June 2023
IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH
Immigrant Heritage Month is an initiative put forward by the I Am An Immigrant foundation that seeks to celebrate our shared heritage as an immigrant nation and the important contributions to our economy, culture, and common identity by immigrants from all around the world. The celebration formally began in 2014 and seeks to give immigrants and refugees in our country the opportunity to explore and celebrate their background as well as to create awareness on how diversity and immigration are both essential elements of our social fabric. The School/University Partnership Office celebrates the rich contributions, perspectives and accomplishments of all students and supports diversity, ethics and stewardship in meeting the needs of all students.
SPOTLIGHT STORY
Read about how the Sphinx Organization is diversifying classical music nationwide and changing lives. Cesar Chavez Academy (CCA) partners with the Sphinx organization to provide after school violin lessons to students. The School/University Partnership Office believes that a quality education welcomes all, fosters creativity and entitles learners to grow into their most authentic selves. A commitment to diversity, ethics and stewardship help to make this possible. Kudos to the CCA and the Sphinx organization for providing access and excellence for students to reach their full potential.
ACADEMY STAFF KUDOS
by Jordan McCloud
Going above and beyond is just one of the qualities it takes to be the best version of yourself. This month our shout out goes out not to a student or a class but to an individual who has shown her stripes. Ms. Sandra Sanchez of Cesar Chavez Academy High School was awarded the Community Partner Excellence Award for the continuous effort she puts into her work to improve and impact students' lives. The Center for Educational Outreach at the University of Michigan presented the award to her. One of the core values of the School/University Partnership Office is Academic Achievement. While Sandra is not getting awarded for all A’s, the work she does in the school deserves recognition beyond what a GPA can offer. Thank you, Ms. Sandra, and we hope you continue your diligent work.
For more information about Cesar Chavez Academy, check out: https://www.facebook.com/ccahighschool
BOARD MEMBER TIDBITS
2022-23 Board Training Resources
Check out our new website for training resources from Airwin Educational Services and the School/University Partnership Office.
Annual Organizational Meeting
Section 10 of Academy Bylaws states that “The Board of Directors shall hold an annual meeting in July of each year.”
SVSU/Academy Contract - Section 6.1. Governance Structure. The Academy shall be organized and administered as a Michigan nonprofit corporation under the direction of the Academy Board and pursuant to the governance structure as set forth in the Bylaws. The Academy’s Board of Directors shall meet monthly unless another schedule is mutually agreed upon by the President and the Academy. The Academy shall not delegate this duty of organization and administration of the Academy without the express affirmative consent of the University.
Annual Organizational Meetings must be held before the regular meeting in July.
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS to Leslie Ellis of Kingsbury Country Day School
Leslie Ellis is our 7th/8th grade science teacher. She exemplifies the image of a dedicated educator! She has served our students for 12 years. Mrs. Ellis goes above and beyond to ensure our students have a positive middle school experience, both in the classroom and out. She creates hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities in the classroom, bringing science to them in authentic, meaningful ways. Mrs. Ellis respects her students and embraces them for who they are―growing adolescents finding their way in this world. She provides them with the support and guidance they need and appreciate. She also has spent numerous years organizing and leading bagel sales at our school as a fundraiser that directly supports our middle school students. The funds raised help support the cost of the 8th grade trip to Washington DC. This is no small task! It's a weekly commitment she has made for our students and has done so for many years. Additionally, she is the lead teacher that organizes both the 8th grade Washington DC trip and the 6th grade Mackinac Island trip, she serves as our middle school division head, and is the student council sponsor. Mrs. Ellis wears many, many hats! And on top of all that she does, this year, she is hosting a student teacher! Providing mentorship with all her expertise, she is intentionally paying it forward to help the next generation of educators successfully enter the classroom.
NEWS YOU CAN USE
June 2023 Special Education Updates (49KB)
The Special Education Update includes General Information, Resources, and Reminders as well as Special Education Updates and Resources. For instance,
Free Air Purifiers Available for K-12 Schools and Early Childcare Facilities (MDE Memo) “Michigan K-12 schools and early childcare facilities are encouraged to obtain free air purifiers through the MI Safe School Indoor Air Ventilation program. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the program last year to improve indoor air quality in schools by providing clean air and safe, healthy environments. The program works with partners to provide air purifiers at no cost to Michigan schools and other childcare providers. Since the launch of the program in December 2022, MDHHS has provided 25,587 air purification machines to 332 school districts.
Air purifiers are provided by Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Reopening Schools grant funds. All public and nonpublic K-12 schools, licensed early childhood education centers and licensed child caring entities can obtain portable air purifiers through July or while supplies last. For more information submit your K-12 school, licensed early childhood education centers, and licensed child caring center information to the MI Safe Schools Indoor Air Ventilation Program Interest.”
ACADEMY VALEDICTORIANS
Agustin Garcia Lopez - Cesar Chavez Academy
Augustin will be attending Harvard University to study computer science in the fall.
Morgan Douglas - Chandler Park Academy
My future plans are to go right into a 4-year college after high school to pursue my dream career choice, which is Radiology. Also, when I graduate officially from high school, I plan to get more experience within a hospital and shadow a professional radiologist to get more understanding and knowledge from their point of views. If I’m up for it, I am even considering minoring in another language so I could not only communicate with English speaking patients, but with others of a different background.
Joslyn Caron - Chandler Park Academy
I plan to continue my education at Wayne State University where I will study Psychology, while also minoring in African American studies. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I plan to earn my masters and my doctorate. I am setting my life up to become a Marriage and Family therapist, with my own private practice.
Amelia Morris - Landmark Academy
Amelia plans to attend University of Michigan in Fall of 2023 where she will study accounting and is considering education as well.
MichaelAnn Broyles - Merritt Academy
After graduation MichaelAnn will attend the University of Michigan.
Senan Aboluhom - Oakland International Academy
After graduation I plan to go to college and study computer engineering.
Rania Al Gahim - Oakland International Academy
Manar Hizam - Oakland International Academy
Manar will be attending the University of Michigan, Dearborn.
Miyanisha Fleming - The New Standard Academy
Miyanisha will be attending Oakland University to study elementary education.
SUPO SCHOLARSHIPS AT WORK
by Bill Kraly
Having completed my master’s degree in educational leadership back in 2004, I really enjoyed becoming a student again. I was nervous that I may not be able to keep up with the technology, but I found that technology has really made being a student even more enjoyable. For instance, research is easier and far more convenient than the "olden days!"
I entered the Education Specialist degree with a desire to hone my skills as an administrator and to gain greater knowledge in district administration. I found the program provided me with excellent experiences to accomplish that goal. The design of the program and the course content provided an in-depth level of learning on critical areas of administration including special education, finance, and political factors impacting education. The professors in the program are all excellent and very experienced in their fields of expertise. I am appreciative of the support provided by the School/University Partnership Office.
My daughter, Kaitrin, also graduated from the PSA Scholars Program with her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
- William Kraly is a Director at the Chatfield School in Lapeer, Michigan. He received his Education Specialist degree in Central Office Administration in May from SVSU.
- For additional information about the educator/leader scholarship or the Education Specialist Degree program see the links below:
https://www.svsu.edu/supo/opportunities/psateacherleaderscholarships/
https://www.svsu.edu/educationspecialist/
TRAINING RESOURCES
This resource bundle aims to support teachers in creating LGBTQ+ affirming classrooms by walking teachers through building their own knowledge, creating their own why, assessing their school readiness for implementing LGBTQ+ affirming instructional resources, and offering literacy and math instructional resources for teachers to try out as they get started. This bundle highlights the importance of working through individual learning and mindset before bringing new content and practices into the classroom. The resources in this bundle are mostly geared towards elementary teachers, but we hope to build upon and expand this resource collection to serve K-12 grades based on input from teachers.
GVSU PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFERINGS
SVSU Public school academies are invited to participate. The GVSU Charter Schools Office supports great outcomes for kids and schools by connecting educators to proven tools and instructors from across the nation. All professional education offerings are free to all educators. Each series we offer is held together as a sequenced program, but participants may also attend individual sessions that best fit their schedule.
- Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Three Ways to Differentiate Instruction (K-5) (June 22, 2023)
- Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Three Ways to Differentiate Instruction (6-12) (June 22, 2023)
- Conflict and Confrontation: Healthy Resolutions and Outcomes (June 26, 2023)
- The Passionate Learner: Building Engagement through Intrinsic Motivation (K-5) (June 29, 2023)
- Executive Skills: The Essential "Hidden Curriculum" for School Success (July 10, 2023)
- Strategies to Help Students with Executive Skills (July 12, 2023)
GVSU's Full list of Professional Development Offerings
CONTACT US.
School/University Partnership Office
Office Location: Gilbertson Hall
Email: supo@svsu.edu
Phone: (989) 964-4623