JUNE 2017 DIALOG

Graduation Issue Vol 51, Issue 1 June 2017 From Superintendent WWW.LIVONIAPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG Andrea Oquist Congratulations, Greetings from Livonia Public Schools! class of 2017! As we wind down another outstanding Congratulations to the 1,173 graduates of Churchill, Franklin and school year, we can reflect on some Stevenson high schools! This year, 182 students graduated Summa highlights that have defined our district Cum Laude (3.95 GPA and above); 93 graduated Magna Cum during the 2016-2017 school year. We Laude (3.75-3.94 GPA); and 135 graduated Cum Laude (3.5- 3.74 are proud of the many examples of GPA). excellence and success we’ve seen in academics, athletics, the arts and more. A large section of this edition of the Dialog is dedicated to the Class We hope you enjoy reading about our of 2017. We hope you enjoy reading about just a few of our many incredible LPS students and staff, as well talented and accomplished students.as just a few of our Points of Pride, throughout the pages ofthis issue of the Dialog. Congratulations, Class of 2017!The education learning spaces in our schools have improveddramatically throughout the district, as we continue toenjoy the top-to-bottom improvements, as well as securityand technology upgrades in our schools, thanks to thecommunity’s passage of the 2013 bond issue.Summer 2017 ushers in Phase IV of the bond projects, Photo credits: CHS and FHS - Bill Bresleralready! The first three phases of complete school renovationsand upgrades are a significant source of pride in our district,our neighborhoods and our community.The October grand opening of the state-of-the-art PerformingArts Center (PAC) at Franklin High School was surely ahighlight! We look forward to the completion of the PACat Stevenson High School in early fall and the continued,total renovation of the PAC at Churchill High School overthe next several months. These projects truly represent thecommunity’s commitment to the arts. In fact, LPS was recentlynamed a top district and community, nationwide, for musiceducation, by the National Association of Music MerchantsFoundation. Read more about that on page 12! Continued on page 3The fiFirst day Mark your Calendar:of school is Bounce Back to School Tuesday, September 5. Tuesday, August 22, 2017 5:00-8:00 p.m. Riley Upper Elementary School Photo credit: SHS - Tom Beaudoin

New Student Registration Information Online Pre-registration Please see the information below for locations, dates, and times of registration during the summer months . You MUSTNew families can begin the registration process online. come in to complete your registration on or afterIn order to help families save time, and to streamline the July 10. Registration will not be complete until you visitregistration process, most registration documents will now be in person to present the necessary documentation.completed online. (See box below.)To begin the registration process, visit Call (734) 744-2541 with any questions, or to find out whichwww.livoniapublicschools.org/registration and complete the school your child will attend.forms from the comfort of your home! If you do not haveaccess to a computer, don’t worry, we will have computersand printers available for your use.Online Pre-Registration at a glance• Visit www.livoniapublicschools.org/registration to • If you do not have access to a computer, we begin the registration process as early as possible. will have computers and printers available at registration sites for your use.• Complete all registration forms online. Print your forms and bring them with you to complete your • You MUST present all required documentation registration. If you do not have a printer, we will in person on or after July 10 to complete have one available for you. registration.Centralized Registration will be offered for K-6 students Summer registration for students in grades 7-12 willduring the summer months at the Administration building, take place at the assigned school, beginning July 10.located at 15125 Farmington Rd. Please use the backentrance. Appointments are strongly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.Registration hours are:July 10-September 1 July 10-August 31Monday/Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.Tuesday/Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.CLOSED FRIDAYS Emerson Middle School Churchill High School 734-744-2665, ext. 36102 734-744-2650, ext. 46113September 5-15 Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Frost Middle School Franklin High School CLOSED LABOR DAY 734-744-2670, ext. 37103 734-744-2655, ext. 47103 Beginning September 18, all registrations will be Holmes Middle School Stevenson High School completed at your child’s school. 734-744-2675, ext. 38902 734-744-2660, ext. 48103 School tours for new families School tours will be offered this year at all K-4 schools. Tours will be held on the following dates: - Wednesday, August 23: 5:30 p.m. - Thursday, August 24: 10:00 a.m. No reservations are required. Simply arrive promptly at your child’s school at the listed time. If you do not know which school your child will attend, please call (734) 744-2541.2

Early Childhood Programs Are you interested in employment with LPS?Specialized Early Childhood ProgramsTo inquire about specialized early childhood programs, Livonia Public Schools, in partnership with PESG, iscall Patty Kozlowski at 734-744-2813, ext. 22107. hiring substitute teachers, substitute parapros, and• Early On developmental screenings for infants and substitute secretaries for the 2017-18 school year. toddlers from birth to 36 months If you are interested in working in the district, but are• Preschool programs for children ages 2.5 to 5 years not an active employee of PESG, we invite you to attend a job fair and enrollment meeting on August 9, with special needs 2017 in the Board Room of the Administration building:• Early childhood programs for students with speech 15125 Farmington Rd. Livonia, 48154. concerns Job Fair: August 9, 9-11:30 a.m. • Hearing and Vision Screenings for children ages 3 to Come learn more about the positions available 5 years Enrollment Meeting: 12-2 p.m.• Parent Education Programs Ready to get the ball rolling? Sign up with PESG during this session. Please bring: your driver’s license/Kids First Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) identification card; your social security card and birthGSRP is a state-funded preschool program for four-year- certificate, OR a valid passport.old children. The program runs from September to June,but registrations are accepted year-round. Students must Please call 866-782-7277 with any questions.be four years old by September 1. To register, contactDeb Schommer at 734-744-2500, ext. 42189, or [email protected] From the Superintendent Continued(Cont. from page 1) warm welcome at the receiving schools. We have already seenWe offer heartfelt congratulations to our Class of 2017! This the school communities come together during several specialyear, we issued nearly 1,200 diplomas to seniors at the three events held at the receiving schools, intended to allow thehigh schools and watched with pride as 26 students at the merging communities and student bodies a chance to get toWestern Wayne Skill Center received their certificates of know one another.completion from this highly specialized program for adults ages This year, we continued strong partnerships with community18-26 with special needs. We are filled with a great sense of organizations such as the LPS Education Foundation,optimism and hope for the future as our graduates enter the Blessings in a Backpack, Livonia AM Rotary & Rotary Club ofnext phase of their life’s journey! Livonia, Kiwanis Early Risers Club, the Livonia Chamber ofThroughout our district, we saw our Community with Character Commerce, the City of Livonia, and many others. See pageproject, a district-wide culture and climate initiative, blossom in 8 for information about a “Livonia Day” on August 2nd, whichour classrooms and in our hallways, cafeterias, gymnasiums will once again bring LPS & City of Livonia staff and residentsand on the athletic fields. We saw our LPS students focus on together to help clean up a specific area of Detroit, through thecharacter traits that will serve them well, throughout their lives. Life Remodeled program. This is a chance for Livonia to showThose traits include: respect, responsibility, grit, mindfulness, its kindness, generosity and good will beyond our borders, andempathy, integrity, reflection and confidence; with the goal of to show the metro Detroit area that in Livonia, we know we arehaving all of our interactions with others be positive, genuine, better, together.supportive, and mutually respectful. We’re so proud of the Grateful for your partnership,efforts made this school year in this regard.Several of those traits were key in our interactions during Andrea L. Oquistthe difficult decision this year to close two of our elementary Superintendentschools. Cass and Garfield will be closing at the end of thisschool year, following an in-depth enrollment and facility studyby a large committee of stakeholders. We believe the effortsof the District Transition Team, along with Transition Teams atthe affected schools, will provide for a smooth closure and a 3

Churchill High SchoolClass of 2017 Sports Highlights“It’s been a truly incredible four years. “Churchill is a fantastic school! The Girls Cross Country Pom PonSo much of my success is attributed amazing friends I’ve made and City Champs Mid-American Divisionto the wonderful environment at the teachers I’ve had have truly Division Champs State QualifierChurchill High School. I had no idea shaped me. CHS has a vibrant Monroe Inv. Champs Girls BasketballI was capable of so much growth as community full of passionate people, Monroe-Jefferson Inv. MHSAA Districta student, a leader, and an individual. which I attribute in part to our MSC Champs ChampsIt’s hard to imagine leaving a place and CAPA magnet programs. It’s Girls Volleyball Girls Tennisthat has given me so many positive bittersweet; a school that has City Champs Woodhaven Inv.memories, but I’m looking forward to prepared me so much for college Division Champs Champsseeing where my LPS education will also makes me wish I could never Birmingham Groves Softballtake me in the coming years!” Inv. Champs City Champs leave. Go Chargers!” MHSAA District Girls Track & Field Natalie Cadotte Champs City Champs Noah Hagood MHSAA Regional Division Champs Champs Observerland Inv. National Merit Finalists Boys Tennis Champs City Champs MHSAA Regional Brighton Quad Champs Champs Boys Cross Country MHSAA State Qualifiers Monroe-Jefferson Inv. Boys Track & Field Champs City Champs Division Champs Hockey MHSAA State Qualifiers MHSAA Regional Wrestling Champs Mott Inv. Champs Cheerleading Walled Lake Western Inv. Champs Division Champs MHSAA Regional Qualifier Students entering Natalie Andrew Joanna Matt the Military Cadotte Dlugos Garrett Kovoor Trevor Gothe Alicia Loving Air Force Coast Guard Gage Henderson Brendon Ruggiero Air Force Navy Destiny Jackson- Natalie Webb Stallworth Air Force Army Tim Chris Raquel Anthoni LaClair- Ohtake O’Neill Zwick Campbell Air Force4

Franklin High SchoolClass of 2017 Sports Highlights“My years at Franklin have Footballallowed me to grow both MHSAA District Finalistsintellecutally and as a person.With teachers who push me to Wrestlingdo my best, and extracurriculars MHSAA District Championslike track and Student Congress, City ChampionsI was able to achieve my goals State Champ: Nathan Atienzaand have fun in the process.” Girls Cross Country Matthew Lepper State Qualifier Pom Pon Division 1 State Qualifier, 7th place finish “My time at Franklin has been Boys Basketball the best four years of my life. District Finalists The teachers at the school make Boys and Girls Track and Field it a friendly environment and 7 MHSAA State Qualifiers help students connect. Being Baseball able to represent my school MHSAA District Champs through things such as sports was one of my main sources of happiness in high school.” Trevor Hayes Honors & Highlights Students entering the MilitaryWXYZ-TV Channel 7 Brightest and Perfect Attendance AwardBest Representative: Daniel Domzalski Daniel KrupaJenna Brokaw Army Livonia Observer 2017Livonia PTSA Outstanding Youth Top Six Honors Jacob MarshallAmelia Modes Nicholas Hoyer Marines Hunter TarsinJames P. Carli Scholarship Mikaela Hille Nathaniel MitchemMicaela Rigley Jenna Brokaw Marines Andrew GoodingKenneth B. McClain Scholarship Brianna Marble Dawson RossettiNicholas Hoyer Marines Tyler Schlamb Air Force Jenna Nicholas Amelia MicaelaBrokaw Hoyer Modes Rigley 5

Stevenson High School Honors & HighlightsClass of 2017 WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Brightest and Best Representative: Jean Jethro M. Quejadas Livonia Observer 2017 Top Six Honors: Zachary B. Gustitis Rachel K. Hantz Abigail K. Melnychenko Jean Jethro M. Quejadas Kaylina R. Savela Mathivarshini Siva-Chidambaram National Merit“I feel so fortunate to have been “My four years at Stevenson Finalistssurrounded by such a caring have allowed me to discoverteaching staff and wonderful my true self. The staff has Rachel Mathivarshinipeers for the past four years. helped me realize where I Hantz Siva-The experiences I have had want to go in life. For that, I amhelped me grow as a person, forever grateful.” Chidambaramand provided me with a strong Sam Gibbsfoundation to pursue my goals.” Heather BurkeSports Highlights Students entering theBoys Swim Boys Cross Country Girls TennisCity Champs Catholic Central Inv. Champs Brighton Inv. Champs MilitaryMHSAA State Qualifier Waterford Mott Inv. Champs City ChampsGirls Gymnastics City Champs MHSAA Team State Qualifiers Aliya BerroMHSAA Regional Qualifier MHSAA Team State Qualifiers Boys Baseball ArmyMHSAA Team State Qualifier Boys Track & Field City ChampsState Champ: Jessica Weak MHSAA State Qualifier MHSAA District ChampsGirls Golf Boys Hockey Boys Basketball Noah CarpenterCity Champs City Champs Motor City Round Ball Classic ArmyPCCS Classic Champs Traverse City Showcase Champs Dalen CurryFarmington Inv. Champs Champs City Champs ArmyMHSAA Regional Champs MHSAA Regional Champs Girls Track Aaron TracyMHSAA State Qualifier Competitive Cheer MHSAA State Qualifiers NavyBoys Football KLAA Central Division Champs Girls SoccerCity Champs Northville Inv. Champs City ChampsMHSAA State Team Qualifiers Pom Pon KLAA Central Division Co-Girls Swim & Dive Mid-American Grand Champs ChampsCity Champs Mid-American Pom Pon Div. I WrestlingMHSAA State Qualifier State Qualifiers State QualifiersBoys Soccer Girls BasketballCity Champs City Champs Boys Golf City Champs6

Program RecognitionsIB Program Graduates including the University of Michigan, DePaul, Otterbein, Eastern Michigan, Wayne State, Kenyon, Saint Mary’s, theFranklin High School has the distinct honor of being the College of Creative Studies, Central Michigan, Michigan Tech,first high school in Wayne County to offer the prestigious and the University of Toledo.International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. In 2009, theprogram was awarded IB World School status and beganrecruiting students who would take up the challenge of acollege preparatory curriculum that would emphasize the skillsof inquiry and international awareness. IB courses providestudents with the opportunity to do college-level work that ismeasured against an international standard.The 16 seniors who completed the IB Diploma Requirementsof 150 CAS hours, a 4000 word research project, and multiplewritten and oral exams are ready to provide leadership andsupport in the local and global community. These youngadults are the true problem solvers of our future. They areall furthering their educational pursuits at various universitiesMath/Science/Computer (MSC) Program Graduates science, and computer science. The foundation of the MSC curriculum is the College Board Advanced Placement exams. Students apply for this program during the fall of their 8th grade year, and selection is based on academic test scores, student essays, and teacher recommendations. MSC Class of 2017 This year’s graduating class was collectively awarded $2.78 million in scholarships.The Math/Science/Computer(MSC) program was founded Natalie Cadotte Robert Gulick Tyler Opdyckeat Churchill High School in 1984, and is celebrating the Nolan Daly Noah Hagood Matthew Rodemanconclusion of its 33rd year. The MSC program is open to Benjamin Dietrich Matthew Kovoorstudents from all three LPS high school attendance areas. Andrew Dlugos Marcela Lecourt Elizabeth RubensonStudents must have a high level of interest and achievement Blake Ebling Chrystal Mensah- Kyle Shawin math and science. Students in the program take a Andrew Fedak Wiredu Joseph Spielmanminimum of 22 semesters of coursework in mathematics, Gabriel Garfinkel Sean Mulka Nolan Swantick Joanna Garrett Christopher O’Neil Raquel Zwick Megan Gendjar Timothy OhtakeWestern Wayne Skill Center (WWSC) Creative & Performing ArtsThe Western Wayne Skill Center is a work skills program for Program (CAPA)students with disabilities. Our mission is to provide instruction inthe life roles of worker, family member, citizen, and recreation The CAPA program builds the skills, passion, creativity andparticipant. Our goal is to prepare students to make choices supportive artistic community that performers need in orderleading to a healthy, satisfying, and productive lifestyle. to continue their formal education in the creative arts. CAPACongratulations, graduates, on a job well done! provides a safe, imaginative, and caring place for young people to land and learn. The program includes intense WWSC Class of 2017 studies in the areas of acting, dance, and vocal music. For any questions, or to set up an audition for the program,Mustafa Alslami Kayla Dunning Denise Munlin please contact Ms. Hillman, Director of CAPA, atHolly Back Desi Ray Ellison Casey Orr [email protected] Barrett Jessica Griffen Alec OzogGeorge Barton Christopher Christopher Pola CAPA Program Award of Excellence Recipients 2017Tierre Browner Hughes Melvin RiversAustin Burnette Phillip Irvin Monique Saucedo Eli CavalieroMoniqueca Clark Marcus Isaac Muneeb Siddiqui Alexis McLeodVeronica Culp Joseph Jones Stacie Vial Emily EichbrechtCarly Diakow Derance McNeil Roxanne Young 7

Career Technical Center Technology Education Awards The Livonia Career Technical completing all assignments with exceptional ability; their Center offers career and technical leadership skills as they relate to working with peers; and training in five of the six career their interest in pursuing a career in the field they have pathways established by the selected. Michigan Department of Career The following students were honored in theDevelopment. LCTC honorees were selected based 2016-17 school year:on their academic achievement in their LCTC program;their responsibility as it relates to attendance andChurchill Franklin StevensonEli Cavaliero - Graphic Design Lauryn Mason - Advanced Medicine Heather Burke - Graphic DesignSebastian Kordas - Auto Technology Erin Phelps - Advanced Medicine Justin Sayer - Criminal Justice && Medical Occupations Eric Riley - Criminal Justice Construction TradesDaJanee Woodside - Advanced Zebadiah Versele - Hospitality Camryn Taddia - Advanced MedicineMedicine Management Volunteers sought for Life Remodeled project Livonia Public Schools the Detroit revitalization during the 50-year anniversary of is proud to partner with the devastating 1967 Detroit Riot. the City of Livonia and Anyone over the age of 14 may participate. Everyone the Livonia Chamber of must have a signed waiver form (http://liferemodeled. Commerce to bring a com/volunteer/) and should be prepared for physical work contingent of volunteers by wearing long pants, close-toed shoes and work gloves. to a daylong Life Hats and sunscreen are encouraged. Work tools, T-shirts, Remodeled work project water and lunch will be provided by Life Remodeled. For in Detroit. more details, visit http://liferemodeled.com/2017-project/. Livonia Stands with Whether in groups or as individuals, Team Livonia Detroit Day has participants must register in advance at been designated for www.CityofLivonia.net by June 30. Wednesday, August 2, Bus riders will gather by 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, during the weeklong Life behind the Livonia Public Schools Board Office on Remodeled project in Farmington Road. Buses will depart soon after that and the Detroit neighborhood return by 5 p.m. Call (734) 466-2203 for more details. surrounding the historic We hope to see a great turnout from our LPS community! Central High School. The City of Livonia, Livonia Public Schools and Livonia Chamber of Commerce will co- sponsor Team Livonia, with LPS providing busing to and from the work site. Participants may also transport themselves. Over a week, Life Remodeled volunteers from all aroundmetro Detroit will board up vacant houses and removeovergrown weeds and debris in a 300-block neighborhoodaround Central High School. The project aims to spread8

LPS Students make a differenceHoover students: “Plant a Tree for your Tomorrow” event, Livonia Mayor Dennis Wright presented an official Tree City USA banner to the school and the city’s Tree City Committee representative, Frank Kalinski, spoke about the importance of trees in our community. “Every one of us can do our part, by planting a tree,” he said, noting that each student at Hoover was going home with a white spruce sapling to plant. In addition, the City of Livonia donated a white pine, a red maple and a tulip tree to the school. Students eagerly assisted with the planting of the trees. From left, Sara Metko, Leah Grezak, Luke Olson and Mateo The Arbor Day celebration at Hoover marked the 19thDominguez-Bashara were excited to help plant the new trees at annual event since Livonia became a Tree City in 1998. Each year, the celebration is held at a different Livonia Hoover Elementary during the Arbor Day celebration. school, and trees are planted on the school property, or on adjacent city property if a park or right-of-way is close by.Like trees, schools have strong roots and a solid “It was a beautiful day and we are very grateful to be thefoundation for students to grow. Like tree branches and recipients of these three wonderful trees,” said Principalleaves, students grow in their own ways, in their own Linn, who noted Hoover students will watch them growdirection, at their own pace. and learn from them for many years to come.“Every child, every day, deserves the opportunity to cometo school to learn and grow,” said Hoover ElementaryPrincipal Julie Linn, during the recent Arbor Daycelebration held at the school.Hoover students and staff have been working hard toprotect the earth while learning and growing each day.The school has an Eco-Action Team, which aims toimplement the Eco-Schools USA guidelines to becomea “green flag school” through the National WildlifeFederation. These efforts include recycling, saving energy,schoolyard habitats such as a butterfly garden andpracticing healthy lifestyles.Hosting the City of Livonia’s annual Arbor Day celebration Livonia Mayor Dennis Wright received a gift from Hooverwas, literally, a natural fit for Hoover. During the April 28 Elementary Principal Julie Linn during the Arbor Day celebration.Livonia Kiwanis Shoe Drive Garfield Elementary was the top shoe Donations were given to Funds2Orgs, which paid the collector in this year’s Livonia Kiwanis Kiwanis Club 40 cents per pound. That money was Shoe Drive, earning the school a divided into thirds by the Kiwanis, with one-third going $1,000 grant from Kiwanis! to The Elminate Project (elimination of maternal and Students at several LPS schools neonatal tetanus); one-third to The Kiwanis of Michigan collected gently used shoes for the Foundation, which funds Child and Family Life programs drive, answering the challenge by at Michigan children’s hospitals, and one-third remainedthe Kiwanis Club of Livonia Early Risers. The top schools with the Livonia Kiwanis to fund local projects in theincluded Garfield, first place; Hoover Elementary, second schools. The shoes were graciously stored at Alphaplace; Stevenson High School, third place; Churchill High USA until they were delivered via Funds2Org to micro-School, fourth place; and Emerson Middle School, fifth entrepreneurs in developing countries to be cleaned,place. repaired, or repurposed before being sold locally. 9

LPS Youth Making a Difference PTSA Youth Making a SHS Relay for Life team Difference smashes fund-raising goalEvery year, the Livonia After a successful first year (2015-16) of raising a little morePTSA Council’s Youth than $5,000 for Relay for Life, Stevenson High School’sMaking a Difference National Honor Society Relay for Life Team was eager toevent celebrates the raise even more money this year.community service projects The fund-raising season started off with a dine-to-donateof about 1,200 students night at Buffalo Wild Wings, which raised $336 toward thethroughout the school team goal of $7,500. Stevenson was asked to host thedistrict. This year, the Relay kickoff event called Pizza Palooza in February. Allcelebration was held at teams participating throughout Livonia were invited to SHSFranklin High School and to learn about fundraising and to receive other information.was attended by students It was a fun pizza party in which local vendors supplied theirand their families, along pizza.with Superintendent The team joined with SHS Senate to put on a Relay forAndrea Oquist, Livonia Life Charity Week that featured Courtyard Jams, EuchreMayor Dennis Wright and Night, a volleyball tournament, Mr. Spartan Pageant andseveral Board of Education a pep assembly. All of these activities allowed many SHSmembers and school students, staff members, and family members to help withprincipals. We are proud of the fund-raising, resulting in a grand total of $8,790.our YMAD participants! From Angela Wojtyniak and Holly Morrow, SHS teachers: \"The effort and determination demonstrated this year by Randolph kindergartners the students of Stevenson High School was absolutely take on “cool” project amazing. As sponsors of National Honor Society, we are so proud of the leadership and dedication that our studentsKindergarten students at Randolph Elementary completed a have shown.\"project-based learning experience to show empathy – oneof the district’s Community with Character traits - as they LPS scoops up plenty foradopted a penguin at the Detroit Zoo this year. Blessings in a BackpackStudents worked hard to show responsibility (another Several LPS schools held cerealCharacter trait) by making flyers and posters to hang around drives for Blessings in a Backpackthe school. They sorted, counted, and graphed the money this spring, allowing the non-profitearned, through a fund-raising effort that yielded $1,000 in organization to provide cereal for thejust two weeks! summer months to 225 LPS children who currently receive weekend foodThey furthered their understanding of non-fiction and assistance from BIAB. BIAB, community-wide, collectedpenguins by finding and sharing key details in books, nearly 3,000 boxes of cereal for the program.videos, and articles. They extended their knowledge bymaking a non-fiction writing book about the informationthey learned. They also experienced what it felt like to be apenguin by using a ballas an egg to waddletheir way around thegym. Lastly, they tooka trip to the Detroit Zooto visit the penguinthey adopted andto see the specialRandolph Elementaryplaque in the penguinexhibit!10

Spotlight on Achievements Success adds up for Frost Math Club Best season, ever, for Livonia Warriors The Frost Middle School Math Club had incredible success this year, reaching the Gold Level status in theThe FIRST Robotics combined high school team in Mathcounts National Math Club – an achievement onlyLivonia Public Schools, the Livonia Warriors, made it all earned by eight middle schools in Michigan this year!the way to the World Championship in St. Louis, taking The Frost Math Club enjoyed success at the Math31st place out of 600 teams! Olympiad Competition, with the following Frost studentsThe Livonia Warriors team is made up of students from placing in the top 2% in their category, worldwide:Livonia Churchill, Franklin, and Stevenson high schools • Pranhav Sundararajan earned a perfect score and 1stand is coached by Holmes Middle School teacher IsolinaCarlini. place for Frost.Carlini notes that this year’s team has accomplished • Yajvan Ravan was 2nd place for Frost.more in one season than any other team in the past nine • Tejas Maire was 3rd place for Frost.years in Livonia Public Schools.The Warriors received the following awards and The following students placed in the top 10% in theirdistinctions this season: category worldwide:• FIRST in Pit Safety at the Centerline competition • Paul Tran was 4th place for Frost.• Winner of the Centerline competition • Karthik Jonnalagadaole was 5th place for Frost.• Chairman's Award Winner at Centerline• FIRST Safety Hard Hat Award at a competition At the Mathcounts State Competition, Frost competitors comprised 10% of the 30 highest ranked mathletes in hosted by Livonia Public Schools Michigan!• Finalist in the Livonia competition • Yajvan Ravan placed 4th in the state.• FIRST Excellence in Engineering Award • Pranhav Sundararajan placed 13th in the state.• State Championship Qualifying Team • Tejas Maire placed 28th in the state.• FIRST in Pit Safety at State Championship• \"Best Safety Culture\" honorable mention Frost also scored very well at the AMC Competition, the Detroit Country Day School Math Invitational and the announcement Mathcounts Chapter Competition. Congrats to all Frost• Semi-Finalists at State Championship Math Club team members!• FIRST UL Industrial Safety Award at State Championship• World Championship Qualifying Team• Seated at 12 of 480 teams at the end of all district competitions in the stateFIRST Robotics in LPS is all about positioning studentsfor success - on the competition field and in life. TheLivonia Warriors is supported by mentors and corporatesponsors, including AISIN Technical Center of America,DENSO International America, FCA US, Roush and FordMotor Company. We are grateful for their support! Front row from left to right: Tejas Maire, Maddy Bezzina, Ethan Webster, Ryan Herriff, Shae Ross Middle row: Emma Gendjar, Pranhav Sundararajan, Elizabeth Starks, Madison Parrish, Jeffrey Jin Back row: Yajvan Raven, Paul Tran, Roger LaBurdy, Coach: Mrs. Reina, Max Reina Members not pictured: Thomas Avey, Jacob Burger, Noah Jasinkiewicz, Karthik Jonnalagadaole, Mathew Provelanko, Kalina Thompson, and Madison Walcheck 11

LPS receives national honor for music educationLivonia Public Schools is recognized by the NationalAssociation of Music Merchants Foundation as being oneof the best school district communities in the state formusic education.The National Association of Music Merchants Foundationrecognized 527 of the nation’s 13,515 school districtsnationally (14 in the State of Michigan), based onmusic education participation, faculty qualifications,music program opportunities, community partnerships,technology, and funding. The selection was made by theUniversity of Kansas Music Research Institute.In Livonia Public Schools, enhanced music opportunities the complete renovation of the performing arts center atare offered in grades 6-12 and include vocal, Churchill High School.instrumental, and specialized programs such as high “We are very proud of the music programs we are ableschool drum line, marching band, and musical ensemble. to offer in Livonia Public Schools, and the support weStudents have the opportunity to compete at Solo and receive from our community,” said SuperintendentEnsemble festivals, and musical performance groups Andrea Oquist. “We are so fortunate that the qualityare often featured at events throughout the community. and dedication of our music teachers and the level ofThe district enjoys partnerships with community groups musical talent in our students is simply outstanding. Thissuch as the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, which works is reflected during each and every performance in ourto support music programs in the district. The community schools and in the community.”supported a bond issue in 2013 to renovate the district’sschools, including the construction of new performingarts centers at Franklin and Stevenson high schools, and Three CHS students earn Ford Motor Co. internshipsThree Churchill High School juniors who are in the Math,Science and Computers program, have been awardedsummer internships at Ford Motor Company.Logan Welch, Elton Pashollari, and Diego Rodriguezattended Saturday sessions of the Ford High SchoolScience and Technology Program throughout the schoolyear, making them eligible to apply for the limited numberof internships at Ford Motor Company. They werescheduled to being their internship experience the weekafter the school year finished.We wish them lots of luck during this incredible From left, Logan Welch, Elton Pashollari, and Diego Rodriguezexperience! DialOg Dialog is an official publication of Livonia Public Schools. It is published regularly and mailed to residents of the Livonia Livonia Public Schools Public Schools district as a public service. We encourage your response. All correspondence should be addressed to: 15125 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI 48154. Serving portions of Livonia & Westland To contact the LPS Communications office, please call June 2017 • Vol. 51 • No. 1 (734) 744-2522, or email Katie Patterson at www.livoniapublicschools.org [email protected]

Staff and Volunteer News Golden Apple Awards For the 2016-17 school year, Livonia Public Schools honored the following people with a Golden Apple Award, for going above and beyond for our students, our schools, and community. Our district would not be the same without these incredible honorees!February: Dave Gluth is March: Kathy Baldwin March: Heather Sullivan June: Tara Hillary is the Building Supervisor is affectionately known is a parent volunteer at a volunteer at Cooper Roosevelt Elementary, at Johnson Upper as Nanny at Cass where she helps in many Upper Elementary Elementary, where he Elementary, where she ways, including working whose influence is volunteers as a Noon on PTA activities, reading hugely prevalent in the takes care of every and playing math games Library Media Center and detail for students and Monitor. She can be with students, applying Makerspace area. She staff. He’s the “go to” found doing anything Band-aids, or anything helps run the Circulationperson at Johnson, even from quizzing students Desk, assists students on making lunch times fun else that is needed. the computer, helps with by periodically running with flashcards to Battle of the Books, and student talent shows. decorating bulletin much more. boards.Mr. Rais is quarter-fifInalist for LPS bus drivers take First Place GRAMMY Music Educator Award in Bus ‘“Road”eo Frost Middle School instrumental Livonia Public Schools music teacher Michael Rais is one of bus drivers took first place five Michigan music educators to be for best team score in named a quarter-finalist for the 2018 the Wayne County Bus GRAMMY Music Educator Award, ‘Road’eo, which is hosted and among just 197 teachers to by the Wayne County qualify in the nation. Supervisors Association. The competing drivers from Mr. Rais teaches band and orchestra LPS were: David Pyle, at Frost Middle School and serves David Potes, Bob Pyle, as assistant band director at Joe Manas, Ed Yee, GregChurchill High School. He is an accomplished, professional Dahlin, and Kim Peters.musician whose specialty is the double bass and bassguitar. Mr. Rais was named Livonia Public Schools Middle The drivers take a written test, then drive through a courseSchool Teacher of the Year in 2015-2016 and is known for for a total of 12 events that include: student pick-up,his creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom and on the railroad crossing, diminishing clearance (driving through astage. narrowing passage), S-turns around barrels, backing up, parallel parking, etc. Drivers start out with a certain numberThe GRAMMY Music Educator Award was established to of points and then lose points for any infraction. Thererecognize current educators who have made a significant were a total of 62 drivers in the event. Three of the LPSand lasting contribution to the field of music education and drivers finished in the top five and progressed to the Statewho demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of Championship in Mason, Michigan, where Greg Dahlin wasmaintaining music education in the schools. The semi- named Rookie of the Year.finalists will be announced in September. Good luck,Mr. Rais! Congratulations to our transportation Supervisor Peggy Streffon and our very skilled bus drivers! 13

Classroom grants presented by Meemic Early Childhood Program Kindergarten teacher Laura Family and Consumer Science teacher teacher Kaitlin Fry won a $300 Shaffer plans to use her Barb Postel plans to use the grant in Classroom Makeover grant Classroom Makeover grant her foods classroom to give students to use in her Jackson Center to purchase a variety of the practical skills they will need as they classroom for children with books and book boxes for become independent adults. Equipment special needs. Developmental her classroom leveled library. purchases will include items such as toys and materials will be Her goal is to create an even skillets, whisks, turners, rubber spatulas, purchased to ensure the greater love for learning and measuring cups and spoons, etc. students can learn and reading in her classroom by grow in a developmentally offering plenty of “just right” appropriate environment. books that will build confidence Biology teacher Julie Tafalski in her young students. will use the grant to assist students with organizational Churchill High School teacher Kathy skills by creating stations in the Urbanowicz won a $500 Office Depot classroom that allow students grant for the school, from the Meemic to use materials such as Foundation's For Your School grant binders, labels, and file folders program. Pictured, Kathy Urbanowicz to keep their work organized. and CHS Interim Principal Jim Gibbons. Her hope is that these The Livonia Transition Program organizational skills will carry received a $300 grant from the over into other courses and Meemic Foundation, as a prize for increase achievement levels. winning a student video contest. The winning video was produced by14 LTP student Megan Fenech, and will be featured on MeemicFoundation.org/Together. Megan also won an Amazon Fire tablet. Pictured, Megan Fenech, Christopher Shepard Meemic Office Representative Linda Wozniak, and LTP teacher Kim Fortner.

LPS Education Foundation Celebrating 13 yearsThe mission of the LPS Education Foundation is to enlarge the resources available to the school district which willfoster and expand educational opportunities for programs impacting students by building effective collaborations.Livonia DFCU supports Spotlight on: MASCO Foundation work The LPS Education Foundation is fortunate to have the support of many generous corporate donors. Masco Corporation, who recently moved their headquarters to Livonia, is proud to be one of the LPS Education Foundation’s newest donors. Masco’s culture of being a good corporate citizen makes them a natural fit with the Foundation. Masco takes pride in being a part of the Livonia community, and fully supports the Foundation’s mission of fostering and expanding educational opportunities. Masco is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of home improvement and building products. Its impressive portfolio includes brands such as Behr paint; Delta and Hansgrohe faucets, bath, and shower fixtures; KraftMaid, Merillat and Quality cabinets; and more.The Livonia branch of Dearborn Federal CreditUnion generously supported the Foundation’s workthis school year with a donation to assist in the The Foundation is sincerely grateful to Masco Corporation for itsFoundation’s goals of providing grants to teachers support and collaboration!and enhancing the learning environment in LivoniaPublic Schools. Theresa Aquino, Vice Presidentand Branch Manager at Livonia DFCU (left),presented the donation to Foundation PresidentDiane Policelli.Current LPS EDUCATION Foundation Corporate Donors• Alpha USA • Michigan Educational Credit Union• Bill Brown Ford, Inc. • Observer and Eccentric Newspapers• Bright House Networks-Spectrum • The Orthodontics Office of Dr. Shaw and Dr. Jane• Cheryl Bowker Agency – Allstate Insurance • Parkside Credit Union• Comcast • Rock Out Entertainment• Community Financial Credit Union • Roush Industries• DFCU Financial • Schoolcraft College• Feldman Chevrolet of Livonia • St. Mary Mercy Hospital – Livonia• Livonia AM Rotary • St. Mary’s Cultural and Banquet Center• Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers • Team Schostak Family Restaurants• LPS Employees • Westland Shopping Center• LPS PTAs/PTSAs • ZF TRW Automotive• Masco CorporationBuy or lease a vehicle, and $200 will be donated to the LPS Education Foundation. Bill Brown Ford 734-421-7000 Feldman Chevrolet of Livonia 734-425-6500 Bring this coupon to Bill Brown Ford or Feldman Chevrolet of Livonia when purchasing or leasing a new or used vehicle. Does not include prior sales. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. For more information, call the LPS Education Foundation at 734-744-2510. 15

Livonia Public Schools Nonprofit Organization15125 Farmington Road US Postage PaidLivonia, MI 48154 Livonia, Michigan Permit No. 362016-2017 Board of Education ECRWSS EDDMColleen Burton, President Postal CustomerMark Johnson, Vice President Livonia Public SchoolsDaniel Centers, SecretaryTammy BonifieldKaren BradfordCrystal FrankLiz JarvisAndrea Oquist, SuperintendentFrom the Teacher of the Year, Amie Van Horn GabelWhen people ask about my most recent international adventure striving for exemplary grades. Change isthey inevitably wonder, “So what’s been your best trip? What is hard, life is hard, and yet here I am.your favorite country to visit?”Sure, I love France and practicing my ever-evolving love of the So how did I become the person to spendlanguage. Yes, Italy is incredible with its cuisine, cappuccinos, a week alone, exploring Paris, purposelyand Colosseum. Then there is Germany, seeing first-hand the getting lost on the Metro, to speaking inblend of Cold War history and lessons of Reunification I once front of a filled auditorium of scrutinizingwatched unfold on television. Australian wildlife, Finnish fjords, peers, to marching with a crowd of millionsBahamian beaches, Grecian islands—who can decide? in support of my beliefs, and to saying thatIn the end, my response to what seems like an unanswerable I find feeling different or out-of-place in ainquiry isn’t about what I’ve eaten, what I have seen, or what I foreign culture enriching?have done. The answer is what I have felt.When visiting China, where over 90% of the population is the Through struggles. Through triumphs. Amiesame ethnic group, I am acutely aware of being different: the Through courage. Through wisdom. Van Horn Gabelfrustration of struggling to communicate, the shock of constantly Because my parents let me fail so that I teaches English andhearing and seeing a language I cannot decipher, the confusion would understand the meaning of success. Global Educationof the intense crowds of people. Here at home my blond hair, Because teachers like Mrs. Couzens saw at Stevenson Highfair skin, and blue eyes are...well, pretty average. In China, something in me that needed to be seen. School. She wasMorocco, and Turkey I am suddenly aware of my physical self. A Because other adults gave me so much selected as Livoniaself that is different. more than the time of day. Because of Public Schools’This uncomfortable awareness of an inability to blend in, to fit my husband who loves me best as my High School Teacherin, is initially unsettling - but ultimately, it is enriching. After all, natural self. Because of the inspiration ofdon’t our students struggle to articulate their feelings? How often the everyday heroes shouldering me - my of the Year.are they stunned at what they hear and see around them? How fellow educators.often are they overwhelmed by the intensity of being in a crowd,the pressure to be in the right crowd? Aren’t they intensely What’s that saying about experience? That it’s the best teacher?aware of their physical self? Youth, especially adolescence, can When we first tried to ride a bike, we wobbled, toppled, andbe awkward. tumbled. And yet, we got back on! Didn’t we explore the woodsAs adults we still have times in which we feel self-conscious, behind our house because we were sort-of afraid of what wasunsure, different - yet we have the skills to work through this. in there? And yet, we explored! Wasn’t our first kiss awkward,We somehow made it to the other side. “Keep calm and carry clumsy, and sort-of yucky? And yet, we had other kisseson,” we tell ourselves. We talk to our spouses, our friends, our anyway!co-workers. We suck it up. We hold our head high. We get thejob done and, “never let ‘em see us sweat!” And yet, how did we While in the process of writing this, I came across a post onget here? How did we become the confident role models our LinkedIn by Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic founder andstudents look to for guidance? adventurer extraordinaire: “Be curious, be willing, embrace risk,As a child, I was extremely, painstakingly shy. When I was in innovate.” Yes, that’s it.kindergarten and my parents introduced me to an adult, I timidlylooked at the ground and hid behind my mom and dad’s legs. In I once feared (even dreaded) change, but now the spirit ofhigh school, my English teacher Mrs. Couzens called my house adventurous exploration is a drug and I am an addict. In theto tell my mom that she was worried about my confidence. She end, the exploration of all that surrounds us - near and far -was right. My first year in college I went to the emergency room results in the greatest high: learning.for a panic attack, overwhelmed with working to pay for school, The world isn’t to be feared. The world is a wonderland. The lessons planted in my youth from Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland have bloomed: “Actually, the best gift you could have given her is a lifetime of adventures…” So here’s to a summer, a year, a lifetime of exploration, learning, and adventure!