Education Awards
The Livonia Career Technical
Center offers career and technical
training in five of the six career
pathways established by the
Michigan Department of Career
Development. LCTC honorees
were selected based on their academic achievement in
Churchill
Stephanie Buglione - Engineering
Technology
Cameron Kozan - Website Design/
Interactive Media
Michael Lennert - Automotive
Technology
Leah Strayhorn - Graphic Design
their LCTC program; their responsibility as it relates to
attendance and completing all assignments with exceptional
ability; their leadership skills as they relate to working with
peers; and their interest in pursuing a career in the field they
have selected.
The following students were honored in the
2015-16 school year:
Franklin
Stevenson
Clark Forte - Automotive Technology
Calli Benavides - Criminal Justice
Savannah Jarvis - Mobile Game
Rachel Fetter - Fashion Merchandising
Development and Internet Engineering
Marco D'Agostino - Engineering
Sophia Bastas - Graphic Design
Technology
William Callis - Graphic Design
Summer bond work continues in Livonia schools
School’s out for the summer, which can only mean one
thing in Livonia Public Schools – it’s renovation time
again!
Seven schools will be renovated this summer, as a
result of the 2013 bond issue approved by voters in our
community.
Summer construction will occur at Grant, Hoover
and Randolph elementary schools, Johnson Upper
Elementary, and Holmes Middle School; projects will
also continue at Franklin and Stevenson high schools.
Kennedy Elementary was renovated last summer.
Overview of projects to be completed
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Classroom renovations (new floors, ceilings with
acoustic ceiling tiles, air handling systems, lights,
windows, window treatments, paint and new doors)
Enhanced classroom technology (interactive
projectors, mobile devices, state-of-the-art sound
systems)
Security enhancements (secured vestibules, PA and
phone systems)
New exterior entrance ways with the arch sign, brick
pillars and benches
High school performing arts centers
Renovated or remodeled main offices, for improved
safety and efficiency
Music room enhancements
Cafeteria upgrades
Restroom upgrades
New instructional equipment, where applicable Infrastructure improvements
Student furniture replacements
New lockers, where applicable
New buses
8
The state-of-the-art performing arts center at Franklin
High School will be completed this fall, and work will
begin on the new theater at Stevenson this summer.
Churchill High School renovations will begin summer of
2017.
Thanks to our community for supporting nearly 3 million
square feet of renovations in our schools!
Work continues at Franklin High School this summer.
LPS Students make a difference
Kiwanis, LPS show heart
and ‘“sole”
Students at several LPS schools stepped up and donated
their gently used shoes and answered the challenge by the
Kiwanis Club of Livonia Early Risers in a Shoe Drive for the
non-profit organization, Funds2Orgs.
Funds2Orgs donated 40 cents per pound to the Kiwanis
Club and shipped the shoes to developing countries. Kiwanis
donated 50% of the money raised to the Child Life Services
programs at four Michigan children’s hospitals, including
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation
Hospital, McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital and Children’s
Hospital of Michigan. The other 50% of the money was
donated to the Eliminate Project, a joint project between
Kiwanis International and UNICEF to eliminate maternal and
neonatal tetanus worldwide.
In eight weeks, students collected 12,476 pairs of shoes at
12,623 pounds, totaling the donations to Livonia Kiwanis at
$5,049.20. Participating schools were Buchanan, Cooper,
Garfield, Hoover, Johnson, Randolph and Riley elementary
schools and Churchill High School.
Planting for the future:
Arbor Day celebration at
Grant Elementary
Eighteen years ago, the City of Livonia held its first Arbor
Day program at Grant Elementary School.
Today, the pine sapling planted back in 1998 is a towering
symbol of the roots that were planted that day, and of the
growth that happens each day in the classrooms at Grant
Elementary and schools across the district.
“I’m going to make this world a better place, by my being
here,” fourth-grade students sang during a special assembly
to celebrate all things green, on Arbor Day.
Colorful posters, songs, even a tap dance performance by
students and an official Tree City USA banner presentation
by Livonia Mayor Dennis Wright, were followed by the
planting of three trees on the adjacent Mies Park property.
Grant Elementary students helped plant three trees at their school
on Arbor Day.
Grant Elementary Principal Kristyn Cousino said trees
represent schools and their students in many ways – they’re
always growing, the roots become strong and every tree,
like every child, is different in its own unique way.
Holmes, SHS students brighten soup kitchen with mural
Three LPS students
worked several Saturdays
to brighten up the St.
Christine’s Soup Kitchen –
a project that is sponsored
by the Holmes Middle
School Student Senate.
Stevenson High
School students Kayla
Blankenship and Jordan
Green along with Holmes
Middle School student Natalie Koelzer, worked tirelessly
to draw and paint the mural that now graces the wall
of the dining room at St. Christine’s. At the project’s
conclusion, the diners clapped and congratulated the
artists on a job well done.
Visit us online at
www.livoniapublicschools.org
for regular updates.
9
LPS Youth Making a Difference
The PTSA Council’s Youth Making a Difference event celebrated
the community service projects of nearly 1,200 students in Livonia
Public Schools.
Students from the following schools participated in projects, which
benefitted animal shelters, food pantries, cancer research, and
more.
Buchanan
Hoover
Cass
Johnson
Churchill
Kennedy
Coolidge
Randolph
Cooper
Riley
Frost
Rosedale
Grant
Stevenson
Hayes
Webster
Rosedale students Emma Alexander, Madison
Fortson, Azaria Woloszyn and Cicilei Yousef
celebrate their projects that benefitted Blessings in
a Backpack and Karmano’s Cancer Institute with
principal Jon Wennstrom.
The celebration event featured special guest speaker LPS
Superintendent Andrea Oquist, as well as performances by the
Cooper Leadership Choir and magician Ken Dumm.
Hoover Daisy
troop members
Arianna Harris,
Aria Hammer,
Lily Meseroll and
Ella Mezzadri
share their project
that benefitted the
Michigan Humane
Society.
Student Henry Wood stands with his parents Andrew
(a CHS teacher) and Heather in front of the display
for his project, which benefitted Global 6K for Water.
Learning, leading and service guide Emerson’s new NJHS
Emerson Middle School’s first year with a National Junior Honor
Society was filled with a lot of learning and plenty of community
service. Students are required to have a 3.50 GPA in order to apply
to NJHS and they must also demonstrate a willingness to be leaders
and to engage in acts of service and outreach to others.
Four students: President Caroline Hardy, Vice-President Monica
Robinet, Secretary Eric Szanto and Treasurer Sophia Ramirez
stepped willingly into leadership roles and guided this new group
with confidence and enthusiasm. This year's accomplishments
included making blankets for Mott's Children's Hospital, babysitting
for a parent outreach evening, a student-organized and led
initiation ceremony, assisting with track meets and more than 100
documented acts of individual service.
The five pillars guiding NJHS students are scholarship, leadership,
service, citizenship and character and Emerson’s NJHS students
are striving to live those pillars every day.
10
Members of Emerson’s National Junior Honor
Society show off the fleece blankets they made for
Mott’s Children’s Hospital
Spotlight on Achievements
Frost music students score
big in Ohio
Video game creators
play to win!
Frost Middle School music
students traveled to Huron,
Ohio to compete in the
Music in the Parks festival
in May and came back
with an armful of awards.
The Frost band took first
place in class A with a
superior rating along with
an award for best overall
middle school band in the
competition. The Frost
orchestra took first place
in class A with a superior
rating. The Frost choir took
second place and a good
rating. Following the competition, they spent the rest of the
day at Cedar Point riding roller coasters!
Churchill High School
seniors Curtis Kargus
and Aouni Halaweh
took first place in the
University of Michigan
- Dearborn Computer
Science and Engineering
Game Design
Competition with their
Rainball video game.
The arcade-style game,
now available as a free
download on the Google
Curtis Kargus and Aouni
Play Store, challenges the Halaweh took first place in the
player to match a small
University of Michigan - Dearborn
Computer Science and Engineering
colored bar to scrolling
Game Design Competition.
multi-colored bars that
float down from the top
of the screen. Cameron Kozan and Brendan Lindlbauer
won honorable mention with their game called Galactic
Defenders. The students were in the gaming and mobile app
design classes at the Livonia Career Technical Center for
part of their school day.
Five LPS students named
National Merit Scholars
Five Livonia Public Schools high school seniors were
named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship
program. They were among approximately 16,000
students nationally to compete for the 7,400 National
Merit Scholarships, which were announced this spring.
Congratulations to the following students:
• Ean Brinker, a senior at Stevenson High School
• Elizabeth Keebler, a senior at Stevenson High School
• Angelica Zhou, who is a senior in the Math Science
and Computer (MSC) program at Churchill High
School
• James Jahns, a senior in the Math Science and
Computer (MSC) program at Churchill High School
• Zach Obsniuk, who is also a senior in the Math
Science and Computer (MSC) program at Churchill
High School.
From left: Elizabeth Keebler, Anglelica Zhou, Ean Brinker,
Zach Obsniuk and James Jahns.
Lady Eagles Fly ... Undefeated!
The Emerson Middle School's girls basketball team went
undefeated this year. Congrats to the Lady Eagles and
to their coach Paul Newitt, of Franklin High School. Team
members are: Hunter Conway, ReAnna Edwards, Sami
Hampton, Halie Hart, Christina Hobson, Kamryn Kerpet,
Delaney Kinne, Hannah Lepper, Jeanna Martinez,
Daphne Millross, Marissa Muller, Josie Ransley, Hailey
Rons, Brittany Winn, and Arianna Wisniewski.
Find us on
social media!
facebook.com/LivoniaPublicSchools
@LivoniaDistrict
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LCTC Career Intern students
branch out to
explore career paths
Relay for Life
Students at Riley Upper Elementary raised $1,680 for
the American Cancer Society by selling luminaria bags,
honoring those who have been touched by cancer.
Each year, the school combines Field Day with a Relay
For Life event to benefit the ACS. This year, students in
the top selling classes got to throw pies in the faces of
14 teachers as their reward during Field Day!
Livonia Career Technical Center’s Career Intern Program
students took a trip to Comerica Park for Career Day
in April to learn about marketing themselves and life
beyond high school. Speakers from metro Detroit sports
organizations and businesses spoke to the students
at the assembly about making connections, asking
questions, and putting themselves out there to get a foot
in the door of their desired career. They attended a Tigers
game after the assembly. The Career Intern Program is
a specialized class that allows high achieving students to
explore a career before attending college. Students from
all three high schools are invited to apply, based on GPA
and teacher recommendations.
PE teacher and event organizer Matt Bentley takes a
celebratory pie to the face.
CHS senior fifInishes outstanding high school career with a bang
Zach Obsniuk wrapped up
his senior year at Churchill
High School by adding two
prestigious awards to his
extensive high school collection
of honors. Zach, who will
attend MIT in the fall, took first
place in the National Individual
Standings in the American
Mathematics Association
DialOg
Livonia Public Schools
of Two-Year Colleges’ Student Mathematics League
competition. He competed for Macomb Community
College, where he was dual enrolled.
Zach was also issued the John Philip Sousa Award by
CHS band director Elizabeth Hering, for his outstanding
musicianship as a tuba player, dependability, loyalty and
his dedication to the Churchill band program.
Dialog is an official publication of Livonia Public Schools. It
is published regularly and mailed to residents of the Livonia
Public Schools district as a public service. We encourage your
response. All correspondence should be addressed to:
15125 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI 48154.
Serving portions of Livonia & Westland To contact the LPS Communications office, please call (734)
June 2016 • Vol. 48 • No. 1
744-2522, or email Katie Patterson at
[email protected].
www.livoniapublicschools.org
12
Staff and Volunteer News
FHS principal receives
WE Volunteer Now Grant
Franklin High School
Assistant Principal John
DiPonio was the recent
recipient of a $250 WE
Volunteer Now Grant from
The Allstate Foundation.
The grant allowed
volunteers from the boys
football team to gather on
May 31 in the courtyard
off the school’s cafeteria
for a beautification project.
They transformed the
landscape by removing
weeds and overgrown
grass, replacing them with
hostas and flowering bushes. The goal of the project was to
take an unattractive area commonly used by students and
transform it into a pleasant, relaxing environment. The grant
allowed for the purchase of plants and tools.
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
tunes in to need in LPS
A newly formed partnership between LPS and the Livonia
Symphony Orchestra is music to the ears of families who
cannot afford to purchase or lease a musical instrument for
their child to play in school.
Seeing this need, the LSO organized a used instrument
drive, in partnership with Alpha USA, which stores the
instruments until they are refurbished. A grant from the
Worthington Foundation provided the funding to refurbish
20 used instruments that were donated by the community.
Those instruments, as well as some new instruments
donated to the program, were distributed to Cooper Upper
Elementary School and Emerson Middle School.
From left: Rose Kachnowski (Livonia Symphony Orchestra
President), Charlie Mahoney (LSO), Ann Owen (Emerson Middle
School principal), Carol Bonamici (LSO), Phil Quackenbush
(Emerson music teacher) and Sandy Crociata (Cooper
music teacher).
’No Shave November’ a clean sweep
for Emerson’s Food Pantry
Emerson Middle
School teachers
decided to have a
contest to see who
could garner the most
votes – and dollars
– for their beard
growing efforts. All
proceeds raised went
toward the school’s
Food Pantry program,
which helps feed
Emerson families in
need. Throughout the
month of November,
also known as No
Shave November, or
‘No Shave November’ a clean sweep for
Movember, students
Emerson’s Food Pantry
could donate spare
change and place it in the bucket of the unshaven teacher
of their choice in the contest. The top three money-makers
were Mr. Fournier, Mr. Hejka and Mr. Kramer.
Cass and Cleveland receive
Wellness Gold Award
Congrats to Cass and Cleveland elementaries for
receiving the Michigan School Wellness Gold Award.
Physical Education teacher Caryl Dazer, Cass, and
Cleveland were recognized at the Capitol Building in
Lansing for creating a healthier school environment
through activities such as Jump Rope for Heart, the
Turkey Trot, Fuel Up to Play 60, the Walking Club and
more. The award is issued by the Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the
Michigan Department of Education, United Dairy Industry
of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and
Action for Healthy Kids. The school received a banner to
display. Way to go!
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Classroom grants presented by Meemic Foundation
Four LPS teachers were awarded $300 Classroom
Makeover grants from Meemic, via the Shepard
Insurance Agency in Livonia during the 2015-16 school
year.
Melissa Evitts – GSRP preschool, Garfield Elementary,
for supplemental reading materials for her classroom.
Bethe Warrick -- Coolidge Elementary, supplemental
reading materials for reading intervention.
Mary Morrison -- Holmes Middle School, for a maker
space in the media center, where students can
collaborate and create.
Rosemarie Wywrot -- Franklin High School, for alternative
seating, such as yoga balls, for her classroom.
In addition, Jill Manchester, media specialist at Garfield
Elementary, and Alicia Bashawaty, media specialist at
Kennedy Elementary, each won a statewide competition
for a $500 grant. They will use the grants for maker
spaces at their buildings.
Garfield Elementary
media specialist Jill
Manchester (above) and
Kennedy Elementary
Media Specialist Alicia
Bashawaty each won
Makerspace grants
during the school year!
Congratulations!
Golden Apple
Awards
January: Jeanne Duquette, affectionately
known as Miss Jeanie, a mainstay for
13 years at Randolph Elementary as a
noon monitor in the lunchroom and on the
playground.
March: Terri Rentis, a longtime parent
volunteer and PTA member who was
nominated by staff at Riley Upper
Elementary.
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For the 2015-2016 school
year, Livonia Public Schools
honored the following people
with a Golden Apple Award for
going above and beyond for
our students. Our district would
not be the same without these
special honorees!
April: Sandy Christofferson,
secretary extraordinaire at Grant
Elementary and beloved by
students, parents and staff.
February: Lori Magoulick, a much beloved
paraprofessional at Franklin High School
known for her kindness.
June: Mary Ann Ingram, former
paraprofessional at Garfield Elementary
who had more ‘job titles’ than anyone
else! A real ‘go getter!’
LPS Education Foundation
Celebrating 12 years
The mission of the LPS Education Foundation is to enlarge the resources available to the school district which will
foster and expand educational opportunities for programs impacting students by building effective collaborations.
LPS Education Foundation is thriving;
LPS students and staff reap the benefITs
The LPS Education Foundation has stepped up its profile over
the past year, which can only mean good things for Livonia Public
Schools’ students and staff.
Offering an update at the recent LPS Education Foundation
Honorary Board breakfast meeting, Foundation President Diane
Policelli said, “The Foundation has grown and increased its
presence in the community.” The breakfast was held at Riley
Upper Elementary School.
The LPS Education Foundation hosted its Honorary Board
Breakfast at recently renovated Riley Upper
Elementary School.
Fundraising events such as the Bounce Back to School party and
the Foundation’s annual luncheon, which featured U.S. Eastern
District Attorney Barbara McQuade as keynote speaker, provided
funding for the Foundation’s Competitive Edge College Savings
Program. Currently, the Foundation has 23 corporate donors who
provide generous financial support for its programs.
The Foundation’s grant program is also flourishing. This year, 16
classroom grants were awarded, totaling $39,000.
Competitive Edge
The Competitive Edge College Savings Plan is the premier program of
the Foundation. Now in its ninth year, the program has enrolled an alltime high of 1,750 students in a 529 educational
trust account, set up by the Foundation.
Families with kindergartners are invited to enroll
in the savings program. Thanks to the generosity
of the community, the Foundation makes
an initial gift of $100 for each new enrollee.
Additional deposits are made to each account as future budgets allow.
This unique program gives children of the district a “competitive edge” in
the future, by helping families pay for college or trade school.
Foundation Corporate Donors
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Alpha USA
Bill Brown Ford, Inc.
Bright House Networks, LLC
Cheryl Bowker Agency –
Allstate Insurance
Community Financial Credit
Union
DFCU Financial
Feldman Chevrolet of Livonia
Livonia A.M. Rotary
Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers
LPS Employees
LPS PTAs/PTSAs
Michigan Educational
Credit Union
Observer and Eccentric
Newspaper
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The Orthodontics Office of
Dr. Shaw and Dr. Jane
Parkside Credit Union
Rock Out Entertainment
Roush Industries
Schoolcraft College
St. Mary Mercy Hospital Livonia
St. Mary’s Cultural and
Banquet Center
Team Schostak Family
Restaurants
TRW Automotive
Westland Shopping Center
Did you know?
LPS created a video
detailing all the
projects made possible
by the LPS Education
Foundation grants!
Check it out by
clicking “LPS Videos” under the District
tab on www.livoniapublicschools.org.
Buy or lease a vehicle, and
$200 will be donated to the
LPS Education Foundation.
Bill Brown Ford (734) 421-7000
Feldman Chevrolet of Livonia (734) 425-6500
Bring this coupon to Bill Brown
Ford or Feldman Chevrolet of
Livonia for a great deal on a new or
used vehicle. The LPS Education
Foundation will receive $200 for
every sale.
15
Livonia Public Schools
15125 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48154
Nonprofit Organization
US Postage Paid
Livonia, Michigan
Permit No. 36
2015-2016 Board of Education
Colleen Burton, President
Dianne Laura, Vice President
Tammy Bonifeld, Secretary
Daniel Centers
Liz Jarvis
Mark Johnson
Eileen McDonnell
ECRWSS EDDM
Postal Customer
Livonia Public Schools
Andrea Oquist, Superintendent
From the Teacher of the Year, Julie Cosgrove
I have been thinking about what to write in this article all year.
As a math teacher, I should use this platform to emphasize
the importance of speaking positively about math and
exposing children to the math around them, beginning from a
very early age. I should discuss how vital it is to play games
and do puzzles with children, so they can recognize patterns,
learn perseverance, and develop problem solving skills. And,
I should stress the necessity that students know their basic
math facts and the meaning of fractions and decimals.
As important as the above topics are, that is not what I want
my final statement as LPS High School Teacher of the Year
to be. I was having an extremely difficult time deciding what
message I want to impart, until scrolling through Facebook
(procrastinating!) I came across this quote:
“Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of
good put together that overwhelm the world.” - Desmond Tutu
I want this statement to be my message. I want this to be my
personal mantra, and I want it to be my students’ too!
I watch the news every morning when I am getting ready for
work. I listen to National Public Radio on my drive to school.
Many mornings, after hearing all the stories about murders,
disease, natural disasters, toxic water, bankrupt schools,
corruption, bombings, refugees, ignorance, hatred, etc., I
arrive at school, and just sit in my car with my eyes closed,
already by 7 a.m., exhausted by the weight of the world’s
problems.
When I walk into school, and when I truly look around, I am
reminded about all the “little bits of good” in the world, despite
the chaos that may exist outside the school walls.
I first see the smiles and excitement of the Franklin Transition
Program (FTP) students and the supportive staff and Franklin
High School Community Service students who assist them.
I see my colleagues helping students, preparing lessons,
collaborating with others, joking with students, listening to
students, etc.
I see the long list of volunteers for multiple community service
opportunities.
I see a current student of mine bringing me chocolate chip
cookies. I see graduating seniors returning to see me, after
two years out of my Algebra class, bringing me their senior
pictures and singing the Quadratic
Formula song I taught them (ok...
forced them to sing).
I see a great friend checking in with
me, making sure I am surviving these
last, crazy weeks of school.
I wanted my students to share in taking
time to focus on the “bits of good” they
have seen throughout the year, so I
asked them to share what they have
seen with me. This is a small sample
Julie Cosgrove
of the good they have witnessed at
teaches math at
FHS:
Franklin High School.
She was selected
• Students inviting another student,
as Livonia Public
sitting alone, to join them at lunch.
Schools’ High School
• Students offering kind words and/ Teacher of the Year.
or cookies to stressed adults.
• Teachers going out of their way to help students.
• Students being patient with their peers who have had a
rough day.
• Students who stop working on their assignments to help
others better understand the work.
• Students running with Special Olympics’ athletes who
were too scared to race by themselves.
• Students helping underclassmen open lockers or get to a
class they can’t find, even though it meant they would be
late.
• FTP students and general education students dancing
together at Homecoming and prom.
Sitting in my car before school, I know that I have limited
control over the magnitude of problems that exist in the
world; therefore I need to focus on the control I do have over
how I live my life and treat others. Some of the “bits of good”
my students listed were, in a small part, due to my efforts
throughout my years at FHS. When I retire from teaching, of
course I want to be remembered as a great math teacher.
But ultimately, I want my legacy to be that of an educator
who helped LPS students foster kindness, acceptance of
differences, and service to others. I hope that the positive,
small contributions I try daily to make, along with the
collective “little bits of good” others around me contribute, will
someday “overwhelm the world.”