Michigan Youth Projects

www.kidsstandard.org

I S S U E 4 1 | MA Y 2 01 9

Available by Subscription

P

Michigan

PROJECTS

Michigan Youth

Project

Motivate. Activate. Celebrate.

F E AT U R E

Index:

Humanitarian Youth Projects

Feature..................................................2 Editorial Calendar...............................3 Community Project.............................4 Water Project........................................6 Kids Standard......................................8 Pontiac Youth Project.......................10 Future..................................................21 Parent’s Corner..................................23

Volunteer opportunity is available for students and adults.

Contact us info@kidsstandard.com Let us know if your school wants to partner with us.

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/kidsstandard Like us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/kidsstandard 248-410-3976 © Copyright Kids Standard Publication Inc, Michigan. All Rights Reserved

www.kidsstandard.org

Disclaimer: All editorial and advertising material submitted to Kids Standard becomes the property of Kids Standard to be reproduced as seen fit. It will not be returned unless by prior arrangement. Submitted material includes advertising artwork and editorial content (including but not limited to: articles and images, art work and creative writing). All the designs remain the copyright of Kids Standard. Kids Standard welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for corrections. Kids Standard is committed to presenting information fairly and accurately.

Feedback: info@kidsstandard.org

ADVERTISE IN KIDS STANDARD...

We’re reaching more and more people every day! Call now and find out how to advertise in a new target market!

Email: advertising@kidsstandard.org Phone: 248-410-3976

Dear Readers,

D

ecades ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. synthesised life's most persistent and urgent question: “What are you doing for others?” This question truly makes us rethink the concept of our success as human beings. In our society, we often define success by grades, jobs, salaries, and material possessions. Yet, the most meaningful things in life are not things; the most important jobs often don’t come with a paycheck.

Recently, Australian researchers Buchanan and Kern developed and described the concept of the benefit mindset that expands the meaning of success: “Rather than being driven by individual gain, [students can find] real value, in being of value — to themselves, to others, to nature, and to the future; from being the best in the world, to being the best for the world.”

From an early age, children have to explore their larger purpose by serving the common good. Many communities and schools offer service opportunities to young people in order to cultivate purpose-driven, practical learning that increases student investment and outcomes. Kids’ Standard, too, embarked on one of such project - Michigan Youth Project - that helped many children realize what it means

Arina Bokas

Kids’ Standard Editor & Author of Building Powerful Learning Environments: From Schools to Communities

to be of value to others.

This special issue Humanitarian Community Projects features the work of students who participated in various projects in their communities and Michigan Youth Project in Pontiac.

Enjoy!

Reference: Buchanan, Ashley and Margaret L. Kern.

“The Benefit Mindset: The Psychology of Contribution and Everyday Leadership.”International Journal of Wellbeing.Web. 2017. v.7 No.1

College Admission Essay and SAT Coaching • • • • •

College Common Application Essay Supplemental College Essay Scholarship Application Essay SAT Essay Preparation SAT Reading and Writing Preparation

Writing Coaching • Resume and Cover Letter • General Writing Tutoring

Arina Bokas, Ph.D. Ø Author, college writing instructor, editor Ø Frequent contributor to national publications and instructional blogs – ASCD, International Literacy Association, NCTE, Harvard University’s Good Project and Out of Eden.

For more information or scheduling: arinabokas@aol.com

Phone: 248-330-2408

E DFIETAT O RUI R AE L CALENDAR

Motivate. Activate. Celebrate

2018-2019 Editorial Calendar

June 2019

How Kids’ Standard Helped Me Grow Video Contest Each Kids’ Standard club is invited to work as a team to create a video of team members’ experiences with Kids’ Standard.

Students will write a script, assume various roles in video preparation, and put together a short 4-5 minute video. Creators of the best-voted video will receive cash prizes.

Moving, Reading, Writing,

Publication INC.

Science , Math, and Maker projects

Kids’ Standard’s Camp “ Writing, Math, Science with Fun, Learning experiences” Using critical thinking, Problem solving, collaboration, creativity and communication.

Choose from the following locations & dates: Going Grade level: 4th-8th Camp Location

1): Oakland University Mon-Tues, Wed, Thursday 9-2 2): Clarkston United Methodist Church Time : 9AM-2PM

Days: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE OUR CAMP

3): Pontiac (1 S Saginaw st, Pontiac) Monday to Fri day 9-5 -F-Option) A) June 17, 18, 19, 20 B)

June 24, 25, 26, 27 C) July 15, 16, 17, 18

D) July 29, 30, 31, Aug 1st E)

Aug 19, 20, 21, 22

F)

June 1- Aug 23

$125.00/WEEK $ 450/ 4 WEEKS $ 550/ 5 WEEKS

($80/day OR $350/week from 9-5)

F -option is only available in Pontiac Location

Our Camps aren't just like any other camps. Students Read, Research, Write, Make garden, Stem, Wood working, Design, Movement activities and entrepreneurship that keeps them energized. Our Camps are designed for students to excel in learning while having fun!

Which sessions and location are you choosing ( Please write one Or all): _______________________________ Students Name: ______________________________ Grade (going to): ___________ School Attending: ________________________ Guardian: ____________________________ (relation) ___________________ Contact telephone number:________________________ Email Address: ________________________ Person will be picking up the child (If it’s different from the above person): ________________________ ________________

Please make the payment online at

https://www.kidsstandard.org/academia/ For more information, contact Maggie@kidsstandard.org or call 248-410-3976

LIMITED SPOTS LEFT

COMMUNITY PROJECT

Humanitarian Community Projects

By: Ava Mickens, 1st grade, Gretchko Elementary,

I

West Bloomfield

feel passionate about helping others.

There are a few ways that I made it happen.

First, I partnered with the Lighthouse of Oakland County and participated in the “Spread the Love Campaign.� I collected 115 jars of peanut butter and jelly with the help of my family, friends, and classmates. I was able to deliver the

4

Publication INC.

peanut butter and jelly I collected and place it on the shelves in the food pantry.

This made me very happy to help families in need and is one of my proudest moments.

Second, I packed and delivered "cleaning buckets " for the Civitan Club of Pontiac. It is an international club, which provides service to the less fortunate and disabled Americans.

The cleaning buckets were delivered to the Furniture Bank in Pontiac, Michigan.

I also collected personal care items and cleaning supplies to make Welcome Home Baskets for the Community Housing Network of Troy. I made cards for the families receiving the baskets so they would feel good when they move into their new homes.

You are never too young to help others. My hope is that through my actions I can help change the world. It is a good feeling to be able to give to someone other than yourself.

www.KidsStandard.org

BOOK YOUR VACATION NOW – CALL FOR LIMITED TIME SAVINGS

Grand Alaskan Cruise & Tour

Save

500

$

per couple

12 days from $1,749* $1,499*

Hawaiian Islands Cruise & Tour

Save

500

$

per couple

12 days from $2,249* $1,999*

Departs June - September, 2019

Departs year-round

Enjoy a spectacular cruise & tour between Seattle and Alaska including 7 nights aboard Holland America Line’s ms Westerdam and 4 nights on land. You’ll cruise the Gulf of Alaska and the Inside Passage—a breathtaking sea lane teeming with marine wildlife, where you’ll pass glaciers, towering mountains, and lush forests, with stops in Ketchikan, historic Skagway and magnificent Glacier Bay. On land, you’ll go deep into Denali National Park, tour Anchorage, and see the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Discover Hawaii on this island-hopping cruise tour.

Spend 7 nights aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s renovated Pride of America and enjoy freestyle cruising at its finest. Experience the lush Iao Valley on Maui, the beauty and charm of Hilo, Kona’s coffee-rich “Gold Coast,” and Kauai’s spectacular Na Pali coast and Waimea Canyon. Your land tour includes Pearl Harbor and Honolulu city tours, and time to relax on world-famous Waikiki Beach. Escorted on Oahu by our friendly Tour Directors—your local experts.

Out-of-market games only. Selec

t int’l games excluded.

LUDED AT NO GET 2018 NFL SUNDAY TICKET INC H TO DIRECTV. EXTRA COST WHEN YOU SWITC at then-prevailing rate (currently Subscription renews automatically each season two weeks after the start of the season.* $293.94/season) unless you call to cancel within

Ask me how to Bundle and save. CALL TODAY! FREE ONBOARD CREDIT

Iv Support Holdings.

FREE SPECIALTY DINING PACKAGE

YMT Vacations – the escorted tour experts since 1967! All tours include hotels, sightseeing and baggage handling.

TM

Promo code N7017

1-866-524-5018

*Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus up to $299 taxes & fees. Cruise pricing based on lowest cabin category after savings; upgrades available. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may apply. Add-on airfare available. Free Specialty Dining Package requires purchase of Ocean View Cabin or Balcony Cabin. Onboard credit with Ocean View or Balcony cabin purchase. For full Set Sail terms and conditions ask your Travel Consultant. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 11/30/18. Other terms and conditions may apply.

Ask your Travel Consultant for details.

1-844-730-4951 Renews at full price. Offer ends 11/30/18. New approved customers only, lease required. Hardware and programming available separately. Other conditions apply. NFL, the NFL Shield design and the NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its affiliates. ©2018 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Nueske’s Family Breakfast Box

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME AND UPGRADE YOUR STORAGE

Reg. $42.99

Now Only

$35.99* Save over 15%

B U Y 5, G E T 1 F R E E

An Easter Morning Customer Favorite

Schedule your free design consultation

(877) 838-7761

®

Hours: Mon - Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 10am-4pm EST

Enjoy more space with custom pull-out shelves for your existing cabinets. *

Limit one offer per household. Applies to purchases of 5 or more Classic or Designer GlideOut™ shelves. Lifetime warranty valid for Classic or Designer Solutions. Expires 6/30/2019

MAY 2019

Order now and Save over 15% Only $35.99* (reg. $42.99), plus $14.99 shipping & handling.

Visit Nueskes.com/spring86

or Call 1-866-211-9623 to Order Item #990 *$14.99 shipping applies to standard delivery only to the 48 contiguous states for item #990.

Not valid with any other offer. Offer ends May 5, 2019 or while supplies last.

5

Publication INC.

W AT E R P R O J E C T

Water Crisis in Africa By: Bonnie Benford, 6th grade, Avondale Middle School

I

wake up before dawn, grab the large clay container, and heft it onto my shoulder, shuddering under the weight. I start my route , and after four hours, I walk upon the lake of sludge. I kneel as I fill the container with “water” that is more mud than liquid. The warm thick liquid swirls in the container, as I begin to make my way back, using all my strength; one foot in front of the other. It dawns upon me that this one trip to this lake wastes a whole day of work.

I don’t trip; I make it back like I do most days. This is what thousands of woman and young girls have to go through every single day to get water that is full of mud and bacteria. There are three reasons why this situation should be corrected: taking the long walk prevents woman from working and girls from going to school; contaminated water causes many diseases; having an access to clean water is a human right.

First, taking the long walk to get water prevents women from working and girls from attending school. This leads to a poor economy, shown by the deteriorating infrastructure. “Durban dams have slowly been deteriorating since 2010” was stated in the article ” Water in CrisisSouth Africa.” They also proved that “because of the lack of financial stability, 35 percent of the cities water is stolen or given out through illegal connections.”

Those financial problems are mostly caused by the lack of dual income.

Second, polluted water results in sickness. “Water in Crisis- South Africa“ states that “due to the lack of sanitation and access in the country’s rural communities the threat of waterborne disease is steadily increasing because of lack of clean water.” It also adds that “Due to the lack of sanitation supplies, it is so bad that the local water agency, Rand Water, issued a statement that contact with the river may lead to serious infection.” The

6

Publication INC.

Water Crisis in South Sudan shares that “Water stress is a problem that roughly a quarter of Africa’s population suffers from. This dramatically increases the likelihood of catching disease and infections. South Sudan remains host to 98 percent of the world’s remaining Guinea worm cases, and a third of children under the age of five suffer from diarrhea.”

Finally, water is a human right. As stated in the article “Human Rights to Water and Sanitation, “ “Access to water and sanitation are recognized by the United Nations as human rights, reflecting the fundamental nature of these basics in every person’s life. Lack of access to safe, sufficient and affordable water, sanitation and hygiene facilities has a devastating effect on the health, dignity,

and prosperity of billions of people, and has significant consequences for the realization of other human rights.” This article also states what the right means: “The right to water entitles everyone to have access to sufficient, safe, clean, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic use.”

Every human deserves water.

In conclusion, it may be easy to stay ignorant and pretend that this is not our issue, but when you look at the facts, there is a huge crisis in Africa over water. Our future would be brighter if only people would help those who have less than them. Sadly, most people don’t help. They would chose to be ignorant, rather than know the truth about our world.

www.KidsStandard.org

W AT E R P R O J E C T

Water Crisis in South Sudan

By: Legend Henry, 6th grade, Avondale Middle School

I

magine yourself being very dehydrated and in need of water. Which water bottle would you choose: the one filled to the top with clean and filtered water or the one partially filled with dirty and contaminated water? The choice seems obvious. The majority of people that live in the United States of America have the privilege to drink clean and fresh water. Yet, people that live in South Sudan do not have this choice. South Sudan has a serious water crisis that needs to be addressed.

To begin with, in South Sudan girls of fifteen years or younger, have to walk multiple miles just to collect some water.

Then they have to walk all the way back home, while balancing the container of water either on top of their head or on their shoulders. In Michigan, we had water crisis in Flint, but I have never seen a citizen in Flint, traveling miles to recieve not even a gallon of water that does not even last for a day. Even if they did, they would travel with a vehicle, and would

MAY 2019

come back with clean and filtered water, unlike people in South Sudan, who come back with contaminated water.

Also, a portion of water in South Sudan, is filled with cholera. Cholera is a waterborne infectious disease that causes severe diarrhea, dehydration, etc.

Their water also contains many other germs and bacteria that are bad to consume. Reliefweb explains, “less than 60% of people in South Sudan have access to clean water.� This number is similar to Flint, but instead of one small location, it is spread throughout the entire country.

In South Sudan, children cannot go to school because it is very time consuming to continuously retrieve water and then to clean/filter the water physically (without any machines and/or tools). They are in such a deep need of clean/non-contaminated water that they are willing to not attend school, especially of they are girls. If South Sudan had the privilege of clean water, these girls would attend school. Research shows that only 19.19% of women in South Sudan know how to read, while 34.84% of men know how to read. Again, people contend that there is a water crisis in Flint, but Flint has one of

the highest literacy rate in Michigan for both men and women.

All of the facts show that there is a water crisis in South Sudan. A crisis is a time of intense difficulty, trouble or danger. It also is the turning point of a disease, when an important change takes place, indicating either recovery or death (both definitions of crisis found in a dictionary). South Sudan fits both of the definitions. Also, the important change that indicated death was the war that occured in South Sudan, which caused all of the water in South Sudan to noticeably degenerate. South Sudan originally contained lucious, clean water, which did not contain a large portion of cholera. Currently, their water is awful. How would you react, and/or appreciate if all of the available clean water where you live, was taken away (mainly because of a war)? Citizens in South Sudan do not appreciate it, and are having a very difficult time to recover. They would appreciate if people traveled there to help them clean portions of their water and end the crisis that has currently taken place.

7

Publication INC.

K I D S S TA N D A R D

How Kids Standard Helped Me

Enjoying By: Alexa Davis, 5th grade, Stadium Drive Elementary, Lake Orion

I’m crEativity wellNess future Jobs writing mOre fun activitY love It Never stop Great at it

8

Publication INC.

By: Julia Donnelly , 4th grade, Paint Creek Elementary, Lake Orion

K

ids Standard helped me with writing. I used to not like writing, but now I love it! I couldn’t come up

with ideas, but now I can! Because of Kids Standard, I want to write stories every single day. This will help me with college, school, and later in life. I could even help other people if they struggle. Thank you for helping me!

My Ad for Kids Standard By: Dominic Mauti, 4th grade Stadium Drive Elementary, Lake Orion

Who: lots of people are in Kids Standard, including me!

How: Papers and computers.

What: An amazing writing club!

When: Once a week after school from 3:15pm to 4:15pm.

Where: Your School’s computer lab.

Why: It can help you become a better a writer and have fun doing it! Kid Standard taught me how to write better, and I had fun writing cool stories. I hope to come here next year to write more amazing stories and learn new things. I hope to be an author when I grow up, so this club is helping me a lot. www.KidsStandard.org

K I D S S TA N D A R D

What I learned By: Trevor Donnelly, 1s t grade, Paint Creek Elementary, Lake Orion

D

uring Kids Standard sessions, I learned about wellness, nonfiction, and how to do an outline and brainstorm ideas. It helped me learn how to write.

MY WRITING CLUB By: Alyssa Johnson, 4th grade, Paint Creek Elementary, Lake Orion

K

ids Standard helped me become a better writer.

I learned things about

writing that will definitely help me later in life. I learned about wellness, and I got to write about creative exertion. I have been writing for Kids Standard for a few months, and it helped me a lot. Thanks a lot, Kids Standard.

Kids Standard Works By: Zoey Davis, 3rd grade, Stadium Elementary School, Lake Orion

W

ow! I’ve learned and written so much in Kids Standard. I wrote about cheerleading, unicorns, and my singing. Kids Standard has really made me more creative, and my imagination grew. From the first story that I wrote, called Cheerleading, to this reflection, I have seen much improvement in how I approach writing.

MAY 2019

This club made me a better writer. I think I am now prepared for 4th grade and 5th grade, when I will write even longer essays.

I enrolled on this club to become a better writer, and it sure did work. I really enjoy coming to this club. If it is offered again next year, I would totally join. I absolutely recommend it to other kids, who are either struggling to write or feel really good about their writing but want to get more creative and try writing on different genres.

9

Publication INC.

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T

KIDS STANDARD PONTIAC YOUTH PROJECTS PAST

K

ids Standard partnered with Pontiac’s Public Schools, civil society, and local businesses during the 2018-19 school year to launch our 1st annual Project for Youth: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE. Students from Pontiac public schools learned from information specialists, historians, designers, engineers, teachers, and Oakland University students to understand the city’s rich history, complex contemporary climate, and envision futures for

PAST “Letter rcd.-Am having the best time of my life-great welcome reception. This is the clock I donated to the city next my bronze statue on top” J. Seligman

PRESENT

FUTURE

their city’s success.

Pontiac Youth projects began so that youth is of help to make a better community. We wanted youth to design their future by reflecting on the past and present. How do students see their own life progressing? What do they want for Pontiac? And what are they willing to do today to make these futures possible?

Pontiac students participating in the program were assigned to look into

GOVERNMENT

either the past, present, or future, and we helped guide them through the project’s many stages.

We asked students to do research around their topic, and then gather illustrations, documentation, references, and photographs to present to the public. Throughout Winter and Spring of 2019, our participants amazed their peers, family, and other community members with their presentations about their city!

SAGINAW ST. LOOKING SOUTH, 1870’s

Postcards and Pontiac History, By: Gottfried Brieger Retired Oakland University Professor

THE TROLLEY ARRIVES ca.1892

10

Publication INC.

GROVE HIGH SCHOOL

GM- OAKLAND CAR COMPANY

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T Pontiac’s History By: Ambriell Montgomery 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

Chief Pontiac, of the Odawa nation, was a man of power and strength, a man of peace, a man whose words was his bond. Chief Pontiac who lived from 1720 to 1769. Chief Pontiac was rugged, yet

municipality and county in the province in Quebec, Canada. One of the world's most popular automobile brands, also, bears the chief’s name.

The City of Pontiac also has a rich legacy of having a strong pioneering African American community. There are many Black firsts in Pontiac dating back to the 1800’s.

Pontiac By: Christina Stokes 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

charismatic; strong, but gentle; a warrior, as well as a diplomat.

It was Pontiac who united, for the first time, all the tribes in the Great Lakes region for a common cause: to resist those who were advancing on the Native American’s traditional lands.

Chief Pontiac led his people into the battles against the British. Their army won a battle in Detroit but lost the greater war against the British.

Today Michigan's Pontiac shares its name with cities in six other states: Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New York and Rhode Island. A lake in Oakland County is named for Pontiac. So are a

The first European- American settlers arrived in what is now the City of Pontiac in 1818.

Two years later the growing settlement was designated as the county seat for the new Oakland County.

In 1837, Pontiac first became a village, the same year that Michigan became a state.

The town had been named after the famous Odawa chief who had his headquarters in the area years before and until European-American invasion.

The city became the location of choice

for wool and grist mills which made use of the Clinton River as a power source.

With the coming of the railroad through the downtown area in 1844, Pontiac's progress and success were assured.

Pontiac’s Legacy and Honors By: Amary Brown 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools which were the basis of its economy and contributed to the wealth of the region.

In 1975, the city built the Pontiac Silverdome, the stadium that hosted the Detroit Lions of the National Football League from 1975 to 2001, when the team returned to Downtown Detroit at Ford Field. Super Bowl XVI was played at the Silverdome in 1982. After 2001, the stadium continued to be used for concerts and other events until it was taken down in 2017.

MAY 2019

11

Publication INC.

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T

AUTO Pontiac History: The Beginning of Car Manufacturing By: Odin Condon 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

General Motors purchases a half interest in Oakland Motor Car Co. on January 20, 1909. When its founder, Edward Murphy, passes, his company comes under the full control of General Motors. In 1932, the Oakland name is dropped from the vehicle line and Pontiac becomes the name of the division.

In 1909, the Oakland Motor Company joined General Motors and took its place alongside Buick and Oldsmobile.

In 1925 Oakland featured a new "companion car" at the New York Auto Show: “Pontiac, the Chief of the Sixes."

Considered as “aggressive and powerful" as its namesake, Chief Pontiac of the Odawa nation, it was a big hit at the show. Pontiac immediately captured 12

Publication INC.

the public’s favor, as Pontiac offered as many features as the high priced cars, yet cost little more than the least expensive lines.

In 1916, the company introduced a V8 engine, and production soared to 35,000 in 1917, shared with the Chevrolet Series.

The Oakland and Pontiac automobiles are a definite part of Michigan and American history.

Pontiac, Buick and Oldsmobile By: Nayeli Martinez 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

Pontiac was a car brand owned, made, and sold by General Motors. The Pontiac was made for GM’s more expensive line of cars, called “Oakland Automobiles.”

The assembly plant in Pontiac was in use from 1931 to 1941 and it produced Pontiac, Buick and Oldsmobile. During World War II, the plant was used to make tanks, guns, carriages, and antitank weapons.

As General Motors entered the 1920s, its highest ranked automobile was the affordable Chevrolet Marque. Then, it progressed upward in price, power, and luxury to Oakland, Oldsmobile, Buick and ultimately, Cadillac. By the mid-1920s, a sizable price gap existed www.KidsStandard.org

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T between Chevrolet and Oakland, as well as a wide gap between Oldsmobile and Buick.

Legacy of Pontiac By: Sincere Martin 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

The city achieved its widest reputation for its automobile manufacturing plants of the 20th century, which were the basis of its economy and contributed to the wealth of the region.

These included Fisher Body, Pontiac East Assembly (a.k.a. Truck & Coach/ Bus), which manufactured GMC products, and the Pontiac Motor Division.

In the city's heyday, this was the main site for automobile assembly plants where the famous Pontiac cars were produced, a brand that was named after the city. The Pontiac name was discontinued

by General Motors in 2010.

HISTORIC SITES History of Pontiac, Michigan Buildings By: Bryce Brown, Alex Cheng and Raymond Gutierrez 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

First Pontiac settlers came at 1818.

Pontiac got its name from a tribe leader named Pontiac. Pontiac is known for his strength and power.

Pontiac’s first school was built by settlers in 1822. It serviced all grade levels in a one-story wooden structure. As the population grew, two other brick schools MAY 2019

were built. One was on the corner of Auburn and Parke Street. The other one was on Williams and Pike Street. It was not until 1869 that the first public high school came to Pontiac. Before that, in 1845, a private school conducted by J.W. Crain and S. Gale was built. The first public school was called the Union School, located on Pike Street. The name changed to Pontiac High School in 1871, and later to Pontiac Central High School.

Settlers began Michigan’s oldest Baptist church in 1821, meeting in the schoolhouse and courthouse. By 1841, the Church had its own building in the town.

The Crofoot was built in 1830. The Crofoot is a ballroom where the 150th anniversary of Pontiac celebration was.

It´s also where private events happen.

The Myrick Palmer House was in Pontiac before it was called Pontiac. The brick house got its name from its owners, Frederick Myrick and Charles Palmer.

The house was built in the 1850’s.

Frederick Myrick was the original owner of the home, and his widow sold the house after he died.

Oakland Hill Cemetery was incorporated in 1902 by a group of descendants of Swedish immigrants. It was dedicated

by October 19, 1902. The first burial was on October 26, 1902.

The Pontiac Library is a building made out of brick and was built in 1898. The library is a good place for studying

or when you need silence. The library has many ongoing youth programs, like Slime instruction, zumba night, or even Lego and Roblox Club. They have adult and teen programs, too.

The Strand Theater was built out of brick in 1916. The Strand Theater was designed to have 900 luxury seats. From 1935 through 1976, thousands of people visited The Strand Theater to see movies. The building had a new owner from 1982 to 2002 and provided many features until it was vacated. In 2003, the building had new ownership and underwent renovations. On December 5, 2008 it reopened with a showing of “Beauty and the Beast.” The official grand re-opening was not until January 2009.

The Pontiac Silverdome, built in 1975, was the biggest stadium until Fedex Stadium was established in Memphis in 1997. It was mainly used by the Detroit Lions, and still holds a place in the hearts of the team’s fans. The building was torn down in 2006.

EDUCATION The History of Pontiac School District By: Dy’Iman Huling and Vanessa Veloz-Jimenez 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

The School District first opened its first school in 1891. The building was located on Pike Street, which is still standing but has been abandoned for many years. As the population increased due to the automobile industry, the school district expanded. The Pontiac School District once had twenty-eight elementary schools, five middle schools and two high schools. Over time, the population decreased as the automobile industry left Pontiac. Schools began to close, which left only five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.

Pontiac’s Black population had risen to nearly 30 percent in the late 1960’s and Black enrollment in the city’s schools doubled between 1957 and 1967. Early in 1969, Elbert L. Hatchett, then president 13

Publication INC.

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T of the Oakland County NAACP, filed suit in Federal Court complaining that Pontiac Schools were deliberately segregated. Schools were either 90 percent White or 90 percent Black. In February 1970, Judge Keith, having ruled that Pontiac’s school board “intentionally” perpetuated segregation, ordered the district to bus pupils to achieve integration by the following fall. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Keith’s decision. The Pontiac School Board then voted to appeal the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court, but agreed to implement a busing plan.

On a hot August evening in Pontiac in 1971, a few days before the start of a new school year, 10 school buses exploded in a ball of flames that lit up the night sky as well as the ugly side of a national controversy. The school term opened on time, despite damaged buses and the initial boycott by parents who resisted busing their children. School officials and PTA quietly worked to keep peace between warring groups.

ARTS & CULTURE Art & Music By: Jeremiah Gustafson, Makyla Southall and JaNae Bozeman 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

Pontiac was once a vibrant place, with a snazzy downtown, echoes of which can still be seen in some magnificent buildings along Saginaw Street.

Donna McKechnie Actor — dancer, singer, choreographer and author — was born in 1942 in Pontiac, Michigan.

She began ballet classes at age five. Her earliest influence was the classic British ballet film The Red Shoes (1948), which prompted her, at age eight, to plan a career as a ballerina. She studied for many years at the Rose Marie Floyd School of Dance in Royal Oak. She earned the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for this performance in 1976. She is also known for playing Amanda Harris/ Olivia Corey on the Gothic soap opera, Dark Shadows from 1969 to 1970.

Geri Allen is pianist, composer, 14

Publication INC.

Guggenheim Fellow, and educator who was born in Pontiac, Michigan. Geri Allen was addressed as one of the most accomplished pianists and educators of our time, Allen’s most recent position was as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.

Madonna was grew up in Pontiac in the 1960’s. Madonna is referred to as the "Queen of Pop,” and she is known for

pushing the boundaries of song-writing in mainstream popular music and for the imagery she uses onstage and in music videos. She has frequently reinvented her music and image while maintaining autonomy within the recording industry.

The Jones Brothers were three brothers who would go on to make such a significant impact on jazz music. The Jones brothers formed in our great city Pontiac they made their first album together in the year of 1958, although also performed individually.

Eldest brother, HANK JONES. Hank Jones was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer.

Critics and even fellow musicians described Hank Jones as an eloquent, lyrical, and impeccable musician. In 2008 he was awarded the National medal of Arts.

He was born on July 31, 1918 died on May 16, 2010.

Middle brother, THAD JONES. Thaddeus Joseph Jones was an American Jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader who has been called “one of the all-time greatest jazz trumpet soloists.”

Thad started to professionally make music at the young age of 16. Thad was born on March 28, 1923 died on August 20, 1986.

Youngest brother, ELVIN JONES. Elvin Jones was an American Jazz drummer of the post-bop era. He was a musician and bandleader. He performed and recorded with his own group, the Elvin Jones Jazz Machine. In 2001, Elvin was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music.

Elvin Ray Jones was born September 9, 1927 died on May 18, 2004.

www.KidsStandard.org

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T

PRESENT GOVERNMENT The Legislative Branch in Pontiac By: Ambriell Montgomery 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

The legislative branch is made up of the two houses of Congress—the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The most important duty of the legislative branch is to make laws.

Laws are written, discussed and voted on in Congress. There are 100 Senators in the U.S. Senate, two from each state.

Debbie Stabenow (Democrat) is a member of the U.S. Senate from Michigan. Stabenow was elected to the office in 2000. Stabenow began her political career in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she served from 1979 until her election to the State Senate in 1990. She served in the Senate until 1994 and was later elected to the U.S. House in 1996. Stabenow served in that position until her election to the U.S. Senate in 2000.

Gary C. Peters (b. December 1, 1958, in Pontiac, Mich.) is a Democratic member of the U.S. Senate representing Michigan. He was elected to the Senate in 2014. Peters was previously a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Michigan's 9th Congressional District.

Rosemary Bayer serves on the Michigan Senate for District 12. Bayer is a lifelong Michigander, and while growing up, MAY 2019

her parents instilled the value of hard work, integrity, and community service.

Inspired by their involvement in many public offices, including her father who served as the Mayor of New Baltimore, she assumed many leadership roles as a child and a young adult.

Brenda Carter serves on the Michigan House of Representatives for District 29. In 1998, Brenda moved to Pontiac where she immediately began working in her community. In 2003 Brenda programmed Pontiac Northern's robot for the International Championship Huskie Brigade Robotics Team (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology - F.I.R.S.T).

The City Council is the legislative branch of the City of Pontiac government.

It passes laws, investigates issues within the city, approves appointments made by the Mayor, controls the city’s payroll, and adopts the annual budget and appropriation ordinance.

It also addresses citizen concerns and complaints within districts.

The Executive Branch in Pontiac By: Amari Brown 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

The executive branch of government is in charge of making sure that laws are carried out. The President of the United States is the head of the executive branch. The President gets help from the Vice President, department heads, and heads of independent agencies.

A state governor's official duties include signing bills into law, serving as commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard and military forces, organizing special sessions of the state legislature, delivering a "state of the state"

address to citizens, granting commutations and pardons to prisoners and appointing. Gretchen Whitmer has served as the 49th governor of Michigan since January 2019.

A member of the Democratic Party, she was a Michigan State Representative from 2001 to 2006 and a Michigan State Senator from 2006 to 2015.

Traditionally, mayors oversee a city's main departments, including the police, fire, education, housing and transportation departments. At the same time, their responsibilities vary depending on the local power structure. On January 1, 2014, Dr. Deirdre Waterman was swornin as Mayor of the City of Pontiac, the first woman mayor in Pontiac’s history. In 2017, Mayor Waterman made history once again as the first mayor to earn a second term, indicating that Pontiac citizens believe in her vision for the future. As mayor, Waterman collaborates with others to solve some of the city’s most challenging issues.

Angela Powell is the current Commissioner of Pontiac. She was born and raised in Pontiac. She worked in the Michigan House of Representatives

15

Publication INC.

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T as a Community Organizer and was Community and Political Director at the Oakland County Democratic Party.

Powell was the first African American woman to hold that position. One of Angela Powell’s most important responsibilities to the Board of Commissioners is to create an annual budget plan and work program.

Government Agencies By: De’onnie Peoples 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

The police are organized to enforce the law, to protect the lives and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and disorder. There are many training programs for the law enforcement to ensure the quality of their work.

Pontiac is protected by the Oakland County Sheriff's Department, and Waterford Fire Department personnel are posted at stations across the city.

The Oakland County Water Resource Commission manages and supplies the city's water, waste water and sewage treatment facilities for all residents who have city-supplied water. Many homes on the northern edge of the city rely on well water.

A fire department may provide fire protection or fire prevention services, when firefighters visit homes, give fire safety advice and fit smoke alarms for members of the public. Fire departments, also, employ fire investigators to look into building fires.

Post offices offer mail-related services such as acceptance of letters and parcels; provision of post office boxes; and sale of postage stamps, packaging and stationery; and a public notary.

TECHNOLOGY Today’s Technology By: Bryce Brown, Alex Cheng, Raymond Gutierrez, and Amarion Rippy 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

Technology has been in Pontiac since the Native Americans. The first form of 16

Publication INC.

technology Pontiac was famous for was the car. Now we have things like video game consoles.

DM3D (DM) is an international engineering company. The DM makes tools for other engineers. DM3D was created

founded in 1994 by Gray Elliott and Paul Wood. Today, the owners are David Morgan and Andy Downey. They are a carpentry studio and sell drawers and cabinets throughout southeast Michigan.

They use many machines to work with wood and make usable, smooth furniture.

The DASI is a 3D printing company that helps engineers and designers make more collaborative projects with 3D technologies.

In conclusion, Pontiac has a vast variety of technology: from building, to cars, and digital technology. We should appreciate our city’s role in the advancement of technology.

AUTO Diversity at General Motors By: Christina Stokes 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

20 years ago by Dr. Jyoti Mazumder.

The company creates things using 3D printing. 3D printing works by taking an object slicing it into thousands of layers, then building it from the ground up, layer by layer.

Radio, Knobs, Speakers, and Things (RKST) opened up in 1978 in Pontiac, and is still open. Today they have the wide selection of technology, car parts, books, and many other items. They guarantee satisfaction!

The International Technology Academy has many different types of everyday technology, like, Toshiba, Promethean (“smart”) boards, Windows PC, and HP Chromebook. Students use the Chromebooks to work on projects, check our grades, play, and go on educational websites.

General Motors has been here in Pontiac for over one hundred years. GM says they are a leader in a new transformation, one that will create a safer and smarter world.

The Elliott Wood Workshop was

GM has been at the forefront of worldchanging innovation for over 100 years.

At General Motors, they believe in diversity is crucial to their success; it creates a stronger workforce and promotes fresh, innovative thinking. “Diversity is all about the pipeline. And it’s not just about gender, but about all forms of diversity,” said Mary Barra, GM Chairman and CEO. “At GM, when we search for executive candidates, they require a diverse slate. If we find that a position has no diverse candidate, I ask the question, ‘What are we doing so that three years from now there will be a diverse candidate to consider?’”

General Motors has established policies, developed programs and set statistical benchmarks to reach greater gender equality and diverse representation.

General Motors was the first — and remains the only — automaker to be led by a female CEO. GM is one of only two Fortune 500 companies with women in the positions of CEO and CFO, and six of the 13 members of our board of directors are women. General Motors women are leading the company’s transformation to win in the core automotive business and the future of personal mobility. www.KidsStandard.org

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T About Pontiac By: Nayeli Martinez 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

The Pontiac car brand was manufactured by General Motors until 2009.

The brand was already well-established in the car business, with lots of Pontiac sports cars and classic cars, and many other popular automobiles.

GM was one of the biggest companies in Pontiac. Now, many workers have electricity-related jobs that are used in electric cars. These cars pollute our environment less than gas cars and are better for our future.

Auto suppliers in Pontiac invest dollars for new manufacturing in Pontiac.

They think it could bring more people and companies back to Pontiac.

three phases. The timeline for opening is dependent on the funding, Dye said.

From 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 27, the public will have their first chance to see the inside of the new museum and hear about the team’s vision for its future during a fundraiser kick-off. The event is free and will feature several historic vehicles on display, including: 1908, The Pontiac; 1914, Carter Car; 1940, GMC Pickup.

ARTS & CULTURE Art/Music/Culture, By: Don Hawkins, Makayla, Quajane and G 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

The Goldner Walsh Garden & Home, located in the historic district of Pontiac, is a full-service landscape design-build company with a full-service floral department, garden center, tropical greenhouse and 9 ½ acre garden plant nursery. They are nationally known for the highest quality and unique plant mate-

The Woodward Dream Cruise event is a classic car event held annually on the third Saturday of August in Metropolitan Detroit, along Woodward Avenue. The Dream Cruise is a major event that began in the early 20th century. The Woodward Dream Cruise started in July 29th 2015. It starts in Ferndale, and goes up to Pontiac, and back — about 10 miles each way.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing about 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe. Spectators can see muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles dating across several decades.

rial, award-winning landscape services, experienced staff, exquisite garden accents and floral design. They are actively supportive of the local community and the arts. They host many events from book signings, cultural events, dinners, art openings and weddings. We had fun visiting their place.

As a centerpiece for the rejuvenation of Downtown Pontiac, The Strand is a historic and vibrant entertainment and education center. The Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts will be metro-Detroit’s premier destination for live entertainment, education and the performing arts. Ideally designed with 900 luxury seats, the Flagstar Strand will provide an extraordinary experience

Woodward Dream Cruise By: Odin Condon

The Pontiac Transportation Museum By: Sincere Terry 5th Grade, Pontiac Schools

The Pontiac Transportation Museum, currently under construction at the old Crofoot School at 250 West Pike St., will be an expansion of the world’s largest collection of Pontiac automotive historical materials and memorabilia. The museum will feature vehicle display galleries with 75 Pontiac-built cars, trucks, motorcycles, military vehicles and more.

A theater, art gallery, restoration space and research library are also planned for the Museum. The first phase of the 55,000 square-foot museum will open in 2019. Tim Dye, executive director of the Museum, has been collecting materials and information on all 37 automotive companies and 53 brands to come out of Pontiac since he was a teenager.

When he ran out of space at his home, Dye opened the first Pontiac-Oakland Museum in 2011. That location sees about 20,000 visitors each year. About $1.2 million has already been put into the building for restoration work. The museum’s team is now looking to raise another $3.5 million to finish renovations and set up the space, which will open in MAY 2019

17

Publication INC.

P O N T I AC Y O U T H P R O J E C T from every seat with intimate sight lines, warm acoustics, comfort, style and convenience.

The PLAT (Pontiac’s Little Art Theatre) was born in 1868. This 3 story building is listed in Pontiac’s historical records as “the TURK building.” The TURK was a local grocery and dry goods store. The business survived 41 years until its last record in 1909. The interior of the PLAT has been kept as close to its original look as possible, to bring the feel and effect of being in such an historical building. Hundredyear-old, 8-foot wooden doors welcome visitors. The new owners of PLAT made it to be a theatrical performance venue after hearing the needs of people in Pontiac. The vision has blossomed into a 100+ seat intimate theater setting mainly for performance art. There is a a small permanent stage and an open floor plan. The beauty of this concept is the ability for the PLAT to be utilized in many different ways.

Finally, the Pontiac Arts & Culture Crawl celebrates 200 Years of Pontiac culture and our current arts renaissance! There was live music, artist exhibits, pop-up galleries, concerts in the park, historical exhibits for Pontiac’s bicentennial, interactive arts experiences, and so much more.

It was on Friday, May 4 from 5pm10pm in Downtown Pontiac.

18

Publication INC.

www.KidsStandard.org

the summer-long Red Oaks Waterpark 1455 E. Thirteen Mile Road Madison Heights

Waterford Oaks Waterpark 1702 Scott Lake Road Waterford

Open June 7

Season passes available Visit OaklandCountyParks.com

Make Golf

Family Time Junior golfers, 17 and under, can play at Oakland County Parks and Recreation’s five golf courses for $5 for 9 holes or $10 for 18 holes and ride free on a cart with a paid adult.

Learn the game Youth Golf Lessons The First Tee of Greater Detroit Tuesdays, July 9-Aug. 13 10-11 a.m. at Red Oaks Golf Course Ages 7-14. $50 TheFirstTeeGreaterDetroit.org/register

MAY 2019

Red Oaks Golf Course 29600 John R Rd. Madison Heights

19

Publication INC.

Visit flipspotgym.com for more info "Bring in this ad to save $10.00 off first month's tuition for new students."

CLARKSTON FOUNDATION

Supporting the Students & Staff of Clarkston Community School http://bit.ly/Cfoundation

20

Publication INC.

www.KidsStandard.org

FUTURE

Dancer T By: Alyssa Johnson,

4th grade, Paint Creek Elementary, Lake Orion

here are so many professions awaiting you when you grow up. It is often hard to decide which one fits you best. When I grow up, i want to be a dancer.

I want to be a dancer on Broadway, to be in a musical, and to dance in

I Want to Be a Photographer

different places all over the world.

The person who inspires me is Misty Copeland. I want to be on Broadway like her and wear pointe shoes.

I do ballet class, but I am not on pointe yet. But I try my hardest. I want to be in Nutcracker one day.

By: Julia Donnelly, 4th grade, Paint Creek Elementary, Lake Orion

T

here are many ideas about what I want to be when I grow up, but as of right now, I want to be a photographer. I want to take pictures of all of the National Parks in the world, which are 6,555, and then nature and animals. I’d like to take pictures of underwater creatures and other cool stuff under water.

I’d like to be a photographer because I will make good money.

And when I travel to all of the places I would like to capture in my work, I will learn more things and put those things down in a journal so other people can learn those things, too. For example, I can learn languages, different cultures, different people, different animals, and different foods. It would also be pretty fun!

MAY 2019

21

Publication INC.

Dear Mom & Dad, Let’s start a savings account for my first car!

Invest in your child’s future.

Our youth accounts provide the tools and resources for their bright financial future.

Open a youth account today! msufcu.org • 248-364-4708

Federally insured

by NCUA

$

COUPON Show this coupon for your initial deposit to open an account!

Not redeemable for cash. This coupon is valid only for students in Oakland County schools. Limit of one coupon per member. Promotion coupon expires 6/30/19.

How to Play: Compare both pictures and find 5 differences between them and then use those differences to solve the puns below!

Spot The Differences: Pun Edition Ouch!

What's...

A loan: When a credit union or bank lends you money and now you have to pay them back.

A grace period: If an emergency comes up and you now can't pay your bill on time, you're given extra days to pay.

Insurance: If something bad happens to your car or house, you'll be able to cover the cost of repairs through your insurance.

A credit score: A score someone is given to let others know how good they are with paying things back.

Ruff

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Truth told, loans need to be paid back Owning a car ain't easy if you've got your head in the .

A grace period serves as an extra of time for your loan payment Missing loan payments can your credit score Having a high interest rate can be pretty .

PA R E N T ’ S C O R N E R

Michigan Youth Projects themselves and shoot for the stars. With that in mind, this was my passion and commitment to these children. We were excited to have our youth involved and engaged with Civil Society and organizations to support our cause.

In order to impact the community, we need to start with youth. That is exactly what we are doing! We invite you to participate in this program and look forward to partnering with each of you individually or through your foundation on this exciting program.

Maggie Razdar Publisher/Founder

T

he mission of KIDS Standard is empowering kids to read, research, learn, and write while fostering 21st century skills, such as creativity, critical thinking and problem solving so they can impact their own lives as well as the lives of their communities.

Michigan Youth PRESENT, FUTURE

Project:

PAST,

We invite all public and charter schools in Michigan to join us in Michigan Youth Project: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE. This year, we piloted this project in Pontiac, Michigan, through Pontiac Youth Project. Pontiac Youth Project helped students thrive to be better versions of

MAY 2019

The goal

Our goal is to showcase kids in their community. We want to help them understand that they matter and capable of making a difference in their community’s future. We want their perspectives, and we value their input. Youth will be empowered by helping their community become a better place to live.

We want kids to design the future, in which they want to live. Then they’ll need to determine what they would have to do to make this happen.

We launched a pilot program in Pontiac Schools to come up with a group project that shows what Pontiac will look like in the future. The process was rewarding and humbling.

Students learned about the past struggle and triumph, we well as what is presently available and exists in their city.

Designing “futures” was so much fun for everyone. We learned a lot about our students’ desires and creativity.

We are looking forward to starting this project in September, 2019 in all interested schools in Michigan. Every school will work on Past, Present, and Future of the community, and then students will present their finding and designs on stage.

Each project has different stages and multiple components. This is a crosscurricular approach that includes art, science, language arts, math, and history

connections. Think about the connection between families, education, environment, government, culture, city, etc.; they all play a significant role in planning.

We want not only kids learn about the rich history of their city. Through researching and then documenting each phase, students will learn about the legacy, triumphs and struggles. They will practice summarizing and presenting front of the group. In this process the students learn researching, critical reading, writing narrative/journal notes, taking pictures, and interacting with members of their communities to learn about their localities.

Each group will work with mentors and volunteers from different corporations, local companies, city government, and more.

Outcomes

• Proficiency in critical reading, writing, and researching.

• Parents will be more involved!

• The community collaboration will strengthen.

• Students confidence and vision will grow, as they learn to dream big. So, this is beyond literacy and utilizing 21st century skills!

By the end of the Project for Youth, not only will students have a better understanding of their community but they will also feel invested in its future as they gain skills for effective research, discussion, and ideation. In the process, students will form lasting relationships with their mentors/influencers, acting as their role models, and develop interests that they want to pursue in the future.

Students will meet local officials, build relationships, and make a positive difference in their communities.

We invite you to attend our event program and look forward to partnering with you on these exciting programs!

23

Publication INC.