ACHIEVE!
School Choice Guide spring 2015
*Tips*to*help
your child spring ahead!
* **
Restock Your Kids’ Bookshelves for Summer
+
Arts Just as Crucial as Math and Science, Say Education Experts
S
Wayne County Community College DistriCt Where Learning Leads To A Better Life!
WCCCD’s Dual enrollment Benefits of Dual Enrollment:
☑ Get a head start by accruing college credit ☑ Earn college credit while attending high school ☑ Reduce: • Cost of college education • Early occupational skills training time • College completion time • Course duplication
☑ A bridge to college Affordable and quality education • Open-door admissions Flexible scheduling day, evening, and weekend classes, online
one Vision, FiVe Campuses
DOWNRIVER CAMPUS 21000 Northline Taylor, MI 48180
DOWNTOWN CAMPUS 1001 W. Fort St. Detroit, MI 48226
EASTERN CAMPUS UNIVERSITY CENTER 5901 Conner 19305 Vernier Rd. Detroit, MI 48213 Harper Woods, MI
NORTHWEST CAMPUS 8200 W. Outer Dr. Detroit, MI 48219
WESTERN CAMPUS 9555 Haggerty Belleville, MI 48111
48225
F o r m o r e i n F o r m at i o n C a l l 3 1 3 - 49 6 - 2 6 0 0 o r V i s i t W W W. WC C C D . e D u 2 ACHIEVE • APRIL 2015
Education Matters
Hiram E. Jackson Publisher, Michigan Chronicle
Hiram E. Jackson Publisher, Michigan Chronicle
A
s soon as a person learns that they will become a parent they begin to get ready for the decisions that will have to be made for the life that will soon be in their arms. They research and read as much as they can so that they are prepared. One of the most important decisions parents will make is determining how and where your child will be educated. Just as you began researching doctors, and diapers long before your child was born you should begin researching options for your child’s education early.
In today’s environment reading, writ-
ing and arithmetic alone will not be enough to adequately prepare our children for success in the Digital Information Age that we live in. Now more than in any point in our history, education is the key to the success for our children. As parents we want to sufficiently prepare our children for a more connected global world. That preparation begins as soon as they set foot into their first classroom. While there is considerable and appropriate attention being paid to higher education there are limited conversations about the transformations taking place in our schools and the
available options for parents and students in Kindergarten though 12th grade.
Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the transition from elementary school to middle school; everyday parents struggle with how to help their child get the most out of their education. ACHIEVE! A school choice guide stands in the gap as a resource for parents. A guide that provides parents with information to help them bring out the best in their children and help them to ACHIEVE!
Choice. Quality. Achievement. Grand Valley’s Charter Schools Office located at 163 Madison in downtown Detroit.
Grand Valley State University is committed to providing quality education for students. Whether it’s as Michigan’s fastest growing public university or as the authorizer of 64 charter schools serving over 32,000 K-12 students, Grand Valley is shaping the future with access to high quality education. In fact, Grand Valley State University authorizes 39 high-performing charter schools in Southeast Michigan. 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.
APRIL 2015 • ACHIEVE
3
Arts Just as Crucial as Math and Science, say experts
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math -- known collectively as STEM -- has been the buzz phrase for educators for some time. But, with many school districts eliminating art, music and other humanities classes, there has been a recent push by educators to change the focus from STEM to STEAM, and add arts back into the mix for a more well-rounded education. “Many experts agree that STEAM education is a great way to engage children of all ages in creative play, discovery and learning,” says Dr. Eric Klopfer, Platform Learning Expert and member of the Expert Panel at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children.
Whatever the present academic focus of your local school district is, you can help support a more comprehensive education for your children at home, while making it fun. Here’s how to incorporate STEAM learning into your children’s playtime: Art Time
The school day may not offer daily opportunities for creativity to flourish, but you can turn the playroom at home into an artists’ studio. Keep on hand arts and crafts supplies such as glue, construction paper, glitter, scissors, string and paint.
Take a trip to a museum or gallery and learn about different artists and styles to get kids inspired. New Technologies Handing
4 ACHIEVE • APRIL 2015
over
your
expensive,
breakable mobile technology to your young children may not sound ideal for on-the-go learning, but there are durable tablets built for children that support learning apps combining STEM subjects with the arts.
For example, InnoTab MAX, VTech’s most powerful and versatile 7-inch tablet, features access to more than 650 educator-supported apps, including hand-picked Android learning games and age-appropriate learning software and content through VTech’s Learning Lodge, as well as creative onboard apps such as Movie Maker and Art Studio. The apps feature a wide curriculum of language arts and reading, math, science, social studies, problem solving and creativity, that have been reviewed by a panel of education and child development experts. Music
Participation in music education has been proven to improve grades in STEM subjects. Not only that, it’s a ton of fun.
If your school offers opportunities such as band or chorus, encourage your kids to get involved. If arts programs are scarce, invest in a keyboard or guitar for the home. Even if private music lessons are out of the budget, there are plenty of online tutorials that can help with the basics. While there’s no doubt that math and science comprehension are critical, education experts advise parents to support an interdisciplinary approach to learning that incorporates the arts as well.
The difference between public, private, School magnet, charter and EAA Types Explained:
By Maureen Boland Approximately 46 million students are enrolled in the nation’s public schools in grades kindergarten through 12. Another six million attend private schools. But if you read the newspapers, you know it’s not that simple anymore. Several new types of schools have appeared in recent years. What’s the difference between a magnet school and a charter school? Parochial and proprietary? Which one is best for your child? Here’s a brief description of the different types of schools on today’s educational landscape.
Charter Schools
In the United States, charter schools are primary or secondary schools that receive public money (and like other schools, may also receive private donations). They are subject to some of the rules, regulations and statutes that apply to other public schools but generally have more flexibility than traditional public schools. Charter schools are expected to produce certain results, set forth in each school’s charter.Charter schools are attended by choice. In exchange for flexibility, charter schools receive less funding than public schools in the same area and do not receive any facilities funding which typically pays for a public school’s maintenance and janitorial needs. Although charter schools provide an alternative to other public schools, they are part of the public education system and are not allowed to charge tuition. Admission is typically allocated by lottery-based admissions systems and the lottery is open to all students.
Education Achievement Authority Schools
The Education Achievement Authority is a new statewide schools system that will assume operation of the lowest five percent of performing schools in the State of Michigan. The system is working to transform them into stable, financially responsible public schools that provide the conditions, tools, resources, support and safe learning environments under which teachers can help students make significant academic gains.
Public Schools
Public schools are free schools provided by the government, paid for by taxes. Michigan offers several types of free public school programs for children in kindergarten, elementary school, middle school and high school. All children in Michigan have a right to free public education. Most public schools are run by local or regional school committees. School committees make policy, staffing and budget decisions for their school districts. Each public school is headed by a school principal who is responsible for the operation of the school and reports to the school district superintendent
Private Schools
Private schools, also known as independent schools or parochial schools, are not administered by local, state or national governments; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students tuition rather than relying on public funding. At some private schools students may be able to get a scholarship, which makes the cost cheaper depending on a talent the student may have, e.g. sport scholarship, art scholarship, academic scholarship, etc. Private schools are typically more expensive than their public counterparts.
Magnet Schools
Magnet schools are highly competitive, highly selective public schools renowned for their special programs, superior facilities, and high academic standards. They may specialize in a particular area, such as science or the arts. Students who apply to these schools go through a rigorous testing and application process. Magnet schools were first launched in the late 1970s to help desegregate public school systems by encouraging children to attend schools outside their neighborhoods. Student diversity is still an explicit goal of most magnet schools. APRIL 2015 • ACHIEVE
5
Michigan Department of Education Launches Student Inspiration Project designed by global advertising agency Leo Burnett from its offices in metro Detroit. The campaign uses humor and exaggeration to deliver the message that although there are some far-fetched ideas that go wrong, none are worse than giving up on school. The campaign includes inand out-of-school components, including a website where students can share ideas that they would like to see implemented in their own schools. Linda Forward, Interim Deputy Superintendent at MDE, said, “We see the Almost Worst Ideas campaign as a first step in a very long-term commitment to promoting the voices and ideas of students within Michigan’s public schools. “Our hope is that once we capture students’ imaginations and attention, years two and beyond will feature the sponsorship of student voice forums and provide in-person and virtual ways for kids to con-
nect with school and community leaders.” An outgrowth of the MDE’s support of innovative statewide school improvement initiatives, the Student Inspiration Project itself was motivated by a September 2014 survey that found a lack of educational commitment among almost 1,000 Michigan students in grades four through 12. According to the survey by market research and strategy firm YouGov, 94 percent of surveyed students said motivation is essential to a great education, but only 24 percent said they feel motivated to learn. Ironically, the research revealed, most surveyed students personally value academic achievement – 77 percent plan to attend college – but they don’t believe their peers share their values. A website with more information about this exciting project and detailed research findings is available at www.StudentInspirationProject.org.
National Heritage academies is for Detroit students, Detroit school choice, Detroit’s success.
A lifetime of suCCess begins Here DetroIt eNterPrIse aCaDeMy Detroit Merit Charter aCaDeMy DetroIt PreMIer aCaDeMy Flagship Charter aCaDeMy great oaks aCaDeMy haMtraMCk aCaDeMy laurus aCaDeMy legaCy Charter aCaDeMy reaCH CHarter aCaDeMy regent park sCholars Charter aCaDeMy WarreNDale CHarter aCaDeMy A new statewide program, recognizing the need for more engagement in classrooms, focuses on inspiring kids in grades four through eight, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has been announced. The Student Inspiration Project, introduced at a recent State Board of Education meeting, is designed to help motivate students to fully engage in their education before they enter ninth grade.
6 ACHIEVE • APRIL 2015
“The best way to get students personally involved in their education is to get their attention, listen to them, and then inspire them in ways they understand,” State Superintendent Mike Flanagan said. “This project aims at doing that, with humor and subtle insights they can connect with. The end goal is having students helping students be interested in learning, and staying motivated.” The School Inspiration Project’s first initiative, Almost Worst Ideas, was
k- 8 • No-Cost • saFe College PreP + Moral FoCus Call 1-866-642-3676 today.
It could change your child’s future.
Restock Your Kids’ Bookshelves for Summer With summer vacation on the horizon, restocking the home book collection just makes sense for children who will be out of school, but still looking for great reads. Here are some titles that are fun enough for the summer season: • Super Heroes: Discover a thrilling, action-packed world with “LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: Amazing Battles!,” which features the bravest of heroes as they foil yet another evil villain’s scheme. Dynamic images and scenes will appeal to reluctant readers. Super hero fans may also love “Ultimate Factivity Collection: Marvel Avengers,” which combines facts about the Earth’s mightiest super heroes – the Avengers – with fun activities and interesting puzzles. • Pop out Surprises: Using flaps, touchand-feel textures and pop-out surprises, “Pop-Up Peekaboo Farm,” introduces young minds to sheepdogs, tractors, cows, horses and more. • Creepy Crawlies: “Eyewitness Explorer: Bug Hunter” includes more than 30 hands-
on learning activities and step-by-step project instructions. Enter the kingdom of creepy crawlies and learn everything there is to know about beetles, bees, spiders and more. Experiments that can be done at home include raising a caterpillar. • Little Chefs: Encourage your budding chef’s aspirations with creative recipes that are safe for children. The “Mommy & Me Bake” cookbook is designed to offer parents and children the opportunity to work together as a team while teaching basic baking skills. From simple kneading and mixing to creating whimsical and tasty treats, the book empowers kids to experiment in the kitchen. • “Frozen”: For fans of the mega hit film, fill up back packs with a great crop of new picks, including “Frozen: The Essential Guide,” a fact-filled reference book about the characters, locations and themes of Disney’s beloved princess tale. A sing-along companion, “Frozen: The Essential Collection,” features lyrics to the famous songs, as well as a full-color sticker book. “Ultimate Factivity Collection: Disney Frozen,”
a jam-packed activity book, combines facts with games, challenges and sticker activities; and aspiring princesses everywhere are sure to love the “Ultimate Sticker Book: Frozen,” which lets kids re-create their favorite scenes from the movie with reusable stickers. • Bedtime: There’s always time for a little play before bedtime. Capture the attention of infants with “Baby Touch & Feel Animals,” which features blankets, stars, sleepy stuffed animals and a range of novelty textures. • ABC’s: Children around the world have fallen in love with Sophie, the popular giraffe teether toy from France. In the “Sophie la girafe” book series, Sophie and her friends teach new concepts, such as colors and basic vocabulary. “Peekaboo ABC” features every letter of the alphabet illustrated by familiar objects found in Sophie’s world. More kids’ book ideas for summer can be found at www.dk.com.
APRIL 2015 • ACHIEVE
7
OPEN ENROLLMENT
HOPE ACADEMY
How parents can help prepare their child for Common Core State Standards
(A Free Public School Academy)
12121 Broadstreet Detroit, MI 48204
Kindergarten through 8th Grade New enrollment applications being accepted for all grades Newly Renovated Building •
Certified/Highly Qualified Teachers
•
Strong Academic Program w/Common Core Standards
•
SmartBoards and Computer Technology
•
Highly Qualified, Caring Staff
•
Small Classes
•
Uniforms
•
Safe & Secure Environment We offer Music, Computers, and T.LAB (Accelerated Learning Centers)
Track & Field, Cheerleading, Basketball for K-8 and Intervention Classes After School Tutoring and Extended School Year Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts Before and After School Latchkey
As a parent of a school aged child, you likely have heard about the new Common Core State Standards. Already adopted by forty-three states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Common Core focuses on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills students will need to be successful in college and the workforce. What does this mean for your children and their education? With these new standards in place, parents may need to offer their students extra support. How can you help your young scholars be better prepared to meet the new challenges of the classroom? English Language Arts
Vocabulary development is a major component of the new standards for English Language Arts. Encourage your children to build their vocabulary organically by supplementing their required reading with a wide range of elected choices, such as classical myths, historical documents and seminal literature. If you don’t already frequent the library, consider making that part of your family’s routine. Analysis and comprehension of reading is also important. So consider reading the same articles as your children and discussing what you both learned. Mathematics
"Where Children are our Priority"
Applications are available 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday -Friday in the Main Office and online For more information, call: 313.934.0054 or visit our website at www.hopeacad.org
8 ACHIEVE • APRIL 2015
Supplement classroom learning with free online resources. For example, Casio Education offers in-depth information about standardized tests, including sample questions from various state exams. They also offer webinars and reference guides to help both students and teachers make better use of technology in math class, including topical calculator instruction. Free education resources and information can be found at www.CasioEducation. com.
Math is all around us -- from sports statistics to creating a family budget to investing for college. Parents can leverage real-life events and circumstances to both illustrate the importance of math comprehension, as well as help students further understand the Common Core curriculum.
“Mathematics education is most meaningful when it promotes abstract and quantitative reasoning skills and appeals to innate human curiosity,” says Yuji Sasajima, vice president of Casio’s education division. “We’ve developed programs and technologies that allow teachers and students to take on the Common Core curriculum from multiple fronts.” Students will need to adjust the way they learn to keep up with changes in the classroom. By learning more about the Common Core standards, parents can help ease the transition.
Ilitch Holdings and Detroit Public Schools’ Cass Technical High School announce new internship program Ilitch Holdings, Inc. has created an internship program for students at Detroit Public Schools’ Cass Technical High School. This new, paid internship program will provide Cass Tech students with hands-on experience at the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesars, Olympia Entertainment and other Ilitch companies. Students will benefit from professional skill-building opportunities and activities in a variety of areas, including Event Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Information Technology, Finance, Manufacturing, Research and Development and Human Resources. “We are really excited about this partnership with our friends and neighbors at Cass Tech, a nationally recognized school of excellence,” said Christopher Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings. “The Cass Tech students selected for this program will play an important part in the continued growth of our City, as they work and learn alongside Ilitch organiza-
tion professionals who are committed to Detroit, its neighborhoods and its people.”
“This internship program with the Ilitch family of companies is a unique and valuable opportunity for our students,” said Lisa Phillips, Principal of Cass Tech. “Showing our young people that good and exciting jobs are within their reach is a great way to help build and promote our community.” The program consists of 24 internship positions. To qualify, students must be at least 16 years of age and have a GPA of at least 3.0. The 10-week internships will begin on June 22 and continue through August 28. Enrichment opportunities will include meetings with Ilitch company executives, professional workshops, networking opportunities, outings and tours. In addition, the Cass Tech interns will work directly with Ilitch company employees on business projects throughout the summer.
“Showing our young people that good and exciting jobs are within their reach is a great way to help build and promote our community.” - Lisa Phillips, Principal Community Connect This internship program is one of many initiatives announced as part of Ilitch Holdings’ Community Connect program, an important element of the new Detroit Events Center and The District Detroit development. Through Community Connect, the Ilitch organization will ensure that this transformational initiative directly benefits the Detroit community. The Ilitch organization is also conducting comprehensive District Detroit workforce development and business participation
outreach to ensure that local residents and businesses participate in the construction of the new arena. Community Connect is an integral part of the District’s success, and it will continue to evolve as the project evolves.
The new arena is the anchor of the $650 million public-private catalyst development project that includes a $200 million investment to redevelop an underutilized area between Downtown and Midtown Detroit into a mixed-use development of residential, retail and office space. The construction of the entire events center, residential and commercial mixed-use district will create approximately 8,300 construction and construction-related jobs. The building of the new events center alone is anticipated to create approximately 5,500 jobs with more than half of those construction jobs being filled by Detroit residents and over $100 million being paid to Detroit-resident workers. Visit www.DistrictDetroit.com to learn more. APRIL 2015 • ACHIEVE
9
Universal Academy opens in new location Universal Academy held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony recently and the parents, community leaders and students could not be happier. The school which was previously located at 4612 Lonyo, is now in a brand new building located at 4833 Ogden near Michigan Avenue in Detroit. The new building offers state-ofthe-art construction, a safe and secure building with camera monitoring and controlled electronic key entry, fully networked classrooms and wireless internet, computer, foreign language and science labs. New technology provides a great online parent portal where parents can monitor their children’s progress 24/7.
Founded in 1998, Universal Academy has continued to serve parents, families and community members of the diverse metropolitan region. Chartered by Oakland University, Univer-
10 ACHIEVE • APRIL 2015
sal Academy is a tuition free school that promotes academic excellence. Superintendent Nawal Hamadeh says “Our school promotes leadership and cultural diversity, focusing on the Michigan core curriculum and the study of a language, culture and history different from one’s own.”
One of four Hamadeh Educational Services schools, Universal Academy offers a college preparatory focus with academic counseling, social work programs, a health and fitness program thru Playworks as well as a highly qualified and certified staff.
Ranked in the Top 10 of “Top Charter Schools” in Michigan for Academic Success by Bridge Magazine in 2013, this charter school maintains its commitment to 100% senior graduation rate and 100% acceptance into colleges and universities.
Mrs. Nawal Hamadeh is the President and CEO of Hamadeh Educational Services, Inc. as well as the founder, CEO and superintendent of four successful and highly regarded academies: Start International Academy in Dearborn Heights, Universal Academy in Detroit, Universal Learning Academy in Westland and Noor
International Academy in Sterling Heights. Mrs. Hamadeh is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and has over 30 years of extensive experience in public and private schools in the U.S. and abroad. For more information, about Universal Academy, call (313) 581-5006.
Midwest C-STEM Competition and iSTEM Olympiad April 11th Students across the Midwest, Pre-k through 12th grade, will have the opportunity to put their talents in communications, science, technology, engineering and math to the test to solve 21st century problems during the first ever Midwest C-STEM Challenge and iSTEM Olympiad at Cobo Center in Detroit on Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Approximately 1,200 students from 21 schools across Michigan, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Illinois will participate in the 2015 Midwest C-STEM Challenge. The event is open to the public and free to attend. This innovative, team-oriented competition, which is a culmination
of seven months of specially-designed Energy Infrastructure curriculum using C-STEM (Communication, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-driven applications, is a highly motivating competition that engages students in multi-age groups to collaboratively solve challenges that are project-based learning activities. The submissions will be comprised of robots, murals, sculptures, 3D prints, films, photographs, and mobile tech innovations. Students will showcase their project solutions related to sustaining and transporting energy produced from wind, oil, and natural gas. The goal of the competition, and
C-STEM Teacher and Student Support Services, Inc., is to inspire the next generation of innovators and thought leaders by engaging them in exciting hands-on projects solving real world problems. For more than a decade, C-STEM has provided teachers and students with rigorous and relevant learning experiences that are engaging, fun, challenging and creative.
dent and CEO of C-STEM Teacher and Student Support Services, Inc. On Feb. 26, 2014, Dr. Reagan Flowers was recognized in Washington, DC as one of the 2014 White House STEM Access Champions of Change Honorees.
The initiative is fueled in part by the efforts of Dr. Reagan Flowers, Presi-
For additional information, visit www.cstem.org.
Projects will be rated by a panel of judges in each category. Winners will receive awards, scholarships, 3D printers, computer tablets, and a host of other prizes.
“C-STEM gives students the opportunity to dream, imagine, discover, and experience learning in ways that affirms they can solve any STEM problem they set their mind to,” said Dr. Flowers. “I am firmly of the belief that everyone is an artist and an engineer and I can hardly wait to see the innovative projects students have created.”
Universal Academy
4833 Ogden St, Detroit, MI 48210 Phone: (313) 581-5006 ■ Fax: (313) 581-5514 info@universalpsa.org
Sister Schools: Star International Academy Pre-K to 12th Dearborn Heights Tel: (313) 724-8990 www.starpsa.org
Noor International Academy
Program Highlights • Named the #3 Michigan High School for student academic success by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. • State-of-the Art New Construction Building • Grades Pre-K-12, Tuition-Free, Full Day program • Rigorous Curriculum aligned with State, National & Michigan Common Core Standards • Advanced Placement classes, Dual College Enrollment and Scholarship program • ARABIC Pre-K-12 • Certified and Highly Qualified Educators
No Address Restrictions for Enrollment All Michigan Residents Eligible To Apply
Pre-K-7 (eventually Pre-K-12) Sterling Heights Tel: (586) 365-5000 www.niapsa.org
Universal Learning Academy Pre-K-10 (eventually Pre-K-12) Westland Tel: (734) 402-5900 www.ulapsa.org
Managed by: Hamadeh Educational Services, Inc. 37637 Five Mile Road, #200 Livonia, MI 48154 Tel: (313) 565-0507
APRIL 2015 • ACHIEVE
11
The Detroit Public Schools Difference Career & Technical Education Programs where students can earn a high school diploma, associate’s degree, trade skill certification and paid internship K-8 sports leagues with basketball, flag football, baseball, track & field, soccer, golf and more High-Quality Customer Service 72-hour resolution guarantee Parent University and other new/ expanded parent programs at the district’s 8 Parent Resource Centers Arts/Music enrichment at every elementary-middle school 21 Community Schools offering extended hours and a range of expanded services High school Medical Pathways
Over 200 free, high-quality Pre-K classrooms across the district Safe and secure buildings with a fully deputized police force Transportation, free healthy breakfast and lunch 8 different languages
More latchkey services $138 million in scholarships and grants for 2014 grads Scholar Athlete Programs through the Detroit Public School League Safe Routes to School initiative with DPSPD and community volunteers to ensure safe walking and bus routes each morning and afternoon
STEM Open Doors Day April 18, 10am - 1pm
ALL Schools Open District-Wide! (313) 240-4DPS (4377) detroitk12.org/enroll
12 ACHIEVE • APRIL 2015