Fordson High PTSA

21st Century Schools: Your feedback needed.

2011-03-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

From: Colette Dunsmore, Dearborn PTSA Council President |
cdunsmore@wowway.com

Below is a letter regarding the 21^st Century Schools forums that have been taking place monthly.

The letter lists 7 key threads that our children should be able to accomplish from K-12. Of course, at each grade it may be a different level of criteria.

Please review this letter and the 7 key threads and email me back if you feel there should be something else added to these common skills. Keep in mind that some things you might want to add are going to be in an area already listed.

Any and all feedback is welcome and needed before our next meeting. Since I have to compile the answers, please reply by April 1^st. Our next 21^st Century Schools meeting will be on April 13^th! If you’d like to join us, we’ll be meeting in the board room at the Administrative Services Center at 6:30pm. (see letter below)

Board Academic Achievement – Elementary | March 10, 2011
The District 21^st Century Committee has been meeting monthly. At our meeting last night we determined common threads for our students (Prekindergarten through 12^th grade) to prepare them for the future. Although we worked in groups, there was much commonality amongst our thinking. Following are the areas of learning and experience whereby our students could develop their 21^st century skill set, as determined by this committee. Of course, these are very broad areas which will need to be clearly defined in our next steps.
Technology (digital literacy)
Real World Problem Solving/Inquiry
Projects-Based Learning
Collaboration & Team Building
Global Competency
Higher Order Thinking & Creativity
Cross Curricular

This “list” will be shared with others (general administrators, PTAs) for input and discussion. Our next meeting is April 13^th. At that time, we will take the input received and develop action plans for implementation across all levels (elementary through secondary). We will need to develop rubrics of sorts to address these areas; however, this would be a part of developing an action plan. We will also need to develop common knowledge and vocabulary around these concepts.

21^st Century..... Are your students:
Critical thinkers?
Problem solvers?
Good communicators?
Good collaborators?
Information and technology literate?
Flexible and adaptable?
Innovative and creative?
Globally competent?
Environmentally literate?

Education Cuts: Take Action!

2011-03-12T17:16:00.001-08:00

Letter from Dearborn's Superintendent:

Now that Governor Snyder has presented his budget proposal, the debate in Lansing will continue for several weeks as legislators work out the details. In order to better understand how this plan will impact our classrooms, I would like to take a moment to provide the following summary of the key components of the Governor’s budget proposal: Impact on District

Per-student funding reduced by $470/student....$8,695,000

31a At-Risk funds eliminated....................... $4,900,000

Section 41 Bilingual funds eliminated................$435,000
Total lost...$14,030,000

In addition to these cuts in revenue, the district may face as much as a $5 million increase in the amount paid to the State’s pension fund.

As concerned community members, it’s important that you voice your opinion on the Governor’s cuts. Every parent, business owner, home owner, and community member should contact Governor Snyder at:

Governor Rick Snyder

P.O. Box 30013

Lansing, MI 48909

(517) 373-3400

Rick.snyder@michigan.gov

Explain to the Governor that:
(1) Reductions in funding at this level will be devastating to our classrooms.
(2) Dearborn students across the district will see reductions in staff, resources, and services.
(3) These budget recommendations hit Dearborn harder than other district due to the elimination of needed funds for “At-Risk” and bilingual students.
(4) Reductions in funding will mean fewer resources, human and material, needed to help students achieve the new state mandated college-ready test scores.

I highly encourage you to contact the Governor’s office and explain the impact these cuts will have on our students, your children.

Fortunately our representatives in the state house and senate are aware of this situation and are working to help Dearborn students. We thank them for their support and caring about our students.

Despite several years of declining state revenue, the Board of Education and the administrative team have remained committed to timely budget planning and being fiscally responsible to the citizens living in our district. Working with our staff and community, the district will continue to take a proactive stance on budget issues and maintain our commitment to devote available resources that meet the academic needs of students.

As state lawmakers move through the budget process, we will continue to provide you with information on any changes that could impact funding for Dearborn Public Schools. Although school districts do not have the ability to raise revenue locally or control spiraling state retirement costs, we will work to preserve quality instructional programs so that all students will continue to be successful in the classroom.

Sincerely,

Brian J. Whiston

Superintendent of Schools, Dearborn

Meeting Feb 2@6PM | Enroll for Kroger $$ Program | Cookbook Ads & Orders

2011-01-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

-Our February meeting is changed to Wednesday, February 2nd at 6:00pm in the cafeteria. Our meetings will be moved to Wednesday due to conflicts from both parent and staff members. Hopefully with the new day we will get more member participation.

-I would also like to remind you to email your recipes to Yasmine Ferris or you can bring your recipes to our meeting on Wednesday. I also encourage our members to try and get some businesses to place there ads in our cookbook..this will generate funds that will help us with the cost of the cookbooks.

-The Kroger company has sent our PTSA the approval into there rewards program. I will email you instructions in the next couple of days on the process of enrollment. I encourage everyone with a Kroger card to enroll so our PTSA can start to get money back from your shopping at Kroger.

Thank you. Salam Anani, Fordson PTSA Treasurer

Founder's Day (Feb 17) Volunteers Needed

2011-01-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

Founder’s Day is just around the corner. February 17^th will be here before we know it and we need HELP with set up! Due to another function in the Ballroom at the Community Center, we can’t get into the ballroom until 4pm. That gives us just over an hour to pull it together. At our Council meeting on Wednesday, we had about 10 volunteers. We need at least 5-10 more people to help. Please email me if you can help at 4pm: Colette Dunsmore at cdunsmore@wowway.com with "Founders Day Helper", your name, email, phone # and what school you are associated with. Thank you! Doors open at 5:30pm.

Bully Prevention Committee Forming

2011-01-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

PTSA is looking for people who are interested in serving on a Bully Prevention Committee. We will be meeting once a month starting in February. More details will come once the date is finalized for our first meeting. If you are interested at all in being on this committee, please email Colette Dunsmore at cdunsmore@wowway.com with "Bully PC", your name, email, phone # and what school you are associated with.

Your recipes in Fordson's Cookbook!

2011-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Would you help the Fordson PTSA build our scholarship fund? We have decided to publish a community cookbook filled to the brim with the best recipes from the best cooks in our community and we need your favorite recipes! The best news of all? All of the profits from the sale of the cookbooks will go to college scholarships for Fordson students! These 5.5” x 8.5” cookbooks with plastic comb binding, will most definitely become a cherished keepsake on your kitchen shelf.

We would like to have three or four of your favorite recipes as soon as possible. If you could return your recipes to us within the next week or two, we will select one or more of your recipes to be included in our cookbook. Your name will even be printed in the cookbook with each of your own recipes!

We are anticipating a great demand for these cookbooks, so we want to be certain we order enough. It would help us immensely if you would indicate below how many cookbooks you want us to reserve in your name . . . remember, if you don’t reserve your copies now, we may not have a cookbook for you!

Thank you so much for participating in our fundraising efforts.
Please reserve _______ copies by February 1, 2011.
Signed ______________________________________
Phone No. ___________________________________
Submit to Yasmine Ferris, ferrisy@dearborn.k12.mi.us.

Add Your Recipe to the Fordson Cookbook!

2011-01-21T18:44:00.000-08:00

COOKBOOK PUBLISHERS, INC.
Recipe # _____________ | One Recipe Per Page
Submit to: Yasmine Ferris, ferrisy@dearborn.k12.mi.us

RECIPE CATEGORY
❑ Appetizers, Beverages ❑ Soups, Salads ❑ Vegetables
❑ Main Dishes ❑ Breads, Rolls ❑ Desserts
❑ Miscellaneous ❑ Other _______________________________

RECIPE TITLE ___________________________________________
Please Type or Print Plainly
Please use these abbreviations: c., tsp., Tbsp., pkg., qt., pt., oz., lb.

INGREDIENTS
______________________________________ ______________________________________
______________________________________ ______________________________________
______________________________________ ______________________________________
______________________________________ ______________________________________
______________________________________ ______________________________________

METHOD:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

Submitted by: ______________________________________
Please include submitter's name as it is to appear in cookbook.

Fordson Cookbook Ad Info & Order Form

2011-01-21T18:20:00.000-08:00

Note: If the ad is a ¼ page or larger, and you want your logo or artwork to appear, please provide a black and white business card (dark backgrounds and colored ink do not print well), letterhead or a clipping from a previous publication such as a circular or magazine. (Please note, newspaper clippings do not provide quality reproductions).

Please make checks payable to: Fordson PTSA and send along with this form to:
Yasmine Ferris, ferrisy@dearborn.k12.mi.us
Business Department, Fordson High School
13800 Ford Rd., Dearborn, MI 48126

Your name: ____________________________
Phone #: ______________________________
Business: ______________________________
Email: ________________________________

Number of Ads	Ad Size	Ad Price	Total
_________	Full Page	$100.00	_________
_________	1/2	$60.00	_________
_________	1/3	$40.00	_________
_________	1/4	$30.00	_________
_________	1/6	$25.00	_________
_________	1/8	$20.00	_________
_________	Patrons	$15.00	_________
_________	TOTALS		_________

Fordson Cookbook Ads

2011-01-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

Full (4 ½” x 7 ½”) or ½ page (4 ½” x 3 ¾”)	logos, emblems, or photographs (if they are good, clear, and black and white); reductions/enlargements will be made as needed to fit the page.
1/3 page (4 ½” x 2 ½”)	logos or emblems (if they are good, clear, and black and white); reductions/enlargements will be made as needed.
¼ page (4 ½” x 1 7/8”)	no photographs, but logos and emblems will be used if good, clear black and white copy to fit within ad space provided; reductions/enlargements will be made as needed.
1/6 page (4 ½” x 1 ¼”)	no logos, emblems or photographs
1/8 page (4 ½” x 1 15/16”)	no logos, emblems or photographs
Patrons page (4 ½” x ½”)	maximum of 2 lines of copy per ad; no logos, emblems or photographs.

Reserve a Fordson Cookbook!

2011-01-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

The Fordson PTSA

Please reserve __________ copies.

Name (and student ID number, if you are a student) (Please print):

__________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________________________

STUDENTS: Class Room Number (not phone): _______________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________________

Return to: Yasmine Ferris ferrisy@dearborn.k12.mi.us

PTSA COOKBOOK FUNDRAISER

2011-01-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Community/Business Friend:

The Fordson PTSA is working on publishing a cookbook as a fundraiser for a variety of scholarship and PTSA supported events, and we want to help you advertise. For a small price, we will include an advertisement for your work or place of business.

Why should you advertise with us? Most printed ads are read and thrown away. With our cookbook, it will provide exposure for years to come because of their long “shelf life,” for one low price! Check out the types of ads below:

Please select the ad type you would like and the total cost for the ad, include all necessary materials you would like included in your ad, and return the enclosed form, materials, and check made payable to Fordson PTSA no later than February 1.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, Yasmine Ferris at 313-827-1469 or by email at ferrisy@dearborn.k12.mi.us.

Thank you again for your help in making this fundraiser a success!

Sincerely,

Yasmine Ferris, Staff Representative, Fordson High School PTSA

Grants from DoSomething.org

2011-01-13T10:27:00.001-08:00

90210'S MATT LANTER & JESSICA LOWNDES WANT YOU TO DO SOMETHING

The 90210 celebs have joined forces to take action against youth homelessness by being the spokespeople of the 4th Annual Teens For Jeans campaign. How can you make a difference?

Watch Matt & Jessica in the premiere of their PSA
Download cool flyers for your drive at TeensForJeans.com
Take pics of your drive and send them to photos@dosomething.org -- you could win celeb-signed jeans
Customize and Share the PSA via Call2Action

Got questions? Email TeensForJeans@dosomething.org

THE DO SOMETHING AWARDS APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN!

Since 1996, DoSomething.org has honored the nation’s best young world-changers, 25 and under. In 2011 the five nominees will be rewarded with a community grant, massive media coverage and continued support from DoSomething.org. The grand prize winner will receive $100,000 during the live broadcast on VH1, and up to $5,000 in scholarships!

Apply now OR
Nominate a young person you know!

ARE YOU INSPIRED TO ROCK YOUR CAUSE?

Do you have a cause project or program that you’re working on? DoSomething.org and PBteen want to help you out. We’re giving out 4 $2,000 grants that can help you take action in your community.

Apply for a $2,000 grant today at DoSomething.org/PBteen
Check out the star-studded Do Something Awards because one grand prize winner will be flown to LA for this year’s show!

1 MILLION POUNDS OF CARBON SAVED!

DoSomething.org users just hit a great milestone – you’ve saved over 1 million pounds of carbon by playing our facebook game, eMission!

Help us reach 10 million pounds of carbon saved by playing eMission today!

PTSA Founders Day Dinner Feb. 17 5:30pm

2011-01-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Dearborn PTSA Founders Day 2011

What is Founders Day? Founders Day is a celebration of the Founding of PTA on February 17, 1897. Each year PTAs in every school district celebrate this event by taking the time to reflect and take pride in their accomplishments, and to renew their commitment to be a powerful voice for all children. This is an excellent opportunity to say thank you to our volunteers. In Dearborn, we have always had representation from each and every PTA

We will be giving only ONE “Educator of the year Award”

1. Each local unit may submit one entry on a teacher, principal, counselor, etc. It should state why this individual is being considered. It is important that they be someone who goes over and above their job description. Also no names should be on the entries. Only include the name of the school submitting the entry, and a contact number. If there is a name on the entry, it will not qualify. A committee will then review the entries and pick one individual for this award.

2. All entries must be received by January 8^th . No exceptions

STUDENT MENTOR AWARD: Chair: Mariam Salha, Woodworth Middle School mariamsalha@ymail.com

We are looking for PTSA students to submit a short essay on a special someone who has made a positive impact in their life. This person can be a coach, clergyman, parent, relative, teacher, neighbor, or even a sibling. We will choose the essay that is most unique and clearly defines a mentor. The student and their mentor will be invited to and recognized at our 2011 PTSA Founders Day Dinner. Entries must be received no later than Jan 4th, 2011. Essays should be emailed to mariamsalha@ymail.com .

TIN CAN RAFFLE: Connie Lyon, Edsel Ford clyon02@aol.com

PTAs will no longer be expected to send in $100 for HFCC Scholarship, instead they will donate a basket of their choice and or Gift Certificates valued at $100.  Remember to bring a coffee can or something similar to hold your tickets.
Contact chairperson, _____________prior to the event to register your donation.  Bring your donation and container on the night of the event.  Proceeds will be our donation to the HFCC Scholarship Program.  All PTA’s MUST participate.

December 10^th – DSA awards submitted to State.
December 1^st – All units must be in good standing by this date, i.e. budget, audit, membership of 25 or more members, by laws up to date into State office
January 4^th – Student Mentor Award nominations turned in to Chair.
January 8^th – Educator of the Year Nominations turned in to Chair.
January 22^nd  – RSVP with payment for members attending to Roxanne McDonald, Council Treasurer.  Checks made payable to Dearborn PTSA Council......for Fordson PTSA members...you should bring your money to our next PTSA meeting
February 10^th  – Register your basket donation with Chair
February 17^th – Founders Day Dinner 5:30pm   Ford community and performing arts center

Scholarship deadline Jan 15, 2011

2011-01-10T08:10:00.001-08:00

TO: Officers at Fordson High School PTSA (603025)

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED
FOR THE

Fran Anderson Michigan PTSA Scholarship

A $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP
WILL BE AWARDED TO A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
THAT WILL BE ENTERING COLLEGE IN FALL 2011.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a high school senior
Be a member of a PTSA in good standing
Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average
Be college bound in the State of Michigan
Participate in PTA/PTSA activities

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
JANUARY 15, 2011

Scholarship application information may be printed using the links at the bottom of this e-mail or by clicking on the scholarship link on the home page of the MPTSA website at www.michiganpta.org.

Questions?Contact your Field Service Representative or Nancy at membership@michiganpta.org
or 734-975-9500.

PTSA Meeting Tues Jan 11 @ 6pm Fordson Cafeteria

2011-01-10T08:07:00.001-08:00

Dear PTSA Members,

Happy New Year to you all! Our first meeting for this year is Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 at 6:00 pm in the Fordson Cafeteria.

Please remember to bring your money if you are attending the PTSA Founder's Day Dinner. The event will be on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 at 5:30 pm to be held at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. Great food and a great time to honor those who mean so much to us for all their hard work.

Our cookbook fundraiser is in motion so bring in 3 or 4 of your favorite recipes for submission.

Again please encourage more parents to join the PTSA and come to the meeting. Don't forget, for every person you bring you earn an extra raffle ticket.

Students can earn community service hours if they attend and are paid members.

Hope to see you all there and bring your comments and concerns to the meeting.

Jacklin Zeidan
Fordson High School
PTSA President

General Council Club News

2011-01-10T07:55:00.001-08:00

From: Durfee, Amanda M
Sent: Friday, January 07, 2011 4:24 PM
To: Bldg - Fordson
Subject: Club news

Here is a rundown of our General Council meeting:

Clubs that were absent:

-Red Cross

-Band

-Debate

-FCOPS

-Fleur de Leis

Club News:

-Class of 2014 will sell hoodies.

-Class of 2013 has their shirts printed.

2013 will be selling raffles for $2.00 per ticket. Winner will be announced onTuesday, the week of finals.

-Class of 2011 selected their Prom theme as “Courtyard of Dreams”.

-Pre Med Club will have a guest speaker this Tuesday.

-The Tower Tribune is working on an events column and will dedicate a special column for Mr. Haugan.

-The Entrepreneur Club will have their meetings ever other Tuesday in A203 with Mr. Teets as the advisor.

-The Mue Alpha Theta Club is having their first movie event today called “Race to Nowhere” in the Fordson Auditorium.

-NHS will be selling lip suckers.

-Environmental Club will be selling shirts.

-Quill is in the process of planning poetry grams.

-Shakespeare club is hosting audition for “Julius Caesar” and wants to plan a Teacher Talent Show.

*New Club: Do Something Club: Non-profit organization that encourages youth to work in the community. Miss Howell will be the club’s advisor.

-Student Government Executive Board is putting together a Facebook page/blog for all clubs to interact ideas.

-Student ideas for a dedication/memorial for Mr. Haugen. Ideas will be presented to the staff at a later date.

If I missed anyone or anything, please let me know.

Have a great weekend!

Amanda Durfee

Language Arts Teacher

Student Government Advisor

Fordson High School

Band Boosters Meeting: Wed. Sept. 15 @ 3PM Band Room

2010-09-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Please join the Fordson Band Boosters
for their first meeting of the 2010-11 school year.
AGENDA:
Election of Officers
Adoption of Schedule
Fundraising Plan

Tues. Oct. 5 @ 6 PM PTSA Meeting in Fordson Cafeteria

2010-09-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

AN INVOLVED PARENT CREATES A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT AND A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT. COME MEET THE NEW PRINCIPLE AT OUR FIRST PTSA MEETING. JOIN US AND HEAR THE LATEST NEWS BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY COME AND BE HEARD. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS, IDEAS AND CONCERNS TO THE MEETING. SO PLEASE COME JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND LET US START OUT THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR HAND IN HAND.

YOUR PTSA PRESIDENT
JACKLIN ZEIDAN

School Bus Driver CDL Information

2010-08-22T09:50:00.001-07:00

Here are the links to the Michigan SOS Bus Driver training manuals and materials.

BASIC Requirements: 3 requirements to qualify for a Michigan school bus driver "S" endorsement:

Qualify for a commercial driver license with a passenger vehicle ("P") endorsement. This includes a knowledge and road skills test. Prior to the legislation, this was the requirement for school bus drivers.
Pass an "S" endorsement written test covering topics such as loading and unloading, emergency procedures and knowledge of pertinent laws.
Pass an "S" endorsement road skills test in a school bus of the same type the applicant will drive. (Current school bus drivers may be eligible to waive the skills test if they meet safety and experience requirements.)

The "S" endorsement fee is $5. It is in addition to any applicable driver’s license correction or renewal fees and driving skills test fees.

(1) General links: http://michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127----S,00.html

(2) School Bus Driver Manual: Unit 1 http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Unit_I_Driver_Role_and_Responsibility_6-09__5__289285_7.pdf

(3) School Bus Driver Manual Unit 2 http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/UnitIIfinalrevision2-09__Mirror_Adjust__Rev____2__271046_7.pdf

(4) School Bus Driver Manual Unit 3: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/UNIT_III_VEHICLE_INSPECTIONS_revised_11-07_219633_7.pdf

(5) Michigan Commercial Driver's License Manual: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/cdlmanul_16090_7.pdf

(6) Details about the examination process and rules about disabilities: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/Examiner_Manual_-_Chapter_D_-_Documents_227617_7.pdf

(7) School Bus Driver Manual Unit 6: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/UnitVILoadingandUnloadingRevised02-10_312248_7.pdf

(8) School Bus Driver Medical Examination Form http://www.michigan.gov/documents/sm2935_14791_7.PDF

(9) School Bus Driver S Endorsement Info: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/s_endorse_sect_10_sept_2004_104829_7.pdf

Emergency Meeting 6pm Friday, Nov. 13 @ Fordson

2009-11-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

All parents, students, staff, and stakeholders are urged to attend an emergency meeting at Fordson High School in the Cafeteria at 6pm on Friday, November 13. This meeting will be a public forum to respond to the cuts reported at the Dearborn Schools Board Meeting of November 9, 2009.

Parent Advisory Committee to Mediate Teacher-Student Disputes

2009-11-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

At the Fordson PTSA meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, the PTSA decided to form a special committee to mediate disputes between teachers and students. The Parent Advisory Committee will be chaired by Renee Newman and so far, is comprised of these parents: Fayrouz Zeidan Fardom; Fatmeh Bakri; Mariam Salha; Salam Anani; Jean Joseph; and Sahar Abunab.

When a teacher-student dispute is not resolved through meetings with the principal, the principal will make a referral to the committee. The committee will then interview those concerned and convene a constructive meeting with the parent(s), a translator (if needed), the student, and the teacher. Every effort will be made to bring understanding of all points of view and to resolve the issue that caused the dispute and consequences. The goal is to achieve amicable, lasting results through respectful, non-confrontational, non-threatening communication between the parties.

View Video of Board Meeting 11-9-09 ~ Massive Cuts

2009-11-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

Address to the Board of Ed. Regarding Budget Plan

Board of Education Meeting 11-9-09

“Tough economic times.” Very sadly the phrase has become almost cliché here in Michigan. There isn’t a community in our state that hasn’t felt the impact of the current economy. We all have family, friends, and neighbors who have lost their jobs. Those that have jobs are cutting back, saving more, and spending less. Less spending equals lower tax revenue for Michigan and in our state, funding for education is directly tied to revenue generated from the tax on the purchase of goods.

Superintendent Speech Board Meeting 11-9-09 (pdf)

Board Meeting 11-9-09 Funding Explained (pdf)

Fordson Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner - May 12

2009-04-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Friends of Fordson Achievement Hall of Fame
invite you to the
First Annual Achievement Hall of Fame
Fundraising Dinner
May 12, 6:00 pm
in the Fordson High School Cafeteria

Founding honorees are "graduating class":
Mike H. Adray "40" | Sam Ellis "69"
Theodore Berce "44" | Michael A. Guido "72"
William K. Brehm "47" | Thomas A. Anastos "81"
Sir Michael Berry "49" | Mike Iaquaniello "85"
Paul A. Costea "49" | Charlene M. Elder "87"
Marian Illich "50" | Fouad Zaban "88"
Gino H. Polidori "60" | Brian E. Mosallam "92"
Neimer Hamood "65" | For sponsorship and ticket information, call (313) 580-8007
or e-mail Hussein Berry or Vito Antonazzo .

Alumni Breakfast Sat, 10am @ Murphy's Wiskey Bar & Grill

2009-04-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 10, 2009
Fordson Alumni Breakfast
P&P Murphy's Wiskey Bar & Grill
24765 Warren Ave. in Dearborn Heights
(313) 278-8161

PTSA Scholarship Application

2009-02-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Notice to Officers at Fordson High School PTSA (603025)

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED
FOR THE

Fran Anderson Michigan PTSA Scholarship

A $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP
WILL BE AWARDED TO A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
THAT WILL BE ENTERING COLLEGE IN FALL 2009.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a high school senior.
Be a member of a PTSA in good standing.
Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average
Be college bound in the state of Michigan
Participate in PTA/PTSA activities

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 13, 2009

Scholarship application information may be printed from http://www.michiganptsa.org/pdf/MPTSA_Fran_Anderson_Scholarship_Instructions_2009.pdf MPTSA website at www.michiganpta.org.

Questions?
Contact your Field Service Representative
or
Nancy at membership@michiganpta.org or 734-975-9500.

Michigan Parent Teacher Student Association
3300 Washtenaw Avenue, Suite 220, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104-4294
Phone: 734-975-9500 - Fax: 734-677-2407
Web site: www.michiganptsa.org

$8M in Funding Cuts: Call to Action from Super. Whiston

2009-02-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

From: Brian Whiston, Superintendent

Please call the Governor's Office and "forward" this email to Dearborn Public School supporters....

The district received disconcerting news of Governor Granholm's 2010 executive budget recommendations. The Governor's proposal included the following cuts for the Dearborn Public Schools:

1. $59 per Pupil Cut = $1,064,411

2. 20j Cut = $616,928

3. Bilingual (Sec 41) = $381,000

4. At Risk 31a = $5,875,000

Total Cuts for the Dearborn Schools = $7,937,339

We had projected a $1.8M cut when we developed our $11M
budget shortfall. With the Governor's proposal we would
have to cut $17M or an additional $6M. In this tough
economy we surely understand the need for cuts in funding,
as long as they happen across all districts equally. In
essence we are the only district that will receive a double
whammy, since we are the only district that is being cut
both the 20j and 31a funds. With the present
recommendations we will endure much more than most other
districts in the State of Michigan. In addition, Dearborn
Public Schools is one of several districts in the state that
is considered a "Donor District." This means that
more local tax dollars are sent to Lansing to fund public
education across the state than the district receives from
the state. Currently, taxpayers in Dearborn send $14
million more dollars to Lansing than the district gets back.

Please call Governor Granholm's office at (517)
373-3400 and ask her to treat all districts the same. If
cuts need to be made then all districts across the state
should be cut the same per-pupil amount. Cutting more funds
from some districts and less from others is not equitable
and pits school district against school district. Our own
State of Michigan House and Senate Representatives
understand the devastating impact these cuts will have on
Dearborn. At this time, sharing your concerns directly with
the Governor will have the most impact to prevent these
targeted cuts from happening.

In your own words let the Governor know how devastating her
recommendations will be to our district. Attached you will
find talking points for you and your constituency groups to
use for background information.

Thank you,
Brian Whiston, Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent

MDOE Upcoming Events

2009-02-17T10:12:00.001-08:00

UPCOMING EVENTS IN EDUCATION Click for more info

Michigan School Testing Conference, February 23-25, 2009

MI Reading Association Annual Conference, March 14-16, 2009

State Board of Education Meeting, March 17, 2009; 10:00 am (note date!!)

2009 MACUL Conference, March 18-20, 2009

Spring School Improvement ISD Workshop, March 23, 2009

MiAEYC Conference, March 26–28, 2009

2009 AdvancED Conference, March 29-31, 2009

State Board of Education Meeting, April 14, 2009

Spring School Improvement Conference, April 21-22, 2009

Tri-Cities Cultures of Thinking Conference, April 23-25, 2009

MSBO 2009 Annual Conference, April 28-30, 2009

Michigan After-school Collaborative Summer Summit, May 29

Educational Technology Leadership Conference, June 22-23

MASCD Curriculum Leaders Institute, August 2009

2009 MCTM Annual Conference & Institute, August 6-7, 2009

Michigan Teaching for Learning Institute, August 11-13, 2009

MI Education Connection News - March 2009

2009-02-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

Read the Feb. edition of the Michigan Education Connection

from the Michigan Department of Education:

http://www.fordsonhigh.info/MDOE_EdCon_2_09.pdf

Table of Contents:

1- Superintendent’s Message from Mike Flannigan

2- Three new educational initiatives from Governor’s State of the State.

3- MAS/FPS & MDE Schoolwide Planning Session

---Title I schools can sign up now for March Statewide Planning Session.

4- Emergency Financial Manager Appointed for DPS

Governor Granholm recently appointed Robert Bobb as Emergency Financial Manager for DPS.

NHS Dinner to Benefit Gaza Children Feb.7 @ 6:30 $25.

2009-01-18T13:02:00.001-08:00

The Fordson High School National Honor Society will be having a

fundraiser on Saturday, February 7 at Bint Jbeil Cultural Center.

The dinner will be from 6:30 until 10:30 and is a

humanitarian effort that will benefit Al-Shifa hospital on the Gaza strip

in the occupied territories of Palestine.

The fundraiser will include a keynote speaker, a slide show and a student speaker.

The tickets are $25 per person.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting David Haidar at davidhaidar13@gmail.comor

Ali Nasrallah at a_dcmst@yahoo.com.

Let's support the NHS fundraiser and

the children of Palestine who are going through the worst suffering in their history.

I hope to see all of you there. Thank you.
- Maha Mustafa

$ Action Plan for 2009 Free Book Download from Opra until Jan,. 15th!

2009-01-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Suze Orman's Free Book Download

Get your copy of Suze Orman's latest book, Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan, for free!

Download Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan in English.*
This book is copyrighted. You may view and download the file, but you may not copy the file or share or forward it to any other person. Offer expires at 11:59 p.m. CT on Thursday, January 15.

Descargue Plan de acción 2009 de Suze Orman en español.**
Este libro está protegido por las leyes de copyright. Puede ver y bajar el archivo, pero no copiar, prestar, compartir o reenviar a otra persona. Oferta termina a las 11:59 p.m. CT en jueves, 15 de enero.

Suze Orman's taking your questions in a live webcast on Thursday, January 15 at 9 p.m./8c. Register to save your seat!

Having trouble? You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to see this file. Download it here.

* To download the book:
If you're on a PC, right-click (Mac users: Ctrl-click) on the link Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan above. Internet Explorer users, select Save Target As; Firefox users select "Save Link As."

Select where you wish to save the file on your computer, and then click "Save."

Once the file has been saved, go to the location where you saved the file and open it to begin reading.

FREE ONLINE ACT PRACTICE

2009-01-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

The following is a website for students preparing for the ACT. The site contains sample test questions:

http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html

Perhaps we can post it somewhere for the students to check out. By the way, there are many FREE sources on the web to help the students.

Thanks,

Nadia Shuayto

ACT Prep Course for 10th & 11th Graders

2009-01-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

Ms. Alie, one of our lead teachers at Fordson has emailed me some important information about an ACT prep course. It would be an excellent opportunity for 10th and 11th graders to take advantage of. My daughter took this class last year and it helped her on the ACT tremendously. Please read the attached flier and consider it for your children. See information below! -Maha

25 @ FHS ADMITTED to UofM-Ann Arbor: Meeting 1-26-09 @ 6 in Auditorium

2009-01-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

25 Fordson students have been accepted to U-M Ann Arbor and Mr. Fadlallah will be holding an informative meeting on January 26th at 6:00 in the auditorium. This meeting will focus on preparing for living in Ann Arbor and succeeding at the University of Michigan. Of special focus will be opportunities and issues for female students. -Maha

Personal Curriculum & Graduation Requirements

2008-12-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

Personal Curriculum Alternative to Graduation Requirements

Michigan Bill offers Math Alternatives for meeting Graduation Requirements

Fordson PTSA Members

2008-12-05T23:14:00.000-08:00

Maha.Mustafa
Tomay Alsamarae
Mohamed Awad
Ruqiayah Madany
Salam Anani
Leni Baidoun
Lina Bazzi
Namat Chami
Ebaidountristar@hotmail.com
Louie Moussa
Massada Khouryzat
Jamal Saghir
Jaymi Sabbaugh
Mariam Mroue
Marwan Wehbe
Mustafa Majeed
Ramsey Makled
Noha Wazne
Renee Newman
Salma Nasser
RGOLDFADEN@aol.com
Rewa Yahfoufi
Shizil-my-nizl@hotmail.com
Zaara83@hotmail.com
Kareema Abbas
Ms. Elder, Counselor

Mustafa Majeed
Mariam Mroue
Jamal Saghir
Manal Salem
Mohamed Sion
Noha Wazne
Marwan Wehbe

RESOLUTION: Later Start Times for High School

2008-12-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

DEARBORN PTSA COUNCIL RESOLUTION

REGARDING

LATER START TIMES FOR HIGH SCHOOL

WHEREAS, the mission of the Dearborn PTSA is to advocate on behalf of children, and

WHEREAS, the Mission of the Dearborn Public Schools, in partnership with families and the community, is to educate all students to high academic standards within a safe, stimulating environment and ensure they are prepared to become productive citizens.

WHEREAS, making decisions in the best interests of the children is always our paramount concern, and

WHEREAS, high school classes in Dearborn currently begin at 7:20 am, and

WHEREAS, research on the issue of optimal school starting times uniformly supports the finding that later starting times for high school students is more appropriate due to the inherent sleep cycles of high school age students, and

WHEREAS, students falling asleep and/or being drowsy in class in the first two hours of class is common and acknowledged by students, staff and administrators, and

WHEREAS, tired or sleeping students logically can not be as likely be educated to high academic standards as those students who are more rested.

NOW THERFORE:

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Dearborn PTSA Council hereby urges the establishment of a later starting time for high school students consistent with data developed in studies conducted on the subject, the missions of the Dearborn PTSA and Dearborn Public Schools and best educational interests of our high school students.

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dearborn PTSA Council further urges the Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education and administration to make the establishment of later high school starting times a high priority with implementation to occur not later than the beginning of school in August, 2009.

So resolved and entered this __ day of ___, 2008, at Dearborn, Michigan.

X___Collette Dunsmore, President Dearborn PTSA Council

X___Brenda Kaleto, Secretary Dearborn PTSA Council

High School Start Times Should be After 8 AM - Why?

2008-12-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

Dearborn PTSA Council Pursues Later High School Start Times

Dearborn High Schools like many high schools in the United States start at 7:15 a.m. High school students tend to rise at about 5:45 or 6 a.m. in order to get ready and catch the bus. This start time is out of phase with sleep cycles for teens and is not optimal for their health and education.

From the onset of puberty until late teen years, the brain chemical melatonin, which is responsible for sleepiness, is secreted from approximately 11 p.m. until approximately 8 a.m., nine hours later. Researchers established that this cycle is part of the maturation of the endocrine system. This secretion is based on human circadian rhythms and is somewhat fixed. This means their brains remain in sleep mode until about 8 a.m., regardless of when they go to bed.

These adolescent sleep patterns have a cost for education. Test results have shown that approximately 40% of the 10th grade students are required to be in school at a time when circadian rhythms are in a nocturnal mode and melatonin is still being produced. Surveys indicate that 20 percent of students actually fall sleep at some point during the first two hours of school. Sleep deprivation contributes to challenges such as depression, difficulty relating to peers and parents, and increased likelihood of alcohol and other drug use.

The benchmark school system has two school districts in Minneapolis, MN. The first, Edina, changed their high school start time from 7:20 to 8:30. The second, Minneapolis Public Schools, changed their start time from 7:15 to 8:40. Since then, experts from the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement gathered outcome information regarding the work, sleep, and school habits of over 7,000 secondary students, over 3,000 teachers, and interview data from over 750 parents about their preferences and beliefs about the starting time of school. Their efforts show that there was a significant reduction in school dropout rates, less depression, and students reported earning higher grades.

The Dearborn PTSA Council plans to work with the Dearborn Public School System to evaluate the potential barriers and make a recommendation for a later high school starting time for the School Board to consider. Parents and teachers are encouraged to attend the October 29, 2008 PTSA Council meeting to be held at 18700 Audette 9:15 a.m. to provide input for the Council’s proposal.

Helena Thornton

Dearborn PTSA

8-25-2008

References:

http://cehd.umn.edu/Pubs/Researchworks/sleep.html, University of Minnesota, June 2002.

http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/adolescent.html, Sleep Disorders Ring Site, The Sleep Well, Adolescent Sleep, Oct.1999.

http://www.websciences.org/cftemplate/NAPS/archives/indiv.cfm?ID=19979243, REM Sleep on MSLTS in High School Students is Related to Circadian Phase E.P. Bradley Hospital Sleep Research Laboratory, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI; The College of the Holy Cross Psychology Department, Worcester, MA; Technion University, Haifa, Israel, Sleep Research 1997; 26: 705.

Attend DPS Board Mtg. Monday, Dec.8 @ 7:30 PM

2008-12-05T22:35:00.001-08:00

Dear DHS Families:

Even though there are no classes Monday, there will still be a Dearborn School Board meeting. Kindly attend, Monday, December 8, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at Ten Eyck to help support the issue of later high school start times. The attached resolution has already been presented. We are simply asking for some movement toward change. Below are some links from our PTSA site with information on this topic. Kindly share this with anyone who may be interested.

WHY CHANGE START TIMES?

Students Need Their ZZZZ's

Helena Thornton

Fordson High PTSA

21st Century Schools: Your feedback needed.

Education Cuts: Take Action!

Meeting Feb 2@6PM | Enroll for Kroger $$ Program | Cookbook Ads & Orders

Founder's Day (Feb 17) Volunteers Needed

Bully Prevention Committee Forming

Your recipes in Fordson's Cookbook!

Add Your Recipe to the Fordson Cookbook!

Fordson Cookbook Ad Info & Order Form

Fordson Cookbook Ads

Reserve a Fordson Cookbook!

PTSA COOKBOOK FUNDRAISER

Grants from DoSomething.org

90210'S MATT LANTER & JESSICA LOWNDES WANT YOU TO DO SOMETHING

THE DO SOMETHING AWARDS APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN!

ARE YOU INSPIRED TO ROCK YOUR CAUSE?

1 MILLION POUNDS OF CARBON SAVED!

PTSA Founders Day Dinner Feb. 17 5:30pm

Scholarship deadline Jan 15, 2011

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTEDFOR THE

Fran Anderson Michigan PTSA Scholarship

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2011

Scholarship application information may be printed using the links at the bottom of this e-mail or by clicking on the scholarship link on the home page of the MPTSA website at www.michiganpta.org.

Questions?Contact your Field Service Representative or Nancy at membership@michiganpta.orgor 734-975-9500.

PTSA Meeting Tues Jan 11 @ 6pm Fordson Cafeteria

General Council Club News

Band Boosters Meeting: Wed. Sept. 15 @ 3PM Band Room

Tues. Oct. 5 @ 6 PM PTSA Meeting in Fordson Cafeteria

School Bus Driver CDL Information

Emergency Meeting 6pm Friday, Nov. 13 @ Fordson

Parent Advisory Committee to Mediate Teacher-Student Disputes

View Video of Board Meeting 11-9-09 ~ Massive Cuts

Fordson Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner - May 12

Alumni Breakfast Sat, 10am @ Murphy's Wiskey Bar & Grill

PTSA Scholarship Application

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTEDFOR THE

Fran Anderson Michigan PTSA Scholarship

A $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPWILL BE AWARDED TO A HIGH SCHOOL SENIORTHAT WILL BE ENTERING COLLEGE IN FALL 2009.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 13, 2009Scholarship application information may be printed from http://www.michiganptsa.org/pdf/MPTSA_Fran_Anderson_Scholarship_Instructions_2009.pdf MPTSA website at www.michiganpta.org.

Questions?Contact your Field Service RepresentativeorNancy at membership@michiganpta.org or 734-975-9500.

$8M in Funding Cuts: Call to Action from Super. Whiston

MDOE Upcoming Events

MI Education Connection News - March 2009

NHS Dinner to Benefit Gaza Children Feb.7 @ 6:30 $25.

$ Action Plan for 2009 Free Book Download from Opra until Jan,. 15th!

FREE ONLINE ACT PRACTICE

ACT Prep Course for 10th & 11th Graders

25 @ FHS ADMITTED to UofM-Ann Arbor: Meeting 1-26-09 @ 6 in Auditorium

Personal Curriculum & Graduation Requirements

Fordson PTSA Members

RESOLUTION: Later Start Times for High School

High School Start Times Should be After 8 AM - Why?

Attend DPS Board Mtg. Monday, Dec.8 @ 7:30 PM

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED
FOR THE

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
JANUARY 15, 2011

Questions?Contact your Field Service Representative or Nancy at membership@michiganpta.org
or 734-975-9500.

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED
FOR THE

A $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP
WILL BE AWARDED TO A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
THAT WILL BE ENTERING COLLEGE IN FALL 2009.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 13, 2009

Scholarship application information may be printed from http://www.michiganptsa.org/pdf/MPTSA_Fran_Anderson_Scholarship_Instructions_2009.pdf MPTSA website at www.michiganpta.org.

Questions?
Contact your Field Service Representative
or
Nancy at membership@michiganpta.org or 734-975-9500.