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Monroe Middle School
Elementary open houses are Wednesday

August 30, 2016

All of Monroe Public Schools' five elementary campuses will hold their back-to-school open houses from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday (August 31).  This is a great time for parents to meet their child's teacher, for children to meet their teachers and for children to meet their new classmates.  In addition, each school has different special events for those attending open house. 

For Monroe Middle School parents and their children, the MMS open house will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 1.

First day of school for Monroe Public Schools will be Wednesday, September 7.  


Community Ed offers various classes

August 26, 2016

     With kids returning to classes, moms and dads have a chance to head back to class, too, by signing up for a Monroe Public Schools Community Education and Recreation class.  With nearly 75 choices, there is bound to be something just right for everyone, even youngsters, and our four-legged friends, too. 

     Among the classes that are new for fall are performing arts and a do-it-yourself sushi class for kids.  A genealogy class, which has not been offered for awhile, returns to the fall lineup. 

     Here are the topics and number of courses available.  Arts and crafts (11), Art Insight Emporium class (4); Fitness and recreation (8); Water activities (5); Music (5); Sewing and needlecraft (10); Computer classes (4); Special Classes (14); Kid’s Corner (10) and Dog Obedience (3).  

     All of the courses are described in detail in the Fall 2016 class catalogue which was has been distributed through the Monroe News.  Registration begins August 29. 

     Besides information on classes, the class booklet also includes registration information and signup sheets for the always popular junior cheer and flag football.  Signup early to make sure you can get the class or activity you want.

     All classes must be prepaid and there are various ways to register.  Phone registrations are accepted by using Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express at 734-265-3170.  You can register by mail by completing the registration form in the catalogue and sending it with a check or money order made payable to Monroe Public Schools and mailing it to Community Education, 1275 N. Macomb St., Monroe, MI  48162.  Registrations will be taken in person at the Community Education office from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., daily.

     Persons who may not have received a catalogue can pick one up at the Community Education office at the Monroe Public Schools Administration Building.  It is also is displayed on line on the Monroe Public Schools website at  http://monroepublic.cyberschool.com/view/4123.pdf


Learning Bank to hold orientation

August 24, 2016

The Learning Bank of Monroe County, 1102 E. First St., will hold its new student orientation on Wednesday, September 7, and on Thursday, September 8 at the Learning Bank. 

     Since its inception five years ago, the Learning Bank has offered classes for persons studying to earn their GEDs but starting this year, the Learning Bank also is giving its students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma with the new Monroe Adult Diploma.

     Among the services that the Learning Bank offers are tutoring, national career readiness, career counseling, financial literacy training, computer basics and a course in study tips and time techniques, time management and other learning styles assessments. 

     All educational services are free and open to all Monroe County residents, although there is a $10 registration fee which can be waived for financial need.

The Learning Bank in Monroe is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  Persons interested in registering for classes or who need more information can call the Learning Bank at 734-265-4200 or text them at 734-719-1408.

     The Learning Bank, which is operated by Monroe Public Schools, is part of the Monroe County Learning Bank Network which is a collaboration of educational institutions, non-profits and businesses, working together to equip adult learners with basic skills to succeed in “No Worker Left Behind” post-secondary training and education.


Dr. Martin to retire Dec. 31

August 23, 2016

Dr. Barry Martin, who in his nearly 44 years of public education has been a classroom teacher, a school principal, a central office administrator and school district superintendent, has informed the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education that he intends to retire as superintendent of Monroe Pubic Schools on December 31, 2016.  Dr. Martin has been superintendent of Monroe Public Schools since July 1, 2013. 

     The school board accepted Dr. Martin’s retirement at its meeting Tuesday, August 23.

     Under Dr. Martin’s guidance, the nearly 6,000-student district has greatly expanded education offerings at various levels.  For instance, when it appeared the Learning Bank of Monroe County may have to close due to lack of funding, Dr. Martin developed a funding plan and helped the Learning become an MPS facility.  It remains a viable education alternative for adults.  In fact, it just recently started offering the Monroe Adult Diploma, the only place in Monroe County offering such an opportunity for adults.

     Since Dr. Martin became superintendent, Monroe Public Schools assumed sole operation and direction of Orchard Center High School.  School counseling services in Monroe Schools were modified and greatly improved to provide more social and emotional supports for enhanced student learning.  This year, all 1,900 students in grades 5 through 8 will receive a Chromebook for use in school and home, to enhance their learning opportunities.  In addition, the district is moving into a total digital curriculum for science studies at the k-9 level.

     Other improvements which have come under Dr. Martin are increased security at all school buildings and the administration building, including a new building access control system at each school.  Improved state-of-the-art bus security for all 58 of the district’s fleet of buses will be in place when school starts.  In addition, the district greatly improved its communications with the district families and staff by installing a new call-out system that is used for such things as school closings and delays. 

 

     Dr. Martin has been with Monroe Public Schools since 1986.  He began with the district as elementary school principal at the former Christiancy Elementary School.  For 13 years, he served as Director of State and Federal Programs, annually securing more than $4 million in state and federal grant programs. 

     He also developed the first district-wide school improvement plan before becoming superintendent which continues to be the focus for instruction in Monroe Public Schools today.  

     During his years with Monroe Public Schools, he wrote the district’s anti-bully policy and established Monroe Virtual High School, the first institution of its kind in Monroe County.  He also directed the district’s summer school program and worked closely with homeless families in the district to ensure their children receive an education.  In addition, he coordinated the McKinney Vento Education for Homeless Grant Program for Monroe County for many years. 

     At Monroe Public Schools, Dr. Martin established the program for English Language Learner students, lead development of the first written art curriculum for the district and introduced Outdoor Education for Elementary students.  

   Prior to joining Monroe Public Schools 30 years ago, Dr. Martin spent 11 years as a classroom teacher and three years as an assistant principal in the Washington Local Schools in Toledo.  He holds three degrees from Bowling Green State University – a bachelors degree in Elementary Education, a masters degree in School Administration and a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Educational Administration.


MPS issues 'Back to school' newsletter

August 22, 2016

Getting ready for the kids to go back to school?  You will not want to do it without reading our Monroe Public Schools "back-to-school" newsletter which is attached to this posting.  School start times, a list of what is new, upcoming events -- it is all listed here.  Click on the link head to read the newsletter.


MHS singers

August 22, 2016

For the first time ever, the Monroe High School Expressions and Generations of Sound will be going to “choir camp.”  The camp takes place each afternoon Monday through Thursday of this week, Aug. 22-25, at Monroe High.   Each day, different guests are scheduled to come in and work with the students.

            While bands have gone to camps for years before school starts, choir camp is new at MHS.

            “I am so excited about the very first Monroe High School Choir Camp!,” said Choir Director Cate Windelborn.  “The camp will focus on team building, balance, blend and tone.  For many of these students this year will be the first time they have sung in a small choir.  It is much different to sing in a group when there are only 4-5 people on a part.  They really have to learn to listen as loudly as they sing.

The students who will be singing in Expressions and Generations of Sound for the 2016-2017 school year will be meeting in the choir room at Monroe High School from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily this week.  

“The 35-40 MHS students will spend some of their last precious hours of summer vacation singing, learning and bonding though singing.  It is my hope that this time will help them to bond as a group and get a head start on their music for the year,” Miss Windelborn said.

Here is the full schedule for this week’s activities:

Monday, August 22 - Elise Dinwoody, Monroe Middle School choir teacher, will participate in a day full of team-building activities.  Students will begin working on the song they will sing at the MPS kick-off meeting August 31.  The finale for the day will be a BreakoutEDU adventure that will be facilitated by Kerry Guiliano from the MCISD.  Students will be divided into teams and will have 45 minutes to solve a mystery using clues hidden in the room and their own technology.

Tuesday, August 23 - The second day will focus on the vocal jazz genre. Composer and Director Jed Scott will lead the choirs through activities, warm ups and rehearsal to improve their performance abilities on a vocal jazz piece.  Mr. Scott directs an extra curricular men's ensemble at Rockford High School in Rockford that has won many local, national and international awards.  He is also a respected composer of a cappella and vocal jazz music.

Wednesday, August 24 - The third day will focus on tone, balance, blend and honors choir.  The students will work on this year's honors choir audition piece with Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) adjudicator and clinician Doug Armstead.  Mr. Armstead has taught for 25 years and has twice been selected to direct an MSVMA honors choir.  Students will be encouraged to audition to participate in this life changing program.

Thursday, August 25 – The week will wrap up with Dr. Joseph Daniel from Washtenaw Community College.  Dr. Daniel teaches piano and voice at WCC in addition to directing the choirs. He is also a free-lance organist.  He will work with the students on choral tone, balance and blend while rehearsing the music they will perform for the MPS staff on August 31.

 

 

 

MHS sing


MMS holds first pre-school retreat

August 16, 2016

Monroe Middle School will hold a retreat so students can go forward confidently when school starts on September 7.  MMS will host its first-ever retreat for all MMS students and their parents and guardians on August 22 and August 26.  The retreat will be held at the school.

Please note that parents need to attend the retreat WITH students.  There is important paperwork that parents need to fill out prior to the students receiving their schedules and locker assignments.  Please do NOT just drop your student off.  You do not need to stay the entire time with your student, only enough time to fill out all of the paperwork.

For more information, please check the document attached to this posting.


School open houses are set for MPS

August 15, 2016

               As the month of August rolls toward the beginning of the 2016-17 school year on September 7, parents should take note of the following open house dates.

               The first open house is set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, August 24, at Orchard Center High School. 

               All of Monroe’s elementary schools – Arborwood, Custer, Manor, Raisinville and Waterloo – will hold their open houses from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31. 

               For Monroe Middle School, open house is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, September 1.

               Monroe High School scheduled as a little different with activities starting August 23 and continuing through August 25.  Click on this link to learn more about specifics in the schedule.  http://www.monroe.k12.mi.us/District/News/4692-Tips-offered-for-MHS-registrations.html

 


Tips offered for MHS registrations

August 10, 2016

With the MHS registration days approaching and the always popular and valuable New Trojan retreat right on the heals of upper-classmen registration, Monroe High School Principal Mrs. Sandy Kreps has some great opportunities for students as they prepare to come back to school.

 

Important stuff and you will not want to miss out on these opportunities available at Monroe High.  Make sure you check out the attached document listing these great opportunities.  Parents you will want to review these with your sons and daughters to make sure they realize what great options and programs await them at Monroe High.  


Siebs provide scholarships 47 years

August 09, 2016

Dick Sieb and wife Marjorie are the longest-running providers of scholarships for players graduating from the Monroe High School football program.  Each year for the last 47 years they have provided support for a Trojan scholar-athlete moving on to a college football program.  Proudly wearing the number 48 to signify the start of the 48th year the Siebs have supported the Monroe High student athletes is this year’s recipient, Marlon Martin Jr., who this week starts football practice at Albion College, where he will study civil engineering and mathematics.  Martin, an all-Region running back during his MHS days, will be tried at wide receiver and defensive back by Albion.  “Our football program is extremely fortunate to have such generous people as the Siebs providing this kind of scholarship support.  This provides a tremendous boost for our kids as they enter the next phase of their athletic careers and their studies,” said Dr. John Ray, Monroe High School athletic director.