A publication of Lake Orion Community Schools www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011
Home of the Dragons
Dear Parents and Community: Calendar 2011-12
As we close out the 2010-11 school year, we would like to thank our parents and community members who have supported our staff and students throughout the year. Despite many changes and challenges, our students have had a very successful year and we continue to be dedicated to providing high quality instruction ensuring that all students have a first class 21st century education. Through the dedication of our staff and your support we have made excellent progress towards meeting the goals of our strategic plan and initiatives. A few highlights include: o Reader's Workshop was implemented K-5 o The High School modified block schedule was enacted o Common assessments were implemented, evaluated, and analyzed at all levels o Communication was expanded both internally and externally o Technology was used to enhance the delivery of instruction and engage students o Data was used to drive instruction and increase individual student achievement We encourage you to continue to be actively involved in our district as we move into the next school year. You are critical to the development and education of our youth and to the success of our schools. It is important for us to communicate with our families throughout the summer, and we encourage you to frequently visit our website at www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us for news about the district. We wish you and your families a very safe and enjoyable summer.
With Dragon Pride, Marion Ginopolis, Superintendent Heidi Kast, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Jillynn Keppler, Assistant Superintendent, Business and Finance Margaret Hazlett, Executive Director, Human Resources
First Day of School September 6
Testing Dates MEAP Elementary & Middle School October 11-28 High School October 19 MME March 6-8 ACT/MME March 20-22 *Please see individual building calendars for more specific dates and details. For sporting events, visit www.highschoolsports.net
★ ATTENTION ★ 2012 Graduating Seniors
For 2011/12 the seniors’ last day will be no more than 5 days from the last day of school. More details to follow.
Inside This Issue From the Department of - 2-6 Board of Education --------- 8
Please note: This will be the last printed copy of the District newsletter mailed to your home. Future District newsletters will be sent via School Messenger; however, paper copies can be requested through your school office.
K-12 News -------------- 9-13 MEAP Results ---------- 14-15 Communications ----------- 16
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011 / page 2 Moose Tree Nature Preserve: It has been an exciting year here at “The Moose,” with new adventures around every tree. Moose Tree was excited to receive grants from; The Lake Orion Education Foundation for our upcoming “Bugs, Books and Beyond” program this spring and Critter Catchers funding for the Organization for Bat Conservation’s “Creatures of the Night” program. We are continuing to work with the Michigan DNR’s Salmon in the Classroom Study, and Oakland University which allows teachers the opportunity to enhance their science skills by working with our naturalist. These hands on, real science experiences connect students with nature, while offering teaching and learning opportunities that cannot be found in a traditional classroom setting. In collaboration with Wild Birds Unlimited, we have been able to continue supporting the wildlife at Moose Tree and offer discounted seed for community members. Moose Tree also continues to host Project WET and Project WILD workshops which promote the teaching of science through valuable outdoor experiences. All are invited to stop in, attend programs or take a leisurely walk on our trails.
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
From the department of … Special Education The Lake Orion Special Education Department provides an array of programs and services to meet all students’ individualized needs. It is our pleasure to work with families to collaboratively ensure an appropriate education for all. The key components to our success is our students, staff, and parents. I encourage you to work with the school your child attends so that together we can make a difference. STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU THINK YOUR CHILD MAY NEED SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMING: •
Meet with your child’s teacher or counselor. Share your concerns and ideas. Develop a plan for working together.
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Share information you have from outside sources. School personnel welcome input from family doctors, tutors, private therapists, or services.
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Talk with the principal. Often he/she can work with parents and teachers to come up with helpful new strategies or mobilize additional resources. You may wish to request a Student Support Team meeting involving one or more of your child’s teachers.
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Contact the Special Education Office at (248) 693-5430 if you have specific questions about evaluations or programming under IDEA or Section 504.
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Questions about services for preschool aged children may also be addressed at the Special Education Office.
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Contact the Special Education Office immediately if you suspect your child has a disability.
Technology enhances student learning The 2010-2011 school year has opened the doors to new opportunities for our students. Technology is enriching student learning through the use of Smartboards, iPads, iPods, Tap Its, and class netbooks. Students are advancing skills through online resources such as Prezi, Moodle, IXL, ALEKS, Fast Forward, webquests. Courtesy of Lake Orion Credit Union, Lake Orion Education Foundation, and our Special Education Funding, our students are using state of the art technology to improve reading and math skills. We are excited to learn and adapt with the countless applications Apple is bringing forward to support student educational needs in the classroom. Currently, our students have an opportunity to use an Apple Ipod and an Apple IPad for audio text review, speech to text software applications, and communication tools such as; sign language and story boards. Some of our self-contained programs have received SMART Boards to aide in communication and instruction called Touch Accessible Platform for Interactive Technology (Tap It). The Tap It allows students with visual and physical limitations to have more opportunities for interaction with their peers, technology, and individualized curriculum to meet their needs. Our department continues to look for innovative ways to meet the needs of each student while sustaining the rigor of the curriculum. Today’s technology is one more vehicle to reach all learners. Lake Orion Community Schools strives to open doors to new opportunities for our students!
Spring 2011 / page 3
Lake Orion Community Schools
From the department of … Food Services What’s on your tray? This is the question that has been on the burner with every school food service operation in our nation. What are we doing to help promote good nutrition among our students? The Food Service Department has taken on many initiatives this school year, below are some highlights. Elementary: A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are offered daily because of the purchase of cold food bars for each building. Everyday students may choose from a different assortment of fruits and vegetables such as; broccoli florets, carrot sticks, romaine lettuce salad, grapes, bananas, apple and orange wedges. The monthly menu features a new section “Fresh Fruit or Vegetable of the Month.” Do you ever wonder where the banana originated from or how many varieties of apples are available in North America? Now, you can learn some interesting facts from the monthly menu! Students are also voting in a taste test of an item that is newly featured on the menu and commenting on what they think. Food Service has created a partnership with Certified Chefs and a Registered Dietitian from the Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts Program. This initiative is similar to the First Lady Michelle Obama’s program called “Chef’s Move to Schools” or Chef Jamie Oliver’s “Food Revolution.” In our school district, we are introducing this program as “The Lunch Tray Evolution” and Blanche Sims Elementary will be the first site to pilot the program. The goal is to educate students how to make healthier choices by sampling foods they might not be familiar with, to improve food preparation methods and to provide information for parents on how they can offer healthier foods at home. Middle School: The ala carte line has gone through a transformation offering items that follow the standards of the American Beverage Association and Michigan Action for Healthy Kids. Our latest addition is the fresh fruit smoothies that are very popular with our students. Nutrition education is extended to the students of the Life Management class at Scripps Middle School. A tour of the kitchen is provided in addition to reviewing menu choices and learning how meals are prepared. High School: Deep fried foods have been eliminated (much to the disappointment of our avid customers)! Instead, increased varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables and the soup and salad bars have been added. Also, because white bread is a thing of the past, deli sandwiches are prepared using whole grain or wheat buns, tomato or spinach wraps or foccacia bread. You might wonder about the “Dragon Stomp” or “Miss Dolly’s Goulash” or “Sweet and Sour Chicken over Rice” or “Chicken Tortilla Soup.” These are just a few yummy items our students and staff can purchase for lunch. This year, the high school is the recipient of the Coordinated School Health Grant and we are moving forward with our efforts to qualify for additional grants through Team Nutrition. If you are wondering what your children are eating at school, please join us for either breakfast or lunch!!
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Central Enrollment New students planning to attend Lake Orion Community Schools start the process at the District Central Enrollment Office. The office is located in Room 110 of the Community Educational Resource Center. Parents complete forms and provide documentation to enroll their students. Required documents include: • Original, Certified Birth Certificate (we will make a copy) • Immunization Records • Name and Address of former school • Divorce Decree (if applicable) • Parent Identification (Driver's License) • Proof of Residency • Two pieces of proof are required. Each piece must have parents' names and address indicating residency within District. • Proof may be a purchase agreement, mortgage statement, lease agreement, closing statement, property tax statement, or utility bills. • Student's transcript, most recent report card, or withdrawal grades from previous school. New Kindergarten students must also provide the following: • Health Appraisal • Vision Screening Once the forms and documents have been provided to the District, Central Enrollment will inform the staff that a new student is ready to start school and facilitate a smooth transition for the student and parent. Student enrollments are handled throughout the year. For further information, or to schedule an appointment to enroll your child into LOCS, please contact Central Enrollment at (248) 814-0215. Enrollment information and forms may also be found on our website at http://www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/ AboutLOSchools/enrollment.htm.
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011 / page 4 Lake Orion Community Schools
English as a Second Language Elementary Students K-5 Community Educational Resource Center 455 E Scripps Road, Lake Orion Session 1 July 5-21 9am to 12pm or 12:30pm to 3pm Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Session 2 August 2-8 9:30am to 12pm Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday No cost for Lake Orion students Out of district students $67.50 each session For more information and to register call 248.693.5436 #2 Office hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
6th Annual Lake Orion Education Foundation
Golf Fore Kids
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Devil’s Ridge Golf Club Format: 7:30 A.M. Registration 8:00 A.M. Putting Contest 9:00 A.M. Shotgun Start Lunch on course 3:00pm Barbeque Dinner and Award Ceremony Golfers: $125.00 Hole Sponsors: $100.00 per hole
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
From the department of ‌ Adult Education This year, the Adult Education Department had over 300 students enroll in one of the many programs offered. The GED testing program has a higher success rate than the state average, with over 90 students obtaining a GED this year. Our testing site has an 80% pass rate and the state has a 72% pass rate. Students who have taken our GED preparation class have a higher success rate than students who have not. The Adult Education Program is a partner in the Oakland Adult Learner Collaborative. This is a regional collaboration, with other adult education programs, literacy council, colleges, community colleges, corrections, and MI Works agencies within Oakland County. The goal of the collaborative is to work together to provide a seamless transition from one program to another, creating successful students without duplication of services. Adult high school completion includes Career Training 101 as a requirement for all students working towards a high school diploma. The program prepares the student to take Work Keys and earn the National Career Readiness Certificate. It is an integral part of our Employability Skills class which also includes creating a resume and job/career search. This year there are 37 graduates who have earned a high school diploma from the Adult Education Program. The graduation ceremony will be on June 9, 2011, at Lake Orion High School. The Adult Education staff has been trained in Power Path, a screening process for learning challenges. It is designed to uncover how a person can most effectively learn and manage workplace situations. The Power Path system provides tools for identifying the underlying barriers to education and employment success. This system will be implemented next school year to help students become successful lifelong learners. This year several career classes were held, including Medical Terminology, Pharmacy Technician, and Software for the Office. The program continues to provide on-line instruction through Nova Net, Study Island and Plato. The on-line option provides specific courses that are too costly to provide as a set class. It also provides the student additional practice or practice tests for ASFAB, GED and COMPASS. This year, over 70 adult English as a Second Language (ESL) students attended our classes. Classes were provided in the morning and evening to accommodate work and life situations. There are 19 different countries represented this year such as; Thailand, Mexico, Bangladesh, Russia, Korea, China, and Japan.
Spring 2011 / page 5
From the department of … Community Enrichment
Lake Orion Community Schools www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Early Childhood Services
The LOCS Community Enrichment Department has been keeping rather busy over the course of the school year creating countless memories and enlightening experiences for both young and old community members. The department is extremely excited for many new programs and activities that will be introduced to the public in the coming months. The following are a few Community Enrichment highlights that occurred during the school year as well as some of the exciting upcoming happenings: • Last summer’s camp programs attendance hit all time highs with Camp Wanna Have Fun leading the way with record turnouts each week. • The Dragon Guided After-school Program (GAP) joined forces with Community Enrichment at the beginning of the school year and is now a part of the CERC Building family. • In December, the LOCS honored newly retired Sally Peterson for her 29 years of service as Enrichment Supervisor. Ben Gerdeman, former GAP Coordinator, has taken over the supervisor role for the department. • Internationally acclaimed performing artists “The Young Americans” visited the CERC in early February. Over 95 Lake Orion students worked along side these talented musicians, singers, actors, and artists in an intensive three day workshop. The workshop resulted in a two hour concert featuring the students and the Young Americans troupe. • In March, over 125 volleyball players came together from all over Southeast Michigan to support the 7th Annual Dragon GAP March Madness Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament. The event was held in the LOHS Field House, and over $3900 was raised for after school programming. • Special events continue to thrive within the department as the Special Girl Date Night and Mother/Son Fun Night each had huge turnouts. Likewise, the department inherited the CERC Mom to Mom Sale which ended up being a tremendous success. The Community Enrichment summer schedule of activities looks extremely bright! Over 100 different camps/clinics/classes are available for preschool age through high school age students. These amazing camp/clinic themes include the following: sports, art, theatre, LEGOS, nature, adventure, exercise, dance, music and swimming. Adults can also get in the mix and enjoy a variety of summer exercise and fitness programs. For more information on Community Enrichment programs and offerings, call (248) 693-5436 extension 1 or visit the department website at www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/Enrich.htm.
Great Start Parent Conference On Saturday, April 16, the Lake Orion Community Schools Early Childhood Department hosted the 5th Annual Great Start Parent Conference and Resource Fair at the CERC building. Lake Orion Community Schools along with the Michigan Department of Education Great Parents - Great Start, the Great Start Collaborative and Oakland Schools offered the conference FREE to all parents with children birth through five throughout the county. This all day conference began with a kick off presentation and then invited parents to attend three breakout sessions. Along with the parent education sessions and resource tables, the attendees received breakfast treats and lunch which was provided by the Lake Orion Community Schools’ Food Service Department. Over 400 parents and children attended the event this year. Family Fun Fest On Thursday, April 28, the Early Childhood Department hosted the 18th Annual Family Fun Fest event. This free event celebrates April as the “Month of the Young Child” and provides an opportunity for families to learn about the available area resources while having fun together. The educators from the Early Childhood Programs offer hands on arts and craft activities, while volunteers help distribute cotton candy and popcorn. The event features a giant inflatable slide, bounce houses, train rides and local community agencies and businesses.
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011 / page 6
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
From the department of … Athletics In the bitter cold and rain, the spring athletic season has begun. Baseball, softball, track, boys golf, along with girls soccer and tennis have seen a record number of participants. All teams are off to quick starts and expected to be battling for league, county and state championships.
Transportation West Bloomfield hosted the biannual Special Saturday Event for all of Oakland County on March 26, 2011. Bus drivers, bus assistants, the transportation director and the head dispatcher all attended this wonderful event. There were fifteen breakout sessions to choose from, all of which were geared toward improving staff skills with special needs students and their transportation. One of these sessions was presented by Jim Farrand, former Lake Orion Transportation Director. He gave a refresher in emergency bus evacuations which included; hands on use of a fire extinguisher and how to direct students through an evacuation of a school bus filled with smoke. The key note speaker was NAPT President-Elect, Alexandra H. Robinson, M.Ed., CDPT. She inspired all districts to be their best for our students, our department and our districts. Prizes were awarded to some of the 150 participants. It was a very worth while event that the department looks forward to being involved with in the future. On Wednesday, April 20, was the Oakland County Excellence in Transportation banquet. This award banquet was hosted by Novi Community Schools and held at the Suburban Collection Showplace. This year’s Lake Orion recipients are Bus Driver April Thompson and Bus Assistant Patricia Lynn White. These ladies were nominated by their peers and are pleased to have received this award. Saturday, May 7, was the annual Safety Banquet held at Canterbury Village. This event is hosted by our own Safety Committee and presents awards to the bus drivers with perfect driving records for the school year.
Speaking of championships, this has been another banner winning year for Lake Orion teams. More than 39,000 spectators watched our Varsity football team capture the Division 1 State Championship at Ford Field this fall. As if that were not enough excitement for one community, our boys’ soccer and girls’ volleyball teams, both won MHSAA District Championships and had long tournament runs. Continuing the theme of long runs, the boys cross country team captured the O.A.A. Red Division Championship and finished as Regional runner-ups. The boys and
girls cross country teams turned in strong performances at the state meet conducted on the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) track in Brooklyn, Michigan.
Post season honors did not end there. During the winter, the boys’ hockey team advanced all the way to the State Semi-finals and played before a huge crowd of Dragon faithful at Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. The path to Lake Orion’s first Final Four appearance included both an O.A.A. Red Division and a MHSSA Regional Championship. Not to be out done, Lake Orion’s competitive cheer team stunned all when they turned in 2011’s highest recorded regional team score and captured the MHSAA Regional Championship in front of over 1,000 fans in our own field house, and finished 5th at the state meet in Grand Rapids. Still there were more notable State Championship performances, as the boys’ ski team made a surprise appearance at the state meet and finished 8th at treacherous Marquette Mountain. The boys’ swim team continued its rise up the state power ranking as they too finished 8th among Division 1 schools at the state meet. Finally, Lake Orion junior Kate Gladstone, beat 62 other competitors to advance to the Division 1 Individual State Finals in girls bowling, and competing in the Individual State Wrestling Championship held at the Palace of Auburn Hills, 171 pound category, Adam Gros placed 4th and 189 pounder Mitch Ladd placed 6th. Congratulations to all our teams and competitors. You continue to further the legacy of athletic success in this community, and around the State of Michigan. “Go Dragons!”
Spring 2011 / page 7 Students in Lake Orion Schools have the opportunity to get involved in their community in a unique way – by participating in service projects as part of their learning experience. Academic Service Learning is a teaching Time Well Spent and learning approach that integrates community service with academic standards to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. Academic Service Learning engages students in the educational process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. Students not only learn about democracy and citizenship, they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform. Academic Service Learning works with students at all levels and across the curriculum. It is effective because students are engaged and using their skills in a real-world setting. They see the benefits of their efforts, and their classroom learning is relevant. The Academic Service Learning program provides resources for teachers who utilize Academic Service Learning as a teaching strategy. Teachers who apply are regularly awarded mini-grants of up to $500 to fund costs associated with service projects and related instruction. These funds may be used to pay for supplies, equipment, transportation, or anything the teacher may need to make the learning experience for the students and service for the community partner successful. In addition, the program offers professional development opportunities for teachers as well as offers resources to assist in the development and implementation of curriculum-based service projects. Funding for this program comes from a grant awarded to the Lake Orion School District from Learn and Serve of Michigan and from designations from United Way of Southeastern Michigan. The Academic Service Learning program activities would not be possible without the support of the many community partners that provide meaningful service opportunities for our students. In addition, the Academic Service Learning Advisory Board, which is comprised of teachers, administrators, students, and community partners, provides regular support for the program. Scripps Middle School’s seventh graders participated in an Academic Service Learning Project this month. The project included the students reading a biography, creating their own Children’s Biography Book based on the biography and then reading their book to students enrolled in the Lake Orion Early Childhood Programs. It was a great opportunity for the students to become more involved in the community. Smiles and laughs were exchanged between the students as they shared this special experience.
Lake Orion Community Schools www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Award Winners Each year, Oakland Schools coordinates an award program to recognize teachers and support staff in local districts for their outstanding work in education. This year, we enlisted the help of our staff and community to nominate a teacher for the “2011 Oakland County Teacher of the Year Award” and a support staff employee for the “2011 Betty Campion Distinguished Support Service Award.” Congratulations to the following Lake Orion Community School employees on their nominations. Each was recognized as being exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and as an individual who goes above and beyond in their role.
Teacher of the Year: Jenna Bendle, Lake Orion High School Jennifer French, Oakview Middle
School Kris Lavin, Stadium Drive Elementary
Betty Campion: Sheri Carver, Secretary for the
Special Education Department Terry Charboneau, School Age Child
Care (SACC) Provider at Webber Elementary Teddy Christie, Staff Associate and
School Age Child Care (SACC) Provider at Pine Tree Elementary Joyce Falls, Secretary at Oakview
Middle School Holly Hensley, Head Custodian at
Lake Orion High School Kathy Kelly, Head Custodian at Orion
Oaks Elementary Lucy Michalik, Para-Educator for the
TIC Program at CERC and Lake Orion High School Joann Ronan, Secretary at Paint
Creek Elementary Thank you all for your commitment to excellence, and the positive impact you each have on students’ educational experiences!
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011 / page 8
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Board of Education Thank you Lake Orion School Board! On behalf of the entire school community, a special thank you to the members who will end their terms in June. Bob Gritzinger, Kelly Weaver, Tiffany WeberPhillips and Janet Wolverton your dedication to Lake Orion students is greatly appreciated! Mary Jo Burchart President
Janet Wolverton Vice President
Lake Orion Community Schools
Tiffany Weber-Phillips Secretary
Congratulations New School Board Members!
Jim Weidman Treasurer
Birgit McQuiston Melissa Miller Connie Meech Deb Porter Steve Drakos
Steven Drakos Trustee
The newly elected school Board members will begin their terms July 2011.
Board of Education Office 315 N. Lapeer Street Lake Orion, MI 48362 Email: loboard@lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Kelly Weaver Trustee
Bob Gritzinger Trustee
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011 / page 9
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www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Elementar y Schools
What an exciting year for our elementary students! We have implemented several initiatives designed to enhance student engagement in learning and increase student achievement. Students are most engaged in reading when they can choose books that are interesting to them and when the books are “just right” for their reading level. This is the philosophy for the Reader’s Workshop approach to instruction that we have been implementing during the past two years. Visit a classroom during reading and you will find students engrossed in silent reading, working in small groups to build specific targeted skills and conferring with the teacher to reflect on their reading. We have also continued to place a strong emphasis on achievement in math. District grade level teachers created math common assessments and have collaborated on the results. The teachers meet by grade levels to review the data from the assessments, identify specific skills needing reinforcement and discuss strategies to address those skills. Today’s students thrive on learning through technology! This is evident when you observe students working on-line with programs in reading and math. IXL Math, RAZ Kids Reading and Accelerated Reader are some of the programs we use. IXL Math is a highly effective program because students are motivated to participate, it provides valuable progress data for teachers, and the students can also access the program from home! Students build reading skills and comprehension using technology based programs such as RAZ Kids and Accelerated Reader. RAZ Kids can also be accessed from home. Each building offers a variety of technology and webbased educational programs.
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Each grade level offers unique experiences for their students. Teachers in kindergarten first and second grade attended workshops on the importance of play and are incorporating opportunities for purposeful play in their classrooms. Fourth grade students take a field trip to Lansing for a real life experience in understanding our state government, and this year our third grade added Michigan history to their curriculum. Fifth grade students become school leaders by taking on additional responsibilities such as News Show, Safety Patrol, Student Council and Bus Buddies. Monitoring our student’s academic progress is a key factor to ensuring academic success for all students. Our staff is highly involved in collecting and analyzing data for each student and providing interventions when needed. Teachers use a variety of screening and assessment tools including Aimsweb, Directed Reading Assessments (DRA’s), Michigan Literacy Proficiency Profile (MLPP) and Math Common Assessments. This method of providing ongoing instruction, assessment and intervention is called Response to Intervention or RtI. This is a research based process designed to maximize student academic growth. We also encourage our parents to monitor their students’ progress by logging on to Power School frequently. Our students make so much academic, social and emotional growth during their years in elementary school! One of the most important goals we can achieve is growing the love of learning. This has a profound life-long impact on our students! With staff, students and families working as a team, we provide the solid foundation that will carry our students through their educational career and beyond!
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011 / page 10 Waldon Middle School Waldon Middle School students and staff have spent a great deal of time learning and developing ways to incorporate technology to our existing curriculum. This effort is to enhance instruction, increase student engagement and to meet the needs of our 21st Century Learners as part of a district pilot program. These lessons have allowed students to learn in practical and interactive ways that are more relevant to their generation. The materials for this pilot include, 4 interactive projectors, 32 netbook computers, software and time for teachers to develop technology based lessons. Waldon hosted a parent showcase night on February 17, 2011, where teachers demonstrated how they have been using the technologies in their instruction. This has been an extraordinary opportunity for Waldon students. Through the use of this experience, students and staff have been motivated to pursue other ways in which to incorporate technology into the classroom. Staff has fully implemented the use of SchoolMessenger to communicate with individual teams and to the entire Waldon community. They have also utilized the web based site, Moodle, as a way to communicate classroom assignments and dates, post videos, supply written instructions, and links to education web addresses and digital textbooks. Classes have used student response systems and sites, like Poll Everywhere, to quickly assess students by getting instant responses to questions to determine mastery or the need to remediate. Students have used Windows Movie Maker, developed podcasts, created short recordings, and made presentations as ways to show mastery of content. These are but a few ways our students and staff have utilized technology this past school year. Our goal is to continue to implement multiple forms of technology into all of our classrooms, not as a novelty, but as another tool and resource to meet the needs of our students.
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
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Oakview Middle School
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It has been a busy and successful year of learning at Oakview. Students participated in many authentic, real world experiences and a variety of opportunities to demonstrate creativity and achievement. In sixth grade a Create-a-Country cross-curricular project incorporated social studies, language arts and science. A Book Bistro promoted discussions among students about the literature they were enjoying. Technology played a significant role in learning as students created digital stories, GLOGs, online comic strips, learned to utilize GPS devices, and explored a variety of interactive websites. All sixth graders participated in a science fair using the scientific method to conduct research and one team will study rocketry this spring. Service learning played a role in sixth grade as students created weather safety posters and planted oak trees. Oakview was represented at the county spelling bee by a sixth grader. Students on one team read nearly 1000 books and held video conferences about those with 5th graders. March Math Madness generated much excitement and enthusiasm for mathematics. Students in seventh grade are developing personal responsibility for their learning with the opportunity to make choices which match their learning styles. Technology is infused throughout the curriculum through the use of IPADs, IPODs, Microsoft programs and Moodles among others. In addition to academic and curricular goals, skills such as collaboration and teamwork are infused into projects and learning opportunities. Curriculum based field trips to the Meadowbrook Music Theater, Cranbrook Museum of Science and the Holocaust Museum allowed students to experience enriching educational opportunities. Eighth grade students participate in a variety of real life applications of their learning. All eighth graders engage in a water quality study, literacy day at which they read books they authored to elementary students and a simulation of the Lewis and Clark expedition. In addition, students participate in a reenactment of the settlement of the colonies and the Constitutional Convention. Oakview’s LACES (Linking Arts and Communication for Every Student) classes provide academic opportunities which enrich and support student learning. Those include producing and acting in 4 plays in theater classes, an after school production of Cinderella, forensics competitions in which our middle school students competed and did well against high school competitors, the awarding of 4 scholarships to Blue Lake Performing Arts camp, a top prize and honorable mentions for four of our student in the Michigan Art Education Association competition, a field trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts and many students earning high school credit for Spanish or French while still in middle school. Both our band and choir participate in festivals and consistently earn high marks for their performances. Educational opportunities and experiences abound at Oakview and their variety contributes to authentic learning experiences throughout the grade levels. We strive to provide those experiences to support and enrich the curriculum for all students, develop academic skills and provide a wellrounded education for our students.
Lake Orion Community Schools
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Scripps Middle School
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National Reading Month National Reading Month was in full force at Scripps this year. Our students were challenged to read above and beyond their normal weekly reading, and did they ever succeed! As a school, each day the students had the chance to show off their book smarts by answering daily trivia questions during morning announcements. Each question challenged them to think about books read, authors, or reading strategies. We also had several students participate in the Oakland County Parks Reading Program, reading towards water park passes for summer fun. In the sixth grade, Team Green challenged Team White to a “Reading Race.” The students had to log their reading time for three weeks in increments of 20 minutes. Every student filled out a certificate showing what they read and turned it in for the tally. They did amazing! The group read 57 books, 180 minutes, beating last year’s race by 18 books, 520 minutes! Way to go sixth grade! The seventh grade had a visit from Ms. Motley, the Teen Librarian at the Orion Township Library. She shared many great books and made them aware of the many free opportunities available at the library. They also participated in National Read Aloud Day on March 9 by sharing favorite passages with their classmates. Another way the seventh grade students celebrated was by being “caught” reading at appropriate times. They received a special ticket if caught. The tickets were put into a drawing and the winning students received a delicious treat. Eighth graders also participated in National Read Aloud Day. Students brought in their favorite children’s book and read a selection to the class. It was a great way to take a walk down memory lane. March is Reading Month was a BLAST as Scripps!
Scripps Art Education Every year it seems like the art work that comes from our students keeps getting stronger. Jerry Brazeau, Art Teacher at Scripps Middle School, challenges students and they rise to the opportunity for success. This year Scripps had 11 drawings, paintings, and sculptures accepted into the Scholastics Art and Writing Competition, winning both Gold and Silver Key awards. Students also raised $280 for the LOEF by creating two abstract paintings on large canvases. Success comes from working together and thanks goes to Moose Tree for lending animals for the 6th grade students to draw. Students are currently working with watercolor paintings, making clay busts, pottery wheels, and sculpting with paper Mache. Students continue to display talent and hard work at Scripps.
Paper Cranes Project Students in Japanese I at Scripps Middle School are currently working together with student council to mobilize a school wide project. This project will lend support to kindergarten students affected by the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami near Sendai, Japan. Students have been working to teach the entire student body how to make 1000 paper cranes. It is a tradition in Japanese society to send others 1000 paper cranes for good luck during times of illness or unfortunate events. The cranes will be sent to Ozora Kindergarten in Rifu, a suburb of Sendai, which was only 6 miles from the tsunami. Initially, the cranes will be displayed in the hallway and a digital image will be sent to Ozora. Later, this summer, a package including the cranes and some fun school supplies will be sent to lift the spirits of the kindergartners. This has been a very compelling way for students to take their daily language study to a higher level as a result of their coordination of this cultural project with student council. Throughout the year, students have seen pictures and learned about many aspects of the kindergarten experience at Ozora in Japan because teacher, Melissa Dalton, taught English as a Second Language there from 1999-2002. Students at Scripps look forward to seeing the impact of their project and continued interaction with Ozora once the lifelines are fully restored in Northern Japan.
Spring 2011 / page 12
Lake Orion Community Schools www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Learning Options Update Learning Options High School is proud to announce that this year’s graduating class consists of over 20 graduates, one of the largest graduating classes in history! To date, there have been nine students who have completed all of their requirements and graduated early. Throughout the 2010/2011 school year, Learning Options students have achieved great success. Many of this year’s graduates will be attending post secondary schooling in the fall. Students are accepted and planning to attend Baker College and Oakland Community College amongst others. Students have participated in many unique experiences this year including a field trip to the Holocaust Museum and successful completion of a collaborative claymation project with the Special Education and Art Departments, which earned students county wide recognition for their efforts. We are proud of all of the efforts of this year’s Learning Options students! Commencement will be Thursday, June 9 at 7:30pm at the Lake Orion High School Auditorium.
Summer School 2011 We are excited to be expanding our summer offerings for students to earn high school credit or enrich their skills. Come join us and have fun while learning! When: Monday-Friday, June 20-July 15th (no classes on Monday July 4th) Where: All courses will be held at Lake Orion High School Cost: Varies per program Who: We are offering classes to students entering grades 6-12 How: We are offering all high school required courses and many electives via distance learning, and the credit lab will be open daily for student use. Selected courses will also be available through direct teacher led instruction. All courses have minimum enrollment limits to be offered. If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, tuition will be refunded. No other refunds will be provided. Tuition is due upon registration. Course descriptions will be available on our website. For questions please contact Lori Pevoteaux at 248-693-5450 or email SummerSchool@lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Welcome to the Lake Orion Natatorium! Spring has started with our Lake Orion Swim Academy classes held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings! We have also filled up our Monday/Wednesday morning Swim Academy. We have excellent instructors and are excited about teaching safety in and around the water as well as teaching many children in the community how to swim. We have started a SAFETY DAY on day number 6 of the swim academy. We have found this to be a successful way to introduce safety in and around the water to the children. In the month of March, we held our first ever Master clinic with a four time Olympic swimmer and 1996 gold medalist, Sheila Taormina. She visited with the Liquid Lightning team before the clinic and then met with 30 community members of all ages. She shared her knowledge with Master swimmers, tri-athletes and age group swimmers. She did a beautiful job sharing her wealth of knowledge in the art of swimming that reached each person attending the clinic, providing a better understanding of how to move fluidly in the water. Keep a look out on the Lake Orion Natatorium web page for more opportunities such as: Lifeguard/CPR recertification classes, aquaaerobic classes, water safety instructor class and the Diving Academy schedule. We are getting geared up for all our summer classes coming in June. Thank you to our faithful patrons, we appreciate your commitment to the Lake Orion Natatorium.
Spring 2011 / page 13
Lake Orion Community Schools www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Lake Orion Music Department 2010-11 has been another outstanding year for the Lake Orion Community Schools Music Department! Orion Oaks Elementary students composed songs and then produced music videos about recycling. All three Lake Orion High School Choirs earned a 1 at District Festival and went on to State level, where two choirs again earned a 1. Choir students from Waldon Middle School and Scripps Middle School sang for a 1 at Solo and Ensemble and over fifty Lake Orion High School Band and Choir events earned a 1 at State level Solo and Ensemble, with even more receiving a 1 at District level.
Lake Orion High School had a very successful 2010-11 school year! The Teacher Cadet program was newly designed this year by teacher Julie Barnes. It was designed for students who have an interest in the Education field. The program consists of three classes, Child Development, Teacher Cadet and Face to Face, which allow the students an in depth look into the teaching field. Physics teachers, Wendy Burns and Stephen Tighe, worked with Oakland Schools to help facilitate the science breakout sessions for both the MIClass and HI-Class workshops, which are part of the literacy initiative from Oakland Schools. Each presented a session at the Michigan Science Teachers Association’s annual conference in Grand Rapids in February. Steve Tighe also co-presented a paper at the National Association for Research in the Science Teaching annual conference in Orlando this April. The daily live newscast, LO-AM, is in its 20th year and has been named the best high school newscast in the state. The overall broadcast/video program, Dragon Broadcasting, has won the Spartan Award and been named the best in the state for 4 of the last 5 years. Recent individual student honors include Best News Anchor, Best Short Film Producer, Best News Story, Best Music Video, and Best Live Sports Coverage in the state. In 2010, LOHS broadcast students won over 30 individual awards at the state level, the most of any school in Michigan. Also in 2010, LOHS students won 2 of the 12 national video scholarships in a PSA contest.
4th Annual Senior Citizen Musical and Brunch
The Leadership Class at Lake Orion High School hosted 125 community members for the 4th Annual Senior Citizen Musical and Brunch in April. After the meal, these important guests were treated to a matinee musical, Seussical, presented by the Lake Orion High School Thespian Troupe. More than 100 high school students in the cast, crew, and orchestra pit were on hand in the auditorium to make this event a success!
BULLY BUSTERS
Lake Orion High School students volunteered every Wednesday morning as Bully Busters at Oakview Middle School. These students have given up every late start day of the year in order to be in the classroom teaching middle school students strategies to help stop bullying. Visit the high school website at www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/lohs/index.html for a complete list of high school academic, fine arts and extracurricular achievements.
All three Lake Orion High School Bands earned a 1 at District Festival. The Cadet Bands and Festival Singers from Oakview Middle School, Waldon Middle School and Scripps Middle School all received a 1 at District Festival, with the Scripps Cadet Band going on to earn a 1 at State Festival. The Scripps Concert Winds ensemble scored a 1 at District Festival as well. The middle school bands sent over 200 events to District Solo and Ensemble Festival, with a majority earning a 1. The District had eleven music students selected to be in the All-State Band, Orchestra, or Choir and eight Lake Orion High School music students were chosen to participate in the Michigan Youth Arts Festival Band, Orchestra, or Chorale. Finally, the LOHS Woodwind Chamber Ensemble was selected as the outstanding woodwind ensemble in the state and will be performing at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival. While these scores are impressive, it is the daily experience of musical creativity and excellence in all K12 music classes that is most beneficial to our Lake Orion students.
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011 / page 14
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Fall 2010 MEAP Results MEAP Science Grades 5 & 8 2005-06 — 2010-11
Students are assessed in mathematics, reading, science and social studies. Overall, the District did very well. The following summarizes the overall proficiency rate of our students in each of the subjects, as well as an Oakland County comparison.
Oakland
Michigan
Percent Met
Lake Orion
Mathematics 94.5% proficiency (grades 3-8) Reading 93.1% proficiency (grades 3-8)
MEAP Social Studies Grades 6 & 9 2005-06 — 2010-11 Lake Orion
Oakland
Michigan
Social Studies 90% proficiency (grades 6 and 9) Writing 66.9% proficiency (grades 4 and 7)
Percent Met
Science 92.5% proficiency (grades 5 and 8)
To view complete MEAP results for each of Lake Orion schools, go to www.michigan.gov/meap and click on the MEAP results link.
MEAP Writing Grades 4 & 7 2005-06 — 2010-11 Lake Orion
Percent Met
The charts show Lake Orion students’ 4-year comparison in mathematics, reading, science and social studies.
Oakland
Michigan
Lake Orion Community Schools
Spring 2011 / page 15
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us
MEAP Reading Grades 3-8 2005-06 — 2010-11 Oakland
Michigan
Percent Met
Lake Orion
MEAP Math Grades 3-8 2005-06 — 2010-11
Percent Met
Lake Orion
Oakland
Michigan
Lake Orion Administration Marion Ginopolis, Superintendent ................................................. 693-5400 Heidi Kast, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment . 693-5400 Jillynn Keppler, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance ....... 693-5400 Margaret Hazlett, Executive Director of Human Resources ................ 693-5400 Marla Ernst, Director of Food Services ........................................... 814-0201 Cynthia Forsyth, Director of Transportation .................................... 391-5455 Wes Goodman, Director of Facility Management ............................. 817-1798 Kim McLean, Director of Early Childhood Services ........................... 693-5439 Tim Smith, Director of Operations ................................................ 814-1798 Julie Stucky, Director of Special Education ..................................... 693-5430
Board of Education Mary Jo Burchart, President Janet Wolverton, Vice President Tiffany Weber-Phillips, Secretary Jim Weidman, Treasurer
Lake Orion High School Sophia Lafayette, Principal .......................................................... Darin Abbasse, Associate Principal ................................................ Chris Bell, Associate Principal ....................................................... Beverly Tepper, Associate Principal ................................................ Lori Pevoteaux, Supervisor of Learning Options & Extended Learning Bill Reiss, Director of Athletics ......................................................
693-5420 693-5420 693-5420 693-5420 693-5450 693-5458
Middle Schools Alice Seppanen, Principal, Oakview Middle School ........................... Sarah Perry, Assistant Principal, Oakview Middle School ................... Dan Haas, Principal, Scripps Middle School .................................... Aaron Dobson, Assistant Principal, Scripps Middle School ................. Randy Groya, Principal, Waldon Middle School ................................ John Bernia, Assistant Principal, Waldon Middle School .....................
693-0321 693-0321 693-5440 693-5440 391-1100 391-1100
Elementary Schools Jennifer Goethals, Principal, Blanche Sims ..................................... Kerri Anderson, Principal, Carpenter YRE ....................................... Brian Kaplan, Principal, Orion Oaks ............................................... Lauren Smith, Principal, Paint Creek ............................................. Diane Dunaskiss, Principal, Pine Tree ............................................ Jesse Baker, Principal, Stadium Drive ............................................ Sarah Manzo, Principal, Webber ...................................................
693-5460 391-3500 393-0010 814-1724 693-5470 693-5475 391-0400
Steven Drakos, Trustee Bob Gritzinger, Trustee Kelly Weaver, Trustee
Central Enrollment Nancy Limback, Pupil Accounting Specialist .................................... 814-0215
Board Meetings 2010-2011 7:00pm June 8, 2011 June 22, 2011 Board of Education Office 315 N. Lapeer Street Lake Orion, MI 48362 Email: loboard@lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Communicating with Lake Orion Community Schools For your convenience, Lake Orion posts school and sport schedules, school board agendas/meeting minutes, dates for important events, cancellations and much more in a variety of formats.
www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us www.highschoolsports.net Twitter Comcast Cable Channel 22
Radio Stations: WWJ and WWJR TV Stations: Channel 2, 4, 7 and 50 Cancellations.com SchoolMessenger
Lake Orion Community Schools Newsletter
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