August, 2014 - Adrian Public Schools

drian Public Schools
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Adrian MI 49221
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August 2014
A publication of Adrian Public Schools • Adrian, Michigan
APS gathering information for new strategic plan
As Adrian Public Schools seeks input into the
development of a five-year strategic plan, the district has been
conducting a needs assessment of technology, infrastructure,
facilities, security, and instructional needs.
During this assessment, opportunities to improve
classroom instruction, security, technology, and facilities
– the items that are tangible to students on a daily basis - are
being examined. Important “behind-the-scenes” items such
as energy efficient boilers, replacement of outdated phone
systems, electrical upgrades, parking lot and traffic flow
changes, are also a part of this assessment.
In order to continue to operate as efficiently as possible,
building utilization across the district is also being examined.
With county and district population declining significantly
over the past 10 years, an excess amount of classroom space
exists within the Adrian School District. This needs to be
addressed so that the district is operating at the most efficient
capacity as possible.
During the month of September, district
administrators will continue to reach out to
parents, staff, and community stakeholders
with various back to school events. The input
gathered during these events will be used to craft
a recommendation to the Board of Education for the strategic
plan. It will also lend input for a Bond proposal that, if approved
by the board, will go before voters in February.
One such discussion session will be held Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.
in the AHS cafeteria. The information gathered here will be
used by a Citizen’s Bond Exploratory Committee that will
make a recommendation to the School Board of Education and
then hear board members’ feedback, on Sept. 15 & 29, both
meetings convening at 6 p.m. at the AHS cafeteria.
The goal of the district is to provide a safe, secure,
efficient, quality, and fiscally responsible learning environment
for students while at the same time, delivering the educational
expectations of this community positively and effectively.
Students begin the 2014-15
school year with a full day
on Tuesday, September 2.
6:30 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 9
plus
Maple
Donor
Recognition
AHS Theater
$10 per person
Join the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation
& the AHS Alumni Association
Outstanding Alum:
Outstanding Teachers & Mentors:
for the 7th Annual
William Powell ‘62
Jill Roberts, Lincoln Elementary
Cheryl Cook, Michener Elementary
Denee Hartung AMS 7-8
Tickets: 517/263-2911
LeRoy Hollenbeck ‘68
Outstanding
Tom MacNaughton ‘70
Marie
Talayco Masterson ‘73
Teaching & Mentoring
& Outstanding Alumni Awards Elizabeth Hutt Pollard ‘84
Watch The Daily Telegram each Saturday and listen to radio stations WLEN (103.9 FM), WABJ (1490 AM) and
WQTE (95.3 FM) for a listing of the week’s activities occurring in each school. You may also check the district
web site (www.theadrianmaples.com) for activities, menus, sports schedules and much more.
Input Welcomed!
Superintendent Robert Behnke
rbehnke@adrian.k12.mi.us
517/264-6640
Since joining the Adrian community as Superintendent in
February, I have had the wonderful opportunity to conduct a
“Listen and Learn” tour not only throughout the Adrian Public
Schools, but also within the local community. During this tour I
had the chance to talk with staff, parents, community members
and most importantly our students. I benefited by gaining a
greater understanding of our rich history while learning of the
critical issues facing our students and us as a school district.
To build upon this process, at the end of the school year
a group of parents, community members, students, recent
graduates, and staff members worked with Board of Education
members to provide input to the strategic directions Adrian
Public Schools should head to best serve our students. This
strategic planning process is an opportunity for us as a school
district to respond to the needs of our community and answer
the question, “What is our community ‘asking’ of Adrian Public
Schools?”
During the coming months, the Board of Education
and I will continue to work with various groups across the
community and district to help facilitate opportunities for input
to help shape the future of APS. We need to not only provide the
best education and opportunities for our upcoming graduates,
but also responsibly and appropriately plan for the students of
the Class of 2027, the incoming Kindergarten class.
We have identified four focus areas that will serve as our
foundation as we construct our plan for the future. These focus
areas are:
• Relentless focus on ACADEMICS, Arts, and Athletics
• Positive School Culture and Climate
• Build, foster, and enhance connections with the Community
• Organizational Effectiveness
One opportunity community members have is to provide
input is through an online survey that can be found at: https://
www.surveymonkey.com/s/APSGoalInput
We at Adrian Public Schools are excited to construct and
build a district that will respond to the “ask” of our community
to best prepare our students for success.
Go Maples!!!
Sincerely,
Robert Behnke
Superintendent
Alexander Michener
Prairie Lincoln
Middle 5-6
Middle 7-8
High School
Regular
Start Time
8:40 AM
8:40 AM
8:40 AM
8:40 AM
8:30 am
7:33 am
7:41 am
School Day
Hours
End
Time 3:48 PM
3:48 PM
3:48 PM
3:48 PM
3:25 pm 2:30 pm 2:40 pm
District PM
1/2 Day Release
12:15 PM
12:15 PM
12:15 PM
12:15 PM
Noon
11:00 am
11:10 am
You’re Invited
e to attend
m
o ! Building
c
l
k
e
W Bac Open Houses
Come see the classroom!
Meet the Teachers and
Learn About Your School!
Wednesday, August 27th
AMS 5-6 & AMS 7-8: 6-7 p.m.
Alexander, Lincoln, Michener & Prairie 5 - 6 p.m.
APS again offers free breakfast, lunch
Adrian Public Schools is again a part of a federal program
allowing any student to have free breakfast and lunch in grades
pre-K through 8. AHS students can qualify for free and reduced
breakfast and lunch by filling out an eligibility form available
at any school or on line at www.theadrianmaples.com.
2014-15 Board of Education Meetings
Board meetings are at 6 p.m., in the Adrian High School
Media Center the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month unless
otherwise stated. 2015 meetings will be set at the Board’s
January organizational meeting. Upcoming meetings are:
August 18 October 6
November 17
September 15 Sept. 29 & 30 (Tues.)
October 20
November 3
December 1
December 15
Agendas & meeting locations may be viewed on the district’s website.
APS 2014-15
Theater Season
AMS 5-6 Musical, 7 p.m., Oct. 24, 25
Disney’s The Aristocats
AHS Fall Play, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 4, 5 & 6
You Can’t Take it with You!
Global Learning Centre
Up & Running at AHS
Spring 2014 Musicals
AMS 7-8: 7 p.m., March 26-28
AHS Fall Sport Passes
Home Football Game Reserved Seating Pass
Adults $40
Faculty $20
Students & Senior Citizens $30
Includes:
1 admission to home football games
(4 games total)
1 reserved seat & 1 parking pass per family
Combination Activities Pass
Adults $25
Students $20
To purchase or for more information
contact the Athletic Office at 266-4507
LES • GO
A
LES • GO
AP
AP
Includes:
6 admissions to be used at any fall sporting event (boy’s soccer, girl’s swimming, football, volleyball)
M
M
A before and after-school care program
will be offered at Alexander Elementary
School by Pathway Preschool & Child Care. Lincoln,
Michener and Prairie students wishing to participate will be
provided transportation to Alexander. Program times will be
before school beginning at 6 a.m. and after school until 6
p.m. For more information contact Pathways Pre-School &
Child Care at (517) 266-1891.
LES • GO
Latchkey Program
AP
All performances in the
George and Julia Argyros Performing Arts Center
located in Adrian High School
M
Foundation Night 6:30 p.m., April 30th
LES • GO
Hairspray
AP
AHS: 7:30 p.m., April 30, May 1-2
A new Global Learning Centre will greet high school
students this fall, stemming from a project that was student
driven with guidance from teachers and administrators and
receiving funds from the community.
Students redesigned the current AHS library to reflect
a learning environment that is conducive to collaborative
work or individual study, whatever an assignment calls
for. It is also wired for internet access with plenty of ebooks available to encourage reading and exploring beyond
classroom assignments.
A group of AHS seniors worked together to research,
design and then present plans for the center. After APS Board
approval in March, students then engaged the community in
raising funds, adding to some remaining money from the
2005 $50 million bond initiative.
The Global Learning Centre will have a Think Tank
sponsored by Brazeway, Inc., with a blended learning
classroom, space for small group meetings and presentations,
up-to-date technology including an Apple TV, and screens
for presentations and collaborative group work. There will
be a quiet study spot, a computer
café and a social sector with
mobile furniture. A digital library
will be available to students to
download reading materials to
iPads or Kindles.
Students and teachers learned
through research that creation,
collaboration and contemplation
were supported by a learning
center environment rather than
a desk and chair classroom. Marketable skills for the 21st
Century are creative thought and problem solving which this
environment will help foster. This setting with ample space
for small group or individual work will also give teachers a
different environment in which to conduct projects.
M
TBD
Game ticket prices
All Adult Tickets $5.00
APS Students $3.00
Non-APS students $5.00
Senior Citizens $3.00
SEC Senior Citizen Pass - Free
Class
of 2014
Graduates
to life’s
next
adventure!
Row 1: Salutatorians: Jayme Walsh; Valedictorians - Katie Roback, Kanan Pandya, Olivia McMillen,
Justice Gutierrez, Miekyn Cotton, Katarina DuMont, Clare Kucera, Samantha Bretz. Row 2 - Ashley
Hofflander, Kirsten Wolfe, Emily Lopez, Jenaca Cryder, Paige Halfmann, Willow Gritzmaker, Jennifer
Wagley, Kimberlynn Fick, Bryanna Quigley-McCarty. Row 3 - Matthew Sheehan, Sarah Norton,
Domenic DiPietro, Quinton Slusser, Bradley Horn, Allison Moore. Missing: Salutatorian - Emilee
Heise; Valedictorian - Clara Ganun, Elisabeth Negron.
Outstanding seniors Domenic DiPietro,
Jennifer Wagley & Sarah Norton
Happy Faces!
The Ukulele Club at Baccalaureate
Commencement Speaker Pam
Peters ‘85 & her dad retired AHS
teacher Jan Peters.
IB students standing from left: Jeremias Lioi, Clara Ganun, Clare
Kucera, Willow Gritzmaker, Allison Mohr, Emily McCann, Katie
Roback, Thomas Ziviski, Katie DuMont, Emilee Heise, Meghan
Mossing, Emily Lopez, Jennifer Wagley, Sarah Norton, Zach
Aebersold. Seated: Olivia McMillen, Kanan Pandya, Miekyn Cotton
and Angel Smith.
Maple Pride!!
Positively APS
AHS: The High School
Equations team placed first
in Countywide Division
A competition last spring.
This team will continue
to compete this year. New
members are welcome.
Pictured are from left:
Zach Abersold, Jeremias
Lioi, Briana Guyton, Edgar Gray, Tom Ziviski. Coach is Elaine
Kaiser.
AMS 5-6: Students participated in Project Lead the Way camp in
June. They spent a week working with teams of Michigan Dept.
of Transportation engineers, solving
design challenges to build balsa
wood bridges, robot cars, rockets and
egg drop devices. The APS campers
took six of the top 10 places against
five other Lenawee County school
district camps. Pictured: Landon
Slusarski, Cohl Beaubien & Solomon Reyna with robot cars.
AMS 7-8: The hallways are a little brighter, thanks to art students
who used their skills to incorporate signage within the building.
Students painted welcome in several different languages as well
as the learner profile traits of the International Baccaluareate
Programme of study. Pictured
are sitting: Sydnee Elam, Lia
New, Hailie Delorsa, Ryanna
Merillat, Jered Heck, Tianna
Woods.
Standing:
Navi
Turner, Griffen Dempsey,
Jessica
Daylin.
Ashton
Johnson, Anna Mateo, Treven
Casarez, Sarah Melton, Sam
Madrid, Andrew Hribar.
Alexander: Four students had the chance to be “Fire Chief for
a Day,” thanks to an auction item purchased by mom Lisa Ritz
in a PTO fundraiser last spring. The boys visited the Adrian
Fire Department and Chief
Paul Trinka gave them a tour,
explained certain procedures,
and even let them take the ladder
bucket up. Pictured are Carson
Ritz, Carson DeKeyser, Cameron
Ritz and Cameron Mahony with
the Chief.
AHS 7-8: Debbie Holmes took
part in a five-day workshop at
the New York Stock Exchange which provided educators with an
understanding of NYSE trading platforms, how to use financial
market activity in the classroom, market structure and promoting
careers in the industry to students. The workshop was conducted
by the NYSE and teachers worked with analysts and brokers
at varying levels and also took several field trips. Mrs. Holmes
will incorporate the resources she gained into her social studies
classes.
It’s Official:
Lincoln Authorized as IB, PYP!!
Great news came to Adrian Public Schools with a Letter
of Authorization for Lincoln Elementary School naming it an
International Baccalaureate School Primary Years Programme.
It is one of only 23 PYP World Schools in Michigan offering
these rigorous learning standards.
Over the past several years, the staff at Lincoln worked
closely with the community, students, and parents to ignite
inquiry based learning in the building, activate strong academic
standards, and partner to have students engaged in service and
action within the community.
The IB Authorization Team visited Adrian Public Schools
and conducted an in-depth two day analysis of the teaching,
learning, and implementation standards required by the
program.
Michener, Alexander, and Prairie elementaries have
started the process for authorization by integrating IB learner
profile traits: Inquirer, Thinker, Communicator, Risk Taker,
Knowledgeable, Principled, Caring, Reflective, Balanced and
Open Minded, into their curriculum. This fall teachers will
partner with Adrian College, which is authorized as an IB
teacher training program, during professional development
days to advance their skills related to IB instruction.
AHS Grad Michael Yuen
is New APS Theater Manager
A world-traveled theater performer, college instructor
and voice coach is the new theater manager at Adrian Public
Schools.
Adrian High School grad Michael
Yuen ‘96, has taken the helm at the APS
Theater where he will manage the day-today operations and rental outreach for the
district.
Michael has a Bachelor of Fine Arts
in Musical Theater from the University
of Michigan and a Master degree in
Performing Arts Leadership from Siena
Heights University. He has been a voice
instructor for 11 years, specializing in theater and contemporary
vocal performance. He performed in the national tour of
GODSPELL. He taught dance and musical theater in Bejing,
China at the China Youth University.
Locally, he founded and is the current music director for
the Acapelicans at Siena Heights University and is the manager
at the SHU recording studio. He has directed and acted in
numerous theater productions including several at SHU and
the Croswell Opera House.
He will oversee the utilization of the APS theater, assisting
and directing plays, musicals, concerts and presentations in the
Theater. To reach Michael or for booking information phone
517/266-4523 or email myuen@adrian.k12.mi.us.
Adrian Public Schools again ranks
within Michigan’s Top Schools
Adrian Public Schools is proud of the academic progress
that students have made over the course of the school year.
Two buildings in the district: Adrian High School and Adrian
Middle School 5/6, are recognized as Reward Schools as a
result of the tremendous amount of academic growth that
students made last year. The designation of Reward School is
reserved for the top 5% of all schools in Michigan.
It is important to note that according to the metrics of
the Michigan School Score Card, which looks at test scores,
Alexander and Prairie elementaries, and Adrian Middle
School 5/6, were recognized for increased student academic
performance.
A big thank you goes to the community and parents for
continued support of the district and support of the efforts of
teachers and staff for the academic and social achievements
of our students.
Make Traffic Adjustments
for Football Games!
There will be no
access to Maple Stadium
via Division Street this
fall due to re-construction
of the road. All parking
lots will enter f rom
Dawes Street next to
the elementary school.
Parking will also be
available on side streets around the stadium.
Suggested Route: Turn east off M-52 onto Dawes
Street. The stadium will be on the right hand side,
approximately one mile from M-52.
The 4th Annual Fine Arts
Frenzy was held at APS this
summer, and students enjoyed
different arts camps for a week in
August.
APS teachers Kelly Armstrong and Annie Howard taught
readers theater and visual arts,
respectively. AHS grad Ja’Vaughn
White ‘12 returned to teach a
dance workshop, but was called
away early to perform with the
Dancing Wheels in Cleveland
where he works as a professional
dancer.
The week-long camp culminated with a gallery showing and
a performance on the APS stage:
The readers staged “Casey at the
Bat” and told the history behind
the poem written in the 1880s and
dancers performed “Thriller”
with JaVaughn who appeared via
video on the big screen.
The event was sponsored in
part by the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation. Top photo is
the “Thriller” team and bottom,
“Casey at the Bat.”
2014-15 ASEF mini-grants support a range of programs!
The Adrian Schools Educational Foundation awarded $39,395 in general classroom and fine arts department grants
this year to APS’s staff and students. With these awards, more than $590,000 in grants, library books and services
have been provided to the district to expand the educational experiences for Adrian’s students.
Project
Site
Teacher
Amount
Literacy................................................. Adult Ed...............Michelle Moore.............. 250
Movement for Academic Success........ Alexander............Erin Watson................... 500
Book Room Improvement..................... Alexander............2nd Grade..................... 2000
Speech & Reading Skills...................... AMS 5-6..............Andrea Morin Perez...... 500
iPad App............................................... AMS 7-8...............Kay Swartzlander.......... 500
Rocket Club Lunch Bunch.................... AMS 7-8...............Denee Hartung.............. 450
Poetry From The Heart......................... AMS 7-8...............Sandi Humphries........... 300
Holocaust Museum............................... AMS 7-8...............Amy Bahlau................... 500
iPad for Instruction............................... AMS 7-8...............Kerry Nieman................ 500
Building Balance!.................................. Lincoln.................Comstock & Wetzel..... 1000
Hands-On Technology......................... Lincoln.................Natasha Wetzel............. 400
Energy Now and the Future.................. Lincoln.................Joan Wakefield.............. 358
Maps..................................................... Lincoln.................Ann van Staveren.......... 250
Young Five’s Literacy Center................ Lincoln.................Kristin Horky.................. 500
Keeping In Touch................................. Lincoln.................Amber Pedersen........... 465
Books! Books! Books!.......................... Lincoln.................Chenevey & Huggins..... 500
Read Your Way Through a New Book.. Michener..............Sandra Gritzmaker...... 1000
Kindergarten Listening Center............. Michener..............Sharon Ketola................ 500
Guided Reading Book Sets.................. Prairie..................Diana Forester............... 500
Guided Reading Book Sets.................. Prairie..................Sarah Holtz.................... 500
Stability/Fitness Chairs......................... Prairie..................Amy Parkhurst............... 120
Interactive Literacy & Language . ........ Prairie..................Sue-Ellen Smith............. 400
Interactive Listening Center.................. Prairie..................Brandon Hall.................. 500
2015 Math Olympics............................. Senior High..........Lucius & Griffin.............. 700
eBooks for Global Learning Centre...... Senior High..........Kim Ross..................... 2500
New Global Learning Centre................ Senior High..........Kellie DeLosSantos..... 1000
IB History trip to Holocaust Museum.... Senior High..........Lucius & Cislo................ 462
Arts Endowment
The ASEF Arts Endowment will award $21,000 in grants this year, some of which are listed
below.
Project
School
Teacher
Rousseau meet APS!.................................District......................................Annie Howard
String Instruments - Inside Scoop.............AMS 5-6................................Lori Wittenkeller
Lansing Concert Band...............................AMS 5-6 . ................................. Sheri Powers
Band & Orchestra Festival Clinic...............AMS 7-8.................................... Sheri Powers
AHS Jazz Festival......................................District.......................................Dan Kesterke
ASO Young People’s Concert....................District...........................................Julie Dolan
ASO Pops Concert....................................District...........................................Julie Dolan
Croswell Performance................................District...........................................Julie Dolan
Dance Team...............................................District...........................................Julie Dolan
Guitar Club.................................................AHS...............................................Julie Dolan
iPad in the Art Room..................................AMS 5-6....................................Michael Brink
Multicultural Awareness.............................Lincoln................................... Natasha Wetzel
Projects also receiving
funding from the Arts
Endowment are:
• A supply stipend for APS
visual arts teachers.
• A visit to the Toledo Museum of Art for all third
grade students.
2014-15 District Calendar
August
25
New Teacher Orientation;
Mentor/Probationary Teacher Meeting 26
Teacher Work Day
27
District Professional Development/School
Improvement for teachers
Open Houses (see pg. 2)
28
Teacher ½ Day District Professional
Development/School Improvement
September
1
No school - Labor Day Holiday
2
First Day of School for students K-12 - Full
Day
October
1
Count Day
10
Homecoming – Early Release for
grades 9-12 at 1pm
14-15 7-12 Parent/Teacher Conferences – Evening
November
20
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 students dismissed PM
K-12 District Professional Development PM
21
7-12 Exams AM K-12 students dismissed PM
K-12 Records PM
End of 1st Trimester K-12 26, 27 & 28
No school for students/staff Thanksgiving Holiday
December
2-3 K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences - Evening
19
Winter Break begins at close of school day
for students
January
5
School resumes for staff/students
14-15 7-12 Parent/Teacher Conferences – Evening
19
No school for students or staff: MLK Holiday
Elementary Schools
Alexander.................. 520 Cherry St.................... 263-9533
Lincoln......................158 S. Scott St.................... 265-8544
Michener....................104 Dawes St.................... 263-9002
Prairie......................2568 Airport Hwy................ 265-5082
Middle Schools
Middle 5-6................ 340 E. Church St................ 265-8122
Middle 7-8..............615 Springbrook Ave............ 263-0543
Senior High
Adrian High....... 785 Riverside Ave. Ste. 3......... 263-2181
McKinley Education Center
Adult Education...... 726 Elm St........................... 263-1332
Pre-School
Head Start Offices....... 239 Cross St.................... 265-5364
February
11
Count Day
26
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 students dismissed PM
K-12 District Professional Development PM
27
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 students dismissed PM
K-12 Records PM
End of 2nd Trimester K-12
March
3 6-9
TBD
11-12
(Tentative) Spring MME HST Testing Grades 9-12 – Early Release at 1:30pm
Mid-Winter Break - No school students or staff
Spring 2014 MEAP Testing - Grades 3-9
K-6 Parent/Teacher Conferences – Evening
May
22
25
31
Seniors Last Day No school for students or staff - Memorial Day
High School Graduation
April
3
No school for students or staff
6-10 Spring Break
13
School resumes
June
3
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 students dismissed PM K-12 Records Day PM
4
7-12 Exams AM
K-12 students dismissed PM - Last Student Day K-12 Records Day PM End of 3rd Trimester K-12
Maple Pride!!
Adrian Public Schools Today
Volume 17, Issue 1 • August 2014
785 Riverside Ave, Suite 1 • Adrian, MI 49221
517 / 263-2115 Fax: 517 / 265-5381
Web site: www.theadrianmaples.com
Superintendent............................................. Robert Behnke
Chief Financial Officer................................ Kathy Westfall
Human Resources.................................. Alice Chamberlain
Board of Education Trustees
President................................................................Jed Engle
Michael Ballard
Jon Baucher
Brian Bott
Deanne Henagan
Janet McDowell
Terry Sheehan