What’s Inside: Schooling outside of the classroom Healthy Lunches Get over homework hurdles
Table of Contents Detroit School System returns power to Board and New Superintendent
I Choose You: What is School of Choice?
August Means School is Soon Back in Session Cathy Nedd Associate Publisher The Michigan Chronicle There are two days on the calendar that parents celebrate equally — the last day of school and the first day of school. That last day signals the end, that there is no more homework, uniforms or school lunches and bedtime is not as rigid. For many of us, summer is a great time for outdoor activities, whether it be enjoying our Detroit Tigers, fireworks, cookouts, biking, hiking, swimming and anything else that goes hand-in-hand with hot weather. If you enjoy hot weather and outdoor activities, then June until August is your favorite time of year. When August rolls around, however, the rush to complete the last of your summer activities kicks in because in a few days or weeks, school starts again. Yes, it’s time to pick up school supplies, shop for healthy lunches, review the new curriculum, set academic goals with your children and meet the new teacher, if you haven’t already.
Avoiding ‘Homework Wars’
An introduction to Ecorse Public Schools
This month’s Achieve supplement aims to cut down on some of the hassle and hustle-and-bustle of starting the school year. Since many children wear uniforms, we provide a comprehensive list of locations throughout Detroit that stock nearly every color. Of course, at many of the locations, you can stock up on notebooks, rulers, scissors, folders and glitter. Lots and lots of glitter! (That line is lifted from a popular Target commercial that I enjoy.) After you stock up on supplies, we have some tips on how to keep your children motivated while completing homework.
Online School Options
In addition to finding the best assortment of school supplies, we’ve heard that some parents are seeking alternative avenues to classroom education, so we include an article about online schooling. After reading it, you should have a better idea of whether your child’s education is best suited for a classroom environment or if solo and/or online training is best. For the parent who wants to help a lagging student graduate, we have included a profile on a school that offers assistance with obtaining the GED when options are few.
Keeping kids Dress-Code Ready
Allowing parents to choose how and where their child receives an education is a hot-button issue. And speaking of hot, Detroit, the largest school district in the state, has some exciting new changes. And for those parents who pack a daily lunch, the dreaded question, “What’s for lunch tomorrow?” can be answered in an article focusing on healthy, fun foods. These are just a few of the contents in this edition of Achieve. We hope you enjoy reading it and that we provided useful information regarding your children’s education. An educated mind is the best tool your child can have. Feel free to let us know what you think. Reach out to us at newsdesk@realtimesmedia.com.
Healthy Lunch Can be Fun and Tasty Too
Associate Publisher Cathy Nedd Editorial Manager Curtrise Garner
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Graphic Designer Juan Sifuentes
Detroit School System returns power to Board and New Superintendent Since 2009, the Detroit Public Schools system has been led by an emergency manager. As a matter of fact, the school system has had five managers in the past 10 years. During that time, plenty has happened — new schools have been constructed, older schools shuttered, new policies and procedures implemented and even with all of that, the number of children enrolling in the school system has declined. Today, Detroit Public Schools has a new name; it is now Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). The district now has 45,000 students but is in better financial shape than it has been in years with a $48 million surplus budget. The school district has a new superintendent, Nikolai Vitti, and a new school board, which was appointed in January. The new members are the seven board members — LaMar Lemmons, Georgia Lemmons, Deborah Hunter-Harvill, Sonya Mays, Angelique Peterson-Mayberry, Misha Stallworth and Iris Taylor, president. According to the DOSCD website, this year, DPSCD will maintain all 97 schools, as well as its necessary support services, including transportation, school nutrition, special education, early childhood learning and more. DPSCD will operate with a comprehensive and integrated Academic Plan. In addition, there will be new and innovative academic programs and support, along with facility improvements and enhanced security. For the first time, Detroit schools will be able to use the entire per-pupil allocation to carry out its mission of excellence in academics. In the past, $1,100 was taken to pay debt obligations.
Some of the plans in place for the 2017-2018 school year include: • Montessori/Open Schools •Smaller Learning Communities at Detroit Collegiate Preparatory at Northwestern
•Project Lead The Way at Cass Technical High School •Additional STEM Academies (Cooke S.T.E.M. Academy-CSA-of North Rosedale, ready to go for 2016-17; John R. King STEM and Performing Arts Academy, to begin transformation) •Over-Age ELL Classroom at Priest Elementary- Middle School
In terms of safety, which is a major concern for parents, DPSCD has pledged to update video cameras in each school, and restore the number of security personnel that were originally reduced as a result of economic necessity. And, the district also will also enhance the current infrastructure of the Safe Routes to Schools initiative as well as grow its volunteer base. The Detroit Public Schools Community District has an uphill battle with the main goal of providing a quality education for Detroit. Hopefully, the children will be rewarded after all of the tumultuous years of trying to rectify, save and improve Detroit’s public school system.
•Accelerated program at Mark Twain School for Scholars •Additional outdoor learning opportunities at Neinas Dual Language Learning Academy •Flying Classroom, a project-based learning/ curriculum focused on 30 STEM-based domains. DPSCD is implementing this in 17 schools, in 45 science classrooms.
AUGUST 2017 | 3
I Choose You:
What is a School of Choice? What does School of Choice mean to Detroit-area parents? Most people interpret it as a better school district, which for many can be described as one with more amenities, stronger or specialized curriculums, more convenient and a safer environment. Some of those descriptions might be true. However, School of Choice boils down to one word — options. Schools of Choice first entered metro- Detroit’s vernacular in 1996 under the auspices of Gov. John Engler. The term basically means that school districts can accept students from outside of the district’s neighboring areas. It does not mean that the floodgates to attend any school are open; schools still have the option of opting in or out of the School of Choice program. There are two parameters that fall under the School of Choice: Sections 105 and 10bc. Under Section 105, local school districts can enroll students who reside in other local school districts within the same intermediate school district. Section 105c allows enrollment of enrollment of students who reside in school districts located in contiguous intermediate school districts. According to Brian Ciloski, a department specialist at the Michigan Department of Education, nearly 63 percent of schools throughout the state are enrolled as School of Choice. Accepting students can come with some guidelines, however. For instance, a district may limit the number of nonresident pupils it accepts according to a grade level, a school (building) or a specific program. Some schools have a dearth of elementary school-aged children and only accept children between the ages of 5 and 12. Other schools may have a musical program and only accept students out of the district that can play and/or perform at a certain level. Even with those guidelines, schools cannot limit or refuse students based on a pupil’s intellectual, academic, artistic, or other abilities, talents, or accomplishments, or lack therof. Students also cannot be turned away based on their mental or physical disabilities; their age, except for a program that is not appropriate for the age of the applicant; nor, the pupil’s religion, race, color, natural origin,
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sex, height, weight, marital status, or athletic ability. (State of Michigan) Ciloski added that many districts participate in School of Choice programs because they have access to more students, which means more funding and the likelihood that a neighborhood school will remain open. In areas where there are few children, school closures are common and can result in children attending a school that isn’t in their direct neighborhood. For example, the City of Livonia shuttered several schools last year due to the loss of children in the district in 2016. After the closures, the closest school to many of the students was more than five miles away. If a parent is interested in a certain school or district they can contact the school(s) to inquire if it is a School of Choice. Information obtained from www.michigan.gov.
CHOICE. QUALITY. ACHIEVEMENT.
Grand Valley State University is committed to quality education for students. Whether it’s as Michigan’s fastest growing public university or as the authorizer of 72 charter schools serving over 34,000+ K-12 students, Grand Valley is shaping the future with access to high quality education. In fact, Grand Valley State University authorizes more than 40 high-performing charter schools in Southeast Michigan. GVSU Charter Schools in Southeast Michigan Achieve Charter Academy
Legacy Charter Academy
Canton Preparatory High School
Lincoln-King Academy
Cornerstone Health and Technology School
Madison-Carver Academy
Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy
Metro Charter Academy
Covenant House Academy Detroit (Central)
Michigan Mathematics and Science Academy
Covenant House Academy Detroit (East)
New Paradigm College Prep
Covenant House Academy Detroit (Southwest)
Pathways Global Leadership Academy
Detroit Achievement Academy
Reach Charter Academy
Detroit Collegiate High School
South Canton Scholars Charter Academy
Detroit Enterprise Academy
Southwest Detroit Community School
Detroit Merit Charter Academy
Success Mile Academy
Detroit Premier Academy
Taylor Preparatory High School
Detroit Prep
University Prep Science & Math Elementary School
Early Career Academy
University Prep Science & Math High School
East Arbor Charter Academy
University Prep Science & Math Middle School
Faxon Language Immersion Academy
University Preparatory Academy Elementary - Ellen Thompson
Global Heights Academy
University Preparatory Academy Elementary - Mark Murray
Grand River Academy
University Preparatory Academy High School
Hanley International Academy
University Preparatory Academy Middle School
Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies Elementary
Warrendale Charter Academy
Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies Middle/High
Washington-Parks Academy
To learn more about the high quality of teaching and impressive level of academic achievement in our charter schools, visit www.gvsu.edu/cso or call (616) 331-2240.
AUGUST 2017 | 5
Avoiding
‘Homework Wars’
slowly, or needs more time to understand concepts, homework can take a lot longer. No wonder she protests, tries to delay, hides the work, or doesn’t turn it in at school! Sometimes just your sympathy can help. Be sure the amount of time he or she expected to work at home is appropriate for their age. Some schools, for example, expect 30-45 minutes per night in the early grades, increasing to one hour in late elementary school and two hours by middle school. Learn about your school’s homework policy for each grade level. By keeping track of how long it really takes your child to do their homework, you’ll have specific information to share with teachers. If the amount of time exceeds the school’s homework policy, meet with the teacher to discuss what accommodations might be made to help your child succeed with homework.
By GreatSchools Staff
Does your child always have a problem finishing homework correctly and within a reasonable amount of time? Do you have to survive a battle or devote a lot of your time to help each night? Do you question why your child has to do homework at all? If your child has learning or attention problems, it’s likely you and your child have faced such challenges. Understanding the purpose of homework — and learning strategies for managing assignments effectively — can be of great help to you and your child. What is the purpose of homework? Homework gives your child a chance to practice what he or she learned in school. It’s not supposed to teach new concepts or skills. Practice is important because it helps your child master important skills. All too often, however, the kids who need the most practice are those who find homework to be harder, take longer and raise negative feelings. Start by making sure your child understands what the assignment is and the directions for completing it. Next, find out if she or he has learned enough at school to do the assignment on her own. If your child has problems in either of these areas, schedule a conference with the teacher to develop a home-school communication system. One example would be an assignment sheet that the teacher reviews with the child and sends home for the parent to read and sign off on. Where is it done? For some kids, a small desk where supplies can be stored is the best place to do homework. In other homes, the kitchen table may be the best place. Wherever your child works, you should be able to check to see if he or she is sticking to the task, especially if they have problems with concentration, and be able to offer encouragement. When is it done? For some kids, right after school is the perfect time to do the work because the assignment is fresh in their minds. Others need a break before they can tackle more schoolwork. Sometimes team sports, a parent’s work schedule or other activities interfere with doing homework immediately after school. With your child’s input, you may need to develop two plans — one for the usual day and one for unusu-
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al events. When you agree on the plans, write them down. If your child usually resists homework, make sure it doesn’t immediately follow an interesting, rewarding activity (e.g., skateboarding with friends, playing a computer game). That can make the task look even more distasteful. Instead, transition them from fun activities to activities less enjoyable but also less difficult than homework. For example, ask her or him to bring in the mail, then ask them to set the table, and follow that with a request to help you tear lettuce for the salad. This is called “behavioral momentum,” getting your child to do tasks that are not hard and are rarely resisted before you ask them to do something challenging. The idea is to create a distance from the fun activity to the more difficult one by inserting small, neutral tasks. Resistance is less likely if the momentum of compliance is built first. How much time should it take? If your child has problems focusing on a task, writes
How can parents help? Remember that homework is a form of practice, so don’t expect your child to do all the assignments perfectly. Reassure her or him that everyone makes mistakes and that mistakes help guide the next steps in the learning process. Encourage your child to talk to you about what they find hard or confusing. Listen to their ideas on what would make homework easier. Help your child learn good organization and time management skills. If assignments seem endless, break them into smaller parts. For a young child, fold worksheets into two or three parts to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. For older students, have them highlight sections of the assignment in different colors, green — first part, yellow — second part, red — last. Visually communicate progress towards completion. Take a small strip of paper and divide it into four to eight parts. Periodically, come by with an encouraging word and draw a star or make a check in one of the sections. The chart and homework should be completed at the same time. Then give the child a reward, such as a “high 5” or a hug. Let her choose a pleasurable activity they can do immediately following homework, e.g., playing a game with the family, listening to a favorite story or CD, talking to a friend on the phone. Make sure the activity is one the student choses, so it motivates them to finish the work. Above all, try to keep negative emotions out of homework interactions. If you’re feeling challenged by your child’s frustrating behavior, try to find out the causes.
An introduction to Ecorse Public Schools When the new school year starts, most schools enroll neighborhood students, while magnet schools or Schools of Choice enroll accepted applicants. There is one school system, however, that has a different method of finding students to enroll. Sometimes the staff will recruit from homeless shelters, from among teens with tethers, in local parks where young people hang out, and some of the shopping malls and strip malls near metro Detroit. Ecorse Public Schools is that school system with non-traditional recruiting methods. It is a small school district with only four schools. It also is home to Hope Academic Academy, which also is small, but has a big mission, big goals and an even bigger heart. Kenneth J. McPhaul is the principal of Hope Academy and refuses to leave any child behind. He and his team of teachers scan the streets in search of those who have been left behind, who have dropped out due to various difficulties. Basically Hope Academy, looks for students who have no hope and gladly enrolls them, regardless of their circumstances. . “My (quest) is getting kids who are incorrigible and misunderstood,” said McPhaul. “I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I’ve had other job offers, but this is my milieu. I’m not leaving Ecorse or Detroit.” McPhaul has been head of the Hope Academy for the past four years. It was started nine years ago and services 16-19 year olds who have not completed high school. Students who finish the program receive a high school diploma rather than a GED. Dr. Josh Talison, superintendent of Ecorse Public Schools, said, “Hope Academy is successful because it gives students another opportunity to succeed academically in the K-12 setting. It meets students where they are and advances them at their own pace in order for them to successfully complete high school.” Hope Academy has a 60 percent graduation rate. That might not sound like a high percentage rate, but most of the children the school enrolls have already dropped out of high school or are so far behind in credit hours that they are on the verge of dropping out Added to that are issues of income, housing transportation, family structures and stability. “We take students regardless of their backgrounds and provide total wrap-around services
for them in order to prepare them for life after graduation,” said Talison. “Anybody who doesn’t graduate from Hope doesn’t want to graduate.” Detroit Public Schools Community District has a 78.30 percent graduation rate according to the Michigan Center for Educational Performance and Information. Ecorse Public Schools provides transportation between schools and home, the curriculum is digital based, every child has an Ipad, and the teachers all are certified. McPhaul, an Ecorse native, was educated in Michigan — Wayne State University for undergrad and Western University for his master’s degree. He also has a Small Learning Community certificate from Harvard University. When he talks
about the hope that Hope Academy provides, he sounds like any other parent when he mentions the students that have entered college and one that attended West Point. “I’m very passionate, this is personal for me,” he said. “But my success doesn’t come from me. I have a team of teachers; we mentor and we care. That’s what makes Hope successful.” For the upcoming school year, McPhaul wants to increase his graduation rate to 100 percent and increase enrollment by 50 students. Currently, there are 100 students enrolled in the program. “Hope Academy opened to give kids an alternative plan instead of throwing them to the wolves,” concluded McPhaul.
AUGUST 2017 | 7
Online Schools offer parents another option by Jamie Littlefield Michigan offers resident students the opportunity to take public school courses online at no charge. This public school option is for parents who prefer a flexible, home-based environment for their children. The online schools use certified teachers and follow a curriculum designed to provide the students an education that equals that of other public school students. Most virtual schools offer full-time and part-time enrollment. The online schools offer core courses similar to the standard courses offered by other programs. They meet all the academic requirements for graduation and for potential admission to colleges. Honors courses and Advanced Placement college-level courses are also available. All the virtual programs require that students provide a computer and an internet connection. In some cases, the programs provide a computer and an internet allowance to families who cannot afford the equipment. The family is expected to provide a printer, ink and paper. In most cases, online students are free to attend school activities in their district. Several no-cost online schools currently serve grades K-12 in Michigan. Michigan free online public schools Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan serves Michigan students in grades K-8. Students are offered the same core courses that are available to students in
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a brick-and-mortar school. Textbooks and instructional materials are provided for the student. Virtual students are invited to participate in school outings and field trips and other social events. Jenison International Academy (JIA) is available in West Michigan. Because Jenison is a School of Choice district, any family not residing in the Jenison district can simply apply for non-resident enrollment. JIA is a tuition-free public school serving students in grades K-12. Insight School of Michigan is a full-time only free virtual public school authorized by Central Michigan University. Currently, the Insight School of Michigan offers grades 6-12. Michigan Connections Academy is a free K-12 virtual charter school. State-certified teachers provide instruction with support from trained counselors and administrative staff. Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy serves students in grades K-12.
Parents do not pay tuition for their students to attend an online public school. The academy offers core, comprehensive, honors and AP courses. Michigan Virtual Charter Academy offers full-time enrollment for grades K-12. Because Michigan Virtual Charter Academy is part of the public school system, there is no charge for the curriculum. Michigan Virtual School offers two free classes per academic term at no cost to parents of students in Michigan. Additional courses require payment of a fee. Virtual Learning Academy Consortium (VLAC) serves students in grades K-8. The Virtual Learning Academy Consortium serves students in Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. VLAC also serves students in grades 6-8 in Kalamazoo county. Choosing a Michigan online public school When choosing an online public school, look for an established program that is regionally accredited and has a track record of success. Be wary
of new schools that are disorganized, are unaccredited or have been the subject of public scrutiny. For more suggestions on evaluating virtual schools see How to Choose an Online High School. About online public schools Many states now offer tuition-free online schools for resident students under a certain age (often 21). Most virtual schools are charter schools; they receive government funding and are run by private organizations. Online charter schools are subject to fewer restrictions than traditional schools. However, they are reviewed regularly and must continue to meet state standards. Some states also offer their own online public schools. These virtual programs generally operate from a state office or a school district. Statewide public-school programs vary. Some online public schools offer a limited number of remedial or advanced courses not available in brick-and-mortar public school campuses. Others offer full online diploma programs. A few states choose to fund “seats� for students in private online schools. The number of available seats may be limited and students are usually asked to apply through their public school guidance counselor. Information was adapted from www. thoughtco.com.
Best Places for School Uniforms
Preparing children for school has so many steps: homework, school supplies, packing lunches, the next day’s outfit. If your child wears a uniform, that makes the question of “what am I going to wear to school tomorrow, Mom/Dad?” a lot easier. Uniforms make getting dressed in the morning a breeze. The parent’s answer is always the same — uniform pants and uniform top. If you haven’t stocked up on your beige, blue, back, green or whatever color your school requires, below is a list of local uniform stores. Happy shopping!
Rainbow Kids 14118 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 (313) 865-0640 Rainbow (Near Burlington) Eastland Mall Harper Woods, MI (313) 521-7406 Rainbow 15580 Grand River Ave. Detroit, MI 48227 (313) 835-1029 Treehouse 9532 Joseph Campau Ave. Hamtramck, MI 48212 (313) 871-2515
Forman Mills 91 Manchester St. Highland Park, MI 48 Meijer 1301 W 8 Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48203 Meijer 21431 Grand River Ave. Detroit, MI 48219 Miller’s Children’s Apparel 19449 Livernois Ave. Detroit, MI 48221 (313) 862-0003 Major Chains: Kmart; Target; Walmart
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HEALTHY LUNCH CAN BE
Eating the same old thing week after week gets boring, whether it’s your dinner or your child’s lunch. However, there are ways to get around your child eating fattening foods from the cafeteria while also avoiding the monotony of sandwich blahs. Below are a few healthy lunch tips, time-saving suggestions and loving gestures that can be included in your child’s lunch. Here’s to a successful school year! • Freeze drinks the night before and they’ll double as ice packs. • When packing a sliced apple, put a rubber band around it to keep it from turning brown •Hard-boil several eggs at the beginning of the week. •Pack lunches at night, not in the morning. •Heat up soup or pasta in the morning and pack it in a thermos to stay warm. •Organize snacks for each day at the beginning of the week. •Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches, fruits and cheeses into fun shapes. •Buy a lunch box with divided compart ments. It’s a green alternative and helps you remember all of the lunch compo- nents. •On birthdays and holidays, wrap each part of the lunch in gift wrap.
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•Copy the Lunchables model and make your own instead. •Since many schools have banned peanut products, use hummus instead as a dip and pack vegetables, pita bread or crackers. •Use up leftovers from breakfast and pack those leftover pancakes. •If your children don’t like sandwiches, try skewers instead.
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AUGUST 2017 | 11
District-Wide Back to School Expo Saturday, August 26, 2017 11 am – 3 pm Wayne County Family Aquatic Center 12600 Chandler Park Dr. | Detroit, MI 48213 Experience a fun-filled, free Back-to-School Expo. Learn about DPSCD schools and their exciting programs and unique opportunities. Make sure to visit our “STEAMy DPSCD” booth for school information, and to pre-enroll your child in a DPSCD school. *Free give-aways to families who pre-enroll and also to DPSCD parents who bring a non-DPSCD parent to the event to pre-enroll. For more information visit detroitk12.or/enroll.
Teacher Recruitment Fairs August 17 and August 31, 2017 5 pm - 7 pm Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine 571 Mack Avenue | Detroit, MI 48201 The Detroit Public Schools Community District is currently recruiting highly-qualified, dedicated and motivated educators to fill open positions for the 2017 – 2018 school year. Applications are being accepted for all teaching positions, but there is a critical need for teachers in the following areas: Mathematics, Science/Integrated Science, English language Arts, Special Education, Music Education, Spanish, K-5 Elementary, Social Studies and Career Technical Education. DPSCD is also hiring retirees in Special Education, Science, Mathematics and Spanish. On-the-spot conditional offers may be provided to qualified candidates. Candidates who are interested in employment are encouraged to visit detroitk12.org/employment and complete an online application. This event is for new applicants only. Teachers already employed by the district do not need to attend. 12 | AUGUST 2017