February 2025

CATHY'S TEACHER TIP - RESOURCES FOR BLACK HISTORY LESSONS

Incorporate Untold Stories into Black History Lesson Plans Link

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• 10 Black Scientists That Science Teachers Should Know About
• Explore the Making Black America Collection
• Meet the First Black Woman to Visit Space
• Explore the NEW Great Migrations Collection

FEBRUARY SCHOOL LEADER NETWORK MEETING #3

Together We Grow – Balancing Leadership – Balancing YOU

February 7, 2025

10:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Horizons Conference Center
6200 State Street
Saginaw, Michigan

(Remember to bring your hat, book (Chop Wood, Carry Water), and Grow Together T-shirts)

INDICATORS OF EFFECTIVE BOARDS AND BOARD MEMBERS

Ethics are essential to the successful operation of the educational system. The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) has developed indicators of effective boards and board members that encompass the most important responsibilities of a board of education. Ethics are intended to ensure that the conduct of a school board holds the respect and confidence of the community, staff, students and all constituents. It’s the belief of MASB that high ethical standards translate into a focus on student achievement, culture and conduct at board meetings, and consistent accountability.

Focus on Student Achievement
Board members:

• Ensure the district has a comprehensive, performance-based plan for improving student achievement.
• Advocate for and support a strategic plan.
• Set the agenda, seek information and ask questions consistent with the plan.
• Focus on issues that improve student achievement.

Accountability
Board members:

• Are informed about the issues before the board.
• Play an active role in committee meetings and work sessions.
• Seek information and ways the board and community can be better informed about the district’s progress through an objective analysis of data.
• Base decisions, comments and questions on objective data.
• Visit schools and other community events, in accordance with district policy, to hear from stakeholders and to help shape a positive public opinion about the district.

Culture and Conduct at Board Meetings
Board members:

• Value differences of opinion and don’t let differences degenerate into personality conflicts.
• Focus the board agenda and meeting on issues related to improving student achievement.
• Publicly support the superintendent and staff.
• Seek to build consensus and an environment of trust and respect among their fellow board members.

Ethics
Board members:

• Ensure that familial or business relationships or special interest group affiliations don’t contribute to a bias in decisions.
• Ensure that solicited or received money, services, or other items of value from vendors or special interest groups don’t influence decisions or public perceptions.
• Ensure that commitments and directives are in the best interest of the entire board and district and not the individual board member.
• Create an environment that discourages micromanagement or undermining of the superintendent.

2024-2025 Outstanding Employee Award Nomination Information

Nominations are open for the School/University Partnership Office Outstanding Employee of the Year Award.

This year we are acknowledging the following school staff:

• Paraprofessionals
• Full-time Substitute Teachers
• Interventionists
• Office and Administrative Assistants

Employee of the Year Nomination Form

Nominations due by March 3, 2025

See the SUPO website for additional information.

PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMY PHOTO CONTEST 2025

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).

2025 Theme – Growing Together

At the School/University Partnership Office (SUPO) we believe that a quality education welcomes all, fosters creativity, and entitles learners to grow into their most authentic selves. As every difference is an asset, education should always be a celebration of diverse views and people. Seek out photos that illustrate students discovering their talents, abilities, opportunities for enrichment, service, and personal development.

To enter the contest, submit the Photo Contest Terms & Rules form, photos, and Media Release Forms to Dawn Gillespie (drg@svsu.edu).  Deadline April 4, 2025.

For additional information and forms see the SUPO website.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

STUDENT SERVICE UPDATES

Legal News in Student Services  

Thrun Law: New FBA Guidance 

The Guidance reiterates OSERS’ long-standing guidance that a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) and positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) help schools implement positive, proactive, and preventative approaches to student behavior. It further states that functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) should be used as components of a school-wide framework to support students to reduce exclusionary discipline. (Thrun, 1/13/25) 

Best Practice Corner

Want some money???  Spring Count! 

Now is the time to review and ensure all Tri Annual Dates (3-year re-evals) and Annual Dates (annual IEPs) are compliant prior to spring count day to ensure your school receives optimal funding. 

Special Education Coffee Hour  

Special Education Coffee Hour

February 5, 2025, from 3:30 – 4:30PM - Discussing LRE 

February 20, 2025, from 3:30 – 4:30PM - Discussing support opportunities from MDE

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MICHIGAN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT FACILITATORS NETWORK (MCIFN)

MCIFN hosts six meetings each year and an annual conference held over three days in June. During and between meetings, members engage in collective learning and collaborative problem-solving, provide feedback on state policies and initiatives, and share and create resources to support effective and efficient continuous improvement practices statewide.

2024-25 Schedule and Registration Fees

• Full Series: $620
• In-Person Network Meetings: $80
• Virtual Network Meetings: $60 

Upcoming Network Meeting

• February 25 (Virtual)
• April 15- 16 (In-person @ Muskegon ISD)

Annual MCIFN Conference - June 11-13 (Traverse City)

REGISTER FOR SERIES

2025 MICHIGAN SCHOOL TESTING CONFERENCE IS FEBRUARY 11-13 IN ANN ARBOR

The MSTC conference will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 9:00 am - 6 pm, and on Thursday, February 13, 2025, 9:30 am - 4:15 pm. There will be 37 clinic sessions, and three keynote presentations offered.

• View full conference details and registration

SVSU Education & Human Services Fair

• Date: March 20
• Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Curtiss Hall Banquet Rooms