DATELINE
Lamphere
The Lamphere Schools Educating for Excellence
NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN •
JANUARY 2014
A Message from the Superintendent The holiday season is upon us, and it is a time when our students are excited and looking forward to a break from school, seasonal family traditions, and time to be with family and friends. This is also a time for reflection. It is a time when we tend to think about those things that we are most grateful for and those things that we value most – family, friends, the people we work with, and the community we work within. As I reflect upon my career in Lamphere, I am reminded of what an incredible community and school district this is. It is certainly with mixed emotions that I am retiring at the end of December. Although it will be exciting to pursue other interests and be able to spend more time with family, it is difficult to leave the wonderful people who make up the Lamphere family. Lamphere is a community that cares about, and supports its schools. We have parent and community groups that rally around our students to help ensure their success in school and in life. We have excellent
and capable students who make us very proud of their accomplishments. Lamphere also has dedicated and inspiring employees and a board of education who work together to provide our students with the best educational opportunities available. I feel blessed and honored to have been a part of Lamphere, and to have met and worked with so many exceptional people. The Board of Education interviewed and selected Mr. Dale Steen to serve as the new Superintendent of Schools effective January 1, 2014. I am certain he will be a tremendous leader for the Lamphere students and community. Mr. Steen has worked for this district for almost sixteen years as a science teacher, technology instructor, Director of Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, and finally as Assistant Superintendent. His background in curriculum, instruction, assessment and technology will help the district become even stronger academically. Mr. Steen is a dedicated professional who will always make good and sound decisions because he
will keep the needs of our students, staff and community first and foremost in his decision-making. Going forward, it is my greatest wish that The Lamphere Schools remain an outstanding place to raise a family and for children to gain an excellent education. To that end, thank you for your continued support and dedication to our children and the community. On behalf of the Lamphere Board of Education and the entire Lamphere staff, I extend our sincerest wishes for good health, happiness, peace, and good fortune as we ring in the New Year! Sincerely, Dr. Marsha Pando
Thank you for your support
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For the sixth time the Friends of Madison Heights Youth, a civic organization whose goal is to provide positive opportunities for the youth of the city, has donated $10,000 to the Lamphere Scholarship Fund providing opportunities for Lamphere students to continue their education beyond high school. This brings the total donation from our “Friends” to $60,000.
Lamphere Schools teamed up with the Madison Heights BEST BUY to provide this year’s Summer Reading Challenge winners with a $100 shopping spree and the opportunity to shop till they dropped.
The Masters Restaurant generously donates the proceeds of it’s annual golf outing in support of our Summer Reading program. Their donations provide materials and the prize incentives every year.
Sam’s Club Warehouse manager Jim Thoma surprised 20 teachers on Halloween with $50 gift cards thanking them for the work they do everyday with students.
NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
Edmonson Elementary Tutor Time at Edmonson Edmonson Elementary - “Way to go! I like how well you read that today. Let’s try that page again,” are just a few of the statements heard daily in our hallways due to the studentto-student tutoring program at Edmonson Elementary. Students in Kindergarten through third grade are tutored by our students in the fourth and fifth grades. It is exciting to note the powerful experience student tutors receive as they note their student tutees improving in skills ranging from letter recognition, sound/ symbol relationships, and learning sight words to oral reading fluency and comprehension. As fourth and fifth graders assist the younger students at Edmonson in reading and other literacy-based skills, they know they are making a meaningful contribution to their school family members. “Decades of research have established that well-planned peer tutoring programs can improve student achievement and self-esteem as well as overall school climate.” (Greenwood, Carta, and Hall 1988) Each day beginning as soon as the instructional bell rings at 8:35 A.M., the first floor hallway is filled with fifth graders using resources provided by their cooperating teacher, Maggie Blachford, to help Kindergartners practice important literacy skills. Fifth grader, Parker Zielinski, shares that it is one of the favorite parts of his day. “I look forward to working with my Kindergarten buddies and watching them get better at learning their letters and sounds everyday!” Kindergarten teacher, Maggie Blachford, had
this vision of students helping students two years ago when she realized what an invaluable resource our upper grade students could be to her Kindergartners. Working cooperatively with Fifth Grade teachers, a schedule is made, materials are prepared, students are matched up, and the learning begins. Fifth grade teacher, Megan Steusloff, shares the benefits for the fifth graders as well. “Our fifth graders being Kindergarten helpers is an amazing opportunity. It builds confidence, gives Fifth grader, Finnegan Connelly, tutors Kindergarten student, Jayden Rayner. “Great encouragement comes from the mind,” shares Finnegan, student tutor. them a chance to develop leadership skills, and in a year filled with growth and buddies. Patience and encouragement are reflection, it allows them to see first-hand keys to working with younger students as what an impact they can have in this world!” stated by fifth grader, Finnegan Connelly. Steusloff shares that her fifth graders truly “They are fun to work with, and it is really enjoy their jobs. important to let them know what a great job they are doing.” Also assisting younger students succeed, are our fourth graders. Students in Carrie Kluczyk Blachford shares the importance of the and Bozenna Johnson’s fourth grade classes tutoring at Edmonson and how it provides have scheduled times where they read to all participating students the opportunity to students in Laurie Petts’ Kindergarten, along develop their own literacy skills. “It is amazing with Denise Jackson and Leslie Harrell’s first to see the dedication of the Fourth and Fifth grade classes. Fourth graders get incredible Graders. This one on one time really helps our fluency practice as they read to their Reading students on their way to becoming readers!”
Grade Level Openings for 2nd Semester 2013/2014: Kindergarten - 0, 1st Grade - 20, 2nd Grade -21, 3rd Grade - 12, 4th Grade - 25, 5th Grade - 21, 6th Grade - 9
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Hiller Elementary Future Medical Professionals? Hiller Elementary - Fourth and fifth graders, in Mrs. Peters’ combination class at Hiller Elementary, are preparing for a career in the medical field. They began by learning about plant and animal cells, moving on to how cells work together to create tissue, tissue makes up organs, and organs make up organ systems. At this point, these 5th grade medical students had to make a decision about what to specialize in. Would they choose to become a cardiologist, neurologist, pulmonologist, orthopedic surgeon, gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist? They declared their majors, and the work really began! Each student studied their organ system independently, learning the function and process of the organ system, as well as problems that could affect it. The med-school students were diligent in their studies, as they knew that they could not go on to practice medicine, unless they passed the board exams. Of course, the only way to pass the board exams, was to get 100% correct. After much hard work and serious studying, all of the fifth graders passed the boards. In the meantime, Peters had written a letter to local hospitals, asking for donations of medical supplies, which could help enhance her students’ understanding. Several hospitals sent donations of supplies, increasing the students’ excitement about the project. When Wendy Herzog, nurse educator at the DMC Surgery Hospital read the letter she gathered supplies and made a surprise visit to Hiller. The fifth grade doctors were beyond excited to learn from Nurse Wendy about the many supplies that she had brought. Now they had all of the equipment that they needed to start seeing patients, but they weren’t ready, not just yet. Passing the boards was a huge feat for these fifth graders, but it was only the beginning of their journey. While doctors specialize in one area, they must know about the other organ systems as well. The next step was preparing for, and presenting, at Grand Rounds. During grand rounds, each doctor presented to their team of doctors about their organ system. Gastroenterologists taught about the digestive system, pulmonologists taught about the respiratory system, cardiologists taught about the circulatory system, infectious disease specialists taught about the immune system, neurologists taught about the immune system, and orthopedic surgeons taught about the muscular skeletal system. After learning from their fellow doctors, the students had a short 4
time to prepare for the Physiology Exam, the final test that they would take before they could open their practice, and start seeing patients. On a November morning, at Hiller Elementary School, Peters’ 5th graders made history as they opened the first “Hiller Hospital”. Several “patients” arrived with varying ailments, from strep throat, to diabetes. It was the fifth grade Fourth and fifth grade students in Lisa Peters class at Hiller were invited to tour the doctors’ job to ask the right DMC Surgery Hospital in Madison Heights by Wendy Herzog, nurse educator at DMC. questions, in order to diagnose where the students were able to get a glimpse their patients. The doctors really at what an operating room looks like during a knew their stuff and were even able to diagnose surgery. Lamphere Superintendent Dr. Pando with mononeucleosis, and retired art teacher, Criag Both the fourth, and fifth grade students in Mrs. Hinshaw with pneumonia. Peters’ class now have goals and aspirations of working in the medical field someday. “And I know that they all can do it,” says Mrs.Peters “they are an amazing group of learners who give their very best each day. They may struggle at times, but they always persevere. Whatever they dream, they can be.” We can all rest assured that we will be well cared for in years to come, by Hiller Hospitals team of future doctors.
Dr. Pando explains her symptoms during a visit to Hiller Hospital as her doctor and nurses diagnose her condition.
Nurse Wendy, from DMC Surgery Hospital, showedas a patient to the Hiller Hospital as well. After being diagnosed with a stroke and given a solid treatment plan, Nurse Wendy invited the whole class to the hospital for a tour. The hospital tour consisted of three main areas, with an interactive learning experience at each. In the radiology department, the students learned about ultrasound and were able to find, listen to, and see their heartbeat using the machine. They also had the opportunity to go through a cat-scan and analyze the results of an actual scan. In the patient recovery rooms, students tried their hands at taking blood pressure, temperature, and pulse-ox. They also had a chance to try out some of the machines used to rehabilitate patients with joint replacements. Finally, in the bio-skills lab, the students got to work with doctors and medical students using the laparoscopic tools that the doctors use to practice and prepare for surgery. The tour finished up with a pizza lunch, and finally, a tour through the operating room area of the hospital,
In these photos, (above and below) Hiller students learn how doctors and nurses use various equipment to help patients at the DMC Surgery Hospital
NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
Hiller Elementary Hiller Kindergartners Embark on an Apple Adventure Hiller Elementary - The Kindergartners at Hiller learned about apples in a “sweet” way! They started their journey of learning about apples by observing them and noticing things about their shape, size, color, and texture. They also compared different types of apples and the difference between their shape, size, color and texture. The students spent time sorting the apples in many different ways. Next, they counted the total number of apples that they had as a whole, and how many fell into different categories such as the number that all had the same color. The Kindergartners were full of excitement when they got to sort the apples in many different ways, and compare how the different kinds of apples were the same and different from each other. The students also were able to measure items in the classroom using the apples as their measuring tool. Many were surprised at how many apples it actually took to equal the size of the items that they were measuring in the classroom.
the green apple. One student said, “It made me feel special when we got to taste the apples and tell which one we liked best”.
The next part of the lesson gave the Kindergartners an opportunity to help make applesauce in the classroom. They helped to prepare the apples and were able to observe how to make homemade applesauce. This was a first experience for many of our Kindergartners at Hiller and one they will not forget! They Kindergarten students sort apples by color and size. had to wait for the are taught on this special day about apples, applesauce to cook and the students love every moment of it,” for a little while so they did an said Skipinski. “The students get to experience interactive writing activity while many different things that they may never they were waiting. They wrote have done before such as making applesauce, about how to make applesauce tasting a variety of apples, measuring objects from their own perspective. Their using apples as a measuring tool, and graphing writing captured how to make information about apples”. applesauce in a very creative way! Overall our Kindergartners had a super “sweet” day filled with wonderful learning adventures As a final ending to their about apples in the classroom. It is certainly a “sweet” apple adventure the day that they will not forget. A Kindergarten Kindergartners were able to student summed up the day well by saying, paint on apples and use them “Apple day was awesome!” as stamps on paper to create an art piece. They were able to see that not only could apples be used in math, science, reading and writing, but also in Students peel apples as they prepare to make applesauce in the classroom. art. The students enjoyed stamping their paper with the apple art and After spending time determining all of the shared their final products with ways that they could categorize the different the class. apples the Kindergartners moved on to another “sweet” part about the lesson. They Sarah Skipinski, a Hiller were able to taste them! After getting an Kindergarten teacher, shared opportunity to taste the different types of that she loves the apple lessons apples they were given a chance to decide that she teaches to her students which type of apple they liked the best. Once because they cover teaching everyone had a chance to share their opinion students about math, reading, the Kindergartners graphed their favorite writing, science and art. “So type of apple. They were excited to see which many of the content areas and type of apple was the favorite among the Students used apples to measure a variety of objects in their classroom. Here a Common Core State Standards Kindergartners and they discovered it was student finds it takes 18 appls to equal the length of the giant stuffed teddy bear.
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Lessenger Elementary Lessenger 5th Graders Learning their Library! Lessenger Elementary - Library learning has never been so interesting! Just ask the fifth graders at Lessenger, who look forward to their library “positions” every week! Instead of having students learn about the organization of a library by using lots of worksheets, Media Teacher, Lisa Haubert, created “jobs” for her fifth graders to do. The students now run the library! In combining both aspects of a public library and a school media center, Haubert has created five positions. They are Circulation Clerk, Reference Librarian, Page, Media Specialists, and Patrons. When Haubert first started introducing the fifth graders to these new words, most students did not know what a “Patron” was. Many students thought that they were “patriots” in the library. There are five scheduled Pages each week. Pages have learned how to shelve the books in the library which helps them understand the organization of the library. It has also taught them how to read a spine label on a book, and to comprehend what that means. Circulation Clerks, working under the guidance of Tina Pickering, (media clerk) learn how to check books in and check them out for their class. This tends to be a favorite job among the students! Reference Librarians help other students find books either using the online catalog or going right to the shelves. Media Specialists are the teacher librarians. They
monitor behavior, call tables to check out, and pass out bookmarks for the readers. Patrons are welcome to enjoy the library. They are able to do puzzles, read books on the couch or enjoy a magazine article as they lounge in the cozy chairs. And the students have learned that if they are assigned a Resourceful fifth graders working the media center job, they won’t be curve working in the library was for the fifth doing any of these graders. “Working in the library is as close to leisure activities that week. real-life as we can get in school,” says Haubert. “I enjoy seeing all of the learning happening Mrs. Haubert created these positions last year when the students run the library. The more we after taking a Brain-based Research class that teachers do for our students, the less they learn.” emphasized the importance of experiencing lessons in school for learning to take place in Fifth-grader, Jamie McArthur, describes Media their long-term memory. Students could easily Class. “It’s really interesting and fun to work our learn a lesson from handouts, but their learning way through the library.” was stored in their short-term memory which means it also gets lost as new information is Hayden Howell, fifth grader, says, “It is an stored there. When students “work” in the exciting and fun moment for getting me ready media center, they have a deeper understanding for jobs in the next upcoming few years.” of the library and that library learning gets stored in their long-term memory. It’s interesting and exciting having our students really own their Lessenger library! Mrs. Haubert realized what a huge learning
Matthews Hargreaves Supports Lamphere Scholarship Fund Matthews Hargreaves Chevrolet will make a donation to the Lamphere Scholarship Fund for every vehicle purchased or leased now through March 31, 2014. For this promotion you MUST make an appointment with Ms. A’Ashahla Ali at Matthews Hargreaves Chevrolet. This offer is available for any Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle sold through Ms. Ali. Contact Ms. Ali today - Phone: (248) 336-1414 Email: msali@mhchevy.com
Special Offer
With the purchase or lease of a 2014 vehicle through this program, present this coupon to receive a free 2 year maintenance program. Coupon cannot be combined with any other special programs and must be presented to receive offer. Offer expires March 31, 2014 6
Wingstop Wednesdays benefitting the Lamphere Scholarship Fund will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the following dates: January 8 February 12 March 12 April 9 May 14 June 11
10% of your purchases will be donated to the Lamphere Scholarship Fund. Stop in for dinner or a snack and help support Lamphere students.
Wingstop
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NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
How Much Do Lessenger Parents Love Math? Let Us “COUNT” the Ways! Lessenger Elementary - Back in November, first grade teachers, Cristina Abbott, Annie Schley, and Cindy Woodrow, were talking about ways to help reinforce student learning about numbers and their values. According to Cristina, “We spend a lot of time teaching and learning math in first grade. The foundation for understanding many mathematical concepts is to have a deep connection and understanding of numbers and their values.” As the teachers met about different ways to help their students deepen their understanding about numbers, Cindy Woodrow and math coach, Sarah Campbell came upon an idea. “We wanted to invite parents to a meeting at the end of the day and share with them some information about the importance of number sense, and also to share fun games and other learning activities that can reinforce skills their children are learning at school.” An invitation went out and many parents attended the initial math workshop for parents. At the meeting, Sarah Campbell and Cindy Woodrow went over a variety of inexpensive games and ideas that parents could do WITH their children at home. Math tools and math games were given to parents and instructions were included for each game. Parents learned how to play the games, and more importantly, what skills those games reinforced. Parents were excited to learn about some of the math workshops and discoveries their children were making at school and excited to connect to them at home. According to one parent, Rebecca Crouch, “I learned so much about the way my daughter is learning math!” If parents wanted the information, but were unable to attend, they requested the materials and information and they were sent home. Annie Schley mentioned that several parents stopped her to say they were “excited to go through the packets and play the games with their children at home. Some mentioned playing with younger siblings as well!” We are looking forward to hosting more math workshops for first grade parents. All three classroom teachers agreed that we are so fortunate at Lessenger to have positive, involved parents who are excited to learn how to support their children’s mathematical learning in first grade!
Stories in Spanish at Simonds
Third graders Destiny Lamberger as Superestrella and Nicholas Borowski as Doctor How.
Simonds Elementary - Superestrella duerme en el teléfono. El doctor malo que se llama Doctor How llama por teléfono. El teléfono suena. Superestrella se despierta. Está furiosa. Agarra el teléfono y ¡rompe el teléfono! ¡Qué problema! 1 No, no, no, that’s not what happened.
La niña que se llama Dora duerme en el teléfono. El teléfono suena. Dora se despierta. Dora no está contenta. Pero la gatita que se llama Meowey Cyrus no se despierta. La gatita duerme.2 Wait, what just happened? This: third and fourth grade students at Simonds have been listening to stories told entirely in Spanish, and understanding them. And not just listening. The students show they understand by participating in several important ways. First, student volunteers serve as actors to dramatize every part of the story. Actress Abigail Herrell, third grader, said, “It was fun for me because I was one of my favorite animals and that was a cat.” Fourth grader Charlie Marson said, “The acting really helps. I’m able to understand it really well.” Second, students contribute important details. “I’m not telling, I’m asking a story, because I ask the students for the details,” said Spanish teacher Señora Witkowski, “That’s why each story is different.” Third grader Abby Komarowski said, “It’s exciting because sometimes when you
don’t expect something, it just pops up and it makes it more fun.” Finally, Señora Witkowski pauses frequently for comprehension checks. “Wait, where is she sleeping? Who woke her up? She did what to the phone?!” Storyasking is one part of a language learning method called Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling, or TPRS. The method is based on research showing how the brain learns language. The goal is for students to hear and understand the target words over and over, in context, and in a way that’s interesting. “That’s how real language acquisition works,” said Señora Witkowski. Teaching vocabulary in context also allows for differentiation in the language classroom. While some students are working on recognizing the high-frequency word wall words, others are picking up on the bonus words surrounding them. Third grader Hunter Thompson said, “It was funny but also Señora Witkowski used a lot of Spanish words I’d never heard before. That’s good because I can start learning different Spanish words and not just the words on the word wall.” In an informal poll, students overwhelmingly preferred TPRS to traditional methods of language learning. “It teaches you Spanish and it also is fun,” said fourth grader Harley Angus. Third grader Michael Lentz had one word to describe his Spanish class: “Hilarious.”
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Simonds Elementary What are your thoughts in Kindergarten? Simonds Elementary - What are your thoughts? This question is explored in the Visible Thinking Routine, “See, Think, Wonder.” At Simonds Elementary, Lori Davis’ Kindergarten students were shown several patriotic symbols. Laura Bertling, Lamphere’s Elementary Reading Coach, assisted students in making their thinking visible by asking them what they SEE, what they THINK, and what they WONDER. Student thinking was recorded on sticky notes and added to the classroom bulletin board.
Students sharing their thinking
See-Think-Wonder bulletin board
Capturing students’ thinking on Post-Its.
Making thinking visible ~ drawing their thinking
Our students are beginning to understand what thinking is and the power that it has. It’s amazing!
Does Matter Really Matter? Simonds Elementary - First Grade thinks matter, matters!
experiment Cameron Boyd said, “I love how the solid and the liquid created a fizzy explosion.”
Sue Culver’s and Theresa Farneti’s first grade students at Simonds Elementary take time to celebrate their science studies on the topic of The Three States of Matter by having some fun with solids, liquids, and gases.
They also set up an experiment to see what would happen if liquid fruit drink was placed in the freezer overnight. Several student scientists predicted one of three possibilities: the test would result in getting a really cold drink, a slushy mixture of ice and fruit drink, and others thought it would make a solid popsicle. Much to their delight everyone enjoyed a solid frozen fruit snack at the end of the experiment!
Students had the opportunity to witness a gas “explosion” that was created by mixing liquid Coke with solid Mentos. Right after the
We combined Mentos candies (solid) with a two liter of Diet Coke (liquid) to create a gas.
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What an explosion! Our experiment really worked.
Ms. Farneti’s class is enjoying their tasty frozen juice science experiment.
Science is delicious!
NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
Simonds Elementary What’s Poppin’ in 2nd Grade? Simonds Elementary - For the past few weeks, the 2nd grade has been primarily focused on properties of matter. We have been studying and learning through inquiry and interactive experiments that promote kinesthetic learning.
the “Matter is Poppin” experiment, the students thought like scientists and observed how gas filled up a balloon using pop and pop-rock candy.
The students have been trying to think deeper and take control of their own learning through experimentation and reflection. Every day we have been doing an experiment following the scientific method.
The students were following the scientific process during “Can You Float the Boat?” to design their very own clay boat. The students had to explain their thought process. If the boats did not float, they would have to go back and adjust the design.
Some of our favorite experiments are “Matter Is Poppin” and “Can You Float the Boat?” For
We had a lot of fun while experimenting and learning all about matter and SCIENCE!
Students are testing their boat design in water to see if the boat will float!
This student is reflecting on the scientific design process after completing the experiment.
Students are using their knowledge about properties of matter to design a boat!
May the Force be with you Simonds Elementary - Third Graders at Simonds learned about Force and Motion in science class. A force is something that can cause a change in motion and our Third Graders are in motion to apply their scientific thinking to make predictions and test their theories. Using a favorite matchbox car from home, the students were challenged to predict and then test what the effect of friction would be on moving objects. The students used inclined planes and then measured the distance their cars traveled. The ramps were then covered with felt, sandpaper, waxed paper, and foil and the students took note and measured of the effect of friction. It was a great way to see the students apply their learning in action!
In another experiment the students used a spring scale to measure how much force it took to move objects up an inclined plane moving the book in a slow, constant motion. Third grader Jackson Martineau said, “Science is so cool because you get to think out your prediction and then test it out to see how right you are.” The students enjoy learning and using scientific vocabulary such as “evidence”, “results”, “distance”, “data”, “gravity”, “velocity”, and “Newton”. These young scientists are on their way to build the foundation they need to do great things!
Third graders, Hayden McGaughey, Ruby Werner, and Ben Hernandez race to discover the properties of friction.
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Simonds Elementary Measurement all year long helps them see Many students are doing these math in our world tasks through measurement every day. By workshop without letting the fear doing a yearlong of the unknown get in the way study, the children of their learning. Some students are learning and have even been involved with Math Coach, Sarah Campbell seeing concepts helping their parents measure for and Fourth Grade Teachers, over and over the projects they have going on Carri Creason and Jennifer rather than at home. We love being part of Vivian are finding new and learning a topic such a great group of learners and unique ways to facilitate that they may thinkers! learning measurement in their never work with classrooms. again until next For more information about year. It’s ongoing measurement connections to the Students have played Race to Measuring classroom items helps Fourth grade students play Race to a learning that world beyond our classrooms, a Foot, a Yard and Beyond and students discover math concepts. foot, yard and beyond. is connecting check out this article shared by our measured classroom items with seamlessly into identifying fractions on a Math Coach, Sarah Campbell: broken rulers. These engaging activities are number line as well as addition and subtraction helping students move around the classroom of fractions. http://www.mathworksheetscenter.com/ and use manipulatives to discover math mathtips/whymeasurement.html concepts and conversions all on their own. This Simonds Elementary - Fourth graders are participating in Math Workshops in Measurement All Year Long.
Collaborative thinking builds understanding Simonds Elementary - The fifth grade at Simonds believes that incorporating collaborative group thinking and project-based learning builds a deeper understanding of the learning objectives. At the beginning of the school year, building a class community that is open to share and reflect on their thinking is essential to the students’ development.
The students were able to use the visible thinking routine chalk talk to identify what makes a good writer. This activity is a great way to grow the culture in the classroom and for students to reflect on their own thinking and the thinking of their classmates as well.
The stock market project is based on the novel we read at the beginning of the school year “The Lawn Boy Returns” by Gary Paulsen. The students are able to learn about the functions of the stock market through this novel. During the novel, students choose a company to follow on the New York Stock Exchange and track their growth or decline by connecting what we learned in math and reading. This project-based learning activity gives the students an opportunity to connect what they are learning with a real-world application.
Simonds fifth grade students learn about the stock market and track growth or decline of companies.
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NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
Meet our new Teachers Mary Alexandrowicz
Erin Hilliard
POSITION: Elementary Special Education SelfContained EI Teacher
POSITION: Behavior Intervention Specialist at Lamphere Center
DEGREE(S): B.A. Elementary Special Education with an endorsement in Emotional Impairment
DEGREE(S): B.S. in Psychology - Central Michigan University, Specialist Degree in School & Community Psychology – Wayne State University.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE: This is my 2nd year, I previously taught at Bay City Public Schools.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE: I was the School Psychologist in the Brandon School District for the last 5 years.
HOBBIES: I love spending time outside on our family boat or in the woods. I enjoy going for long walks and have tried to pick up running. I love to read, sew, and play card games with friends and family.
HOBBIES: Arts and Crafts, card and jewelry making, spending time with my family and friends.
COMMENT: “I am so happy that I have joined the Lamphere family. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and made Lamphere feel like home. I am really enjoying getting to know the students and staff at Edmonson Elementary. I have been learning something new every day.”
COMMENT: “I have experienced such a warm welcoming to the Lamphere Family. I am very excited about working with and learning from my new colleagues, as well as being exposed to new opportunities.”
Elise Humphries
Josh Thelen
POSITION: Emotional Impairment (EI) Special Education Teacher at John Page Middle School
POSITION: Technology Teacher - Lamphere High School
DEGREE(S): B.S. in Special Education – Eastern Michigan University
DEGREE(S): B.S. in Industrial Education – Central Michigan University
TEACHING EXPERIENCE: This is my first year of professional teaching.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE: 3 years
HOBBIES: Spending time with family and friends, playing with my dogs, bicycle riding, zumba, reading, and traveling to new places.
HOBBIES: Basketball, Football, and anything outdoors
COMMENT: “I’m excited to begin my professional career at Lamphere Schools. Teaching means that every day I can do what I love and inspire students to chase their dreams toward success.”
Jason Wasielewski POSITION: Lamphere Center Middle School Dual Diagnosis Teacher DEGREE(S): Bachelors of Science in Cognitive Impairment; pending Masters of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling – Wayne State University TEACHING EXPERIENCE: 8th year teacher, 17 years in special education working with students that have low-incidence disabilites HOBBIES: Camping, hiking, fishing, and reading COMMENT: “I am excited to be part of the Special Education Team at The Lamphere Center. I try to live by the quote: “What are we doing? Why are we doing it? How is it good for children?”
COMMENT: “I will not change the world, but I will spark the mind that does.”
District Wide - Whether our new teachers are home grown or from across the United States, they have one thing in common. They are all thrilled to be a part of the Lamphere Family and look forward to making a difference in the lives of our students. We’d like to introduce our new staff to you and hope you will join us in welcoming them to Lamphere.
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Lamphere Center Lamphere Center Celebrates the Holidays Lamphere Center - The Holiday season is a very fun and busy time around any school and Lamphere Center is no exception. Throughout the months of October, November, and December, students at the Lamphere Center are hard at work making Holiday themed crafts, shopping for family and friends, and gathering for the Knights of Columbus luncheon and celebration. Throughout the school year, the students in John McAskin’s work-activities classroom are hard at work making many of the crafts that have been a favorite of many people around the district for years. Students learn work and crafting skills. These skills help them produce and fill the many orders that we receive during the busy holiday season. The students make crafts for every holiday and special occasion and have a smile on their face while doing it. Some examples of the most popular crafts include candy/dog wreaths, candy cups, notebooks, and a wide range of other keepsakes, all of which can be found on-line at the Lamphere Center web-site under the Shop the Work-Activity Class option. If you ever want to see the crafts, feel free to stop by the L.C. or give us a call to place an order at (248) 589.3155.
head out on their quest to find the best possible presents for family and friends. Mid-way through the shopping experience students gather in the food-court where they have a plethora of food options to choose from. Some students have made the observation that they might want to choose a meal that gives them the much needed energy to make that final shopping push around the mall. Cquat McRae Taylor best sums up the trip, “Shopping is fun because we get out in the community with our friends.”
Each and every holiday season the Lamphere Center students put on their jackets with their holiday shopping list in hand and head out to Oakland Mall. Prior to leaving for this fun filled day of shopping out in the community, the students are responsible for filling out a shopping list with the help of family or guardians. These lists will make the sometimes daunting task of holiday shopping a little less over whelming. Upon arrival at the mall, students are put into smaller groups and
The community in and around the Lamphere Center is a very important part of the success of the school and the students that attend. The Fr. Heary Council of the Knights of Columbus from the Madison Heights Chapter contribute greatly to the Lamphere Center family around the holidays. Each and every year, the Knight of Columbus bring in Chicken Shack for all the students. Following this delicious lunch, the Lamphere Lamphere Center students take a break during their shopping trip to the mall. Center students make their way to the gym to wait for the arrival The Lamphere Center staff and students would of the man with the long white like to thank the Fr. Heary Council of the Knights beard and red suit. Santa presents them with of Columbus for everything they do to help us a gift that they had asked for a couple weeks and all the smiles they bring. Student Chris back. After each student has received a gift, the Clark describes his feelings about the Knights of students have a Christmas dance which includes Columbus “They are nice people. They bring us a live DJ. food and presents, and I say thank you.”
Students love seeing what the man of the hour has brought for them.
Lamphere Center students hard at work making Holiday crafts.
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Attention mall shoppers “Ravens relaxing in the food court.”
NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
Page Middle School Students work to become college and career ready
Page Middle School - Students are being prepared to meet the rigorous standards of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). English Language Arts teachers at Page have attended professional development at Oakland Schools and other organizations to ensure that they are well-prepared to help their students meet the new educational standards, and to be career and college-ready. In their English Language Arts classes, students are learning using the units of study developed by the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) and Oakland Schools. All students started off their year in English Language Arts Classes with a writer’s workshop unit of study. Students learn to become a community of writers, working collaboratively to improve written expression within the workshop model. The demands of the 21st century require that students be able to express themselves effectively in writing. The workshop model makes writing accessible to all students at their own level, allowing all students to experience success as writers. Below is a sample of a narrative poem written by eighth grade Page Middle School student, Rose Shattuck.
Upcoming units study in the MAISA units include argument writing, cause and effect writing,
reading historical fiction, writing literary essays, and a major emphasis on reading informational text across all grade levels. Teachers monitor student reading levels very regularly, and work to ensure that students are exposed to increasing levels of text complexity as they progress through their education. Students are learning to become adept at using multiple forms of informational text to emphasize that in our modern world of technology, nonfiction text is not limited to just the printed word. In addition to printed text, students will evaluate news and other video clips, blogs, and other multimedia forms of informational text to determine meaning, author’s purpose, cite evidence, make inferences, and to compare and contrast. Page students are being thoroughly prepared for future success in a world that now demands that individuals be highly literate, able to effectively communicate their thoughts to others, use textual evidence to argue their claim, and to effectively evaluate sources and garner information for their needed purpose. Page students develop strong and meaningful reading skills through the use of specific mini-lessons, shared reading, conferencing, and independent reading of challenging text. We are proud of our Page students and teachers as they work diligently every day to prepare for the future.
Math Lab Page Middle School’s Math Lab is a support class which is offered to students who may need additional time grasping key math concepts. This year, all students in Math Lab work in three stations daily. •
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The stations include working in a small group with a teacher to preteach and reteach grade level math material, as well as more individualized instruction. Students also work each day in a small independent group to develop fluency, strengthen number sense, and explore areas of mathematics through problem solving and hands on manipluatives. Lastly, students work on Pearson’s SuccessMaker software, which is a highly recognized computer program that identifies gaps and singularly focuses on the individual needs of each student.
All students keep a personal data folder and track their math progress on a weekly basis. This year, 85% of our Math Lab students received a 70% or higher in their general math class in the 1st marking period.
Swimming in Physical Education at Page Page Middle School - Physical Education students just completed a 15 day swim unit. The pool is divided into two sections. The shallow end, with a depth of three and half feet (3.5’) to five feet (5.0’) and a deep end with a depth of five feet (5.0’) to nine feet (9.0’). Swimming takes coordination, Students need to move their legs and arms in tandem, as well as time their breathing and swimming strokes for maximum efficiency. Once students feel confident moving around in the water, they can start learning basic swimming strokes such as the front stroke. Additional skills taught in the pool are breathing techniques, swim strokes, body coordination, gliding, and water safety to name a few. In using the American Red Cross swim curriculum, our students learn that swimming is an activity that burns many calories, is easy on your joints, builds muscular strength and endurance, improves cardiovascular fitness, and is an activity that can promote lifelong fitness.
With many high schools and colleges having competitive swim teams, and of course, swimming is one of the most popular Olympic sports. Millions of Americans are swimming each year. Are you one of them? If not, ask your son or daughter how much fun they had swimming and the impact it had on their physical fitness.
Physical educations students at Page learning multiple swimming strokes and breathing techniques during class.
Math Lab students problem solve together on a mathematical task. These types of activities support the new Common Core National Standards.
6th grader Doriana Vuljaj works on SuccessMaker to strengthen her math skills in Math Lab.
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Page Middle School Students becoming socially conscious Page Middle School Social Studies students are becoming more and more prepared for the world around them from both current and historical perspectives. Students are gaining insight into the human perspective- both building from the positive experiences and reconstructing the mistakes made by our predecessors.
Eighth grade is an exciting year for students at Page Middle School. So much happens during this year, as the students prepare to leave the halls of Page and enter the halls of Lamphere High School next fall. The eighth grade team of teachers works hard to make this experience one that will be remembered for a lifetime. There are many events during the course of the school year that we want to make you aware of.
In 6th grade, teachers and students are analyzing the survival strategies developed and implemented by early humans. Students are also engaged in constructive learning projects. Our 7th graders are centering on the primary sociogeographic regions of the world today, with emphasis on active learning and constructivist activities. They are currently working on a travel brochure for a specific province of Canada. In 8th grade, students began the year by looking at the inspiration the first Americans had for fighting for their political, economic, and personal liberties and for independence. The issue of slavery was also addressed from an economic perspective and how it began to divide the nation 100 years before the Civil War. Our 8th graders are becoming more productive learners by taking “active reading notes”, where instead of the teacher lecturing what they need to know, teachers have guided our students as
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It begins in the spring with our annual college trip. Once again, this year, we will be traveling to Eastern Michigan University. The day is spent touring the campus led by EMU students. We are allowed to see college students in action in the classroom and around the campus. Our students are given some ideas about what to expect and what we can do even now to get ready for this time in their educational journey. We also get to experience lunch in the university cafeteria. Many students come back with a motivation to work hard and think about their post-secondary education.
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Our next event is our Washington DC trip, which for many of our students is a once in a lifetime experience. Students tour the great monuments and buildings that shape our country’s history. For some of our students, this is a first time away from home and a first time to leave their city let alone their state. Parent volunteers travel with teachers to chaperone this wonderful event.
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We end the year with a Cedar Pointe trip and a farewell dance. Both events are fun and exciting for our students. They allow them to develop their social skills as they interact with each other in positive ways. The dance is another great way for parents to volunteer to be a part of their student’s school life. All of these events are motivational tools to keep our students on track academically and socially and to give them a rich Lamphere learning experience.
Social Studies teacher, Patti Waidknecht, works with her seventh grade social studies students on a research project in the computer lab.
to where to acquire the knowledge so we can all be accountable for learning. All grade levels are making an aggressively concentrated effort to focus on reading literacy and writing proficiency within the curriculum. Understanding the growing trend of the importance of these facets, our teachers have been involved in professional development opportunities and have taken personal responsibility to see that our students are practicing reading literacy and writing proficiency across the curriculum.
Seniors enjoy holiday luncheon Page Middle School - Lamphere’s Page Middle School celebrates the holiday season each year by inviting senior citizens from the community to a performance by the Page band followed by lunch. “We look forward to this event at Page every year.” said Barbara Shaner. “Excellent music, good food, and great company. It’s such a great way to kick off the holidays.”
8th Grade Update
“Thank you for visiting and being such a large part of our Lamphere family.” We’ve posted more photos on our Facebook page, be sure to “LIKE” us. www.facebook.com/thelamphereschools
Student Council members served guests a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings, kept coffee and tea cups full and spent time visiting with the seniors. “We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful holiday,” said Doug Kelley, Principal at Page.
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Lamphere’s new Superintendent, Dale Steen, stops to welcome a group to the luncheon at Page.
Visit www.lamphere.k12.mi.us/link to stay connected to Lamphere.
NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
Lamphere High School Lamphere Athletes Compete On and Off the Field Lamphere High School had a number of successful components to the fall athletic seasons. The number one priority of our students is their academic success. Our student athletes have represented LHS well in this regard. This fall 56% of our student athletes have earned a 3.0 grade point average or better in the first card marking period this school year. Lamphere High School also had 16% of the fall athletes earn the Macomb Athletic Conference (MAC) Scholar Athlete Award. This prestigious award is given to varsity athletes that have earned a letter in their sport while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater. Congratulations to this group on a tremendous effort in the field of competition both in and out of the classroom
Avery signs National Letter of Intent Jessica Avery is one of the most prominent stories of the fall season. Jessica represented our girls swim team at the MHSSA State Swim Meet in november at Eastern Michigan Natatorium. Jessica is our first student this school year to sign a national letter of intent to participate at the division one level of collegiate athletics. Jessica will swim for Toledo University.
MAC Scholar Athletes
Ismail
Aijazuddin
Varsity Cross Country
Jessica
Akl
Varsity Cheer
William
Aman
Varsity Boys Tennis
Jessica Sarah Layal Bianca Jian Austin Marisa Jaclyn Jordan Donny Annalise Oreja Cameron Brooke Josie Caroline Job Conor Brandon Justina Shelby Kelly Andi Aus Rachel Logan Taylor Felicia Aubrey Rody
Avery Barrett Bou Harfouch Buza Chen Chrysler Clarke D’Arca Gembarski Glenn Griswold Guri Harrison Heisler Junkin Kosnak Mayer McKinney Mulawa Peterson Phillips Pitt Salman Sameer Schwandt Smith Urrutia Vacante West Younis
Varsity Girls Swimming Varsity Volleyball Varsity Dance Varsity Cheer Varsity Boys Tennis Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Volleyball Varsity Volleyball Varsity Football Varsity Cross Country Varsity Dance Varsity Volleyball Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Cheer Varsity Cross Country Varsity Dance Varsity Football Varsity Cross Country Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Volleyball Varsity Dance Varsity Dance Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Dance Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Volleyball Varsity Volleyball Varsity Dance Varsity Boys Soccer
The Art and Science of Teaching at LHS
Lamphere High School - Teachers have those special personality traits that allow them to connect with children, drive them to success, communicate well, develop character, serve as role models, and many other qualities. Sometimes we don’t realize until later in adult life that the message or lesson a teacher taught us at an early age had such an impact on who we are and how we might react in certain situations. Many people say that teaching is an art and something that takes a unique skill set to be successful with children.
Robert Marzano is a well-known education researcher that titled one of his books The Art and Science of Teaching. In this book Mr. Marzano discusses how finding the correct instructional strategy for the right group of students at a specific time is critical. All of which makes teaching both a science and an art. “At Lamphere High School (LHS) we are working more at balancing the science component of all that goes into creating a coherent and powerful learning experience for our students,” said Greg Fuller, LHS Principal. “I believe we are going beyond what Marzano conveys in his book. Many teachers at Lamphere High School are working in a data team which is an endeavor that focuses on improvement both for the students and the teachers.” The work of a data team is a cyclical process that involves: charting students’ abilities, prioritizing student needs, setting goals
for student success, selecting instructional strategies, determining measures of success, and then start the process over by measuring student growth. The successful work of a data team requires a high level of teacher collaboration and the ability to share with and learn from other teachers ways in which success can be achieved. The following quote regarding data teams is from Amy Guzynski who is an English teacher and English Department Chairperson at LHS. “The data team has really changed the way we do business in the English Department. A data team is effectively a research team. We’re researching the results of an instructional strategy to gauge its impact on student achievement. We start a content standard that is crucial to a student’s success in literacy. Then we do a pretest and review those results as a department to determine the students’ strengthens and weaknesses in this skill area. We collectively select an instructional strategy that targets the weakness. Then we test it and chart the results. This approach works because we are working together to find the most effective teaching strategies and using data to show us just how effective it is on student achievement.” We believe that proper use of the data team process can take our student achievement to higher levels. The art and science of teaching is alive and well at Lamphere High School.
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Lamphere High School Lamphere High School’s Thanksgiving Feast Lamphere High School - Lamphere High School’s (LHS) Diversity Club celebrated their 9th Annual Thanksgiving Feast. The event, organized by Andrea Gordon, Lisa Lockhart, and Nadia Fachou from our English as a Second Language (ESL) department, took place in the high school cafeteria with about 200 people in attendance. This event began ten years ago when Principal Jim Baker asked Mrs. Gordon if she could plan some type of program that would encourage parents of English Learners (ELs) to feel more comfortable in the high school setting. Mrs. Gordon felt the ideal program would be to have ESL families and Lamphere staff celebrate Thanksgiving together the way the original Thanksgiving began in this country: Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together to enjoy their traditional foods at one large feast; and so the first Thanksgiving Feast was held the following November 2005 with 150 people present.
New families got their first taste of the traditional American Thanksgiving delicacies such as roast turkey, sweet potatoes, and, of course, pumpkin pie. American staff members experienced exotic tastes from around the world as EL families brought in dishes such as byrek and pastiche from Albania, samosas from India and Bangladesh, dolma and bryani from Iraq, and rice-noodle salad from Vietnam. In addition, the program featured a fashion show of cultural clothing from various countries along with ethnic dances to traditional music.
and the families are invited to sing along while their country’s flag is proudly displayed. But always there is an amazing display of ethnic dances from as many cultures as possible, since dance and music connect people to their roots so beautifully. This year’s celebration continued that tradition. The enthusiasm, pride, and sense of heritage were infectious. We hope to enjoy many more years of being thankful for all we have at LHS and throughout the Lamphere Schools.
Each year since that first Thanksgiving event, long buffet tables have continued to be laden with wonderfully delicious foods and a program prepared that delights all in attendance. Some years the program has included a recitation of a poem about being a new American or PowerPoint presentations about places and historical facts from the students’ countries. Other years the national anthems are played for LHS teacher Adam Vallus enjoys the Thanksgiving feast with some of each country that is represented at LHS, his students and their families.
Kiwanis Club Dictionary Donation Lamphere High School - Representatives of the Madison Heights Kiwanis Club visited Lamphere High School this morning to present over 140 LHS English language learners with brand new dictionaries. “These dictionaries are yours to keep,” said Brian Hartwell, Kiwanis Treasurer and LHS Graduate(Class of 2000). “We’re very proud of you and the efforts you are making to complete your high school education. The education you are getting at Lamphere High School will serve you well throughout your future.” The Madison Heights Kiwanis Club was founded in 1958 with the mission of serving the people of Madison Heights. Fore more information, visit their website: www.madisonheightskiwanis.org
Google Apps for Education Lamphere High School - Nichole Bontomasi’s Government and current issues classes at Lamphere High School are exploring the wide array of options available to students through Google Apps for Education. Google Apps offers online software similar to Microsoft products. The initial hope was that students who did not have software available at home would be better able to complete projects for school. Google apps are available 24 hours a day from any computer with internet access and are compatible with both PC and Mac computers. “Often students will work on assignments at home and forget to email them to me or have trouble saving to things like a flash drive, Now, they can log on from anywhere, finish their assignment and hit share and I’ve got the docuements.” said Bontomasi. We quickly began to see the benefit of google apps during group assignments because students can share and work on documents with each other. “Collaboration is a focus in education but our students are busy and it is challenging for them to get together at the same time. This allows a student to work on their part of the assignment when they are available and their partner can log in later, see the changes and notes left by their partner and complete their portion.” It also involves a chat feature which allows students to communicate in real time from their own homes. Recently, the current issues class has begun to explore the viability of other applications such as a brochure maker, similar to publisher, a collaborative idea board, for brainstorming and several others.
Over 140 English Language Learners from Lamphere High School received new dictionaries from the Madison Heights Kiwanis Club.
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“I love the ability to access the work from any location without worrying about corrupt files or lost flash drives,” said Bontomasi. “My students love that they can log to work on their assignment and submit it from anywhere.”
NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
Lamphere Food Service Department Healthy Choices from Lamphere Food Service District Wide - The Lamphere Schools Food Services Department is committed in offering a variety of healthy food choices in a safe and friendly environment. Lamphere students find healthy choices in their school cafeterias.
Cooking Club A favorite after school activity for students of all ages, Cooking Club, offered by Katie McConkie Lamphere's Food Service Director, helps students learn how to make healthy snacks and choices every day, teaches use of tools and safety in the kitchen and gives everyone a chance to try new foods that they may have never tried before. All four elementary buildings had Cooking Club events in November where students created tasty treats and sampled a variety of foods. “I look forward to Cooking Club almost as much as the students do,” said McConkie. “To see so many young students interested in trying something new and learning healthy habits is wonderful.”
“We continue to meet tough federal nutrition standards, ensuring that meals are healthy, well balanced and provide all the nutrition students need to succeed in school,” said Katie McConkie, Lamphere’s Food Service Director. “Our school meals offer students low fat milk, fruits and vegetables, proteins and grains, and they must meet strict limits for saturated fat and portion size.” Lamphere’s Food Service department continues to meet the standards by offering: • Age appropriate calorie limits • Larger serving of fruits and vegetables • A wider variety of vegetables (including dark green and red/orange vegetables and legumes • Fat free milk • More whole grains • Less sodium “We are always working to offer Lamphere students healthier and tastier choices.” said McConkie. “In addition to meeting the new standards we also grow our own vegetables, some fruits and herbs which are used in our school lunch and breakfast programs. We are able to freeze some vegetables and dry fresh herbs to carry us over into the winter months when we are unable to grow anything in the garden.” School meals are a great value and a huge convenience for busy families. School lunches cost $2.25 at the elementary level and $2.50 for Page Middle School and Lamphere High School. There is no better deal for a nutritious meal. To see our menus and get more information on our school breakfast and lunch programs please contact us at: 248-589-7935 or 248-589-7946 or visit our web site: www.lamphere.k12.mi.us/foodservices Katie McConkie Director of Food Services
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Lamphere Performing Arts A New Look for the Lamphere “Marching Rams” Lamphere High School – The Lamphere Marching Band has just completed another very successful season. Their competition program, entitled “From One To Many,” delighted audiences and judges alike at Lamphere football games and Michigan Competing Band Association (MCBA) competitions. The highlight of their season was earning their 14th consecutive invitation to perform at the MCBA State Championship Contest. Here, the band gave their final performance of the season, earning a school record score of 73.50. The State Championship Contest saw the Lamphere Marching Band sporting an all-new
look. Band Director Michael Garvey worked closely with creative designers at DeMoulin Bros. and Co. of Greenville, IL during the spring and summer to design a modern uniform that would accentuate the band’s characteristic marching style. The uniform is a very contemporary design, but retains key
The LHS band all dressed in their new uniforms get ready to compete in state championships.
Record Participation in Beginning Instrumental Music District Wide – The Fifth Grade Band classes are underway at Edmonson, Hiller, Lessenger, and Simonds elementary schools. This year there are a total of 148 fifth grade musicians – over 65% of the entire fifth grade class! Fifth Grade Band begins in September with visits by local professional musicians and educators, who assist Band Directors Erin and Michael Garvey in the selection of instruments by new fifth grade musicians. Once those decisions are made, band classes begin meeting twice per week. Students learn the fundamentals of music through the use of some familiar tunes, and eventually will be preparing for their premiere concert performance. The Lamphere Fifth Grade Band will perform in concerts on January 23 and May 6 in the Lamphere High School Auditorium.
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The Lamphere High School Marching Band takes the field during the MCBA state championships at Ford Field.
elements from the departing uniforms to give a sense of continuity. The band took delivery of the new uniforms only one day before the State Championship Contest, and through the tireless work of a team of dedicated parent volunteers, were able to wear them for their most important performance of the
season. The band looks forward to sharing their new look with the local community at football games and band competitions next fall. The Lamphere Bands presented their 2nd Annual Band-O-Rama concert on Wednesday, November 6. This concert featured performances by the Concert and Symphonic Bands, and closed with a grand finale by the Lamphere Marching Band. The Band-O-Rama concert allows the local community to witness the sights and sounds of the marching band in our home auditorium. Band-O-Rama is presented annually in early November, shortly following the end of the competitive marching band season.
Band Directors Present Seminar at Michigan State University Lamphere Band Directors Erin and Michael Garvey presented a seminar to student teachers in music education at Michigan State University. The seminar focused on work/life balance for band directors. They were invited to MSU by Dr. Mitchell Robinson to discuss this topic because of their unique situation as a married couple that works together, teaching band in the same school district. In the presentation, the Garveys discussed efficiency at work, happiness at home, and health and well-being.
Lamphere Band Directors Erin Garvey and Michael Garvey (front right in photo) recently presented to student teachers in music education at Michigan State.
NEWSLETTER OF THE LAMPHERE SCHOOLS
• MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN • JANUARY 2014
Lamphere Performing Arts Lamphere High School Musicians Earn Top Honors at OU
Lamphere High School – The Lamphere Instrumental Music Program was honored to have three outstanding musicians selected to participate in the inaugural Oakland University Honors Band in November. These students were Brian Burr (percussion), Amber Miller (clarinet), and Taylor Nowakowski (flute). Not only were they chosen for this ensemble out of a pool of hundreds of applicants, all three of them also earned the position of First Chair in their respective sections. To receive this distinction among such talented company is quite an honor, and is evidence of the hard work they have put forth to developing their musicianship. “It was my first time being first chair in an honors band, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see my name tag on the first music stand,” said Taylor. “Being first chair meant I had first rights to all the solos, which was quite an honor.” Congratulations to Brian, Amber, and Taylor!
Brian Burr performs at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention
Brian Burr, a senior at Lamphere High School, was invited to perform in a cymbal clinic at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis, this past November. Brian, who is heavily involved in the band program in the district, was invited to play by Keith Aleo, a Professor at The University of Connecticut and the Boston Conservatory of Music. Brian was the only High School student involved, playing with four college graduate students from across the country. The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) is a music service organization promoting percussion education, research, performance and appreciation throughout the world. For more information, visit: www.pas.org
Amber Miller, Taylor Nowakowski and Brian Burr were selected to participate in the Oakland University Honors Band.
LHS Senior Brian Burr was the only high school student to play alongside four college graduate students at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
Page Middle School Band performs for Veterans Day The Page Middle School band under the direction of Erin Garvey played to a full house today at the Madison Heights Senior Citizen Center for the annual Madison Heights Veteran’s Day celebration. The band played several patriotic songs, read some quotes about veterans and Veteran’s Day and were able to meet and listen to a variety of our local veterans. “On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.” ~Dan Lipinski
The Page Middle School band performed several patriotic songs during the Madison Heights Veteran’s Day celebration in November.
Band members researched Veteran’s Day and recited some meaningful quotes during the luncheon.
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2013 - 2014 Calendar of Events 6 7 8 13 13 13 13 14 14 15 16 17 20 21 23 25 28 28
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January
School Resumes - District Wide College Financial Aid Meeting - LHS, 6:30 pm Hiller HERO Meeting - Hiller, 3:45 pm LHS Athletic Boosters Meeting, 6:30 pm Edmonson PEEK Meeting , 7 pm Lessenger LEST Meeting, 7 pm LAFFS Meeting - LHS, 7:30 pm School Board Meeting - Admin Center, 7 pm Lamphere Band Boosters - LHS, 7 pm LHS AM ONLY - Final Exams LHS AM ONLY - Final Exams School AM Only - End of Second Marking Period NO SCHOOL - Staff Professional Development Day Learning Ladder Open Second Semester begins District Wide 5th/6th Grade Band Concert - LHS, 7 pm LHS MSBOA District Solo and Ensemble Festival District Wide Early Release Day School Board Meeting - Lamphere Center, 7 pm
February
Page MSBOA District Solo and Ensemble Festival Hiller HERO Meeting, 3:45 pm Lamphere Center Valentine Dance & Parent Meeting Lamphere Center, 7 - 8:30 pm Simonds SOS Meeting, 7 pm Tin Can Raffle & Spaghetti Dinner - LHS, 6 pm LAFFS Meeting, 6:30 pm Edmonson PEEK Meeting , 7 pm Lessenger LEST Meeting, 7 pm Lamphere Band Boosters - LHS, 7 pm LHS Athletic Boosters Meeting, 7:30 pm District Wide Early Release Day* School Board Meeting, 7 pm PUPIL COUNT DAY Explore Test for 8th Grade Students - Page Mid Winter Break Begins School Resumes LHS Conferences, 6 - 8 pm LHS and Page Pre-Festival Band Concert - LHS, 7 pm LHS Conferences, 6 - 8 pm
March
NO SCHOOL for 9, 10 & 12 grade students MME Testing for 11 grade - LHS Page AM Only Page Conferences, 1 - 3 pm Elementary, Lamp Ctr & Page Conferences, 6 - 8 pm LATE START for 9, 10 & 12 grade students MME Testing for 11 grade - LHS Hiller HERO Meeting, 3:45 pm Elementary, Lamp Ctr & Page Conferences, 6 - 8 pm Simonds SOS Meeting, 7 pm Explore Test for 9th Grade Students - LHS PLAN Test for 10th Grade Students - LHS MME Test for 11th Grade Students - LHS Trivia Night @ Royal Oak Elks Club, 6 pm LHS Athletic Boosters Meeting, 06:30 pm Edmonson PEEK Meeting , 7 pm Lessenger LEST Meeting, 7 pm LAFFS Meeting , 7:30 pm District Wide Early Release Day* School Board Meeting - Simonds, 7 pm Lamphere Band Boosters - LHS, 7 pm LHS Blood Drive, 8 am - 2 pm St. Patrick’s Day Dance - Page, 3:15 - 5 pm Kindergarten Round Up - All Elementaries, 6:30 pm LHS Winter Sports Banquet, 6:30 pm LABC $10,000 Drawing - MH Senior Center, 8 pm
April
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Volunteer & Staff Recognition BBQ - LHS, 5:30 pm School Board Meeting- LHS, 7:00 pm Lamphere Band Boosters - LHS, 7 pm Co-Op Luncheon - Gazebo, 12 pm Hiller HERO Meeting, 3:45 pm Simonds SOS Meeting, 7 pm School AM Only - End of Third Marking Period Elementary & Lamphere Center Records Day - PM Page & LHS Staff Professional Development - PM Spring Break Begins Learning Ladder Open for Full Day Preschool & School Age Care only 14 School Resumes - District Wide 14 LAFFS Meeting, 6:30 pm 14 Edmonson PEEK Meeting , 7 pm 14 Lessenger LEST Meeting, 7 pm 14 LHS Athletic Boosters Meeting, 7:30 pm 15 District Wide Early Release Day* 15 School Board Meeting - LHS, 7 pm 18 NO SCHOOL 21 School Resumes 22 Learning Ladder Open House with Summer and Fall Registration - Lessenger, 6:30 - 8 pm 23 LHS Spring Play for Senior Citizens, 1 pm 24-26 LHS Spring Musical, 7 pm 29 5th Grade Orientation - Page, 6 pm 30 ESL Parent Meeting - Media Center LHS, 6 pm
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June
Lamphere Center Commencement Awards - Page, 7 pm LHS Spring Sports Banquet, 6:30 pm Hiller HERO Meeting, 3:45 pm LHS Honors Convocation , 7 pm LHS Graduation Rehearsal, 12 pm Page Honors Assembly - LHS, 7 pm Last Day for Learning Ladder Preschool 8th Grade Farewell Dance - Page, 7 - 9 pm LHS Graduation - Macomb Center, 6 pm LHS Senior All Night Celebration - LHS LAFFS Meeting, 6:30 pm Lessenger LEST Meeting, 7 pm LHS Athletic Boosters Meeting, 7:30 pm LHS AM Only - LHS Final Exams LHS School Board Meeting - Admin Center, 7 pm LHS AM Only - LHS Final Exams Last Day for B.E.S.T. & Head Start LHS Exams School AM ONLY - End of fourth marking period Last Day for Students Last Day for Teachers - District Wide Records Day Learning Ladder Summer Program begins
May
Simonds SOS Meeting, 7 pm Lamphere Band Boosters - LHS, 7 pm 5th & 6th Grade Band Concert - LHS, 7 pm Hiller HERO Meeting, 3:45 pm LHS Senior Parent Information Night - LHS, 6 pm LHS Art Show, 6:30 - 8 pm District Wide Early Release Day* Lamphere Center Prom Club Venetian LHS Prom LHS Athletic Boosters Meeting, 06:30 pm Edmonson PEEK Meeting , 7 pm Lessenger LEST Meeting, 7 pm LAFFS Meeting , 7:30 pm Fine Arts & Culture Fair Reception - Page, 6 pm School Board Meeting - Page, 7 pm LHS Spring Band and Choir Concert & Awards, 7 pm LHS Leadership Awards, 7:15 am LHS Publications Luncheon, 11:30 am Page Spring Band Concert - LHS, 7 pm LHS Senior Exams School AM ONLY - Memorial Day Weekend Begins NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day School Resumes School Board Meeting & Retiree Recognition Admin Center, 7 pm LHS Senior Exams LHS Senior Exams Learning Ladder Picnic Senior Clap Out
An official publication of p the Lamphere Schools. is published periodically and distributed to residents of the Lamphere District as a public service. We encourage your response. All correspondence should be addressed to: Dateline Lamphere Editor - Jeanne Berlin Lamphere Schools Administration Center 31201 Dorchester Avenue Madison Heights, Michigan 48071
BOARD OF EDUCATION William J. Dixon., President Diane E. Backhus, Vice President Terrie D. Junkin, Secretary Paul Cavanaugh, Treasurer Robert T. Borngesser, Trustee David B. Crawford, Trustee William Mier, Trustee
ADMINISTRATION Dale Steen - Superintendent
The Lamphere Schools
Educating for Excellence
Patrick Dillon - Assistant Superintendent of Business & Finance Rita Lewis - Director of Human Resources