Information

Packet
For Public Distribution

For the

December 10, 2008

Board of Education Meeting
 Todd Roberts, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
roberts t@aaps.k12.mi.us

MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Educat~n Trustees
From: Todd Roberts ~V
Date: Decem ber 5, 2008
Subject: Information Update

1'1 Quarter Financial Report

On the agenda for Wednesday's meeting for first briefing is the 1st Quarter Financial
Report. Both the Performance and Planning Committees were briefed on this report
earlier this week. Copies of the report are in your packet. Robert and Nancy Hoover
will present the report.

If you have any questions let me know.

Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee By-Laws

On the agenda for Wednesday's meeting for first briefing is the By~Laws for the district
Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee. In 2004 the state legislature passed
Public Acts 165 and 166 which modified Michigan laws related sex education in public
schools. One stipulation in the law is that each district must have a sex education
advisory board. In the spring of 2007 we reestablished this committee in AAPS. This
committee has worked to establish goals and objectives and establish by-laws. The
Board needs to approve the by-laws so that is the purpose for the briefing. Included in
the information in the Blue Book are the by-laws, goals and objectives, committee
membership, copies of a survey that was done last year and the current reproductive
health curriculum. The co-chairs of the committee Anne Solari (health teacher at
Tappan) and lenni Lane (parent) will present the information at Wednesday's meeting.
Harry Hayward has been working with the committee to provide oversight and
support.

1f you have any questions let me know.

Great Start Readiness Program Authorization

On the agenda for Wednesday's meeting for special briefing is authorization for the
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). GSRP is the new name for what we have had in
the past which was then called the Michigan School Readiness Program (MSRP). The
GSRP is funding that supports our First Steps Program. We will not receive the actual
agreement document until Monday (12/15), so the resolution is not included in the Blue
Book. We ,vill have the resolution for you at Wednesday's meeting.
ITO Thrift Shop Report

At Wednesday's meeting we will have a report regarding the PTO Thrift Shop as an
information item. The report will be an update on the work of the Thrift Shop.

Huron, Pioneer and Community U.S and World News Report Recognition

In U.S. New~ and World Report's alU1ual report on the top high schools in the country
Huron and Pioneer were given silver medals and Community received a bronze medal.
The only school in Michigan to receive a gold medal was the International Academy in
Bloomfield Hills. In total 74 schools in Michigan were recognized (1 gold, 19 silver, 54
bronze). Our high schools were the only schools in the county to receive recognition.
The following URL address will take you to the article:
http://www.usnews.com/li sting sid irectorieslhigh-
schoolslindex htmllstate id+Mllpage number+1lpage size+10Isort+alpha
Iname+laward+Bronze+Gold+Honorable%20Mention+Silverlschool name+
LcOlln!Y:t Wa shtenaw%20Countyl detai I+les s
Information Packet Index
December 10, 2008

Draft Minutes of the 12110/08 Regular

Meeting 1

Newspaper Articles
2

Page 1
 ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(~~
",It,
~~~~~~~---~
BOARD OF EDUCATION - Regular Meeting of November 19, 2008 DRAFT
DISTRICT LIBRARY MINUTES
RESUME REGULAR MEETING, 7:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER
Vice President Patalan resumed the Regular Meeting of the Board at 7:03 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Trustee Nelson led the pledge.

ROLL CALL
Present - Trustees Friedman (Treasurer), Gates-Bryant, Mexicotte, Nelson (Secretary) and Patalan
(Vice President)
Absent - Trustees Baskett and Cross (President)
Present from Administration - Roberts, Camsa, Margolis, Dickinson-Kelley, Trent, Osinski (Recorder)

INTRODUCTION OF NON-VOTING MEMBER AT THE TABLE

Vice President Patalan introduced Dr. Todd Roberts, Superintendent of Schools.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Agenda was approved by consent.

STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Cherry Westerman presented the Honors Choir from Slauson Middle School performed for the board.

PUBLIC COMMENTARY
None.

REPORTS
• Youth Senate
a Youth Senate Lead Team met 10/27 and 11/17 to discuss outreach, broader
communication and increased collaboration.
a Basic Leadership Training for high school student leaders was held 11/4; these
students will then participate in Advanced Leadership Training series.
a Ina Thatsani, an Indonesian exchange student, offered her observations and
experiences since coming to the United States.
a Huron Act Now group sponsored two Challenge Days.
a Huron mock election results were 79% for Obama, 11 % for McCain and 10% for third
party or "other".

• Ann Arbor Parent Advisory Committee (AAPAC)

a Scott Zeleznik reported that Dr. Roberts attended their 11/3 meeting and shared
information about the elementary attendance, retention and acceleration policies,
progress on strategic plan as well as funding of the full-day kindergarten proposal.
a The PAC focus this year is Transitions, Peer Mentoring and Disability Awareness.
Other goals include improving communication between parents and school staff.
a The next meeting will be held 12/1 at 7pm in room 3298 at Skyline.

• Parent Teacher Organization Council (PTOC)

a Thanked those involved in the launch party held 10/20. Issues addressed were:
Achievement gap, Power School, Enrichment offerings, transportation, summer
Page 1 of 1
All Ann Arbor Public School,' SlUd.nls Will Oradual. R.ady
 ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION Regular Meeting of November 19, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES

academic opportunities, PTO/Parent/Principal relationships, surplus funds and middle

school concerns.
o During the 11/17 meeting, Monique Uzelac gave a presentation on Power School.
Also discussed the Elementary attendance, retention and acceleration policies.
o The next meeting will be held 12/15 @ 7pm at Balas.

• Ann Arbor Education Association (AAEA)

o Recognized Education Support Personnel. Percy Brown, MEAlP President and Cathy
Carey, MEA/OP President, offered comments about their role in the school districts.

BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Performance
o Met 11/3 and discussed marketing update-customer service; discussed the audit
report; resolution to expand use of sinking fund; reviewed the 1000 series of policies.
o Next meeting December 1,5-6:30 p.m. at Balas. Public is welcome.

• Planning
o Met on 11/11 and discussed reproductive health bylaws; reviewed the resolution to
expand the use of sinking fund; reviewed the 1000 series--making recommendations
that will be shared with the performance committee to determine which committee will
work on what. December 2 is the next meeting. November 25 will be cancelled.
o Next meeting is December 2,6-7:30 p.m. at Balas. November 25 will be cancelled.

INFORMATION
• Youth Senate offered their report "The Condition of Youth Voice in Ann Arbor Public High
Schools."
• Randy Trent offered a facilities update. Showed pictures of the Tappan and Slauson Media
Center remodels. Noted that the district is "going green" with the use of environmentally
sound products.
• Wendy Correll reviewed the Educational Foundation Grant Awards for this year.
FIRST BRIEFING
2007-08 Annual Financial Report (Under separate cover)
Nelson reviewed the revenues from 6 years ago to today. The district has seen a decrease of nearly
10% from State sources. Nearly half of our funding comes from local sources. We declined 2% in
enrollment; charter school enrollment increased by 18%. Will continue to be concerned about the
level of State funding; our local funding may need to increase if we want to maintain our current
programs.

08/09 Grant Awards

Asked if there is a program that identifies grant opportunities. Not a specific person, but there are
people in various areas that look at available grants. This is secondary to their responsibilities.
Strategy 8 of the Strategic Plan is to look at feasibility of hiring a grant writer.

SECOND BRIEFING - scheduled for approval at this meeting

Policy Adoptions - 5150 - Elementary Attendance, 5160 - Elementary Reclassification - Retention,
5170 - Elementary Reclassification - Acceleration
Page 2 of 2
All Ann Arbor Public School" Stud.nts Will Graduat. R.ady
 ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION - Regular Meetlng of November 19, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES

Ms. Dickinson-Kelley explained that the 10% threshold for achievement is a guideline. By using time
differently and developing a PLP for potential retention students ensure that the same things won't
happen again.

ACTION - CONSENT AGENDA - scheduled for approval at this meeting

Adopt Policy 5150 - Elementary Attendance
Trustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to adopt policy 5150-Elementary Attendance
effective immediately. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0, Trustees Baskett and Cross absent.

Adopt Policy 5160 - Elementary Recfassification

Trustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to adopt policy 5160-Elementary
Reclassification-Rentention effective immediately. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0, Trustees
Baskett and Cross absent.

Adopt Policy 5170 - Elementary Reclassification - Acceleration

Trustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to adopt policy 5170-Elementarv
Reclassification-Acceleration effective immediately. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0. Trustees
Baskett and Cross absent.

Approve Draft Minutes of the 10129108 Regular Meeting

Trustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to approve the minutes of the 10/29/08
Regular meeting as presented. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0. Trustees Baskett and Cross
absent.

Approve Draft Minutes of the 11112108 Executive Session

Trustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to approve the minutes of the 11/12/08
Executive Session as presented. On roll call vote. the motion carried 5-0. Trustees Baskett and Cross
absent.

Approve Draft Minutes of the 11112108 Regular Meeting & Study Session
Trustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to approve the minutes of the 11/12/08
Regular meeting & Study Session as presented. On roll call vote. the motion carried 5-0, Trustees
Baskett and Cross absent.

Acceptance of the 08109 AAPS Educational Foundation Grant Awards

Trustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to accept the MPS Eductional Foundation
Grant Award for 2008/09. On roll call vote. the motion carried 5-0. Trustees Baskett and Cross
absent.

Approve Trustee Conference Expense Reimbursements

Trustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to approve the Conference Expense
Reimbursements as presented. On roll call vote. the motion carried 5-0. Trustees Baskett and Cross
absent.

Gm Offers
Trustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to accept the gift offers as presented. On roll
call vote. the motion carried 5·0, Trustees Baskett and Cross absent.
Page30f3
All Ann Arbor Public Sohool,' Students Win &raduate Ready
 ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION - Regular Meeting of November 19, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES

ACTION - BOARD ITEMS

Recreation Advisory Commission Appointments
Trustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Gates-Bryant moved to re-appoint Sharon Kos and Paula
Greeno to the Recreation Advisory Commission for 2008/09 through 2010/2011. On roll call vote. the
motion carried 5-0, Trustees Cross and Baskett absent.

Motion to hold an Executive Session on December 10, 2008 at 5:30 PM at the District Library for the
purpose of negotiations - continue informal evaluation of superintendent.
Trustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to hold an Executive Session of the Board on
December 10, 2008 at 5;30 PM at the District Library for the purpose of negotiations and information
evaluation of the Superintendent. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0, Trustee Baskett and Cross
absent.

Resolution to Support the Broadening of Potential Sinking Fund Use.

In Support of the Broadening of the Potential Uses of Sinking Funds

For consideration at the November 19, 2008 Board of Education Meeting
WHEREAS,
• Since fiscal year 2003 the State of Michigan has appropriated extremely small increases in
funding for K-12 education. (For example, the foundation allowance per student in the Ann
Arbor Public Schools increased at an average annual rate of only 1.0 percent from FY 2003 to
the current year (FY 2009).)
• The small increase in the foundation allowance per student from FY 2008 to FY 2009 is at risk
of being cut or even eliminated because of looming state revenue shortfalls from earlier
projections.
• The budget cuts necessitated by past and current shortfalls of increases in revenues in the
face of widespread increases in costs jeopardize the quality of K-12 education and, in turn, the
future well-being of our children and young people and of our state economy.
• Current constraints on the uses of sinking fund revenues relative to bond revenues cause
school districts, in some instances, to forego a more productive investment for a useful but
nevertheless less desirable option (for example, replacement of floor tile when replacement of
computers and other technological devices would have the most impact on student learning).
• The loosening of these constraints and the resulting increases in student learning could be
achieved at ZERO cost to the state of Michigan.
• A sinking fund levy will continue to be enacted only after a majority vote of the citizens of the
school district.
• The House and Senate Committees on Education of the Michigan Legislature have bills that
would accomplish the loosening of constraints and that were introduced over one year ago, in
January 2007, and could be quickly enacted.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

• The members of the House and Senate should pass House Bill 4141 and Senate Bill 54 as
soon as possible, and no later than December 31, 2008.
• The Governor should sign the legislation into law as soon as possible.
• The Secretary of the Board shall distribute this resolution to

Page 4 of4
All Ann Arbor Public School" Students Will Gradua!. Ready
 ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION - Regular Meeting of November 19, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES

o Governor Jennifer Granholm, State of Michigan

o Senator Michael Bishop, Majority Leader, Michigan Senate
o Representative Andy Diffon, Speaker, Michigan House of Representatives
o Senator Mark Schauer, Democratic Leader, Michigan Senate
o Representative Craig DeRoche, Minority Leader, Michigan House of Representatives
o Senator Wayne Kuipers, Chair, Committee on Education, Michigan Senate
o Representative Tim Melton, Chair, Committee on Education, Michigan House of
Representatives
o Senator Gretchen Whitmer, Minority Vice Chair, Committee on Education, Michigan
Senate
o Representative John Moolenaar, Minority Vice Chair, Committee on Education,
Michigan House of Representatives
o Senator Randy Richardviffe, District 17, Michigan Senate
o Senator Elizabeth Brater, District 18, Michigan Senate
o Representative Pam Byrnes, District 52, Michigan House of Representatives
o Representative Rebekah Warren, District 53, Michigan House of Representatives
o Representative Alma Smith, District 54, Michigan House of Representatives
o Representative Kathy Angerer, District 55, Michigan House of Representatives

o Ann Arbor News

o WEMU
o WUOM
and others as fits the circumstances as they arise.
On roll call vote, the motion carried 5·0, Trustees Baskett and Cross absent.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

ITEMS FOR AGENDA PLANNING,

None.

ITEMS FROM THE BOARD

Trustee Gates-Bryant served as delegate to MASB conference 10/31-11/1. Will put together report in
the information packet for 12/10.

Trustee Nelson attended the Carpenter benefit auction. Also attended where
plaques of recognition were presented to Norma McCuiston & Denise Eady Richardson,

Trustee Mexicotte noted that at the SEC swimming event PHS took 151 place; Huron took 3rd; Skyline
took 5th with an all-freshman team.

ADJOURNMENT
9:53 p.m.

Page 5 of 5
All Ann Arbor Publl_ School,' Stud.nts Will Gradua!. R.ady
 Przygodski r"signs as Huron football coach - MUv~.tom 12/04/2003 03A6 PM

• COOlplete Forecast: Hrow-page I RSS Fee~s' Abool U, ! (""Iact Us : Ad~ .. rli~e

LIVING FORUMS SHOP JOBS AUTOS

R£AL CUl.SSIFic:DS
NEWS BUSINESS SPORTS ENll,RT,"ll\Ir~IENT TRAVEL ESTATE

MICHIGAN ,,_._-----_.._ - - - -
High School Sports
H.S Home 60ys I;l.. ~i,~[!;all I+ More sports!
FINAL - 12/03 i'lt;;
p.m. l~t In<i :mj
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News Photo,.- Scores &. Schedules
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Przygodski resigns as Huron f ootball ~ SCO~ I ".e<:,p
Search HS Sports
coach
~~ Ann Arbor News, November' 17, 2008 8:58 p.m.
See a List of: Joel Przygodski resigned from his
Schools position as Hu mn High School head
football coach after four years leading
Teams the program he once quarterbacked to
Regions i'l state title game.

Conferences
"It was a very difficult decision,
Players especially wilh this b~ing Illy alma
rnater all d a place that I holu near and
dear to my hcalt," "aid Przygodski, a
H~f"n HIgh Scl>ool footl>a!! ~oach Jo~1 1999 Huron 91'aduate, "It's been a
P"1YOOdGki "'~i9ne<l ~fter four
ANN All}iOQi'oEWS fantastic run here at Huron, but
5~a.o"s, Athl<!tk <lir~cto< Dottie C~vi~
hOp~5 to nam~ .. <apll>Co'"""t ""forg (resigning) was something 1 felt like I
th~ "CtW y~~r. . ( Allen W"r~n, Tlw Ann needed to do."

Przygodski informed players and

parents of his decisioll at the team's postseaS()1l bomquet on Friday
night. Lat est High School Rankings
Photos The starting quarterback on Huron's 1997 Class AAcq state runner-up 10,?8.0e: MichiQan AP I',iq" ",-:r,uol IOQ-:-')d"- ,<:,Ii
team, przygodski was named head coach prior to t he 2005 season. His U,G3,Q8: Gi:'" Vuil-cyudil RN:I'ill~s
teams were a combined 13-23 in four seasons. lO.29,(}8 Bo/, w:Jlcr pc-!() ,,:,nki'1§'
lo,n.us ,-iirb Vull~yb.111 Rank':ll:'s
Huron athletic director Dotti~ Davis said 51112'5 already ass81ll[Jling an
interview team and will officially post the open posi t ion todelY. ShE lo.n_os' P,U"fS W~t'~r rul" 1~ ~r.k ir.g5

plans an aggressive seicction process that will have a 11CW coach in 10.2!,(J8: ~ki,;ga[j A~ peep fuotba!l poP
place before Jan. 1 , 2009. IO,21}.OS: G,rls -VQil,'y!J~1I r~nking~

10.20.08: Girl, gGif ra"kings

"We're going to go h.1I1 steam ahead to get thb done so the bGys have
some guidance in the offseason," Davis said.

The job will not come with an in-building teaching position that many
HOCk".
~'om b:l:klo<m coaching candidates, including Przygodski, se ek, Przygodski taught one
WOI"ld History course ami worked as a community assist ant at the MLive.com High School Forums
school, FOOTBALL
"Teaching full time is my No. 1 objective anrl ~o I will try Clnd find a
teaching job," Pr7.ygQdski said. "And if coac hing i~ ~till in the cards,
BOYS HOOPS • St3tewide • C~'ltrJI/~!Gcth
then I will pursue it."
• E~stem ;'\i:;n • VV(lSI,""l Mich,
Jeff Arnold and Rich Pez/er contributed to t his repolt.
GIRLS HOOPS • Sta'&Vi!·je
• r:~slern Midi • ',W~_tP(f' Mien

Swartz Cf"e~-Gnmd BI"nc WRESTLING ' St;)tewidc. • Cen'nL/Ncr,h

Hockey
from Di!lin"r-

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 [Iection focus letter: Stud~l'lts' artwork ~erve5 as remil'ld~f - Ann Arbor N"ws Opinion - MUve.com 121041200804:34 PM

Election focns letter: Stndents' artwork serves as reminder

Posted by slgottfr November 19, 2008 11:00AM

It is not necessarily a "gjven" that waiting in line to vote will be a positive experience, However, the hour
spent on Nov. 4 - moving slowly through the halls of the Thurston Elementary School building - was exactly
such an experience.

The slow walk offered an unusual opportunity for the "well above voting age" population to learn from
lower elementary age students whose social studies projects were displayed along the walls. The children's
writing and artwork, addressing the generaJ theme of "Communities - places where everyone joins to live,
work, play and solve problems" - illustrated the incredibly diverse background communities of the students.

The fact that students from one school so capably desclibed their ethnic, racial, economic and geographic
heritage, from every portion of the United States and countries around the world, was a tribute both to
Thurston and the city of Ann Arbor. Not only did reading the student display help to make the time pass
more quickly, but it also reminded many others how important it is that the United States community
resolves to join in solving economic, environmental and social problems during this time of many
challenges.

Categories: Letters

Comments
Footer

http://blD<J.mliv~.com / annar bG mews" opi n ion,l Z008! 11 / .,lecUon_focu ~_.Ietter _~tu oe nts/ prinChtm I Page 1. of 1
 Other Voices: School playoff teams are Ia:cking playoff~$lzed aowd3 - Ann Arbor News Opinion Impact - MLive.wm 12/04/200803:59 PM

Eve'''j{th.ing MichIgan

Other Voices: School playoff teams are lacking

playoff-sized crowds
Posted by Peggy Page I Local writer November 20, 2008 16:22PM

By Peggy Page

My high school's state championship in football is still vivid 38 years after

the game itself.
Other Voices
More than 8,000 fans from both teams filled the best scats of North Peggy Page-
Carolina State!s Carter Finley Stadium on a surprisingly wann [ate The writer is a local writer who
November day. I got so sunburned, I looked like tbe Batman character Two- once covered high school sport s
Face. The marching bands practiced for weeks for a state championship for The Ann Arhor News_

cali ber show.

But along with tirst-rate football-my team Broughton - which had its fifth consecutive shutout defeating
Charlotte Olympic 14-0 - what I remember was our daring lead majorette, Marianne Lowendick.

OUf majorettes usually wore modest skirts and thick tights, but for that state title game Marianne went a]l-
out with a razzle-dazzle, sequined swimsuit-style uni.

At halftime, she flawlessly twirled two flaming batons.

Now I don!t know if anyone gets to twirl flaming batons these days due to the fake field turf and thrill-
squelching concerns about liability. But how my teenage memories contrast to the atmosphere of Saline's
37·36 defeat of Pioneer in the first round of the football playoffs on Friday, Oct. 31.

My son, a recent Huron grad, and I got to the game early to see the marching bands' pregame show.

What show'? Neither school had a band. A CD player (or tape deck) played a lackluster rendition of the
national anthem.
Pioneer had about 50 fans in its stands at kickoff. 1 estimate the student section at about lOO kids at its max,
and this is one of the biggest high schools in the state .

How can any school expect to have a state championship team, in any
sport, if it doesn't have a state championship crowd, especially during the To contribute essays to Other Voices,
contact Bob Needham, opinion editor,
playoffs? My nostalgia may seem quaint, archaic or small-townish, but at 734-994-6825 or
in 1970 Raleigh was the size that Ann Arbor is now. bl"leedham@annarborneW5,com,

http://bJog.mlive.comfannarbornew~_opinion_impaCl/2008/11/school_playofCteams_areJa~ki,'print.htm I Pug,> 1 of 2
 Other Voices: School playoff teams an.' lad.ing playoff-~i1ed crowds - Ann Arbor NeW~ Opinion Impact - MLive.com 12/04/200803:59 PM

Nuw, to their credit, the Pioneer parents and students hollered just fine,
but they looked more like the Mackinac lsland Lakers, a school so small
it struggles to tIll out the starting lineup of a basketball team.

What a contrast to the Hornets. Saline's cheerleaders waved pompoms on the field below the student
section, where students in Halloween costumes stood roaring for their team. Parents were there, as expected,
but so were families that dribbled in during the first hatf with young children in costume. And they didn't
leave this exciting game early, even when the little ones got sleepy, cranky and squinny, like one toddler
who wanted to nap inside my tote bag.

When I was a college swimmer, our bench faced the stands. I knew I was supposed to be tough and that it
wasn't supposed to matter, but 1 always noticed if we had a crowd ... or not. Players ahvays know ... and
care.

Yes, I know sports have changed since 1970. High schools offer more different sports and teams for both
young men and young women, which is fabulous but also diverts attention from anyone team.

But when we ask a team to compete alone or nearly alone, we have lost a sense of our community culture
and our schooJ culture.

We need IIMariannes" who create fiery memories that last for decades.

http://blog.miive.com/armarbomews_opi!1io!1_impan/2008/11/schooLplayofLtearns_ar~Jackllprint.htm I Page 2 of2

 Mii'le.com's Prlnttr-Fnend ly Page

is this weekend

The fourth annual An n Arbor News Head-to-Toe Women's Expo takes place Friday and Saturday at the
Best Western Conference Center, 2900 Jackson Road in Ann ArboL

The expo will include shopping, product and cooking demonstrations, prize giveaways, a fashion show,
makeovers and more. Special guests will include ''The Herb l ady" Eshe Riviears and Food Network
personality Sheila Rae, along with olher informational and entertainment featUres.

Admission is $3 in advance or $5 at the door. Children under 12 get in free and parking also is free.
Tickets may be purchased at The Ann Arbor News, 340 E. Huron St. , or at Varsity Ford, 3480 Jackson
Road.

For more details, visit WoNW.ann arbornews.comiwomensexpo.

Scarlett teacher placed on leave

A teacher at Ann Arbor's Scarlett Middle School is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by
district officials.

District officials declined to comment on the nature of any charges.

The teacher was placed on leave severa! weeks ago, district spokeswoman Liz Margolis said.

From News staff reports

CZ008

e 2008 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

Mlive_com's Pr fnte r-Frle nd!~ Page

/1-),0-0 '(;

EVEirytblng: Micbllilltn

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ANN ARBOR NEWS

IN BRIEF
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Other Voices: Student exclusion overcome

Posted by The Ann Arbor News Bureau November 23, 2008 1O:14AM

By Joan M. Doughty

Two years ago, on the day the Ann Arbor schools started the 2006-2007 academic year, The Ann Arbor
News published an "Other Voices" piece I wrote. I discussed how frequently children from low-income
families are excluded from school activities because of financial need. Prom school pictures, yearbooks,
field trips, book orders and spirit wear to evening school events and graduation cap and gown, often
students are unintentionally left out because of the costs involved. That chronic exclusion has deep and
long-term effects for the affected students, their classmates and our community.

As a mattcr of social justice, no student in the distlict should be excluded because of inability to pay in a
community as resourceful and caring as Ann Arbor. Furthermore, the constant stress of exclusion
detracts from children's ability to focus and study, and likely interteres with their learning. The
discouraging bombardment of exclusionary experiences also erodes their confidence, and some students
stop trying to belong. Some eventually give up on schoo! altogether. \Vhile students as individuals pay a
heavy price for this, so does the rest of the community. High school dropouts costs us a [at. We pay for
their support, for their housing. And we pay with higher crime and incarceration rates.

1 am very pleased to report that through the hard work of many people, great strides have been made.
Within a month of that publication, a loosely structured task force, Student Participation Opportunities
Team, was fOlTI1ed to address the issue. The group included representatives from AAPS, local nonprofit
organizations and the community, who were equipped with a can-do attitude. It was a solvable problem.
We began by creating a list of social exclusion situations that occur in the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
The list, broken down by school level, runs for several pages. SPOT members decided to focus first at
the elementary school level.

Over the next year we learned the following:

• In 2006-2007, around 20 perccnt of Ann Arbor students received free or reduced-cost lunches, a
reasonable estimate on how many were possibly affected by social-ecollomic exclusion .

• In several schools, PTO funds already support inclusion, by paying for students who come to school
\vithout school picture orders, !lot charging for field trips and using prepaid tickers at evening social
events .

• Creation of the social inclusion funds in PTO budgets seems to depend more on the awareness and
commitment of school administrators and PIOs to erase social exclusion than on the size of their PTO
budgets .

.. Only two elementary school PTOs had end-of-the-year balances with less than $10,000, and the
average was almost $19,000.

1 of 3 1l!24/0R 1:41 PM
 Other Voices: Student exclusion overcome ~ Arm Arhor Ne\v~ Orinl." http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews_opinion_impactl200S/11/other ...

.. Ann Arbor elementary school PTOs raised an average of $28,000 in revenue in a year.

That led SPOT members to conclude that, with the exception of a handful of elementary schools, most
PrOs can support social-economic inclusion work within thejr schools - and that much of the problem
is one of awareness, not of finances. Using the findings. SPOT developed a list of "model practices"
that can be used by most schools to eliminate economic exclusion and allow children from low-income
families to fully participate in their scllOal's social fabric, without sacrificing their dignity.

An opportunity far a pilot program presented itself when the Angell Elementary school PTO and a few
private donors allowed SPOT to make $2,500 available to one of the few schools with a high percentage
of free and reduced-lunch eligible students and low PTO revenues and fund balances. One such
elementary school was selected to lise $1,500 toward inclusion work, and the remaining funds for an
enrichment project. As a result, the school principal offered free school picture packets to students
eligible for free and reduced-cost lunch last year.

The principal reported:

"We offered a free $15 picture packet to close to 75 students in October. Parent response was fantastic.
It cost $1 ,100. \Vhat a great feeling to have all kids with an envelope on Picture Day. We saved another
$400 to put towards yearbooks."

The success of the pilot program, coupled with widened interest from the Burns Park PTO, AAPS
administration and other community members, enabled the SPOT team to form a new partnership with
the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educa60nal Foundation. The result is the Ann Arbor Public Schools
Village Fund Initiati ve.

The AAPSEF Village Fund Initiative addresses social exclusion issues in our schools in two ways.
First, it offers an educational component, a Powerpoint presentation and follow-up discussion, available
to all PTOs, school administrators and any other interested community groups. The presentation covers
the concept of social exclusion, the forms it takes and how it affects students. It also shares best
practices on how to eliminate social exclusion and details on how schools can create their own PTO
Village Fund.

Second, the initiative provides for district··levcl support, through the Ann Arbor Public School
Educational Foundation Village Fund, to schools unable to raise adequate funds through their own
PTOs.

While the district attempts to ensure social exclusion does not occur, it still happens regularly. By being
mindful of the phenomenon and making inclusion a priority, all but a few Ann Arbor Public Schools
call easily eliminate most areas of exclusion through intcmal mechanisms. Through community
donations, the Village Fund can eradicate student exclusion in the remaining schools.

Even better, almost everyone can help in the work. Parents of AAPS students can remind their PTOs,
booster clubs and administrators of the impOltance of inclusion and advocate for it to become a regular
budget line item. Youth organizations, religious congregations and service groups ,vho want to become
involved can select a specific need and do fundraising for it. It is encouraging how many PTOs,
principals and private individuals have already embraced the initiative.

The interest in the fund is broad-based and exciting. As is often the case, Zingcnnan's led the way by
hosting a Harvest Dinner on Oct. 15 at its Roadhouse. Over $6,000 was raised for the Village Fund
Iniuative. What a great stmt. That $6,000 can pay for a lot of pictures, yearbooks and field trips.

J ended my "Other Voices" pieces two years ago by noting we needed a communitywide paltnership.

Now, thanks to the persistent advocacy of SPOT and Village Fund Initiative members, as well as the

2 of:1 lli24/CS 1:41 PM

 Oiher Voice\: Student exclusion overcome ~ Ann Arbor News Orin!... http://blog.mlive.com/annarborncws_opinion_impact!2008!11iothcr".

Ann Arbor Public Schools administration, only t""\/O years later the solution has been formed and is
being put into action. V-le'rc on the right path, but there is still much to be done. Everyone can help.
Please help to make Ann Arbor schools the kind of learning environments where truly no child is ever
left behind.

Afore information about social inclusion ami the Village Fund Initiative can hefound on the AAPS
Education Foundation's Hfe/} site, www.aapse/org, or by calling 734-994- 1969.

@ 2008 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

:; oD 11124/08 1:41 PM
Pioneer te"n has brains when it comes lO hird1 - AM Arbor NeWs Impact - MLive.com 12i04j2008 04:29 PM

Ever ything Miohigan

Pioneer teen has brains when it comes to birds

Posted by David Jesse I The Ann Arbor News November 24, 2008 18: 17PM

Like most teachers, Mary Nlargaret Ferraro loves it when her students get excited.

"You can really see their eyes light up and that's pretty cool," she said white standing in a classroom at Ann
Arbor Open School. lilt's so nice to see people get interested in something you love."

Unlike most: teachers, Ferraro is only 16.

Her age didn't: stop Ferraro, who is a junior at Pioneer High School who also is homeschooled and takes
classes at \Vashtenaw Community College, from spending a week teaching students about her passion -
birds.

Along with Open teacher Aina Bernier, Ferraro taught a course called "All About Birds" for fourth- through
eighth-grade students as part of the school's focus class program that allows students to take specialized
elective classes.

"This is something that we've been talking about for some time now," Ferraro said. "This is the first time it's
worked out in my schedule."

Using various live birds - Ferraro taught the students about what she called "general bird stufft ' like the
hollow bones birds have.

It's a subject Ferraro knows well.

"She's like a (college) graduate student in what she knows, It Bernier said.

Her attraction started way back, even before she was a student herself at Open.

"1 always liked animals, II she said. nWhen I was 7, I made the decision thatX'd focus on birds."

She likes the intelligence in birds, she said.

As for the future? It's going to involve birds, but she IS not sure exactly what's fonn it's going to take.

She's been doing some volunteering at museums and could see that in her future.

Page 1 "f 2
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E'ofetything Mlchigen

-:-: THR ~"

ANN ARBOR NEWS

IN BHIEF
Pa gEl 3 of 1

Beot Juice to be used on icy steps

There's going green and then there's going red.

The Ann Arbor Publi c Schools district is looking into using a combination of beet j uice and chloride to
replace salt around its buildings in the winter months, Randy Trent, the distri ct's ex ecut ive director of
physical properties, told the school board Wednesda y.

T he mixtu re, which w ould be sprayed in advance of storm s or freezmg weather over sidewalks and
steps, is effective for up to a couple of days. The goal is 10 cui down on grass die-off where the satt
lands and corrosion 10 school buildings from sart, Trent said.

Sand and sail will still be used in parking lois.

And yes, you'll notice the mixture.

"It will be reddish-braw n," he told the board.

District agrees with paraprofessionals

The Ann Arbor school board approved a contract with its paraprofessional union Wednesday night.

The two-year contract calls for a 1.5 percent pay rais e in the 2008-09 school year and a 1.25 percent
raise for the 2009-10 school year

Union members had been working since the 2006-0 7 school year without a contract, Superintendent
Todd Robert s said.

The board approved a 1 percent off base pay increase for that school year and also for the 2007-08
school yea r.

Fire building In

for modifications

A gran t from the federal Deparlmen: of Homeland Security will help pay fer modifications 10 Ihe Ypsilanli
Fire Department thaI will anow the city to use the building as a co mmand center for critical incidents.

The S90,OOO grant win require a $10,000 match from the city.

Fire Chief Jon Ichesco said w ork will include installim] an emissions exha ust system and sprinklers. The
exhaust system will vent carcinog ens from d iesel ex haust. Firefighters cu rrentl y have to open bay
doors to vent the building .

Women's Expo

is this waukcmd

The fourth annual Ann Arb or News Head-Ie-Toe Women's Expo l akes placa Fri day and Saturday at the

1 of 2 11/20/0810:55 A M
 Mlive.com's Printer-Friendly Page http:Hwww.mljve.com/pri nter/printer .sst?/base/news-301 122719564 ...

Best Western Conferenco Center, 2900 Jackson Road in Ann Arbor.

The expo will include shopping, product and cooking demonstrations, prize giveaways, a fashion show,
makeovers and more. Special guests wiH include "The Herb lady" Eshe Riviears and Food Network
personality Sheila Rae, along with other informational and entertainment features.

Admission is $3 in advance or $5 at the door. Children under 12 get in free and parking also is free.
Tickets may be purchased at The Ann Arbor News, 340 E. Huron St., or at Varsity Ford, 3480 Jackson
Road.

For more details, visit www.annarbornews.com/womensexpo.

Scarlett teacher placed on leave

A teacher at Ann Arbor's Scarlett Middle School is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation
by district officials.

District officials declined to comment on the nature of any charges.

The teacher was placed on leave several weeks ago, district spokeswoman Liz Margolis said.

From News staff reports

~2D08

© 2008 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

20f2 J 1120/08 10:55 AM

•
 Huron High students g~ilring up for an ,)nlin;> radio .stiltion - Ann Arbor News Impact - MUve.com 12/04 (200803:37 PM

everythiog Michtgoo

Huron High students gearing up for an online

radio station
Posted by David Jesse I The Ann Arbor News November 27, 2008 12:04PM

For the last couple years, the television and radio production class at Ann Arbor's Huron High School has
been heavily weighted toward television.

ThatTs about to change.

By the start of the second semester, a group of students working in independent study classes hope to
launch an Internet radio station, run by Huron students and full of Huron-related content.

And then, the television and radio production class Robert Fox teaches will be more equally divided
between the two mediums.

"This is a great opportunity for students to have a voice, II Fox said. !TIt's a great opportunity for them to learn
skills to work in radio."

Before that happens, there's a lot of work to be done.

That's where Jim Griffin, the executive director of Internet community station Ann Arbor Alive, comes in.
He's been working with the students to help create the station from scratch.

On Tuesday, Griffin taught the students how to transfer music files onto the server.
Griffin also talked about building a show, including scheduling banter between disc jockeys bct\\'ccn songs
and arranging the show.

lilt's one thing to learn aH the factual information about a radio station, II Reporter David Jesse can be reached
at 734-994~6937 or
Griffin said. "It's a totally different thing to actually do the work. TT djesse@annarbornews.com.

Studcnts have already worked on creating "tags" for the station, which is
WRAT. At the start of next week, they'll bring in mLlsic and create their own shows.

ltThere's not a lot of stuff at Huron that's completely student-run,1J said senior Sarah Litow. "This wili be. Jt's
a chance to let people hear about Huron. TT

h tt p ://blog.lnliv~.wmlannarborneW5 ..impact/2008/11,1hIJronJligh_.t udent . _g earin9_up/prim.htm I Page 1 Qf 2

 Huron High students gearing up for an otlline radio staiion - Ann Arbor New5lmpac! - MLive.com 12/04/200803:37 PM

With a laptop, the group will be able to broadcast live from anywhere - like a soccer game or student
assembly, Griffin said.

The hope is to build a whole roster of stations coming from Ann Arbor schools, Griffin said.

'The idea is to create a station as a pilot for the school system. Ideally, all middle and high schools would
have their own station," he said. nWelre working on setting the system up nmv, getting the curriculum
together and working out the issues. II

© 2008 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

http://blog.m live.com I annarborn ews_im pactl Z008 f 1 1 / huron _h igh_ st ude ms_g earing_u p I pri nl. hIm I Page 2 of2
 MHve.com's Printer- Frie ndly Pl '}e lZ/0 4i2008 03 :18 PM

E''IIJrything- Mlcbfgsn

- ='" TIrn ~~-

ANN ARBOR NEWS

Student's death a s hock for Logan
Fifth-grader killed in crash; his s ister hu rt

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

BY JO MATHIS
The Ann Arbor News

Following a long Thanksgiving break, Logan Elementary students returned to school Monday to
devastating news,

The students were told that fifth..g rader Mark Ragheb was killed in a car crash on Nov, 24 as his family
was heading hOme to Ann A rbor fonowing a weekend church retreat in Milo, It was his 10th birthday_

Mark's sister, a first..grader at Logan. remains in critical condition. Their brother, an eighth-grader al
Clague Middle School, was injured, but not seriously, and is back in school this week.

According to the Bay City Times, the Ragheb family was traveling on M·33 near Rose City around 2:30
p.m. when the slippery road caused their car to go oul of control.

Police say the driver, the children's father, overcorrected after a swerve, sending their Honda sideways in
its lane. A semi-tractor truck coming from behind hit the car broadside, police said.

"Speed wasn't a factor, but the impact, even at 35 or 40 miles an hour, was more than enough," Sgt.
Robert Cappell, scene investigator for the Ogemaw County Sheriff's Department, lold the Bay City Times.

The fam ily attends SI. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Troy. Contacted at the church, the Rev. Mina D.
Essak said the family dJd not want to release a statement and asked for privacy,

Mark's fun eral on Saturday was attended by several Ann Arbor Public Schools staff members, School
district spokeswoman Liz Margolis said Mark's death is 'Very, very tragic."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we're there to help any way we can," she said.

Grief counselors were available to Logan students Monday.

Reach Jo Mathis at 734 ~994 ·6849 or j mBthis@annarbomews.com.

C2oo8

(Q 2008 Michigan Uve. All Rights Reserved.

htt p;j / www.mlive .( Dnllprinte r/printcr .ss f?1 base l n~w~ - 3 0 112 2 82 3 2 4 2414461 O.;.:m I&coll - 2 P a g~ 1 0f l
 Mlive.com's Primer-Friendly Page 12/04f2008 03:20 PM

= TJ-TE =,

ANN ARBOR. NEWS

School payroll grows Arm ti.rbor district adds 58 employees,
mostly teachers
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
BY DAVID JESSE
The Ann Arbor News

The Ann Arbor Public Schools district has the equivalent of 58 more full-time employees working for it this
year than it did at this lime last school year, district administrators told a school board committee Monday
night.

The bulk of those increases are tied to the opening of Skyline High School, Superintendent Todd Roberts
said.

However, those employees were planned for in the district's budget, Robert AJlen, the districl's deputy
superintendent for operations, told the board's Performance Committee during a review of the district's first-
quarter finances.

"Overall, we're right where we expected to be," Allen said. He said the district's budget -at $190 million ~
will be able to cover the increased expenses.

Administrators have made millions of dollars of cuts to the district's budget over the last several years. Last
school year, the district cut 34 teaching positions at the middle and high school levels and outsourced its
food service program. Also, 57 teachers took buyouts the district offered. But all along, administrators said
they would need additional staff to run Skyline.

Several years ago, the district began transferring capital needs projects from the district's general fund,
which pays for staff, to bond and sinking fund tax levies in order to pay for additional costs to operate
Skyline. ln total, the district shifted about $3.8 million per year in order to pay to run the new school.

It's not uncommon for the district to add staff at the start of the year, based on enrollment in specific
buildings and grades and because of a special education law that mandates certain staffing levels.

This school year, enrollment has increased by about 35 students. The district had projected a 100-student
loss, meaning more money than expected wili be headed into school district coffers.

Last year, the district's first-quarter report showed an additional 33 full-time equivalents being added to the
district over the previous year.

According to figures Allen presented, the district at the end of the first quarter of this school year had 1,939
full-lime equivalent employees, compared to 1,881 at the same time last year.

The bulk of that increase is in the number of teachers, about 43.

There are two reasons for that growth in teachers, Allen said: increased enrollment at some schools and
the first year of operating Skyline. Overall, 19.75 new teaching positions are somehow lied to Skyline's
opening.

http) /WWI/II.m live .com / pri mer I pri nter.ssfi' Ibasp I news-3D/ 12 2 8 2 3 2 4 2 3 144610, xm I&coll_ 2 Page 1 of 2.
 Mliv~. com 's Prim er- Friendly Page 12104 /200803: 20 PM

Several staff members were also added to special education pos itIons.

Allen said because Skyline opened with only freshmen this year, not all teachers needed there could
simply be moved from one school to another.

"For example, there's band and orchestra teachers. Those are new positions that had to be added,"
Roberts said. 'We knew that there was going to be a lack of effICiencies in the first year.n

The district has also added eight full -time equivalent positions in maintenance for the new school.

"There's still the same amount of space to c1ean" at Huron and Pioneer high schoOlS, Roberts said .

Roberts said he expects to add fewer staff next year because of Skyline, which wi!! have freshmen and
sophomores. He said more teachers wi!! be able to directly transfer from other schools without being
replaced once the school has more than just one grade.

David Jesse can be reached at djesse@annarbomews.comorat 734-994 -6937 . Join the discussion at
blog.mlive.com/study_hall .

~2008

© 2008 Michigan Uve. All Rights Reserved .

hn p: j Iwww.mllve .co mipri mer! printe r.55 /'( I bas el news - 3 0 112 2 S2 3 2 4211 4461 O. ~m I&,o! 1- 2 Page 2 of 2
 Logan Elementary opens fund fbr Raghtb family - Ann Arbor News - The Ann Arbor New~ Online - Michigan New5f,:!aper - MLive_com 12/03/200803:01 PM

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ANN ARBOR NEWS

The latest Community, Education & Government News, local Photos & Videos

Logan Elementary opens fund for Raghcb falnily

hy .Jo .Mathis I Th~ AuuArhol' News
'-IJcdne,~day Decemher o::l, 2008, 9::33 A.M

Erery day after school, Mnr1< Rngheb walked

TODAY IN MJN A.RBOR from his fifth-grade das.~mom ~t Ann AroDr's
Log.'1Il El"'l11entJl)' School to the fir~t-grJde
Wit/l, AN~ ,'j{1i(*Jfil~:\~'s classrooi)l of his JlltJe sister, /vJnria. United Way
• Ann Arbor News Hgmc Togethel', they'd 3d un the bus ~ncl h~ad ofWi:lsntenaw Count.y
• Alln Arbgr-A,ea News homc.
• ,',no Arb", Sport;;
"Mark told me it was his job to lake e~re of ANN AHSOR WEA-rHER
• Ann Arinr Enter;9i'Hnent
:\-iaria," L.ogcln Elementary f'Jincipal Arlene
• "',n" k,\>Qr RllSille"
Hilmes silid. "And it WilS (big brother) Ann ArbQr, MI
• ,~nn Arbor Fe"tures
• Ann Arhgr G"'ini(}O
Andrew's job to take r.<lre of 11im,"
Log,lll Elementary School has now stal'Led a
."'4:
-';)f!;-.
• !Im!~..l!.!.l1imt1i~
fund to help the Ragheb family after a highwilY • mlwr Cjh's R"d?- ~1o-e
crash last 'week claimed :\1ark's life and ldt M"rk T\~(;h"b • (:Ir,,,ge l,QotiQn
MaFia fighting for hers.
"This is a \'vonderful family," Banws said. "Hl' was sud) a good, good kid- FEATURED NEWS VIDEO
loved hy evt>ryonc;. It's ~lwh a tragedy,"
tln""'s~ by week posted: r.lark was killed Ull his loth birthday on No..-. 24 wllcn a semi ran into his
l S.I'~'.-~.J~"_'-- "--:-~ FM family's rill' after it slid on a slippery stretch of ),-1-3.'3 ncar Rose City.
Police say Mark's father (f\'eroorrected ,Ifiel' a s-,.,'erve, sending their Hondil
sideway,<; in its lane. A semi -tractor tl11ck coming from l~hind hit the car
broadside, poliee said.

• C' f " __'~'IX'n) "',i ',',Iy"" b' I",:.: I\,fariill'crnr,ins It()~p.;lali·{ed in crilic;il C{)uditiol1. Thrir i3-year-oIJ
~' h~''''.~, CH , he'e brotlleT, Andr8\',', !wd m iIHl!' i njul"ir;s :lDd has ,~Il)rned to classes at Clague
• ~';."'9,'i"-, ;'ucl_;; '-[Yln Middle SchooL
1".-"".ti0',C(H" ,r" ",,,1 'h'.", '9
5U'L,,~n"'.:t f\CJlll in Cairo, Egypt, Mark was the SOIl of Ashraf and .'l..mal Rngllcb.

In an e-mail to The \'ews, family friend

Ann Arbor
flab Boles ~aid M,trk was" kind-he"rled. • .:>!l.I.!.Arr.", 'tl"l~'lt,' ):;;)"4 (ifll,-
• C~slJ from crBft.c will xnld"" ki 1,,,,1 in ";)1' frill)
h~1eiit ;N,,,,, rh" briy,ht boy \vho Iikcxl playing computei' WId ___.J
~ideo games. He serv,xl 31; il deaeon <It ----------
CII;;Or(;:"
both SL Mark Coptic Orthodox Church ill Troy and Sl. Mary Coptic Orthodox
CllUreh ill Ann ,\rhor, ,JIld enjoyed rt>,lding tlw !libJe nnd chanting hymns.
MOI<~ NfWS YIDEOS »
Boles 110tcd that on the morning of his birtbday, M.ark woke carly allhe
MORE ANN "'BOOB ,. "t_l\1'in;, Rei !W,i C;·lllf"- iI" 1!1P ,qn"li )"Wll of l\-f,o_ "hrl11! '17<; milps north of

http://lVww_mi iv~ .com I a n narbornews I news / index, ss f/ 200 8,' 12/10gJ n_elemem~ 1)'_ ope ns_flllld_fo. hIm I P"g~ 1 of 4
 Logan Elementary opens fund for Ragheb family - AM Arbor N{JW5 -l'he Ann Arbor News Online - Michigan Newspaper - MLive.com 12/03/200803:01 PM

Ann Mb<w. 'I'll(:' r~!llily Jlt(>J](.1.xl.\ St tl-Iinn's feast day cell!hration liturgy,
Ypsilanti
• hi",1 lmd'" wM hl (iyjI
and Marl: hdpc.J vrepill't' the offering Jnd read the ps~JJ1ls. Then he serwxl I lost 45 Ibs with AcaiBeny
rig"I'~ r"~t aq~inst
as a dmC:OD, sh~red tl) t.hl' liturgy Bible rea{lings and l'~ceivcd communion.
1'.,'a5htpQ~W ("'JDty
Sher'.W, "eI11€~"t
The erJ~h 0<-'cur,cd O() tjJ(,il' way home to Ann Arbo!' at 2::>,0 p.m.
• Yp,ilaVi tri~5 to keep "\lal'k '.... as the'ir pride and joy, and a blessing to his !;Hl1ily," Boll"S wrole.
lQ'" rruck Qrriir.f)n[e
"Hc will be l1lissl'd by ali WllO lov"d him so much his family and
MORE YPSILANTI » nllIn(c'I'OII$ l"elativ~s in Egypt, his c.hur<::h ~DngregiltioD, flienris, dus.~rnntes,
and the entire li)gall ~tllff lind s(:hcJDl 1:ommunity."
Regiona'
• '.... ~tk~lld hrir,gs h·.,lid~"
P(lprlps in 'Ni'.~ht?,"~w Bmnes ,s,,jd it. Iva;; llcurtbrc,1l;ing at Reporter Jo Collins Malhi!! Call
(""1!nt'( MarJ('s funel'ul Saturday to see hi~ be reached ~t 734-994-6849 or
jmatili§@annarbornews com.
[lonnally happy paren1.~ su Jevaslaled.
MQRE REGIONAL" "\".'hen J lll.lgged (limal), it w~~ as if 1
could hl,o,l feel all her pain, ',' Barnes said. "And poor Andrew, standing
Courts & Crime hesid(; thew. His to·year··nid brother Ivas gone ilnd his 6-yr.;lr-o]d ~ist('r
• 'rri,·i under '"mv in (.'"\lii in a eom3." N<'VIfS & VIEWS
r;"tlb (;;,1$~ ~n~in$\
Barnes recalled that la~t ,!ilnlwry, /\JllJi Ragheb dto ~ littlE' more tb;m ju.<,t 1\2 Pofjtif-5
hy News St~t(
~end cllp\:akes to ~chOl.ll Qil Maria's ~ixth birLhday.
.~
"She brought a spread thol could fet'd tjl(' whole b\lilding," BaTnes I>rl.id, NotC'lmok: Po;iciflg
noting that she made sure all employees got something to eat. "And 'Jor~ splir~
cQun t y
c;ommi55'on~r~
HQRE COURTS & CRIME"
everything from scratch."
• "'nn Ar!;tor's www.1hl:lc<lw~ .. c~m
B~r!lessaid M(lrk was shy I"hen he fir~t came Lo Logan, bUl had W~ise' WQ;dd like
Police Beat blossomed this year into a fun-- lo~ing boy with a big, froquent smile. tq lfo,'i1 5t;1l" GO~
• .E..i:I.llu.',,~st~{i ill Ann
~,rl'Q' mhb~r.:t. ~ttemRt Contributions can Ix; made Ollt to The fTal"old L(!qan :'vIemorial FUlld ChU(rSi!":,:, a iH:I\'
MORE PQUCE BEAT >, with "Rayhehfamily" un the memD lint!. _~l(lil them to LlxjCm Elemclltury, Joct,.,!, should
2685 Tr'aver Road, AnnArbol' JH14f3105. Study H~II
Traffic
by ~,ew5 St~ff bf" p"dinir"".
See mOre in Ann Arbqr, ~
• Tr~lfi~ Report' Ann • .ElI>: w~ "",ko d ~~'.'" ,j "'r~?
Art,,,· HN mij<15 ,muoth d~Rdllm~~t' Rerl
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 Loading "Mlive.com's Printer-Fri ... ndly Page" 12(03/2008 02:5G PM

49 states f lunk test of college affordability

Year of school takes 34% of average state family's income

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

BY JUSTIN POPE
The Associated Press

An independent report on American higher education flunks all but one state when it comes to affordability
- an embarrassing verdict that is unlikely to improve as the economy contracts.

The biennial study by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, which evaluates how
well higher education is serving the public, handed out Fs for affordability to 49 states, up from 43 two
years ago. Only California received a passing grade in the category, a C, thanks to its relatively
inexpensive community colleges.

The affordability grade is based on how much of the average family's income it costs to go to college.

Michigan was among those states to receive an F in afford ability from the report, which said that the
average Michigan family has to devote 34 percent of its family income to pay for a public four-year college.
That's up from 25 percent in 1999-2000.

The report also notes that to attend public two-year colleges in Michigan, families pay less than the
national average, but more than those in the best-performing states. At four-year colleges, Michigan
families pay more than the national average.

The report, which can be found online at WW'N.highereducation.org, says low-income families have been
hardest hit. Nationally, enrollment at a local public college costs families in the top fifth of income just 9
percent of their earnings, while families from the bottom fifth pay 55 percent - up from 39 percent in 1999~
2000.

And that's after accounting for financial aid, which is increasingly being used to lure high-achieving
students who boost a school's reputation, but who don't need help to go to college.

The problem seems likely to worsen as the economy does, said Patrick Callan, the center's president.

Historically during downturns, "states make disproportionate cuts in higher education and, in return for the
colleges taking them gracefully, allow them to raise tuition," he said. "If we handle this recession iike we've
handled others, we will see that this gets worse."

States fared modestly beUer in other categories such as participation, where no state failed and about half
the states earned As or 8s - comparable to the report two years ago. One reason for the uptick is that
more students are taking coUege-prep courses, the study found.

But better preparation for college hasn't translated into better enrollment or completion, with only two
states - Arizona and Iowa - receiving an A for participation in higher education.

And the discrepancy in enrollment between states is still great: 44% percent of young Iowans are in
college, while just 18 percent of their counterparts in Alaska - one of three states to get an F in the
category - are enrolled.

Callan said that as higher education fails to keep up with population growth, the specter lurks of new
generations less educated than their baby boomer predecessors.

"The educational sirength of the American population is in the group that's about to retire," he said. ''In the
rest of the world it's the group that's gone to college since 1990."

hnp:/ iw...vw.mlive.com/print~r/printer.ssfl ibasejn~w s -30/1228 3 1883 7322280.xllll&coll _ 2 P~ge 1 of 2

("drruaoon frnd d",~ta re:,:;:.e;;.u'ch illld analysis
bus:ines.s that prm'ides parents witt: education
.J...
uaLa -;·i· . 1. ~ . .J
on SiCn["(i,\lnatte:zs,<:.on:'~,{J.1l2.i)?t.)L~ ' , ".'~
acadBmlt,an\.1f2nt(}~tment C.,~hl
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titan 21l {}t)!f public hzgh schools to find the vel'ybes. across the (X)'Uutr/~ 'l'hese
t-.:)-p ech~'1ig, we.:ee 'pla'C.ed iuto goid l s:fi'\"'ffi:'j l'Jrooz;e, [")if hon(Jr~~e :l1'tBntitm

Co!nm.unityHl~~ 8ezwt)1
\¥a.sh:tenav: CU':.lnty ; }\lln Arhor .f ~H

Pm:tM'rep Higlt School

'~l,1ashter.aw Cuanty ,Ann .:\rbOT ,1',11
 Community Hi gh School: Best. High Schools ~ CSNcws.com http:l /www.usncws .com/l isti ngS/ hi g h~schools/michi gan/commun it)' ...

Fric1ay, December 5, 2008

• Nation & World
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Community High School

Ann Arbor Public Schools School District
Washtenaw County

401 N. Di vis ion Street

Ann Arbor. MI 48 104
Tel eph one: (734) 994-2025

College Readiness Index Not Applicable

Poverty-Adjusted Performance Index 1.24
Disadvantaged Students Performance Gap Not Available

For more inform(ltion, visit [h is scbool o n tile SchooIMftt1er~ websi te.

Detailed Information (mcthodoiogy)

School Data

Grades SeNed 9-12

1 of 4 12/5/08 10:46 AM
 Community High School: Best High Schools - USNcws.com http://,vv,w .usnews <com!l isti ngs/hi gh-sc hool s/michi gun/community ...

Magnet School No
Charter School No
Admissions Type Not Available
NCES Locale Type City, Mid-Size Territory
Receives Title I Funding No

Demographic Data

Enrollment 462
Minority Enrollment (% of total) 11.5%
Disadvantaged Student Enrollment (% of total) 4.0%

Overall Student Performance

State Test Performance Index 99.4

Poverty-Adjusted Performance Index 1.24

Disadvantaged Student Performallce

Disadvantaged Students' State Test Proficiency Rate Not Available

Disadvantaged Students Performance Gap Not Available
Non-disadvantaged Students' State Test Proficiency Rate 91.9
Current State Test Achievement Gap Not Available

College-Ready Student Performance

College Readiness Index Not Applicable

Quality-Adjusted Exams Per Test Taker Not Applicable

Participation Rate Not Applicable

Quality-Adjusted Participation rate Not Applicable

Participant Passing Rate Not Applicable

2of4 12/5108 )0;46 AM

 Community High School: Best High Schoolt: - USNews-com http://w.vw.usne.vs.com!l isti ngs/hi gh-school s/michi gan/community ...

Exams Per Test Taker Not Applicable

Exam Passing Rate Not Applicable

Advanced Placement Student Performance

Quality-Adjusted AP Exams Per Test Taker Not Applicable

AP Participation Rate Not Applicable
Quality-Adjusted AP Participation Rate Not Applicable
AP Participant Passing Rate Not Applicable
AP Exams Per Test Taker Not Applicable
AP Exam Pass Rate Not Applicable

International Baccalaureate Student Performance

Quality-Adjusted 18 Exams Per Test Taker Not Available

18 Participation Rate Not Available
Quality-Adjusted 18 Participation Rate Not Available
IB Participant Passing Rate Not Available
IB Exams Per Test Taker Not Available
IB Exam Pass Rate Not Available
18 Diploma Per 18 Test Taker Not Available
/8 Diploma Per Grade 12 Enrollment Not Available

Criteria for Medals

Gold Medal: Top 100 schools nationally based on the College Readiness Index
Silver Medal: all other schools with a college readiness index of at least 20 but
that are not ranked in the top 100 nationally ~
Bronze Medal: either do not otIer AP or is or do not achieve a college readiness
index of at least 20 but successfully meet the other two key performance indicator
criteria
Honorable Mention: schools that achieved very high levels of college readiness
but only partially met state test performance criteria

3 of 4 12/5/0810:46 AM
 Community High School: Be~t High Schools· USNews,com http://\vww.usncws .comllistings!high-schools/mi chi gan/commllr< ity ...

College-ready student pe!fonnance data derived from data provided by the College Board and/or
International Baccalaureate of North America.

Advanced Placement student performance data derived from data provided by the College Board.
Copyright © 2008. Data provided by the College Board. All rights reserved.
www.collegeboard.(Xlrn

Intel1lationai Baccalaureate student performance data derived from data provided by International
Baccalaureate of North America. Copyright © 2008. Data provided by International Baccalaureate
of North America.

In association with SchoolMal1crs.

Copyright © 2008 U.5.Nt'ws & World Report LP All rights reserved.

40f 4 12/5/08 10:46 AM

 Huron High School: Best Hi gh SChOOls · USNews.{'.om http://www.usncws .com/l isti ngs/hi gh-school sf mi chigan/huron_hi gh ...

Friday , December 5 , 2008

• Na[ioll & World
• l-leal th
• Money & Busineso'i
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• Share

Huron High School

Alln Arbor PubJic Schools School District
Washtenaw County

2727 Fuller RQad

Ann Arbor, MI48105
Telephone: (734) 994-2043

Col/ege Readiness Index 28.2

Poverty-Adjusted Performance Index 1.27
Disadvantaged Students Performance Gap 10.9

For more informatio n, visit this school 0.1 the SdIOO!~.1<"' !"i e l"~ website.

Detailed Information (methodoio~ )

School Data

Grades Served 9-12

1 of 4 12/5108 10:47 AM
 Huron High Scho(')i: Best High School ~ " US NewHom http://\vww.l1snc w s.com/jisting<;/high-schoo]slmichigan/huron_ high ...

Magnet School No
Charter School No
Admissions Type Open Enrollment

NCES Locale Type City, Mid-Size Territory

Receives Title I Funding No

Demographic Data

Enrollment 2,157
Minority Enrollment (% of total) 23_1%
Disadvantaged Student Enrollment (% of total) 14.5%

Overall Student Performauce

State Test Performance Index 93.9

Poverty-Adjusted Performance Index 1_27

Disadvantaged Student Performance

Disadvantaged Students' State Test Proficiency Rate 48.0

Disadvantaged Students Performance Gap 10.9
Non-disadvantaged Students' State Test Proficiency Rate 86.0
Current State Test Achievement Gap 37.9

College-Ready Student Performance

College Readiness Index 28.2

Quality-Adjusted Exams Per Test Taker 2_5

Participation Rate 29.8%

Quality-Adjusted Participation rate 27.6%
Participant Passing Rate 92 .8%

2nf4 J 2/5/08 10:47 AM

 Huron High School: Bcst High Schools" USNcws.com htip:!!www.lIsnews.com/listings/high-schools!michigan/huron_high ...

Exams Per Test Taker 2.8

Exam Passing Rate 91.6%

Advanced Placement Student Performance

Quality-Adjusted AP Exams Per Test Taker 2.5

AP Participation Rate 29.8%
Quality-Adjusted AP Participation Rate 27.6%
AP Participant Passing Rate 92.8 %
AP Exams Per Test Taker 2.8
AP Exam Pass Rate 91.6%

International Baccalaureate Student Performance

Quality-Adjusted IS Exams Per Test Taker Not Available

IS Participation Rate Not Available
Quality-Adjusted IB Participation Rate Not Available
IB Participant Passing Rate Not Available
IS Exams Per Test Taker Not Available
IS Exam Pass Rate Not Available
IS Diploma Per IS Test Taker Not Available
IS Diploma Per Grade 12 Enrollment Not Available

Criteria for Medals

Gold Medal: Top 100 schools nationally based on the College Readiness Index
Silver Medal: all other schools with a college readiness index of at least 20 but
that arc not ranked in the top 100 nationally
Bronze Medal: either do not offer AP or IE or do not achieve a college readiness
index of at least 20 but successfully meet the other two key performance indicator
criteria
Honorable Mention: schools that achieved very high levels of college readiness
but only partially met state test performance criteria

3 of 4 12/5/08 10:47 AM
 HUron High School: Best High Scho()is - USNcws,com http://www.usnews.com!l isti ngs/hl gh -school simi chi gal1!h uron_hi gh ..

College-ready student performance data derived from data provided by the College Board and/or
International Bacctlitlilreate of North America.

Advanced Placement student pelformance data derived from data provided by the College Board.
Copyright © 2008. Data provided by the College Board. All rights rcserved.
W\v\v.collcgeboard.com

International Baccalaureate student pClformancc data derived from data provided by International
Baccalaureate of NOith America. Copyright © 2008. Data provided by International Baccalaureate
of North America.

In association with Sci1oolrviatters.

Copyright ':0 2008 U.S.News & World Report LP All rights reserved.

4 of 4- 12JS/08 10:47 AM
 Pioneer High School: BeSl High Schools - USNcw$.com http:l'/www .usne ws .camm sti ngsl'hi gh-schoolsfmichi gall/pioneer_hi ...

FTiday> December 5, 2008

• Nation & Wo rld
• Heil! lh
" Money & Busi ness
• Educati(1)
• Opi 11 ion
• Sc,ience
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• Share

Pioneer High School

Ann Arbor Public Schools School District
Washtenaw County

60J W. Sllidiulll Boulevard

Ann Arbor, M I. 48103
Telephone: (734) 994-2 126

Col/ege Readiness Index 39.5

Poverty-Adjusted Performance Index 1.50
Disadvantaged Students Performance Gap 9.1

For more jnformati on, visit thi ~ school on the Schoo l Ma;-rcr~ website.

Detailed Information (m"Uw<ioiQgy)

School Data

Grades Served 9-12

1 of 4 12'5/0810:48 !\ M
 Pioneer High School: Best Hi gh Sch(){)l)';, USNewsmm http:(/www .usnews.com/listings/high-$chools!michiganfp ioneer_hi ...

Magnet School No
Charter School No
Admissions Type Open Enrollment
NCES Locale Typ e City, Mid-Size Territory
Receives Title I Funding No

Demographic Data

Enrollment 2,822
Minority Enrollment (% of total) 16.9%
Disadvantaged Student Enrollment (% of total) 14.7%

OveraJi Student Performance

State Test Performance Index 97.3

Poverty-Adjusted Performance Index 1.50

Disadvantaged Student Performance

Disadvantaged Students ' State Test Proficiency Rate 46.2

Disadvantaged Students Performance Gap 9.1
Non-disadvantaged Students' State Test Proficiency Rate 87.1
Current State Test Achievement Gap 40.9

College-Ready Student Performance

College Readiness Index 39.5

Quality-Adjusted Exams Per Test Taker 2.3

Participati on Rate 43.7%

Quality-Adjusted Participation rate 38.1 %
Participant Passing Rate 87.2%

201"4 1215/08 10:48 AM

 Pioneer High School: Best High Schools - USNel-vs.com http://www.usnews.com/listi ngs!hi g h-schools/michi gun/pi oneechi ...

Exams Per Test Taker 2.9

Exam Passing Rate 81.5%

Advanced Placement Student Performance

Quality-Adjusted AP Exams Per Test Taker 2.3

AP Participation Rate 43.7%
Quality-Adjusted AP Participation Rate 38.1%
AP Participant Passing Rate 87.2 %
AP Exams Per Test Taker 2.9
AP Exam Pass Rate 81.5%

International Baccalaureate Student Performance

Quality-Adjusted IB Exams Per Test Taker Not Available

IB Participation Rate Not Available
Quality-Adjusted IB Participation Rate Not Available
IB Participant Passing Rate Not Available

IB Exams Per Test Taker No! Available

IB Exam Pass Rate Not Available

IB Diploma Per IB Test Taker Not Available
IB Diploma Per Grade 12 Enrollment Not Available

Criteria for Medals

Gold Medal: Top 100 schools nationally based on the College Readiness Index
Silver Medal: all other schools with a college readiness index of at least 20 but
that are not ranked in the top 100 nationally
Bronze Medal: either do not offer AP or IE or do not achieve a college readiness
index of at least 20 but successfully meet the other two key pelfonnance indicator
criteria
Honorable Mention: schools that achieved very high levels of college readiness
but only partially Illet state test performance criteria

:1 of 4 1215/08 10:48 AM
 Pioneer High School: Best High SchOl.)ls ~ USNcws.com http://www.usnews.com!]istings/high-schools!michiganipioneechi ...

College-ready student performance data derived from data provided by the College Boardand/or
International BaccalaureClte of North America.

Advanced Placement student perfOimance data derived from data provided by the College Board.
Copyright © 2008. Data provided by the College Board. All rights reserved.
W,Y\V .cnlk:gcboard .com

]ntemational Baccalaureate student peli"ormance data derived from data provided by International
Baccalaureate of North America. Copyright@2008.Data provided by International Baccalaureate
of North America.

In association with SchooliVlattcrs.

Copyright 'Xl) 2008 U.S News & World RqXlfi LP All rights reserved.

40f 4 12!5/0'd jOA8 AM