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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 9 2006, 06:50 AM (335 Views) | |
| NFarquharson | Mar 9 2006, 06:50 AM Post #1 |
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From the Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603090390/1026 Is Hitler talk OK? Decision is today Beverly Hills native stirs national debate by comparing Bush's rhetoric to that of tyrant. Joe Menard / The Detroit News Colorado geography teacher Jay Bennish remains on administrative leave while his school district investigates remarks he made about President Bush during class, including comparing Bush's world view to Adolf Hitler's. Do you think he should be fired? Jay Bennish's future with the Cherry Creek School District will be decided this afternoon as district officials meet to consider what, if any, punishment to levy against the 28-year-old Beverly Hills native. Bennish -- a 1996 Seaholm High School graduate who teaches world geography at Overland High School in Aurora, Colo. -- has been on administrative leave since March 1 after an audiotape of him comparing President George W. Bush's rhetoric to that of Hitler and saying capitalism "is at odds with human rights" during a class lecture was made public by conservative columnists and radio shows. "This is not a free speech issue," said Tustin Amole, a spokeswoman for the district. She said Bennish was suspended with pay while the district investigated whether he violated a district policy requiring teachers to provide balanced viewpoints on subjects. "It's not a problem of what he said, but if he provided a balance to his statements," she said. "A conversation about geo-politics is not out of line. It's about whether he provided sufficient balance." The district had planned to decide Bennish's fate Tuesday but postponed the decision until today. "We received some calls with some new information," Amole said. She refused to elaborate and said the information was part of the district's ongoing investigation. Release of the lecture by the mainstream media has led to violent threats against Bennish, 10th-grade student Sean Allen, who recorded the lecture on his MP3 player, and their families, including Bennish's parents, John and Jan, in Beverly Hills. Aurora police say they are trying to determine if the threats against Allen are real, but have not been able to reach the teen or his family. "We've been very proactive in trying to get a hold of him," said Bob Friel, a spokesman for the Aurora Police Department. He said an officer visited the home Wednesday morning and left a business card at the door, but has yet to hear from the family. "At this point, we have such limited information that we don't know if we have a crime or a civil matter," Friel said. Beverly Hills Police said they have not been informed of any threats against the Bennish family and are not involved. Bennish's comments have stirred a controversy nationwide. You can reach Joe Menard at (248) 647-7429 or jmenard@detnews.com. _________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...50/1026/SCHOOLS Thursday, March 09, 2006 Chippewa Valley shuffles students More than 1,400 elementary students reassigned as district grows, school opens. Charles E. Ramirez / The Detroit News CLINTON TOWNSHIP -- Some parents are upset after the Chippewa Valley Schools Board of Education approved a districtwide plan to redraw attendance boundaries. The board approved the plan unanimously at its meeting this week. "Hopefully, this will be the last time we ever have to rezone elementary school attendance boundaries," said Mark Deldin, the district's superintendent. The district designed the plan to adjust the attendance boundaries for its 12 elementary schools to reduce overcrowding. The plan also was developed to prepare the district, parents and students for the opening of the new Sequoyah Elementary School in Macomb Township. Sequoyah is north of 23 Mile and east of Romeo Plank. "Any time you open a new school, you have to adjust the attendance boundaries and determine who's going to go there," said Diane Blaine, a spokeswoman for the district. The revision of the boundaries will result in reassigning more than 1,400 elementary students. About half of those students will be reassigned to Sequoyah. The district has more than 6,900 elementary schoolchildren. The district will implement the plan for the 2006-07 school year, officials said. Most of the children who will be reassigned live in Macomb Township. Blain said the district hasn't calculated how much the plan will cost it. However, the move has angered some parents. Steve Lynn, who has two children and lives near Cheyenne Elementary, said he was disappointed by the board's decision. The plan will move his kids to Mohawk Elementary on Romeo Plank near 22 Mile. "It seems like the board already had its mind made up," he said after the Board of Education meeting Monday. "I think it's unfair. How is this going to affect our children in the next school year?" Chippewa Valley Schools has more than 14,000 students. Some of its schools in fast-growing Macomb Township are bursting at the seams. "We understand this is painful," said Andrew Patzert, a Board of Education trustee. "But for the welfare of all of the children (in the district), we have to make sure (the number of children in) all of the district's schools are balanced." You can reach Charles E. Ramirez at (586) 468-2905 or cramirez@detnews.com. _______________________________________ Posted: Wed. 03/8/06 10:02 PM City: Livonia, MI USA Subject: Throw Livonia school lawsuit out of court Comments: Where to begin? I think it will be quicker to simply list my thoughts. *we are in the process of a recall, we are attempting to judge this at the ballot box *there was no hard data on what the cost to implement this plan and no answers to that often asked question *we do not have "dwindling" enrollment you make it sound as if people are flocking out of Livonia. Obviously school populations are cyclical but it is nothing extreme. *closing schools was never the core issue (I understand my school may need to close)-some consolidation is neccessary, the main concern for most is the supersize upper elementary schools and the distance to get there *this "deal" saves 1% of the operating budget! There were two other models that saved nearly the same with far less chaos. Why don't you print that? I am less than impressed with your lack of facts before writing your "editorial". Even your opinion should be based on solid information. You did a disservice to the debate, thanks for that. |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 9 2006, 06:54 AM Post #2 |
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From the Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS06/603090511 Michigan MEAP may not be improving kids' education Other resources needed, some say March 9, 2006 BY PEGGY WALSH-SARNECKI FREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER Find scores online Want to know how a school did on the MEAP? The Michigan Department of Education is expected to release the scores after 9 a.m. today at www.michigan.gov/mde. When the state releases MEAP scores this morning, much will be riding on the numbers. Parents will try to compare districts' performances to see how their kids' schools measure up. Real estate agents will look for which areas to tout to potential buyers. Educators across Michigan will anxiously compile figures, knowing the federal No Child Left Behind legislation ties high marks to funding. But the Michigan Educational Assessment Program test wasn't designed for any of those things. And for all the suggestions that teaching for the MEAP has helped schools, there's some evidence that students aren't doing as well as they might on college entrance exams or national assessment tests. "We're seeing more money and resources on test preparation," said Gary Miron, chief of staff for the Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University. "Does that make our kids smarter? No, it doesn't. It makes them better able to take standardized tests." It's a trend seen across the nation -- every state has a standardized test -- but one that could be particularly troubling in Michigan, where many educators are pushing for statewide graduation requirements as a means of better educating the workforce and attracting jobs to the state. But the MEAP test alone won't accomplish this. "The controversy would disappear if we could collectively agree on what kids should know after 12 years of schooling," said Gayle Green, chief academic officer for the Macomb Intermediate School District, who generally supports the MEAP. "We need to have a system where teachers are supported to get their hands around the curriculum." Created in 1969, before many states put assessment tests in place, the MEAP was designed to measure whether schools were teaching curricula the state Department of Education recommended in each subject and in each grade. For example, the state recommends that fourth-graders should be able to able to perform certain multiplication tasks. The MEAP tests to see whether they can. But it's each school's job to determine how to get students prepared for those tasks. What the MEAP measures Looking at the raw numbers each year, parents, real estate agents, the governor -- anyone -- can make their own assumptions about how schools are doing. But one thing is certain: The measure is of how schools are doing on the state recommendations, not of how successful students and teachers are in other ways, such as when it comes to grade point averages or graduation rates. Meantime, teachers have to spend a good portion of their time getting students ready. "I think that there is a lot of emphasis on the MEAP -- in my personal opinion, too much," said Sharon Milberger of Farmington Hills, who has kids in the third and sixth grades in Farmington Public Schools. "I think they spend so much time preparing for that, that I think there's less creativity and teaching because they are so focused on that." Many teachers defend the MEAP, saying the data help them determine what's working. Green called it "one more piece of the big picture." The tests have "been reviewed nationally and national experts have looked at them and said these are rigorous and they are things that will help kids succeed in school, in college and in life," said Ed Roeber, head of the MEAP office for the Michigan Department of Education. But some education experts say the state needs to do more than rely so heavily on testing. "The public has a right to know whether or not students are actually doing better," said Michael Petrili, a vice president with the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a national think tank specializing in researching the best practices in education. How Michigan stacks up Looking at the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the only test given across the country, Michigan's scores have gone up over the years -- but at about the national average. Michigan hasn't shown the major strides in math and reading that some other states have, said Sharif Shakrani, director of Michigan State University's Education Policy Center. "Other states are not only catching up with Michigan, they are moving faster than Michigan," Shakrani said last month. For example, Michigan and Massachusetts were close on the 1992 NAEP test in fourth-grade math scores -- 23% of Massachusetts students and 18% of Michigan students were proficient. By last year, 38% of Michigan fourth-graders were proficient in math, a strong increase. But in Massachusetts, 49% were proficient. The reason for such a gap? One, according to Green, is that as Massachusetts ramped up its high school curriculum over the last two years, the state provided more money and assistance to help schools make the transition. Michigan students place in the middle of the pack on the ACT college entrance exam: Twenty-three other states had better average composite scores than Michigan last year. Keys to successful schools Boosting how much kids learn takes more than giving them tests, said William Ewell, program director for the James B. Hunt Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy, which works with state leaders to help develop education agendas. "There are no silver bullets, but there are certain common elements that all states that are moving forward have," Ewell said. A combination of things -- providing schools with money for teacher training, smaller class sizes, a well-defined curriculum and tough sanctions for schools that don't meet expectations -- often leads to success. Money is part of the equation. Michigan has not had enough money in recent years to pay for new programs. The state Department of Education has seen deep cuts -- from a budget of $697.96 million in 1996 down to $117.48 million this year. Without the proper assistance, tough standards can hurt students more than help them, some educators say. "The fear is that more expectations could make more kids quit school. And they will, if you don't provide the extra assistance they need," said Dennis Guiser, superintendent of Algonac Community Schools. Another key to making schools better is having clear consequences for schools that fail when it comes to accountability tests like the MEAP, educators and researchers say. But Michigan's financial problems mean penalties in the state are likely to be no stronger than asking the failing school to develop an improvement plan. "It's a lesson that we've seen in many states," said Michael Cohen, president of Achieve Inc., a nonprofit helping states set rigorous standards. "If there are a large number of schools that aren't making progress, there is very little sanction to handle that in a meaningful way." Contact PEGGY WALSH-SARNECKI at 586-469-4681 ______________________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS01/603090528 Detroit Schools to offer classes online DPS students can earn college credit March 9, 2006 BY CHASTITY PRATT FREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER Detroit high school students will get to take college courses online for academic credit starting this summer, through a partnership announced Wednesday. Detroit Public Schools and the Wayne County Community College District are launching the DPS/WCCCD Virtual Early Middle College so students can take college, high school, and SAT and ACT preparation classes online. Detroit schools Superintendent William F. Coleman III said the objectives are to improve schools and reduce their dropout rate. About 60% of ninth-graders in the district graduate from their school within four years, he said. "This is a wonderful avenue to expose our young people to the college ... environment," Coleman said in a statement released Wednesday. "It will whet their appetites and steer them toward lofty goals." Curtis Ivery, chancellor of WCCCD, agreed. "By streamlining the ability to begin taking courses while in high school, we make higher education a natural progression in the learning process." The program could help students meet the more stringent graduation requirements that the state Board of Education has proposed. If the state Senate approves the bill the House of Representatives passed last week, all students will have to take an online course or have online experience to graduate. The requirement could start with the class of 2010. The online college-level courses will offer college credits to juniors and seniors who have at least a 3.0 grade point average, good attendance and no serious disciplinary violations. Subjects will include math, sociology, civics and English. High school subjects offered will include English, calculus and foreign language. The classes are free for the students and will start this summer at Mumford, Pershing, Central, Western International, Henry Ford and Redford High schools. Contact CHASTITY PRATT at 313-223-4537 __________________________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS03/603090568 Oakland County Step by step, game gets kids in shape Activity wins fans at Bloomfield Twp. school March 9, 2006 BY STAN DONALDSON FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER Patrick Johnson, 10, a fourth-grader at Harlan Elementary School in Bloomfield Township, dances Wednesday while playing a game as part of physical education class. (Photos by WILLIAM ARCHIE/Detroit Free Press) Shane Leslie is a dancing machine. The 9-year-old Birmingham resident and fourth-grader at Harlan Elementary School in Bloomfield Township was one of 160 kids who hopped and bopped to the sounds of a portable digital dance game as part of their physical education class on Wednesday. "I just love to dance. This game is fun," said Shane, who took 3,157 steps in the 30-minute gym session. It was the most in his class. C'motion, an Indianapolis-based service that rents out portable exercise game devices to schools in Indiana and Michigan, dropped off the machine. Harlan will have it until March 17 and will use it as part of an exercise program being offered to third- through fifth-graders at the school. Denise Parr, the school's physical education instructor said the service came because of a $1,000 Parent Teacher Association grant the gym program received in January. She said the service is important because it helps to keep kids fit by having fun. "It's like an in-house field trip," Parr said, as the first class of 20 students stepped to techno dance tunes. "We are always looking for new ideas to keep kids physically active." Parr said the purpose of the game is to help increase the kids' step movement, heart rates, motor skills and coordination. She said the amount of steps the students should take in a day is 10,000, and the device helps them do that without the kids realizing it. "It's much easier to get them to play the game than it is to say go and run 3 miles around the track," Parr said. The device is a portable console with a mounted 40-inch LCD screen that sits on top. Electronic platforms are attached and kids stand on them. A video game device is inside the console and when the game starts, the kids move to the motions on the screen. The students were given step monitors to count how many steps they took. The kids who played on Wednesday were split into teams. Sabrina Stein said it's all about the rhythm. "The trick is to always keep your eyes focused on the screen and to not do a lot of bouncing. You have to keep the beat in your mind, " the 9-year-old said. She missed only one step during her match against a student on the opposing team. During the match, her team was winning 300 points to 100. "This is just a lot of fun, and I like it," Sabrina said. Contact STAN DONALDSON at 586-469-4682 or sdonaldson@freepress.com. ______________________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...CFP05/603090450 CFP Roseville MACOMB COUNTY | Students to learn business skills as they sell used suits Students learn how to run a business March 9, 2006 BY ANDREA K. FARMER FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER Through the Best Dressed program, Karen Johnston hopes to teach Macomb County teens something that they might never learn in a classroom -- how to run a business. Johnston, a Macomb Township resident and grant coordinator for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), wants to help 120 area teens become young entrepreneurs. Ninth- through 12th-grade students from Chippewa Valley, Dakota, Mohegan Alternative, East Detroit, Clintondale and New Haven high schools will participate in the Best Dressed program. "It's a great way for students to understand the great opportunities out there, one of them being the chance to run a small business," Johnston, 50, said. The Best Dressed shopping event is scheduled today through Saturday -- 3-8 p.m. today and Friday; 10 a.m.-3p.m. Saturday. At the Macomb Intermediate School District Educational Service Center, 44001 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, the students will try to sell more than 500 pieces of donated, high-end men's and women's formal wear and accessories. All proceeds from the event will go to the school district's education program for people who are homeless. Used suits, tuxedos, gowns and accessories will be available for purchase, Johnston said. In addition, well-maintained vintage clothing will be available for sale. Local dry cleaners have donated their services in support of the event. "Everything available for sale is in fantastic shape," Johnston said. The program, which is in its first year, is sponsored by the Macomb Intermediate School District and hosted by the WIA. It was designed to make reasonably priced evening attire available to students and adults while being an educational learning activity for participating students. Chippewa Valley High School student Nicole Thomas, 15, is one of the many teens who worked hard to prepare for the event. "It's really a great program; some people only wore the clothing once and everything is in really great condition," Thomas said. "And the proceeds go to a really great cause." Johnston is confident that Thomas and the other participating students are up to the challenge of managing the event. She also is certain that the efforts of the area teens will help make the shopping event a success. "Just knowing that I'm helping to afford the opportunity necessary for these students to become entrepreneurs is a wonderful feeling," Johnston said. To make a donation, or for more information about the event, contact Karen Johnston at 586-228-3469. |
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| cmic | Mar 9 2006, 11:49 AM Post #3 |
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From the Livonia Observer: LETTERS Let us help create new plan As a Livonia resident and parent I wanted to write to express my concerns regarding the Legacy Initiative. I haven't written before because nothing that I have to say is new information to those that are following this Initiative carefully. However, I must disagree when I hear comments saying that we are a small minority. That is simply not true and quite offensive when others try to minimize our concerns regarding this plan. One thing that Legacy Opposers and Supporters have in common is their love for their children. We all want what is best for our children. My children have been served very well by Livonia Public Schools. I have a child at Perrinville that has been transformed by the commitment and care that those teachers provide on a daily basis. I also have two at Grant that are having their "best year ever" according to them and me because of the wonderful teachers that they have as well. So, I am not going to bash my teachers or my school and most opposers wouldn't do that either because we are invested and committed to finding a solution that is best for our children. We don't want to just be heard and dismissed. We want the chance to help create a new and improved legacy initiative. We have good ideas and the desire to help. I would ask that the BOE put a halt to this plan and consider the people that are stepping up. We want what is best for our children too. Chris Michuta Livonia Community must come together Before I wrote my thoughts I wrote a little about me. I am a PTA member at McKinley and attend meetings regularly. I spend time staying up to date on educational issues. My community involvement continues with Spree and local campaigns. This year when parents had concerns about the ESL program at Johnson I called them and visited the school to learn more. I have said at meetings way before (the Legacy Initiative) that we need to deal with declined enrollment and the community needs work together. I have not publicly spoken in favor or opposition to this plan. Instead I listened to both sides of the debate. I want to discuss things that both LI supporters and parents who are opposed to LI have in common. We would all agree that the LPS staff is very dedicated and well qualified. We would agree that parents care deeply for children and the schools. We would also agree that LPS has provided an exceptional program and has done things like the career center that other districts have just dreamed about. I have friends on both sides of the LI and as a community we must come back together. Through the democratic process we must find a way to put the division behind us. John Grzebik Livonia |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 9 2006, 12:13 PM Post #4 |
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Also from the Livonia Observer: http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../603090617/1027 Planned school start times fuel debate BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA STAFF WRITER Livonia Public Schools announced tentative school start times for the coming year, sparking a debate with some parents who fear the youngest students will barely make it home by dinnertime. "Elementary kids get out of school at 3:40," said Diane Behrendt, a Taylor Elementary parent. "They're (dropped off) at the bus stop at 4:20. It's currently a 40-minute bus ride. My lower elementary child won't be home before 5 p.m. next year." She said the later schedule will impact family time in her household. Donna McDowell, coordinator of community and business partnerships for the district, said the District Transition Team aimed to maintain similar start and end times as they have this year. The biggest change involves staggered start times between the upper and lower elementary schools, which remain within 15 minutes of the current schedule. This year elementary start/end times range from 8:40 a.m. to 3:42 p.m. to 8:35 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. for kindergarten through sixth grade. Beginning next year, lower elementary schools for grades K-4 will attend school from 8:55 a.m. to 3:57 p.m. Upper elementary schools with grades 5-6 will attend school from 8:35 a.m. to 3:37 p.m. McDowell said the transition team took into consideration parents' requests to be able to drive their children to both upper and lower buildings, should they choose. Under the plan, middle school hours would shift about five minutes later, from the current 8:05 a.m. to 2:53 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 2:48 p.m. And high school schedules should remain the same, operating from 7:25 a.m. to 2:19 p.m. Parents and school officials disagreed Monday night on the terms of this tentative schedule. The district refers to it as a three-tiered busing plan with staggered elementary pickup times. Parents, like Holly Burr, consider it to be the four-tiered system she dreaded would be put in place. Burr estimated if the buses depart school after 4 p.m., some students won't be home until 5 p.m. -- which will disrupt after-school activities. Trustee Joanne Morgan said the system is indeed three-tiered, and that tiers refer to the number of times a bus goes out to collect students. Because the district recently approved the purchase of 20 new buses and replacement of seven others, those vehicles will be used to complete the third run, transporting elementary students. "There is no fourth tier busing," said Morgan. "If there has to be a reason to oppose this, that can't continue to be one of the reasons." School start times are not usually announced until summer, when the Livonia Education Association contracts are set and signed. But McDowell said the district released these approximate times early to allow parents more time to prepare for the coming school year. scasola@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2054 Originally published March 9, 2006 _____________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...622/1027/NEWS10 Trustees answer some 'Legacy' plan questions BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA STAFF WRITER Citizens for Livonia's Future again publicly asked the Livonia Public Schools Board of Education to slow down and wait a year before implementing its Legacy plan to close and reconfigure district schools. "Please take one year to work through our concerns," asked Ann Rae, a Livonia parent and educator in nearby South Redford Schools. She opposes the Legacy Initiative and is a member of CFLF. Another member, Jody Hamilton said Monday: "We've tried very hard to work with the board and administration. The board is not willing to work with us. I don't believe we've had hardly any two-way communication." Hamilton said all the group wants is equal representation in a plan that will impact so many families. "We would gladly accept change and school closings if we had been involved." Some residents who oppose the plan continue to speak out and use terms like "deliberately withheld information" and "felt left-out" and "critical mistake" in reference to the Legacy Initiative. The CFLF has recently filed a lawsuit against the board and district for its conduct in passing the plan, and is seeking to recall five of the seven board members who supported it. Steve Futrell, president of the CFLF, reiterated that such legal action "is not a path we want to go down." A hearing regarding a possible injunction against the plan is set for 9 a.m. Friday, March 10, in Wayne County Circuit Court. "You have the opportunity to slow this process down," he told the board Monday. "You have the opportunity to work with us, to educate us." OFFERING ANSWERS Trustees responded to these pleas Monday night. Members addressed many of the concerns raised by residents throughout the night -- and over the past few months. Rob Freeman, trustee, spoke up to explain the estimated $1 to $2 million per year the plan aims to save, which has come under attack as not being enough. He said that the Legacy Initiative could have accounted for more savings -- approximately $1 million more. It could have put a four-tiered busing system in place to save $500,000, he said. And the district could have chosen not to add in physical education, art and music at the upper elementary schools for a savings of another $450,000 in staffing costs. "In the 5-6 configuration, I see better opportunity for teacher collaboration," said Freeman, "and a better opportunity for being stronger in the programs we teach at that level." Trustee Joanne Morgan explained the financial state of the district, which inspired the Legacy plan. Though some residents, and the CFLF, question why the district is choosing to drastically close and reconfigure schools with a budget that's "in the black," Morgan said that isn't the reality of their budget. Though the district has $7.5 million in fund equity, a sort of savings account, Morgan said that amount is "terribly low" by accounting standards. She said $2 million of that money is already reserved, leaving $5.5 million in savings. That's not enough to cover the operating costs of the district at the beginning of the coming school year, she explained. "To think we would use a third of the unreserved funds to keep schools open another year and not have anything to show for student achievement... is not good stewardship," Morgan said. She said a decision like that could land the district in receivership. MANY CUTS MADE Kevin Whitehead, trustee, agreed. He said that the district must adopt its budget in the summer without knowing what amount it will receive from the state's School Aid Fund -- because the state won't adopt its own budget until October. As a result, he said, the district misses a September payment. "Every year we discuss 'How do we float the month we're not being compensated?'" said Whitehead. In the past the district has spent fund equity to cover these discrepancies. Morgan assured the standing-room-only crowd filling the board room Monday that they have made cuts everywhere possible over the years. Central office staff has been cut in half, she said, and custodial staff cuts made in the 1990s were never restored. Music programs were re-introduced only to be cut from the budget again two years later. In recent years the district has sliced more than $19 million from its budget. The district has worked to keep cuts away from students, and as Morgan said "children have been coming first all along." When it comes to the budget process, Whitehead added, he loses sleep. "I go home and I lay awake thinking about 18,000 students," he said. "We have to think about every child in this district, not just getting by, but making sure the educational programs we put in place meet the high standards we need to." scasola@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2054 Originally published March 9, 2006 ________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...620/1027/NEWS10 Parents, students, staff tour school they'll share BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA STAFF WRITER Hoover Elementary parents and staff welcomed Taylor families with a school tour Monday evening, as part of ongoing districtwide transition activities for Livonia Public Schools. A steady stream of parents and youngsters marched through the halls and classrooms of Hoover, taking a first look at what will become their new school next fall, under the mergers outlined in the district's Legacy Initiative. "It's a large turnout," said Jerri Ureel, a Hoover parent and volunteer. She said the school community is excited about new, incoming families. And current Principal Marcia Kreger said Hoover is ready and awaiting the change. "We are increasing our capacity by 100 students," she said. The school's fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders will move onto Riley Upper Elementary or Holmes Middle School next year. In turn, Hoover will take on kindergarten through fourth-graders from Taylor and the Quakertown subdivision. Kreger said there is plenty of room in the building to accommodate change. When Marshall Elementary closed and merged with Cass two years ago, Kreger said she anticipated the same could happen at Hoover, and she planned accordingly. "That day is now," she said. Kreger will become principal at Cass next fall, and Principal Andrea Oquist will move from Taylor to Hoover. "Everything seems to be going so nicely," said Oquist. "All the Hoover parents have been so gracious. It's a wonderful team effort." In addition to new students and leadership, Hoover welcomed new staff members. Pat Von Steeg, an elementary student assistance provider, just received her transfer information. She currently works in that counseling capacity at Taylor and Washington Elementary schools. With both closing, she'll work full time at Hoover. "I love both schools," she said. "But it will be nice to be in one school." She said through the school closings and merging process, set to take place next fall, "the vast majority of (staff) are all following the children." Kreger noted the "excitement of the children and parents" on Monday night, despite discord that was occurring just a few miles away. At the same time, another group of parents, Citizens for Livonia's Future, picketed against the Legacy plan standing in front of the district's Administration Building on Farmington Road. scasola@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2054 ___________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...629/1199/NEWS10 Tougher standards make perfect sense It is hard to argue against strengthening high school graduation requirements. Southeast Michigan -- and, indeed, the world -- is becoming an increasingly competitive environment where post-secondary education is no longer seen as an option, but rather a requirement for success. As Michigan's manufacturing base continues to erode, the dream of transitioning from high school into a good-paying factory job is fast becoming a pipe dream. Many of the emerging sector careers in information services, computer technology and the medical field will demand an education grounded in math, science and -- thanks to an ever-shrinking planet thanks to technology -- foreign language. A pair of bills currently working their way through the state Legislature would set uniform, minimum graduation requirements for all Michigan high school students. If approved, students would have to have four credits in math and English, three in science and social studies and one each in arts and physical education. Still being debated is a requirement for two credits of foreign language. Regardless of what is eventually adopted, foreign language is an entrance requirement of many universities and is a must for any college-bound student's transcript. Gov. Jennifer Granholm is hoping the new measures are approved in time to implement them next fall. That may be an overly aggressive plan, but the new mandates will help assure that all students in Michigan have equal access to a quality education, and help boost the governor's vision of doubling the number of students receiving some sort of post-secondary education. The majority of school districts in Oakland and western Wayne counties already have their own strict graduation requirements that either meet or come close to meeting the new state mandates. It makes perfect sense to spread that good fortune to students throughout the state. Originally published March 9, 2006 ______________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...628/1199/NEWS10 Model reading for learning, enjoyment Why can't Johnny read? That question has been debated for decades in schools, legislatures and courtrooms. No one seems to have come up with the answer, despite a lot of speculation and finger-pointing in all directions. As recently as 2004, only 30 percent of eighth-graders read at or above grade level, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Now there's a newer question: Why doesn't Johnny want to read? Even students who can read -- and that's probably most young people in our circulation area -- don't seem to want to read. How many teenagers would rather shop at the mall, play computer games or chat with their friends online than read a novel for pleasure? We know of college students who purchase textbooks, but rarely open them. Reading the assigned texts is seen as a last resort to passing a class. Reading a newspaper is even more out of the question. An Oakland University journalism instructor polls her introductory news writing students on the first day of every class. Almost without exception, they get their news in sound bytes from the radio or TV. We wonder how they can make informed decisions in the voting booth. Livonia's schools will host a variety of special activities and events this month to celebrate March Is Reading Month -- and for good reason. Reading is tied to success in school and later life. Students who struggle with reading -- or who simply don't read -- have more difficulty in school because all subjects require some reading. Those who barely pass or drop out of high school and don't further their education suffer economically. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, college graduates earn almost double what high school graduates earn over the course of their lifetimes --$2.1 million compared with $1.2 million. The reason Johnny doesn't want to read may be as difficult to answer as why some kids can't read. More than likely, it's not one but many factors, including the number of modern-day distractions competing for their attention. But parents can make a difference. They can set a good example by reading themselves -- to be informed and to be entertained. Children have a way of modeling their parents' behavior when they grow up. Let's hope when they do, they discover that reading is one of the joys of life. Originally published March 9, 2006 ________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...632/1199/NEWS10 Legacy plan, recall drive starting to tear apart our community It's not easy to watch a community tearing itself apart. When things get tough, it seems to be human nature that our innermost fears, divisions and pettiness bubble to the surface. Racial divisions, class warfare, hints and allegations. Livonians went through some of these same things last year with the Wal-Mart/Wonderland situation. Now, since October, the Livonia Public Schools' Legacy Initiative has led us back to that place where civility and common sense sometimes take a back seat to nastiness and cheap shots. Meanwhile, the Redford Union district is following almost a parallel path with a school reorganization plan forced by similarly declining enrollment and an actual deficit -- a much worse financial situation than Livonia's. Closing schools is never easy. But when some of the objections are based on unreasonable fears of sending students closer to a perceived-to-be lower-class, more crime-ridden area, some folks will pull out all the stops. Never mind that it's the same teachers working in the same school district under the same rules and conditions as their neighborhood school. In Livonia, some parents don't want their kids bused to Westland; in Redford Union, some parents don't want their kids moved to a school closer to Detroit. For a lot of those parents, it's the same basic issue, the same unrealistic fears. Every place I've either lived or covered has had a perceived "right" and "wrong" side of the tracks, whether it's accurate or not. When it comes to perceived divisions and hurt feelings, they're not hard to find around Livonia these days. Many people feel like the LPS board and administration effectively sliced too many regular folks out of the decision-making process when it came to the school reorganization plan. Many are angry for the way things were handled and for feeling like their opinions -- expressed both in a survey and through invited public comments -- were ignored by the board. And they certainly have a point. On the other hand, school district leaders feel hurt by some members of the recall group who have launched unfounded allegations, just to see if anything sticks. The intent seems to be to provoke board members, and board President Dan Lessard, for one, responded with a defensive assault on a speaker last week. Oddly, he responded during that speaker's comments -- even though a couple of months ago, Lessard said it was "against the law" for board members to give answers directly during public comments. In the citizens group's lawsuit filed recently, that group included a cheap shot against Supt. Randy Liepa, who has tried to stay above the fray. The suit notes: "Liepa, a former accountant with no educational experience, also supports the Legacy Initiative." Was that necessary? When he was hired, Liepa faced similar criticism over his lack of classroom experience, but he holds master's and doctorate degrees in educational administration. Besides, this plan isn't just his brainchild; it's the creation of a demographics committee and, no matter how you feel about the obvious lack of inclusion of regular Livonia parents on that committee, many administrators and people with a lot of classroom experience were part of recommending this plan. While Liepa recommended it, the school board voted on it. Another crack in the community can be seen along Farmington Road -- the road that divides the board office and City Hall. There are hurt feelings over Mayor Jack Engebretson's decision to get involved in the school issue. His decision to weigh in did seem to violate one of those longstanding separations of school and city. When it comes to board members, though, it should be noted that some of them ignore that separation when they seek and accept a mayor's endorsement when they're running for election. My view is that this Legacy Initiative isn't the best plan for our district -- it seems to be too much disruption for not enough savings. I also believe the board members have a lot to learn about dealing with the entire community. However, I won't be signing any recall petitions. These are the school board members our community elected and they made a difficult, but legal, decision. I don't agree with it, but they took what they believed was the right path for the district. They didn't break any laws or violate any moral or ethical codes in handling their duties as board members. And to me, those are the main reasons for a recall. Despite some concerns, I also don't see any educational damage coming as a result of this Legacy Initiative. There are indeed some positives aspects stuck in among the well-discussed negatives. I, for one, am willing to see if the district can deliver on this new educational system in a way that ensures kids don't lose out. It may be unrealistic in the midst of this situation, but our community could certainly use some healing right now. Dave Varga is community editor of the Livonia Observer and Redford Observer. He can be reached at (734) 953-2119 or dvarga@oe.homecomm.net. Originally published March 9, 2006 ___________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...630/1199/NEWS10 LETTERS SHARE YOUR OPINIONS Keep issue in the public eye I want to thank you for opposing the LPS Legacy Initiative plan, and I want to ask you to continue speaking out against it. My fear is that this issue will slip out of the public eye, but my hope is that you will keep that from happening. The whole thing began in such a predetermined and clandestine way, I never would have known what was happening if I hadn't spotted my neighbor on TV one night while channel surfing. Let me say I have no children in Livonia Public Schools. However, I live here, and I pay taxes here, and I vote here. Every time a school millage was proposed, I voted YES. I have always wanted teachers to be paid well, and I have always wanted Livonia Schools to draw young families to this city. Now, I am angry that six people on the LPS Board of Education feel they can venture with seven -- PUBLIC -- properties...the value of which I won't even guess at...without asking Livonia citizens first. I THINK OUR TAXES PAY FOR THOSE BUILDINGS! Do they plan to sell them? Do they plan to lease them? If sold, will new homes be built? Will families with children move in? Will we need to build more schools at higher prices later? If leased, who maintains them, and will those buildings still be fit after they've been rented for a few years? Is the school board a board of landlords and speculators now? Did anyone even ask the Planning Commission or the city's Economic Development Director about this? I was explaining why I'm against The Legacy Initiative to a friend who is in favor of it, and my friend basically told me Livonia will never grow again the way it has in the past. My first reaction was, "no... not if we close our schools." That's when I realized...REALLY...the Legacy Initiative is a vote of no confidence in the future of Livonia by our school board, and it just might be the first step in a downward spiral. At the very least, it is too big of a decision for the school board alone. Mr. Mayor, I know this isn't the only issue you have to deal with, and I thank you again for doing what you already have, but please -- PLEASE -- help keep this issue in the public eye. E. Garbus Livonia School plan has ripple effects The Legacy Initiative has more consequences beyond school closings. Please contemplate what this means to everyone. 1) Increased busing: a. More buses means the roads and streets will decay even faster, which leads to more frequent and increased road repair/replacement costs. b. More pollutants in the environment increases health issues for those already sensitive to pollutants, have breathing issues, or those that may be marginally affected already. c. Increased road traffic with more traffic stoppages for pick-ups/drop-offs, longer stoppages with more riders. d. Increased slowdowns & stoppages occur during peak rush hour times on the district's already congested roadways. e. Higher numbers per bus, possibly over 70 pupils, with no assistance other than the bus driver. 2) Devaluation of the district: a. New home buyers with families, or wishing to start a family, no longer view this district as desirable to locate to/live within. b. Slumping home market leads to increases in rental housing, leading to a lack of a sense of community, ownership and responsibility. c. Drops in market values and appraised values of homes can become a chain reaction event, and may lead to the onset of blight. d. Market value drops lead to lowering of overall value of assets within the district, causing the district to suffer increased loan interest rates and lowered bond ratings. e. Lowered credit scores equal higher interest rates, more difficulty obtaining loans, and more likely investors see Livonia as a risk not an opportunity. 3) Additional concerns: a. LPS budget expenditures for non-educational services exceed the money spent on educating pupils by approximately 2 to 1. b. Spending existing cash reserves to purchase, fund, and support the LI is not fiscally responsible management of recent tax increases and bond sales. c. Recent renewal/increase of taxes for upkeep/improvements now being spent to support closing seven schools. d. LPS financial auditing firm does not confirm the reported savings, or sustained savings. LI is not supported by true data, facts, and is fiscally irresponsible to implement at this time. Never in LPS history, before this current Board of Education and LPS administration, have schools been closed in this manner, or an entire district within two cities, have had to bear a burden of the overwhelming ripple effects that will impact everyone everywhere within the district. Brad Wolkan Livonia Officials should fix economy It took an elected official from Oakland County to do what our elected officials in Lansing have failed to do: take on Michigan's Single Business Tax (Oakland executive wants Single Business Tax on ballot). The SBT is a major reason that job growth and personal income gains in the state remain at pitiful levels. Eliminating that tax will force Democrats and Republicans in Lansing to finally work together to craft an alternative that is acceptable to all parties; but then that's why they get paid the big money. It's time my local state senator and representative were more concerned with "big picture" issues and less concerned with things like water bills that have no chance of passage or youth sports bills that affect only a small constituency. While those measures do have value, they also do very little to fix our economy or attract jobs, and right now that's where the focus should lie. Martin Johnson Livonia They are my heroes They are standing tall, With hair of all different colors. People of different genders, They are here with one objective; To protect the country we live in. They are my heroes. They stand on the front line, Willing to sacrifice their lives to protect us, With wounds and nowhere to go. They fight. They are my heroes. As he is running to dive in front Of a bullet to lose his innocent Life to save somebody else's, As people watch in tears. They are willing to leave the land I walk on to save someone. They are my heroes. Why go through the pain? Why put your life on the line? I might ask, but I know the answer; Because it is my duty to protect my country. They are unbelievable. They are my heroes. They are there dressed in uniforms, All standing tall, With a look not sad or happy. Here they are. They are my heroes. "Why are you here soldier?" "To protect my country sir!" They are people more amazing Then the most powerful people in the world. They are my heroes. Michael Beaudoin Livonia, age 10 Originally published March 9, 2006 |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 9 2006, 06:44 PM Post #5 |
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New on O & E web site: http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...NEWS10/60309005 Legacy supporters speak out, offer lawn signs by Stephanie Angelyn Casola Livonia resident Jerry Kmieciak won’t stay silent any longer. “These are complex times and complex issues,” he said. “The funding cuts out of Lansing are only gonna get worse.” That’s one reason why he and wife Peggy Fisher Kmieciak are supporters of Livonia Public Schools Legacy Initiative, the district’s plan to save $1 to $2 million a year for the next five years. Next fall, the Legacy Initiative will close seven school buildings, re-draw district boundaries and reconfigure grade levels into lower and upper elementary schools. Since it was introduced in October, and adopted by the school board in December, the plan has caused a rift in the LPS community between those who support the change, and those who felt alienated from the decision-making process and want to start from scratch to form a new plan. The opposing parties have remained vocal and continue to publicly speak out against the initiative. A grassroots group, Citizens For Livonia’s Future, has formed and is now pursuing a lawsuit against the board and district, and attempting a recall of five board trustees who supported the plan. Now, supporters in the community are becoming more visible, and vocal. “I have no problem being a voice and a face for the people who don’t feel as comfortable in the public eye,” said Kmieciak. Peggy Fisher Kmieciak spoke before the board Monday and said: “We need to stop being divided, as this is what is in the best interest of our children.” She shared their personal experiences with two children who have since graduated from the district and said her daughter changed schools in second, third and fourth grade. “Our children will be fine,” she said. “There is a plan to help them every step of the way.” Cathlene Hedden, a first grade teacher at Cooper for 10 years, will transition to Cleveland Elementary next fall. “I’m excited to be part of the Cleveland community,” she said. “I support the Legacy Initiative and I’m excited about the direction LPS is moving in under the direction of (superintendent) Dr. Liepa, the administration, community volunteers and the Board of Education.” In addition to public meetings, the Legacy debate has played out in cyberspace and on neighborhood streets. In response to the Web site www.citizensforlivoniasfuture, an anonymous host has recently created www.supportlivonia.org. In response to red and white “Recall” signs, Kmieciak said there are now “Support Legacy” signs. “They’ve been created in the last week,” he said Tuesday. About 800 signs were created, for both lawns or car windows, and are available for sale now. Kmieciak said supporters are also looking for an outlet to share their enthusiasm. Their message is simple “Let’s work together,” he said. “Let’s make it happen.” Kmieciak said he agrees there will be challenges in this time of change, but he’s confident the district will “work through it.” To purchase Support Livonia signs, send e-mail to livoniakids@yahoo.com or call (734) 953-1044. scasola@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2054 Originally published March 9, 2006 |
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| Hull_alumni | Mar 9 2006, 09:49 PM Post #6 |
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Thanks for the posting, I wonder if Kmeciak fessed up to the charade they played at the meeting now, because people knew they were related. It's unfortunate their kids had to move so many times in their young lives. It seems that's all they've ever known. Makes sense why the one child moved so far away. |
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11:45 AM Jul 13