Scot Graden's Blog

The Smartboard program that is being piloted at Harvest Elementary is underway.  We have 4 new boards being used by grade level teachers along with our Quest teacher.

More to come on exactly how they are using them…

At our last board meeting, Mr. Michael Erickson was joined by Alexis Cohen, Kelsey Holmberg, and Emily Diehl as he explained how the Heritage School Recycle Club works.  The students and Mr. Erickson shared their expierences collecting recyclables and reducing the amount of waste at their school.

At the Board of Education meeting tonight, Saline High School Senior Jordan Wylie discussed her Girl Scout Gold Award project.  She is working with Paws with a Cause and has adopted and is now training “Dewey” – her golden labrador puppy.  Ms. Wylie did a wonderful job sharing information about the requirements for the prestigious Gold Award and the rewarding process of training Dewey.

Just below the link for this blog on the front page of the Saline Area Schools website we have added a new link.  The link connects to a K-12 Student Art Gallery.  Be sure to click on a picture and then hit the play button to watch the slide show.  The pictures were taken last year at the Annual Spring Arts Festival in May.  The collection is an impressive representation of the artistic talents our students possess.  Thanks go out to High School Art Teacher Ms. Cyndi Koppelman and Resident Geek Mr. Ken Lupo for pulling the gallery together.

Yes, that is Henne Field – the project is underway!

This past Wednesday evening, I had the opportunity to go to the Gerald R. Ford Library on the campus of the University of Michigan to a discussion on, “What is the 21st Century Mission of our Public Schools?”  The event was part of the National Issues Forum and was intended to generate thoughtful discussion and debate on the topic.

The fundamental question for discussion was – What are schools for?  Of the 55 million students across the country, 88% are attending public schools, 10% are in private schools and 2% are home schooled.  So, for me – the question is – What are Saline Area Schools for?  The positive impact on a students life from gaining an education (diplomas and degrees) is clear. We know that more education equals less poverty, less crime, and better health – the statistics have shown this for last 60 years.

However, it is also evident to me that public education needs to be re-energized.  The economy has moved beyond the industrial revolution – the need for a large unskilled workforce has diminished greatly and may be virtually gone in the next 10 years.

There are basically three approaches to what can be the mission of 21st century public schools.  One is to prepare students to be successful in the workplace.  Our students need new tools to enable them to grasp ever-changing technologies and to compete on a global level.  We need to teach them to be able to integrate ever-evolving information and technologies.  This approach sees public education in the form of workforce development.

Another approach is preparing students to be active and responsible citizens.  We teach civics and say the Pledge of Allegiance.  Our mission is to prepare students to live in a civil society.  We need to teach them  to engage in respectful relationships, to deliberate on public issues and to volunteer in civic missions.  In general, prepare them to be active citizens in adulthood.  Some would say the future of our democracy depends on us furthering this mission.

The final approach is to help students discover and develop their talents. We should encourage students to discover and develop their particular talents, instead of making them into “model” workers.  The ultimate goal is capable and self-motivated individuals.  We should focus on the whole child, giving equal attention to the social, emotional, physical and intellectual aspects of development.

Now, before you comment – “Just do all three, and do them well” – understand that is a simple response to complex issue.  Serving three missions completely makes achieving excellence in those areas almost impossible.  That being said – could the answer be a blend?

The Pleasant Ridge PTA hosted a wonderful and healthy fundraiser today.  Even with the cool weather, the kids and parents were having a blast.

On Saturday, the South and West Washtenaw Consortium Culinary Arts Program teamed up with the Saline Area Fire Department in a chili cook-off event.  I had the chance to sample all contestant’s entries and was impressed by the the flavor and the different styles.

The hospitality/culinary program hosted at Saline High School is going strong under the direction of Chef Sam Musto.  The “Hornet Hive” school restaurant will be open for lunch soon.  I know the faculty is ready!

There was a excellent crowd on hand to watch the Hornets victory over Tecumseh by the score of 33-22.  They also witnessed Ms. Tara Dauer being named Homecoming Queen and Mr. Keegan Jahnke being named Mr. Pretty Legs.  The Freshman Class pulled an upset to win the Float Contest.