March 2024

MARCH IS NATIONAL READING MONTH

March Challenge
https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101/reading-101-learning-modules

Reading 101: Self-Paced Learning Modules

Core knowledge about reading is a key to effective literacy instruction. Free, self-paced learning modules can help you deepen your understanding of the building blocks of reading and writing. After completing each module and successfully answering the post-test questions, you’ll be able to download a certificate and letter of completion. This also serves as great preparation for the MTTC portion that covers early literacy.

BOARD MEMBER TIDBITS

Board Meeting Public Comment

The rules for public comment should be clearly stated by the board president prior to comments. These rules should be part of board policy. Typically, comments are limited to a period of time (i.e., 3 minutes or 5 minutes). Less than 3 minutes is not recommended. Also, the public commenter can be asked to state their name for the record and contact information might be asked if there is a need for follow-up. This information and comments CAN be included in the board minutes.

Public comment is just that...comments. School board members should not get into a discussion with the speaker. If there is a concern or question, it should be directed to administration to meet with the commenter. The board should be kept informed by administration as to how/if the problem could be resolved.

Under the First Amendment, a board cannot adopt a rule in its Bylaws that prohibits a citizen from publicly criticizing or making complaints against school employees by name during public comment.

Dating Approved Minutes

Board meeting minutes are official records of the actions and decisions made during a board meeting. Once these minutes have been approved by the board, typically during the subsequent meeting, they should be signed and dated by the individual designated to record minutes, such as the secretary or another appointed person. This signature and date serve as confirmation that the minutes accurately reflect what occurred during the meeting and that they have been officially approved by the board.

SPOTLIGHT STORY

Literacy Lab Classroom Collaboration (LLCC)

In recent feedback from students enrolled in the TE 312 course, which includes a unique component involving Saginaw Preparatory Academy (SPA), there's a consistent theme of appreciation for the invaluable experience gained. This innovative program allows pre-service teachers from Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) to attend class in a school setting and engage directly with students to conduct literacy assessments. The Reading Lab at SPA offers hands-on experience, immediate application of learning, and individualized attention, so future educators are better equipped to make a positive impact in the lives of their future students.

... Click here to read the rest of the story.

PSA OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARD

Employee of the Year Nominations end March 1, 2024. The Employee Awards will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 10 – 1 pm. Location to be announced.

One local winner will be selected from each nominating academy/building. All local winners will receive lunch, acknowledgement, and a token of appreciation for their service.

Local winners will be informed by email and posted in the April newsletter.

One Outstanding Employee of the Year will be selected from the local winners and receive an additional honor and gift.

NEW! **CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES SHOWCASE**

Digital Portfolio Contest for 8th - 10th Grade Students (please share with your teachers)

For details, view this video: Creative Opportunities Showcase Contest Video

Entry Form (to be completed by parent or guardian)

To enter the contest, complete and submit the Entry Form. The Presentation document should be submitted to Dawn Gillespie at drg@svsu.edu. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact the office at (989) 964-4623.

First Prize - Apple iPad
Honorable Mention - Android Tablet

DEADLINE: March 29, 2024

PSA PHOTO CONTEST

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 1, 2024.

For additional information and forms see the SUPO website.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

STUDENT SERVICES UPDATES

Legal News in Student Services
Thrun Law: Tips to Ensure a Legally Compliant MDR - 6 Critical tips to support compliance with Manifestation Determination Reviews

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

MDE State Testing News
Grade 4-7 Multiplication Table Released: MDE Multiplication Table Guidance

The table can be requested by sending an e-mail to mde-oeaa@ michigan.gov with the number of students by building in each grade level that will be using the table. Please refer to the Grade 4-7 Multiplication Table.

Best Practice Corner
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Monitoring will begin in 10 ISD’s across the state within the calendar year (before the end of December 2024).  This monitoring will focus on the processes that ALL schools within the ISD employ to ensure that each student served through special education receives the legal requirements associated with LRE.  If you are unsure of the requirements of LRE, here is a fabulous link to start with through Catamaran Training Site. Catamaran LRE Training

As soon as more information is available, it will be forwarded to schools.  

FEATURED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional Innovators in Teaching

Professional Innovators in Teaching is a state-approved Michigan alternative teacher certification program designed to inspire success through innovative real-time coaching and cohort-based instruction. Upon program acceptance, candidates receive an interim teaching certificate and are placed immediately as a classroom teacher. Host schools invest in the development and advancement of each candidate to provide continued support throughout the path to standard teacher certification.

https://www.charterschools.org/professional-innovators-in-teaching-home

Early Literacy

Literacy researchers have identified essential practices that serve as a “minimum standard of care” when it comes to fostering literate students and literate citizens. Building off this research, Michigan Virtual has partnered with GELN’s Early Literacy Task Force to put an end to our state’s literacy crisis.

To learn more, explore these free online courses and guides that overview basic instructional practices to boost student literacy.

https://michiganvirtual.org/earlyliteracy/

Cardinal on the GO - Winter 2024

Steps: 
Complete the questions and submit. - https://forms.office.com/r/pT1B3FX5cL

You will receive a follow-up email to confirm dates, time, and instructional delivery.

A survey will be sent to the requestor to share with staff. The workshop will be tailored based on the results of the survey.

Cardinal on the Go professional developments are FREE to all SVSU Public-School Academies.

Options:

• Providing Effective Feedback (for teachers)
• School Improvement Budgeting/31a
• Motivating Staff/Growing leaders
• Teacher Retention (practical steps)
• Effective PLC’s
• MTSS
• Using technology/Ai to Support Student Success
• PD Support (planning) Based on MICIP
• PD for Non-certified Staff
• New Teacher Mentoring

EQUITABLE FUNDING FOR EVERY CHILD WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION

HOW CAN WE MAKE A CHANGE? 

Every year, MAPSA (MI's Charter School Association) along with the support of thousands of charter educators, parents, allies, and advocates, fight for equitable funding by working in partnership with elected officials to ensure ALL students  are funded equitably.

Complete the activation below! 👇

bit.ly/25schoolaidbudget

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Teaching digital citizenship has never been more important. Prepare students to stay safe, solve problems, and become a force for good.

Teaching digital well-being doesn’t mean providing students with a list of “don’ts.” It’s about the do’s – modeling and practicing skills that help young people become thoughtful, empathetic digital citizens who know how to use technology to learn and solve problems in their digital and physical communities.

Receive resources to create a free digital citizenship unit, elective, or after-school program for students. https://iste.org/digital-citizenship

How to Combat Ai Cheating

This is a great resource on how to define “cheating” and “plagiarism” with AI. https://ditchthattextbook.com/ai/#tve-jump-18606008967