tsD students win big at regionals, advance to state

Transcription

tsD students win big at regionals, advance to state
February 2015
TSD students win big at regionals,
Rounding Up Next
Rounding Up
Nextto state competition
advance
Business students from Athens and Troy High are all too
Fall’s Kinders
familiar
with the road to Grand Rapids. That’s because
Fall’s
Kinders
Up Next
they advance to the state competition of the Business
unding
Up
Next
ounding Up Next
Professionals of America every year.
In January, 19 students from Athens and 12 from Troy
nders
High finished with top scores in their events at regional
all’s
Kinders
Fall’s Kinders
competition to advance to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
in March.
Qualifying students from Athens are: Whitney Chen,
Banking and Finance and Administrative Support Concepts;
Parker Decraene, Banking and Finance; Kenneth Wang,
Banking and Finance and Economic Research; Natalie
Harris, Basic office Systems and Procedures; Maarya
Kindergarten enrollment for the 2015-2016
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Siddiqui,
Basic Office Systems and Procedures; Eric
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year is coming
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oming up in February.
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Morse ESL Coordinator and Head Teacher Christin Silagy and
MEEMIC representatives Sarah Nastasy and Brad Almonroeder pose
with the donation. Far left is Morse Principal Stephanie Miller. Photo:
Lauren Culver, School Life
District EVENTS, PAGE 11 | Menus, page 13
THS students win $5,000 in regional app
contest, advance to national contest
A few young programmers in
Troy High’s Biology Competitions
Club have a shot to prove their
ideas are world class.
The students’ concept for a
mobile app to help farmers save
water among other benefits was
named a regional winner in the
2015 Verizon Innovative App
Challenge. Pictured, sophomores
Jeff Guan, Sebin Choi, Vikas
Sharma, Wesley Chiu, Raahul
Ravi and Johanan Isaac presented
their “Thryve” app to a panel of
judges via a webinar in January,
and will find out soon if they are a
national winner.
If they are selected ‘Best in
Nation’, the students will receive
Samsung tablets and learn directly
from the MIT Media Lab on how
to code and bring their app to life.
They will also receive an additional
$15,000 grant to advance STEM
programs.
The regional win came as no
surprise to Mrs. Rebecca Brewer,
school science teacher and Students in Troy High’s Biology Competitions Club won first place in the Verizon Innovative App Regional
moderator of the Biology Club.
Challenge. Photo: Ed Morykwas, School Life.
“This is the third year in a row
“However, this is the first time I have had that over 1,100 ideas were submitted from
that a group of Troy High’s Biology
Competitions Club members placed in a team progress to the multi-state regional across the nation.”
this competition,” Mrs. Brewer said. level, which is exciting when you consider
2 • February 2015 • School Life in The Troy School District
“No matter the obstacles…we can overcome”
TSD students celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day every day with good deeds
Arushi and other district students inspired
the audience with their award winning
MLK-themed essays, videos, and art on
a stage flanked by huge video screens
with Dr. King’s face.
Before the program began,
students, parents, and district staff
marched outside the school to
commemorate the life of Martin
Luther King, before circling back
inside for the ceremony, which
included Superintendent Dr. Richard
Machesky,
City
Manager
Brian
Kischnick, Steve Spreitzer and Padma
Kuppa of the Michigan Roundtable for
Diversity and Inclusion, and keynote speaker
Jyarland Daniels. The Athens High School Concert
Choir & Magic performed “I had a Dream”, “Pride: In
the Name of Love”, and “We Shall Overcome”.
F
or Baker Middle 8th grader Arushi Chandrakapure,
making a difference is all about shrinking her outlook
to broaden her horizons.
“I’m only 13,” said Arushi, “and I can’t really do a lot. I
can’t even drive yet. So, changing the world is obviously out
of the question. But what I can do is the small things. I can
help my friend who is struggling in a class. I can carry my
sister’s backpack when I get her from school.”
Monday morning, January 19, at Athens High School,
Arushi shared those thoughts with a crowd at the District’s
Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of Freedom event.
“He’s such an amazing figure,” Arushi said. “He does
remind me that whatever what struggles or obstacles I face
that we can overcome. I live this day every day by striving to
be the best and bring out the best in others as well, which is
how I make a positive impact.”
Other district middle and high school students like Arushi
Chandrakapure explored the lessons of the civil rights leader
through essays, video, and art.
Troy senior Ellen Zhang won the essay contest for high
school students for the second year in a row, and told the
crowd she too has a responsibility to make a difference, big or
small- just like Dr. King.
“Through him I learned you really don’t have to revolutionize
the nation to make an impact,” Ellen said. “Small things can
make a difference; like helping a friend with homework or
volunteering at a nursing home.”
Moments later, Boulan Park 7th grader Richard Lu Li took
the stage to present his homemade video about how he makes
a positive impact in his community. Richard said that he’s
fortunate to attend a great school,
live in great city, and to have a
roof over his head. But he has a
responsibility to others.
“We can bring change,” Richard
said. “That’s what Martin Luther
King did.”
For more photos click on www.
schoollifetroy.com
Above: Students, parents, and dignitaries march outside Athens to
celebrate Dr. King. Photo: Ed Morykwas, School Life.
Left (top): Larson Middle School 7th grader Libby Jackson reads her
award-winning MLK-themed essay at “A Celebration of Freedom”.
Photo: Ed Morykwas, School Life.
Left (bottom): The Athens Concert Choir & Magic leads crowd
in chorus of “We Shall Overcome”. Also pictured, far left,
Superintendent Dr. Richard Machesky. Photo: Ed Morykwas, School
Life.
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School Life in The Troy School District • February 2015 • 3
From the Superintendent
DISTRICT NEWS BRIEFS
We are halfway there!
It’s hard to believe that we’re into
the second semester of the 2014-15
school year. This is an exciting time
for students and staff as we celebrate
new beginnings and build on what
we’ve learned so far this year. Our
secondary students may be taking
on a new class or two or getting
involved with a new club or sport. Our
elementary students will see the fruits
of their labor pay off as they apply the skills they’ve learned to new
concepts and projects.
This is also the time of the year when we focus on our youngest
learners. Kindergarten enrollment takes place throughout the month
of February and we’re hoping to welcome many new students to
the Troy School District. If you have an incoming Kindergarten
student, please visit our website www.troy.k12.mi.us and click
on “New Student Enrollment Process” along the left side. There,
you will find instructions on how to enroll your child, as well as
important dates for each elementary school. It’s very important that
we know how many new students to expect each fall so we can give
each of them the welcome he/she deserves.
Those students will be fortunate to begin their education
with some phenomenal teachers. February is also the month we
recognize our TSD Outstanding Teachers of the Year at each level
(elementary, middle and high school.) We’d like to thank all our
parents and colleagues who have nominated a special educator for
this honor—the process isn’t easy, but our staff truly appreciates
your effort. Because we have so many wonderful teachers, it’s a
difficult decision each year to narrow the field to just three of the
best of the best, but that’s what a committee of fellow teachers is
entrusted to do. Those top three will be sent to Oakland County
for the county-wide Outstanding Teacher competition and we
have high hopes for their nominations there as well. We know the
strength of our district is due in large part to the people who make
learning possible for more than 12,000 students and this is just one
way to show how much we value them. Coming up next month,
you will have the opportunity to nominate a member of our support
staff for top honors—and in coming issues of School Life Troy,
you can meet the winners of both our teacher and support staff
competitions.
In the pages of this month’s paper, you’ll get a look at many
wonderful achievements of some of our students and staff. We are
very fortunate—and very proud—of all they have accomplished.
These are just a small sample of the tremendous work going on in
the Troy School District.
I hope you enjoy this edition of School Life Troy—the best is
yet to come!
Rich
Dr. Richard Machesky
Superintendent
Troy School District
District opens schools of choice seats
for 2015-16
The Troy School District will open 150 schools of choice seats
for the 2015-2016 school year.
The School Board approved the number of schools of choice
spots at the January 13 meeting. The district is offering 100 seats
for non-residential kindergartners and another 50 seats for nonresidential first grade students. The board also made 20 seats
available at Baker Middle School for non-residential students grades
6-8. Applications will be available on the district website beginning
March 2.
TSD schools prepared for new student
assessments; switch from ACT to SAT
creates concerns
Troy School District students and teachers are preparing for the
newest version of state testing.
The Michigan Department of Education’s updated academic
assessment system called the Michigan Student Test of Educational
Progress, or M-STEP, will be ready for students to take in about
two months. It replaces the 44-year-old Michigan Educational
Assessment Program, or MEAP, which students took each fall.
TSD third- through eighth-grade and 11th-grade students will
take the M-STEP on paper with a No. 2 pencil as opposed to online,
which the state recommends.
“We settled with paper and pencil with the new MEAP
assessment because we didn’t want to be burdened with computers
failing and us losing instructional time,” Superintendent Dr. Richard
Machesky said.
More grades will take the writing portion of the exam, which also
has more constructed response questions for students to demonstrate
problem solving and communicate reasoning. The assessment
includes both Michigan-created and Smarter Balanced Assessment
Consortium content and a college-entrance exam for juniors.
The state’s decision to begin administering the SAT in 2016
rather than the ACT college entrance exam is raising concerns
among TSD administrators and school board members about which
exam will be considered by college admissions officials.
Currently, Michigan colleges and universities primarily consider
scores on the ACT when deciding who to admit to their institutions.
That was good for TSD high school students, who have been taking
the ACT for free as part of state-administered testing since 2008.
But, starting in 2016, the SAT will be the test administered in
schools for free. The big question and concern over the switch is
whether universities will continue focusing on ACT scores. The
district will have to wait and see how the state rolls it out.
“We may think about still administering the ACT,”
Superintendent Dr. Machesky said. “This was a huge surprise and
caught everyone off guard. I’m very confident we’re going to make
the right decisions moving forward, but I think we need to take a
measured approach and make sure we have all the information that
we can.”
Bemis principal headed to White House
Bemis principal Jeremy Whan is about ready to turn a triple play.
In the fall, his school earned a National Blue Ribbon. Around
that time, the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals
Association (MEMSPA) awarded Mr. Whan with the Michigan
Principal of the Year distinction. Next October, he’ll be honored
at the White House as The National Distinguished Principal of
Michigan.
“Although the accomplishment(s) may have my name on it, it’s
the accomplishment of the Troy School District, especially our
building working to make these things happen,” Mr. Whan said.
“I’m extremely honored and humbled.”
Executive Director of MEMSPA Paul Liabenow visited the Jan.
13 school board meeting to recognize Mr. Whan’s accomplishments.
“One of the most compelling strengths of Jeremy is his ability
to mentor and coach others,” Liabenow said. “He believes it is
people, not programs that make a difference. He develops leaders
and inspires others to learn more, give more, and to care more to the
children in his building.”
The school board also recognized Mr. Whan with a special
plaque. He attributed his success to a number of people, including
his wife, parents, in-laws, staff, students, families, board members,
and administrators.
Board Recognition
January was School Board Recognition Month and the Troy
School District joined school districts across the state to thank
these community volunteers for their enduring dedication to public
education.
“Troy is very fortunate to be governed by board members who
are tireless, professional, and passionate about improving the
opportunities for our students and families,” Superintendent Dr.
Richard Machesky said.
Board members Nancy Philippart, Karl Schmidt, Paula Fleming,
Todd Miletti, Ida Edmunds, and Wendy Underwood were treated
with an appreciation gift. Director of Community and Media
Relations Kerry Birmingham presented the trustees with a special
CD filled with performances from district choirs, bands, orchestras,
and theatre departments. Administrators also thanked the board
with a $250 donation in their name to the Troy Foundation For
Educational Excellence.
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School Life is a monthly publication, which focuses on TSD students,
staff and community, and is designed to increase communication
between district schools and parents. The opinions, statements and
claims expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the
district or its officials. The Troy School District does not discriminate on
the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, or disability
in providing education services, activities or programs. It is the intent
and policy of this District to conduct its activities in compliance with all
Federal and State laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race,
sex, age, religion, color, national origin, or disability.
Publisher:
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Mailing Address:
4 • February 2015 • School Life in The Troy School District
Raad Alawan
Patricia Benavides
Ed Morykwas, School Life
Lauren Culver (248) 860-0149
lauren@schoollifetroy.com
Raad Alawan (248) 631-4816
info@schoollifetroy.com
School Life
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Troy, MI, 48099
E-mail photos and stories to: info@schoollifetroy.com
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The deadline for ad submissions is the 15th of each month for information to be
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A complimentary copy is sent home each month in the backpacks of students.
Additional copies are available in school offices and various locations throughout
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School Board Corner: TSD stepping up
college and career readiness
completing early college and career
programs of study prior to graduation.
This means a lot of effort is being put into
developing non-traditional opportunities,
with the ultimate goal of enabling every
student in our district to have access to
college and career programs.
By Nancy Philippart,
Board President
Troy School District scores near the top
in college and career readiness measures
as defined by the Michigan Department
of Education. But we believe we can do
better
One of the ways we can better prepare
students in Troy School District for career
and college readiness is by giving them
opportunities while in high school to
participate in programs that lead to postsecondary credit or certification. The TSD
has long offered Advanced Placement
courses in a variety of subjects and more
students in grades 9-12 continue to take
advantage of these opportunities. The vast
majority of them earn a high enough score
on the AP exam to receive college credit.
In 2014, 2,248 district students took
AP classes with an 82% qualifying rate.
Our students at the International Academy
East are equally successful with college
level courses as part of the IB Diploma
Programme. But as a district, we know
we needed to think beyond traditional
advanced placement courses since this
solution is not necessarily right for all
students. To that end, the Board has
challenged administrators to develop more
opportunities for students of all abilities.
Because they are passionate about this
initiative, the administration signed up for
a very aggressive goal this year – 85% of
Troy high school students successfully
One example is growing the dual
enrollment program where students
simultaneously take college classes at while
completing their high school requirements
in our schools. Each year, more students
from every school participate in our post
secondary dual enrollment program.
Currently, half of the graduating class of
2015 at Niles Community High School
is earning college credit through dual
enrollment. Some of these students travel
offsite to take classes, but others are able
to take university-level courses, such as
Calculus 3 and Linear Algebra in our own
high schools, thanks to a partnership with
Lawrence Tech.
There are many other opportunities
for TSD students to become college and
career ready. At Athens High School,
our students gain real life experience
running a restaurant through the popular
Terrace Café. Coursework, such as our
Innovations and Gaming Classes, allow
students the opportunity to develop
skills and experience that employers are
looking for. Other 21st century vocational
programs such as computer programming,
health care, building trades, cosmetology,
computer-aided design and graphics are
offered and supported through Oakland
Schools.
This is just the beginning of possibilities.
As the district moves to applied learning,
we are reaching out to the local business
community for internship opportunities.
We constantly strive to improve and ensure
that TSD students are not just ready to
enter college and careers, but that they are
prepared to thrive.
d Fatal Ends
n
a
,
s
d
n
e
ri
F
,
s
d
Tren
Parent Basics 101 ● Dr. Douglas Carpenter
Do Yo u :
Kn o w wh a t yo u r twe ens and teens are doi ng for thri l l s?
Ca n yo u r e co g n ize si gns of troubl e?
Do yo u kn o w th e d a ngerous trends among Troy teens?
Join the Troy Youth Assistance to learn how to deal with
parenting challenges
Wednesday, February 11, 7-8:30 p.m.
Troy Fire and Police Training Center ● 4850 John R. Road, Troy
Teaching Internet Safety
Pictured, Troy police officer Gail
Jasek recently spoke with Boulan Park
teachers about cyber security. She
encouraged teachers to speak with
their students about internet safety.
Officer Jasek spoke about safety from
predators, preventing identity theft, and
making wise choices on the Internet. • Set ground rules for how much
time your kids are allowed to
spend online and which social
media services the can use.
Sites like Facebook and Twitter
encourage you to share a lot of
personal information. These
places are popular targets for
cyber criminals.
Here are some internet safety tips for
your kids from enjoysaferinternet.com:
• Teach your kids to value their
privacy and protect information,
like email addresses, home
addresses, and phone numbers
• Educate your kids and yourself
about the reality of online
dangers and cyber criminals
• Teach your kids the importance
of not sharing too much
information on the internet
• Consider installing internet
security software with parental
control features.
Photo: Ed Morykwas, School Life
A Great
Career In
Two Years.
hfcc.edu
School Life in The Troy School District • February 2015 • 5
Troy High’s Boudon wins
“Leadership” scholarship
Boulan Park student advances to
Spelling Bee Regionals
Troy Planning Commission,
and a board member of a
community non-profit called
“Leadership Troy”.
It’s no wonder Boudon has
been selected as the Comcast
Leaders
and
Achievers
Scholarship for 2015.
“I was really grateful to
have been nominated by the
school and the money as
well,” Boudon said. “That
will help pay tuition.” He
received the $1,000 Comcast
grant for his solid academic
record, leadership ability, and
commitment to community
service.
Boudon’s commitment to
leadership is also reflection
with his involvement with the
school’s chapter of Model UN,
where students role play as
delegates to represent countries
and come up with solutions to
global problems.
Boudon’s
Troy High senior Frank Boudon poses with his
role playing also includes
Model UN advisor, Meghan Hall, “who makes
giving speeches.
the Club run successful,” Boudon said. Photo:
“You learn a lot of leadership
Ed Morykwas, School Life
skills from that because you
If you look up the word “leadership”
have to learn to compromise
in Webster’s Dictionary, you might and talk to people and come up with
find Frank Boudon’s picture.
creative solutions,” he said.
The Troy High senior is president of
Boudon plans to attend the
the school’s chapter of National Honor
University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor.
Society, a student representative to the
A classic spelling battle took place at
Boulan Park Middle School in January. It was
the final school round of the Scripps National
Spelling Bee. The winner would get to move
on to the regional contest at Oakland Schools
this month and then possibly to the national
finals — while everyone else would have to
wait until next year.
Thirty-one students participated at the
beginning; only one was left standing at the
end. It took a full 10 rounds to find the winner.
The words were increasingly difficult, coming
first from the Scripps list and ultimately from
the dictionary. Students were allowed to ask
for the word’s definition, origin, part of speech,
and its use in a sentence. A computer was
sometimes used to repeat the pronunciation.
As students were eliminated one by one,
the teachers thanked them for their efforts Sribharat Koripella, Boulan Park 8th grade. Photos: Ed
and praised them for doing well. It’s no easy Morykwas, School Life
accomplishment to rise to the top of your class
in spelling. Every competitor was a champion
in his or her own way.
In the end, Malavika Venkatesh and Shannon Li
were tied for third place. Irene Jung took second place.
The grand prize winner was… Sribharat Koripella,
who said that his victory felt “Great!” Sribharat had
won 10th place two years ago, 3rd place last year, and
1st place this year. His winning word? P-S-O-R-I-AS-I-S.
Best wishes to Sribharat as he advances to regional
competition this month! By the way, ‘Psoriasis’ is a
common skin condition that changes the life cycle of
skin cells.
You can see many more photos of Boulan Park’s
championship Spelling Bee at: www.schoollifetroy.
com.
Caring for
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the Community
Skilled Nursing • Short-term Rehab
Administrator - Maggie Canny
Admissions Director - Keri Sikora
925 West South Boulevard
Troy, MI 48085
248.729.4400
heartlandnursing.com/Oakland
Oakland
6 • February 2015 • School Life in The Troy School District
On the cutting edge: TSD students dissect heart
Gasps of awe and scrunched faces filled
the Schroeder Elementary cafeteria in
January. That is because students had an
opportunity to dissect several large cow
hearts to learn more about the anatomy
and functions of the heart. Shown here,
select 6th graders from Boulan Middle
joined with 5th graders from Schroeder
Elementary for this very special science
activity. Whether the students were fearful
or excited about dissecting, curiosity got
the best of everyone who split into small
groups and took turns using scissors to
slice open the thick, muscular organ.
Students tentatively poked at the heart set
before them with gloved fingers.
An average cow heart weighs about
5 pounds compared to the 9-to-11 ounce
adult human heart.
The session took lots of planning, hard
work, and cooperation. Boulan science
teacher Tammy Gilbert joined Schroeder
5th grade teachers Jason Cichowicz,
Kaitlin Bucchare, Tammy Polena, and
Shannon Kocher- along with former
student teacher Amanda Marshalek- in
making everything run smoothly. Also
in attendance were TSD Superintendent
Dr. Richard Machesky, Principals Brian
Canfield and Jo Kwasny, and teacher
consultant Carolyn Szymanski.
For more photos on the
special science activity, click
on: www.schoollifetroy.com.
Photos: Ed Morykwas, School Life
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School Life in The Troy School District • February 2015 • 7
Martell and Troy Union schools cre
That’s the whole idea behind Leader In Me: Empowering
students- to let students make decisions, uncover their
strengths and talents, and feel like they are a making
a difference in their school and life.
Teacher
“When we give students a job they may
not have had before, they’re really
excited to have that job and they
really like to take charge,” said
Troy Union 5th grade teacher
Denise Pysh.
Leader In Me is all about
confidence, thinking creatively, working together,
learning responsibility and
making a difference, said
both schools.
The result, so far?
Students who are better
able to solve problems,
fewer discipline issues in
the schools and improved
academic performance.
Ms. Motherwell’s 2nd grade class at Martell: Second graders in Ms.
Motherwell’s class at Martell learn about the 7 Habits by relating them to their
everyday life so they’re able to integrate them during lessons and at home.
A
s you walk through the hallways and classrooms of Martell and Troy Union
Elementary Schools, you’ll hear things like “seek first to understand”, “be
proactive”, “put first things first”, “synergize”, “think win-win”, “begin with
the end in mind”, and “sharpen the saw”. They’re phrases coming from students.
“It’s a game changer for them,” Martell principal Charles Lesser said.
It’s all part of the schools’ new initiative “Leader In Me”, which is based on Stephen
Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
On recent visits to Martell and Troy Union, each principal visited classrooms where
Leader In Me is in action every day. From the moment you walk into any classroom,
a designated student greets you and welcomes you to class. Students are now in
charge of technology for school-wide events, fundraisers, spirit weeks; they’re writing
and broadcasting morning announcements, and even creating their school’s mission
statement.
“We are here because of the students, so why not let the students create the mission
statement and we operate around it,” said Martell principal Mr. Lesser.
Troy Union and Martell started looking into the
Leader In Me program about two years ago. Mr. Pass
said he knew there were lots of anti-bullying and characterbuilding programs on the market, including his former ‘Six Pillars’ program, but his
school wanted something more.
“(With Six Pillars), every child got an award for something,” Troy Union principal
David Pass said. “But it wasn’t something they were living.”
Mr. Lesser agrees, something more was needed.
“(Kids) wanted to be treated like adults, they want to learn like adults,” he said. “(Leader
In Me) teaches them life skills and they’re not regurgitating it. They’re living it and
doing it.”
Mr. Lesser and Mr. Pass said the goal at their buildings is for students to
become leaders for themselves and others.
“That’s what we want to do- create good citizens, good
leaders,” Mr. Lesser said.
“The pepperoni
pizza is my
If each child is seen to be a capable leader, that attitude
builds from the inside out, spreading through the
school to the teachers, the students and the parents,
he said. But it has to be everywhere all the time.
favorite!”
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Troy Union Elementary
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“I’ve been ‘synergizing’
(working) more with my
friends on projects,” said
Troy Union third grader Leah
Cerulli. “I’ve been ‘putting first
things first’ a lot. For example,
doing my math assignment first and
then going to read a book or playing on
the iPad.
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8 • February 2015 • School Life in The Troy School District
“It’s not a stand-alone lesson and then you walk
away from it,” Mr. Lesser said. “We embed
it everywhere.”
Students at Martell and Troy Union
say one of their favorite Habits is
“synergizing” because they can work
together to accomplish a goal.
Leader In
lead class
their letter
The traditi
“You have
so used to
eating culture of student leadership
rs build the 7 Habits into the curriculum. Additionally, the students have already internalized the habits.
Photos by: Ed Morykwas
“Suppose you’re playing a game, and somebody else wants to play” said Troy Union first grader Prasham
Rathod . “You say yes, and then everyone can have a
‘win-win’.”
Martell Elementary students are
taking on bigger leadership
With Leader In Me, students don’t seem bent on winning
roles, including creating the
prizes for their behavior or good deeds anymore.
school’s mission statement.
“The reward is our behavior,” said Troy Union kindergartner Aly Marx.
At both schools, the Leader In Me culture is everywhere you look. Posters highlighting the 7
habits cover hallway and classroom walls. The kids make eye contact with adults and with
each other. They begin to learn about the habits in kindergarten, and now they’re talking
about “being proactive” and “putting first things first.” Students are more involved
and connected to their schools; everyone has a role, which leads to positive changes
and achievement.
Martell 5th grader, Ibrahim Islam, used to be too shy to participate in
class. Now he “synergizes” with other students to accomplish goals, like
his recent social studies project on Native Americans. He researched and
typed information, while two other students in his group wrote the paper and
drew pictures.
“That focused on our strengths, and we got a
perfect score,” Ibrahim said.
“You see their confidence go up,” Martell 5th
grade teacher Kristi Giroux said. “Even some
of my shy students have said at the beginning of
the year they were nervous but now they’re all
learning together.”
ults,
eld by ad
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to plan an one at Troy Union
students
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Even the youngest students are internalizing
the Leader In Me culture change. Kindergarten
students in Ms. Katie Held’s class at Troy Union
use the concept of “Big Rocks” and “Little Rocks”
to ‘put first things first’ in class and life. The
five year-olds are also taking ownership of their
n Me allows students at Troy Union and Martell to learning by setting goals.
s and solve problems, which builds confidence.
“For them, it’s a big accomplishment to know all
sounds,” Ms. Held said. “They’re giving themselves a timeline.”
ional model of a single teacher speaking at the students is a thing of the past.
e to loosen the reins,” Troy Union first grade teacher Heather Rowe said. “It’s hard because teachers are
being in control and running everything. But as you see (students) starting to take initiative and start
to be leaders, it encourages you to let go a little more.”
The Leader In Me’s student-led philosophy involves students
with lessons and problem solving.
“We give a mini lesson about what we’re going to
do that day, and then a student actually comes up
and leads that lesson,” said Debbie Motherwell,
second grade teacher at Martell.
Troy Union kindergarten students set and track their own academic
goals, which allows them to take ownership of their learning.
The next step, next year, will be goal setting for
students.
Martell fifth grader Aliya Walters (check
spelling) likes the idea of students taking on a
bigger leadership role.
“It’s more exciting to go to school because
you can do a lot more for your school,” she said.
“We’re more involved in school.”
That kind of thinking is what Mr. Pass and Mr. Lesser are hoping to see more of as Leader In
Me continues to develop at their schools.
“I hope to see when students leave here and go onto middle school,” said Mr. Lesser, “they walk
in head and shoulders above everybody else and they’re ready to take control of their learning
and life; they’re more focused and they’re ready to help their community and whatever comes
their way.”
School Life in The Troy School District • February 2015 • 9
What kind of parents do
you have?
by Dr. Harry Broomfield
Perspectives of Troy Counseling Center
Professionals typically think of parenting
styles in terms of: Permissive, Authoritarian
and Authoritative.
Permissive parents may be your favorite
home to hang around with because it’s a
carefree environment-anything goes. You may
wish they had these parents. Your friends,
however, would tell you that they wish they
had parents who paid attention to them, even
disciplined them, so they can feel important
and loved.
Then there’s the highly controlling or
Authoritarian Parents. They are strict when
interacting with children. These parents value
obedience and have little sensitivity to the
child’s own desires or decision making skills.
An example would be: “Do this because I say
so!” Authoritarian Parents are not interested
in what your friends think. They believe that
“children are to be seen, not heard”. Our
friends feel they are not worthy of their own
feelings and thoughts. Our friends too often
grow up feeling unloved and afraid. Research
has found that children often grow up with
rebellious attitudes toward their parents
and society. They often become adults with
personalities that are too controlling or too
submissive and remain disconnected from
their own feelings.
Authoritative Parents develop a close and
nurturing relationship with their children
while setting a reasonably high level of
expectations and rules or guidelines. We like
that our parents know our friend’s parents and
are aware of what we are doing and how long
we spend time together. We appreciate that if
we are not where we are supposed to be our
parents have this magical way of knowing
something is wrong, and we will be checked
on or if we are over the line there will be
consequences when we get home! We hope
that our parents teach us how important it is
to respect them even if we don’t like their
decisions in the moment. We know, but would
never admit it to our friends, that our parents
know more than we do, and they love us. We
really do need our parents to be Authoritative
because, after all, we are still just kids.
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10 • February 2015 • School Life in The Troy School District
Grace under pressure:
Barnard students perform in Moscow Ballet’s
Great Russian Nutcracker
It’s perhaps one of the most iconic ballets
to grace the stage: The Moscow Ballet’s Great
Russian Nutcracker.
Two young dancers from Barnard Elementary,
Ally Albery and Hannah DiGiovanni, took the leap
from studio to center stage in the Nutcracker at the
Fox Theatre during December.
“It was really cool to go to the Fox Theatre and
to perform there,” DiGiovanni said. “Everyone
was so proud of us. I’m so glad we got to do this.”
DiGiovanni and Albery first showcased their
talent and technique in front of the audition
director. Albery performed the part of a mouse
and DiGiovanni performed as a party girl. Both
said it was a wonderful opportunity to dance on
the big stage with the Russian ballerinas. They got
to be on stage and learn the chorography from the
Russian Ballet.
“It was a little nerve wrecking at first, but when
we finally got on stage it was a once in a lifetime
thing,” Albery said.
“It was really cool to see the rest of the dancers
because you could learn from them,” DiGiovanni
said. “I learned that if you practice a lot you could
do really, really good.”
For these young ballerinas, it was an opportunity
to turn their dreams into the dance of the sugar
plum fairy in a major holiday performance.
“Many people couldn’t say that,” Albery said.
“It was a good experience and really fun.”
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2nd-
-Hill Elementary Band/Strings Concert @ Athens Gym, 7-9
p.m.
- Wass Elementary Band/Strings Concert, 7 p.m.
-Troy Union Elementary 5th grade Band/Strings concert, 7
p.m.
-Martell Elementary PTO meeting, 7 p.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Wellness Week, Feb. 2-6
-Athens High Junior Parent Night, 7 p.m.
3rd-
-Leonard Elementary Cultural Day
-Leonard Elementary PTO meeting, 7 p.m.
-Larson Middle Math Counts, 6:30 p.m.
4th-
-Leonard Elementary Cultural Day
-Leonard Elementary Skate World, 6:15-8:15 p.m.
-I.A. East Troy Resident Lottery, 4-5 p.m., cafeteria
-Larson Middle Science Olympiad, 2:35 p.m. .
-Smith Middle Student Council meeting 7:40-8:10 a.m.
-Smith Middle Quiz Bowl, 3-4p.m.
-Bemis & Schroeder Elementary 5th grade Band/Strings
Concert @ Boulan Park Middle, 7-8 p.m.
-Troy High Student Gov. to Regional Conference
5th-
-Hill Elementary Pancake Supper, 5-8 p.m.
-Hamilton Elementary Band Concert @ Boulan Park Middle,
7 p.m.
- I.A. East Troy Resident Lottery, 4-5 p.m., band/orchestra
room
-Martell Elementary 5th grade Band/Strings Concert @
Boulan Park Middle, 7 p.m.
-Wattles Elementary School Wide Assembly, 10:15 a.m.
-Smith Middle DC Trip student meeting, 10:30-11:20 a.m.
-Smith Middle Talent Show Auditions, 3-5 p.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Wellness Week/Unplug: students/staff
begin Social Media Challenge, 7:55 a.m.
6th-
-Baker Band and Orchestra performs @ Wattles Elementary,
9:40-10:05 a.m.
-Boulan Park Middle All A’s Ice Cream during A, B, & C
Lunches
-Schroeder Elementary Family Skate Party @ Skate World
7th-
-DCDS Math Invitational @ Detroit Country Day, 8:30 a.m.
-Athens High Kickoff Night for Charity Week
-Athens High Ice Skating @ Troy Sports Center, 8-10 p.m.
-Athens High Winterguard International, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
-Troy High BCC to Ocean Bowl @ U of M
9th-
-Leonard Elementary Band/Strings Concert @ Baker, 7 p.m.
-Wattles Elementary 5th grade Band/Strings Concert @
Baker, 7 p.m., gym
-Barnard Elementary PTO meeting, 7 p.m.
-Baker Middle PTO meeting - media center, 7 p.m.
-Athens High Charity Week: Comfy Day; Pancake Breakfast
1st hr; Magic Show 5th hr
-Athens High Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser, 5-9 p.m.
-Costello Elementary PTO meeting, 7 p.m.
-NCHS parent meeting, 6 p.m.
-Troy High Booster meeting, 7 p.m.
10th-
-I.A. East PTIA meeting, 7-9 p.m., media center
-Morse Elementary PTO meeting, 7 p.m.
-Troy Union Elementary PTO meeting, 6:30 p.m.
-Barnard Elementary 3rd grade Vocal Music Performance,
7 p.m.
-Smith Middle Blue Lakes Scholarship Auditions, 9 a.m.-3
p.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Quiz Bowl, (7th): 2nd hr, (8th): 3rd hr
-Boulan Park Middle Stu. Gov. Candygrams on sale during
all lunches
-Schroeder Elementary World Tour Assembly
-Athens High Charity Week: Tacky Tourist Day; Film Fesitval
2nd hr
-Athens High PTO meeting, 7 p.m.
-Athens High Smashburger Fundraiser, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
-Troy High parent meeting, 9:30 a.m.
11th-
-DISTRICT COUNT DAY
-Martell Elementary Pajama Day
-Barnard Elementary Band/Strings Concert @ Baker MS, 7
p.m.
-Smith Middle Student Council meeting, 7:40-8:10 a.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Parent Network, 10 a.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Stu. Gov. Candygrams on sale during
all lunches
-Boulan Park Middle Activity Day, 2:35-4 p.m.
-Athens High Charity Week: ‘80’s Day
-Athens High Volleyball Tournament/Parent Cook-off, 6:30-9
p.m., gym
-Troy High Powerbuff Game, 7 p.m., gym
12th-
Hill Elementary Science Night, 5:30-8 p.m.
-Hamilton Elementary 1st grade Vocal Music Concert @ 7
p.m.
-I.A. East Late Start Day, 9:30 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
-Smith Middle PTO meeting, 9:15-11 a.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Yearbook group pictures, cafeteria
-Boulan Park Middle Stu. Gov. Candygrams on sale during
all lunches
-Boulan Park Middle 6th grade Quiz Bowl, 2nd hour
-Schroeder Elementary World Tour Displays; ‘80’s Spirit Day
-Athens High Charity Week: Red and Gold Day; Jail & Bail
All Day
-Athens High Mr. Athens Auditorium, 2:30-4 p.m.
-Athens High vs Troy High Rivalry Event @ Troy High, 7 p.m.
13th-
Wass Elementary 5th grade goes to the DIA
-Wass Elementary Valentine’s Day class parties
-Hamilton classroom Valentine’s parties
-Leonard Elementary Valentine’s Day parties
-Troy Union Elementary Valentine’s Day parties
-Martell Elementary Valentine’s Day parties
-Barnard Elementary Valentine’s Day parties
-Boulan Park Middle 8th graders leave for Washington DC,
6 p.m.
-Schroeder Elementary 4th grade Wax Museum, 2-3 p.m.
-Schroeder Elementary Valentine’s Day parties
-Bemis Elementary Valentine’s Day parties
-Athens High Charity Week: Charity T-Shirt Day
-Athens High Pep Assembly, $30 to attend
-Athens High Charity Dance, 7-10 p.m.
-Costello Elementary Valentine’s Day parties, 3 p.m.
-Troy High Valentine’s Dance, 7 p.m.
21st-
Oakland County Math Counts Tournament, Oakland
Intermediate, 8:30 a.m.
-Athens High Cheer Districts, 10 a.m.
23rd-
Hill Elementary Husky Teams Day
-Morse Elementary Skate World Party @ 6-8 p.m.
-Martell Elementary Pennies for Pasta
-Barnard Elementary Scholastic Book Fair
-Barnard Elementary Hearing Screening through 27th
-Boulan Park Middle Stu. Gov. – Pennies for Pasta
-Costello Elementary Locks of Love
-Troy High Balfour Announcements Distribution @ lunch
24th-
Wass Elementary PTO meeting, 7 p.m.
-Barnard Elementary Scholastic Book Fair
-Smith Middle Band Pre-Festival Concert, 7-8:30 p.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Stu. Gov. – Pennies for Pasta
-Boulan Park Middle Michigan Mathematics League Contest
-Baker Middle Peer Mediation meeting, 7:30 a.m.
-NCHS Kiwanis Student Recognition Luncheon, 12 p.m.
25th-
Hill Elementary 4th grade Lansing Trip
-Wass Elementary Wolf Packs meet, 8:55-9:15 a.m.
-Wass Elementary Family Bingo tickets sold at lunch
-Hamilton Elementary Hamilton Fun Night, 4:40-6:30 p.m.
-Larson Middle Band Pre-Festival, 7 p.m.
-Martell Elementary 5th grade Got Caught Assembly
-Barnard Elementary Scholastic Book Fair
-Smith Middle Student Council meeting, 7:40-8:10 a.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Stu. Gov. – Pennies for Pasta
-Bemis Elementary PTO meeting, 7-8 p.m.
-Costello Elementary Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser, 5-9 p.m.
26th-
Wass Elementary Family Bingo Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
-Larson Middle Orchestra Pre-Festival, 7 p.m.
-Smith Middle Talent Show Dress Rehearsal, 3-5 p.m.
-Smith Middle Movie Night, 6-9 p.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Stu. Gov. – Pennies for Pasta
-Boulan Park Middle Mid-Winter-Band Bash 6th, Cadet, &
8th Gr. Jazz Band, 7 p.m.
-Schroeder Elementary Girl Scouts Square Dance, 6:30-8:30
p.m.
-Baker Middle Orchestra Concert
-Bemis Elementary 5th grade Growing Up parent preview
meeting, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
-Bemis Elementary 5th grade parent camp meeting, 6:157:30 p.m.
-NCHS parent teacher conferences, 6 p.m.
27th-
Smith Middle Talent Show Performances
-Boulan Park Middle Stu. Gov. Pennies for Pasta
-Schroeder Elementary 3rd grade field trip to Henry Ford
Museum
-NCHS Judge Harding Presentation/Court, 8:30 a.m.
28th-
Science Olympiad Regional @ Detroit Country Day, 7 a.m.-6
p.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Forensics Ninjatational @ Avondale
High, 7:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
*All events, times, and dates are subject to change
14th-
Troy High Science Olympiad to Frankenmuth
16th- NO SCHOOL
17th- NO SCHOOL
18th-
Wass Elementary Mrs. Maher’s class to Troy Historical
Museum
-Hamilton Elementary Kettle HAWKS
-Leonard Elementary Student Council meeting, 8:20 a.m.
-I.A. East No School
-Troy Union Elementary Oberweis Night
-Larson Middle Science Olympiad, 2:35 p.m.
-Smith Middle Student Council meeting, 7:40-8:10 a.m.
-Smith Middle Quiz Bowl, 3-4 p.m.
-Costello Elementary 4th grade field trip to Lansing
19th-
Hill Elementary PTO meeting – Dr. Machesky attending, 7-9
p.m.
-Wass Elementary Mrs. Kendall’s class to Troy Historical
Museum
- I.A. East No School
-Morse Elementary Movie and Dessert Night, 6-8 p.m.
-Larson Middle Band Mid-Winter Blast, 7p.m.
- Wattles Elementary PTO meeting, 8:45-10 a.m.
-Boulan Park Middle PTO meeting – Dr. Machesky attending,
9 a.m.
-Boulan Park Middle Adv. & Chamber Orchestra/Adv. Band
Pre-Festival, 7 p.m.
20th-
I.A. East No School
-Martell Elementary Skate Night
Perspectives Of Troy
Trusted & Confidential Counseling in Metro Detroit
248-244-8644
perspectivesoftroy.com
School Life in The Troy School District • February 2015 • 11
District third graders now using iPads to create more
personal learning
Understatement of the New
Year:
Mr. Rondot’s third
graders at Costello Elementary
are excited using their new
district-issued iPads.
“Anytime we start a lesson,
they ask, ‘are we going to use
the iPads?’ I had to band the
question,” Mr. Rondot said
smiling.
In December, all district
third graders received iPads.
Sixth graders received theirs in
August and students in fourth,
fifth, seventh and eighth grades
will eventually have their own
district-issued iPads to use
at home and school too. All
this thanks to the bond voters
passed in November 2013.
This technology initiative
is part of TSD’s “One to
World” program that leverages
technology at the point of
Costello Elementary third graders with their new district-issued iPads. Photo: Ed Morykwas, School Life
instruction. It’s a personalized
learning experience for Mr.
Rondot’s students, who can use
their iPads if they finish their
class work.
“If they get a problem right, it
takes them to the next problem
that’s harder,” Mr. Rondot said.
“It really targets their exact level,
and picks up their strengths and
weaknesses.”
Students also draw and record
their voice on their iPads to
explain their answers in science,
social studies, spelling and math.
“The biggest thing with
Common Core is explaining what
you’re doing,” he said. “This gets
them to say it verbally. It’s just
a great tool for learning. (The
students) are coming to school
more excited about school.”
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12 • February 2015 • School Life in The Troy School District
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Troy School District - Elementary Lunch Menu
Feb. 2-6
MON Chicken nuggets w/breadstick or Grilled Cheese
garden tossed salad w/egg & breadstick; steamed green
beans, baby carrots, apple slices, orange smiles
Sandwichor Chicken Caesar Salad w/breadstick; sweet
potato fries, cucumber slices, orange smiles, fresh apple.
FRI Pancakes w/syrup, turkey sausage or yogurt; Grilled
TUE Fish nuggets with breadstick or cheesy breadsticks
browns, broccoli, mandarin oranges or apple slices
Cheese Sandwich or peppi pizza salad w/breadstick, hash
w/marinara sauce or chef salad with w/breadstick; steamed
green beans, baby carrots, diced peaches or mandarin
oranges; strawberry kiwi frozen fruit
Feb. 18-20
WED Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza w/small mixed greens
or Grilled Cheese Sandwich or poppin chicken salad w/
breadstick; baby carrots, celery sticks, apple slices or grapes
or Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Poppin Chicken Salad w/
breadstick; baby carrots,
celery sticks, apple slices or pineapple tidbits.
THUR Nachos w/beef & cheese or beans; cheesy
breadsticks w/marinara sauce or Garden Tossed Salad w/
egg & w/breadstick; refried beans, celery sticks, diced
peaches or diced pears.
WED Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza w/small mixed greens
THUR Soft pretzel w/cheese dipping sauce & yogurt cup
or cheesy breadsticks w/marinara sauce or Garden Tossed
Salad w/egg & breadstick; broccoli, orange smiles, grapes,
baby carrots; strawberry kiwi frozen fruit
FRI French toast sticks w/syrup, turkey sausage or
yogurt or Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Peppi Pizza salad w/
FRI French toast sticks w/syrup, turkey sausage or yogurt breadstick; hash browns, celery sticks, grapes or apple slices
or Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Peppi Pizza Salad w/
breadstick; hash browns, broccoli, grapes or apple slices
Feb. 23-27
Feb. 9-13
MON Popcorn chicken w/breadstick or Grilled Cheese
MON Hamburger, cheeseburger w/bun or veggie burger
Sandwich or Chicken Caesar Salad w/breadstick; mashed
potatoes w/chicken gravy, broccoli, orange smiles, or fresh
apple
w/bun; Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Chicken Caesar salad
w/breadstick; baked beans, broccoli, orange smiles or fresh
TUE Nachos w/beef & cheese or beans; cheesy breadsticks w/
apple
TUE Chicken drumstick w/breadstick; cheesy breadsticks
w/marinara sauce or Chef Salad w/breadstick; mashed
potatoes with chicken gravy, baby carrots, grapes, fresh
apple
WED Cheese or pepperoni pizza w/small mixed greens
or Grilled Cheese Sandwich or popping chicken salad w/
breadstick; broccoli, baby carrots, celery sticks, apple slices
or pineapple tidbits
THUR Pasta w/marinara sauce & meatballs w/small
mixed greens; cheesy breadsticks w/marinara sauce or
marinara sauce or chef salad w/breadstick; refried beans, celery
sticks, apple slices, grapes
WED Cheese or pepperoni pizza w/small mixed greens or
Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Poppin’ Chicken
THUR Macaroni & cheese w/breadstick or cheesy breadsticks
w/marinara sauce or garden tossed salad w/egg & breadstick,
steamed green beans, cucumber slices, grapes or orange smiles
FRI Pancakes w/syrup; turkey sausage or yogurt; Grilled
Cheese Sandwich or Peppi Pizza Salad w/ breadstick; hash
browns, baby carrots, applesauce or peaches
Local soccer club’s fundraiser to help
impoverished children in Kenya
by Kimber Bishop and Cara Penoza
Local soccer club United F.C. is
raising money for kids in Kenya.
Hundreds are without basic medical
supplies, clean water, and food.
You can help by participating in
United F.C.’s fundraising soccer
clinic on February 19 from 5-7:30
p.m. at Ultimate Soccer Arena on 867
South Blvd E, Pontiac, MI 48341. A
$15 min donation is requested and
checks can be made payable to Kenya
Relief.
United F.C. is teaming with Kenya Relief, shown above, a U.S.-based non-profit organization
that operates an orphanage, school and surgery center in Migori, Kenya, where families struggle
with hunger, lack of clean water and soap, crowded school classrooms, and a shortage of supplies
and basic medical care.
Currently, Migori, Kenya has no parks, playground equipment or soccer balls. Soccer, a sport
these children love, is played with a ball made of plastic bags and held together by twine. The kids
often play in bare feet.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward building a soccer field, developing a soccer program,
collecting supplies (medical and non-medical), and ensuring fresh water. The fundraiser also
includes a soccer clinic for all levels and ages run by United F.C. coaches.
United F.C. players know that playing soccer has many benefits for them and feel every child
should have this opportunity- even if they live across the world and in extreme poverty. If you are unable to attend the Feb. 19 fundraiser and want to contribute, please call: 248-8409858 or email: kimber@girlsempowered.com.
School Life in The Troy School District • February 2015 • 13
“Refuse to lose”
THS tennis players honored with All-State status
Worried about rising college
costs? Specialists help TSD families
College specialists from Education Planning Resources recently spoke to hundreds of TSD families
about how to reduce their college costs.
Troy High All-State tennis players Michael Faber, Vincent Thieu, and Alex Balte. Photo: Ed
Morykwas, School Life.
Brian Miska’s job as Troy High boys’ tennis
coach is a little easier when he has players like
Michael Faber, Vincent Thieu, and Alex Balte.
“All three are committed to the game in the
off-season; just their work ethic, desire to win,
and refuse to lose mentality,” Miska said.
Those three players earned All-State status
this past season when they lead their team
to the boys’ tennis state finals in Midland.
Faber made it to the quarterfinals, and Thieu
and Balte advanced to the semi-finals in the
doubles competition.
“They had numerous matches where you
thought they were out of it but they came back
and won,” Miska said.
All three All-Staters played a pivotal role
in leading Troy High to a third place finish
overall, which ties for the best finish in the
program’s history. Michael Faber will return
next season as a senior to try and lead his team
to another state final.
14 • February 2015 • School Life in The Troy School District
Troy School District families had an
opportunity to learn how to reduce college
costs when the District hosted college planning
experts from Education Planning Resources in
December at Troy High School.
For many families, college tuition is the
largest expense they will ever face. The
program focused on how college grant money
is assessed and distributed to college students.
The college planning specialists spoke about
FAFSA and how families can structure their
income and assets to their advantage.
The specialists also pointed out that college
savings plans, such as 529, Uniform Transfers
to Minors Act account (UTMA), Uniform Gifts
for Minors Act account (UGMA), Coverdell
savings plan, even savings accounts in the
student’s name can work against the ability for
a family to receive financial aid.
Education Planning Resources focuses
on reducing families “Expected Family
Contribution” on the FAFSA.
If you want help tackling this daunting
financial challenge of paying for college, EPR
can help you relieve your expensive burden.
Just contact Tom Krent at: tom@epr123.com,
or 248-633-6675. Tom has lived in Troy for 36
years, and his son is a graduate of Troy High.
Making learning fun
Shown here left to right: Megha Gajjala, Arun Varghese, Sabrina Isai, and
Mohsun Surti.
Students in Mr. Maurer’s Earth Science class at Baker Middle have
made learning fun. The 8th graders created different board games in
January as part of their unit on “Global Warming & Its Impacts”. They
worked in groups to develop games such as “Oceanopoly”, loosely based
on Monopoly. Students brainstormed ocean themes for their games, and
then created the game from scratch, including playing pieces. On the due
date, lab groups switched games with another group to play.
re
o
m
t
n
Wa
School
Life?
Find us on facebook@
Troy School Life & online:
www.SchoolLifeTroy.com
School Life in The Troy School District • February 2015 • 15
at C ost e l l o
E l e m e n ta ry
Campus Life
Happy
13th Birthday
Troy Community Center!
Come celebrate
with us on March 7th
Fun begins at 10 am
at the Troy Community Center.
Full schedule of activities at
troymi.gov/Recreation
16 • February 2015 • School Life in The Troy School District