First Day of School is September 3, 2008

June 2008
www.livonia.k12.mi.us • Serving portions of Livonia & Westland • Vol. 36, No. 5
Military Veteran Receives
High School Diploma
Franklin High School principal Dan
Willenborg had the distinct honor of awarding
Bill Roberts, an 83-year-old US Navy
veteran his high school diploma on Saturday,
June 7. Roberts was unable to obtain his
diploma due to active duty serving in the
Pacific Theater in World War II. Roberts
has volunteered with Franklin students for
the past two and a half years.
Photo courtesy of Tom Hoffmeyer Observer Newspaper.
Veterans of WWII or the Korean War
who were unable to obtain their high
school diploma due to active military
service should contact the Communications
Department at 734-744-2522.
Congratulations Class of 2008!
What an outstanding school year for our Class of 2008!
Graduation is the fitting time to review our graduating seniors’
accomplishments, and we are at no loss for information to share:
In 2008, LPS graduated 1,467 students from Churchill, Franklin
and Stevenson High Schools; and at press time, students have
been awarded over $4.3 million in scholarships and awards.
From the three schools combined, 116 students graduated with the Summa Cum Laude
distinction (3.95 gpa and above); 92 students with the Magna Cum Laude distinction
(3.75-3.94 gpa and above); and 124 students with the Cum Laude distinction (3.5-3.74 gpa
and above).
The Board of
Education
recognized its
six National
Merit Finalists
on April 28.
Webster’s Academically Talented
Program Opens to Limited Schools
of Choice
Ten seats are open to students entering
3rd grade in fall 2008
Limited Registration window: June 24-July 8
Livonia Public Schools is opening its
Alternative Classrooms for the Academically
Talented (ACAT) program to Limited
Schools of Choice for the 2008-09 school
year. This program is geared toward
academically talented students looking for a
specialized learning experience. Applications
will be accepted for students from outside
the LPS area, as well as for incoming third
grade LPS students that missed this year’s
ACAT testing window. All candidates MUST
meet the ACAT selection testing criteria.
Registration will be open from June 24-July 8
at the Dept. of Instruction, 15125 Farmington,
Livonia 48154 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Openings were announced in the Observer
and on the LPS website beginning June 19.
For complete information on the application
process, visit www.livonia.k12.mi.us, or
contact Charlotte Worthen, Director of
Instruction at 734-744-2589.
One hundred twenty-one graduates qualified for membership to the National Honor Society
(NHS). The pillars of the NHS are based upon scholastics, character, leadership, and
community service.
Many graduates have won special honors and awards in the classroom and on the
athletic fields, which are highlighted on their individual high school pages. There were
so many accomplishments, we could not include them all. See pages three through six
for a few of these many awards. Indeed, LPS has earned bragging rights for turning out
accomplished graduates.
Parents and caregivers of graduates, thank you for being our partner in preparing your
children.
Congratulations Class of 2008!
Randy Liepa, Ph.D.
Superintendent
First Day of School is September 3, 2008
District News
Summer Registration Information
Middle Schools and High Schools
Throughout the summer months, both middle and high school
students are to register at their home school, as there is secretarial
coverage in these buildings.
Elementary Schools
Through August 15, elementary school students are to register at
Central Office, located at 15125 Farmington Road. Contact Sue
Higgins at 734-744-2541 or Cindy Armstrong at 734-744-2558
to schedule an appointment.
Schedule a School Tour This Summer
School tours are available during the summer months to non-LPS
families who are considering attending Livonia Public Schools.
Please contact the Communications Department at 734-744-2522
to schedule a school tour.
Are You New to the LPS Community?
If you are new to the LPS community, welcome to the District!
We would love to introduce you to our schools and programs, so
please contact the Communications Department at 734-744-2522.
We will mail you a DVD and an information packet about the
LPS community. Also, please check our website for additional
information for new families at www.livonia.k12.mi.us.
Are you a new parent?
LPS Foundation to Sponsor
Back-to-School Events at K-4
Schools
The LPS Foundation is excited to announce
that it will be sponsoring back-to-school get
togethers on the grounds of our K-4 schools.
This will be a great opportunity for schoolmates and their families
to get together and celebrate the opening of school with their
classmates and friends. There will be food and fun activities,
as well as inflatables for students to enjoy.
All proceeds from these events will go to the LPS Foundation.
Look for dates and times later this summer and online at
www.livonia.k12.mi.us. See you there!
Webster Fire Update
The Webster School program, displaced this year to Taylor
Elementary School due to the fire that occurred in February,
now has a permanent home. Extensive review and negotiation
occurred with the District’s insurance representatives. The school
district will receive a cash settlement for the fire. After analyzing
the District’s current vacant facilities, the Webster Program will
be moved to the former Tyler Elementary School.
This move will allow the District to reduce the cost of the insurance claim, while at the same time bring back utilization
of one of our vacant schools. The District will also be able to
improve the vacant Tyler school facility to meet its needs using
the insurance proceeds.
LPS educational programs begin at birth! Contact Deborah
Squirewell at Perrinville Early Childhood Center at 734-744-2765,
to receive age-appropriate information to get your child off to a
great educational start!
Tyler Elementary School was chosen over the other vacant
facilities because it is the largest school with the most space, it
has the best layout for the Webster program, and it provides the
ability to facilitate the many school buses that transport students
to Webster ACAT and special education programs.
Check out a great resource for summer activities
that is updated monthly: Great Parents, Great
Start Parent Child Events
We are pleased to be moving forward with the placement of our
valuable Webster program. Again, many thanks to the community,
Webster parents, and Webster staff for the tremendous job they
have done and the patience they have shown in dealing with this
tragic event.
http:www.resa.net/early/calendars/2008.calendar.pdf
Michigan Merit Curriculum Online
High school graduation requirements have changed for the Class
of 2011 and beyond. LPS has developed a Frequently Asked
Questions document for parents/guardians to review in order to
help them become better acquainted with the new graduation
requirements and the impact these new requirements will have
on their child(ren)’s high school experience(s). The Frequently
Asked Questions document can be found on the District’s website
at www.livonia.k12.mi.us and on each high school’s website.
Visit us online at www.livonia.k12.mi.us, click
on Calendar, and pull down to Cable TV for a
calendar of year-end programs.
Livonia Public Schools:
Teaming together to ensure learning for all!
www.livonia.k12.mi.us
Serving portions of Livonia & Westland
June 2008 • Vol. 36 No. 5
Dialog is an official publication of the Livonia Public Schools. It is published regularly
and mailed to residents of the Livonia School District as a public service. We encourage
your response. All correspondence should be addressed to:
15125 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI 48154.
To contact the LPS Communications office, please call 734-744-2522 or
email [email protected].

Churchill High School
Sports Highlights
Class of 2008
Honors and Highlights
Winter: 50 Scholar Athletes
Cheerleading
Southgate Invitational Champions
Hockey
Division Champions
All State 1st Team: Nathan Milam,
Garrett Mencier
Gymnastics (Livonia Red)
State Qualifiers
9th in the State
Conference Gymnastics
Champion: Paula Guzik
All State: Paula Guzik
Wrestling
State Qualifiers: Andrew Murray,
Jon Paul Gaffke
The Churchill High School Quiz Bowl team recently competed
in “The High School Challenge,” which airs on PBS station
WFUM. The team recently made it to the final round, but they
lost by one question to Novi. They also took their 7th trip to
Nationals in Chicago.
Pom Pon
7th in the State
“Spending four years at Churchill
has been a great experience. I
learned many things, not only
from textbooks, but also about
myself. High school is much
more of an experience than I
expected, and I am glad I
was able to be a part of it at
Churchill.”
Spring: 77 Scholar Athletes
Girl’s Track & Field
City Champions
Division Champions
Regional Champions
All State: Kyndra Abron, Sara Kroll
Boy’s Track & Field
Derik Peterman
Boy’s Baseball
City Champions
Boy’s Golf
MHSAA Regional Qualifiers
On October 10, approximately 10,000 students in Michigan
participated in Part I of the Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition.
High-performing students were invited to participate in Part II.
Pictured left to right above are the LPS students who finished in the
top 106 of students in the state.
Special Recognitions
James P. Carli Memorial Scholarship
Meghan Murray
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
Xavier Ziemba
Churchill Athletic Patron Scholarship
Daran Carey
Vincent Carozza
Sarah LaBerge
Joseph Varilone
Ryan Whittum
Laura Tomassi
“These past four years at
Churchill have been great and
went by faster than I could
have ever imagined. I developed incredible friendships,
and I have enough memories
to last a lifetime. No matter
what happens, I will always be
a Charger at heart.”
Franklin High School
Sports Highlights
Honors and Highlights
Winter: 63 Scholar Athletes
The Detroit News named Daniel The
Best and the Brightest. With a 3.9
gpa, Daniel has achieved: All-State
wrestling honors, All-State academic
honors, MVP Award, PTSA Council
Outstanding Youth Award, Varsity
Wrestling Captain, Scholar Athlete
Award, City Champion, Wayne County
Commissions Honors, and State of
Michigan Special Tribute. Daniel will
attend Wayne State University with
career plans as a pharmacist.
Girls’ Basketball
MHSAA District Champions
All State: Briauna Taylor
Wrestling
MHSAA District Champions
All State: Dan Woodall, Jared
Pieknik
Gymnastics
All State: Meghan Powers,
Emily Quint, Kelly Tapella
Katlyn gives her acceptance speech of
the Michigan Legion of Merit medal,
approved and signed by Major General
Coutler, Adjutant General of the
Michigan National Guard. The
Michigan Legion of Merit medal is
awarded to the outstanding senior
NJROTC cadet for academic achievement, leadership, and contribution to the
tenets of the NJROTC for four years.
Pom Pon
4th in the State
Spring: 71 Scholar Athletes
Girl’s Track
Raider Relay Champions
Stafford Relay Champions
Boy’s Track
Patriot Invitational Champions
All State: 4x100 Relay Team/
Darell Myree, Issac Cadet, Michael
Baumgardner, Paul Voegele
Softball
Farmington Invitational Champions
Baseball
District Champions
Boy’s Golf
Regional Qualifiers
Class of 2008
Special Recognitions
Female Athlete of the Year
Ashley Price
Male Athlete of the Year
Daniel Woodall
James P. Carli Scholarship
Christopher Noffze
Christopher Kempa
Scholarship
Zachary Wojnar
Brian Hinzman Scholarship
Matthew Hintz
Patriot Club Scholarship
Michael Krcatovich
Jared Pieknik
Molly Perkins
Elizabeth Reinke
Observer Academic All-State
Daniel Woodall
Catherine Kent
“High school has honestly been
the best four years of my life.
I have made memories and
friendships that I know will last a
lifetime. I am sad to be leaving,
but I know that Franklin High
School has prepared me well for
the real world.”
Franklin Key Award
Christopher Noffze
Catherine Kent
Olompia Ackall
Daniel Ostrowsky
Michigan Legion of Merit
Medal
Katlyn Ellerby
Graduates Entering Military
Service
Grayson Aronhalt, USMC
Ryan Leright, USAF
Angelo Ciotta, USN
Anthony Seluk, USA
Joshua Edwards, USMC
Amanda Wincel, USN
Andrew Gunter, USMC
“My high school experience
has been filled with memories
and experiences that I will hold
on to forever. As I look to the
future, I am confident I have
been given the tools necessary
to be successful. I hope to build
on this foundation and lead with
the positive character that the
Franklin community has instilled
in me.”
Stevenson High School
Sports Highlights
Class of 2008
Honors and Highlights
Winter: 77 Scholar Athletes
Hockey
State Regional Finalists
All State 1st Team: Patrick McHugh,
Michael Voran, Mark Bekkala.
Wrestling
State Qualifiers: Michael Fobar, Razmig
Markosian, Ziad Kharbush, Emanuel
Onwuemene. All State: Ziad Kharbush
Boys Swimming and Diving
Division & Conference Champions
State Qualifiers: Kyle Hermann, Aaren
Marecki, Christopher Behler, Michael
Cruce, Ryan Scott, Bryan Bielicki.
Robert Luke, Joseph Wingett.
All State: Robert Luke, Joseph Wingett
Gymnastics (Livonia Blue)
Division & Conference Champions,
State Regional Champions,
State Finish: 3rd place
State Qualifiers: Laura Nomura,
Brittany Janis, Dalia Shafie
Spring: 80 Scholar Athletes
Girl’s Tennis
City & Division Champions,
State Regional 3rd Place
Boy’s Golf
Lakes Division Champions
State Final Qualifier: Drew Mossoian
Boy’s Track
Observerland, City, Division, Conference
& State Regional Champs.
State Qualifiers: Mitchell White, Myles
White, Austin White, Nicholas Anagnostou,
Christopher Golonka, Nathaniel Sergison,
Michael Gibbons, Derek Buskey,
Stephen Pollard, Jacob Gudeman,
Patrick York. MHSAA State Champion:
Mitchell White (High Jump)
Girl’s Track
State Regional - 2nd place
State Qualifiers: Katherine Glynn,
Christine Tappan, Christina Joss,
Katherine Vidler, Rebecca Adamcheck,
Courtney Calka, Michelle Blackstone.
All-State: Courtney Calka
Girl’s Soccer
City Champs
Softball
City Champs
The Fine Arts Department of Livonia Public Schools has an
exciting new partnership with State Senator Glenn Anderson.
The Senator hosts a revolving display of artwork at his
Lansing office created by our Stevenson art students. “I am
honored to display such marvelous art work from such talented,
young individuals. This artwork is on loan from Kyle Dunn
(12th), Aaron Dunn (12th), and Daniel Fairbanks (10th), and
it is prominently displayed in the main hallway of my Senate
office. I have already had many favorable comments from
visitors.” - State Senator Glenn S. Anderson
“I am very fortunate to have had
such an amazing high school
career. I wouldn’t change a
thing about it. The friends and
memories I have made here are
things I will always cherish.
Stevenson has given me tools
to be a successful member of
society. I am very proud to be
an alumni of such an exceptional
institution of learning.”
Special Recognitions
Jay W. Formsma Award Finalists
Sneha Abraham
Mark Ingram
Kelsey Arsenault
Ziad Kharbush
Danielle Balaghi
Brandon Kirby
Anthony Dostal
Kathryn LaBelle
Michael Gibbons
Brendan McCarthy
Kevin Reschke
Katelyn Roberts
Julia Schroeder
Brittany Wilk
2008 Jay W. Formsma Award Winners
Brendan McCarthy Katelyn Roberts
2008 Bob Massey Award Winners
Brendan McCarthy Brittany Wilk
Livonia Career Technical Center Award of Academic
Excellence
Natalie Fenech
Livonia Observer 2008 Academic All-Star Team Members
Kathryn LaBelle
Molly Roseland
WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 Best and Brightest Representative
Katelyn Roberts
2008 Brieske Award Winners (Top female & male athletes)
Julia Schroeder
Matthew Broome
All-State Academic
Michael Gibbons
Patrick McHugh Brittany Janis
Dalia Shafie
Jamie Johnson
“In my four years at Stevenson, I
have had the opportunity to learn
so much about myself and what I
am truly capable of. I have made
some amazing memories, and
the teachers and peers I have
encountered have taught me
lessons that I will carry with me
in the years to come. I am
thankful for the time I have had
at SHS and know that it has
given me a strong base to build
upon in the future.”
Program Recognitions
Class of 2008
Math, Science and Computers (MSC) Program
Western Wayne Skill Center
The Mathematics Science Computer (MSC) Program at Churchill High
School was founded in 1984. The MSC program is comprised of students
from all three Livonia high schools who qualify for this advanced academic
program based on academic test scores, an application process, and teacher
recommendations.
Our mission is to provide instruction in the life roles
of worker, family member, citizen, and recreation
participant. Our goal is to prepare students to make
choices leading to a healthy, satisfying, and productive
lifestyle. The major emphasis of the program is
on learning universal life and employability skills
rather than specific technical training. Classes are
designed to be as close to an actual work setting
as possible; many are actually out in a community
setting or have a community component as part of
the class. Functional skills are emphasized. The
functional academic approach is demonstration
and “hands on” whenever possible. The school is
designed to be a transition program, rather than a
pure academic school. Special education work
experiences are provided through a variety of
courses, classrooms, and community areas.
Outstanding MSC Senior Award Recipients:
Alisha Lussiez
Meghan Murray
Xavier Ziemba
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Program
Founded in 1986, the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Program offers an
in-depth study of drama, dance, music and the visual arts. The curriculum is
designed to teach classical and contemporary art forms. Guest artists are on
campus to instruct and critique students in workshops/seminars and masters classes.
CAPA Program Award Recipients:
Alexandra Yarnevich: Outstanding Student in Theatre
Kathryn Lee: Outstanding Student in Vocal
Lauren Inglis: Outstanding Student in Dance
Emily Osborn: Excellence in Theatre
Jessica Mulcahy-Miller: Excellence in Filmmaking
Kayla Medlen: Excellence in Vocal
Brianna Devlin: Excellence in Vocal
Danielle Mika: Excellence in Vocal
Tiffany Taylor: Excellence in Vocal
Career Technical Center Technology
Education Awards
The Livonia Career Technical Center (LCTC) offers career and technical
training in five of the six career pathways established by the Michigan
Department of Career Development. The following students have been
honored for their efforts in the 2007-08 school year:
For the 2007-08 school year, the Western Wayne Skill
Center completed nineteen students who received a
Certificate of Completion, and 25 students who received
a high school diploma and a Certificate of Completion.
Adult and Continuing Education
Adult & Continuing Education Program enrollments
for the 2007-2008 school year included 78 GED/ABE
students, 59 alternative education students, 38 adult
secondary/enrichment students, and 749 English as
a Second Language (ESL) students. Also, more than
200 high school credit recovery students received
diplomas, certifications, achievement and completion
credentials, and academic awards.
Churchill
Alanna Bosen: Medical Assisting (Rotary) Health Sciences Pathway
Anthony Foresta: Architectural Technology (Rotary) Engineering Technical
Pathway
William Mayer: Residential Construction Engineering Technical Pathway
Martha Stortz: Engineering Technology Engineering Technical Pathway
Franklin
Tiffany Bigger: Fashion Business/Marketing Pathway
Kristen Mehl: Fashion (Rotary) Business/Marketing Pathway
Lauren Osiwala: Medical Assisting (Rotary) Health Sciences Pathway
Marian Perez: Digital Imaging Art/Humanities Pathway
Stevenson
Jenessa Eadeh: Fashion Business/Marketing Pathway
Nicole Jaros: Medical Occupations (Rotary) Health Sciences Pathway
Nikole Najorka: Cisco (Rotary) Business/Marketing Pathway
Ian O’Malley: Criminal Justice Human Services Pathway
The Career Technical Center sponsored its 1st
Robotic Mania Open House to introduce the new
Robotic Team to the community. Northville High
School, Plymouth-Salem High School, and the
International Academy also attended, and the teams
participated in a fun competition.
Introducing School News on the Web
We are so proud of our schools and students who accomplish so
many wonderful achievements. In the 2007-08 school year, we
implemented a new feature on the District website called School
News. Here are a few of the many examples of school and student
achievements that are posted online and updated throughout the
school year at www.livonia.k12.mi.us.
Lindsey, an 11th grader at Churchill
High School, was accepted to attend
the prestigious Congressional Academy
summer institute. Only two students
from each state receive this
all-expense paid program paid for
by the US Department of Education.
Lindsey will earn three hours of college
credit for participating in this two-week
program in Washington, D.C.
Emerson students Lorna, Michael, and Nick competed in the
39th Annual America and Me essay contest, winning 1st, 3rd, and
2nd place respectively out of several thousand submissions from
over 500 schools in Michigan. The contest topic this year was
“My Personal Hero.” Lorna’s first place essay was about her dog;
Nick’s second place essay was about his brother, and Michael’s
third place essay was about his father coming to America from
Romania.
Six Stevenson teams competed in the Michigan Japanese Quiz
Bowl on March 15th. The second year team of Joe, Amanda, Jade,
and Chris won first place in the State of Michigan amongst 29
teams.
Two Frost Middle
School students,
Stephany and
Franklin were invited
to the Midwest
Academic Talent
Search Award
Ceremony at Northwestern University.
These students were identified by scoring well on district
standardized testing and then had the option of participating in
the Midwest Academic Talent Search by taking the SAT or ACT
tests, which are normally taken by high school students.
Buchanan Elementary School has been named an Official
Michigan Green School, and is one of only eight schools in
Wayne County to have earned this distinction. Buchanan has a
National Wildlife Federation certified habitat and a bird habitat.
Also, the Buchanan family recycles, grows Michigan native
plants, and looks for energy efficient renovation methods. Staff
and students all actively participate in programs to promote
eco-friendliness.
Michigan PTSA honored students from across the state at its
Reflections Award Celebration on April 19. Livonia students
show their award certificates and medals. Back row: Daniel,
Graham, Blake. Front row: Holly, Krishna, Mya, Mary.
Tips for Success
Habits of Highly Successful Teens
Every June, a new crop of high school seniors goes through the rite of passage known as graduation.
Parents and teachers feel pride in their students’ accomplishments and are hopeful for their future
success. I have been privileged to find that many of my students do go on to achieve exceptional things.
They have continued their studies at some of the finest institutions of higher learning and have pursued
careers in many different areas such as law, medicine, engineering, education and criminal justice.
I have noticed the most successful students have certain habits or qualities that we can help our
children strive to acquire. An excellent guide for teens and parents who are interested in how high
achieving students manage the many aspects of their lives is the book, The Seven Habits of Highly
Effective Teens, by Sean Covey. Covey identifies these good habits: Be Proactive, Begin with the
End in Mind, Put First Things First, Think Win-Win, Seek First to Understand and Then to
Be Understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the Saw.
Marilyn Snabb has been teaching
at Stevenson High School for
eleven years. She has a BA
and an MA in Mathematics from
Wayne State University. Marilyn’s
colleagues describe her as a
Master Teacher whose leadership
is indisputable and love of teaching
is unmatched. Marilyn Snabb is
the High School Teacher of the
year for 2007-2008.
Following are a few of my thoughts and observations on these habits.
Be Proactive. Choose your attitude. Focus on things that you can do something about. Don’t worry
about things that are out of your control. Take responsibility for yourself. Choices are yours to make.
Think before you act.
Begin with the End in Mind. Choose a solid high school program of study. To be prepared for the
rigors of college, select challenging courses throughout your high school career. Take advantage of
the opportunities that the Livonia Public Schools system provides to explore career choices. Whether
it is the Career Pathways program offered by the counseling and guidance department, the Career Intern Program, or the excellent
courses offered at the Career Center, there are many great ways for a student to investigate job opportunities.
Put First Things First. Successful students learn to manage their time. All students are given a planner at the beginning of the
academic year. Successful students use the planner to block out the time for important tasks first and then to schedule everything else.
By using a planner, you don’t have the stress of worrying about forgetting things. It takes discipline to manage your time, but using a
planner will help you meet your goals.
Think Win-Win. A positive outlook boosts every effort. Form a study group if a difficult exam is approaching. Be willing to share
and to help others to succeed. Ask your teacher for additional help if you don’t understand a topic. Don’t give up.
Synergize. Keep an open mind. If you are facing a hurdle, define the problem. Brainstorm with others. Talk things over with your
parents, a favorite teacher, counselor, or a good friend. Using teamwork, try to find the best solution. Remember to celebrate differences
and really listen to other viewpoints.
Take Good Care of Yourself. The old adage says it best: Balance and Moderation in All Things. Take the time to eat properly,
exercise, and get sufficient sleep. Remember, the goal is not a certain size or weight but to feel good physically. Care for your brain as
well as your body. Reading is exercise for the mind. Read a novel just for fun and a newspaper to be knowledgeable on world events.
Watch out for mental barriers. Screentime is a huge one! Time spent in front of the television or computer can seriously deplete the
time you need to accomplish your important goals.
Take pride. As our recent crop of high school graduates move on to the next stage of life’s journey, they should take pride in their
mental abilities, appreciate the value of education, and never regret not trying their best.
Nonprofit Organization
US Postage Paid
Livonia, Michigan
Permit No. 36
2007-2008
Board of Education
Lynda Scheel, President
Cynthia Markarian, Vice President
Robert Freeman, Secretary
Tom Bailey, Trustee
Steve King, Trustee
Daniel Lessard, Trustee
Gregory Oke, Trustee
Dr. Randy A. Liepa
Superintendent
ECRWSS
Residential Customer
Livonia Public Schools