Scot Graden's Blog

Five members of the Board of Education and I went to Lansing today to a training conference sponsored by the Michigan Association of School Boards. The sessions included goal setting, school finance, school board policy, technology in education and more.

The day proved to be an important learning opportunity as we learned about various issues and were able to discuss positive solutions to issues with other school board members from districts across the state. We were able to see that many districts are facing the same tough questions as we are here in Saline.

Pictured below from left to right are David Friese, Lisa Slawson, Trudy Driscoll and David Medley as they prepare to head into class.

Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Basketball team on their hard fought 68-66 overtime win vs. Lincoln. Senior Kyle Larsen had 29 to lead the Hornets. Junior Tyler Bagby added 21 critical points. It has been 25+ years since the last district title for the boys program in Saline.

They now head to Regionals at Tecumseh and take on Romulus High School at 8pm on Monday, March 3rd.

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District held a “Legislative Breakfast” today. Board of Education trustees Kim Van Hoek, David Friese and David Medley and I attended to listen and provide input to State Legislators.

State Senator Randy Richardville, State Representative Kathy Angerer and State Representative Pam Byrnes were in attendance to discuss what is happening in Lansing and what we might expect for the next year. Much of the discussion centered around changing the allowable “drop out” age from 16 years old to 18 years old. This topic tends to be more complex that it initially indicated. Student drop outs at 16 often struggle with the academic structure – altering the age will not change that issue. Due to the Alternative High School here in Saline we have the potential of assisting the students with this issue internally.

Mandatory “All Day” Kindergarten was also a topic. The idea is still in committee at this time.

There was also a discussion about expanding the language around “sinking fund” millages to include technology and school bus purchases.

Below State Representative Pam Byrnes is pictured with (R-L) David Medley, Kim Van Hoek, (Ms. Byrnes) and David Friese.

I had a chance to visit with the legendary Mr. David Jodway when he took our South & West Washtenaw Consortium students over the the Skills USA Region II Competition on Thursday, Feburary 21. The group did an excellent job of representing Saline and the SWWC – 8 of the 12 placed.

Approximately 90 Students competed in the event hosted at Washtenaw Community College

Students were given a multi-view (orthographic) print and had to assemble and weld in a variety of positions, completing weldment in one hour. During the contest, no instructors are allowed in the welding lab; students must perform entirely on their own, using given equipment in unfamiliar surroundings.

SMAW (Arc/Stick Welding)
5th – Alex Pazkowski (Saline Jr.)
6th – Brad Clink (Saline Sr.)

GTAW (TIG)
3rd – Jerid Hollenbeck* (Dexter Sr.)
4th – Todd Braden (Saline Sr.)

GMAW (MIG)
4th – Tim Henes (Dexter Jr.)

OAW (Oxy-Acetylene Welding)
3rd – Rob Kolander* (Saline Jr.)
4th – Samantha Riley (Saline Sr.)
6th – Tim Hackbarth (Saline Sr.)

* Qualifies to go to State Skills USA Competition April 18 -20, 2008 in Lansing, MI.

On Wednesday, February 27 Saline 5th grade students graduated from the D.A.R.E. program. DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The Saline Police Department with Officer “Dave” Ringe partner with us to provide the program to all 5th graders.

The 2008 graduation ceremony was a special one. The graduates and their families were treated to a special presentation by Lt. Colonel Bill Hargrove of the Air National Guard. Lt. Colonel Hargrove shared information about his tour of duty in Iraq and the dangers of making unhealthy choices.

The board heard two presentations at the meeting last night. First, “Jump Start” was outlined by Dr. Nic Cooper, Mr. Ben Williams and Mr. David Raft. The Jump Start program is a new idea here in Saline – it is essentially a “bridge” program for exiting 8th grade students who are in need of some academic skill support prior to entering 9th grade. The program is designed to serve around 30 students and will be led by both Middle School and High School staff.

The next presentation was an update on the High School’s schedule move to the “Trimester” format for the 2008-2009 school year. Ms. Betty Rosen-Leacher, Dr. Sean Enright, Mr. Ben Williams and Mr. Brad Beazeu all had parts to play in the presentation. As scheduling has begun, they were able to share “real data” on how the schedule is coming together. They took the board through the scheduling process, required classes, elective options and graduation implications. Ms. Rosen-Leacher also shared what the “Trimester” blog is all about.

At the end of both presentations there were questions from the board to the presenters as they sought clarification or more detail in various areas. I was pleased to see this type of interaction and thoughtful discussion.

The only action item for the night was the adoption of the “Student Representative” policy. Following the second reading the board voted unanimously to adopt the policy. This means that Mr. Ben Williams will develop the selection process to place a current junior at Saline High School on the school board for the 2008-2009 school year. This will be a non-voting position. However, the student board member will be part of the discussion agenda items.

On Wednesday, February 13th – “Zero the Hero” made a special visit to Houghton School. The students counted to 100 and cheered the arrival of “Zero”. It was a great day for all of our students and staff as we officially hit day 100! (It was twice moved back due to pesky snow days)

The Saline High School Drama Club opened the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical theater classic, CAROUSEL, tonight in the Ewing Performing Arts Center at Saline High School. The show runs Friday & Saturday, February 22 & 23 at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday, February 24 at 2:00 P.M.

Tonight’s show was a hit. I was very impressed with the student performances and the technical set up, including the SCTN crew filming the show.

The 44 member cast features principals: John Recknagel, Sandra Periord, Michelle Rupp, Dillon Burns, Marla Moore, Christine Magelby, Dan Junga and Abby Dotz.

Tickets are $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for students and seniors and will go on sale at the door one hour prior to curtain. Tickets may be purchased in advance from cast members or at the Saline Community Education office.

A special New England buffet-style seafood dinner will be offered prior to Saturday’s performance. This dinner and show package will cost $20.00 per person and will be served from 6:00-7:15 P.M.

For additional information regarding this production, please contact Artistic Director, Rebecca Groeb-Driskill at (734) 429-8000×2338 or at groebr@saline.k12.mi.us

I had the opportunity to join Coach Pickett, Coach Romans and the SHS Varsity Girls Basketball team for their team dinner tonight. Coach/Nurse/Chef Ken Romans prepared the meal….

Following the excellent dinner, Coach Pickett and the team began the mental preperation for the game. The team heads over to Lincoln to take on the Bedford Kicking Mules (19-2) on Wednesday in the district semi-finals. The Saline team has had a solid year going 13-7 overall and 10-6 in the SEC Red Division. I encourage you to head over the Lincoln for the 7pm tip-off and cheer on the Hornets.

We had a solid agenda at the meeting last night. We heard a presentation from the “Friends of Henne Field” group made up of Paul Bunten, Craig Hoeft, Carla Scruggs, David Rhoads and Doug Bacon. The group is the planning committee behind proposed renovations to the Henne Field area located behind Union School. The area currently has three ball diamonds, and a soccer (sometimes rugby & field hockey) field. The area was donated to the school district in 1948 by the Henne family. The “Friends” group is currently seeking funds to begin the first two phases of a four phase renovation which would improve parking and add walking paths among other improvements.

The board then heard from Dr. Ron Williamson, current Eastern Michigan University professor, who had conducted an external review of the Saline Middle School program. Dr. Williamson had high praise for the staff and students. In addition, he made several key recommendations that can support us as we look to maintain a continuous improvement model. His comments highlighted the constant and rapid change we are seeing in secondary education in Michigan.

From there we hit two new business items, an election resolution setting May 6th as the next board election date and the first reading of a policy to add a student representative to the board for the 2008-2009 school year.

The next regular board meeting on February 26th will include a report on the trimester schedule for Saline High School this fall.