APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER

SPOTLIGHT STORY

by Jordan McCloud

I'm excited to bring to your attention an inspiring event that unfolded at Branch Line School recently, which I believe would be a fantastic addition to our April newsletter.

On World Down Syndrome Day, the students and staff at Branch Line School came together to celebrate diversity in a colorful and meaningful way. By rocking their craziest socks, they not only embraced the spirit of fun but also sent a powerful message of acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity.

This event perfectly embodies our core values of "Diversity, Ethics, and Stewardship" and "Collaboration and Innovation with Stakeholders." It showcases our unwavering commitment to creating an environment where every individual is respected, loved, and given equal opportunities to thrive.

By spotlighting this heartwarming initiative in our newsletter, we not only celebrate the inclusive spirit of Branch Line School but also inspire others to join us in educating, advocating, and spreading awareness.

#WorldDownSyndromeDay #InclusionMatters #DifferentButEqual #BranchLineSchool

NEXT SCHOOL LEADER MEETING

Friday, May 17, 2024, from 10 am-1 pm at SVSU, Curtiss Hall, Room C130.

Contact Chantra Williams for additional information at cdwilli1@svsu.edu

• Reflections and Roadmaps from SUPO Leadership
• Innovation Grant Presentations
• Lunch (Alumni Lounge)
• Outstanding Employee Awards

BOARD MEMBER TIDBITS

Board Training Verification Form

Reminder: All board members are expected to complete at least 2 hours of training each year. Once you have completed the training, you must complete the Verification Form that is located on our Board Page. This notifies SVSU of the training(s) that you attended.

FOIA (Freedom of Information Act Summary)

The Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) is a law that affirms the public’s right to know and be informed about the affairs of government. It states:

“It is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those person’s incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public official and public employees, consistent with this act. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process.”

The policy establishes that the public has a right to inspect, copy, or receive documents, which are a part of public record and not exempt from disclosure. Items exempt from disclosure are stated in the full act.

The academy board must appoint one of its members to be designated as the FOIA officer who responds to FOIA requests.

The board attorney, school administrator, and/or management company will assist the board to understand and comply with FOIA requests received.

FOIA requests must be received in writing (this includes Email or fax). Acknowledgment of the request must be made within 5 business days. Arrangements to send public documents or arrange for inspection of documents must be made within 10 business days.

Summary of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (138KB)

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARD NOMINEES

We are thrilled to announce the nominees for Outstanding Employee of the Year, as recognized by their respective academies. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and passion in their roles, inspiring those around them with their hard work and positive attitude. Congratulations to all the nominees! Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated and recognized.

To view the nominees, click here.

PSA PHOTO CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED

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).

2024 Theme – Seek and Ye Shall Find

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 8, 2024.

For additional information and forms see the SUPO website.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

MDE STATE TESTING NEWS

State Superintendent's Spring 2024 Letter to Parents and Guardians  **Now Available in Arabic and Spanish Translations

1% CAP: The Why!

Administration of the MI-Access assessments are intended only for those students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Moreover, all students with disabilities are expected to participate in state level assessments each spring. In 2023, Michigan did not meet the federal requirement of testing at least 95 percent of all students with disabilities in the content area of science. In addition, Michigan has explicitly been instructed by the United States Department of Education to reduce the number of students who take the alternate assessment (MI-Access).

Supports and Accommodations Guidance Document

BEST PRACTICE CORNER

Social/Emotional and Mental Health Practices

During my visits over the past month a few consistent topics have come up. One of the topics that we are all talking about is SEL and Mental Health. The link below lists by grade level evidence-based programs that support overall wellness within our schools. This is a growing document, so I suggest you save the link and review it periodically. 

Evidence Based Programs: School-Based Mental Health

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Support Staff Resource

Michigan School Safety Academy

Follow the above link for registration information for April 9-10 School Safety Academy in Livonia, Michigan.  Other future dates are in May, June, August and September. 

Teacher Resource

The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/april-8-2024

https://thesciencepenguin.com/2023/10/teaching-kids-about-the-solar-eclipse-2024.html

MAPSA

Charter Schools Week is May 13-17, 2024!

https://www.charterschools.org/charter-schools-week - Learn about all the events and register to participate!

Get Involved: Send a Letter to Your Legislators 

Hand-written letters are a great way to connect with your local legislators, and our plan is to gather as many letters from charter students, parents and educators as we can - then deliver them to the offices (or to the inboxes) of as many lawmakers as possible. These letters should be personal, and should help your lawmaker get a sense of why your school is so important to your community. Download the template below to participate!  Be sure to submit all letters by Monday, May 6th. 

CSW24: #ChartersLead Letters Template for Charter School Staff

CSW24: #ChartersLead Letters Template for Parents and Students