2727 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105
The Emery
Volume 3 Issue 1 September 2017
The Student Publication of Huron High School
What does CP mean for Huron? Jack Harrison | Staff Writer What is the CP program? The DP program is in full swing, but many students are not aware of the CP program coming to Huron. The CP program is an international education that incorporates the principles of IB into a program designed for students with career-related interests. When this program is established at Huron, students will gain skills, knowledge and experience that can be used throughout their lives, specifically in a career path. How does CP differ from DP? The CP programme is not a separate full diploma program, it is a track a DP student can take while still taking a CTE course. Both the CP and DP programme have similarities; the first being that they both span two years. Both programs also incorporate a service element, research project and language development. Where they differ is that CP students are required to take two DP courses, whereas DP students are not required to enroll in CP classes. A CP education provides CP Core experience, “allowing students to meet the unique requirements that earn them an IB CP Certificate,” according to CP facilitator Carrie James. How do students benefit from a CP education Not only will CP students become language learners and learn through service opportunities, but students will develop many critical skills that will aid them throughout their lives. “A CP student will have the opportunity to learn, reflect, and hone some personal and professional skills as they prepare for their next steps toward a career,” according to James. A unique component of the program is the opportunity students have to work on a reflective project focusing on a challenge apparent in a desired career field. Lastly, students who graduate with this certification will gain skills, knowledge and experience that will be very useful in college, apprenticeships and the workforce. Who should enroll?
After returning from stations, students gathered back in the main hall for a closing activity and lunch. Students were informed they would be facing off in a head-to-head rock-paper-scissors tournament with their peers, where only one person would be left standing.
IB students get a first taste
Jack Harrison | Staff Writer
The wait is over. IB is here! On Thursday, Oct. 24 the first batch of Huron’s full diploma students gathered in the Michigan school of Education for an IB kick off event. The main purpose of the event was for students to interact with their soon-tobe classmates and to familiarize themselves with staff members. The event began with opening remarks from IB Director Kevin Karr, Diploma Programme Facilitator Eric Wynn and Huron Principal Dr. Janet Schwamb. From there, students were divided into four groups, which they would travel with for the remainder of the morning. Students rotated between four stations, each one with a different purpose. The first station was aimed to create interaction among students by forcing them to meet others and ask questions. Specifically, students had to search for other students that could answer “yes” to a specific question. The second station was designed to inform students of ways to relieve stress by educating them on strategies, most notably yoga poses. From there, students traveled to the next station to work
together to build a tower with a limited supply of resources. The activity served to spur teamwork and creative thinking. Students were only told they had 15 minutes to build a tower. Groups thought the challenge was to build the tallest tower, though they were surprised to find it was not. The activity was meant to illustrate that IB is not a competition among students and that they are each taking part in IB for their own good. Furthermore, students were presented with the idea that they could have worked together to create one big tower, similar to how students can collaborate in the diploma programme. “The orientation was a great opportunity to meet other students who are taking the full diploma path, and through a few activities we got the chance to meet new people; for example, the tower building exercise allowed us to work together as a group of people with a common goal,” said junior Sarah Wamsteker. The last and most informative station was where students learned more details of the CAS program, which requires students to earn 150 volunteer hours through services and activities involving creativity. Students collaborated together to compile ideas of ways in which they can earn the 150 volunteer hours. The event concluded with closing remarks and lunch served by Chartwells.
Students interested in taking IB classes in 11 and 12th grade should consider both DP and CP programs. Specifically, students interested in career-related education should apply for the CP programme. James, Eric Wynn, diploma coordinator and counselors will be meeting with 10th graders to assist them in their IB selection process. When will Huron receive CP certification? The application process will be completed by the end of first semester, with an assessment team coming second semester. It should then take another one to two years for curriculum planning.
Want more information? Go to: http://www. ibo.org/programmes/ career-related-programme/
School board approves new measures over summer Jack Harrison | Staff Writer
Updated transgender policy •
On June 22, 2017 the Ann Arbor School board passed a policy aimed at providing transgender individuals with more specific protections Although transgender students were protected under the previous non-discrimination policy, this updated version outlines guidelines for how transgender individuals are to be treated by students and staff within the district This policy is aimed at replicating the policies of the Michigan Board of Education and
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Do students think the policy goes far enough to create a safe environment for transgender students? Neutral (10%)
Staff and peers are to address students by their desired pronouns in order to reflect their gender identity properly
New contracts = more cash The new guidelines:
Students have the right to use which ever bathroom they feel aligns with their gender identity
30 students were sampled at random
More training will be offered to staff to help them better understand transgender
Private bathrooms will be available to all students regardless of their gender identification
Protections from bullying, harassment and discrimination are outlined as well, including privacy rights
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I am pleased the school board has taken these means, but more needs to be done to ensure trans students feel comfortable 9th grader at school
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In the past school year, AAPS has discussed the idea of using modular classrooms to accommodate growing class sizes at Thurston, King, Burns Park and Mitchell Elementary The board of education approved buying the modular units for $2.9 million in March of 2017, when the decision was finalized. Each modular unit will contain four classrooms, two bathrooms and office space. It is important to note that the units will be attached to the school buildings by an awning and walkway
How will teachers’ pay change? In the next two school years, teachers should expect a 5% increase in district contributions to health insurance Teachers with 9 years or less of experience, will experience a 2,500 to 4,600 salry increase depending on their step schedule
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The district believes an additional 977 students will enroll in the next two years due to new housing developments. The district's enrollment has grown by 1,001 students over the past four school years -Lowers class sizes which allows students to learn better
Last year, 14 schools in the district were at or above capacity.
-Prevents over-capacity -Not as sturdy
-Less supervision -Less bathrooms per classroom -Cost to the budget
No student can be picked up before 7 a.m. by buses.
Ann Arbor has the 37 th highest teacher salary of the 551 school districts in Michigan
Teachers with 10 t0 14 years of experience, they will receive a 1% increase in salary increase and possibly move to the next step schedule Teachers with 15 years or more of experience, will receive a 1% increase in salary and a 750 bonus each year of the new agreement
Avg. high school teacher salary in AAPS is 70,978
Michigan has the 10th highest teacher pay of the 50 states at 61,560
Fun Facts!
Late start has finally arrived •
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Exceeding class sizes means module classrooms
On Wednesday June, 28 the Ann Arbor School Board of Education approved tentative agreements with teachers, administrators, technical support and many other staff members in the district The agreement guarantees that teachers will experience raises each year, and, for raises to occur, the district’s fund balance must be at least 9.5 %. By the end of the school year, the fund balance is projected to be 9.8% Superintendent Jeanice Swift noted that the proposed contract would create an additional 8.5 million dollars for teacher salaries in the next two years
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On Wednesday, June 28 the Ann Arbor School Board approved a measure that gives students the option to begin class during 2nd hour Students who take this option will have to take an eighth hour or an online class. Transportation will still be offered, though students will have to ride middle school bus routes that will then go to the high schools In the past three years, AAPS surveyed parents in the district and found that many favor later start times Many health organizations recommend that students begin school after 8:30 in order to better meet the needs for student health and academic
The late start time is 8:39
Do students have a favorable opinion on the late start option? 16 30 students were sampled at random
Students can now participate on the sports team that fits their gender identification
What do students think? I am encouraged to hear that these steps are being taken, however, I feel the news of these measures could be shared in a better -11th grader fashion
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No (20%) Yes (70%)
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14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Yes
No
Neutral