March 22, 2013 - Ferndale Public Schools

March 22, 2013 

Keep up with upcoming school, 

community events 

• Ferndale Reads 2013: Feb-March. Pick up a full schedule 

of events at Ferndale Public Library. Free copies of 

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut available. 

The Board and Superintendent are reading it! 

• Ferndale Musical Boosters present the FHS Spring Musical, 

“The Sound of Music” @ FHS March 22, 23, 24. 

• FMS Parent Transition Meetings: For parents and 

guardians of 5th/6th students. April 9, 10; May 2, 9 

• FYA Family Education Committee presents, “Love and Logic” 

April 10, 6:30 at FHS Media Center. 

• FS PTSA Arts & Crafts Fair, May 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

• 8th Annual Eagles Nest Golf Outing, May 22, 

Greystone Golf Club, Romeo. 8:30 a.m. check in, 

10 a.m. shotgun start. 

See all event flyers in the ebackpack 

page of our website. [Click on folder>] 

F e r n d a l e 

S c h o o l S 

enews 

enews 

will feature a 

different photo 

each week. See 

our schools' 

photo gallery at 

www.ferndaleschools.org 

Ferndale named one of the Best Communities for 

Music Education in Nation for third straight year 

Ferndale Schools were named one of the 2013 Best Communities 

in the Nation for Music Education for the third year in a row by the 

NAMM Foundation. Ferndale is one of 11 communities in 

Michigan to receive this designation. 

“It’s gratifying that we received national recognition for something 

we already knew,” said Elon Jamison, K-12 Performing Arts Instructional 

Lead Teacher and Director of Bands at FHS about Ferndale’s outstanding 

music program in a small community. Jamison added that it’s nice 

to consistently achieve this recognition for three years now. 

The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation is a non-profit 

organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the 

lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs 

from the international music products industry. 

The Best Communities designation recognizes collaborative, from-the-ground-up 

efforts of teachers, administrators, students and parents who continually work to keep 

comprehensive music education an integral part of the core curriculum. 

The top 15-percent of applicants received the designation. This year, nearly 2,000 

Continued on next page > 

www.ferndaleschools.org Like the Ferndale Schools on Follow us on Twitter! @FerndaleSchools 

Facebook!

FHS students excel at 

MSBOA Festival 

The FHS Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, 

and combined Orchestras all performed exceptionally 

well at the MSBOA Band/Orchestra 

Festival last week, receiving Straight I’s in Performance 

and Sight-Reading. 

Each group earned Straight A’s in all the 

assessment subcategories (tone, intonation, 

rhythm, technique, and interpretation) and 

Symphony Band earned A’s with the exception 

of one B+ in Technique in Sight-Reading. 

All other groups received Straight A’s in Sight- 

Reading. 

The bands are conducted by Elon Jamison, 

and the orchestras are conducted by Ben Moy. 

“All the kids played incredibly well and really 

put on quite a performance for judges and 

audience alike,” said Jamison. “This was one of 

our best showings at Festival in several years for 

such consistent high-level performances from 

ALL groups. I’m really proud of the kids.” 

The Symphony Band performed Coast 

Guards March by Karl King, The Farewell by Andrew 

Boysen, Jr., and Cajun Folk Songs by Frank 

Ticheli. The Wind Ensemble performed His 

Honor March by Henry Fillmore, October by Eric 

Whitacre, and Four Scottish Dances by Malcolm 

Arnold and arranged for winds by John Paynter. 

The FHS combined Orchestras played The 

Spring by Alan Silva, Fantasia on a 17th Century 

Tune by Richard Stephan, and Momentum by 

Richard Meyer. 

< Continued from page 1 

Ferndale one of nation’s Best Music Education Communities 

schools and school districts 

participated in the survey - an 

increase of 366 percent from 2012 

- resulting in a record number of 

designations. This year’s increase in 

survey participation is an 

indication of growing support from 

both parents and administrators 

who recognize the vital role that 

music learning plays in student 

achievement. 

“In Ferndale, our parents, 

teachers and administrators have 

long recognized the value of music 

opportunities for our students,” 

said Ferndale Public Schools Superintendent Gary W. Meier. 

According to NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen, “There is overwhelming 

research tying music education to higher overall student success in school 

and in life. This designation recognizes communities for their commitment to music 

education and strengthens support for these programs. Having widely embraced the 

evidence indicating that music education yields great things in schools and communities, 

people are increasingly affirmative, advocating for school music curricula, and 

championing programs like Best Communities that recognize this commitment to music 

education.” 

Congratulations to the exceptional music teachers across our K-12 Ferndale Public Schools 

Instrumental: Elon Jamison, Tim Burke, David Coleman; 

Orchestral: Ben Moy 

Vocal: Kim Schroeder, Mary Brown, Debbie Hildebrand, and Mary Walters. 


Facebook!

Focus Groups for Strategic Plan 

Participating in a focus group may be one of the 

most important contributions parents make to their 

children’s education and the future of the Ferndale 

Schools. Please share the information below and 

invite others from your school or group to participate 

in the upcoming Focus Groups as part of the district’s 

Strategic Plan process. 

Coolidge/Roosevelt Traditional 

Program Parents 

Tuesday, March 26, 6-7:30 pm at Roosevelt 

Kennedy School Parents 

Wednesday, March 27, 6:30-8 pm at Kennedy 

FMS and FHS Parents 

Wednesday, April 10, 5-6:30 pm at FHS 

Ferndale Schools Support Staff 

Thursday, April 11, 5-6:30 pm at Harding 

Special Education Parents 

Thursday, April 11, 6:30-8 pm at Harding 

African-American Parent Network 

Thursday, April 18, 6-8:30 p.m. at FHS 

Contact Stephanie Hall at shall@ferndaleschools.org for 

more information. 

Project Organization: Project Innovations 

has assigned three team members to the contract: 

Charlie Fleetham (project manager), Dr. Steve 

Gaynor (educational lead), and Stephanie Crider, 

(diversity lead). In February, the District established 

a Steering Committee consisting of Karen Twomey 

(chair), Kevin Deegan-Krause, Gary Meier, Stephanie 

Hall, Henry Gold and Charlie Fleetham. The committee 

meets every other week to review progress and 

to guide the project. 

Strategic Plan Update 

Background: Last year, the Ferndale Schools set a goal to complete a Five-Year Vision and 

Strategic Plan. The ultimate purpose of the plan is to help the district continue to deliver its mission “To 

provide all students with quality educational programs, while promoting the values of diversity and 

responsible citizenship.” In November 2012, after a competitive bidding process, the Board contracted 

with Project Innovations, Inc., a Michigan-based consulting firm, to facilitate the delivery of the plan. 

The contract was amended in January 2013 to include strategic planning for the Digital Learning Center 

and University High School. 

Significant Accomplishments To Date: 

• Conducted over 50 one-on-one interviews with administrators, 

principals, teachers, union officials, parents, current and ex-board 

members, and community leaders. 

• Reviewed and analyzed the district’s curriculum, test results, discipline 

data, and enrollment data. 

• Identified four strategic topics: Race, Enrollment, Achievement Gap, 

and Trust/Collaboration, and developed easy-to-digest infographic 

data sheets for three of the topics to be used in focus groups. 

• Conducted 14 focus groups, including parent, teacher, student, and 

community groups, as well as meetings with leaders of the local 

political action committees, CLEAR and CBE, as well as with parents who have exited the FPS system, 

and area realtors and business owners. Eight more focus groups are planned. 

• Conducted four Steering Committee meetings. 

• Established a relationship with the Ferndale African American Parent Network, which has led to the 

scheduling of a large-scale focus group on April 18. 

• Launched a comprehensive on-line survey of all FPS staff members that will provide an assessment of 

staff culture. 

Activities to Complete: 

• Complete Focus Groups. 

• Analyze Staff Survey. 

• Deliver Needs Assessment. 

• Conduct a series of Town Hall Champion meetings, 

beginning the first week of May, in which 

Project Innovations will deliver its recommendations 

to the community. 

The Community Survey will be live 

until Monday, March 25 at midnight. If 

you are a community member (not a 

current parent, student or employee) 

and you would like to share your views 

on the school district, go to this 

confidential survey at: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/ 

s/2Y5MY8Z 

• Conduct a Board/Cabinet retreat in early July to 

validate public feedback and confirm/modify the 

consultant recommendations. 

• Deliver the final Strategic Plan to the Board in 

August. 


Facebook!

2013 FHS seniors will graduate in new style 

Ferndale High School’s Class of 2013 will be the first to 

graduate at a new venue, the United Soccer Arenas located 

at 867 South Blvd., just west of Opdyke in Pontiac. Principal 

Lisa Williams chose the new location after carefully considering 

the pros and cons of remaining at Meadowbrook Festival, 

where the most recent FHS graduations have been held. The 

new venue has been used by several area high schools for 

their graduations with very positive reviews. Some of the high 

schools that hold their ceremonies at the USA include: Dakota 

and Romeo. 

The ceremony is held indoors with floor and stadium seating, 

it has air conditioning, a professional sound system, and ample 

parking with a drop off area for handicapped access. 

Metro area high schools that have held their graduation ceremonies 

at the USA give glowing reviews. The hospitality of the 

staff, the close parking and easy access are all considered highlights 

of the experience. Ms. Williams says she excited about the 

new venue because it provides an attractive and accessible site 

to create new memories of FHS commencement ceremonies. 


Facebook!

[Board of Education Meeting Highlights] 

High School remodeling, abatement projects to begin this spring 

Representatives from Auch, TMP, and NOVA presented at the last Board 

of Education meeting to review the more than 100 bids and answer 

questions the Board might have about the projects. 

The majority of the Bond Projects will begin this spring and summer at 

Ferndale High School, Roosevelt Primary School and University High School. 

During Spring Break Week, the bond work will begin on the Ferndale High 

School pool. After Convocation in May, the work in the auditorium will begin. 

Scott Oswald from Auch, the bond construction contractor, discussed 

the proposal for the balance of the construction projects, and provided an 

updated budget summary and bid tabulation. He indicated that the overall 

bids came in “comfortably under budget, less than $436,000 than estimated.” 

The total remodeling and abatement costs, including all allowances, 

contingencies, and fees, totals $13,404,969. The cost of the four alternative 

bids totals $183,714, leaving a positive variance of $262,317. Contingencies 

included in the project costs total $843,663 for the remodeling projects and 

$128,770 for the abatement project. Also included in the project costs is 

$480,047 in allowances. Any of these funds not expended will return to the 

district at the conclusion of the projects. 

Lisa Witten with Nova Environmental spoke about the asbestos abatement 

process. She clarified that Nova is an independent firm that recommends 

contractors and oversees the projects to ensure compliance with 

government regulations. Because the asbestos removal will begin before 

summer vacation and continue over the summer, the Board asked Witten 

to explain the process that will be used to ensure safe removal of the asbestos. 

Witten said the contractors will not conduct abatement during school 

hours. They will build an enclosure with multiple layers of plastic. The material 

will be filtered out via vacuum, then wetted and removed to a dumpster 

on site, then taken to a landfill. Continued on next page> 

Board members expressed pleasure with 

receiving so many Ferndale contractors: 

“This is our own economic 

stimulus project.” 

—Jim O’Donnell 

Board President 

One of the alternate bids (pictured above) will 

remodel the entry to the auditorium at Ferndale 

High School. The project will include replacement 

of the showcases, a new vestibule entry area with 

sound barrier, and doors to the Commons. 


Facebook!


Bond Projects Approved & Ready to Roll 

Below are the contracts approved by the Board for the following vendors to carry out bond work this year at Ferndale High 

School/Middle School: 

a. Demolition Contract to DKI International, Inc., 

West Bloomfield, MI, in the amount of $$79,200, 

including the base bid of $71,800, Alternative 

#1, $1,800; Alternative #2, $4,700; and Alternative 

#3, $900. 

b. Concrete Flatwork & Foundation Contract to 

Authority Group Concrete, Inc., Walled Lake, MI, 

in the amount of $7,900. 

c. Masonry Contract to Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors, 

Livonia, MI, in the amount of $74,300, 

including the base bid of $62,800, and Alternative 

#2 in the amount of $11,500. 

d. Metal Handrails & Misc. Structural Steel Contract 

to Cass Erectors & Fabricators, Livonia, MI, 

in the amount of $82,475. 

e. Carpentry Contract to Wally Kosorski & Co., 

Inc., Clinton Township, MI, in the amount of 

$472,272, including the base bid of $366,510 

and Alternative #1, $36,542; Alternative #2, 

$5,166; and Alternative #3, $66,144. 

f. Roofing Contract to Esko Roofing & Sheetmetal, 

Inc., Shelby Township, MI, in the amount of 

$67,700. 

g. Storefront/Curtain Walls/Glass & Glazing Contract 

to Peterson Glass Co., Ferndale, MI, in the 

amount of $144,700. 

h. Overhead Coiling Doors Contract to Overhead 

Door of Whitmore Lake, Whitmore Lake, MI, in 

the amount of $3,976. 

i. Gypsum Wall Assemblies Contract to ANM 

Construction Co., Inc., New Hudson, MI, in the 

amount of $521,400, including the base bid of 

$492,100 and Alternative #1 in the amount of 

$29,300. 

j. Acoustical Ceilings & Wall Panels Contract to 

Turner-Brooks, Inc., Madison Heights, MI, in the 

amount of $619,925, including the base bid of 

$610,125 and Alternative #1, $6,000; and Alternative 

#2, $3,800. 

k. Hard Tile Contract to Empire Tile & Marble Co., 

Inc., Eastpointe, MI, in the amount of $13,880. 

l. Resilient Flooring Contract to Turner-Brooks, 

Inc., Madison Heights, MI, in the amount of 


and Alternative #1, $7,000; and Alternative #2, 

$4,550. 

m. Paint Contract to Seven Brothers Painting 

Co., Shelby Township, MI, in the amount of 


and Alternative #1, $1,721; and Alternative#2, 

$492. 

n. Toilet Compartment/Accessories Contract to 

Rayhaven Equipment Co., Southfield, MI, in the 


o. Interior Signage Contract to Stamprite Inc., 

Lansing, MI, in the amount of $11,621. 

p. Metal Lockers Contract to Steel Equipment Co., 

Pontiac, MI, in the amount of $16,300. 

q. Theater Equipment Contract to North Coast 

Studios Inc., Clinton Township, MI, in the 


r. Window Treatments Contract to The Rose Collection, 

Ferndale, MI, in the amount of $6,967. 

s. Benches Contract to Interkal LLC, Kalamazoo, 

MI, in the amount of $25,018. 

t. Pools Contract to Advanced Pool Service, Inc., 

Milford, MI, in the amount of $252,000. 

u. Lifts Contract to Acton Sales Co., Ferndale, MI, 

in the amount $20,800. 

v. Fire Suppression Contract to Professional Sprinkler, 

Inc., Wixom, MI, in the amount of $24,780. 

w. Plumbing Contract to Contrast Mechanical, 

Macomb Township, MI, in the amount of 

$38,000. 

x. HVAC Mechanical Contract to Delta Temp, 

Inc., Madison Heights, MI, in the amount of 

$3,074,000. 

y. Electrical Contract to Metro Electric Eng. Tech, 

Inc., Romeo, MI, in the amount of $2,424,000, 

including the base bid of $2,441,000 and Alternative 

#1 ($1,000); Alternative #2, $2,000; and 

Alternative #3, ($18,000). 

z. Asbestos Abatement Contract to Certified 

Abatement Services, Inc., Flint, MI, in the 

amount of $1,287,700. 


Facebook!


Finance Report 

Approved bills and accounts in the amount of 

$1,069,608.75 for the February 1-28, 2013. 

Approved the 2013-2014 Proposed Budget Assumptions. 

The fundamental goal is to prepare a budget 

with revenues in excess of expenditures while continuing 

to operate a full service school district. 

Maureen Adams, Executive Director of Finance, 

discussed the projected district impact of the federal 

sequestration reductions, which includes cuts in 

federal grants in the amount of $99,170 to the core 

program’s 2013-2014 federal grants. 

Cuts are also possible at the Career Center and in 

the Southeast Oakland Coalition drug free communities 

grant. 

The next meeting of the Finance Committee is 

scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in 

the Harding Administration Building. 

Human Resources Report 

The next meeting date of the Staff Relations 

Committee is scheduled for April 15, 2013 following 

the Policy Committee meeting. 

The Board accepted the retirement resignations 

of Ferndale High School teachers Leonard Hunter 

and Walter Rakowsky, effective June 30, 2013. 

Boy Scout Troop 1542 (with Board member 

Amy Butters in the foreground) led the Pledge of 

Allegience and attended this month’s Board of 

Education meeting to earn a merit badge. 


Facebook!


Technology Update 

The Technology Department hosted 

the initial vendor kickoff meeting for the 

projector/wireless network project installation. 

They have completed the initial site 

visit with the installation vendor to identify 

tasks in every classroom and the internal 

fiber cable upgrades. A work schedule and 

supply list for each standard classroom 

technology suite is in development prior 

to ordering. The Tech Team is also finalizing 

the design of the disaster recovery/ 

SAN system; the design and equipment for 

the wireless management system for Bring 

Your Own Device internet usage. 

Superintendent’s Report 

The Board accepted, with regret and 

many thanks for dedicated service, the resignation 

of Technology Services Director 

Melissa Auchter, effective March 19, 2013. 

The Board approved the Student 

Growth and Achievement goals for evaluation 

of the Superintendent as mutually 

agreed upon and recommended by the 

Superintendent and Policy Committee, effective 

immediately. 

Approved changing the date of the 

April Board of Education meeting to April 

22, 2013. 

The next regular meeting of the Policy 

Committee is scheduled for April 15, 2013. 

The next meeting of the Operations 

Committee is scheduled for March 28, 

2013. 

Approval of 2013-14 Schools of Choice Recommendations 

The Board approved participation in Schools of Choice – Section 105 (Oakland 

County) for the 2013-2014 school year according to the criteria noted below: 

• Accept 43 new students in Grades K-3. 

• Accept unlimited students at University High School in grades 9-10. 

• Accept unlimited students in the Digital Learning Center. 

• Approved participation in Schools of Choice – 105c (Adjacent County) for the 2013- 

2014 school year for the following: 

• University High School to offer unlimited enrollment allowing for a continuous 

enrollment window with a goal to accept approximately 150 ninth grade students 

and 50 tenth grade students. 

• Accept unlimited students in the Digital Learning Center. 

Board President Jim O’Donnell said, “The longer students are in our schools, the 

more successful they are. Retaining SoC students and those whose families move outside 

of the district are positives for us. That primary grade restriction is another way to 

ensure success over the long term of those students.” This is a change in terms of the 

number and it lowers the grade level from K-8 to K-3. 


Facebook!

FEF Annual Dinner Auction a great success 

More than 250 people attended last week’s IDES OF MARCH, the Ferndale Education Foundation’s annual dinner and auction 

at Club Venetian Banquet Center in Madison Heights. FEF members also sold 432 raffle tickets. The attendance and tickets 

sales yielded more than $20,000 for the FEF! The FEF strives to support excellence in education through innovative programs 

initiated by Ferndale Public Schools teachers & staff. The event included a silent and live auction with auctioneer John Bacon, 

entertainment from FHS Orchestra students (Chiara Bowen, Alex MacColl-Artrip, Jacob Traines, Gavin Langley), hosting by FHS 

National Honor Society students, an improvisational performance by Go Comedy!, and caricature artist BobKat Art. 

See the photo gallery online! 


Facebook!

Annual Ferndale Area Chamber & Realtor Breakfast - Meet Our Students 

The Ferndale Public Schools hosted the Annual Breakfast (and Focus Group for the Strategic Plan) for the Chamber of 

Commerce and area realtors in the FHS media center this past week. A continental breakfast was served to the attendees by 

students from Ferndale and University High Schools, and Ferndale Middle School. Special thanks to the student participants: 

Ferndale Middle School - Ronnell McGhee, Devin Edwards, Damarco Hodges, Kye Smith, Elijah Toney, Jessica Williams, and 

Shayla Love; Ferndale High School - Maykayla Orr, Raven Brinkley Jefferson, Eric Ellis, Kyle Durant, Sean Ceglarek, Madison 

Grobel, Trinae Davis, Nathan Sherman, Ashya Smith, Lilly Myers; and University High School - Terrence Jackson, Jason Penn, 

Calvin Lewis, Kalif Broughton, Andrese Cockfort, Northern James, Jr., Angelica Brown, Armon Hightower, Keith Robinson. 


Facebook!

[In Memorium] 

The Voice of the 

Eagles is silenced 

Joe Mahan (long-time supporter of 

Ferndale Schools and the “Voice of the 

Eagles”) passed away on March 19. The 

service took place Friday morning. Memorials 

are suggested to the Alzheimers 

Association www.wesselsandwilk.com 

Joe was the public address announcer 

for Ferndale athletic events 

since 1947 and has been honored for his 

distinguished 65-year career. Accolades 

include the Michigan Interscholastic 

Athletic Administrators Association with 

their 2002 Distinguished Service Award. 

Mr. Mahan, a 1944 graduate of Ferndale’s 

Lincoln High School, also supervised the 

summer baseball program for 25 years, 

and served as a charter member of the 

Ferndale Sports Booster Club. 

He has been honored twice with 

recognition on Ferndale High School’s 

Wall of Honor for his years of dedicated 

service. He retired from the Detroit Public 

Schools in 1989 after a 38-year career as 

a teacher, counselor, and principal. He 

and his wife Barbara are renowned for 

their gardens and plantings that beautify 

the community near their home and 

in Roosevelt-Geary Park. Because of his 

dedication to our students, Ferndale 

High School’s Hansen Stadium press 

was named in his honor in 2005: The Joe 

Mahan Press Box – Home of the Voice of 

the Eagles. 

Student artwork on display at Public Libary 

Art from our Ferndale Schools students will be on display in the children’s section 

of the Ferndale Public Library until mid-April. The dozens of masterpieces were 

inspired by the poems of Kenn Nesbitt. Nesbitt is the author of numerous books 

of poetry for children, including Santa Got Stuck in the Chimney (2006), When the 

Teacher Isn’t Looking: And Other Funny School Poems (2005), and The Aliens Have 

Landed at Our School! (2001). 


Facebook!

[Volunteers Needed] 

Southeast Oakland Coalition 

1) Safe Night April 12, 6-8:30. We need 

volunteers from 5:30 until the clean up 

is complete. 

2) Youth Dialogue Day April 26, 9-2. We 

need volunteers from 8:45 until 3 p.m. 

Contact: Carly (Averill) Podzikowski, 

Southeast Oakland Coalition, 248-752-8239 

or cpodzikowski@ferndaleschools.org 

Ferndale Education Foundation 

Supporting excellence in education 

through innovative programs initiated 

by Ferndale Public Schools teachers & 

staff is the goal of the Ferndale Education 

Foundation (FEF). The FEF is currently 

looking for Board members! If you are 

interested in helping our students through 

this valuable organization, contact Barb 

Landry at 248/390-4457 or 

fef@ferndaleschools.org. 

Reality Store Project at FHS 

This year’s date is April 25. Your 

commitment would be from approximately 

7:30 a.m. (coffee and bagels provided) 

-12:45 p.m.(lunch provided). Contact: 

Charlotte Oliver at coliver@ferndaleschools. 

org or 248-548-8600, ext. 4150. See a video 

about the Reailty Store. 

Excellent DECA students performed at state championship 

DECA Club students at both University High School and Ferndale High School (37 

from UHS and 7 from FHS) traveled to the DECA State Championships in Grand Rapids 

last weekend. Three students performed so well they will be headed to the national 

competition in Anaheim, California later this year. 

DECA is organized around an ambitious goal: to improve education and career opportunities 

for students interested in careers in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. 

DECA is a nonpartisan, non-sectarian association of students, teachers, and 

administrators and is recognized and endorsed by all 50 state departments of education 

and the U.S. Department of Education. 

The students competed in various role plays and written projects. Here is how they 

fared: 

FHS 

One overall finalist, junior Kyle Durant, competed in the Human Resource Management 

event. Kyle is also the current FHS president of DECA. FHS DECA adviser Leonard 

Hunter said, “All the students had a wonderful experience and they all grew.” 

Mr. Hunter said Kyle finished in the Top 10 of the competition. “Kyle is an outstanding 

student, a blend of knowledge, wisdom and kindness. He is the best student I’ve 

ever had,” said Durant. 

Out of 87 students in the competition, Durant placed in the top 10 and received 

a ribbon for his accomplishment. The top five ranked students go on to the National 

DECA convention in California. 

UHS 

Gold Merit Award: Senior Alexis Thompson’s Gold Merit Award project became a 

state finalist, and she will compete at the International Conference in Anaheim, California. 

For her project, Alexis wrote 75 pages on different aspects of general marketing. 

Chapter Management Scholarship: Juniors Cory Washington and Monae Hawthorne 

were selected for this scholarship, allowing them to participate at this year’s 

International conference. Senior board members Abriona Mays and Alexis Thompson 


Facebook!

[UHS Highlights] 

Bowling 

Senior and Bowling team 

member William Holmes marks 

his place in the school’s bowling 

history as the first State runner up 

in Division 3 for University High 

School. 

Student Council 

UHS Student Council students 

are currently preparing their first 

school Lock In and working on 

memorial ideas to honor the life 

of senior Samuel Lee, who passed 

away this winter. 

Robotics 

The UHS Robotics team is 

preparing for their first regional 

competition for the 2013 school 

year. This year’s regionals competition 

will be Saturday, April 13 from 

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Charles H. 

Wright Museum of African American 

History which is located in 

Detroit. 

DECA at State Championsips 

were selected for the Senior Management Scholarship as well. 

Entrepreneurship: Seniors Abriona Mays & Bianca Dabney were top 10 overall 

finalists and received a medal. Their project was about raising awareness for Journey Shi, 

which is a women’s shoe store. 

Public Relations: Juniors Diamond Hansel-Collins & Kayla Moore were ranked top 10 

finalists – Their project was called (A Heart to Call Home) and promoted awareness about 

foster care and adoption. 

Professional Selling: Junior Josh Nicks was ranked a top 10 finalist – For his project he 

performed a role play in which he acted as a supplier for mountain bikes. 

Advertising Campaign: Seniors Asia & Ashley Thompson ranked in the top 10 for this 

category, and received awards for their presentation. – Their project campaign was based 

around how the Cupcake Station in downtown Ferndale operates their business. 

The UHS chapter advisor, Elizabeth Watkins, is extremely proud of her students’ hard 

work this year. Because the cost for the students to attend the International Conference 

in California is $1,000 per student, Watkins is seeking fundraising ideas or support to the 

chapter Contact Advisor Elizabeth Watkins ewatkins@ferndaleschools.org. 

FHS students, left, and UHS students, above. 


Facebook!

JFK 6th Graders Tour MSU 

March Madness was in full swing this past Monday when the JFK 6th graders toured Michigan State University. Led by their 

teachers Greg Williamson and Elaine Zold, the students toured the Entomology Dept. and Bug House, ate lunch in the MSU 

Union, had ice cream at the Dairy Store and learned about dairy processing, and sat in on a zoology lecture with co-eds led 

by department head Prof. Richard Snider and Prof. James Sikarskie of the vet clinic. But the big surprise came when Ferndale 

High School graduate, former MSU basketball star and current MSU assistant basketball coach Dwayne Stephens invited the 

kids into Breslin Arena for a talk about the importance of college. Stephens talked to the students about the MSU basketball 

team and his days attending the Ferndale Public Schools. Mr. Stephens even said Mr. Williamson wasn’t too bad of a ball 

player when they were teammates back at FHS! 

—Courtesy of Gigi VanderWeele 


Facebook!

FHS science students 

in the News 

Thirty-five FHS science students, 

all girls and primarily freshmen from 

physics and bi, attended a conference 

to expose young women to careers in 

science, math and technology related 

fields, sponsored by the American Association 

of University Women (AAUW) 

with their teacher Maurice Telesford, 

called Explorathon 2013, today. They 

were interviewed for a WDIV news 

story that during a 4 pm newscast this 

week. 

The conference is sponsored by 

AAUW (American Association of University 

Women). The focus of the conference 

was to expose young women 

to careers in science, math and technology 

related fields. The conference 

opened with a keynote speaker. After 

the opening session,each girl attended 

three workshops (chosen based on 

interests expressed by the girls). Lunch 

was provided in between the workshops. 

The AAUW provided a $300 bus 

subsidy to offset the cost of transportation 

for students. 

[Academics] 

Bravo, FMS Honor Roll students! 

Congratulations to Ferndale Middle School students on a fabulous second trimester. 

Forty-one percent of FMS students achieved a 3.0 or better and were placed on the 

honor roll!! Keep up the great work! 

Santonion Adams 

Robert Anderson 

Dyani Armijo-Sinnett 

Robert Arnold 

Rachel Arquero 

Lily Bacon 

Skylar Bartley 

Amiya Bellamy 

Taryn Blasciuc 

Graham Bokram 

Enzo Bowen 

Kayla Boyd 

Destiny Brock 

Symone Brogdon 

Daija Brown 

Kaleb Brown 

Melodi Brown 

Joseph Burke 

Ruth Butters 

Tyson Cain-Wong 

Tylor Carter 

Timothy Castleman 

Immanuel Caver 

Frederique Christiansen 

Juliet Christin 

Khoury Clegg 

Asyia Cochran 

Jemone Cochran 

Olivia Cole 

Cassidy Connelly 

India Coston 

Jasmin Craig 

Jillian Cwycyshyn 

Elicia Davis 

Kobie Davis 

Margaret Dominic 

Martin Dowda 

Marcus Edmonds 

Zoe Edwards 

Arianna Elledge 

Miah Ellis 

Amonna Erwin 

Naimah Favors 

Olivia Fotiu 

Jeremy Funk 

Zachary Funk 

Nico Furnari 

Charlotte Gaden 

Bianca Gadson 

Kristopher Garrett 

Isabela Garza 

Caitlin Goedert 

Geanuvev Green 

Courtney Hammerle 

Jaya Hampton 

Nolan Handyside 

Edward Harris 

Skye Hart 

Pheobe Hill 

Collin Houston 

Juan Hughes 

Jevin Hughey 

Jared Huntley 

Erin Isaacs 

Andrew Israil 

Matthew Israil 

Sidnie Jackson 

Azalie Jefferson 

Avery Jewett 

Abbigale Johnson 

Adrienne Johnson 

Jacob Keener 

Katharine Keener 

Mariah King 

Summer King 

Isabel Kolanowski 

Abigail Krycian 

Samuel Kueber 

Shawn Laderoot II 

Sophia Lamphier 

Kristen Law 

Joseph Lemelin 

Terrell Lowery 

Nathan Magdowski 

Nathaniel Major 

Nicholas Major 

Isabel Marrical 

Eric Marsh 

Micah Marsh 

Delvon Martin-Guyton 

Ezell Massey 

Roy McCree 

William McElgunn 

Reuben McGee 

Nichelle McIntyre 

Jeriah McMurray-Mayhorn 

Joshua McMurray-Mayhorn 

Sidney Meade 

Nicholas Mendoza 

Brandon Millenovich 

Ava Miracle 

Justin Morris 

Sarah O’Donnell 

Kenyetta O’Neal 

Victoria Orr 

Yazmine Palmer 

Erica Pillar 

Ashton Porter 

Shawn Pryde 

Jason Reid 

Jacob Reyes-Winowiecki 

Alexander Reynolds 

Mya Riccardi 

Amir Robinson-Manley 

Kristopher Rufin 

Kayla Sabbath 

Jacob Salogar 

Grace Schoenknecht 

Darius Scott 

William Scott 

Jackson Sherman 

Olivia Shock 

Anabel Sicko 

Alijah Skinner 

Lanna Slabiak 

Tatiana Smith 

Angelo Soave 

Lonita Steele 

John Stellard 

Nicholas Stoll 

Garrett Sugg 

Tiara Taylor 

Sydnie Thompson 

Lena Triest 

Nina Tulashie 

William Twomey 

Sacha Tyler 

Isabelle Varner 

Kevin Vo 

Markeisha Washington 

Max Weber 

Joseph Welbeck-White 

Amaria Williams 

Stephen Williams 

Aidan Wilson 

Craig Wilson 

Zaine Wilson 

Rebecca Wolosion 

Owen Zabor 

Zane Zerbel 


Facebook!


Facebook! 

Save the Dates! 

middle school 

FMS Transition Meetings 

Please join us as we discuss the joys of transitioning to middle school! 

Meetings may be attended by all, but are specifically designed for 

parents/guardians of 5th/6th grade students. 

Date Place Time 

Tues. 4/9/13 Kennedy School (PTA) 6:30 pm 

Wed. 4/10/13 Coolidge Intermediate 7:30 pm 

Thurs. 5/2/13 FMS/FHS Media Center 6:00 pm 

Followed by Kennedy/Coolidge/FMS Spring Band Concert at 7 pm! 

Thurs. 5/9/13 FMS/FHS Media Center 5 pm 

Ice Cream Social 

followed by FMS Open House at 6 pm 

We hope to see you at one of these events! 

ferndale

Baseball Boosters 

recruiting members 

Ferndale Baseball Boosters is 

recruiting members to its organization. 

A membership form can be found 

online. The primary purpose of the 

FBB is to provide ongoing support for 

the Ferndale Middle and High School 

baseball programs. 

Membership allows you to: 

• Actively participate and discuss all 

business matters at FBB meetings 

• Vote for the executive board 

• Nominate or be nominated for a 

position, either on the executive 

board or as a chairperson or 

committee member 

• Be notified of meetings, general 

business and activities via email 

Also check out their Facebook page - 

Ferndale Baseball Boosters, and website 

http://ferndalebaseballboosters.webs. 

com/! 

FHS alumni competes in national 

wrestling championship 

Recent FHS graduate Ryan Watts will 

be competing in the NCAA National 

Championship Wrestling Tournament 

this weekend for MSU. Ryan has had a 

great season for MSU! 


Facebook!


Facebook! 

Ferndale Musical Boosters presents 

$7 adults 

March 16, 22 & 23 -- 7:30 pm 

March 17 & 24 -- 3:00 pm 

Tickets Tickets Tickets Tickets Tickets 

$5 students/senior citizens 

$3 children under 12 

THE SOUND OF MUSIC 

Music by RICHARD RODGERS 

Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN I 

Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE 

Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp 

Ferndale High School Auditorium 

881 Pinecrest, Ferndale MI 48220 

www.ferndaletheatre.org | 248.586.8609 

Available at the door 

http://fhsmusical.brownpapertickets.com 

Kulick Community Center, 1201 Livernois 

Pleasant Ridge Rec Center, 4 Ridge Rd


Facebook! 

Got School Breakfast? 

Does your child miss 

breakfast-- no time or 

simply isn’t hungry first 

thing in the morning? 

Here’s a solution: 

School Breakfast! 

School breakfast provides 1/4 of your child’s daily nutrition needs 

and research shows breakfast provides fuel for school and boosts 

brain power. Breakfast at school is affordable, too. It’s available for 

all students and if you qualify for free or reduced price lunch, you 

also qualify for the free or reduced price breakfast. 

Encourage your child to join us every day for school breakfast. 

Ferndale Public Schools 

Elementary School Price: 

Middle School Price: 

High School Price: 

Free and Reduced Price for Families Who Qualify: 

Times Served: 

$1.25 

$1.25 

$1.25 

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

$.30


Facebook! 

If your child receives free or reduced price school lunches, you may qualify for Internet Essentials SM 

from Comcast. 

Get fast Internet service so the whole 

family can enjoy: 

• Email 

• Homework 

• Sharing photos 

• Job searches 

• Paying bills online 

• Watching videos 

• Downloading music 

• And so much more! 

Bring the Internet 

home for just 

$9.95 a month. 

The world has gone digital. Internet service has become 

essential for success. That’s why we created Internet 

Essentials. It’s available to households with children who 

receive free or reduced price school lunches through the 

National School Lunch Program. While participating in 

Internet Essentials, customers will receive: 

See if you’re eligible! 

For more information visit: InternetEssentials.com. 

For questions, call: 1-855-8-InTErnET (1-855-846-8376). 

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to XFINITY ® Internet Economy Plus service for new residential customers meeting certain eligibility 

criteria. Advertised price applies to a single outlet. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. After initial participation, if a customer is determined to 

be no longer eligible for the program but continues to receive Comcast service, regular rates will apply. Subject to Internet Essentials program terms 

and conditions. Call 1-855-846-8376 for restrictions and complete details, or visit InternetEssentials.com. ©2012 Comcast. All rights reserved. 

Internet Essentials is a program to provide home Internet service for families. It is not a school program, and is not endorsed or required by your school. 

Your school is not responsible for Internet Essentials accounts. 

$ 

AFFOrDABLE InTErnET 

9 95 

a month 

+ tax 

A LOW-COST 

COMPUTEr 

Available 

at initial 

enrollment 

+ tax 

no 

• price increases 

• activation fees 

• equipment rental fees 

FrEE 

InTErnET TrAInInG 

Available online, in print 

and in person


Facebook! 

Ferndale Reads 2013 

February - March 2013 

Pick up a full schedule of 

events today 

222 East Nine Mile Road 

(248) 546 - 2504 

www.ferndalepubliclibrary.org 

Free Free 

Copies Copies of 

the Book Book 

are Now Now 

Available Available


Facebook! 

Sponsored by: 

Ferndale Youth Assistance Family Education Committee 

“LOVE AND LOGIC” 

THIS EMPOWERING PARENTING PROGRAM WILL FOCUS ON: 

*Communication *Responsibility* 

*Positive Discipline *Healthy Boundaries* 

m 

FACILITATED BY: Gloria Sherman MA, M.ED., LPC 

Parenting and Teaching with G.L.O. (Great Learning Opportunities) 

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

WHERE: Ferndale High School (Media Center) 

881 Pinecrest Ferndale, MI 48220 

COST: Free 

Gloria Sherman, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University & Saginaw Valley State University and a 

Licensed Professional Counselor, will present this 1 night only parenting program based on the 

principals of Love & Logic. 

TO REGISTER: Mail to Ferndale Youth Assistance or call 248.586.8700 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

To register please detach and mail today as seating is limited! 

Ferndale Youth Assistance, FHS 881 Pinecrest, Ferndale, MI 48220 

Name: 

Address: 

Telephone # Email:


Facebook! 

Scholarships 

GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL 

SENIORS 

Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship 

Applications Due: 03/31/2013 

Two $500 scholarships available to graduating 

Ferndale High School & 

University High School seniors 

For more information contact: 

Your counseling office or 

Katie Johnson, Programs Manager, 

Ferndale Area Chamber at 248-542-2160


Facebook! 

m


Facebook! 

tickets available! 

Join us for a day at the ballpark as we cheer for 

our Tigers and fight cancer...at the same time! 

Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros 

May 14, 2013 

7:05pm Game Time 

Tickets cost $16 each 

contact kyrsten Rue for more information: 

248.586.8924 or krue@ferndaleschools.org 

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Relay for Life of Ferndale 

m


Facebook! 

Registration: 

Date of Birth Requirements: 

Gerry Kulick Community Center 

1201 Livernois, Ferndale MI 48220 

248 544-6767 phone 

www.ferndalerecreation.org 

UPCOMING EVENTS—Don’t Miss the FUN! 

Little Kicker ’ s 8-1-2008 to 7-31-2009 

Under 6 8-1-2006 to 7-31-2008 

Under 8 8-1-2004 to 7-31-2006 

Under 10 8-1-2002 to 7-31-2004 

Under 12 8-1-2000 to 7-31-2002 

Practice: Tentatively scheduled to begin the week March 25th 

Games: Saturdays from April 13 - May 18th 

**Weekday games may also be scheduled 

**We are currently accepting Coach Applications. If you are interested in 

coaching or have any questions, please contact Sara Distelrath by phone at 

248-544-6767 or email sdistelrath@ferndale-mi.com


Facebook! 

SHOP AT KROGER 

AND SUPPORT THE FINE ARTS 

IN FERNDALE SCHOOLS 

The Ferndale Schools Fine Arts Boosters and OrchSupport need your help. 

Shop at Kroger grocery stores and a portion of every purchase will be 

donated back to these organizations. 

It’s simple: 

Get a Kroger card at your nearest store. 

Register your card on-line at krogercommunityrewards.com. Select 

FERNDALE FINE ARTS BOOSTERS as your organization. 

When you check out FERNDALE FINE ARTS BOOSTERS will appear at the 

bottom of your receipt. Thanks for your support! 

SHOP AT KROGER 

AND SUPPORT THE FINE ARTS 

IN FERNDALE SCHOOLS 

The Ferndale Schools Fine Arts Boosters and OrchSupport need your help. 

Shop at Kroger grocery stores and a portion of every purchase will be 

donated back to these organizations. 

It’s simple: 

Get a Kroger card at your nearest store. 

Register your card on-line at krogercommunityrewards.com. Select 

FERNDALE FINE ARTS BOOSTERS as your organization. 

When you check out FERNDALE FINE ARTS BOOSTERS will appear at the 

bottom of your receipt. Thanks for your support!


Facebook! 

Kick-Off Party 

Join us and learn how you can be 

a part of the fight against 

cancer! 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 6:00 pm 

Ferndale High School (881 Pinecrest Drive) 

Learn how to become a volunteer, be honored as a cancer survivor 

or caregiver, bring your teammates and register your team. 

Refreshments will be served, prizes throughout the evening. 

Learn why we love Relay and what it is. Hear amazing speakers 

and discover why you should be involved! 

For more information, contact Breanne Finkelberg at 248-663-3412 or e-mail 

Breanne.Finkelberg@cancer.org 

Relay For Life of Ferndale


Facebook! 

Welcome to MiStar StudentConnection! This is your 

info on how to access your student information 

online, especially your homework and test grades, 

and marking period grades. It’s a handy tool for 

keeping up with your academics. If you have 

questions with your login, please e-mail: 

Zanglehelp@ferndaleschools.org. You can access 

MiStar StudentConnection from the yellow circle on 

the district homepage, or by entering the following 

URL (web address) in the address field of your 

Internet browser, and saving as a favorite: 

https://zangle.oakland.k12.mi.us/Ferndale/studentcon 

nect 

Rev: 9/28/2012 

Ferndale Public Schools 

Keep this information in a safe location: 

2012-2013 Ferndale Public Schools 

Small Letter “L” = l Number Zero = 0 

Number One = 1 Capital Letter “O”= O 

Capital Letter “I” = I 

Parents/Guardians/Students who need their PIN and 

Password should email 

zanglehelp@ferndaleschools.org. 

Enter your PIN/ID number and Password and click on 

the Logon button to continue. Note: No one can login 

to MiStar StudentConnection without being a registered 

user with the Ferndale Schools who has been issued a 

PIN and Password provided by the district. 

Below is an overview of the information you can access 

within MiStar’s StudentConnection. 

Click on any of the choices on the left side of the selection screen to view your information in MiStar StudentConnection. Note: 

Most choices have additional links, which allow you different views within the page. 

News: News from your building and classes may appear in this area. 

Schedule: Communicate with Teachers - View your schedule and communicate with your teachers. Send an e-mail to your 

teacher by clicking on the teacher name. Click on the link in the middle left side of the screen to change the view 

to “Order by Term” to separate the current semester from the whole year schedule. If your computer has e-mail 

installed on it, it will launch the message automatically from this link. If you use a web-based mail system, right 

click on the teachers name and select “Copy Shortcut,” within your email program, right click and paste the 

copied address into the “To” field. 

Attendance: This area gives you an hourly update of your attendance record including absences, excused absences, and 

tardies, for example, based on your schedule for the day. The data is live, so you will see updates as soon as 

teachers and office personnel enter them. Ask your parent/guardian to contact your school to correct any 

inaccurate records. 

Assignments: View your assignments by class. View the assignment details to see more information about the assignment. 

Hint: You can switch between the links to “Show Assignments for Last/Next Week” or “Show All Assignments” 

for the entire semester by clicking the link in the middle left of the screen. 

Marks: MiStar Uses the Term “Marks” for Grades - View your grades. 

Transcript: View your courses, grades, teachers and credits earned. This is not an official transcript. 

GPA: This section shows your Grade Point Average (GPA) by term, cumulative, class rank and class size. 

Testing: MEAP Test Scores 

Cafeteria: View menus and your cafeteria account 

If you have questions with your login, please e-mail: Zanglehelp@ferndaleschools.org

what's happening 

Saturday, March 23 

• MSBOA State Instrumental Solo/Ensemble Fesitval, Farmington 

Harrison High School 

• FHS Spring Musical, The Sound of Music, 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday, March 24 

• FHS Spring Musical (closing matinee) The Sound of Music, 3 p.m. 

Monday, March 25 

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT MONDAY 

• Adult Education Registration for Spring, Jefferson Center 

• Board of Education Special Meeting, Harding Media Center, 

5 p.m. 

Tuesday, March 26 

• Eagles Pledge Board Meeting, Harding Media Center, 7:15 p.m. 

Wednesday, March 27 

• Grant Annual Ethnic Festival 

• UHS, End of 3rd Quarter 

• CASA, Spring Recess at end of day 

• Board of Education Program/Technology Committee Meeting, 

Harding Media Center, 6:30 p.m. 

Thursday, March 28 

• All Schools: NO SCHOOL 

• FE-PTA Elementary Skate Night, 6:15 p.m. 

Friday, March 29 

• All Schools: NO SCHOOL 

• Parents Night Out, Kulick Center, 7 p.m. 

SPRING BREAK: APRIL 1-5 

Save the Dates! 

• The 2013 FHS Spring Concert on Saturday, May 18, will feature the 

premier of the Ira Hearshen-commissioned piece, tentatively titled, “Eight Mile 

Rhythm,” based on 3 iconic Motown tunes. This concert will also feature an 

FHS Alumni Band, for the first time in about 30 years. 

Watch Board of Education Meetings 

• Did you know the District has a local cable channel, 54, that airs general 

information about the school district and the monthly Board of 

Education meetings? The meetings are broadcast on a standard 

schedule every day: 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m., 8 p.m. If you ever find that the 

station is not broadcasting properly, please email 

shall@ferndaleschools.org, so we can address the issue right away. 

Click for our online calendar! 

You can also download it to 

your own Google Calendar, 

then transfer your dates to 

Outlook, etc. 


Facebook!

March 22, 2013 - Ferndale Public Schools

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?