April 26, 2013 NEWS - Ferndale Public Schools

F e r n d a l e 

S c h o o l S 

enews 

April 26, 2013 

Blood Drive to honor 

memory of FHS student 

Ferndale High School will 

host a special Red Cross Blood 

Drive dedicated to the memory 

of student Mario Campbell on 

Monday, May 13 from 8 a.m.- 

1:45 p.m. in the Media Center. Mario was 

a junior at FHS, a hurdler on the track 

team and a hard-working, dedicated, 

determined student. He is remembered 

as always having a smile on his face and 

good word to share. 

Donors will be entered to win a Detroit 

Tigers Family 4 pack and/or a $200 

gift card. Please schedule your appointment 

by contacting Charlotte Oliver or 

Shannon Pietras, FHS 248-548-8600 or 

visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor 

code: fhs or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. 

[Fine Arts] 

STRATEGIC PLAN for FERNDALE SCHOOLS 

Embracing Each. Advancing All. 

See page 3! 

enews 

will feature a 

different photo 

each week. See 

our schools' 

photo gallery at 

www.ferndaleschools.org 

FHS Wind Ensemble will perform composition 

written by Detroit native, Hollywood musician 

Hollywood musician Ira Hearshen, who grew up in the Detroit area and graduated 

from Wayne State University, has written a composition specifically for the 

Ferndale High School Wind Ensemble. The piece titled, “8 Mile Rhythm” uses 

three Motown songs as inspiration: “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” written by 

Norman Whitfield and originally performed by The Temptations, “Living For the City” 

written by Stevie Wonder and “What’s Going On?” written by Marvin Gaye. Hearshen’s 

piece uses gestures, fragments, grooves, and harmonic structures in common with the 

Motown tunes, but is its own piece. 

The premiere of “8 Mile Rhythm” will be May 18 at 7 p.m. in the FHS Auditorium. 

Elon Jamison, Director of the Wind Ensemble, explains the importance of the 

Hearshen commission: “Having a piece commissioned is one of those things that music 

programs and directors aspire to because it’s another indication of a program’s success. It 

also hoped that it will have specific meaning to the school or community. In this case it’s 

the fact that the piece is dedicated to our larger Detroit (Motown) community, written by a 

Detroit native for a school back home neighboring Detroit.” 

Continued on page 4 > 

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

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Keep up with upcoming 

school, community events 

• Coolidge Talent Show, April 27 @ 7 p.m. $5 at door. 

Proceeds benefit Cool Kid Camp Fund. 

• Euchre Night: BandAid Fundraiser, April 27, 7 p.m., 

Ferndale Elks Lodge. 

• Healthy Kids Day: April 27, 11:30-1:30, South Oakland 

Family YMCA. 

• Family Fundale: April 27, 1-4 p.m. 

• UHS Student Showcase, April 30, 6 p.m. 

• Family Picnic at the DLC! Summer school registration, 

graduation information, college planning, student 

art show, prom tickets, activities for all ages. Digital 

Learning Center on May 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

• FMS Parent Transition Meetings: For parents and 

guardians of 5th/6th students. May 2 & 9 

• FHS PROM: An Evening of Elegance, Friday, May 3 from 

7:30-11 p.m., Roostertail. $65 per person. 

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

• Pleasant Ridge Native Todd Hasak-Lowy talks about 

his new book, 33 minutes. May 4 @ 2 p.m., Ferndale 

Public Library. 

• Deadline for FYA Youth Recognition May 13 

• 4th Annual Flower Day Sale for Ferndale Fine Arts 

Boosters (FSFAB). Orders due: May 8. 

Pick Up: May 18, 1:30-1. 

• 4th Annual FHS Baseball Alumni Game! 

May 11, 12-5 p.m. 

• 8th Annual Eagles Nest Golf Outing 

May 22, Greystone Golf Club, Romeo. 

• Mother-Son Detroit Tigers Game Trip. 

May 25, $25 per person. 

See all event flyers in the ebackpack 

page of our website. Click on folder>] 

www.ferndaleschools.org 

green Schools: JFK, roosevelt 

JFK named Green School of the Year in Oakland County 

John. F. Kennedy and Roosevelt Primary Schools each 

achieved the Green School status this year, with JFK 

earning the title: #1 Green School in the County! 

The Oakland Schools Green School initiative committee 

reviews and awards designations to schools each year based 

on their “Green Activities.” Designations include Green, Emerald, 

and Evergreen where each level carries a certain number 

of points, Evergreen being the highest. There were 174 total 

schools receiving designations this year. 

Each school is awarded points based on the following 

criteria: percentage of school population involved in green 

activities, green issues addressed, the quality of the work, the 

impact activities have on a variety of groups (grade levels, 

staff, parents, community), and uniqueness. 

“I’m so pleased that John F. Kennedy is the #1 Green School in all of Oakland 

County,” said JFK Principal Derek Adams. This is the fifth consecutive year that JFK has received this 

status, and fourth for the more prestigious Evergreen status. JFK’s recycling program involves students, 

parents, and staff, and recycling bins are located in every classroom and in multiple common areas. 

Students sell recycled crayons, recycled notebooks and used books, and parents and staff members 

have a “Green Team” that oversees all the recycling programs. In addition parents with student help 

tend Michigan Native and vegetable/herb gardens. 

JFK’s coordinators are Susan Christin and D’Anne Mcneil. Roosevelt’s coordinator is Anne Kelly. 

Kelly says Roosevelt, which has received an award for the fourth consecutive year, has a good recycling 

program for paper, plastic, ink cartridges, batteries. They also sell recycled pencils and have had 

speakers come in this year to “speak to kids about being more consciously aware of what they are 

doing and how they contribute to saving the planet.” 

Establishing good recycling routines in the school was the most difficult part of such a volunteer 

effort said McNeil. “Now that those are established, we can focus on other activities or recycling 

different items,” says McNeil. 

Christin notes that the Native Garden now has a Certified Monarch Way Station and a Certified 

Wildlife Habitat. Both schools received recognition this week at a ceremony at Oakland Schools in 

Waterford. 

Like the Ferndale Schools on 

Facebook! 

JFK’s green School Coordinators 

Susan Christin (left) and D’Anne Mcneil 

Follow us on Twitter! @FerndaleSchools

STRATEGIC PLAN for FERNDALE SCHOOLS 

Embracing Each. Advancing All. 

Champions Meetings next 

phase of Strategic Planning 

The Ferndale Schools Strategic 

Plan Steering Committee is inviting all 

community members to participate 

in the following important “town hall” 

meetings to help define the future of 

our schools. You will have a chance to 

share your opinions, views, ideas and 

give feedback for the new Ferndale 

Schools Strategic Plan. 

Thursday, May 9 6:30-9 p.m. 

1 “What Did They Hear?” 

Coolidge Intermediate School 

Tuesday, May 28 6:30-9 p.m. 

2 “Education of the Future” 

University High School 

Thursday, June 6 6:30-9 p.m. 

3 “The District of the Future” 

Ferndale High School 

Wednesday, June 19 6:30-9 p.m. 

4 “Overcoming the Enrollment 

Challenge” 

John F. Kennedy School 

Please call Strategic Plan Steering Committee 

Member, Stephanie Hall at 248/586- 

8651, or via email at shall@ferndaleschools. 

org with any questions. 

Join US! 

noW Enrolling 

Start early. End Strong. Enroll now. 

now Enrolling: little Eagles Preschool 

Little Eagles Preschool is a half-day educational preschool for 3 and 4 year-old Oakland 

County residents. It is located in a dedicated classroom with playground access at Harding 

Administration Center. Competitive Fees! Now enrolling for Fall 2013. All of Ferndale School 

District’s early childhood education programs provide many reasons to enroll your little one 

at Ferndale Schools: 

• Print-rich learning environments 

• Engaging literacy-based activities 

• Focus on health, nutrition, cognitive, social and emotional 

development, self esteem and creativity 

• Active learning and play-based curriculum 

• Vocabulary enrichment 

Schedule an appointment to meet our exceptional teacher 

geneva Walker-Smith (right), 248/586-8686. 


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‘8 Mile rhythm’ premieres at FHS 

< Continued from page 1 

Ira Hearshen is a well-known 

composer, arranger and 

orchestrator in the movie 

industry. He has more than 50 

titles to his credit including John 

Carter, Super 8, Cars 2, A Bug’s Life, 

all the Rush Hour films and Toy 

Story 2 (which included Hearshen’s 

Sinatra-style 

arrangement of Randy Newman’s 

You’ve Got a Friend in Me, sung 

by Robert Goulet). He was nominated 

for a Pulitzer Prize in Music 

in 1997 for his Symphony On 

Themes of John Philip Sousa. 

Hearshen’s nephew, Doug 

Miller, is one of the students in 

“...the piece is 

dedicated to our 

larger Detroit 

(Motown) community, 

written by a Detroit 

native for a school 

back home 

neighboring Detroit.” 

—Elon Jamison 

Director of the Wind Ensemble 

the Wind Ensemble, making “8 Mile Rhythm” even more meaningful 

to everyone involved. The piece was commissioned more than a 

year ago and the Wind Ensemble is excited to perform it for the first 

time. Ira Hearshen and his wife Susan will be here for the concert. In 

addition to the premiere, the concert will feature the FHS Symphony 

Band, special performances from the class of 2013, and the first-ever 

performance of the FHS band alumni. 

This special evening is free and open to the public. 


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Students get dose of reality 

that is in store for them 

With their worksheet and calculators in hand, 11th 

graders at FHS got a glimpse into the grown-up 

world of finance and life management this week. 

“The Reality Store,” in its fifth year at FHS, is set up in the 

gym to give each student an occupation, life status, salary 

and budget before they arrive. Their pseudo life status was 

developed from recent career development surveys they 

had taken. 

The Reality Store has different stations manned with 

staff and volunteers and they include Medical/Dental, 

Housing, Reality Check, Travel/Entertainment, Clothing, 

and Child Care Booths. Students make their way to each 

station, in most cases determining or being assigned dollar 

amounts that must be deducted from their initial budget 

on their check register. 

Sometimes, a large chunk of money is deducted (like 

$836 for daycare for two children). And sometimes, it’s a 

small one-time payment for Girl Scout Cookies. If students 

were lucky, they got the inheritance card when drawing 

numbers at the Reality Booth. Along the way, students 

were expected to make decisions on their budget to not 

only accommodate their anticipated needs, but also their 

wishes, all within budget. 

Former FHS Principal Herb ivory and former FHS 

Counselor Susan rabinowitz (top left) were at one of the 

stations, and Ferndale Police Chief Tim Collins (bottom 

right) handed out the Reality Booth assignments. Those 

assignments range from adding an inheritance to shelling 

out $150 for unexpected car repair. 


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Kindergarten Transition time! 

Preschool students from grant Early Childhood Education got a heartwarming glimpse this week into what 

Kindergarten will be like for them this fall. Photo on left: The students traveled by bus to both roosevelt to meet the 

Kindergarten teachers and Principal Dina rocheleau (left) and teacher Diana Keefe (right), and (Photo on right) to 

John F. Kennedy to meet the teachers and Principal Derek Adams. The students took tours of the Kindergarten rooms 

and partnered with current kindergartners to take part in fun activities. 


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Kindness 

Corner 

Ferndale High School has a new program to acknowledge students and 

staff who are caught doing an act of kindness. Those individuals are given 

a kindness card and when students receive three kindness cards, they 

receive a rubber wristband and their name on the marquee outside the 

school. More than 50 cards have been given out to date. FHS has a designated 

area called the Kindness Corner with all the names of those who have received a 

kindness card. The first recipient, Chantex Chaney, will have his name on the marquee 

for receiving his third respect card. The Kindness Corner is set up through 

the School Climate Team of the FHS Data Teams: gayle Minneci, Stephanie 

Pitcher, Kim Ellis, Terri Colbert, leslie Miller, Dave garlow, & Casey gregg 

Taylor Abernathy 

Howard Abron 

Katie Akers 

Tristen Alford 

Regina Anderson 

Mitchell Armstead 

Lily Arnett 

Mark Ayoola 

Jade Baird 

Tyler Beltz 

Kara Benner 

Shari Branch 

Valeria B 

Alathia Burton 

Raven Carter 

Destiny Cardwell 

Chantez Chaney 

Preston Carter 

Thaddeus Closson 

M o (Malachi) 

Cross-Nelson 

Trina Davis 

Sydney Donaldson 

Kyle Drant 

Darryl Easley 

Brittany Edwards 

Tai Furnari 

Jayla Goliday 

Madison Grobbel 

Chantell Hawkins 

Arrielle Hawthorne 

JalenJuneHolsten 

Brianne Holt 

Antwuan Johnson 

Matthew Kay 

Drew McElroy 

Trevin McKeithen 

Sean McQueeny 

Destiny Morris 

Ms. Rachel Morrison 

Ra-Von Lambert 

Damien Neuman 

Zachary New 

Madi Parks 

Jade Pointzes 

Rynolds 

Krystal Rivas 

Nathan Rizzo 

Joe Roquemore 

Rigel Ribbl-Lucken 

Lenee Stewart 

Jacob Thomas 

Thinh Ky Vo 

Tra’iveon Watson 

Merrit Whitelow 

Amber Williams 

Jayda Wynn 

Christn Young 

Austin Zoppi 

Petting Farm 

at school! 

First graders at roosevelt 

got a visit from the animals 

at Upland Hills Farm this 

week. The students were 

invited to pet the animals 

including piglets, a cow 

sheep, and fowl. 


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UHS girls Win 

at robofest 

The University High 

School girls robotics team 

competed at the Robofest 

Regional competition 

earlier this month and 

took home top honors. 

First place went to seniors 

Alexis Thompson 

(right), laDonna Scott, 

Brittany Carter and sophomore leigha 

Scott for their robot, “Mr. Fetchemus” 

that automatically plays fetch with a 

dog. Second place went to seniors Asia 

Thompson, Albertina Mays, and Abriona 

Mays for their robot “Light-o-matic” 

that automatically turns the lights 

on and off in a room. These two teams 

head to the State Robofest Championship 

this Saturday at Lawrence Tech 

University. 

UHS entered four teams in this 

year’s competition - the most ever. All 

four teams had successful demonstrations 

of their robots. In addition to the 

winners, seniors natalie Elliott, Amyre 

Miller, and Makayla Bell competed 

with their automatic fruit cutter, and juniors 

Sierris Smith, Anaya 

Merriweather, and loni 

Moore competed with 

their school alert system 

robot. 

1 

2 

3 

[Board of Education Meeting Highlights] 

Board recognizes standout 

Teachers of the Year & 

Student Teams/groups 

recognition at the April Board of Education meeting featured several outstanding student groups, as well as the district’s 

2013 Teachers of the Year. 1. FHS girls Basketball Team was congratulated by Chuck Moeser (far right) for their outstanding 

second place finish in the MHSAA regional Tournament and their Coach Eric lloyd (in the gray sportcoat) was named oAA 

Blue Coach of the Year. 2. UHS Boys Basketball Team was congratulated by Chuck Moeser (far right) for finishing their 2013 

season as District Champions in the MHSAA Tournament. 3. impi robotics was congratulated by Kevin Deegan-Krause (far 

right) for winning two awards for Most innovative robot Design and qualifying for the State Championships with a ranking 

of 49th of 207 Michigan teams. 4. 2013 Teachers of the Year Honored by Board Members - From left: Karen Twomey congratulated 

Middle School Teacher of the Year Jason gillespie; Elementary Teacher of the Year ruth Tavalire was congratulated by 

nancy Kerr-Mueller; High School Teacher of the Year ryan Dunlap was congratulated by raylon leaks-May. 5. The company 

of this year’s musical theatre production, The Sound of Music, was congratulated by Amy Butters (far right). 


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FSFAB launches 

Flower Day Sale 

The Ferndale Schools Fine Arts 

Boosters (FSFAB) is launching its 

Fourth Annual Flower Day sale with 

all proceeds supporting the many 

K-12 programs, performance needs 

and activities the FAB sponsors. 

These include classroom enhancement 

funds, concert dress, uniform 

and equipment needs and program 

support for Art, Dance, Orchestra, 

Choir, Bands, Drumline, and the 

Marching Band. 

orders Due (click for form): 

May 8 

Pick up: 

May 18, 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. 

at the FHS Student Drop off 

drive along Pinecrest 

All orders prepaid, checks payable 

to FSFAB. Order forms can be 

given to the student seller, dropped 

off at FHS main office, given to a 

Fine Arts Teacher or mailed to Paula 

Cardelli at 15 Woodside Park, Pleasant 

Ridge. 

[Board of Education Meeting Highlights] 

Finance report 

Maureen Adams, Executive Director of 

Finance, provided an update on the planned 

borrowing from the School Bond Loan Fund. 

In August, the Finance Committee and Board 

approved borrowing in the amount of $767,307 

needed to meet the district’s May 1 debt payments 

in the amount of $4,090,559. Tax collections 

were slightly higher than anticipated, 

reducing the actual amount needed to borrow 

to $763,501. During the 2012 Bond discussions, 

borrowing was anticipated in the amount of 

$838,675. 

The Board approved bills and accounts in 

the amount of $1,692,825.89 for March 1-31, 

2013. Included in the total are capital projects 

fund payments in the amount of $246,847.80 

and cafeteria fund payments in the amount of 

$93,334.63. 

Approved appointment of Chuck Moeser 

to the 2013-2014 ISD (Oakland Schools) Budget 

Review Committee. 

The Board discussed the impact of sequestration 

on school programs. At this time, the district 

has received notice from Oakland Livingston 

Human Service Agency (OHLSA) of their intent 

to impose a 3% reduction in funding of the Head 

Start program. They are reserving the right to 

impose an additional 2% reduction as a result 

of the sequestration of federal funds. Although 

the district is a carefully reviewing all options to 

avoid making a program reduction, and plans 

to reduce expenses before the end of the school 

year, Headstart is continuing through the end of 

the year as scheduled to best serve the students. 

The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled 

for Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the 

Harding Media Center. 

Human resources report 

Deputy Superintendent Henry gold discussed 

staffing timelines that have been adjusted 

to reflect legislative changes made during 

this school year. The Board also discussed the 

role of evaluation, seniority and tenure in staffing 

decisions. Any layoff resolution must preserve 

Board rights, provide fair notice to teachers and 

contain sufficient flexibility to meet the staffing 

and budget needs of the district. 

Approved the resignation of Amy Holmes, 

JFK teacher, effective June 30, 2013. 

The next meeting date of the Staff Relations 

Committee is scheduled for May 6, 2013 following 

the Policy Committee meeting. 

Superintendent’s report 

The Board reviewed a new Board Policy 6355 

(Contracts for Services by District) for a first reading 

designed to ensure there is a material assessment 

of contracts and reporting to the Board on 

costs versus revenue levels of the contracts. Following 

this first reading, the proposed policy will 

be returned to the Board for a second reading 

and approval. 

The next meeting date of the Policy Committee 

is scheduled for May 6, 2013. 


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Contracts Approved for summer 

kitchen, mechanical system upgrades 

The following contracts have been awarded and Board approved 

for the UHS Kitchen & Mechanical System Upgrades: 

UHS Kitchen & Mechanical System Upgrades 

Selective Demolition Contract to Blue Star, Warren, MI, in 

the amount of $13,940 

Concrete Flatwork & Foundations Contract to 6-K Construction, 

Brighton, MI, in the amount of $2,895. 

Masonry Contract to Silverado Construction, Warren, MI, 

in the amount of $33,900. 

Misc. Structural Steel Contract to Campbell & Shaw, 

Marysville, MI, in the amount of $4,500. 

Carpentry Contract to Wally Kosorski Co., Inc., Clinton 

Township, MI, in the amount of $18,960. 

Roofing Contract to JD Candler Roofing, Livonia, MI, in the 

amount of $2,430. 

Gypsum Wall Assemblies & Acoustical Ceilings to B.R.D., 

Inc., Brighton, MI, in the amount of $21,473. 

Hard Tile Contract to Boston Tile & Terrazzo Company, 

Detroit, MI, in the amount of $6,610. 

Resilient Flooring Contract to Shock Brothers Floorcovering, 

Inc., Roseville, MI, in the amount of $3,000. 

Paint Contract to Niles Construction Services, Inc., Flint, 

MI, in the amount of $3,544. 

Food Service Equipment to Great Lakes Hotel Supply Co., 

Detroit, MI, in the amount of $140,126. 

Plumbing Contract to Oakland Plumbing, Ray Township, 


HVAC Mechanical Contract to Contrast Mechanical, 

Macomb Township, MI, in the amount of $73,000. 

Electrical Contract to Shoreview Electric, Clinton Township, 


The following contracts have been awarded and 

Board approved for the Roosevelt Kitchen & 

Mechanical System Upgrades 

Selective Demolition Contract to Blue Star, Warren, MI, in 

the amount of $12,700. 

Concrete Flatwork & Foundation Contract to McCarthy 

Construction Co., Commerce Township, MI, in the amount 

of $2,500. 

Masonry Contract to Silverado Construction, Warren, 

MI, in the amount of $14,385. 8-3 Approval to Award 

Roosevelt Construction Contracts 

Misc. Structural Steel Contract to Campbell & Shaw, 

Marysville, MI, in the amount of $5,200. 

Carpentry Contract to B.R.D., Inc., Brighton, MI, in the 


Roofing Contract to LaDuke Roofing & Sheet Metal, Oak 

Park, MI, in the amount of $10,180. 

Gypsum Wall Assemblies & Acoustical Ceilings to B.R.D., 

Inc., Brighton, MI, in the amount of $19,574. 

Hard Tile Contract to Boston Tile & Terrazzo Company, 

Detroit, MI, in the amount of $11,230. 

Resilient Flooring Contract to Shock Brothers Floorcovering, 

Inc., Roseville, MI, in the amount of $1,500. 

Paint Contract to Gold Star Companies, Troy, MI, in the 

amount of $3,100 

Food Service Equipment to Great Lakes Hotel Supply Co., 

Detroit, MI, in the amount of $107,750 

Plumbing Contract to Contrast Mechanical, Macomb 

Township, MI, in the amount of $47,000. 

HVAC Mechanical Contract to Contrast Mechanical, 

Macomb Township, MI, in the amount of $343,000. 

Electrical Contract to J & J Electric, Warren, MI, in the 


[Board Meeting Highlights] 

Bond Project Update 

Jeff Hamilton of the Auch Construction Company and Bill 

Weinrauch of TMP Architects provided a bond project update 

at the April Board of Education meeting. The pools at Ferndale 

High School (photo below) have been drained and decked over 

for safety and access to the ceiling. All the pool equipment has 

been demolished and removed. There is a trench for electrical 

upgrades connecting the two sides with a power upgrade. 

While school is in session, the work will 

take place in the tunnels under the school. 

The construction will move into the auditorium 

after the last performance of the 

year. Jeff Hamilton reported that currently, 

workers can be seen taking measurements 

throughout the site, so when school is out, 

“we’re ready to roll.” 

Bids were opened for the UHS & Roosevelt 

Kitchen & Mechanical System Upgrades 

on March 19, 2013. The Citizens 

Bond Oversight Committee and the Board 

Operations Committee met March 28, 2013 

to review the bids which were presented to 

the Board April 22 and approved. A complete list is included in 

the sidebar at left. 

From a financial perspective, it is important to note that 

the total cost of UHS & Roosevelt Kitchen & Mechanical System 

Upgrades, including all allowances, contingencies, and fees, 

equals $1,540,313. This compares with a total bond budget 

of $1,560,000. Consequently, a positive variance of $19,687 

remains. Any of these funds not expended will return to the 

district at the conclusion of the projects. 


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Time to sign up for 

FYA Summer Camp 

There are three great Ferndale 

Youth Assistance Summer Camp 

opportunities for students this year: 

• Camp Skyline July 14-19 

(overnight camp – ages 7-14) 

• City of Ferndale Day Camp 

beginning June 24 @Kulick Center 

• YMCA Day Camp beginning June 

10 (on Eleven Mile in Royal Oak) 

Last year, 61 kids enjoyed overnight 

and day camps. Each week is 

a different theme at the day camps 

and there is a scholarship for one (1 

week) session. Parents are advised 

to turn in applications as soon as 

possible, space is limited. Children 

who have attended camp previously 

will be put on a waiting list; 

children who have never attended 

camp will have first priority this 

year. 

All applications will require 

approval of a school principal or 

counselor. 

Applications will be reviewed 

in the order received. Click here for 

the application in ebackpack. 

6th graders learn to be ‘Above the influence’ 

The Southeast Oakland Coalition, student volunteers from FHS, UHS and teachers and administration from 

JFK and Coolidge spent Friday at Coolidge helping all of the District’s sixth graders understand what it 

means to be “Above the Influence.” This is the 3rd Annual Youth Dialogue Day, and this is the first year of 

“reporting out” at the end of the day. Multiple groups of students met throughout the day with student 

facilitators to respond to questions. Then the groups presented their answers to their peers and the public, 

including Barbara Winter from State rep. Ellen Cogen lipton’s office and Jeremy Mahrle from U.S. 

Senator Carl levin’s office. Each group constructed “Above the Influence” posters that answered five 

questions including: What do you like about your community and why? What are your fears about middle 

school and what can schools do to make the transition easier? How do you say no to drugs? What can the 

community do to increase drug awareness? Starting today, what is the one thing I can do with my peers 

to stay away from drugs and alcohol? According to the campaign website (http://www.abovetheinfluence. 

com/): “It’s a state of mind. It’s about being yourself and not letting negative influence get to you. Pressure 

to drink, do drugs or do anything that goes against who you are in order to fit in—that’s negative influence. 

And if you’re one of the teens who want to stay above it, you’ve come to the right spot.” After the presentations, 

Winter and Mahrle applauded the students’ effort. “We are here because we know how important the 

Coalition is to the community,” said Mahrle. “You all did a great job.” 


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JFK first graders plant two trees in honor of Arbor Day 

oak Park Mayor Marian McClellan was one of the people invited to watch first graders at John F. Kennedy School plant two 

trees on school grounds for their annual Arbor Day event. This year, the first graders planted two trees: Danielle Cover’s class 

planted an oak, and lindsay gonska’s class planted a Maple. Students were taught about the importance of trees for our environment 

and reviewed the anatomy of a tree. “Thank you for helping us keep oaks in oak Park,” said Mayor McClellan who 

addressed the gardeners. The kids got to name the newest additions to park behind JFK: The Maple’s name is lavender and 

the oak’s name is Double oak 7 (say it aloud and you’ll get the joke). 


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[Ferndale Youth Assistance] 

nominations sought for Youth recognition Ceremony 

Ferndale Youth Assistance is seeking nominations for a deserving student or group of 

students for its 33rd Annual Youth Recognition Celebration on Monday, May 13, from 

5:30-8 p.m. at Coolidge Intermediate School. 

Nomination forms can be found the eBackpack on the District website or by clicking on 

the form on the right. There will be two recognition categories: Individual and Group grades 

K-12. Two graduating seniors who are nominated may be selected for a $500 scholarship 

from the David Michael Smith Scholarship Fund to pursue higher education. 

Individual or group nominations can be made by school staff, church representatives, 

civic groups, business persons, parents and citizens of the Ferndale School District. Award 

winners will be nominated on the basis of volunteer services performed in our community 

within the past year or who have made remarkable achievements in spite of personal hardship. 

Criteria for individual recognition: Nominating a deserving youth for their ongoing 

volunteerism, school or community service project, personal acts of heroism or someone 

who has overcome adversity in spite of personal hardship. 

Criteria for group recognition: Nominating a deserving group of youth for ongoing 

volunteerism or school or community service projects, beautification activities, church/ 

youth programs. 

Criteria of Youth efforts that will NOT be eligible for the Youth Recognition award may 

include: athletic award, honor roll, attendance, students performing paid or mandated community 

services, teacher or instructor assignments. 

Nominators need to be detailed when nominating a youth or group for their efforts to 

take special care when composing remarks as some of the information can be sensitive in 

nature. FYA reserves editing rights to all nominations. 

Deadline for youth nominations has been extended to Monday, April 29, 2013. 

The award winners, their families and nominators will be mailed/emailed an invitation to 

attend the Youth Recognition Celebration. 

Fill out the form online and return to Ferndale Youth Assistance, Ferndale High School, 

881 Pinecrest Ferndale, MI 48220. Questions: please call FYA at 248-586-8700. 

Ferndale Youth Assistance- Youth Recognition Celebration! 

Please circle: Student or Group nomination 

Student: Grade: 

Age: M/F School: 

Parent (s) or guardian: 

(Print exact name to be used on certificate) 

The form for the Youth 

recognition Award can be 

found online in the District news 

folder and by clicking on the 

form above. 


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Address: 

Home Phone#: Work Phone #: 

E-mail Address: Alternative email: 

Group: 

(Please use additional sheets for names and nominating information) 

Nominator: Phone#: 

Organization/Affiliation: Email: 

Alternative email: 

(Please feel free to use additional sheets for nomination purposes). 

Please return nomination form to FYA located in the Ferndale High 

School by: Monday, April 22, 2013. 

All award winners, their families, and nominators will be mailed/emailed to participate in 

the Youth Recognition Celebration.

oughin’ it 

The fourth and fifth grade Open 

Classroom students went to Camp 

Copneconic for 3 days/2 nights this 

week. They participated in activities 

such as kayaking, archery, zip lining, 

survival tasks, communication games 

and fishing. According to Anne Kelly, 

Social Worker at Roosevelt, the trip was 

“chilly and muddy, but the kids had a 

great time!” 

[Save the Date! - Don’t miss the world premier of 8 Mile Rhythm] 

Calling All FHS Band Alumni: 

Dust off your horns and join in 

the May 18 spring concert 

The FHS Bands will be performing their Annual Spring Concert on Saturday, May 18, 

at 7 p.m. in the FHS Auditorium. Featured on the program is the first FHS Alumni Band 

concert in 30 years. (Photo above is from the 2001 FHS Talon) 

An Alumni Band Rehearsal will be held in the late morning on May 18. Musicians will 

be contacted with more details and music to practice. 

There is no admission charge for the concert. 

An Alumni Band Reunion will be held after the concert at Como’s Pizza, outside 

patio, 22812 Woodward Avenue (at 9 Mile), Ferndale, MI 48220. 

FHS Alumni can contact Patti Weber Aberlich at paberlich2@aol.com or 248-302- 

4959 to participate. 


Facebook!


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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/! 

Blue Baseball 

Stitching 

Brown/Black/White 

Ferndale Colors 

Titanium Necklace Fundraiser 

$15 each or 2 for $20 

White Baseball 

Stitching 

Yellow Baseball 

Stitching 

Blue/Orange 

Tigers Colors 

Green/White 

MSU Colors 

Yellow/Blue 

U of M Colors 

Size 20 Size 20 Size 22 Size 20 Size 22 

Size 22 

Size 20, 24 

Blue/White 

Lion Colors 

Brown/White 

Ferndale Colors 

Purple/Pink 

Courage/Hope/Faith 

Black/Hot Pink Hot Pink 

Size 16, 18, 20, 24 Size 18 Size 20 Size 20, 24 

Red/Blue 

Piston Colors 

Red/White 

Red Wing Colors 

Size 22 Size 22 Size 22 

College, NFL, MBA 

Teams 

All funds raised will be used to buy equipment for the boys’ baseball teams at FHS and FMS. We are also trying to 

purchase a new score board for the Varsity Baseball Field at Ferndale High School. 

Interested in purchasing, email ferndalebaseball@yahoo.com or call Barb Landry 248.390.4457 


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Size 22

what's happening 

Saturday, April 27 

• Euchre Night - Ferndale Elks Lodge, 22856 Woodward Ave 

(one block north of 9 Mile), 7-9 p.m. 

• Coolidge Talent Show @ Ferndale High School, 7- 9 p.m. 

Monday, April 29 

School improvement Monday 

Tuesday, April 30 

• MSVMA State Choral Festival 

• JFK Incoming Kindergarten Orientation - 

JFK Cafeteria, 6-7 p.m. 

• Roosevelt 3rd Grade Music Concert - Roosevelt Gym, 

6:30-8 p.m. 

Wednesday, May 1 

• MSVMA State Choral Festival 

• Grant Screening Day 

• Focus Group: Elected Officials - Ferndale High School, 

8-9:30 a.m. 

• Family Picnic at DLC! - Digital Learning Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

Thursday, May 2 

• Grant Screening Day 

• FMS Transition Meeting - FMS/FHS Media Center, 6-7 p.m. 

• Coolidge/JFK/FMS 5-8 Spring Band Concert - FHS Auditorium, 

7- 9 p.m. 

Friday, May 3 

• FHS (grades 9-11 only)/UHS 4th Progress Period Ends 

• FMS: End of Trimester Three Progress window 

• FHS Junior-Senior Prom: An Evening of Elegance 

Roostertail, 7:30-11 p.m. 

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 three 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, 19, 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. 


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April 26, 2013 NEWS - Ferndale Public Schools

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