January 2026
CELEBRATION BULLETIN BOARD SAMPLES:
January 1: New Year’s Day - https://www.weareteachers.com/new-year-bulletin-board-ideas/
January 19 (3rd Monday in January): Martin Luther King Jr. Day - https://www.weareteachers.com/martin-luther-king-activities/
ACADEMY SPOTLIGHT STORY
College of Education Literacy Partnership with Saginaw Preparatory Academy
SVSU students enrolled in the College of Education have the opportunity to take one of their early literacy courses at a K-8 academy. This affords them the ability to work directly with students during class time on the objectives that they are learning and practicing. They get to build content knowledge, application/experience, and relationships with precious learners.
Joy and Literacy
Slow down and look at the photos. Silent images that whisper, sing, giggle, shout, and pose questions.
What are these students (SVSU students attending an early literacy class each week at Saginaw Preparatory Academy and the first graders at SPA) doing?
EnJOYing a story, listening to suspense build, giggling at the silly misfortunes of a character or repeating nursery rhymes with prosody and musical cadence.
Knowing that your teacher enJOYs sitting with you and listening to your thoughts about what may happen next in the story
or getting to read your own writing out loud.
Here is a letter from one of the SVSU students to the SPA student that she had the joy of working with during the semester.
What might success letters look like for each of your students? Everyone needs someone that is proud of them.
More importantly, learning to read, write, speak, and listen enables students to be proud of themselves.
What a wonderful gift to be able to give to our students.
Special thanks to JoAnne West, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Saginaw Valley State University and
Crystal Mills Ed. S. School Leader at Saginaw Preparatory Academy.
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https://www.svsu.edu/k-12literacyspecialistmat/curriculum/
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MARCH CHARTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE #3
Save the Date – Friday, March 6, 2026
10:00 – 3:00 pm
HONORING YOUR EMPLOYEES
Please fill out the one question survey to help our office decide which categories of employees should be honored this year.
Outstanding Employee Award 2026 – Fill out form
PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMY PHOTO CONTEST 2026
Stakeholders from SVSU charter schools (school leaders, teachers, staff) can win a cash prize for their school for submitting photos of student learning, experiences, and activities that illustrate the theme of the year. Each photo must include a caption (1-3 sentences that links the photo to the theme).
2026 Theme – Uncomplicated JOY
Uncomplicated
- Not complex or difficult
- Free from confusion, trouble, or mixed feelings
- Simple; easy to understand or experience
Joy
- A feeling of great happiness or delight
- A deep sense of positive emotion, often spontaneous
- An uplifting emotional state
To enter the contest, submit the Photo Contest Terms & Rules form, photos, and Media Release Forms to Dawn Gillespie (drg@svsu.edu). Deadline April 10, 2026.
For additional information and forms see The Charter Collaborative website.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Michigan Special Education Update — Winter 2025/2026
Funding Reform Moves to the Forefront
Michigan continues to examine its special education funding structure, with growing attention on the need for a more equitable, needs-based model. Statewide discussions emphasize aligning funding with student needs to better support districts serving learners with disabilities.
Rising Complaints Signal System Strain
An increase in special education complaints highlights ongoing challenges in service delivery, communication, and compliance. Educators and families alike are calling for stronger collaboration, clearer processes, and proactive problem-solving approaches.
Workforce Challenges Continue
Special education staffing shortages remain a pressing issue across Michigan. Districts are exploring innovative recruitment, retention, and professional learning strategies to ensure consistent, high-quality services for students.
IDEA-Aligned Supports and Accountability
The Michigan Department of Education continues to support districts through IDEA-funded initiatives, technical assistance, and professional development. Emphasis remains on compliance, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Data-Informed Practice
State and local data are increasingly used to guide instructional decisions, monitor progress, and improve outcomes for students with disabilities—particularly in areas such as inclusion, transition planning, and early intervention.
What to Watch Next
- Continued movement toward special education funding reform
- Expanded professional learning and workforce supports
- Increased focus on inclusive practices and student outcomes
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
New Superintendents Leadership Academy was created to support Superintendents who are in the first three years of this tough but rewarding job. Eight in-depth sessions are held throughout the year, led by experts who have one goal: preparing new Superintendents to succeed and excel.
*MASA members who register for the series will receive a Mentor Coach to provide one-on-one support/coaching during the year.
When: January 21, 2026
Where: Kalamazoo
* This session will be in-person at the 2026 Midwinter Conference.
MASA’s Midwinter Conference is an annual members-only event that includes carefully curated learning opportunities specifically for Michigan’s district leaders. Participants will engage with educational thought leaders, explore opportunities to improve the education landscape, and walk away with innovative strategies to advance both their district and their own professional development.
When: January 21-23, 2026
Where: Kalamazoo
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- Michigan Continuous Improvement Facilitators Network – January 13
- Non-Instructional District Leaders – Begins January 26
- Michigan School Testing Conference – February 10-12
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
CONTACT US.
The Charter Collaborative
Office Location: Gilbertson Hall
Email: charterschools@svsu.edu
Phone: (989) 964-4623