November 2024

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP MONTH

Financing a college education in America has become a seriously stressful endeavor. Student loans, while convenient now, can result in crushing debt later. That’s why the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) sponsors National Scholarship Month each November. It encourages students to concentrate on securing funds they’ll never need to pay back. Check out the helpful links to SVSU Scholarships.

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PUBLIC SCHOOL ACADEMY TEACHER/LEADER SCHOLARSHIPS

The School/University Partnership Office at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) offers tuition scholarships to teachers/administrators of SVSU authorized Public School Academies to obtain continuing education credits or to complete a program through the College of Education. 15 credits per year are available (Fall to Summer).

Specifically, 50% tuition scholarships for up to 5 years of service at the academy; 75% tuition scholarships for 6+ years of service at the academy. Download the fillable Scholarship Verification Form (104KB) to request a scholarship. The form must be submitted each semester of classes to obtain a scholarship.

For more information see our website: Teacher/Leader Scholarships

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SVSU College of Education Featured Program - Masters in Technology Learning Systems and Design

A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE

The Learning Systems and Design degree blends the fields of education, psychology, and communications to create effective teaching and learning tools. Our program goes beyond simply creating training materials, students learn to carefully consider how others learn and what materials and methods will help individuals achieve their academic training goals. Students can use what they learn in the classroom to teach any individual using modern innovating teaching methods. Whether it be in the classroom or in the workplace, the graduates of this program will gain experience with how technology can be used when helping others learn the skills they need.

SPOTLIGHT STORY

For this month’s newsletter, we are excited to highlight Woodland School and their recent full-circle learning experience. The 2-3 class harvested vegetables they planted last spring and were able to make enough soup to feed the entire Primary Village! This hands-on project showcases how Woodland School integrates collaboration and innovation into their learning environment.

Their approach also aligns with our values of academic achievement and continuous improvement, encouraging students to take ownership of the entire process, from planting to harvesting to cooking. This level of involvement helps foster a deep connection to the environment, promoting ethics and stewardship—values we strive to uphold.

You can check out the original post on their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WoodlandSchoolTC

SCHOOL LEADER MEETING

THEME: Together We Grow – Experiencing the Impacts of Poverty
DATE: Friday, November 22, 2024
TIME: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Bachand Hall – First Floor – HHS Gym (connected to Gilbertson Hall)

Helpful Tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing
• Invite your buildings counselor, parent liaison, or other staff that support students and families in poverty
• Be prepared to work with people you do not know
• Be familiar with your academy’s data regarding transportation, meal service, before and after school care, and programs to support students impacted by poverty.

*Save the date - February 7, 2025 - School Leader Network Meeting #3 – Balancing Leadership

**August 16 School Leader Meeting Materials can be found on our website.

MI CHARTER HERO - NOMINATE TODAY

Do you know an extraordinary educator, administrator, or staff member who goes above and beyond for their students? It’s time to nominate them as a #MICharterHero!

We’re on the hunt for Michigan’s most inspiring charter school heroes—those individuals who make a lasting impact in their school communities. Whether it’s their dedication to student success, innovation in education, or leadership, we want to celebrate them!

Why Nominate a Charter Hero?
Your #MICharterHero will receive:

• Recognition at MAPSA events including Charter Day at the Capitol
• Free registration to the Michigan Charter Schools Symposium
• A spotlight across social media and, new this year, featured on our TikTok page!

That’s right—our heroes will now shine on our new TikTok page, where we’ll share their incredible stories with the world. You can check out our first video featuring October's #MICharterHero, Autumn Mattson from Creative Technologies Academy. Watch it HERE.

NOMINATE HERE!

STUDENT SERVICES UPDATE

Legal News in Student Services

Family Feud: Tips for Coping with Disputing Parents

When a student’s parents disagree about the care, teaching, and education of their child, school staff must understand each parent’s rights to effectively navigate their expectations and demands. This is particularly difficult when parents are battling over custody.

Thrun Law Page: October 7, 2024

Best Practice Corner

Procedural Safeguards – This is a great time of year to send an electronic copy of your district's procedural safeguards to all families whose children receive special education. Below is MDE’s Family Matter fact sheet regarding procedural safeguards. I would also encourage sending this document to support our families' understanding of the purpose for these documents.

Family Matters Procedural Safeguards

EXTRA EXTRA – Our collective Special Education Coffee Hour is happening soon!  Don’t forget to register.

Special Education Coffee Hour

Oct. 30, 2024 – 3:30-4:30 p.m.  
Participants will be provided guidance focused on best practices and common pitfalls in the field of special education.

TEACHER/STAFF INNOVATION GRANT

24-25 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Description (48KB)
24-25 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Application (41KB)
24-25 Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant Report Form (60KB)

Up to $1,000 (up to two programs per building)

Due: December 2, 2024 to drg@svsu.edu

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MASA Quickfire Sessions

Quickfire sessions are intensive, three-hour learning opportunities designed by MASA to provide district leaders with essential updates on critical education-related topics.

Whether you’re a veteran leader in need of a refresher or in your first few years seeking foundational knowledge, these sessions will deliver focused, actionable insights. Session participants will leave equipped with knowledge needed to lead with confidence in today’s evolving educational landscape.
NOTE: Quickfire sessions are specifically designed for district-level leaders (superintendents and central office administrators).

Where: Lansing/Virtual
Cost: $75 per session
Upcoming Sessions:

• November 11 (AM) – Board Relations
• November 11 (PM) – School Safety
• January 27 (AM) – Collective Bargaining
• January 27 (PM) – AI Tools and Use
• March 3 (AM) – School Finance
• March 3 (PM) – Hot Topics

REGISTER HERE!

MDE FALL 2024 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE

The Michigan Department of Education will host the Fall 2024 Continuous Improvement Conference on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West, Lansing, Michigan.
The theme of this year’s conference is Living Into Continuous Improvement: Off the Shelf and Into the Classroom.

When: Thursday, November 21
Where: Crowne Plaza, Lansing West
Cost: $275 (in-person option) and $225 (virtual option)
REGISTER HERE!

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 Meetings

• November 6-7 (In-person @ Genesee ISD)
• January 14 (Virtual)
• February 25 (Virtual)
• April 15-16 (In-person @ Muskegon ISD)

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

REGISTER HERE FOR SERIES!

MICHIGAN CHARTER SCHOOL SYMPOSIUM 2024 (MiSCC24)

Wednesday, Dec 11-12, 2024 - Detroit Marriott Troy
200 W Big Beaver
Troy, MI, 48084

The Michigan charter school movement is comprised of diverse leaders, innovators, and pioneers - including you. We're giving you a platform to disconnect from your everyday life and network with the brightest minds in public education reform to discover innovative learning approaches featuring dynamic speakers, engaging sessions, and a fearless atmosphere.

Register Now >> https://micharters.salsalabs.org/micss24/index.html