School Reporter “Inspire Students Today for their Success Tomorrow”
AUGUST 2018
VOLUME XXXV, Number 1
District ready to move ahead with improvements As the school district moves into the 2018-2019 school year, our students, staff, and community will begin to see development of the changes proposed in the May 8, 2018, bond proposal. The district was pleased to see a positive vote in all seven precincts and an overall margin of 60 percent “Yes” to 40 percent “No.” Immediately after approval by the voters, the Board of Education directed administration to move ahead with the sale of the bonds to generate the $57 million in revenue. The sale was accomplished in early June and the district received the funds by the end of June. Paralleling this activity was the start of the planning phase of the projects. Professionals in the areas of construction, de-
sign, and engineering have been supporting the district’s transition into this phase. Discussions have focused on construction calendars and design concepts for both the new construction and the repurposing of existing spaces. Major new spaces include four kindergarten classrooms (two at each elementary), a new elementary gym/cafeteria/music space, and a new natatorium. Repurposed spaces will update media centers, ancillary spaces, additional classrooms, STEM centers, and athletic areas. Site visits have been ongoing to view school districts that have recently made similar modifications to their buildings. It is the belief of the architects that ideas gleaned from these visits should be blended with Trenton’s proposal goals to create spaces to best meet the needs of our students and staff. As staff return to the district from summer break, building committees will be taking the preliminary ideas and adding their insights. This cyclic process of concept design to in-district discussion will take place numerous times to refine the design that meets our needs and stays within the projects’ definitions in the bond proposal. The goal is to get building plans approved by Wayne County and the State of Michigan and start construction in the spring of 2019. As bond construction projects are approved, their timing will be structured around Congratulations to Trenton High School’s Academic Top Ten for the 2017-2018 school year.
Rodney R. Wakeham, Superintendent of Schools the needs of the district. Some construction can move forward with little interruption of the regular school day. This is projected to be true for the new elementary school gym additions and the natatorium at the high school. Projects like the addition of new kindergarten classrooms and the conversion of old media centers back into classrooms will most likely be performed during a break period, like summer, as those areas are intricately involved in the regular operation of the school day. Looking a few years into the future, Trenton Public Schools will be better prepared for community growth, to provide educational opportunities for the 21st century student, and to offer a facility that our community can look upon with continued pride in our history of educational excellence. We continue to look to our community for their support and input to make Trenton Public Schools, a Great School for Each and Every Child.
Trenton Public Schools
2603 Charlton Road Trenton, Michigan 48183 Phone: (734) 676-8600 Fax Line: (734) 676-4851 Web Site: www.trentonschools.com
BOARD OF EDUCATION 2018-2019 School Year
Nine teams crowned Downriver League Champions Onward Trenton. The first two words of the Trenton fight song. Onward, meaning to “make progress or become more successful.” The 2017-2018 school year proved to be an exciting one for Trenton Athletics. Our teams competed in more than 320 contests, with 184 of them being held at home. In addition Trenton hosted eight MHSSA Tournament events (six district and two regional), which is a benefit to our athletes and fans. This school year saw 288 male and 253 female athletes participate in 26 varsity sports, which is approximately 59 percent of our student population. Of those 541 athletes, 154 of them participated in two sports, and 32 played all three seasons. This high level of contribution from our students is one thing that sets Trenton apart from other schools. Trenton has the lowest enrollment of the 10 Downriver League Schools, and is almost half the size of Woodhaven. Student participation is something we take pride in at Trenton, and is a major component to the success our teams have, especially against larger schools. This school year provided many accomplishments by our sports teams. Nine teams were crowned Downriver League champions. Girls Golf, Girls Swimming, Boys Tennis, Girls Volleyball, Boys Hockey, Girls Basketball, Boys Golf, Girls Tennis, and Girls Soccer all won League Titles this year. The Girls Volleyball team, and Girls Basketball team won their respective districts for
the first time in many years, and the Boys Hockey team advanced to the final game in Division 2, finishing the season a state runner-up. In addition, the Women’s Crew team won the Hebda Cup for the first time in school history. Individual accomplishments were plentiful as well. Seventyseven students were named to all -league teams. Eighteen were named to all-state teams. Twenty -two students were named allacademic all-state, and four of our sports teams were named allacademic all-state. A total of 161 Trenton High students in grades 10th-12th received Downriver League all -academic honors, which is accomplished by maintaining a cumulative grade-point average of 3.3 or higher. In addition, 41 senior athletes have committed to furthering their sport past the high school level. It truly is an exciting time to be a Trojan. This past year included the THS weight room getting a major facelift thanks in part to the reverse raffle fundraiser that Trenton See Page 4
President Michael J. Hawkins 4716 Forest Lane (734) 671-6197 hawkinsm@trentonschools.com Term Expires: 12-31-2022 Vice-President Rachel N. Helton 2101 Sheraton (248) 762-8265 heltonr@trentonschools.com Term Expires: 12-31-2020 Secretary Kellee S. Howey 2253 Ashby (734) 692-2145 howeyk@trentonschools.com Term Expires: 12-31-2022 Treasurer Thomas J. Kinney 1510 Yellow Brick (734) 307-3407 kinneyt@trentonschools.com Term Expires: 12-31-2020
Trustee Gerald R. Brown 1741 Waverly (734) 671-6210 browng@trentonschools.com Term Expires: 12-31-2018 Trustee David M. French 2201 Fairlane (734) 671-0940 frenchd@trentonschools.com Term Expires: 12-31-2020 Trustee Sean R. Gearhart 2547 S. Trenton Dr. (734) 775-5517 gearharts@trentonschools.com Term Expires: 12-31-2018
TRENTON SCHOOL REPORTER Official Publication of the Trenton Board of Education (734) 676-8600
CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS Rodney Wakeham Superintendent of Schools wakehamr@trentonschools.com
Ann Deneroff
Director of Curriculum deneroffa@trentonschools.com
Gail Beaufait-Farrell
Business Manager farrellg@trentonschools.com
Hayley Probert
Human Resources Specialist proberth@trentonschools.com
The regular Trenton Board of Education meetings generally are held at 2603 Charlton Road, Trenton, Michigan; (Telephone: (734) 676-8600 at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
Visit Trenton Public Schools online at www.trentonschools.com
Trenton School Reporter AUGUST 2018
Page 2
Boyd W. Arthurs
Anderson and Hedke ANDERSON ELEMENTARY A Place for All-Stars!
HEDKE ELEMENTARY Pride in Ourselves, Our Families & Community!
2600 Harrison Avenue Trenton MI, 48183 (734) 676-2177 Mr. Douglas Mentzer, Principal mentzerd@trentonschools.com Melody Boggs, Administrative Assistant boggsm@trentonschools.com
Elementary Schools Enrich the General Education Curriculum While the Trenton Public Schools prides itself on the rigor of the general education curriculum we realize that students both need and enjoy additional enrichment opportunities. The elementary schools meet this demand by offering additional programming including Field Trips, Assemblies, and After School Clubs and Clinics. Field Trips — While other districts may be eliminating these due to expense, the Trenton Schools have found ways – including the generous support of our PTOs, to continue to provide fun and curriculum related field trips such as: Kindergarten students visit the Detroit Zoo. First graders visit Greenfield Village’s one room school house for half a day and explore the village for the other half day as part of their social studies and learn about animal adaptations and habitats while visiting a local Metro Park. They also attend a play production as part of making literacy connections. Second graders tour Detroit landmarks including Comerica Park and compare these to the local attractions and buildings found in our community. Third graders visit the Ford Rouge plant while learning about the manufacturing history of our state. Fourth graders visit the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and enrich their study of social studies with an end of the year visit to Greenfield Village. Fifth graders visit the 33rd District Court Law Day and have the chance to attend an outdoor education camp with a three day overnight stay. Assemblies — Hedke and Anderson share common assemblies so that our students share the same experiences. These can change from year to year but the twice yearly visit by the Brainstormers to encourage student writing and the pre-Christmas concert by the musical group Gemini are favorites of the students and staff. Many other educational and curriculum related assemblies are held each year including visits to and from classes at THS and AMS for drama and reading experiences and presentations by our School Nurse and School Resource officer. Evening Events — Both schools host a variety of evening events to inform parents about the curriculum and allow them to experience and to participate in outside of class learning with their children. Evening events include: Meet the teacher, two parent teacher
conferences per year, book bingo, literacy nights, math nights, and events like the “pumpkin extravaganza,” book fairs, Fall Family picnics, book bingo, and the Spring Fun fairs help provide fun social and academic learning experiences. The variety show at each building is a popular outlet for students to show off some of the skills they may have learned outside of school to their families and classmates. Clubs — Both Anderson and Hedke have been adding a variety of before and after school programs to enrich the general elementary school curriculum and to meet the needs and interests of our students. This year’s programs included a game club, art club, and third-fifth grade activity nights during the winter months to give students some out-of-thehouse times during the long, cold winter nights. Running clubs at both schools promote exercise and healthy living. We allow a variety of scouting troops to utilize our facilities after school hours and a Bible club also runs after school throughout the year for interested students. Clinics and Classes — Cheer clinics for our girls are held each fall for all grades. THS cheerleaders and coaches lead our students in preparing for a sideline performance during a THS Football game. During the summer several THS sports teams including football, basketball, cheerleading and volleyball host camps geared for elementary school students to learn the fundamentals of the sport. All fifth grade students have the chance to learn to play an instrument in a pre -school instrumental music class held two to three times per week and lead by the THS Band teacher Mr. Mike Kurilko. This class culminates in a band concert each spring at THS where both schools join together to form the fifth grade concert band. Giving Back — Hedke students, families, and teachers participate in many community service outreaches each year to show students that they CAN and WILL make a difference. Community service programs include the Goodfellows can drive and door-to-door
collection, The Detroit Zoo ADOPTS program (this year students chose to adopt an Artic Fox), Mott Children’s Hospital Donation (raised $650 and included a presentation by a Mott Cardiologist to our fifth graders), and Lee Denim day in support of Breast Cancer research and support for families.
Building Renovations Continue To Pay Dividends While the exteriors of the buildings look the same as they did when built in the 1950s looks can be deceiving. During the summer of 2009 both Anderson and Hedke Elementary Schools were completely renovated on the inside. The focus of these renovations was to make the buildings safe, energy efficient, and modernized for new technology. These renovations continue to impact the quality of education offered to the students in our schools through: Secured entrances — visitors must enter through the main office. All exits to the building and much of the space around the schools are monitored by 24 hour video surveillance. The security and fire alarm systems were modernized and connected to a 24/7 monitoring service. This security is scheduled to be further enhanced during the 2018 summer through the addition of a buzzer, camera, and lock down system addition to the main office. More comfortable class rooms — every room has its own air handling and air conditioning system so clean air is circulated and temperatures can be monitored and controlled for each individual classroom. New windows that keep out drafts and reduce the glare of the sun were installed in most classrooms as well. Each classroom was also outfitted with modern furniture which was lighter and easier to move and to clean. Enhanced technology — Classrooms in each building have at least one internet connected desktop and laptop computer, a document camera through which teachers/students can project virtually anything for others to view, and a data projector to display images from the computer or document camera. Parents can view their own child’s attendance and lunch accounts 24/7 through Parent Connect. Teachers are connected
Page 3
3201 Marian Drive Trenton MI, 48183 (734) 692-4563 Mr. Vince Porreca, Principal porrecav@trentonschools.com Debbie Merta, Administrative Assistant mertad@trentonschools.com
to a collection of education videos through the district wide subscription to “Discovery Streaming.” Each elementary school has a fully networked computer lab and three additional classroom sets of laptops. Each building is also wireless ready so laptops, tablets, and iPads can be used throughout the building by teachers and school staff. Though not as visible, the technology infrastructure of the buildings were completely renovated as well to allow additional access to power and upgraded wiring for better connection speeds. During the 2017-18 school year all K -3 classrooms received four chrome books so students could get online to practice literacy and math skills using the I-Ready software program that individualizes instruction to each child’s tested level.
Future Bond Enhancements Due to the passage of the 2018 Bond election, both elementary schools are looking forward to the following upgrades and renovations in the near future: upgraded playgrounds, additional Kindergarten classrooms constructed, new gymnasium, new music room, new cafeteria and kitchen, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Lab constructed, movement of and renovation to the libraries, several upgrades to classroom and ancillary staff rooms and offices, new boilers to provide heat, new drinking fountain/water bottle refill stations, upgrades and much needed improvement to our classroom restrooms, additional video cameras, enhancements and improvements to the school grounds, additional technology deployed in the building and within classrooms. These changes will increase the capacity of each building to meet the needs of the Trenton community for educational and after school programs. They will further enhance the curriculum, safety, and usability of our buildings while we move ahead into the 21st century! — Doug Mentzer, Principal of Anderson Elementary School, and Vincent Porreca, Principal of Hedke Elementary
Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School is a sixth-througheighth-grade middle school that houses approximately 600 students. The Arthurs’s staff is committed to continuous growth and improvement and provides a culture for learning by working together. Arthurs was re-designated a middle level “Schools to Watch” in 2016 for exemplifying middle level practices. The middle level is a time for exploration and BAMS offers more than 40 elective courses in addition to the core curriculum. Each year students have the opportunity to participate in 12 interscholastic sports. The school also offers many extracurricular opportunities such as field trips, reward trips, and even an eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. In addition, annual programs such as College Day, Career Day and Black Out Bullying involve students in learning more about their future and being responsible citizens. Our school also looks for new ways to continually strengthen our community partnerships. This year, a partnership with DTE Energy and the Cranbrook Science Institute was maintained. Staff from DTE and Cranbrook partnered with Arthurs’ science staff to bring additional hands-on curriculum to all AMS students relative to their curriculum. With the technical science background of DTE/Cranbrook staff and the pedagogical knowledge of our science teachers, we deepened the learning for our students. In addition, science staff also collaborated with Michigan Avian Experience. “Through education, appreciation, and better understanding, Michigan Avian Experience aims to
create connections to the natural world and foster a sense of respect and stewardship.” (https:// www.miavianexperience.org/home) Through the Michigan Avian Experience, sixth-grade students had an opportunity to work with a red-tailed hawk and bald eagle during the “Physics in Flight” program. Students were excited about the experiences and had an opportunity to relate to science in a unique way. Technology has grown exponentially in its use in our daily lives as global citizens. Arthurs’ staff recognizes the need to meet students where they are in their learning and this includes the use of technology on a daily basis. We have incorporated the use of Chromebooks in all of our language arts classes as well as other core subject areas. Students use Google applications to communicate their learning and gain feedback as a part of their daily routine. Arthurs maintains a 1:1 ratio of devices to students that allows students to use technology right in the classroom. In the 2018-2019 school year, the Arthurs’s science staff will utilize Chromebooks to implement the Amplify curriculum. Amplify provides digital simulations in each unit to allow students to visualize scientific phenomena. In addition, this program provides authentic problem solving in context for students. The science education experts at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science and the digital learning team at Amplify developed the program.
Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School 4000 Marian Drive (734) 676-8700 Ms. Stephanie O'Connor, Principal oconnors@trentonschools.com Deborah Rhoades, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director rhoadesd@trentonschools.com Transitioning from the elementary school to the middle school can bring about many emotions from excitement to nervousness among students and parents. Each fall our orientation program, Where Everyone Belongs, assigns eighthgrade students to a small group of sixth graders and provides them with information about BAMS as well as incorporating team-building skills. This is an opportunity for sixth graders to get to know each other as the two elementary schools merge in the sixth grade as well as the addition of students new to Trenton. New this year! Our seventh and eighth graders will have a registration/ orientation day Tuesday, Aug. 28, as well. AMS is looking forward to the excitement of students returning to school and will offer them a chance to get into the building before school starts. Students will pick up their schedules, find their locker and have their picture taken. We look forward to kicking off the start of the 2018-2019 school year with our Open House for all students and families on Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. — Stephanie O’Connor, Principal, Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School
Trenton High While the Trenton Public Schools certainly takes great care of its facilities, it is with the help of the people of Trenton through the recent approval of a $57 million bond that the district will now be able to do many much-needed upgrades, improvements and other projects that will help us in the end result of always striving to improve student achievement. Many of those exciting improvements will be happening at Trenton High School. The bond will allow the high school to expand its technology infrastructure. This will allow THS to better serve the alwaysincreasing technology needs of our staff and students. Other exciting elements to the bond that people may not see but will certainly have an impact on the high school and the learning environment for staff and students will be the upgrading of our mechanical systems and HVAC systems. We will replace our boilers, upgrade our electrical in the high school, and restore and replace sections of the roof. All of this work will help with our temperature control, allowing us to better maintain the learning environment for all at THS. Trenton High School also will be building a new eight-lane pool. The pool will provide students with a larger pool with a diving area. What will happen to the old pool? That area will be turned into a multi-purpose room, thus increasing space for our students who are involved in a variety of activities. The current Farrer Field will be turned into a turfed, multi-use surface. Currently, we are limited on how much usage can be placed on the field. With a turfed multi-use field, students in the marching band, physical education Trenton High School department, and all of 2601 Charlton (734) 692-4530 our athletic teams will Dr. Michael K. Doyle, Principal have much more access doylem@trentonschools.com to the field. This will Mr. Ron Diroff, Assistant Principal allow for much more diroffr@trentonschools.com student usage than what Mr. James Trush, Asst. Principal/Athletic Director we have with the current situation. trushj@trentonschools.com For those who have
Visit Trenton Public Schools online at www.trentonschools.com
been in the high school, the bond will allow the high school to create a collaboration corridor from the Commons (lunch room) to the Instructional Media Center. This is exciting as the corridor will help and assist students with movement about the high school as they will have much easier access between the Commons and the IMC. Trenton High School takes great pride in the auto shop. The Trenton High School auto shop is part of the DCTC program. The bond will allow THS to upgrade the auto shop to meet the increasing demands of our students who have an interest in autos. The synthetic track will be replaced with a new one as the current one is worn out. Our track at THS gathers much use from our students and the community. Community members and students will be able to take advantage of a new track at the high school. The athletic perimeter fencing will be replaced. For too many years we have had that blue fence that circles part of the high school. The bond will allow us to replace that fence. This will make the high school look much more appealing. This is certainly an exciting time for all of Trenton. The bond will benefit students, staff, and the community in many ways. I have just listed a few of the items that will improve our school. I, and many others, will be looking forward to the future as we all work together to improve Trenton High School. — Dr. Michael Doyle, Principal, Trenton High School
Trenton School Reporter AUGUST 2018
Page 2
Boyd W. Arthurs
Anderson and Hedke ANDERSON ELEMENTARY A Place for All-Stars!
HEDKE ELEMENTARY Pride in Ourselves, Our Families & Community!
2600 Harrison Avenue Trenton MI, 48183 (734) 676-2177 Mr. Douglas Mentzer, Principal mentzerd@trentonschools.com Melody Boggs, Administrative Assistant boggsm@trentonschools.com
Elementary Schools Enrich the General Education Curriculum While the Trenton Public Schools prides itself on the rigor of the general education curriculum we realize that students both need and enjoy additional enrichment opportunities. The elementary schools meet this demand by offering additional programming including Field Trips, Assemblies, and After School Clubs and Clinics. Field Trips — While other districts may be eliminating these due to expense, the Trenton Schools have found ways – including the generous support of our PTOs, to continue to provide fun and curriculum related field trips such as: Kindergarten students visit the Detroit Zoo. First graders visit Greenfield Village’s one room school house for half a day and explore the village for the other half day as part of their social studies and learn about animal adaptations and habitats while visiting a local Metro Park. They also attend a play production as part of making literacy connections. Second graders tour Detroit landmarks including Comerica Park and compare these to the local attractions and buildings found in our community. Third graders visit the Ford Rouge plant while learning about the manufacturing history of our state. Fourth graders visit the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and enrich their study of social studies with an end of the year visit to Greenfield Village. Fifth graders visit the 33rd District Court Law Day and have the chance to attend an outdoor education camp with a three day overnight stay. Assemblies — Hedke and Anderson share common assemblies so that our students share the same experiences. These can change from year to year but the twice yearly visit by the Brainstormers to encourage student writing and the pre-Christmas concert by the musical group Gemini are favorites of the students and staff. Many other educational and curriculum related assemblies are held each year including visits to and from classes at THS and AMS for drama and reading experiences and presentations by our School Nurse and School Resource officer. Evening Events — Both schools host a variety of evening events to inform parents about the curriculum and allow them to experience and to participate in outside of class learning with their children. Evening events include: Meet the teacher, two parent teacher
conferences per year, book bingo, literacy nights, math nights, and events like the “pumpkin extravaganza,” book fairs, Fall Family picnics, book bingo, and the Spring Fun fairs help provide fun social and academic learning experiences. The variety show at each building is a popular outlet for students to show off some of the skills they may have learned outside of school to their families and classmates. Clubs — Both Anderson and Hedke have been adding a variety of before and after school programs to enrich the general elementary school curriculum and to meet the needs and interests of our students. This year’s programs included a game club, art club, and third-fifth grade activity nights during the winter months to give students some out-of-thehouse times during the long, cold winter nights. Running clubs at both schools promote exercise and healthy living. We allow a variety of scouting troops to utilize our facilities after school hours and a Bible club also runs after school throughout the year for interested students. Clinics and Classes — Cheer clinics for our girls are held each fall for all grades. THS cheerleaders and coaches lead our students in preparing for a sideline performance during a THS Football game. During the summer several THS sports teams including football, basketball, cheerleading and volleyball host camps geared for elementary school students to learn the fundamentals of the sport. All fifth grade students have the chance to learn to play an instrument in a pre -school instrumental music class held two to three times per week and lead by the THS Band teacher Mr. Mike Kurilko. This class culminates in a band concert each spring at THS where both schools join together to form the fifth grade concert band. Giving Back — Hedke students, families, and teachers participate in many community service outreaches each year to show students that they CAN and WILL make a difference. Community service programs include the Goodfellows can drive and door-to-door
collection, The Detroit Zoo ADOPTS program (this year students chose to adopt an Artic Fox), Mott Children’s Hospital Donation (raised $650 and included a presentation by a Mott Cardiologist to our fifth graders), and Lee Denim day in support of Breast Cancer research and support for families.
Building Renovations Continue To Pay Dividends While the exteriors of the buildings look the same as they did when built in the 1950s looks can be deceiving. During the summer of 2009 both Anderson and Hedke Elementary Schools were completely renovated on the inside. The focus of these renovations was to make the buildings safe, energy efficient, and modernized for new technology. These renovations continue to impact the quality of education offered to the students in our schools through: Secured entrances — visitors must enter through the main office. All exits to the building and much of the space around the schools are monitored by 24 hour video surveillance. The security and fire alarm systems were modernized and connected to a 24/7 monitoring service. This security is scheduled to be further enhanced during the 2018 summer through the addition of a buzzer, camera, and lock down system addition to the main office. More comfortable class rooms — every room has its own air handling and air conditioning system so clean air is circulated and temperatures can be monitored and controlled for each individual classroom. New windows that keep out drafts and reduce the glare of the sun were installed in most classrooms as well. Each classroom was also outfitted with modern furniture which was lighter and easier to move and to clean. Enhanced technology — Classrooms in each building have at least one internet connected desktop and laptop computer, a document camera through which teachers/students can project virtually anything for others to view, and a data projector to display images from the computer or document camera. Parents can view their own child’s attendance and lunch accounts 24/7 through Parent Connect. Teachers are connected
Page 3
3201 Marian Drive Trenton MI, 48183 (734) 692-4563 Mr. Vince Porreca, Principal porrecav@trentonschools.com Debbie Merta, Administrative Assistant mertad@trentonschools.com
to a collection of education videos through the district wide subscription to “Discovery Streaming.” Each elementary school has a fully networked computer lab and three additional classroom sets of laptops. Each building is also wireless ready so laptops, tablets, and iPads can be used throughout the building by teachers and school staff. Though not as visible, the technology infrastructure of the buildings were completely renovated as well to allow additional access to power and upgraded wiring for better connection speeds. During the 2017-18 school year all K -3 classrooms received four chrome books so students could get online to practice literacy and math skills using the I-Ready software program that individualizes instruction to each child’s tested level.
Future Bond Enhancements Due to the passage of the 2018 Bond election, both elementary schools are looking forward to the following upgrades and renovations in the near future: upgraded playgrounds, additional Kindergarten classrooms constructed, new gymnasium, new music room, new cafeteria and kitchen, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Lab constructed, movement of and renovation to the libraries, several upgrades to classroom and ancillary staff rooms and offices, new boilers to provide heat, new drinking fountain/water bottle refill stations, upgrades and much needed improvement to our classroom restrooms, additional video cameras, enhancements and improvements to the school grounds, additional technology deployed in the building and within classrooms. These changes will increase the capacity of each building to meet the needs of the Trenton community for educational and after school programs. They will further enhance the curriculum, safety, and usability of our buildings while we move ahead into the 21st century! — Doug Mentzer, Principal of Anderson Elementary School, and Vincent Porreca, Principal of Hedke Elementary
Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School is a sixth-througheighth-grade middle school that houses approximately 600 students. The Arthurs’s staff is committed to continuous growth and improvement and provides a culture for learning by working together. Arthurs was re-designated a middle level “Schools to Watch” in 2016 for exemplifying middle level practices. The middle level is a time for exploration and BAMS offers more than 40 elective courses in addition to the core curriculum. Each year students have the opportunity to participate in 12 interscholastic sports. The school also offers many extracurricular opportunities such as field trips, reward trips, and even an eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. In addition, annual programs such as College Day, Career Day and Black Out Bullying involve students in learning more about their future and being responsible citizens. Our school also looks for new ways to continually strengthen our community partnerships. This year, a partnership with DTE Energy and the Cranbrook Science Institute was maintained. Staff from DTE and Cranbrook partnered with Arthurs’ science staff to bring additional hands-on curriculum to all AMS students relative to their curriculum. With the technical science background of DTE/Cranbrook staff and the pedagogical knowledge of our science teachers, we deepened the learning for our students. In addition, science staff also collaborated with Michigan Avian Experience. “Through education, appreciation, and better understanding, Michigan Avian Experience aims to
create connections to the natural world and foster a sense of respect and stewardship.” (https:// www.miavianexperience.org/home) Through the Michigan Avian Experience, sixth-grade students had an opportunity to work with a red-tailed hawk and bald eagle during the “Physics in Flight” program. Students were excited about the experiences and had an opportunity to relate to science in a unique way. Technology has grown exponentially in its use in our daily lives as global citizens. Arthurs’ staff recognizes the need to meet students where they are in their learning and this includes the use of technology on a daily basis. We have incorporated the use of Chromebooks in all of our language arts classes as well as other core subject areas. Students use Google applications to communicate their learning and gain feedback as a part of their daily routine. Arthurs maintains a 1:1 ratio of devices to students that allows students to use technology right in the classroom. In the 2018-2019 school year, the Arthurs’s science staff will utilize Chromebooks to implement the Amplify curriculum. Amplify provides digital simulations in each unit to allow students to visualize scientific phenomena. In addition, this program provides authentic problem solving in context for students. The science education experts at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science and the digital learning team at Amplify developed the program.
Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School 4000 Marian Drive (734) 676-8700 Ms. Stephanie O'Connor, Principal oconnors@trentonschools.com Deborah Rhoades, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director rhoadesd@trentonschools.com Transitioning from the elementary school to the middle school can bring about many emotions from excitement to nervousness among students and parents. Each fall our orientation program, Where Everyone Belongs, assigns eighthgrade students to a small group of sixth graders and provides them with information about BAMS as well as incorporating team-building skills. This is an opportunity for sixth graders to get to know each other as the two elementary schools merge in the sixth grade as well as the addition of students new to Trenton. New this year! Our seventh and eighth graders will have a registration/ orientation day Tuesday, Aug. 28, as well. AMS is looking forward to the excitement of students returning to school and will offer them a chance to get into the building before school starts. Students will pick up their schedules, find their locker and have their picture taken. We look forward to kicking off the start of the 2018-2019 school year with our Open House for all students and families on Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. — Stephanie O’Connor, Principal, Boyd W. Arthurs Middle School
Trenton High While the Trenton Public Schools certainly takes great care of its facilities, it is with the help of the people of Trenton through the recent approval of a $57 million bond that the district will now be able to do many much-needed upgrades, improvements and other projects that will help us in the end result of always striving to improve student achievement. Many of those exciting improvements will be happening at Trenton High School. The bond will allow the high school to expand its technology infrastructure. This will allow THS to better serve the alwaysincreasing technology needs of our staff and students. Other exciting elements to the bond that people may not see but will certainly have an impact on the high school and the learning environment for staff and students will be the upgrading of our mechanical systems and HVAC systems. We will replace our boilers, upgrade our electrical in the high school, and restore and replace sections of the roof. All of this work will help with our temperature control, allowing us to better maintain the learning environment for all at THS. Trenton High School also will be building a new eight-lane pool. The pool will provide students with a larger pool with a diving area. What will happen to the old pool? That area will be turned into a multi-purpose room, thus increasing space for our students who are involved in a variety of activities. The current Farrer Field will be turned into a turfed, multi-use surface. Currently, we are limited on how much usage can be placed on the field. With a turfed multi-use field, students in the marching band, physical education Trenton High School department, and all of 2601 Charlton (734) 692-4530 our athletic teams will Dr. Michael K. Doyle, Principal have much more access doylem@trentonschools.com to the field. This will Mr. Ron Diroff, Assistant Principal allow for much more diroffr@trentonschools.com student usage than what Mr. James Trush, Asst. Principal/Athletic Director we have with the current situation. trushj@trentonschools.com For those who have
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been in the high school, the bond will allow the high school to create a collaboration corridor from the Commons (lunch room) to the Instructional Media Center. This is exciting as the corridor will help and assist students with movement about the high school as they will have much easier access between the Commons and the IMC. Trenton High School takes great pride in the auto shop. The Trenton High School auto shop is part of the DCTC program. The bond will allow THS to upgrade the auto shop to meet the increasing demands of our students who have an interest in autos. The synthetic track will be replaced with a new one as the current one is worn out. Our track at THS gathers much use from our students and the community. Community members and students will be able to take advantage of a new track at the high school. The athletic perimeter fencing will be replaced. For too many years we have had that blue fence that circles part of the high school. The bond will allow us to replace that fence. This will make the high school look much more appealing. This is certainly an exciting time for all of Trenton. The bond will benefit students, staff, and the community in many ways. I have just listed a few of the items that will improve our school. I, and many others, will be looking forward to the future as we all work together to improve Trenton High School. — Dr. Michael Doyle, Principal, Trenton High School
Page 4
AUGUST 2018
Trenton School Reporter
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Opportunities at Trenton High School
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW
Trenton High School is a part of the Downriver Career Technical Consortium (DCTC) serving the school districts of Airport, Flat Rock, Gibralter, Grosse Ile, Huron, Riverview, Southgate, Woodhaven as well as Trenton. The DCTC offers a program where local districts share their technical and academic programs. Students interested may participate at the beginning of their junior year and continue into their senior year. The Trenton High School Technical Consortium plan of study is a coordinated secondary/ post-secondary program that prepares students for the majority of jobs in the technical areas studied. Emphasis is placed on integrating academic and career technical courses so that students are better prepared for the advanced courses required by technical programs following their high school education. Trenton High School CTE Program Offerings Include:
It is the policy of Trenton Public Schools that no discriminatory practices based on sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, height, weight, marital status, or any other status covered by federal, state or local law be allowed in providing instructional opportunities, programs, services, job placement assistance, employment or in policies governing student conduct and attendance. Any person suspecting a discriminatory practice should contact: The Director of Curriculum, Trenton Public Schools, 2603 Charlton Road, Trenton, MI 48183 Phone: (734) 692-4510.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE The Director of Curriculum is appointed the Civil Rights Coordinator regarding complaints of disability/ handicap discrimination involving educational services, programs and activities. The Director of Curriculum is also appointed the Civil Rights Coordinator regarding discrimination complaints made by students (grades Pre-K through 12) and/or their parent(s)/guardian(s), and involving sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, age, or marital status. The Superintendent is appointed the Civil Rights Coordinator regarding all other complaints of discrimination. In the event the complaint is against the Superintendent of Schools, the VicePresident of the Board of Education is appointed the Civil Rights Coordinator.
The Director of Curriculum Trenton Public Schools 2603 Charlton Road Trenton, MI 48183 Phone: (734) 692-4510
Level 2-4 courses require the entry Level 1 course in that specific program. *EMT/ Criminal Justice is a Henry Ford Community College Affiliated Program and requires an application process for admission which can be accessed at: www.dctc-cte.org All career and technical education programs follow the Trenton Public Schools’ policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status in all programs, services, activities, and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation. For general information about these programs, contact: Mr. Ron Diroff, Career and Technical Education Director Trenton High School 2601 Charlton Trenton, MI 48183 (734) 692-4535 diroffr@trentonschools.com Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Mrs. Ann Deneroff, Director of Curriculum Trenton Public Schools 2603 Charlton Road, Trenton, MI 48183 (734) 692-4510 deneroffa@trentonschools.com
STUDENT ATHLETES SELLING GOLD CARDS THIS MONTH! Keep an eye out for Trenton High School athletes canvassing the city beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, selling the new Trojans “Gold Discount Card,” which entitles the bearer to numerous discounts at several local stores and restaurants through the end of August 2019. The cards are $20 each and all proceeds will benefit Trenton Public Schools athletics programs. It is one of the Athletic Department’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Thank you to all staff, students, parents and the community for your continued support.
Superintendent of Schools Trenton Public Schools 2603 Charlton Road Trenton, MI 48183 Phone: (734) 692-4510
The Vice-President of the Board of Education Trenton Public Schools 2603 Charlton Road Trenton, MI 48183 Phone: (734) 692-4510
The Civil Rights Coordinators, as specified herein, are designated to receive and resolve complaints from any person who believes that he/she may have been discriminated against in violation of this policy. Any person who believes he/she has been discriminated against in violation of this policy should file a written complaint with the Civil Rights Coordinator within ten (10) calendar days of the alleged violation. The Civil Rights Coordinator will take, then, the following action: First, cause an investigation of the complaint to be commenced. Second, arrange for a meeting to occur with the complainant, which may include School District staff who are knowledgeable of the facts and circumstances of the particular complaint or who have particular expertise that will assist in resolving the complaint. Third, complete the investigation of the complaint and provide, in writing, a reply to the complainant. If the Civil Rights Coordinator determines that a violation has occurred, he/she shall propose a fair resolution of the complaint and deliver the determination to the complainant and the Superintendent. In the event the complaint is against the Superintendent, a copy of the determination shall be delivered to the President of the Board of Education. The complainant may appeal the Civil Rights Coordinator’s determination to the Superintendent, or, in the case of a complaint against the Superintendent, to the President of the Board, by so notifying the Superintendent or Board President in writing within the (10) calendar days of the Civil Rights Coordinator’s determination. The Superintendent or Board President may conduct additional investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the complaint. The Board Vice-President or President may elect to secure the services of an outside party to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding any complaint against the Superintendent. The Superintendent, or Board President in the case of a complaint against the Superintendent, shall affirm or reverse the Civil Rights Coordinator’s decision and, if warranted, implement the Civil Rights Coordinator’s proposed resolution or a modification thereof. The Superintendent or Board President's decision shall be final. At any time a complainant has the right to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20201. The complainant should first be directed to the following address: Office for Civil Rights 600 Superior Avenue, Suite 750 Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 522-4970 phone
Sports program aims for another big year From Page 1 Athletics hosted in the winter of 2017. The upgraded weight room is comprised of safer, more efficient equipment that allows students and athletes alike to maximize the 1,900-square-foot space. Since the completion of this space in March, student participation in after school conditioning has more than tripled. The successful passing of the Bond this past May has heightened the excitement of the athletic program, and rightfully so. Multiple projects are planned during the next couple of years that will enhance the opportunities and experience for our student athletes, including a new natatorium, new football field turf, stadium lighting, repurposed fitness center, and new gymnasiums at both elementary schools, to name a few. August 2018 will once again usher in a new year of athletics. The football team will officially begin its season Aug. 6, and the remainder of the fall sports will begin their season two days later, Aug. 8. More information can be found at www.trentonathletics.com. I encourage all students to get involved in athletics not only as a player, but also as a spectator. There are wonderful things happening in Trenton, and we want everyone to be part of it. Whether it is as a student, parent, or fan, I thank you for your excellence, and support in continuing this tradition at Trenton. Go Trojans, and Onward Trenton! — James Trush, Athletic Director
Please Report Absences The safety and security of your child requires alert and responsible cooperation between the school and the home at all times. Please assist us in our endeavor to look after the welfare of your child during the school day.
Trenton High School (734) 692-4539 Arthurs Middle School (734) 692-4612 Anderson Elementary (734) 676-2177 Hedke Elementary (734) 692-4563
Follow Trenton High School sports throughout the school year at trentonathletics.com
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