November 2, 2009

Staff,

Saturday, November 7th, we will be doing some intensive planting at Doyle Ryder. Bordine’s Nursery’s donated 12 truck loads of perennials to be planted at the school, rain or shine. We need your help to accomplish this task. We will meet at the school at 10:00 a.m., please bring shovels and gloves, and be sure and dress warm. You can come for an hour, or the whole day. Whatever time you can donate will be greatly appreciated.

Lunch will be served about 1:00 p.m.

November 11 , 2009

Durant-Tuuri-Mott Elementary School
Special Education Pecan Sale

Freshly shelled pecans - $8.00 per pound


Pecans can be purchased at:

DTM Elementary School
1518 University Avenue
760-1594

or

Office of Curriculum & InstructionRm. 208 of the Administration Building
ask for Dara Benton
760-5260

Proceeds from the sale will fund recreational & leisure activities for the special ed students at DTM School.

Thank you for your support!

November 12, 2009

Hands-On Science Fun at Longway Planetarium a Hit with Early Childhood Families

Family Fun Night, a hands-on science exhibition for Early Childhood families, attracted 410 participants to Longway Planetarium on the evening of November 12. The children and their parents and guardians experienced a variety of science exhibits. The event also featured a laser show in the planetarium and dinner was provided.

Family Fun Nights provide educational, hands-on family literacy, and family math and science appropriate for families with young children. Activities are designed to engage parents and children in standards based learning that supports one or more instructional domains.

Focus areas for these events include science, math, social studies and literacy. Health, nutrition and safety activities are also included.

The district’s Department of Early Childhood Programs has sponsored the program for the last five years.

“We typically offer three Family Fun Nights per year – November, February and May, Lauren Chom, director of Early Childhood Programs. “Involving parents and showing them how to support their child's learning is the overall goal.”

Chom added: “We make the events fun, family friendly and free...a sure fire combination that has been very successful over time. We average 300 to 400 participants.”

In fact, the November 12 was so successful that extra food had to be ordered during the event.

“That’s a good problem to have in my book,” said Chom.

November 17, 2009

The Let’s Sew for Kids Project received a $2,500 grant from the Martha Merkley Youth Trust, which is managed by Citizens Bank Wealth Management. The volunteer sewing club makes clothing and other items for needy children attending Flint Community Schools.

The club’s latest project involves making and stuffing diaper bags for pregnant students at Flint Schools of Choice.

Dawn Bentley and Nick George representing Citizens Bank Wealth Management presented the check on November 17 in a small ceremony at the Yale Street school unit where the group meets. Volunteer coordinator Sue Giampetroni and Joyce Thor, enrichment coordinator for the Flint Community Schools Fine Arts Department, accepted the check on behalf of the school district and sewing club.

The sewing club was the subject of a feature story in the Flint Journal last May. That article helped raise awareness about the group, which led to the grant application and subsequent award, said Bentley, grant administrator at Citizens Bank Wealth Management.

The grant funds will be used for fabric, irons, steam press, baby wipes and diapers, and machine maintenance and repair.

“A program like this is so much fun to give to,” said Bentley. “You can really see the results and the need is there.”

November 25, 2009

Southwestern Academy will be taking applications for second semester enrollment from Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 through Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. Applications may be picked up in the Secondary Education Office - Flint Community Schools Administration Building, 923 East Kearsley Street.

Students interested in attending Southwestern Academy must meet the following admission requirements:
2.7 GPA or better
One-page student essay must be written on the topic "Why you would like to attend Southwestern Academy" or an autobiography (may be typed or neatly hand-written)
Two letters of recommendation, including: (1) a current teacher and (2) a person who is not a relative
MEAP Scores of 1's & 2's in Reading and Math, and other standardized test scores at or above grade level
Applicants may also include any awards or recognitions received as part of his or her application.

Prospective students will be notified of acceptance to Southwestern Academy by Jan. 22, 2010. Classes for Flint Community Schools’ second semester begin on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010.

For more information about Southwestern Academy’s admissions process or curriculum, contact Southwestern Academy at (810) 760-1400.

November 2, 2009
November 11, 2009
November 12, 2009
November 17, 2009
November 25, 2009