August 2025

OFFICE NEW NAME/NEW MISSION

We are excited to share a meaningful update with you. After thoughtful reflection and input from our team and partners, we are proud to announce our new name: The Charter Collaborative at SVSU (previously known as the School/University Partnership Office). As we continue to grow and evolve, our identity now more clearly centers the collaborative spirit, accountability, and commitment to excellence that defines our work.

Alongside our new name, we are also introducing an updated mission that captures the heart of our purpose: Mission: To advance public education by partnering with charter schools to ensure strong leadership, meaningful accountability, and equitable opportunities that help every student thrive.

We look forward to continuing our work together under this renewed vision – one that honors our past and looks boldly toward the future. In addition, our general office email is now charterschools@svsu.edu.

CHARTER SCHOOL CHAMPIONS

Welcome back and Kudos to the following Charter School Champions!

• Randy Speck for continuing to explore ways that New Dawn and Oakland International Academy can better leverage their NWEA data to drive instructional improvement.
• Jessica Owens (Principal at Muskegon Maritime Academy) for her dedication in setting the stage for a strong start to the school year by building internal structures that support student growth and engaging the community with enrollment events.
• The Chatfield School leadership team for partnering with the Lapeer ISD to receive additional professional development in special education to best support all students with excellence and integrity.
• Janel Robinson (MTSS Coordinator and School Improvement Chair) at Faxon Academy for creating a staff wellness experience for educators and leaders that other school leaders can utilize to provide their staff with a fresh mental and physical start to the school year. Contact her at robinson@gpssolutions.us

RESOURCES FOR THE CLASSROOM

Nature Awaits: Michigan’s Fourth Grade State Park Field Trip - https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/educators/nature-awaits

Any fourth-grade class in Michigan can participate in the program if they have more than 15 students, however, only public schools are reimbursed for bus transportation costs. All fourth-grade classrooms will have the opportunity to visit a state park FREE OF CHARGE for a 90-minute experiential education program.

In addition to free park entry, transportation grants will be available to cover the costs of busing to state parks for public schools. At the park, students will participate in an educational program with activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. Learning activities are focused on making observations, applying what they have learned to their own lives, and making connections through student-centered learning.

A Guided Path to Introducing Video Coaching - https://www.teachingchannel.com/k12-hub/ebook/a-guided-path-to-introducing-video-coaching/

AI Policy and Implementation Guide for K-12 Schools - https://www.teachingchannel.com/k12-hub/ebook/ai-policy-and-implementation-guide-for-k-12-schools/

PBS Learning Media is offering a way to make history come alive for students in grades 5-12, using Mission US. "Mission US engages young people in the study of transformational moments in American history. Each mission consists of an interactive narrative game and curriculum materials aligned to national standards. PBS Resource Link

Fun First Day Activities - https://www.weareteachers.com/free-first-day-of-school-printables/

25 Free Downloadable Activities for Back to School - https://www.teachingchannel.com/k12-hub/blog/25-free-downloadable-activities-for-back-to-school/

PSA SCHOLAR STUDY ABROAD REFLECTION

Having the chance to travel is a gift, but to be able to have an adventure on the other side of the world is a treasure that most people will never stumble upon. I am grateful that in March, I made the spontaneous decision to take a week off from responsibilities such as school and work to start my dream of traveling the world. I was nervous and I honestly wanted my parents to tell me I couldn’t go (if they told me no, it wouldn't be my fault if I chickened out and didn’t start pursuing the dream just yet). They obviously didn’t (because I am a 20-year-old adult) and the next thing you know is I am getting the most hideous picture taken of me at a Walgreens to go on a professional document. Thankfully, exactly a month before hopping across the pond, I went to Phoenix Arizona for volleyball (my first big trip without my parents). Being able to complete this journey ahead of time made me more confident for Berlin/Prague (and reassured me TSA wasn’t that scary…).

The day came to go to the other side of the world. What was the worst that could happen (I had my air tag on me…I wasn’t getting lost). The overall experience was something I would never trade for the world. My parents and relatives have always told me about their travels, but to experience it for myself is something entirely different. The food, history, encounters, and every step I took, it was mine. I can be proud of what I accomplished, and it only made me more eager to explore the world.

I was able to wander, which is something that I love to do. I liked Berlin, but Prague will always have my heart. The buildings and architecture of the place were dazzling, elegant, gorgeous (I am sure there are many more adjectives I could use, but I have a page limit). The food was also immaculate, and I found the history more intriguing than expected. I think it also made a difference with the tour guide. I personally love Jana because I felt as if she connected with each of us on a personal level and wanted to get to know us. On one of the walks, I was able to talk to her about education, and she was able to break down how the Czech alphabet worked and how they learned through a balanced approach of reading and writing (which makes more sense than how the U.S does it). I was sad to leave Prague, even though I was happy to see family and be home. I know I will be headed back someday.

All in all, I loved the freedom of going to a new place and being able to get lost in my thoughts while soaking in the beauty around me. This trip gave me confidence to believe I made the right choice in starting to chase my dream of seeing the world. I will cherish every memory made as well, whether that was with someone from my past or being able to become better friends with someone because we shared a room. Every moment of this trip will stay with me and if I forget I have 662+ photos to remind me of. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to study abroad with the Cardinal Partnership Program.