October 2025
MDE SPECIAL COMMUNICATION
MEMO #090-25
Possible Federal Government Shutdown – What to Expect
The last day of federal fiscal year 2025 is today, and at the time of this communication, Congress has yet to reach an agreement to fund the federal government. In the event of a federal government shutdown, it is important for local superintendents and directors to understand what services may or may not be available.
25-090 Possible Federal Government Shutdown – What to Expect
SPOTLIGHT STORY
Congratulations to Branch Line School on celebrating their grand Re-Opening in their new location! The Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce presented a wonderful ribbon-cutting ceremony. Brand NEW location – same GREAT school! They are now located at 32940 Schoolcraft Road in Livonia between Farmington Road and Hubbard Street. The new location allows them to have larger classrooms, a full-size gymnasium and space to grow.
STUDENT SERVICES UPDATE
Student Service Updates
Section 504 and IDEA Back to School Reminders
Thrun Law provided this great back to school summary of best practices when considering enrollment and programming for students that are eligible under Section 504 or IDEA.
Special Education Coffee Chat Links for 2025-26 School Year
Current registration is available for October and Novembers Coffee Chats. Topics and times are listed:
- Using MTSS to Support Special Education Students in Inclusive Settings Tiered Interventions, collaboration with general education, literacy/numeracy supports - October 28, 2025
- Writing IEPs That Deliver: From Present Levels to Progress Monitoring Data-driven PLAAFPs, measurable goals, service alignment, progress evidence - November 25, 2025
Reminder: School Safety
School Safety: Michigan State Police Detect and Connect Program
The Detect & Connect Facilitator’s Guide is designed to complement the video training series and provide practical tools for leading meaningful discussions on key school safety concepts. This resource helps facilitators adapt examples to their unique school community, professional roles, and local context.
Under Michigan Public Act 272 of 2024, all schools must establish a behavioral threat assessment and management team by October 2026. Knowing your role in this process—and trusting it—can make the difference in connecting students with the right resources and saving lives.
SCHOOL LEADER MEETING
Charter School Leadership Conference #2 - Dashboards and Data
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Gilbertson Hall – GS 202
A professional learning session designed to help leaders and educators make meaning of reports, take ownership of their data, and strengthen both academic and organizational decision-making.
Registration Link
BOARD MEMBER TIDBITS
Each school board member is required to complete two (2) hours of professional development annually. Regional In-person Board Trainings are available as well as virtual trainings. Specific Board training can also be requested from The Charter Collaborative office Field Representatives.
Regional Board Trainings (REGISTER HERE):
- Thursday, October 9, 2025: Chandler Park Academy High School. TOPIC: Welcome to Charter School Board Service
- Thursday, October 23, 2025: Voyageur Academy. TOPIC: Leading with Purpose: Roles of the Board President and Vice President
- Tuesday, October 28, 2025: Detroit Service Learning Academy. TOPIC: Charter School Boards: Reflect, Recommit, Reimagine
Virtual trainings available on The Charter Collaborative website.
Once you have completed a training, please complete the 2025-2026 Board Training Verification Form.
INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM
TEACHER/STAFF INNOVATION GRANT:
- 2025-26 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Description (49KB)
- 2025-26 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Application (41KB)
- 2025-26 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Report Form (115KB)
Up to $1,000 (up to two programs per building)
Due: November 3, 2025 to drg@svsu.edu
Cardinal Partnership Student Spotlight
This September I was granted a tremendous opportunity to represent SVSU and Michigan at the World Heritage Conference in Beijing, China. I attended a 4-day event that included hearing from thought-provoking speakers, attending networking luncheons with students from across the world, and visiting several of China's UNESCO world heritage sites. I am extraordinarily grateful to have been a part of this trip, and I look forward to carrying what I've learned with me throughout my future endeavors.
Matthew Parasick, SVSU Cardinal Partnership Program Scholar and graduate of Landmark Academy.
TRAINING RESOURCES
MiMTSS (Michigan's Multi-tiered System of Supports Technical Assistance Center) is a state and federally funded project that supports Michigan schools and districts in implementing and sustaining Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) to improve student outcomes in both behavior and learning, focusing on data-driven decision-making.
MIMTSS Online Registration System link - Check the link for times, dates and locations
October 1 – Supporting LETRS Implementation: Power Hour
October 2 – Family Partnerships and Literacy for Educators
October 3 – EC PBIS Leadership Team Series
October 7 – Supporting Staff Wellness
October 8 – School-wide SEBH Supports
October 9 – Community of Practice: Pyramid Model Classroom Coach Session
October 14 – Rethinking Reading: Strategies to Spark Student Engagement within All classrooms
October 21 – Explicit Instruction Power Hour: Vocabulary Instruction
October 23 – What’s Getting in the Way? Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Educator Practice
October 27- Tier 2 Intervention Strategy: Social Skills Intervention Groups
October 30 – Proactive Approaches to Behavior: Scripts & Strategies for De-escalation
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GVSU START Project Trainings and Training Series
Topics include:
- FAPE in the LRE
- Using the CETA to Promote Evidence-based Classroom Practices
- Proactive Approaches to Behavior: Script and Strategies for De-escalation
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New! MASA’s Non-Instructional District Leaders
MASA’s Non-Instructional District Leaders (NIDL) is a five-day, cohort-style learning program designed for operational leaders/Superintendent’s Cabinet members who keep Michigan schools running smoothly, from food service and facilities to transportation, athletics, finance, and early childhood programs.
Each session combines morning hands-on practice and theory with afternoon stories from practitioners.
Topics include:
- Communicating effectively with teams
- Leading purposeful meetings
- Improving customer service
- Managing difficult conversations and conflict
- Using digital tools, including AI, responsibly and professionally
- Supporting wellness and belonging in the workplace
Participants may register individually or as part of a district team.
Begins: October 27
Where: Lansing/MELG Building
Cost: $1,200 (includes all five workshops and related resources)
TRAINING RESOURCES CONTINUED
Fall Leader Assistant Workshop
MASA and MASB recognize the important role administrative professionals play in the job of educating Michigan’s children in a safe and supportive environment. We hope you’ll join us for this joint event packed with professional learning, networking and more.
Who are Leader Assistants? Your administrative/executive assistants, board secretaries, and more!
This one-day workshop in the Fall is a hybrid session – in Lansing or virtual. This event is being held in partnership with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB).
When: October 9
Where: Lansing/MELG Building/Zoom
Register for Leader Assistant Workshop
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MASA’s Quickfire sessions are intensive,
3.5-hour learning opportunities designed to provide school leaders with essential updates on critical education-related topics.
Whether you’re a veteran leader in need of a refresher or in your first few years seeking foundational knowledge, these sessions will deliver focused, actionable insights. Session participants will leave equipped with knowledge needed to lead with confidence in today’s evolving educational landscape.
Sessions are open to superintendents, central office administrators, and aspiring district leaders.
Next Sessions: October 21
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
Cost: $75 per session
Learn More & Register for Quickfires
CONTACT US.
The Charter Collaborative
Office Location: Gilbertson Hall
Email: charterschools@svsu.edu
Phone: (989) 964-4623