Most districts know in theory that working with strategic business partners that educate students in practical ways learned far beyond the classroom are important. It paves the way for students to learn how the real world works and they can then apply the skills into their lives and the lives of the learning community. This is the case in an article written by John Turk of the Oakland Press at Sheiko Elementary in the West Bloomfield School District.
West Bloomfield Twp. elementary students graduate from nutrition program out of partnership with Henry Ford Hospital
Students in the West Bloomfield “Chef for a Day, Farmer for a
Day” program walk in the Henry Ford Hospital Ravitz Atrium and receive
diplomas to celebrate their completion of the program. Photo submitted
by Dr. Ken Wolf
About 600 West Bloomfield elementary students donned a different
type of graduation cap this week to celebrate their participation in a
year-long program geared towards nutrition awareness: A chef’s hat.
The program — called “Chef for a Day, Farmer for a Day” — was
created in Sept. 2013 by Sheiko Elementary, the West Bloomfield School
District and Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital to help reduce
childhood obesity, said program representatives.
Sheiko Elementary students learned about life cycles, healthy
eating, and more through the program, which was based on national
standards, while staying within the school district’s curriculum.
Specifically, students visited Henry Ford doctors, watched
hospital chefs prepare food at the school, and even saw organic foods
being grown at Henry Ford’s hospital-based, 1,500-square-foot greenhouse
— the first of its kind in Michigan.
At a commencement ceremony Wednesday in the hospital’s Ravitz
Atrium, West Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Gerald Hill said the
school’s 5-2-1-0 Wellness program — each number denotes how many fruits
and vegetables to eat, how many hours to watch television and exercise
and to limit sugar intake — is a valuable tool for adults and children,
“and one that the students should share with other family members and
friends.”
The program helped students achieve that goal, as many were
encouraged to be teachers to their classmates and families on new eating
behaviors, food choice selections and exercise patterns.
To read more in the online Oakland Press, click here.(vvv)
lhttp://www.theoaklandpress.com/social-affairs/20140522/west-bloomfield-twp-elementary-students-graduate-from-nutrition-program-out-of-partnership-with-henry-ford-hospital
NEW ORLEANS -- There was a talent show at the White House
Tuesday, and the first lady was right in the middle of it. The
performers go to troubled schools that have added the arts to their core
curriculum to try to turn them around.
Many schools tell you they teach across the content areas but in reality, they only play lip service to this.
"It's
not just to have a music education class, you know, during the school
day or after school," says Ron Gubitz, the elementary school principal.
"But it's actually to use the music and use visual arts and use theater
to teach core content."
Students from the Renew Cultural Arts Academy perform at the White House talent show.
CBS News
With
the new curriculum, the school has seen a 20 point rise in standardized
tests over five years -- plenty of room for improvement, but enough to
earn recognition from the White House. Renew is one of the Turnaround
schools granted funding to hire more arts teachers, tripling the time
kids spend learning the arts.
"We've been doing that work to set a
template so that any school sees that it's possible to do this," says
actress Alfre Woodard, who volunteers at the school. "Enrollment stays
steady, or it goes up, behavioral problems go down and the culture of
the schools are transformed."
It's transformed sixth-grader Jarred Gray.
The Riverside Elementary Community held their annual Spring Carnival
Fundraiser and the PTO is now able to fund more student programs. Ms.
Grambush, several staff members and parent volunteers all helped the
students.
Waterford Kettering tennis against KLAA crossover opponent Milford tangled recently in tennis action. The beautiful courts were the backdrop to a bright future. Media Network produced high school tennis action for the first time ever. In the two interviews below, we find out about the next phase of Kettering tennis Dan Madden and meet Jr. tennis player Rachel Kunz and Milford's Valerie Russell. https://vimeo.com/95745229 The broadcast will be on Media Network and you can find the schedule on TV-10.
Plenty of great Troy HS 'Paparazzi Style' Prom pictures. From the armored assault vehicle that showed up with students spilling out in style with CIA agents checking for bombs to classic shots of great kids, you will find plenty to see for kids capping off their K-12 careers party with a grand entrance. http://media.theoaklandpress.com/
Channel 7 Video Story on
http://www.wxyz.com/news/walled-lake-teacher-earns-michigan-teacher-of-the-year Nebojsa Stojkovic, a Walled Lake Central High School math teacher and track coach,
among five Top Teacher Search finalists selected through syndicated
morning show, “Live Kelly & Michael” with hosts Kelly Ripa and
Michael Strahan.
From Mike Turk of the Oakland Press- In what must be great news for these two teachers, Walled Lake Schools must be truly proud the light has shined on them this year.
Channel 7 Video Story on
http://www.wxyz.com/news/walled-lake-teacher-earns-michigan-teacher-of-the-year Nebojsa Stojkovic, a Walled Lake Central High School math teacher and track coach,
among five Top Teacher Search finalists selected through syndicated
morning show, “Live Kelly & Michael” with hosts Kelly Ripa and
Michael Strahan.
Walled Lake elementary educator named Michigan Teacher of the Year
Keith Elementary teacher Melody Arabo stands among her students
after being named Michigan's Teacher of the Year. (John Turk - THe
Oakland Press)
“Melody is a dynamic example of our Michigan
educators. Her child-centered approach to learning ensures she is
meeting the needs of all her students. We look forward to her continued
contributions to teaching and learning.”
— Mike Flanagan, State Schools Superintendent
•
Arabo shares best Common Core-aligned lessons and practices — along
with only 96 teachers across the country — to other teachers through the
National Education Association’s Master Teacher Project. Her ideas get
shared on www.betterlesson.com.
It took a few seconds for Walled Lake Schools’ Melody Arabo to stand Thursday after being named Michigan Teacher of the Year.
She knew she was nominated, but had no idea the assembly — called
at Keith Elementary, where she’s a third grade teacher — was all for
her. School administrators held the assembly under the guise of
celebrating the school’s history, as the event also marked Keith
Elementary’s 50th year.
Her husband knew.
“I’ve had to keep this secret almost two
weeks,” said Elliott Arabo, beaming after his wife was honored by State
Schools Superintendent Mike Flanagan. “Do you remember those teachers
that still stick out to you that made an impact on your life? (Melody
is) that teacher.”
The Michigan Department of Education uses the Teacher of the Year
award annually to honor exemplary educators. This year, the competition
was out of 1,000 teachers statewide.
With her new designation, Arabo will provide input on Michigan’s
education system at the State Board of Education’s monthly meetings,
she’ll meet Gov. Rick Snyder, and later this year, she’ll meet President
Barack Obama, said Flanagan.
A $1,000 check for Keith Elementary on the 12-year teaching
veteran’s behalf, along with a car — both provided by MEEMIC Insurance
Company — are part of the deal, too.
Melody, an active member of the community — she lives within
walking distance and her three children attend the school — was shocked
and humbled.
“Really, all I can say is thank you,” she said between breaths in
Keith Elementary’s gymnasium. “And I hope that I can live up to the
expectations that you have, because I feel like being a voice for
teachers is the most important thing I can do, other than working with
kids each day.”
Edie Schwartz, a Keith parent who said Arabo motivated her son to read, nominated Arabo.
“When he came to Keith, my son was really struggling with
reading. Mrs. Arabo not only helped him build confidence in reading but
he is now able to read. He loves Keith and he feels that way because
he’s in Mrs. Arabo’s classroom. She has a way of making learning fun for
the kids,” Schwartz said in her nomination letter.
“Their faces seem to light up when she is in the room.”
Arabo, 35, a graduate of Michigan State University, is the second educator in recent weeks to be honored. Nebojsa Stojkovic, a Walled Lake Central High School math teacher and track coach,
among five Top Teacher Search finalists selected through syndicated
morning show, “Live Kelly & Michael” with hosts Kelly Ripa and
Michael Strahan.
Kenneth Gutman, Walled Lake Schools Superintendent, said along
with Arabo, Walled Lake Schools is “very lucky to have such a great
support staff.
“Keith really is about every child, every day ... (and) Melody couldn’t deserve this honor more.”
If you have been in front of students for even five minutes, you have had the "I forgot my pencil" request. Most teachers try the life lesson or the humiliation tactic and inevitably had no success changing the students behavior. A current practicing teacher and Associate Professor at the University of Washington has a surprise response and the psychology behind his answer made me rethink the age old answer.
I
recently taught a university course in Seattle for graduate students seeking master’s
degrees in teaching. In one lesson, our focus was on creating a psychologically
safe learning environment for students. It was an issue of managing students
and supplies. I posed a question: If a student shows up to class without a
pencil, how should the teacher respond?
Small
groups collaborated for a few minutes. Ultimately, they came up with plans
involving taking something (a shoe?) from the student as collateral to remind
the student about the importance of having supplies, notifying parents and
even assigning classroom cleanup duty or lunch detention.
“What about you, Prof?” they asked.
“I
would give the kid a pencil,” I said.
“You
mean the first time?” someone asked.
“Every
time,” I said.
This
evidently had not occurred to them. There must be some punishment, subtle
humiliation or a response that makes the kid pay for the error, right? They
were concerned that my action would reinforce and reward poor behavior,
possibly even help develop bad habits.
What
they failed to see is that the teacher is not the cause of the problem. Likely,
the student has been doing this for years. The teacher can respond by
criticizing the child in front of the class, reminding him that pencils are
required at school, making her give up something as collateral or inflicting some
punishment as a power move.
Or
the instructor can simply provide the pencil and say, “There will always be a
pencil here for you. Don’t ever worry about asking me for a pencil. I have
hundreds of them.”
By
eliminating the anxiety that comes when students worry about being
called out
or humiliated in front of their peers, teachers reduce the chance that
students will skip class, give up, become defiant or develop mysterious
“illnesses” that cause
them to stay home. Obviously, these students struggle with
remembering supplies. This is likely the result of many factors in their
lives, none of which has anything to do with the teacher. Perhaps it
is ADHD or a medication side effect, stress or simple forgetfulness or
immaturity. (They are, after all, just kids, right?) What good does it
do to
rub it in their faces every day? And years later, what are they likely
to remember
about the class or the teacher?
“But
what about the student who takes advantage of you?” one of the graduate
students asked. “How do you know they aren’t doing it on purpose?”
Of
course there is the chance I will be taken advantage of. I welcome this chance.
I resolve to remain a patient advocate for the child even if he is testing me. When
I hand him the 50th pencil and remind him there is always one here, what will
be his likely impression? Has humiliation worked so far in his educational
experience? Has the status quo resolved the issue? Imagine the impact of endless advocacy. We
should all be extended such grace.
Also,
students who are constantly badgered for forgetting pencils start stealing
pencils to avoid being singled out and embarrassed. One could argue that shaming
leads to the stealing. A child will go to great lengths to avoid humiliation.
“How
do you get all those pencils?” my students asked.
I am a college graduate and a professional. I have no trouble accessing the
power structure of our community. How can I complain about finding pencils? In
light of what so many others struggle with daily, this problem is minor. Find a
way. Pay for them, borrow them, ask companies to donate them, hit up family
members for pencils as holiday gifts. Have a pencil drive. Do a car wash for
pencils. I don’t know, but figure it out. Life is a cycle of problem solving. You
can find the pencils.
Students
learn best in a psychologically safe, mistake-friendly environment. We all make
mistakes. How teachers respond has everything to do with whether or not their
students feel valued as human beings. We are responsible for creating a
psychologically safe classroom. In all possible situations, we should seek to
uphold the dignity of the student. Even when disciplinary action is necessary,
it should be handled in a dignified way.
“Mr.
D, can I have a pencil?"
“Of
course, anytime. Donohue is a middle school English and social
studies teacher in Monroe, Washington. He also teaches college courses
in English, public speaking and education.
Brandon High School Celebrated their prom at the Boulder Pointe CC located in Oxford. Paparazzi style photos of students is available at the link below and they are dandies. I understand they are available for purchase as well.To see the photo gallery, click the link below. VVV http://dfm-ssp.medianewsgroup.com/theoaklandpress/?p=11216&preview=true
Waterford Kettering celebrates their prom at Petruzzello's. Paparazzi photos from the entrance and red carpet. See the complete photo album on the Oakland Press online. I understand the photos are available for purchase as well.
Some of the new reports are pretty scary as more students are carrying weapons into schools to protect themselves against bullies. The statistics which are outlined in the Channel One News video and transcript below say the trend is growing and schools must prepare for it.
The video is here and the transcripts are below > http://www.channelone.com/a-report-on-bullying/
Maggie: We all know that bullying is a widespread problem in our
schools. But even with increased awareness and programs to fight it, the
number of victims continues to grow. And now a new report shows that
the way some victims are handling it is as worrisome as the problem
itself. Shelby Holliday has the story.
Student: All of this name calling and pushing made me feel horrible.
Shelby: Bullying impacts schools and students across the country.
Student: I’ve been called so many different names, it’s unbelievable. I’ve been called fat, ugly, stupid…
Shelby: And despite school programs and outreach events, studies suggest that bullying in American schools is on the rise.
Andre Kar: I think people don’t really realize how real it is until you actually see it for yourself.
Shelby: One new report out analyzes a detailed survey of more than
15,000 high school students who were asked questions about bullying. The
survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, found that 20% of
those high school students reported being victims of bullying within
the last 12 months. But what is more troubling to researchers is that
some bullied students are bringing dangerous weapons to class.
Sixteen-year-old Lisa Lovolos brought a paring knife to her school in Philadelphia after months of being bullied.
Lisa Lovolos: I knew I was wrong to have it but, I mean, I felt like I needed something to protect myself.
Shelby: Lisa was arrested and suspended for five days. But she is not the only one violating school rules.
Dr. Andrew Adesman: They’re telling us that there’s practically one child in every classroom that is carrying a weapon.
Shelby: After taking a closer look at the survey, researchers
estimate that about 200,000 bullied high school students are bringing
weapons like knives, guns and clubs to school. And they say that being
bullied increases a kid’s chances of carrying weapons.
Of the 20% of high school students who said they have been bullied,
8.6% say they have carried a weapon to school compared to 4.7% of
students who said they haven’t been bullied.
Researchers also found four risk factors related to bullying that
boost that number even higher. If a student skips school because of
immediate concerns about their safety, have had their property stolen or
damaged, have been threatened with or injured with a weapon in school,
and has been in a physical fight, they are 31 times more likely to bring
a weapon to school.
Dr. Adesman: This is a group that’s not only traumatized
psychologically and they worry for themselves physically, but they also
pose a threat to the rest of the student body.
Shelby: Researchers say that they hope the new report will help
teachers, principals and parents do a better job of dealing with school
bullies and their victims to make sure the bullying doesn’t lead to more
violence.
Shelby: Summer is right around the corner, and that means high school
seniors across the country are celebrating the end of high school and
the beginning of a new chapter in life. Scott Evans has the story of one
girl in the class of 2014 who is well on her way. Check it out.
Scott: Like many seniors, Grace Bush will be getting her high school diploma on Friday.
But unlike most seniors, this 16-year-old from Florida already has a college degree.
Grace Bush: It’s kind of weird that I graduated college before high school.
Scott: Yep, Grace earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
last week from Florida Atlantic University. She did it with a 3.8 GPA
and completed the four-year degree in just three years, taking high
school and college classes at the same time.
Grace: I started when I was 13 at Broward College and I also took my
classes throughout the summer, so I was able to finish it before four
years.
Scott: Grace’s parents wanted their nine children to earn college
credit in high school because they can’t afford to send all their kids
to college. Grace is the third oldest in the Bush family http://www.channelone.com/college-credit-in-high-school
Students at Donelson Hills Elementary in Waterford walked into a world of Oz recently as nearly 20 science experiments ranging from physical science, to creepy critters and engineering all captivated students. Working with the Michigan Department of Science, Elizabeth Kutchey and the staff put on quite a show as parent volunteers let students explore the what and why of various experiments using the Scientific Method. The video story comes out later Thursday but the photo album can be found in the front page of the online Oakland Press and is archived at: http://media.theoaklandpress.com/
The Waterford Schools breakfast program where all kids can have a healthy breakfast regardless of income has been rolled out at three elementary schools and Donelson Hills is one of the schools. Karen Gomez said her school statistically has 87-percent of students in the poverty range and this helps with getting her students off to a good start learning each day. Titled 'Breakfast with a Hero,' members of the Waterford Police and Fire Departments, parents eatin with their children and the Detroit Tigers' Paws all made this a super event. The program is being rolled out to other Waterford Elementary schools next school year and teachers and administrators can be confident students will have food in their stomachs and will be hitting the ground running to learn
A video story will be available later Thursday with Paws, interviews and more. For now, the photos are in the front page of the Oakland Press online and below. http://media.theoaklandpress.com/
An EAA teacher finds themselves defending their career after two students were engaged in a fight tearing up her classroom and her trying to break up the fight with a common wisk broom. The Freep story below is complete with video and story. Comments are welcome at the bottom of the story.
Pershing High School in Detroit is seen on May 06, 2014. A fight
occurred in a freshman classroom and a teacher tried to break it up by
hitting one of the students with a broom after she couldn't radio
security. / Ryan Garza/Detroit Free Press
Reaction to firing of Detroit Pershing high school...: Opinions
vary on whether it was right for a Pershing High School teacher to be
fired after using a broom to break up a serious fight.
A teacher’s job is in jeopardy because a video circulating online apparently shows her striking a student with a broom in an attempt to break up a fight at Pershing High School in Detroit.
The chancellor of the Education
Achievement Authority, which runs the school, plans to recommend to
the authority’s board of directors that the teacher be terminated, EAA
spokeswoman Chrystal Wilson said Tuesday.
■
Related: Cass Tech QB Jayru Campbell takes plea deal on charges he assaulted guard
“Which
means the termination is effective immediately; she will have an
opportunity, like any other employee, to meet with the board as they
consider this recommendation at its next scheduled board meeting” on
June 17, Wilson said in an e-mail.
A video posted online by Fox 2
News shows two male students tussling in a classroom, with punches
thrown as the boys collapse into desks and onto the floor. Screams can
be heard in the background.
About 33 seconds into the video, a
woman can be seen using what appears to be a broom to strike one of the
boys. She yells, “Stop!” and “Get off!” A man eventually separates the
pair. ■ Related story: Mick McCabe: Detroit Public Schools ignores Michigan law in Cass Tech QB Jayru Campbell case ■ Related story:Stephen Henderson: What Jayru Campbell saga can teach us about violence, race, forgiveness
■
Related story:Drew Sharp: Adults play role in star athletes' bad behavior
The
incident happened Wednesday. Wilson said the students are 15 and 16
and in ninth grade. One was suspended for 10 days and the other for
three days, she said.
The fight and its aftermath are the talk of the school.
“I
feel like if I was there, I would have done the same thing trying to
break them up. ... I don’t think she should lose her job or have
charges brought against her,” said Natalie Tyson, 36, the mother of a
Pershing freshman. “What else could she do? Those guys were kind of big,
and they were tearing up the classroom.”
Bernard Barton III, a 19-year-old senior at the school, said the teacher went too far.
“She
should have never grabbed the broom. She could have just grabbed the
security guard,” he said, adding that the student could’ve gotten hurt
by being hit. “She should have gotten charged for it.”
The
teacher, whose name was not released, was notified in a May 1 letter
about the recommendation that she be terminated. She has not yet
indicated to the EAA whether she plans to appeal.
The teacher was hired Jan. 27, Wilson said.
Created
in 2011, the EAA is the statewide system for the worst-performing
public schools. Teachers in the EAA do not belong to a union.
Earlier
this year, EAA Chancellor John Covington said that the district would
conduct a discipline audit to address allegations made by some former
employees that students have been disciplined harshly. An online petition on change.org calling for the teacher to get her job back had more than 170 names Tuesday.
As the seniors cap off their K-12 careers with awesome events from prom to the great day of graduation, the Oakland Press and Digital First Media will be there as they are shooting paparazzi photos around Oakland County at the proms. The pictures will be of high quality and be available to purchase. Details are still coming. See if your prom is scheduled for the Red Carpet Paparazzi style.
M I C H I G A N G R O U P
Operation Red Carpet: Oakland County
DATE: School, venue, location, time
5/16 Hazel Park, Andiamo, Warren, (Time TBD)
5/16 South Lyon East, Crystal Gardens, Brighton, 7 p.m.
The Riverside Elementary Community held their annual Spring Carnival
Fundraiser and the PTO is now able to fund more student programs. Ms.
Grambush, several staff members and parent volunteers all helped the
students. 
Waterford Kettering tennis against KLAA crossover opponent Milford tangled recently in tennis action. The beautiful courts were the backdrop to a bright future. Media Network produced high school tennis action for the first time ever. In the two interviews below, we find out about the next phase of Kettering tennis Dan Madden and meet Jr. tennis player Rachel Kunz and Milford's Valerie Russell.
Plenty of great Troy HS 'Paparazzi Style' Prom pictures. From the armored assault vehicle that showed up with students spilling out in style with CIA agents checking for bombs to classic shots of great kids, you will find plenty to see for kids capping off their K-12 careers party with a grand entrance.
http://media.theoaklandpress.com/
Brandon High School Celebrated their prom at the Boulder Pointe CC located in Oxford. Paparazzi style photos of students is available at the link below and they are dandies. I understand they are available for purchase as well.To see the photo gallery, click the link below. VVV
is in jeopardy because a video circulating online apparently shows her striking a student with a broom in an attempt to break up a fight at Pershing High School in Detroit.
