July 2025

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SPOTLIGHT STORY

School Bell - OIA Student Article 2025

Harvard Bound

Oakland International Academy has one very talented student. Here's what the school had to say about Nazifa Muntaha:

Oakland International Academy in Hamtramck is proud to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of one of its most inspiring students: Nazifa Muntaha, Class of 2025 Salutatorian, student body president, and now Harvard-bound on a full-ride scholarship.

Nazifa's journey is one of courage, perseverance, and unshakable dreams. Just three years ago, she arrived in the U.S. from Bangladesh and began her 10th-grade year at Oakland International Academy in Hamtramck. From the moment she stepped into the classroom, she carried a vision with her: to one day walk through the gates of Harvard University.

That childhood dream is now her reality.

But the road wasn't easy. In her powerful and emotional commencement speech, Nazifa shared the profound hardships she endured, particularly during her senior year.

"Then came senior year. And just when I thought I was finally catching up, life threw me the biggest challenge yet. My world at home began to crumble. I spent my days at school trying to stay strong, and my nights in hospital waiting rooms, praying for my dad. I felt like I was breaking."

While preparing her college applications, Nazifa faced one of the most difficult times of her life—her father, her hero, was critically ill and in the ICU for months.

"Baba," she said in her speech, "I've imagined this moment since I was a kid, for you to be at my graduation, cheering in the crowd, standing tall, smiling like always. But I didn't imagine the hospital nights, the quiet prayers, the fear of losing you. I didn't imagine doing all of my college applications at the ICU lounge. I didn't imagine six months of watching the strongest person I know fight for his life."

Even in the face of fear and uncertainty, Nazifa stood strong. Through sheer determination, she not only achieved academic excellence—earning the title of Salutatorian—but also became a pillar of her school community.

As student body president, she tutored classmates, helped others navigate medical pathways, volunteered extensively, and brought outside opportunities back to her peers at Oakland International Academy. Her leadership, kindness, and tireless spirit made her a guiding light for many.

Nazifa's achievements have been recognized across the country. In addition to her full-ride offer to Harvard University, she was awarded over $1.6 million in scholarship offers from multiple top-tier universities.

Nazifa has made what once seemed impossible possible. She has paved the way for every immigrant student who dares to dream big. Her resilience, brilliance, and compassion have left a lasting mark on our school, and her story will continue to inspire generations to come.

Nazifa Muntaha

2025-26 INNOVATION GRANTS

Innovation Grants are being offered for the 2025-26 School Year. Up to $15,000 for school-wide programs (1 per building) and up to $1,000 for teacher/staff programs (2 per building).

As leaders and staff reflect on upcoming professional development and building initiatives, consider how an Innovation Grant could support student success.

The grant description, application, and report forms are located on our website.

CHARTER LEADER NETWORK

2025-2026 Dates:

At Saginaw Valley State University – Gilbertson Hall – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Friday, August 15, 2025
Friday, November 21, 2025
Friday, March 6, 2026

Additional Important Dates to Remember

School Innovation Grant deadline – September 26, 2025
Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant deadline – December 1, 2025
Cardinal Champions Awards nominations due – March 6, 2026
Photo Contest deadline – April 10, 2026

BOARD MEMBER TIDBITS - IMPORTANT

Annual Two-Hour Board Training Requirement

All board members serving on SVSU-authorized public school academies are required to complete two hours of board training each school year.

Please record your completed training on the 2024-2025 Board Training Verification Form so that training can be noted by SVSU.

For the 2024–2025 school year, you have until July 25, 2025, to complete both the training and the verification form to remain in compliance for the 2024–2025 school year.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Student Service Updates

THRUN LAW US Supreme Court Rejects Standard Disability Discrimination Case

On June 12, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously eliminated the heightened protection public schools had against liability for compensatory damages in cases involving Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). AJT v Osseo Area Schools, Docket No. 24-249 (2025). It will now be easier for a person to prevail against a public school in a disability discrimination lawsuit if the allegation involves provision of educational services, including the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Thrun Law June, 2025.

Please review the article for more information.

Just a reminder: Action Required by September 1, 2025

Administrators should regularly review district websites to ensure all posted information remains current, accurate, and accessible. Additional guidance can be found on the Michigan Department of Education – Office of Special Education: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education

Posting of District Procedures

To support consistent compliance across districts, we are providing procedural templates that fulfill upcoming website posting requirements. These templates should be adapted and posted in a visible, accessible location on your district website by September 1, 2025.

Child Find and Evaluation Procedures

Outlines how the district identifies, locates, and evaluates students who may be eligible for special education services under IDEA. Download Template: Child Find and Evaluation (Template)

Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities

Details district-level disciplinary protocols, including protections for students with IEPs and processes for manifestation determinations and behavior supports.
Download Template: Disciplinary Procedure (Template)

District teams should ensure that staff are aware of these procedures and trained accordingly. Whether using these templates or an internal version, districts must ensure compliance with both federal and state expectations.

If your district needs support adapting these documents, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help ensure your compliance efforts are successful and sustainable.

MDE ASSESSMENTS REMINDER!

JULY 2025

Monday, July 7, 2025: Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessment — Preidentification in the OEAA Secure Site (www.michigan.gov/oeaa-secure)

Tuesday, July 8, 2025: WIDA ACCESS, WIDA Alternate ACCESS — PDF Reports available in WIDA AMS & downloadable data file available in OEAA Secure Site

AUGUST 2025

Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m. WEBINAR: DRC INSIGHT Technology Readiness and Installation Training and Q & A — Register here (https://bit.ly/3HLbEgF)
Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. WEBINAR: Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments Coordinator Training — Register here (https://bit.ly/4k0OZur)

TRAINING RESOURCES

SVSU Online Professional Development Offerings

All courses listed are at least 24 SCECH credits and can be completed between 4-6 weeks. All classes are $140 per person.

Book time to meet with me (Chantra Williams to register your team for virtual courses utilizing the teacher/leader tuition discount).

See SVSU's Professional Development Page for a complete listing of offerings.

CONTACT US.

The Charter Collaborative
Office Location: Gilbertson Hall
Email: charterschools@svsu.edu
Phone: (989) 964-4623

Contact Us