Reach Newsletter May 2014

Transcription

MAY 2014
SUE II
VOL IV - IS
R
EWSLETTE
MUNITY N
COM
DISTRICT
WELCOME FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT - DAVEDA J. COLBERT, PH.D.
Oak Park Family:
The REACH continues to keep you informed
about Oak Park School District happenings. It
is our hope that this edition encourages you to
continue to support our transformation efforts,
while celebrating our successes. Your support is
appreciated! Thank you for helping us to move
from ordinary to extraordinary!
Please be sure to peruse this edition as you don’t
want to miss the highlights of the Class of 2014,
especially the feature on our Gates Millennium
Scholarship Winner, Cynthia Lockwood.
Congratulations and well wishes to the Class
of 2014 as they embark on their next journey!
IMPORTANT DATES
event first class. The funds raised are used to
support academics, arts, athletics, and robotics. Our
students deserve exposure to great opportunities and
your assistance helps us continue to make that a
reality. Sign up today to join us for golf in support
of our students. This is an easy way to partner with
the school district. We welcome you, your family,
and your business/employer, etc.! We need you!
Thanks in advance for your support. More details
are included in this issue.
If you haven’t heard, we host a great Craft Show
and Bake Sale too! Save the date for our 2nd Annual
Craft Show at Einstein Elementary School. Did you
see the clip about the show on Fox 2 News? Did
you happen to stop by the Craft Show last month? It
was delightful. We don’t want you to miss the next
one, so please be sure to visit Einstein Elementary
School, 13001 Northend, Oak Park, Michigan
48237 on Saturday, November 8, 2014, 10:00
a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you’re interested in serving as
a vendor or finding out more information about the
show, please call 248-336-7640.
Mark your calendars for our Elementary
Open House, which includes our full day
pre-school, head-start, and kindergarten
round up, Thursday, May 8, 2014, 9:00 a.m.
– 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 31, 2014,
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. We welcome you DATA STORY
to join the family! See the insert inside.
It is important that you know our current status,
We have enhanced our summer learning in order to fully understand the fruits of our labor.
academy. Please peruse the brochure and Illustrated in the charts on the next page, you
be mindful of the registration deadline will find the per pupil foundation allowance that
dates listed.
the district receives from the state, our current
student enrollment, and our fund balance or as it
Save the date for our 4th Annual Golf has been stated in years past, our deficit that must
Outing, Monday, July 21, 2014 at be eliminated. As the charts explain, despite the
Plum Hollow Golf Course. We would loss in funding over the years and a decline in
like this year’s attendance to be our enrollment from several years prior to 2010 which
largest golf outing ever, so please created an enormous deficit, we are making great
plan to attend. The golf course is strides. Over the past three years, our enrollment
gorgeous, which helps to make this has increased and we have been able to maintain
Inside this Issue:
. Welcome from the Superintendent .........................1-2
. Greetings from the Board of Education ................... 3
. District Directory ...................................................... 3
. Oak Park Schools Elementary Open House ............. 4
. Title I Programs......................................................5-6
. Oak Park Education Foundation Letter & Form ....7-9
. Oak Park Schools Summer School Brochure ....10-11
. Einstein Elementary ................................................ 12
. Key Elementary .................................................13-14
. Pepper Elementary .............................................14-15
. Oak Park School District
. Kroger Rewards ...................................................... 16
. Oak Park Preparatory Academy .............................. 17
. Oak Park High School Freshman Institute.............. 18
. Oak Park High School .......................................19-21
. buildOn & YOU Programs ..................................... 21
. HOSA...................................................................... 22
. Oak Park High School Marching Band ................. 23
. Oak Park High School Athletics ........................24-25
. Gates Millenium Scholars ....................................... 25
. Oak Park High School National Honor Society ..... 26
. 13900 Granzon
. Oak Park, MI 48237
. NOVA Discipline Academy .................................... 26
. Oak Park Alternative Education Center .................. 27
. Student Services/Registration/Enrollment .............. 28
. Office of Specialized Student Services ................... 28
. English Language Learners..................................... 29
. Teacher of the Year Awards ..................................... 29
. Technology Department .......................................... 30
. Video Production Club ............................................ 30
. Michigan Works ...................................................... 31
. Chartwells ............................................................... 31
. Calendar of Events .................................................. 32
. Telephone: (248) 336-7700
. Facsimile. (248) 336-7738
WELCOME FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT (CONT.)
the enrollment throughout each year. The slight
increase and overall stability within our student
enrollment has allowed us to aggressively decrease
our deficit. Thanks are extended to our staff for
their concessions and never-ending dedication, as
well as, our partners who provide service to the
district, because the collaborative efforts of all have
been key to our impressive progress and a huge part
of our story and how we continue to defy odds and
overcome challenges.
Thanks to enhanced programming, an articulated
curriculum, focused professional development
for staff, an inviting customer service and servant
leadership approach, improved extracurriculars,
wraparound services, and a touch of genuine care
and concern for all students, we have been able to
keep our students and families engaged and excited
about being a part of the Oak Park School District.
Over the past three years, the transformation of
the district hasn’t been easy, but it has been most
rewarding! Thank you for being a part of our
success! We’re making history in Oak Park! We
are the model for an effective turnaround which
includes academics, arts, athletics, attitude, and
accountability.
As you are probably aware, school districts across
the state scramble daily to make less stretch to seem
like more. We continue to perfect that craft daily
by making data driven decisions that are in the
best interest of our students at all times. By using
best practices that meet our students’ needs, and a
common sense no nonsense approach to getting the
job done, we continue to show progress in all areas
(i.e. academics/arts/athletics/attitude, budget and
finance, climate and culture, parent involvement,
and so much more). Although we are making huge
gains in a variety of areas, we know that we must
continue to ramp up our efforts in order to remain
the first choice for our students and their families.
That’s why we continue to evaluate and monitor
everything that we do. We appreciate your feedback
and well wishes. Please continue to stop by, call, and
send email when necessary. Community support
is welcomed and valued. Please continue to be
encouraged in knowing that Oak Park School District
is committed to providing quality learning for every
student every day!
Take time to read the entire issue of the REACH
to find out more about exciting happenings in the
Oak Park School District. There’s a story being
told about the Oak Park School District, so please
read all about it. We appreciate the support from the
elected officials in the City of Oak Park, as well as,
the employees, residents, and business community.
Your support makes a difference. Thank you!
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Oak Park School District
BOARD OF EDUCATION (248) 336-7715
FROM THE DESK OF
BOARD PRESIDENT MARIE REYNOLDS
Leadership does matter because ultimately every decision we
make will impact the life of every student whose parent entrusts their child’s educational experience with us.
Oak Park School District Family and Community,
Marie Reynolds
President
Maxine Gutfreund
Vice President
The Board of Education is the Governing Body of the
School District with very specific responsibilities such as
hiring a Superintendent for the District. I must say contrary
to popular belief, the Superintendent is the Board of Education’s only employee and to hire a dynamic and highly
effective Superintendent is a direct reflection of the Board’s
decision making.
Four years ago, the Board of Education was faced with making several very tough and unpopular decisions that were
absolutely necessary for the survival of the School District.
We were in a continuous downward spiral. We can’t deny
our past, it is and will always be a part of “who we” are, and
evidence of how we’ve changed.
As the work continues to build a stronger District with the
focus being “Students First”, our decisions must be “Data
Driven” and the question for Board Members, first and foremost should always be “Is It the Right Thing for the Kids?”
Menachem Hojda
Treasurer
Claudette Lunkins
Secretary
Continuous professional development is extremely important for Board Members. Just imagine seven people making
decisions based on what they want, how things used to be or
even how things are in other districts. The “Cookie Cutter,”
idea does not work for everyone.
Dr. Colbert is the Board of Education’s only employee, that
means she has the privilege of claiming the “Phenomenal”
staff that works for the District, all of which are instrumental
to the successful path that we now travel. Without their commitment and dedication to providing the best education for
every child every day, we would not be moving in the right
direction.
Our data shows the commitment of students toward improving their education which also increases parental participation.
We’re not where we want to be but we are definitely heading
in the right direction.
As you enjoy another great edition of the “REACH,” you’ll
see and read about the wonderfully different ways our teachers engage students in their learning experience. From the
elementary schools to the high school there’s excitement for
learning and extracurricular activities, with the understanding
that academics always comes first. Education of students does
not stop at the high school because we must always include
our exceptional “Alternative Education Campus,” which continues to impact the lives of students’ ages 16 to 19 years of
age. After graduation, some students will apply to institutions
of higher learning and continue their education, while others
will have acquired the life skills and chosen a career path to
become productive citizens of society.
Professional Development helps us stay focused on our reWe must always thank our stakeholders for their continued
sponsibilities, a few of which are:
support and invite them to come out and visit the schools, the
1. Set Policy to improve Student Achievement
Administration Building or visit the web site @ www.oak2. Set Board Goals
parkschools.org., and we’d love to have you come out to the
3. Develop Board Competency
School Board Meetings.
4. Help us to develop Leadership Skills
5. Teach us to let Purpose Guide our Decision- Not Money
DISTRICT DIRECTORY
Schools and Administrative Offices
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING ................(248) 336 -7700
Fax (248) 336-7738
OFFICE
OF
THE
Misty Patterson
SUPERINTENDENT ....................................(248) 336 -7705
Trustee
Fax (248) 336-7778
OFFICE OF CURRICULUM ..................... (248) 336 -7710
Fax (248) 336-7738
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES ..........(248) 336 -7703
Fax (248) 336-7738
OFFICE OF BUSINESS
AND FINANCE ...........................................(248) 336 -7715
Fax (248) 336-7738
OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES/
Terrence R. West, Sr. REGISTRATION .........................................(248) 336 -7708
Trustee
..................................................................Fax (248) 336-7738
OFFICE OF SPECIALIZED
STUDENT SERVICES .................................(248) 336 -7673
Fax (248) 336-7781
OFFICE OF TITLE ONE ............................(248) 336 -7726
Fax (248) 336-7781
OFFICE OF PROJECT 21 ...........................(248) 336 -7711
Fax (248) 336-7738
OFFICE OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ..........(248) 336 -7725
Fax (248) 336-7738
Mildred Warren
OFFICE OF PAYROLL ................................(248) 336 -7720
Trustee
Fax (248) 336-7738
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TECHNOLOGY SERVICES ........................(248) 336 -7668
Fax (248) 336-7781
EINSTEIN ELEMENTARY .........................(248) 336 -7640
Fax (248) 967-1209
KEY ELEMENTARY ...................................(248) 336 -7610
Fax (248) 336-7618
PEPPER ELEMENTARY .............................(248) 336 -7680
Fax (248) 967-0340
OAK PARK PREP. ACADEMY ...................(248) 336 -7620
Fax (248) 336-7638
MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELING ............(248) 336 -7630
Fax (248) 336-7638
OAK PARK HIGH FRESHMAN INST. .......(248) 336 -7780
Fax (248) 336-7781
OAK PARK HIGH SCHOOL .......................(248) 336 -7740
Fax (248) 336-7658
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING .................(248) 336 -7748
NOVA DISCIPLINE ACADEMY .................(248) 336-7650
Fax (248) 336-7655
OAK PARK ALTER. EDUC. CENTER ........(248) 291-6722
Fax (248) 291-6724
Fax (248) 336-7758
FIRST STUDENT TRANSPOR. ...................(248) 336 -7601
Fax (248) 336-7781
GCA - MAINTENANCE...............................(248) 336 -7603
Fax (248) 336-7781
OAK PARK SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE
Stan Trompeter, Executive Director, Curriculum & Title Programs (248) 336-7710
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TITLE I PROGRAMS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Stan Trompeter, Executive Director, Curriculum & Title Programs, (248) 336-7710
TITLE I NEWS
FROM AROUND
THE OAK
PARK SCHOOL
DISTRICT
The following are the main services afforded
to your children with Title I dollars across the
district.
TITLE I FUNDS
AT KEY ELEMENTARY
Title I Programs are making a difference at
Key Elementary. There are two significant
programs that are utilized at Key School: Parent Workshops and Tutoring. Mrs. Brenda
Snow, the building principal, developed a
they head off to work. They share a great
book and enjoy eating a well-balanced meal
before parents begin their day. Both events
embody the spirit of community and provides
an atmosphere of learning for parents and
students. The attendance for these events exceeded 120 people. They participated in literacy activities that support student achievement. The principal, the Title I teacher and
several staff members were available to ensure that the events were a success for parents
and students.
Key School has Title I interventionists that
work in small groups with students to support
their academic needs. The interventionists
work with students on materials that are introduced to them in the classroom. Children
flourish and make unbelievable progress due
to the support given by the Title I interventionists. All in all, Title I programs are making a difference at Key School.
TITLE I FUNDS
AT PEPPER ELEMENTARY
Intervention Programs Funded
by Title I & 31A
year long calendar that highlighted the pivotal
learning opportunities during the school year
and incorporated signature events that Title I
funding annually sponsors.
These events include: the Daddy and Daughter Literacy Night and the Reading Month
Book Breakfast. The Daddy Daughter Night
is an evening where fathers and daughters
share the spotlight. The daughters are involved in a teacher led writing project that
is centered on writing and reading. Meanwhile, the fathers are listening to a keynote
speaker who shares essential strategies that
build knowledge of how to best relate to their
daughters as learners.
READING MONTH
The Book Breakfast is an open opportunity
for parents to read to their children before
Mrs. Dalloo, the Title I teacher, and a dedicated team of interventionists have been
working diligently to provide small group
interventions in reading and math. Students in K-6 who are in need of additional
academic support are selected based on
DIBELS scores, common grade level math
assessments and other risk factors. Identified students are provided with additional
opportunities to review and practice specific skills. In addition, our interventionists
sent home reading and math review packets for students to work on during spring
break.
Title I funds have been used to purchase
supplemental fiction, nonfiction and leveled books for all K-6 classrooms at Pepper Elementary. In addition, students have
access to websites, such as Raz-Kids, Everyday Math and Study Island, that have
been paid for through Title I funds. These
site licenses provide students access to leveled books and math games at home (with
internet access) and school. Supplemental
math manipulatives and games have also
been purchased to provide “hands on”
math practice at every grade level. Our
Title I funds will be used to purchase additional technology, such as laptops and
-5-
document cameras, to enhance daily instruction at Pepper.
TITLE I FUNDS
AT EINSTEIN ELEMENTARY
Since late January, our data review teams
have been meeting with Title I to examine
various sources of data in our on-going efforts to meet student expectations. The Einstein staff has worked hard to redefine both
student & instructional goals, intervention
plans to more successfully meet evolving
needs, and year-end goals. These new efforts
include common grade level intervention
time focused on early reading interventions,
investigating new technology programs to
supplement instruction, and remediation of
basic math and technology skills. The Spring
Tutorial sessions will feature core area skills
relevant to specific grade level needs, determined by both standardized and formative
assessments.
Our second formal period for reading assessment was completed through the assistance of Title I, DIBELS and Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) programs.
Along with the second quarter data, this
information assisted in identifying academic
interventions and strategies. Parent Workshops which began in the fall will resume in
the spring.
A Tip to Tip the Scales
It is so important to create a regular time to
read with your kids. Check your child’s reading level with his/her teacher to get started.
Then, make selecting & reading materials
from different text-types a part of your daily
routine. Choose from magazines & newspapers, weather graphs, graphic novels, fiction
and non-fiction. Ask plenty of ‘how’, ‘why’
& ‘what’s next’ questions that dig deeper
than ‘who’ & ‘what’.
Looking ahead…
We’re very excited to see how more and
more of the teaching staff from grades K-6
have embraced the Title I effort to supplement differentiated instruction through the
use of technology (Nooks). Every grade
level has access to the two sets of 20 nooks
through Title I funding, for several hours
per week. We spent a considerable amount
of time, last winter and spring, researching
and comparing the Nooks against similar
models. In the end, it became evident that
TITLE I DOLLARS AT WORK!
Stan Trompeter, Executive Director, Curriculum & Title Programs, (248) 336-7710
keep the active minds of our students engaged in their learning through the use of
technology. The iPad learning lab is one
tool that the students enjoy. Every teacher
has an iPad to present lessons in a fun and
engaging manner. The iPad learning lab
travels from room to room to assist students with research, online support programs, learning applications and educational games to reinforce lessons and build
skills. Students also have access to a laptop learning cart.
they offered greater flexibility in use and
equal capabilities at a far more cost effective price. The technology team spent time
researching ‘apps’ that provide varying
levels of instructional differentiation for
grades K-6, as well as practice in general
technology skills.
We are currently looking for input as to
how to expand the use of supplemental
technology and web-based programming
that supports Core Curriculum state standard expectations and offers additional
practice with computer skills. Surveys will
be sent home very shortly.
We’re happy to welcome our new interventionist, Mrs. Harwood. She comes to
us with many years of teaching experience
and we look forward to re-energizing our
intervention program.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
1. Maintain parent-teacher ties. The
closer we work together, the easier it
is to address concerns and celebrate
successes!
2. Regular bedtimes and daily attendance
must be a top priority. Research shows
what a direct link this can have to
meeting we will acknowledge and celebrate
the success of our students as well as provide
information on how to further their success
through the summer and into the next school
year. Parents, guardians and care-givers,
please feel free to contact OPPA’s Title I
teacher, Ms. Yvonne Taylor, to provide feedback and suggestions of how you would like
to see your Title I dollars at work! Email
[email protected]
or
phone
(248)336-7626.
AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING
Teachers provide assistance to students with
homework in the areas of Math, Science,
English and Social Studies. Teachers also
offer additional reinforcement of the weekly
lessons, assist with any missed assignments,
help students review for quizzes and exams,
and guide students with reports and projects.
Students may sign-up for tutoring in the
OPPA office and attend sessions regularly
from 3:30-4:30 pm, Tuesdays – Thursdays.
Please feel free to contact Ms. Taylor, Title
I building teacher, if you have any questions
and or concerns.
drop-out rates and overall academic
success in later years.
TITLE I FUNDS AT OAK PARK
PREPARATORY ACADEMY
Title I meetings are held monthly to provide assistance and information regarding programs, tools and support available
to parents and students in sustaining and
achieving academic success. April’s Title
I parent meeting shared the growth, gains
and student areas of improvement as well
as our goals and plans for the summer and
next school year. During the May Title I
TECHNOLOGY
IN THE CLASSROOM
Oak Park Preparatory Academy strives to
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SCIENCE FAIR SEMINAR
On April 24th, 2014 from 6 – 7 pm OPPA
hosted a Science Fair Seminar to display
the hard work of our students. Our students shared scientific facts and demonstrated their knowledge of scientific processes. Light refreshments were provided.
Families and community members were in
attendance.
OAK PARK EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D., Superintendent, (248) 336-7705
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OAK PARK EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D., Superintendent (248) 336-7705
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OAK PARK EDUCATION FOUNDATION (Cont.)
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2014 SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM
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2014 SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM (Cont.)
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Einstein Elementary
Joann Wright, Ed.D., Principal, (248) 336-7640
WRIGHT
WRITES
(from the desk
of Dr. Wright,
Principal)
•
March
was a VERY busy month at Einstein…..
the following activities took place:
•
Kudos and Congrats to our Robotics team, who recently placed second
in the Junior Division’s, Engineering
and Craftsmanship Robotics competition. The competition was sponsored
by Square One Innovative Underwater
Vehicle Design. Our faculty sponsor,
Michael Daniels, began working with
the team in late October. Our team developed an underwater robot that actually works. Team members include:
Kevin Keys, Christian Kimble, David McDuffie, Jalen Mitchell, David
Nelson, Carlos Nunez and Omarion
Moore. Way to go Team!!
•
Did you say “Let’s Jump with Jill?”
At Einstein, we certainly did!! Jump
with Jill is a music-based health program for kids, designed to inform them
about life-long exercising, healthy eating and nutrition. Jill visited Einstein
on Wednesday, March 26 for a schoolwide assembly that really had our students movin’ and groovin’ to the “on
your feet” music! Fuel Up for 60 sponsored this opportunity for us.
treats, cosmetics, spices, purses, jewelry boxes and the list goes on and on!
Einstein staff and students offered their
support throughout the weekend and
had a great time as well. Local community businesses (as well as vendors
attending) donated items to be raffled
off: West Bloomfield’s Outback Steakhouse and English Gardens, Oak Park’s
Davison Coney Island, 9 Oak’s Grill,
China City and Berkley’s Doll Hospital
and Toy Soldier Shop. Vendors included Oak Park School District employees
as well. In addition, many District employees shopped, as well as Oak Park’s
Board of Education Vice-President,
Maxine Gutfreund and Superintendent
Dr. Daveda Colbert. We thank everyone for their support!! All funds raised
will be used to support Einstein student
and athletic activities.
•
Our First (and now annual) Craft Fair
was a huge success. Over 65 vendors
showcased their various items on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23.
Over 276 shoppers came through,
purchasing hats, scarves, jewelry, dog
•
Einstein welcomed many volunteer
readers during March Reading Month,
including our own Superintendent, Dr.
Colbert, Oak Park City Council Member, Keisha Speech, Central Office
personnel and of course, Oak Park’s
Mayor Marian McClellan. Students
participated in a variety of reading
activities, such as DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) throughout the
month, our Scholastic Book Fair, our
used book sale, storytellers as mystery
readers, and reading contests, just to
name a few. Dr. Seuss’s birthday was
acknowledged as well.
•
Wishing the best to our three Elementary Spelling Bee finalists: Carlos
Nunez, Aniya Anderson (both 6 graders) and Martice Pruitt (4th grade).
All three, with other finalists from
Pepper and Key competed on Thursday, April 25th at Pepper, at 9:30.
Congratulations to all of our spelling
bee champions!
Einstein Cheerleaders
Craft Fair
•
March is Reading Month
Our Cheer Team competed on Saturday, April 5th, at the Michigan Technical Academy competition (in Redford).
The Oak Park Teams results were as
follow: Pepper and Key – competed in
Division 1 (grades 2-4). Pepper placed
3rd and Key placed 2nd. In Division 2
(grades 5-6), Key placed 1st and Einstein placed 3rd. This was Einstein’s
first competition of the year. Many
parents from all three schools, as well
as other spectators attended. WAY TO
GO TEAMS!!
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Key Elementary
Brenda Snow, Principal, (248) 336-7610
THE KEY TO SUCCESS
We want to take this opportunity to thank
our staff, parents, volunteers, and tutors for
a wonderful and productive school year. Our
students have done a great job this year academically as well as socially. The 1st through
3rd Card marking results are as follows:
• 112 students on Principal’s list (all A’s)
• 382 students on Honor Roll (all A’s &
B’s)
• 759 students with good Citizenship
• Congratulations Key students!!!
Upcoming Schedule for Key
May, 2014
•
•
•
•
•
•
15
16
20
22
26
30
Annual Art Fair
Career Day
Rainforest Café (Principal’s List)
PTA Meeting
No School – Memorial Day
6th Grade Year-end trip
Marcia Bonds.
On Monday,
April
14th
the Oak Park
School
District Board of
Education recognized Mrs.
Bonds with an
award for being the Teacher
of the Year for
the Elementary division.
The students at Key Elementary say it is her
mission to make sure that they are well prepared for the next level of education. This
statement really sums up her ability to reach
students and prepare them for the world outside of Key School. Coincidentally, many
of her former students share the exact same
remarks about Mrs. Bonds’ teaching ethics.
The leadership and staff at Key School are
excited about Mrs. Bonds accomplishments
and applaud her achievement this year.
June, 2014
World Autism Awareness
• 6 Promotional Ceremony – 6th grades
• 10 Promotional Ceremony – KindergarThe seventh annual World Autism Awaretens
ness Day was celebrated April 2, 2014.
Communities around the world showed their
Key Elementary Cheerleaders
support for autism awareness by participatThe Key School Cheerleaders had a wonderful ing in “Light It Up Blue” which simply reYear! They placed 1st in all the competitions placed their outside lights with a blue light.
they entered this year. Thus far, they have
earned six 1st Place trophies! Congratulations to the entire Team and their coach, Mrs.
Jackson-Trice.
The following “red flags” may indicate your
child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. Do not delay in asking your pediatrician
or family doctor for an evaluation – early
intervention is the best way to help a child
with autism:
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Marcia Bonds
There are many ways to describe a teacher: inspiring, diligent & benevolent are three powerful words that most notably describe Mrs.
• No
babbling by 12
months
• No backand-forth
gestures such
as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No meaningful, two-word phrases
(not including imitating or repeating)
by 24 months
• Any loss of speech, babbling or social
skills at any age
• For more information, please visit
www.autismspeaks.org.
At Key Elementary reading is celebrated
on a daily basis, but in March we had a
blast extending our reading curriculum!
Every year the principal, Mrs. Brenda
Snow and the teaching staff organize a
multitude of activities to extend the element of reading beyond the school community. This year, Key School invited several members of the Oak Park Community
into the classrooms to read to students.
These community members included:
parents, the Central Office Administrative
Staff, the Mayor of Oak Park and District
School Board Members. All of the volunteers and Oak Park Staff were excited
and read stories of significant interest and
value with the classes. Many of the volunteers said they selected books with messages so children acquire valuable lessons
that would give them insight into life.
• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, In addition, Title I purchased over 600
smiles or other facial expressions by books that were given to students. Key
School also held a Book Breakfast where
nine months
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Key Elementary (Cont.)
Brenda Snow, Principal, (248) 336-7610
the occasion. This Title I sanctioned event
was coordinated and led by Principal Snow
and the Title I Coordinator.
150 parents shared a delicious breakfastbooks that were given to students. Key
School also held a Book Breakfast and read
an interesting book with their children.
There were many events that occurred
throughout the school to promote reading
and all the staff were involved in making
sure that the core values of literacy were
infused in their student’s everyday life.
This event focused on fathers participating in their daughters’ education and life.
This function’s main goal was to promote
childhood literacy through fun-filled activities, as well as, educate and inform fathers
of the significant role they play in the lives
of their daughters. Mrs. Snow, along with
other faculty members, brought in a guest
speaker, Mr. Phil Black who addressed the
fathers directly. He spoke of their responsibilities as fathers for their children’s educational experience. He emphasized active involvement during the crucial years of their
educational growth.
lar to this advocate the importance of learning
outside the classroom and its many benefits.
The staff at Key Elementary continually promotes educational programs of this magnitude
throughout the school year.
Overall, the event had a positive effect on
academic achievement. Functions simi-
The Daddy Daughter Event
has an Impact on Achievement
On February 13th, we hosted our Fourth
Annual Daddy Daughter Event. This year,
over two hundred fathers and daughters
were in attendance. The theme for the evening was “My Daughter, My Princess,” and
the father and daughter duo were ready for
Pepper Elementary
Emanuel Haley, Principal, (248) 336-7680
From
Principal
Haley,
and to engage those students through
the work of the chapter in service and
leadership development activities.
The induction ceremony was held on
February 3, 2014 with an audience
filled with proud parents as well as
district dignitaries, such as Dr. Colbert,
Superintendent, Mr. Trompeter, Executive
Director of Curriculum and Title Programs
and Oak Park School Board Members.
National
Elementary Honor
Society
Pepper Makes History: Inducting 22 members
into the James N. Pepper National Elementary
Honor Society.
The 2013 – 2014 school year marked a first
in Dr. James N. Pepper Elementary School’s
history. We started the application process
at the end of August 2013 with the hope of
having a charter membership for the 2013 –
2014 school year. I wanted a means to foster
leadership and service within our school. Our
goal was met in November of 2013 when
Pepper received a Chapter Membership from
the National Elementary Honor Society.
The National Elementary Honor Society
(N.E.H.S.) has only been in existence since
2008. They are celebrating their 6th birthday
this year! The two primary purposes of
the NEHS are to recognize students who
have achieved academic excellence while
demonstrating responsibility in their lives
-14-
The first members of Pepper’s N.E.H.S
have started a fire under Pepper and its
students that will continue to grow and burn
brighter as the chapter expands and takes
on more service and leadership roles within
the school and local community.
The first inducted members of Pepper’s
N.E.H.S. are:
Pepper Elementary (Cont.)
Emanuel Haley, Principal, (248) 336-7680
Kolbi Goodwyn
Cesare Jay Shelton
Calvin Perryman
Branden Nicholas
Chibuze Anyanwu
Ashanti Greene
Angel Jackson
Jayson Jones
Ari-ana Pugh
Xavier White
Jordan Lawrence
Terriana Winston
Nyah Davis
Quentin Lewis
Vincent King
Glory Asanga
Gabrielle Harris
Tomi Anne Houston
Emonie Pointer
Reza Tatum
Kiana Davis
Brooklyn Thomas
An Evening of Literacy and Lyrics
On the evening of February 27, our
school celebrated Black History month by
hosting a Title I Sponsored event entitled
“An Evening of Literacy and Lyrics.” An
audience of over 200 students, parents,
and extended family members enjoyed
this magnificent evening. The program
consisted of a concert by the Dr. James N.
Pepper Elementary School Choir under the
directorship of Mr. Nathaniel Williams, a
performance of the poem ‘Harlem Night
Song’ by National Elementary Honor
Society President Jordan Lawrence (6th
grade), and a Title I/31a building update
by our Title I teacher Mrs. Renea Dalloo.
The evening ended with a performance
by the Pepper Step Warriors. Afterwards
family members strolled the hallways of
our school to view Black History writing
exhibits completed by our kindergarten
through sixth grade students while enjoying
refreshments. A wonderful time was had by
all.
During National Reading Month, Pepper
School went for the gold, with its Reading
Olympics. Students were encouraged to
read 20 minutes a day. They were also
challenged to read 100,000 minutes at
school for the month. As an incentive, the
top three classes would receive a movie and
popcorn party along with some additional
perks. Students went well above and
beyond the challenge and read a total of
185,903 minutes!
Our school was very fortunate to have
several guest readers during National
Reading Month such as:
• Oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan
who visited Ms. Katz’s and Mrs.
Schneider’s second grade classrooms
• State Representative Rudy Hobbs who
visited and read to Mrs. Duschinsky’s
kindergarten class
• State Representative Ellen Cogen
Lipton who visited and read to Mrs.
Goshorn’s class
Project Buildon
• On Saturday March 22nd Pepper
School teamed up with Oak Park High
School project buildOn students to
sponsor its first annual Family Reading
Day. Several students and their families
participated in this fun-filled morning
of activities that promoted literacy.
In case you were not aware, buildOn
is an international non-profit agency
dedicated to breaking the cycles of
poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations
through service and learning. buildOn
established a Book Camp at our school
• Our daily literacy block (which features
Readers Workshop, Word Study and Read
Alouds)
• How we implemented our multi-tiered
instructional framework (Response to
Intervention/RTI)
• Our Schoolwide Positive Behavior
Intervention Support (PBIS) initiative
• How we use Thinking Maps for
comprehension and nonlinguistic
representations
• Our extended year academic support
through our Summer Learning Academy
School Improvement Goal
whose purpose was to reinforce reading
and writing strategies taught in class
with engaging activities that are
designed to excite students.
Bingo for Books
• On March 24, Title I sponsored “Bingo
for Books” to celebrate National
Reading Month. Over one hundred
students and their parents and twenty
staff members enjoyed this family
focused activity. During this event, a
presentation was made to inform our
parents of the following:
• Our school improvement goals for
reading
-15-
• One of our school improvement goals is
that all of our students become proficient
readers. In order for us to reach this
goal, the staff at Pepper has set out to
create excitement with reading by using
concrete, tangible incentives that will
encourage our students to take that first
step towards developing a more literate
society. This activity was designed to
provide an opportunity for the students
of Pepper to spend some quality time
together with family members, eat some
snacks, play Bingo, and be excited about
winning books.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D., Superintendent
-16-
Oak Park Preparatory Academy
Angela Thomas, Ed.S., Principal, (248) 336-7620
HOME OF THE
BLUE KNIGHTS
March Madness
Tournament and
Spring Open
House
The Oak Park Preparatory Academy (OPPA)
was proud to host a day of basketball fun for
elementary school students from Oak Park
and neighboring communities on March 29,
2014. Students and their parents/guardians
had the opportunity to see and hear about
the exciting academic and extracurricular
programs at OPPA as well as enjoy a
basketball showdown comprised of 5th and
6th grade students. Teams participating in
the tournament were arranged according to
brackets where the winners advanced to the
championship round. The Falcons of Oak
Park’s Key Elementary School went on to
take 2nd Place in the Tournament. We look
forward to hosting this event again next
school year!
Mrs. Catherine
Kaczmar Named
2014 Middle School
Teacher of the Year
Congratulations go out to Mrs. Catherine
Kaczmar for being selected as the 2014
Middle School Teacher of the Year
in the Oak Park School District. Mrs.
Kaczmar is an outstanding middle school
art teacher who has taught in the district
for 14 years. During her tenure with the
district, Mrs. Kaczmar has taught Social
Studies and Art. She is well respected by
administration, staff, students, and parents.
The admiration for Mrs. Kaczmar is due
largely to the captivating way in which
she empowers, energizes, and engages
her students in the learning process. Mrs.
Kaczmar is a teacher-leader who remains
abreast of educational best practices
and translates her learning to create a
phenomenal classroom environment
consisting of discovery, creativity, and
problem solving for all students. She
works collaboratively with her colleagues
on cross-curricular projects that promote
literacy and math competency. Mrs.
Kaczmar leads the school’s PBIS Team and
serves as a member of various professional
organizations.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Today at OPPA
Students attending OPPA are receiving firsthand knowledge about school leadership
and community service. The OPPA Junior
Safety Officer Team consists of 8th grade
students whose primary duties include
monitoring the halls between class periods
and assisting with extracurricular activities
and events. Under the leadership of our Lead
School Safety Officer, Michael Wilson,
students participating in this program are
learning lifelong lessons of responsibility,
leadership, and good citizenship. This
outstanding group of young people is
respected by administration, staff, and
students.
OPPA Partners With Junior
Achievement and Level One Bank
O P PA i n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h J u n i o r
Achievement helped present “Financial
Literacy Day” for the 8th grade students
in March. Representatives from Level One
Bank were on hand at OPPA to provide the
8th grade students with a lesson on financial
and consumer literacy. Students received
first-hand knowledge about spending,
saving, and budgeting for individual and
family lifestyles. The OPPA students truly
enjoyed our guests and shared information
they learned with family and friends.
-17-
OAK PARK HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN INSTITUTE
Pam Vermiglio, Principal, (248) 336-7780
FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION.
SUCCESS IS THE ONLY OPTION!
We have just completed the third card marking and have moved into the spring season.
Parents, please continue to work with your
student and encourage them to perform their
best. Data has shown that in some cases, students’ academic performance tends to drop
in the fourth quarter. Good communication with your child’s teachers, consistently
checking the parent portal, good organization, and hard work can keep your student
focused to have a successful remainder of
the school year.
During the month of April we will focus our
efforts on preparing students for the transition to the 10th grade. Students will complete their course selection sheets and meet
with the counselors from Oak Park High
School. All 9th grade students must have
6 credits in June. If they are short credits,
summer school will be offered to make up
their credits.
The weather is warming up…but it is no time
to slack off!! Remind your son or daughter
to stay focused. Help them by setting aside
time each evening for studying. They must
remember that the grades obtained during
their freshman year count towards graduation. Help them understand how they perform now impacts their overall G.P.A. for all
four years – the higher the G.P.A. the more
improved their chances are of getting into
the college of their choice.
The Oak Park Freshman Boys Basketball
Team won the OAA Championship with a
record of 14-1. Team members include:
• Dante Coakley
• Markiest Doss
• Laron Goshton
• Dewan Hawthorne
• Jacob Moore
• George Posey
• Rufus Pritchard
• Cordell Pullum
• Michael Ramey
• Robert Zanders
Throughout the school year, we focused our
efforts on the students that were struggling
academically. All students at OPFI are expected to have 6 credits at the end of the
school year. Students have the opportunity
to attend tutoring in all core subject areas
and credit recovery opportunities were made
available to students if needed.
A number of students have participated in our college campus
tour program. This year we have offered student’s
the opportunity to visit Oakland University,
Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. Students spent the day
touring the campus, visiting classrooms, and
speaking to college students and professors.
In May, students will be attending Physics
Day at Cedar Point. Cedar Point’s Main
Midway is transformed into a classroom
of thrills with science partners including
K’NEX, COSI Columbus, Imagination Station in Toledo, EHOVE Career Center, and
the University of Toledo physics department. Students have the opportunity to build
their own amusement park ride, race their
own boats and experiment with things that
fizz, pop and fly!
CONGRATULATIONS ON AN
OUTSTANDING SEASON!
CREDIT ATTAINMENT IS A MUST!
to begin their
transition
to
the Freshman
Institute.
Please visit our website www.opfi.weebly.
com to stay informed, check teacher websites, and view our calendar.
As we approach the end of the school year, all
parents are encouraged to check how many
credits their son or daughter have earned to
ensure that he/she is on track to graduate
on time. Students must have 22 credits to
graduate from high school. It is our goal to
have our entire student population graduate
on time.
We will also welcome the 8th grade students
from OPPA as they tour the OPFI building
-18-
Oak Park High School
Kwame Stephens, Principal, (248) 336-7740
WHERE WE ENTER TO LEARN
& LEAVE TO ACHIEVE!
This year the
Oak Park High
School’s RESET
team has been actively working with the
Oak Park Preparatory Academy, Einstein
Elementary and Key Elementary Robotics
teams. We have moved our robotics program
from the high school all the way down to the
elementary schools. All the teams competed
at the Square One Invitational held at Oakland
University on March 15, 2014. Oak Park
represented with five teams from all levels.
Key Elementary received an award and the
OPHS RESET team finished second receiving
the coveted Drag Race trophy!!
Presently, we are preparing for two upcoming
events. The first is being held May 3, 2014
at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in
which we have two vehicles competing. The
first is a gas powered remote controlled car
which we converted to an electrically powered
vehicle. The second event is converting a
child’s driving jeep into an autonomously
driven vehicle. It must drive itself through
a course using a student developed program.
It must also recognize when an object is in
front of it and stop to avoid it. Lastly it uses
a GPS signal to autonomously drive to a
certain point.
was a huge success. There were
over 800 students and parents in
attendance along with our very own
Superintendent Dr. Daveda Colbert,
Executive Director of Curriculum Stan
Trompeter and School Board President
Marie Reynolds. Students were welcomed
by Dr. Colbert and their Class President
and Vice President. OPHS administrative
assistant Cynthia Davis graced us with
her vocal talents reminding us that our
students are the future. After a wonderful
meal and music from a live band, parents
pledged to continue to support their
student as they prepare for graduation
and life beyond high school. Students
humbly expressed their appreciation of
their parents support over the years. The
students proudly received their senior
class pins and presented their parents with
a poem entitled “We Did It Together,”
written by Tishera Page, the Senior
Class President. At the conclusion of
the evening it was heart warming to see
so many smiles and hugs exchanged
by students and their family members.
Thank you to everyone who supported this
special event and a special thank you to
the staff and administrators who supported
our seniors by pinning them in the absence
of family members.
2014 COLLEGE ADMITTANCE &
SCHOLARSHIPS
Alabama University
Jomar Glenn
*Cynthia Lockwood-Gates Millennium
Scholarship Recipient
Baker College
Tequila Eaddy
On May 16, 2014 the RESET team will
be heading to the Great Lakes Regional
Competition in Alpena, MI. It is sponsored
by NOAA & MATE in which teams from all
over the Midwest will be competing.
2014 SENIOR PINNING
The 2014 Pinning Ceremony took place at
the Burton Manor, Thursday, April 3rd and
Benedict College
Kierra Wright
Bethune Cookman
Deja Clemons
Demond Collins
Bowling Green State University
Dylon Adrine
Alisha Anderson
Kevin Hayes-$14, 616 BGSU Success
-19-
Gregory Church, Ed.D. ,
Asst. Principal
Charity Jones
Asst. Principal
Scholarship
Shawntia Kidd-$14,616 BGSU Success
Scholarship
Mia Warren- $14,616 BGSU Success
Scholarship
Chantai Williams
Center for Creative Studies
Danielle Newkirk
Central Michigan University
Antonio Davis
Demetrius Gassaway
Monique Harris
Kevin Hayes
Central State University
Demond Collins
Johnny Johnson-$3,000 Freshman
Scholarship Award
Creighton University
T’Andre Hardnett
Eastern Kentucky University
Ja’Cyra Crocker
Eastern Michigan University
Alisha Anderson- $4,000 EMU
Scholarship
Elena Barnes- $4,000 EMU Scholarship
Theodore Bell
DeJa Clemons- $10,000 EMU
Scholarship
Demond Collins
JaCyra Crocker
Catherine Daoud-$18,000 EMU
Scholarship
Antonio Davis-$4,000 Scholarship
Brittany Edmondson- $18,000 EMU
Scholarship
Christine French- $6,000 EMU
Scholarship
Demetrius Gassaway-$10,000 EMU
Scholarship
Taelor Hardin
Kevin Hayes- $14,000 EMU Scholarship
Diamond Henry- $18,000 EMU
Oak Park High School (Cont.)
Scholarship
Shawntia Kidd-$14,000EMU Scholarship
Deja Miller
Destini Murdock
Donte’Only-$4,000 University Challenge
Award
Tishera Page- $10,000 EMU Scholarship
Tyke’Ried
Ralonda Roberts- $10,000 EMU Scholarship
Brianna Sanders-$10,000 EMU Scholarship
Ondrasha Smith-$10,000 EMU Scholarship
Janica So- $14,000 EMU Scholarship
LaGrant Starks- $4,000 EMU Scholarship
Chanel Williams-$18,000 EMU Scholarship
Chantai Williams-$6,000 EMU Scholarship
D’Angelo Williams
Darlecia Williams
Shelaine Williams
Josephine Barimah
T’Ander Hardnett-$10,000 EMU Scholarship
Catherine Daoud
Monique Harris
Diamond Henry
Janica So
Ondrasha Smith
Janica So
LaGrant Starks
Chanel Williams
Northwood University
Antonio Davis
Schoolcraft College
Desmond Henley-Kidd
Detara McNeil-$1,500 Student-Athlete
Award
Andre White
Oakland Community College
Jomar Glenn
Aliyah Jiles
Fante Kante
Kristin Norman
Oakland Community College
D’Angelo Williams
Grand Valley State University
Micah Black
Antonio Davis
Christina French
Demetrius Gassaway
Courtney Hamilton
Shawntia Kidd
Oakland University
Bryan Campbell
Ja’Cyra Crocker
Catherine Daoud
Antonio Davis
Brittany Edmondson- Wade McCree
Amari Freshly
Demtrius Gassaway
Laeree Gordy
Monique Harris-Wade McCree
Kevin Hayes
Diamond Henry-Wade McCree
Shawntia Kidd
Ralonda Roberts
Camorynne Shaw
Janica So
Chanell Williams-Wade McCree
Henry Ford Community College
Fante Kante
Penn State University
Courtney Hamilton
Indiana Institute of Technology
Melanie Lane-$10,000 Achievement Award
Pittsburg State University
Demond Collins
Kent State University
Kierra Wright
Kentucky State University
Tyke Reid
Saginaw Valley State University
DeJa Clemons
Marquis Curley
Catherine Daoud
Antonio Davis
Christina French
Amari Freshly
Demetrius Gassaway
T.Andre Hardnett
Monique Harris
Kevin Hayes
Diamond Henry
Shawntia Kidd
Jasmine Lowman
Anaya Merriweather
Ralonda Roberts
Brianna Sanders
Ferris State University
Ja’Cyra Crocker
Antonio Davis
Kierra Wright
Livingstone College
Demond Collins
Antonio Davis
Demetrius Gassaway
Tyke Reid
Ralonda Roberts
Shelaine Williams
Keirra Wright
Macomb Community College
Desmond Henley-Kidd
D’Angelo Wiliams
Michigan State University
-20-
St. Xavier
Alisha Anderson-$32,000 Heritage
Award
Courtney Hamilton-$32,000 Heritage
Award
Texas Southern University
Antonio Davis
Trinity University
Bryan Campbell
University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Brittant Edmondson-$40,000 Jean
Fairfax Scholarship
Catherine Daoud- Wade
McCree Scholarship
$40,000 Jean Fairfax Scholarship
$1,000 Jack and Jill Scholarship
Chanel Williams- Wade McCree
Scholarship
$40,000 Jean Fairfax Scholarship
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Amari Freshley-McLean-$46,000
Opportunity Victors Scholarship
Dairra Powell- $8,000 U of M
Dearborn Opportunity Scholarship
University of Michigan-Flint
Dylon Adrine
University of Oregon
Chanel Williams-$16,000 Apex
Scholarship
University of Toledo
Dylon Adrine- $4,000 Deans Award
Micah Black-$6,000 Trustee Award
Bryan Campbell-$36,480 Out-Of-State
Award
Ja’Cyra Crocker-$6,000 Trustee Award
$36,480 Out-State-Award
Shajuana Fenderson
Tyke Reid-$4,000 Deans Award
$36,480 Out-Of-State Award
Shawntia Kidd-$14,000 Regents Award
$36,480 OOS Award
Oak Park High School (Cont.)
Breeze Odums-Andrews
Dairra Powell
Ralonda Roberts
Janica So
Mia Warren
Darlecia Williams
Ralonda Roberts-$14000 Regents Award
$36,480 OOS Award
Rayven Sheppard
D’Angelo Williams-$4,000 Deans Award
Valley Forge Military College
T’Andre Hardnett
Western Michigan University
Shelaine Willaims
Wayne State University
Alisha Anderson
Catherine Daoud
Brittany Edmondson
Wilberforce University
Kierra Wright
Wilmington College
Alisha Anderson
Scholarships to date-04/21/14
$1,332,388
Chanell Williams-Valedictorian
(4.0042)
Brittany Edmondson-Salutatorian
(3.9444)
Cynthia Lockwood-Gates Millennium
Scholarship Recipient (3.4108)
buildOn
Dan Kraiza, Teacher, (248) 336-7740
buildOn members are continuing to serve
the community in and around Oak Park.
Recent projects include packing food at
Forgotten Harvest, cleaning up OPHS, and
planting trees with Greening of Detroit.
They also mentored elementary students at
Pepper School, packed food for the needy at
Yad Ezra, a food bank in Berkley, and with
Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo. There will be
many more projects for the remainder of the
school year and during the summer.
planting. It will be planted in May and the
first veggies should be ready for harvest in
July.
This summer 3 students will be traveling
to Haiti to build a school. If you or your
high-school student is interested in joining
buildOn, meetings are held on Thursdays
from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm in room E 217 at
the high school.
Feel free to email advisor Dan Kraiza at
buildOn has been working with some class- [email protected] for more ines in getting the school garden ready for formation.
Y.O.U. PROGRAM
Kathryn Locano, Teacher, (248) 336-7740
Y.O.U. (Young, Optimistic and United) is a
student leadership organization at Oak Park
High School that assists students in succeeding at school and in the community by
making responsible choices and choosing to
remain drug and alcohol free. Participation
in Y.O.U. is open to all students at OPHS.
Club meetings are held twice a month after
school where student members are taught
leadership and communication skills, drug
and alcohol prevention education, along
with participating in relationship building
exercises and activities.
Y.O.U. was formed five years ago when students attended “Dialogue Day,” sponsored
by Tri Community Coalition. At the conclusion of the event, students overwhelming
suggested the need for a youth coalition located inside the school as a way of becoming more educated to combat underage substance abuse among teenagers.
Coming up soon in Y.O.U. student members will participate in “Sticker Shock,”
a community awareness campaign where
Y.O.U students, after gaining permission
from the owners, go into local establishments that sell alcohol and place warning
stickers on alcoholic beverage containers notifying patrons of the consequences
for providing alcohol to minors. This year
Sticker Shock will take place on Tuesday,
May 6, 2014.
Y.O.U. is an affiliate youth program of TriCommunity Coalition of Berkley, Huntington Woods and Oak Park. Tri-Community
Coalition, a 501 c (3) non-profit organization was formed to prevent the abuse of
alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through
education, community action and involvement and the promotion of a drug-free
life-style. Currently, senior members of
Y.O.U. are finishing up their essays for application into the Tri-Community Coalition
-21-
2014 Y.O.U. Scholarship. Six students from
Berkley and Oak Park High Schools will be
presented $1,000 scholarships. Wish us well
as we compete for the scholarships.
Students can join Y.O.U. on an ongoing basis. If you or someone you know is interested
in attending a meeting and want additional
information, please contact Y.O.U. Staff Advisor, Ms. Locano at 248-336-7740 x2730 or
speak to the current officers, Monique Harris,
HOSA PROGRAM
Lisa Harris, Health Occupation Teacher, (248) 336-7740
Our students are
competitive. On Saturday, March 1, 2014,
OAK PARK HIGH
SCHOOL’S HOSA
A
PROGRAM, participated in the academic
medical applied sciences competition with students participating from Oakland and Wayne Counties. This
was the largest Regional Competition in the
history of HOSA. It consisted of 1100 students participating and more than 1300 in
attendance including advisors and judges.
Oak Park won in several categories and was
recognized in the top 10 of each category,
receiving Bronze Medals, Finalist Ribbons
and acknowledgements. Students competed
via academic, theoretical exams, researched
topics, prepared documents, extemporaneous medical writing, researched persuasive
speaking, and demonstration of clinical
skills. Other students assisted during the
competition by calculating, judging and categorizing.
•
Kendall Jackson, Bronze Medal, Extemporaneous Medical Writing
•
Khaira Howard/Oshanai
CPR/First Aid
•
Javonte J. Davis, Bronze Medla, Extemporaneous Medical Writing
•
Shelaine Williams, Nursing Assistant
•
Nautica Danford, Nursing Assistant
•
Elena Barnes, Finalist, Gold and
White Ribbon, Extemporaneous Medical Writing
•
Chinoye Nwangu, Nursing Assistant
•
Josephine Barimah, Medical Terminology
•
Mary Acheampong, Medical Terminology
•
Kiara Smith, Nursing Assistant
•
Binta Keebeh, Nursing Assistant
•
•
Kierra Braxtron-Fuller, Finalist, Gold
and White Ribbon, Extemporaneous
Medical Writing
Robert Parker, Finalist, Gold and
White Ribbon, Public Service Announcement
•
Asianna Coleman, Finalist, Gold and
•
Sharon Sykes, Finalist, Gold and
White Ribbon, Public Sevice Announcement
•
LaCresha Moses, Finalist, Gold and
•
Camyronne Shaw, Finalist, Gold and
White Ribbon, Medical Health Poster
•
Kyera Jones, Finalist, Gold and White
Ribbon, Medical Reading and Testing
The following placed Top 20:
•
Aaron Rice, Sports Medicine
•
Aleah Cohill, Physical Therapy
•
Nyesha Wells, Physical Therapy
•
Destiney Johnson, Extemporaneous
Medical Writing
There were 40 OAK PARK HOSA STUDENTS participating and receiving ac- • Khalil Ringold, Extemporaneous
Medical Writing
colades. We are proud of not only their
academic, theoretical and clinical skills but • Breon Seay, Researched Persuasive
their professionalism and demeanor. The
Speaking
following students received awards and ac• Aliyaha Jiles, Creative Problem Solvcolades in the following categories and coming
peted at the STATE LEVEL in April 2014.
• Nya Russell, Creative Problem Solv• Betty Wickliffe, Bronze Medal, Coming
munity Awareness
• Valeshia Robinson, Creative Problem
• Kimberly Strickland, Bronze Medal,
Solving
Community Awareness
The following student placed Top 25:
• Davon Choice, Bronze Medal, Commu• Eric Jackson/Chance Savage, CPR/
nity Awareness
First Aid
• Andre Goldsmith, Bronze Medal, Com• Destini Murdoch/Dominique Simmunity Awareness
mons, CPR/First Aid
-22
Skinner,
The following students served as judges
in the event of Public Service Announcement. They were fair and just.
•
Morgan Griffin
•
DAngelo Williams
•
Sharnae Robbins, 2009 Graduate of
the HOSA program
The HOSA students worked diligently and
gave their very best. They were fantastic
at regional competition and were expected
to do the same at the leadership conference
April 23 - April 26, 2014.
Blood Drive
Our next HOSA Blood Drive is May 6,
2014 at Oak Park High School.
Students Earn Co-op Experience
The following students have been selected for 2014/2015 Co-operative learning.
Their orientation begins in the summer
2014.
• Tajah Boone
• Aaron Rice
• Andre Goldsmith
• Kendall Jackson
• Amyre Collier
OAK PARK HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND
Al Level, Director, 248-336-7740
students beyond the classroom. Before
we close out the school year, we have two
more competitions that we plan to attend,
perform, and dominate. During the month
of May, the marching band will travel to
Atlanta, Georgia for a band competition at
Six Flags. Three other Michigan bands are
performing also. Not only will the students
compete, but they will visit several historic
sites, such as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Coolidge and Oak Park Blvd. We will be
preparing for the Oak Park Fourth of July
parade too. We appreciate your cheers duing our summer camp and the parade. We
also look forward to you lining the streets
again in the fall for the Oak Park High
School Homecoming Parade, Friday, October 10, 2014. We plan to add more floats
this year, so we really want residents and
community to come out and cheer us on.
Congratulations to the Oak Park High
School Instrumental Music Department
on an Outstanding Year thus far!
Since the beginning of the 2013-14 school
year, our students have been competing
and winning 1st Place Honors on the National level. To date, our students have
won competitions in the Dayton and Cleveland, Ohio areas and around the metropolitan Detroit area. The students were also afforded the opportunity to perform the post
game show at the Central State University
Homecoming Football Game in October.
GO KNIGHTS!
The high steppers were chosen as the best
high school band at the “Turkey Day”
Classic parade in Montgomery, Alabama
and were given the opportunity to perform
the post game show at Alabama State University in November. We are particularly
proud of this accomplishment as they were
the first high school band to perform in
Alabama State University’s new football
stadium. This was a sight to see.
This year, the instrumental music staff and
students also organized and established the
Oak Park High School Jazz Band. They
have already performed several times and
have been invited to perform at many local
venues over the next few months. Please
come out and support us where possible.
If you didn’t get a chance to experience
DREAMGIRLS, then you missed a treat.
This was sponsored by the Oak Park High
School Marching Band and it was a phenomenal show. Many of the instrumental
students performed as part of the orchestra.
We thank all of the students, parents, residents, and businesses, who continue to
come out and support us, as we continue
to provide educational experiences for
Museum, his childhood home, church, and
the site of his burial plot. The band will also
participate in a band competition in Maywood, Illinois (Chicago area) at the end of
the month.
As always, your support is appreciated, as
we continue to expand the arts programs
throughout the Oak Park School District. Of
course, we will host our annual band camp
this summer. We plan to dazzle the drivers with performances in the parking lot on
-23-
Oak Park School District Athletics
Greg Carter, OPHS Athletic Director, (248) 336-7740
WINTER
SUCCESS
STORY
A warm and
sincere thank you
goes out to our students, parents, and
residents who continue to provide
tremendous support for our sports
programs. Under the leadership of veteran
first year coaches, Diane Jones and
Bryant Tipton, Oak Park High School’s
Girls and Boys Basketball programs
gained instant credibility and achieved
immediate success. During the 2012-13
season our Lady Knights recorded a 2-19
record in the very competitive OAA Blue
Division. This season under the direction
of Coach Jones and her outstanding group
of Assistant Coaches Miesha Barksdale,
Latisha Martin, and James Warren the
team recorded an outstanding 9-5 league
record and a remarkable second place
finish. Led by All OAA and team Most
Valuable Player senior forward/ guard
Deana Williams, All OAA senior point
guard Ariel Walker, and senior center
DeTara McNeil the Lady Knights played
an extremely exciting brand of basketball
and took on all challengers including
Detroit Cass Tech, Saginaw, and Kalkaska
High at the Palace in Auburn Hills.
Our Boys Basketball team also enjoyed
a very successful season. Under the
direction of Varsity Coach Bryant Tipton
and Assistant Coach Drewery Watson the
Knights finished the OAA white division
with a 12-4 record finishing in a two way
tie for first place. A talented group of
players including All OAA senior shooting
guard JaChristian Biles (Youngstown
State University commit), All OAA junior
forward Rodney Scales, and All OAA
sophomore forward Kelvon Fuller led
the high flying Knights to a very exciting
MHSAA District Championship victory
over the Southfield Lathrup Chargers.
SPRING SPORTS TEAMS
The future looks bright for the Boys
Basketball program after the magnificent
14-1 record of our OAA white division
Champion 9th grade team led by Head
Coach Alton Marks and Assistant Coach
Jerron Miles.
Spring is finally here and we are very excited
to witness the continuing improvement
of our varisty baseball team coached by
Schuyler Doakes, our varsity softball team
coached by Antwon Davis, and our varsity
boys and girls track teams coached by
Robert Lynch and Brandon Giles. We are
also excited about our improved middle
school programs which includes a track
and field team that will compete in the
COMSAC league. All of our spring coaches
are in their third year with their respective
programs, which continue to rise to the
highest competitive levels.
The Oakland Press shared great highlights
about our girls and boys track and field
programs. They ranked the teams in the
preseason. Some of the highlights are
reported on the next page. We look forward
to the great things from both our girls and
boys track and field teams.
Another sport that is being taken to new
heights is Varsity Competitive Cheer
directed by third year Head Coach Jade
Burns and Assistant Coaches Keisha
Johnson and Kyle Nelson. The Lady
Knights in only their second year in
Competitive Cheer had an outstanding
season finishing an amazing 2nd in the very
talented OAA Blue Division.
-24-
Oak Park School District Athletics (Cont.)
Greg Carter, OPHS Athletic Director, (248) 336-7740
Sophomore Anna Jefferson, the defending
Division 1 state champion in the 400, has seen
every level of competition. She leads a group
of young veterans who’ll show their heels to
the competition. She is also great at hurdles.
Then there is an amazing Freshman Carlita with Drewe Jackson make the Knights
Taylor and Sophomore Brianna Holloway, a tough to beat. Add Freshman Bryce
Pickett, who has varsity-level speed,
solid hurdler, in the sprint mix.
and the Knights can’t be beat. Expect
Junior Jayla Fleming is a middle distance the Knights to challenge the league and
threat while Senior Courtney Hewitt adds regional crowns.
depth in the hurdles. Freshman Tamea
McKelvy has varsity-level speed and Kailsi
Latta-Thompson will help in the hurdles
and high jump. Add Johnyce Powell, a
relay veteran, and you have a powerhouse
of a team. Many of them rank in Oakland
County’s Top 50, and the Lady Knights have
been ranked in the preseason as the #1 team
to watch and win!
While Coach Brandon Giles is hard at work,
with the girls, his mentor Coach Robert
Lynch has truly made the boys’ program
strong. Veteran senior Maurice Allen is
a threat from the 100 to 400 — he’s gone
48.4 in the latter indoors — while Keshawn
Spears will help in the long jump. Junior
Marvin White and senior Eli Minor, along
2014 GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
CONGRATULATIONS CYNTHIA LOCKWOOD
Meet One of Oak Park High School’s
Phenomenal Students
We are excited to introduce the Class of
2014 Winner of the Gates Millennium Fellowship Funding, Oak Park High School Senior Cynthia Lockwood.
We are acknowledging Cynthia for her
strong leadership, community service, and
academic achievements that contributed to
her winning the Gates Millennium Scholarship. More than 52,000 students applied and
1,000 were selected throughout the country,
making this year one of the most competitive candidate groups in the program’s history. Oak Park is proud to have Cynthia
Lockwood selected as a winner. This distinct honor distinguishes Cynthia as a leader
without question. This scholarship provides
funding for her bachelor’s, master’s, and
doctoral studies.
Congratulations to Cynthia, her family, and
the Oak Park School District. We encourage
all students to take their education seriously
and apply for this prestigious scholarship.
-25-
OAK PARK HIGH SCHOOL – SAVANT CHAPTER
Brittany Edmondson, President
Diamond Henry, Vice President
Janica So, Secretary
Catherine Daoud, Treasurer
Chanel Williams, Parliamentarian
Mrs. Andrea Polley, OPHS Sponsor
The Savant Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 18 new members for the 2013-2014 school year. The Induction Ceremony
was held on January 23, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Oak Park High School Auditorium. The newly inducted members are: A’lisha
Anderson, Latisha Baker, Ninesha Baker, Josephine Barimah, Marissa Cartwright, Antonio Davis, Kiana Garrison, Nyles Harden,
Alona Jackson, Fanta Kante, Jewel Pugh, Treasure Pugh, Keri Revels, Moussa Sao, Dorianne Taylor, Teyler Thompkins, Zakiyyah
Wade, and Shelaine Williams. Each inductee has a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.97. The ceremony began with Presentation of
Colors by the Pontiac Recruiting Color Guard. Our guest speaker, Mr. Jason Hughley, Financial Advisor shared the importance of
being financially ready for the challenges students will face after graduation and entering college. Parents, family members, and
friends were excited as their children were officially inducted into the most prestigious organization in the high school.
Throughout the month of February, NHS member Monique Harris provided Public Service Announcements on famous people in
Black History. Beginning the month of March, the National Honor Society jump started its fundraising efforts with “Donuts and
Bagels” each Tuesday and Thursday in the school store. The funds raised will support our goal to attend a national conference.
NOVA Discipline Academy
Derek Faulk, Supervisor, (248) 336-7650
D r. M a r t i n
Luther King,
J r. w a s o n e
of the greatest
civil rights
leaders of all time.
In his honor, Oak Park School District held
a contest challenging the students for ways
to “Deliver on his dream”. Mrs. Woods
served as the coordinating teacher of this
project.
Students were allowed to write
poems or essays, create posters, or even write
a rap. We are proud to announce that Latrell
Sands is the contest winner for his poster
submission. We encourage our students to
learn how to express themselves and Latrell
did an outstanding job of putting his thoughts
on paper in a very creative manner.
GARDENING PROJECT
Spring is in the air which means Spring
Garden time for Mr. Maxey’s elementary
students. With the assistance of a few high
school students, a garden in our courtyard
will come alive. Mr. Maxey will cover
photosynthesis, seed germination, and soil
nutrition; in his classes where hands on
learning will take place. In addition, the
students will take part in a science field trip
to learn more about kinetic and potential
energy.
BUILDING SELF ESTEEM
Ms. Abbot-Burton, SWAG (Students With
Awareness and Goals) is in full swing. We
have 15 boys and 15 girls participating in
SWAG. This program helps students build
For Black History Month, Social Studies
healthy relationships, better communications
students were assigned a video review
skills, strong self-esteem, set goals, and to
project called “The Rise and Fall of Jim
demonstrate increased leadership skills.
Crow.” Students were expected to watch
the movie and write an essay detailing
OUT OF CLASSROOM LEARNING
their emotions and feelings of the events
displayed. Ms. Woods also coordinated this Several students attended the play “Beat
the Streets” at The Apostolic Church in
learning activity.
Auburn Hills, MI. There were many critical
-26-
messages shared with the students through
this amazing production. The story was
about how three young people overcame
many obstacles and became doctors. The
students enjoyed this field trip.
Mr. L. Whitfield and Mr. E. Scott took all of
the male students to the Ryan Correctional
Facility. The inmates shared their stories
with students explaining to them how
important it is to stay on track with school
and continue to make progress with their
lives. Problem solving techniques and
conflict resolution skills were part of this
learning experience. For some, this was a
life changing experience.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
Vincent McKinney is a model student.
He attends NOVA for credit recovery
after an injury which prevented him
from completing some of his credits. He
is timely, prepared, and studious every
day. Vincent is commended for his “take
care of business” attitude. We are proud
to acknowledge him as a STUDENT
LEADER and role model for all students.
Oak Park Alternative Education Center
Harry Bautista, Director/Amire Congress, Principal (248) 291-6722
Oak Park
Alternative
Education
C e n t e r
opened its
doors to students in
January of 2011, in collaboration with ATS
Educational Consulting Services and the
Oak Park School District. Our focal point
is that of engaging students looking for a
non-traditional learning path. We want to
assist those students who need additional
support to succeed and help them earn a
high school diploma.
opportunity to advance academically with our areas: Building
Trades; Medical
on-site vocational training courses.
Office Assistant;
Our dedicated staff is fully equipped and C u l i n a r y A r t s ;
trained with educational resources to help B u s i n e s s &
students with their academic, emotional, C o m p u t e r
and/or social challenges. Although our Technology; Music/Video Production;
core academic learning is provided through Cosmetology/Hair Culture; and Manicuring/
virtual means, we offer one-on-one support Nail Technician.
when needed, to best meet the needs of our
students.
The goal is to help students enter college
and/or the workforce after graduation. We
partner with several organizations such as
Focus Hope and a variety of workforce
development organizations.
Students who attend our school are from
a variety of backgrounds. Many of the
students are looking for a second chance
or a renewed opportunity to achieve their
potential. Primarily, the mission is to
provide an engaged learning environment
where students are taught the value of
character, self-discipline, education, and
life skills.
The 2013-2014 school year continues to
provide one of the best alternative learning
experiences for our students. We have
maintained our enrollment, which helps
us to continue to provide seven different
on-demand career paths for our students to
choose from. We are giving the students an
Our instructional methods consist of courses
that are delivered through interactive
multimedia software, where students have
access to their lessons anytime from any
computer with internet access. Students are
encouraged to attend class daily, MondayFriday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., where they
are given the opportunity to meet with and
get the support from certified teachers and
mentors. We support our students in every
way in achieving the goal of earning their 20
required graduation credits. Earning a high
school diploma is the goal for each and every
one of our students.
We are using smaller classrooms to better
assist the students in hands-on assignments
and courses. This technique has proven
effective to students that need smaller
classroom settings to excel and advance. The
on-demand career technical training courses
provide hands-on experience and exposure to
career interests. Students are able to select the
career field of their choice from the following
-27-
To make sure our students know that we care
and expect them to further their education
after they have earned their diploma; all
graduates are given a $500 scholarship
to enroll in post secondary education or
certified vocational training. Graduating
students have up to a year to apply the
scholarship to the school of their choice.
We provide a variety of wraparound services
to assist students where resources may
be limited. We offer free lunch daily, bus
tickets, and shuttle van services to and from
bus routes. To ensure our students have the
best possible high school experience, we
have graduation activities for our students
(i.e. prom, commencement, etc.). The 2014
Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for
June 17, 2014.
OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES/REGISTRATION
Angela Smith, Student Services Coordinator, (248) 336-7708
Registration/
Enrollment
our office located at 13900 Granzon during incidents, free and reduced lunch status and
the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
more via the internet.
You may find all documentation needed to
enroll in advance by visiting our district
website at www.oakparkschools.org. Please
feel free to contact Mrs. Angela Smith or
Ms. Brittany DeSmet at (248) 336-7708 if
you have any further questions pertaining to
enrollment. We will be happy to assist you.
“ T h e
Oak Park
School district
welcomes you to
enroll your child(ren)
now!” Oak Park Schools are committed to
educational excellence, and offer a warm
and friendly learning environment. If you
are seeking to enroll your child, please visit
To log into Parent Connect you simply visit
our district website and click the link at the
top “Zangle Parent Connect.” When you
click the link it will prompt you to enter your
pin and password.
If you are in need of your pin and password
for Parent Connect, please send an email to
We encourage you to take advantage of Parent [email protected] to setup your
Connect! Parent Connect is an innovative tool account today.
that allows you to view your child’s academic
progress, attendance history, behavior
OFFICE OF SPECIALIZED STUDENT SERVICES
Sherrie L. Johnson, Director, (248) 336-7673
teachers from
Oak Park School
District. This
program assists
with the effective and
safe transition into adult
community living.
Igniting in Every Child
a Passion for Learning
Greetings! As the 2013-14 school year rapidly
comes to a close, I wanted to share a few proud
moments of our students.
In an effort to improve reading, Ms. Erica
Grushoff, of Great Oaks Day Treatment,
sponsored “March Madness” an annual reada-thon. The students that participated in this
contest agreed to collectively read 100 books,
complete book reports, write at least one themebased poem and complete a 3-D project based
on a theme from one of the books read.
The staff will continue to move, develop,
and implement programs that support our
vision, “to ensure that students are presented
with quality differentiated instruction and the
The students enrolled at Great Oaks eagerly appropriate support needed for their success.”
and enthusiastically met the reading goal.
Now that’s an accomplishment!! Ms. Grushoff
rewarded their efforts with a field trip that
included breakfast, a movie and a visit to a
local area bookstore to purchase a book of
their choice.
Our students continue to Explore the Arts at Key
Elementary School, as recipients of the Arts in
Education Residency Program grant. Recently,
the resident artist, Ms. Molly Landis, hosted
a strolling art exhibit to display the students’
completed projects. Stay tuned for art displays
from the students at both Einstein and Pepper
Elementary Schools.
In addition, several students at Oak Park
High School have participated in Work Based
Education experiences; working for local
organizations such as Forgotten Harvest,
Outback Steakhouse and Grace Center of
Hope. This work based learning experience
provides educational experiences related to
school instruction (applying independent living/
life skills) involving supervised work and
-28-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)
Hana Bahoora, ELL Teacher, (248) 336-7780
to the American Society, while incorporating multicultural awareness, survival
skills, and academic success.
Services of Title III Program
In the last few years, the Oak Park School
District experienced an increased number
of immigrants and refugee students. These
students and their families have been forced
to leave behind their homes and belongings,
and seek safety and stability in a new country.
school for many years because of the war in
their country. Thus, they are in need of rigorous language immersion during school and
after school hours. Therefore, the Oak Park
School District’s Title III Program is designed to accommodate their needs, which is
also supplemented by the ACC (Arab Chaldean Council).
Oak Park School district is home to more
than 130 immigrants and Refugee students.
Most of these students have no formal education; having missed many years of schooling; and/or have seen a significant gap in
their educational learning. Some are illiterate in their own language; which makes it
impossible to transfer knowledge since they
have not previously learned the required
home language. Others have not attended
Parent engagement is vital to student
achievement and personal success in the
Oak Park School District. Thus, the title
III program holds many bilingual parent education workshops throughout the
school year to inform the bilingual parents about districts rules, norms, new
technology, and tips to help their children
succeed in American Schools.
In conclusion, the Title III Program in
Oak Park Schools provides the immigrant
students with tools to integrate and adjust
academically and socially in school, and
community.
The purpose of the Title III program is to
strengthen the immigrant students ability to
become proficient in English language skills
and support them in creating a safe home
environment. ELL teachers and Bilingual
Paraprofessionals provide English language
instructions and one- on -one academic support to the ELL students, and assist them in
developing cultural skills in their new environment. In addition, the ELL program
is helping students and their families adjust
2013-2014 TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
Daveda J. Colbert, Ph.D., Superintendent
Our academic transformation would not be
possible without the dedicated instructional
staff that is more technologically savvy than
ever before and are committed to going the
extra mile. Sure, we’re moving into common
core, but a day in the life of a teacher in the
Oak Park School District is not just about
teaching the curriculum. We have dynamic
professionals that go the extra mile.
Three of our phenomenal instructional staff
have been recognized as Oak Park School
District Teachers of the Year, and will represent the district among the best instructional staff in Oakland County on May 8,
2014. They are Key Elementary Teacher
Mrs. Marcia Bonds with 16 years of service,
Oak Park Preparatory Academy Teacher Mrs.
Catherine Kaczmar with 14 years of service,
and Oak Park Freshman Institute Teacher
Mrs. Anna Winiarski-Kuzdak with 30
years of service. They were recognized at
the April Board Meeting for their dedication and hard work. These three dynamic
teacher leaders serve as role models for
students and staff alike. They actively participate in the lives of all of the students
that they come in contact with, while impacting each student individually. They
are very creative and resourceful and have
their own sense of being that makes them
unique in their own right. Each of them
actively participates in professional learning opportunities with open minds, as well
as, they facilitate collaborative learning in
their own buildings.
-29-
These educators are phenomenal women, who are reflective of the majority of
our instructional staff. Again, we say job
well done and congratulations to Mrs.
Marcia Bonds, Mrs. Catherine Kaczmar,
and Mrs. Anna Winiarski-Kuzdak for being selected our 2013-2014 Teachers of
the Year.
Oak Park Schools
Technology Department
Jim Nye, Technology Manager, (248) 336-7668
WHAT’S
GOING
ON IN THE
TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT
school year, and that there is a lot of preparation we’re doing in the background. Well, it’s
happening pretty fast. For the next couple of
weeks, our elementary and middle school stuZackhary Kilgore
dents will be taking a practice online test in eiTechnician
ther social studies, science, or both. This allows
Tommy Burton
us to make sure our network and computers can
Technician
Spring is here and that means it’s “go” time handle the new demands, and it allows the state than it would have cost a few years ago. This
for the Technology Department. As this ar- to get feedback on their testing programs and means that in September, the students will be reticle is being written, we’re currently install- individual test questions.
turning to either Windows 7 or Windows 8 and
ing an all new wireless system at Oak Park The spring testing helps our students be aware the latest versions of Office! Are you excited
Prep, Einstein, Key, and Pepper. This means of, and used to, the new online testing protocol. yet? We certainly are!
every classroom will soon have access to Best of all, these sample tests (and a few other
wireless internet. In fact, by the time you’re requirements) are the funding source for the One final note before includes a tip to help your
reading this, the students will most likely new wireless system and the 90+ devices. It’s son and/or daughter. Do you want to help prebe “cruising the net” and practicing for the almost as if we’re getting all this great new tech- pare your child for the newest testing? Perhaps
you want to try the new test yourself, or have
upcoming online testing using the new wire- nology for free!
less system. In addition to wireless, we’re Testing aside, with the extinction of Windows your son or daughter run through one. Below
planning on adding 90+ new Chromebooks XP, it’s time that we upgrade all of our Comput- are two helpful links, the first gives you inforor laptops in the coming months to support ers to the latest versions of Windows. Microsoft mation on one of the proposed tests, the second
allows you to take an actual practice test. So…
the new testing.
reached out to us and offered us a fantastic new Are you smarter than a 5th grader?
In the last Reach, I’d mentioned that the new educational licensing program that allows us to
State testing is going from paper and pen- upgrade all our machines to the latest versions http://www.smarterbalanced.org/practice-test/
cil to a computer-based online format next of Microsoft Office and Windows for far-far less http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/
OAK PARK SCHOOLS TELEVISION
Eric Vancil, Production Supervisor, (248) 336-7760
OPSD TV is continuing its tradition of bringing quality
programming to the students, staff, and community of the
Oak Park School District and beyond. The OPSD Video
Production Department is proud to offer the students of
Oak Park an opportunity for hands-on training in the area
of video production. Our student interns (the OPSD TV
Video Production Club) have participated in numerous
productions ranging from school board meetings, to
assembly and award ceremonies. We are excited to extend
our video production club to both OPPA and OPFI during
the 2014-2015 school year.
OPSD TV has many exciting developments in the works.
We will be training students during the summer months, as
well as beginning a direct involvement in the classroom,
both in the production classes, as well as curriculum-based
programming.
Yo u c a n a c c e s s
OPSD TV from
anywhere in the
world on our district
website: http://www.
oakparkschools.org/content/
oak-park-schools-tv
May, 2014 - Programming Guide, Channel 17
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thur
Fri
1
2
See 4/29
4
5
See 5/01
11
6
See 5/01
12
See 5/07
18
13
See 5/07
19
See 5/14
25
20
OPPA/OPFI/OPHS
Spring Concert
27
See 5/21
8
District Elementary
Spelling Bee
Key Spring Concert
Pepper Spring Concert
Board of Education
May 12, 2014
9
22
28
Keeper of the Promise
Celebration of the Life
of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.
29
-30-
10
See 5/07
16
See 5/13
21
-30Highlights of Homecoming
Featuring the Pep Rally,
Parade, Game Highlights
and Dance
See 5/07
17
See 5/14
23
See 5/20
See 5/14
24
See 5/21
30
See 527
3
See 5/01
See 5/01
See 5/06
15
14
Knights Under the Stars
Homecoming Extravaganza
Story Time with Mayor Marian McClellan
See 5/14
26
See 5/21
7
Careers in Motion
Guests: Paul Abbott & Hodo
NJS Induction Ceremony
Sat
See 521
31
See 5/28
See 5/28
Michigan Works! (Oak Park Career Center)
Mona DeFrancesco, Director, (248) 691-8437
Looking for a summer
job? We are accepting
applications for Summer Work Experience:
Stop by our office –
Room 105 - and grab one!
(Eligibility requirements apply)
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!
Job Openings
Job Fairs
Career ideas
For UP-TO-DATE
NEWS ….
22180 Parklawn
Oak Park, MI 48237
Telephone: (248)-691-8437
TDD: (800)-649-3777 or 711
Visit us on the web at: www.oakparkcareercenter.org
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
FACEBOOK
facebook.com/OakParkMichiganWorks
twitter.com/OakParkMIWorks
Chartwells Food Service
Aric Weinclaw, Director, (248) 336-7757
lunchroom? Even though meals are
free this year, school cafeterias still
offer a variety of a la carte items that
may be purchased. If you want to find
out how your child is spending their
money, it’s now easier than ever to
find out. Simply visit our website at
www.oakparkschools.org, click on
Zangle Parent Connect and then enter
your log-in information.
Greetings
Oak Park
Parents &
Community
•
(CEO) “Community Eligibility Option”- This year Oak Park Schools
has qualified for the Community
Option. What does this mean for
your child? It means everyone gets
a free meal! Free meals are available for breakfast and lunch. Be
sure to take advantage of this great
program.
•
Though everyone qualifies for free
meals, there is a household survey
that we ask you to fill out for your
child. If you haven’t already filled
one out, please take the time to get
one from the main office of your
child’s school. You may return it
to the main office once you have
filled it out.
•
Parents, wondering how your child
is spending their money in the
•
Oak Park School District Breakfast
Program: As part of the CEO Program, breakfast throughout the district
is provided for free. Secondary school
students interested in eating breakfast
simply have to visit their school cafeteria before school to enjoy a nutritious, well balanced meal. Elementary
school students will have breakfast
provided for them in their classroom.
Any questions? Please contact the
Director of Dining Services or your
child’s lunchroom foodservice worker for further details regarding your
child’s breakfast times and location in
their school.
-31-
•
Wondering what’s on the menu?
Looking for nutritional information
or curious about Oak Park School
Districts food service provider?
Click on the District Departments
link on the Oak Park Schools website, choose Food Services and you
will find all of this and more.
•
Free Summer Feeding Sites: Looking for free nutritious meals this
summer for all children 18 years
old and under? Visit the Oak Park
Schools official website, look for
the food service department webpage, and click on the “Summer
Feeding” link. Or you can also
reach this site directly by going
to www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp. Once
there you will find extensive information about summer feeding
programs and where your nearest site may be located. For those
without computer access, please
call 1-866-3-HUNGRY and a live
operator will tell you where the
closest sites serving free, nutritious
summer meals are located.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING IN THE REACH, CALL 248-336-7705
Requests for
Oak Park School
District
News Items
In an ongoing effort to
effectively showcase
student and staff
achievements throughout the
district, your input and support
is essential.
Please submit your articles, acknowledgements and
other pertinent information relative to staff and student
achievement to Lorna J. Wilson, Coordinator to the
Superintendent and Executive Director of Curriculum
and Title Programs, by the fourth Friday of each
month.
2013-2014 Calendar of Events
May 26, 2014
 May 27, 2014
Schools Closed
Memorial Day
Classes Resume
June 11, 2014
Secondary Exams AM
1/2 Day Students AM
1/2 Day Records PM
June 13, 2014
June 12, 2014
Secondary Exams AM
1/2 Day Students AM
1/2 Day Records PM
Student’s Last Day
of School
Staff - No Students
Furlough Day
FIRST DAY OF
SUMMER SCHOOL
6-24-2014
FIRST DAY
OF SCHOOL - 2014-2015
9-2-2014
Schedule for Upcoming Board Meetings
For the 2014-2015 school year, the REACH will be
published in December and May. It is our goal to
acknowledge all that strive to REACH their maximum
potential.
May 12, 2014
June 9, 2014
June 23, 2014
July 14, 2014
Sincerely,
Lorna J. Wilson, MAT, MSIT
Coordinator, Administration Office
& REACH Newsletter Graphic Designer
Email: [email protected]
Meetings convene at 7:00 PM, Administration Building,
13900 Granzon, Oak Park, MI 48237 unless another location or time is specified.
-32-

Reach Newsletter May 2014

Transcription

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