Monroe Public Schools Food Service and Transportation staff prepared and delivered nearly 1,800 student meals on the first day of the state-ordered school closures. Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered the closure of all K-12 Michigan schools to slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19).
On Saturday, MPS announced plans for bus drivers to make stops throughout the district on weekday mornings to drop off boxed meals for students and children 18 and under. Meals are also being passed out, Monday-Friday, at Monroe Middle School, from 10 a.m. until noon.
March 16th was the first day for food delivery, and the response was tremendous. Almost 900 meal boxes, each containing two meals (breakfast AND lunch), were distributed to children in the school community.
“Our food service workers and bus drivers were the champions of Monroe today!” Superintendent Dr. Julie Everly proclaimed in an email to district staff. “Amongst the unknown fear, there was joy, pride, and goodness,” she stated. “A big cheer to our Transportation and Food Service Departments!”
When school is in session, Monroe Public Schools offers free breakfast and lunch to all of the district’s students.
“We are aware that many families rely on the meals we serve each day to our students,”
Dr. Everly said. “It was a top priority for us to ensure that the children in our community continue to receive nourishing food during the days and weeks that our buildings are closed.”
Families do not need to sign up ahead of time, and no ID is required, she said. Any child, or any adult representing children, may pick up the meals. On Fridays, additional food will be distributed to provide weekend meals.
The MPS buses are also stocked with school supplies and extra charging cords that can be provided for those who need them. If a child’s Chromebook malfunctions, MPS families will also be able to send it on the bus with a repair slip to the district’s Technology staff.
Dr. Everly anticipates the numbers to grow as the program moves forward. The distribution routes and times are posted on the MPS website and were also published in the March 16th edition of the Monroe News.
Citing plans for capital projects to improve aging facilities and enhance school security, leaders at Monroe Public Schools are moving forward with the next steps to place a bond issue request on the May 5th ballot.
The Monroe Public Schools Board of Education has authorized Superintendent Dr. Julie Everly to submit the application for preliminary qualification of bonds by the State Treasurer. The action comes after more than two years of facility studies, committee meetings, community surveys, and Board work session discussions.
“We have had a team of people assessing our facilities over a number of years, and we have arrived at a time in the age of our buildings that we believe it is imperative that we give the community the opportunity to update them,” Dr. Everly said.
The request is focused on urgent facility needs and school safety. Funds from the bond issue would address critical facility repairs and upgrades, including boiler replacements, HVAC, and restrooms, and would provide secure vestibule entrances and new mass notification fire alarm and PA systems in every school.
“Projects were only included if they ranked as high priorities,” Dr. Everly emphasized, “both on facility assessments and on community surveys.”
Board President Bob Nichols said the issue is of paramount importance to the district. “We have old buildings, and we don’t know when our boilers are going to break down,” he stressed. “We need to be proactive and make upgrades to our facilities now.”
The average age of the district’s buildings is 63 years. Monroe Middle School was constructed in 1928 and is approaching the century mark. The “newest” building in the district – Monroe High School – is 45 years old. The other district buildings were built between 1949 and 1961.
“I was born in 1976. Our newest building was built in 1975,” Board member Heather Boone stated. “Every day I wake up with aches and pains, so I think the buildings may need a little bit of help.”
When the projects are completed, the district anticipates cost savings of more than $300,000 annually from energy savings and reduced operational costs. Over a period of 30 years, consultants project the savings to reach $10.7 million.
President Nichols expressed his excitement about the energy savings. “Over $300,000 savings per year!” he marveled. “How much better are we going to be able to educate our students with that influx of money?”
The cost savings reflect a conservative estimate, district leaders stressed, based on savings from new HVAC equipment, energy-efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, etc. What hasn’t been quantified is how much more MPS would have to spend in the future if the improvements and equipment upgrades are not made.
“As our equipment continues to age, we would expect maintenance and operational costs to increase,” Dr. Everly explained. “The calculations don’t include the cost to the district if a building would have to close or delay should equipment fail.”
Jerry Oley, Executive Director of Facilities, said the bond package would enable the district to implement a long-range plan for Monroe Public Schools’ buildings and assure the district’s schools and other facilities are safe, secure, and functional.
“We believe this is a necessary and very reasonable bond proposal,” Oley stated. “We’re not asking for brand new buildings. We’re asking to maintain what we have.”
MPS Board Moves Forward with Bond Issue Plans PDF
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Monroe Public Schools has announced three public hearing dates to explain the benefits of starting the 2020-2021 school year prior to Labor Day. The district has planned a September 2nd start. Public hearings will be held at the Monroe Public Schools Administration Building (1275 N. Macomb St.) on Monday, January 6, 4-5 p.m.; Wednesday, January 8, 11 a.m. – noon; and Tuesday, January 14, 8-9 a.m.
The Pre-Labor Day Start Calendar proposed by MPS would begin with a student half day on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. Students would attend a full day on Thursday, September 3. There would be no school on Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 (Labor Day). The remainder of the week (Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, September 11), students would attend full days.
In order to start prior to Labor Day, Michigan school districts must request a waiver from the State of Michigan. Nearly 200 waivers were granted state-wide for the 2019-2020 school year. The scheduled hearings are a requirement for the waiver. Each MPS hearing will include an informational presentation and a feedback session.
“As we continue to expand our options for students to earn college credit, it better serves our students and their families if our academic calendar is more closely aligned with college calendars,” Superintendent Dr. Julie Everly stated. “Our schools are providing instructional, enrichment, and athletic programming throughout the summer. Therefore, many students remain in our schools throughout July and August.”
Monroe Public Schools is introducing a five-year Early Middle College program this year in collaboration with Monroe County Community College, which will enable students to earn an Associate degree or certificate in addition to their high school diploma. The number of Monroe High School students participating in dual enrollment and direct credit programs also continues to grow. Monroe County Community College has not finalized its Fall 2020 start date, but MCCC students began on August 28th in 2019.
Students and staff may also appreciate the ability to avoid going later into the summer. Labor Day falls late in 2020 – September 7th. The required days of instruction for Michigan schools increased from 170 in 2012-2013 to 180 instructional days in 2016-2017, reducing flexibility for academic calendars. Starting school a little earlier shifts hotter temperature days to the start of the year, when motivation levels are higher, and provides more instructional time prior to state assessments and advanced placement tests.
Monroe Public Schools Holds Public Hearings on Pre-Labor Day Start
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Monroe High School held its 11th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2019, during half-time of the Girls Varsity Basketball Game. Three individuals and two teams were honored – Amanda Arnett, Tauna Kinsey Byrd, Abigail McCollum, the 1929 Track 880 Relay Team, and the 1936 880 Relay Team.
Photo plaques of the inductees were hung in the school’s hall to permanently honor them. The inductees received special plaques inscribed with their name and bearing a figure representing the sport they excelled in.
The Eleventh Class of Honorees included:
*Amanda Arnett, Softball, 2010-2013:
Amanda was a 4-year varsity letter winner for the Trojans, who achieved numerous pitching and hitting accolades. As a pitcher, she threw 11 no-hitters, 26 shut-outs, 913 strikeouts, and 64 wins. Her career earned-run-average was 1.06. In addition to superb pitching, Amanda set numerous offensive records for the Trojans. Her season records include 68 rbi’s, 16 doubles, 15 triples, and 48 runs scored. Her career records include 188 rbi’s, 48 doubles, 36 triples, 26 home runs and 153 runs scored. Amanda was All League (4 years), All District (4 years), All Region (4 years), and All-State Honorable Mention in 2013. She accepted a softball scholarship to Ball State University, where she played 4 years.
*Tauna Kinsey Byrd, Softball, 1994-1996:
Tauna was a 3-year letter winner for the Trojans as a pitcher and infielder. During this time, she established herself as one of the region’s best pitchers. As a senior, Tauna batted .385 and posted a pitching record of 22-3. She led the MEGA Conference with 5 shut-outs. Her career records were equally impressive, as she threw 7 no-hitters, totaled 336 strikeouts and 15 shut-outs, and compiled a 33-4 record. For these accomplishments, she was named First Team All GLEA, First Team All-District in 1995, Monroe Evening News Player of the Year in 1996, and All-State Honorable Mention in 1996. Tauna received a softball scholarship to Eastern Michigan University, where she played 4 years.
*Abigail McCollum, Four Sport Athlete, 2007-2010:
Abby was a 4-sport letter winner at Monroe High School, amassing 11 varsity letters in soccer (3), basketball (3), track and field (3), and football (2). Soccer was Abby’s most dominant sport, as she set school season and career records. She is second in career goals with 81, and she set season records with 7 goals in a game and 40 goals in 2010. Abby was selected Monroe County Soccer Player of the Year twice, All Conference twice, and Region Player of the Year once. Because of Abby’s soccer skills, she was invited to try out for the 2009 Trojan football team as a kicking specialist. She came through for the Trojans by kicking 17 of 19 extra points after touchdowns. Abby was elected to play in the Monroe County All-Star game in 2010.
*1929 Track 880 Relay Team – Fred Schatte, John Benedict, Lester Clark, Ronald Sayles
In 1929, the Monroe High School Track Team was in its third year as a blossoming track power in the State of Michigan. Monroe finished 4th in the MHSAA State Meet in 1927 and 5th in 1928. The 1929 880 Yard Relay Team that finished as State Champions helped propel MHS to a 3rd place team finish to continue Monroe’s rise to prominence in Michigan Track and Field.
The 880 Yard Relay Team of Fred Schatte, John Benedict, Les Clark, and Ron Sayles distanced themselves from the rest of the field in 1:34.7. Fred Schatte also placed 1st in the 100 yard dash and 2nd in the 220 yard dash. Many of the 1929 Track Team members returned to capture Monroe’s 1st State MHSAA Championship in 1930.
*1936 Track 880 Relay Team – Ira Hughes, Percy Zimmerman, Perry Mason, Willie Campbell
The Monroe High School Track team won the 1936 MHSAA State Track Meet largely on the backs of the athletes that won the State Championship in the 880 Yard Relay Team. Ira Hughes, Percy Zimmerman, Perry Mason, and Willie Campbell dominated their relay performance with a time of 1:32.5. Monroe scored points in 8 of 12 events beyond their relay championship. Perry Mason won the 200 yard low hurdles, placed 3rd in the broad jump, and 6th in the 120 yard high hurdles. Ira Hughes won the 100 yard dash and placed 3rd in the 220 yard dash. Willie Campbell placed 2nd in the 120 yard high hurdles. Percy Zimmerman placed 6th in the 100 yard dash. Many members of the 1936 State Championship Team returned to lead Monroe back to the State Championships in 1937.
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PHOTO CAPTION:
NOTE: Plaques for team members honored posthumously were accepted by family members. The names listed below are inductee names.
Seated: Percy Zimmerman (1936 Track 880 Relay Team), Amanda Arnett (Softball), Tauna Kinsey Byrd (Softball), Abigail McCollum (Soccer, Basketball, Track, and Football).
Standing: Willie Campbell (1936 Track 880 Relay Team), Fred Schatte (1929 Track 880 Relay Team), Ronald Sayles (1929 Track 880 Relay Team), Lester Clark (1929 Track 880 Relay Team).
Also honored but not present: John Benedict (1929 Track 880 Relay Team), Ira Hughes (1936 Track 880 Relay Team), and Perry Mason (1936 Track 880 Relay Team).
MONROE TROJANS MARCHING IN DETROIT’S THANKSGIVING PARADE
The Monroe community has something extra to be thankful for this year – the opportunity to view local students performing on national TV! The Monroe Trojan Band has been selected to march in Detroit’s 2019 Thanksgiving Parade.
VIEWING INFORMATION
The parade will kick off from the corner of Kirby and Woodward on Thursday, November 28 at 8:45 a.m. Those watching from home can tune in to the broadcast at 10 a.m. on WDIV-Local 4 or online at www.clickondetroit.com. Pre-parade coverage will begin at 6 a.m.
“America’s Thanksgiving Parade” is broadcast in 185 cities across the U.S. Family and friends who live out-of-town can view online (see above) or click below to view the syndicated TV parade schedule.
Syndicated TV parade schedule
BATTLE of the BANDS - Please VOTE
Please vote in the parade-sponsored Battle of the Bands for the Monroe High School Trojan Marching Band. Voting begins Thanksgiving morning (November 28) at 6:00 a.m. and runs through Sunday night (December 1) at 11:00 p.m. Use the link below to connect to the site where you can vote:
https://www.clickondetroit.com/features/2019/11/19/battle-of-the-bands-vote-for-your-favorite-marching-band-in-americas-thanksgiving-parade/
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“Lights! Camera! Action!” Digital video production is coming to Orchard Center High School.
Social studies teacher Christopher Kunder was the instructor of an analog video class several years ago and is excited to launch Orchard Center’s new program which will cover all facets of video production from writing and shooting to editing and post-production.
“Video is a powerful medium for expression and communication,” Kunder stated. “Our students are consuming videos on social media and YouTube, and we are providing an opportunity for them to learn to create content to share with their peers.”
The new class is scheduled to roll out in December, with the start of the second trimester. Kunder will begin by familiarizing students with equipment, software, camera angles, lighting, using a teleprompter, and all technical aspects of production. Students will also learn how to put news stories together. The school hopes to develop both a bi-weekly recorded show and a bi-weekly newspaper.
A website will be designed to host the shows. Tech savvy students may serve as video editors or website designers, Kunder said, while others may want to be in front of the camera. “This is an opportunity for students to discover who they are and what kind of learners they are,” Kunder explained.
During this pilot year, the class will meet during the sixth hour “Knights United” homeroom period. Digital video production will be offered as an elective course, with the option for credit recovery, and will be open to students assigned to the team-taught language arts and social studies section.
Two tracks will be offered, enabling all OCHS students to gain hands-on digital video experience. Students who aren’t part of the class will use video equipment in their core classes for alternative assessment, as another medium for demonstrating mastery.
“Integrating digital video into the curriculum will help all students develop an understanding of technology that is increasingly becoming part of our communications world,” Kunder asserted.
A green screen is on order and will soon be installed in the corner of his classroom. Monroe Public Schools has purchased WeVideo online video editor subscriptions for individual students to use on Chromebooks in the content area classes. The video production class will be using Adobe Premiere Pro, which is a more robust, complex software program for non-linear editing.
During the research, planning, and preparation stages for the new program, OCHS met with video instructors from Monroe County ISD, Monroe High School, and Summerfield High School. Chris Slat at MCISD provided advice on the software and equipment needs, Principal Kevin Pilgrim said.
“Adobe Premiere was selected because the software is used by professionals,” Pilgrim stated. “In addition to video production and broadcast news, the skills acquired in this class can also be applied in other careers and industries including marketing and advertising.”
Working in a simulated newsroom environment, the students will develop skills in research, writing, public speaking, and time management Kunder said. “The experience of collaboration on team projects and the discipline of deadlines will benefit students in all areas of life,” he said.
Over time, videos may become a support piece for the school’s entrepreneurship curriculum, with students developing videos to advertise their products, and quality commercials airing on the show. Another idea is to have Orchard Center students develop videos for mentoring. Kunder has a vision for his students to create curriculum-based videos to help younger students learn concepts.
“Ultimately,” Kunder concluded, “I am enthused about creating a program for our students which is exciting, meaningful, and authentic.”
Orchard Center Introduces Digital Video Production
Enrollment at Raisinville Elementary is up more than 5.5% over last year, and district officials in Monroe Public Schools believe the increase is linked to the school’s new International Baccalaureate designation. Raisinville is the only school in Monroe County which offers the IB Primary Years Programme.
“We experienced increases in both our older and younger grade levels,” Principal Scott Hoppert observed. “The International Baccalaureate has generated interest in Raisinville and our programs. As our students express excitement about the activities they are engaged in, our parents and community are taking notice.”
Raisinville was authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization in May, following an extensive four-year process that included professional development training for all staff, an IB consultant, and authorization team visits. PYP encompasses a transdisciplinary framework which focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, and teaches children to inquire about the world around them, actively engaging them in the learning process.
“We are proud to provide the International Baccalaureate program as an educational option for Monroe Public elementary students,” Superintendent Dr. Julie Everly said. “I am incredibly pleased that families in our community recognize the value of this learning approach and are making the choice for their children to be part of this innovative program.”
The IB model utilizes inquiry-based learning centered on student questions and exploration. Students are challenged not only to learn information, but also to be able to ask why and understand the context. IB connects learning experiences and encourages students to take action and to impact the world.
Raisinville began implementing the IB program during its candidate phase. As part of a habitat unit last spring, second grade students planted cattails and built bluebird houses, which now adorn the school’s campus. Sixth graders held a “Dog-Walk Backyard Carnival” to support Project Second Chance Monroe, an organization that pairs at-risk youth with abandoned pets. As they planned activities and created items to sell at the fundraiser, they experienced inquiry-based, cross-discipline learning and also made a positive impact in the Monroe community.
Foreign language study is also a component in all IB schools. Raisinville chose to teach Spanish, which connects to the curriculum at the district’s high school and middle school levels.
“Our students will arrive at the middle school with seven years of Spanish and experience with integrated curriculum,” Hoppert said. “We are providing them with a strong foundation for future academic success.”
The Monroe Public Schools Board is excited to see the program fully implemented.
“We appreciate the time, effort, and collaboration of the Raisinville staff that has made this program possible,” Board Vice President Matthew Bunkelman said. “I know it will benefit our students, and we look forward to hearing more about their educational experiences.”
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. IB learners strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.
Raisinville IB Program Linked to Increase in Enrollment PDF
Closing was held five weeks ago on the first Trojan Build house constructed by Monroe High School students, and work is already well underway on the second home.
Trojan Build #2 is approximately 1,650 square feet and will feature 2.5 baths, 3 bedrooms, a full basement, a spacious front porch, and a rear deck when it is completed.
The innovative construction projects involve MHS students building the entire home from the ground up. Students frame, add roofing and siding, set windows and doors, trim, do drywall, lay flooring, and build cabinets. Professionals install plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and installation, but the students are responsible for everything else.
Construction Trades instructor Tom Bell joined Monroe four years ago, and has worked to expand the program. He spent approximately one-and-a-half years researching other schools that do full-building construction, while developing the proposal for Monroe’s Trojan Builds.
The success of the first project has generated excitement in the community and increased enrollment in the program. Trojan Build #2 has a team of 45 students, up from 34 last year. The students include juniors and seniors who have already completed the fundamentals class – two classes of 2A & 2B, who are working on their first build, and one class of 3A & 3 B, who were part of the project last year. 3A/3B, the accelerated class in which students fine-tune their skills, has been involved with the layout of the walls.
The blueprint is also student-created. The winning design from the Monroe County CAD and Architecture Design competition is selected for the builds. Monroe High School anticipates having 12 students compete in 2020.
The land on Charles Street where the builds are taking place is owned by Monroe Public Schools. The site is the former South Monroe Townsite Elementary School, which closed in 2009. The Trojan Builds are a unique opportunity – providing valuable hands-on experience for Monroe students and creating beautiful homes for community residents.
“Monroe is investing in themselves,” Bell said, “and I think this sends a message to everyone that we believe in ourselves.”
Board Parliamentarian Cheryl Sweeney said the Trojan Build has brought well-deserved attention to the career-technical education programs at Monroe High School. “This is just one of many career training programs our students can enroll in. I encourage students and families to explore the vast possibilities.”
Bell expressed gratitude for the generous support the builds have received from the community. Kerri and Chip Williams (Meemic Insurance) are providing smoke detectors for the second home, and Stoneco in Monroe (Denniston Quarry) has donated all of the stone products for the foundation. “That’s over 200 tons of donated materials,” Bell said.
“The Trojan Build project has exceeded our expectations,” MPS Superintendent Dr. Julie Everly said. “The craftsmanship is beautiful to behold, and the enthusiasm of Monroe students, residents, and businesses is absolutely contagious. Our partnerships with the Home Builders Association (HBA) and local businesses have been instrumental in the success. We’re not just building homes, we’re building community.”
Monroe Public Schools held a wall-raising ceremony for Trojan Build #1, and the district is planning a window-setting ceremony for the second home, when the full exterior is complete.
Work Is Underway on Trojan Build 2
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