winter issue - Saginaw Public Schools
winter issue - Saginaw Public Schools winter issue - Saginaw Public Schools
2 SAGINAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS - WINTER ISSUE Saginaw Board of Education Delena Spates-Allen Vice President Ronald S. Spess President Mattie L. Thompson Secretary Superintendent’s Holiday Message Dear Parents, Community Members and Staff, The holiday season is a time for family, friends, celebration and remembrance of another year passed. I want to celebrate our teachers, parents, and students for their commitment to educational excellence. Eighteen of twenty-one buildings successfully made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) this year. Our dedicated professionals are truly devoted to the success of each and every one of our students. I want to celebrate this community for its continued support of our schools. We are in the third phase of the district’s $70 million school renovation bond that voters approved in August 2004. Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy will have a gymnasium and remodeled auditorium with estimated completion in May. The District continues to partner with community organizations and businesses to benefit our students and educational programs. Together we can make a difference in our community and in the lives of our children. Our greatest treasure and brightest hope for the future is our children, so their education is of the utmost importance. SASA students (left) Portia Brown, and (right) Sydney Veverka, along with Dr. Barris, proudly display the Superintendent’s holiday card. A special thank you to Portia for writing the holiday verse, and Sydney for her artwork. The winning holiday verse written by Portia Brown and included in the Superintendent’s holiday card says: “May you walk in joy and harmony with your family and loved ones and be reminded of your many blessings and good fortune this holiday season.” Superintendent, Dr. Thomas N. Barris James W. Woolfolk, Jr. Trustee Jean A. Burk Trustee 2010 School Board Meetings January 6, 2010........ Annual Mtg & Briefing Session January 13 ..................................... Action Meeting February 3 ................................... Briefing Session February 10 ................................... Action Meeting March 3 ....................................... Briefing Session March 10 ....................................... Action Meeting April 7 ......................................... Briefing Session April 14 ......................................... Action Meeting May 5 .......................................... Briefing Session May 12 .......................................... Action Meeting June 2 ......................................... Briefing Session June 9 ........................................... Action Meeting July 14 ........................................... Action Meeting All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administration Center, 550 Millard Street, Saginaw. Check our website (www.spsd.net) for updates as dates are subject to change. Newly Elected Board Members Saginaw Public Schools would like to express our gratitude to two individuals who have served a total of 39 years on the Board of Education. James Woolfolk has served 26 years and Jean Burk 13 years. Glenda Richardson-Vaughn Alexis Thomas Norman C. Braddock Trustee Beverly J. Yanca Trustee Their dedication and service has enriched the lives of many young people. Saginaw Public Schools would like to welcome Glenda Richardson-Vaughn and Alexis Thomas to the Saginaw Board of Education. They will officially be sworn in on January 6, 2010 when they will begin their six-year term. Support Our Future Saginaw Public Schools hosted a House K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee School Aid hearing in December at Handley Elementary School. The meeting provided an opportunity to underscore the funding problems in K-12 and its impact on schools and students. Several individuals were invited to speak on the impact on funding or lack of funding and the impact on K-12 schools. About 75 people gathered at Handley Elementary School for the first of three hearings held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on K-12 School Aid and Education. Brian Jones, Executive Director of Finance, made the following comments: “Academic achievement improves when students have access to challenging courses, skilled teachers, safe facilities, small class sizes, up-todate technology, libraries, and science labs. Best education comes from a stable system. Current funding challenges and cycles serve to destabilize the system. The state mandates that Michigan Districts adopt a balanced budget prior to June 30, districts build a budget with “X” # of staff based on “Y” # of pupils…without knowing with certainty what revenue will be. The state does not finalize their budget until October. The disconnect is unsettling. When revenue is reduced mid year, it causes an extensive challenge for providing full academic options….eroding the trust of students, parents, staff and the community. When half the year is gone districts have to cut twice as deep in order to realize a given dollar amount of savings. Mid year reductions force us to layoff and/or redeploy staff, which contributes to academic disruption. The combination of student movement and staffing adjustments contribute significantly to system destabilization. Our challenge is to keep cuts as far away from the classroom as possible, therefore we are considering non “load-bearing” positions, which are Public hearing draws large interested crowd Brian Jones, Executive Director of Finance, addresses the subcommittee on the impact of the current financial crisis on public schools in Michigan. still absolutely vital to urban school districts. Higher graduation requirements and academic standards continue to be mandated. Saginaw Public Schools agree with these standards, but feel these mandates should be supported with financial capital. Legislature expects increased performance with decreased financial resources.” Mr. Jones closed his remarks by requesting a permanent, equitable, stable and consistent solution to school funding. He also urged the committee to strongly consider the ramifications for our children, our community and our State as we continue on this trend of cutting funding for public education. Representatives strongly encouraged the public to speak up more about school funding. The issue is not just for those with children, it’s a community wide issue. If you would like to voice your opinion on how K-12 Education should be funded, please contact House K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee School Chair Rep. Terry Brown, terrybrown@house.mi.gov The following legislative representatives attended the hearing: Chair, Rep. Terry Brown (D- Pigeon), Rep. Jeff Mayes (D-BayCity), Rep. Andy Coulouris (D-Saginaw) and Mr. Spade.
SAGINAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS - WINTER ISSUE 3 Take a Walk with Us The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) hosted a Safe Routes to School (SR2S) event for third grade students from Kempton, Stone, Herig, and Jerome Elementary Schools in Saginaw. The “back to school” event took place on the field at Arthur Hill High School, on Thursday, September. 24. The event was sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company (Dow), Accenture (a global management consulting company), Consumers Energy, Spicer Group, and the East Michigan Council of Governments. MDOT and its event sponsors hosted the event in partnership with a host of area organizations, including: the Saginaw Community Foundation, County of Saginaw, City of Saginaw, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Field Neurosciences Institute of Saginaw, YMCA of Saginaw, and the Michigan Department of Community Health (Safe Kids Michigan). “Our focus is to improve pedestrian safety, while encouraging walking and biking to school,” said MDOT Assistant Planner Jay Reithel – the event planner. “When routes are safe, walking and biking to and from school is an easy way to get the regular physical activity children need for good health.” MDOT hoped to inspire parent confidence through the SR2S program. The event highlighted and offered solutions for issues that create barriers to students walking and biking to school. Presentations included the following: Pedestrian Safety, Safe Kids Michigan. Members of the Saginaw Valley Traffic Safety Committee informed students about pedestrian signals, signs and crosswalks, along with other traffic safety issues. Encountering Stray Animals, presented by the Saginaw County Animal Care Center, taught students what to do when encountering stray animals on their way to school. Dealing with Downed Electrical Wires, a Consumers Energy-led discussion, focused on what students should do. Stranger Danger, led by local law enforcement personnel, trained students how to handle encounters with strangers on their walk to school. Walk-able Saginaw featured a display of city of Saginaw attractions within walking distance of local schools. Physical Fitness and Recreation provided interactive activities led by the YMCA of Saginaw. Fire Safety provided a simulated “safe house” experience for students, led by city of Saginaw fire-fighters. Bicycle Safety, which included a bicycle helmet giveaway, was presented by the East Michigan Council of Governments, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Field Neurosciences Institute of Saginaw, Saginaw County 911 and Saginaw County First Responders. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have Accenture and Dow volunteers come together to contribute to the readiness and safety of local students as they prepare to return to school,” said David Dupre, vice president and site leader of Dow’s Michigan Operations. “We hope the lessons learned during this event will become everyday habits for the students involved.” SR2S is an international movement – and now a federal program – to make it safe, convenient and fun for children to bicycle and walk to school. SR2S initiatives also help ease traffic jams, air pollution and unite neighborhoods. Partners Support Rouse Students In education, when it comes to supporting students, it is more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. Forming partnerships in the community allows for a larger safety net in supporting additional student needs. Jessie Rouse Elementary recently had visits from two such partners. With the help of Health Delivery, students are provided with dental service with “Smiles Are Everywhere,” a school based dental program. One of the two mobile dental units utilizes portable equipment to provide exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to elementary school students that may not otherwise receive the care. The mobile unit makes several visits during the course of the school year. Parents must sign consent forms before students can receive services. When representatives from Molina Healthcare called Monica Woods of Health Delivery and inquired what school could benefit from socks, hats and gloves donations, Ms. Woods Rouse students receive dental services in mobile dental bus. suggested Jessie Rouse. During a combined visit in November, Health Delivery provided dental services, and Denise Hughes, representative of Molina Healthcare presented over 150 sets of gloves, socks and hats to students at Jessie Rouse. Another example of how working together as a community we can make a difference in the lives of our community’s children. Rouse students are all smiles about the winter-wear donation from Molina Healthcare. School Nurse’s Corner HEALTHY & FLU-FREE With flu season upon us, it is important that we work together to keep our children healthy. Viruses spread easily among children in schools, and families with school-age children have more infections than others, with an average of one-third of these family members infected each year. By keeping our children flu-free, the community benefits as a whole. You can help prevent the spread of flu or help your child get better if he/she does get sick by following a few simple steps: • If possible, you and your child should get a flu shot • Remind your child to cover his/her nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and dispose of the tissue immediately • Have your child wash his/her hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds • Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and shared items at least once a day • Ensure that bathrooms are stocked with soap, hand towels and tissues • Teach your child not to touch his/her mouth, nose and eyes • If your child is sick and has a fever, keep him/ her at home to prevent the spread of illness to others If you are concerned about your child’s flu symptoms, call your doctor early. Call your doctor immediately if your child has a chronic disease. If you have any questions or would like additional information about preventing and treating the flu, please contact Saginaw Public Schools’ school nurse, Kimberly Newman at Parent Resources Center (989) 399-6900
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2 SAGINAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS - WINTER ISSUE<br />
<strong>Saginaw</strong> Board of Education<br />
Delena Spates-Allen<br />
Vice President<br />
Ronald S. Spess<br />
President<br />
Mattie L. Thompson<br />
Secretary<br />
Superintendent’s Holiday Message<br />
Dear Parents, Community Members and Staff,<br />
The holiday season is a time for family, friends,<br />
celebration and remembrance of another year<br />
passed.<br />
I want to celebrate our teachers, parents, and<br />
students for their commitment to educational<br />
excellence. Eighteen of twenty-one buildings<br />
successfully made Adequate Yearly Progress<br />
(AYP) this year. Our dedicated professionals are<br />
truly devoted to the success of each and every one<br />
of our students.<br />
I want to celebrate this community for its<br />
continued support of our schools. We are in the<br />
third phase of the district’s $70 million school<br />
renovation bond that voters approved in August<br />
2004. <strong>Saginaw</strong> Arts and Sciences Academy will<br />
have a gymnasium and remodeled auditorium with<br />
estimated completion in May. The District<br />
continues to partner with community organizations<br />
and businesses to benefit our students and<br />
educational programs.<br />
Together we can make a difference in our<br />
community and in the lives of our children. Our<br />
greatest treasure and brightest hope for the future<br />
is our children, so their education is of the utmost<br />
importance.<br />
SASA students (left) Portia Brown, and (right) Sydney Veverka,<br />
along with Dr. Barris, proudly display the Superintendent’s<br />
holiday card. A special thank you to Portia for writing the<br />
holiday verse, and Sydney for her artwork.<br />
The winning holiday verse written by Portia<br />
Brown and included in the Superintendent’s holiday<br />
card says:<br />
“May you walk<br />
in joy and harmony<br />
with your family and loved ones<br />
and be reminded of<br />
your many blessings and good fortune<br />
this holiday season.”<br />
Superintendent, Dr. Thomas N. Barris<br />
James W. Woolfolk, Jr.<br />
Trustee<br />
Jean A. Burk<br />
Trustee<br />
2010 School Board Meetings<br />
January 6, 2010........ Annual Mtg & Briefing Session<br />
January 13 ..................................... Action Meeting<br />
February 3 ................................... Briefing Session<br />
February 10 ................................... Action Meeting<br />
March 3 ....................................... Briefing Session<br />
March 10 ....................................... Action Meeting<br />
April 7 ......................................... Briefing Session<br />
April 14 ......................................... Action Meeting<br />
May 5 .......................................... Briefing Session<br />
May 12 .......................................... Action Meeting<br />
June 2 ......................................... Briefing Session<br />
June 9 ........................................... Action Meeting<br />
July 14 ........................................... Action Meeting<br />
All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of<br />
the Administration Center, 550 Millard Street,<br />
<strong>Saginaw</strong>. Check our website (www.spsd.net) for<br />
updates as dates are subject to change.<br />
Newly Elected Board Members<br />
<strong>Saginaw</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
would like to express our<br />
gratitude to two individuals who<br />
have served a total of 39 years<br />
on the Board of Education.<br />
James Woolfolk has served 26<br />
years and Jean Burk 13 years.<br />
Glenda<br />
Richardson-Vaughn<br />
Alexis Thomas<br />
Norman C. Braddock<br />
Trustee<br />
Beverly J. Yanca<br />
Trustee<br />
Their dedication and service has<br />
enriched the lives of many<br />
young people.<br />
<strong>Saginaw</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Schools</strong><br />
would like to welcome Glenda<br />
Richardson-Vaughn and<br />
Alexis Thomas to the <strong>Saginaw</strong><br />
Board of Education. They will<br />
officially be sworn in on January<br />
6, 2010 when they will begin<br />
their six-year term.<br />
Support Our Future<br />
<strong>Saginaw</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> hosted a House K-12<br />
Appropriations Subcommittee School Aid hearing in<br />
December at Handley Elementary School. The<br />
meeting provided an opportunity to underscore the<br />
funding problems in K-12 and its impact on schools<br />
and students. Several individuals were invited to<br />
speak on the impact on funding or lack of funding<br />
and the impact on K-12 schools. About 75 people<br />
gathered at Handley Elementary School for the<br />
first of three hearings held by the House<br />
Appropriations Subcommittee on K-12 School Aid<br />
and Education.<br />
Brian Jones, Executive Director of Finance,<br />
made the following comments:<br />
“Academic achievement improves when<br />
students have access to challenging courses, skilled<br />
teachers, safe facilities, small class sizes, up-todate<br />
technology, libraries, and science labs.<br />
Best education comes from a stable system.<br />
Current funding challenges and cycles serve to<br />
destabilize the system. The state mandates that<br />
Michigan Districts adopt a balanced budget prior to<br />
June 30, districts<br />
build a budget with<br />
“X” # of staff based<br />
on “Y” # of<br />
pupils…without<br />
knowing with<br />
certainty what<br />
revenue will be.<br />
The state does not<br />
finalize their budget<br />
until October. The<br />
disconnect is<br />
unsettling.<br />
When revenue<br />
is reduced mid year,<br />
it causes an<br />
extensive challenge<br />
for providing full<br />
academic options….eroding the trust of students,<br />
parents, staff and the community. When half the<br />
year is gone districts have to cut twice as deep in<br />
order to realize a given dollar amount of savings.<br />
Mid year reductions force us to layoff and/or<br />
redeploy staff, which contributes to academic<br />
disruption. The combination of student movement<br />
and staffing adjustments contribute significantly to<br />
system destabilization.<br />
Our challenge is to keep cuts as far away from<br />
the classroom as possible, therefore we are<br />
considering non “load-bearing” positions, which are<br />
<strong>Public</strong> hearing draws large interested crowd<br />
Brian Jones, Executive Director of Finance, addresses the<br />
subcommittee on the impact of the current financial crisis on<br />
public schools in Michigan.<br />
still absolutely vital to urban school districts.<br />
Higher graduation requirements and academic<br />
standards continue to be mandated. <strong>Saginaw</strong><br />
<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> agree with these standards, but feel<br />
these mandates should be supported with financial<br />
capital.<br />
Legislature expects increased performance<br />
with decreased financial resources.”<br />
Mr. Jones closed his remarks by requesting a<br />
permanent, equitable, stable and consistent solution<br />
to school funding. He also urged the committee to<br />
strongly consider the<br />
ramifications for our<br />
children, our<br />
community and our<br />
State as we continue<br />
on this trend of<br />
cutting funding for<br />
public education.<br />
Representatives<br />
strongly encouraged<br />
the public to speak<br />
up more about<br />
school funding. The<br />
<strong>issue</strong> is not just for<br />
those with children,<br />
it’s a community<br />
wide <strong>issue</strong>. If you<br />
would like to voice<br />
your opinion on how K-12 Education should be<br />
funded, please contact House K-12 Appropriations<br />
Subcommittee School Chair Rep. Terry Brown,<br />
terrybrown@house.mi.gov<br />
The following legislative representatives<br />
attended the hearing: Chair, Rep. Terry Brown (D-<br />
Pigeon), Rep. Jeff Mayes (D-BayCity), Rep. Andy<br />
Coulouris (D-<strong>Saginaw</strong>) and Mr. Spade.
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