Farmington Public Schools Quarterly News Update. Ballot Proposals

Transcription

1 Fall 2013 September 2013 Volume 36 No. 1 Public Schools Quarterly News Update How the November 5 Bond Proposals were developed In 2009, the District conducted an in-depth Facilities Assessment of all District buildings. The purpose of the study was to help the District develop a Long Range Master Plan for Public Schools. Five goals were developed, including improving District efficiency, examining overall space utilization, aligning the number of schools with the projected student enrollment and reducing overall operational costs and improving aging building infrastructure. This study led to the District initiating some building closures and the identification of more than $100 million in infrastructure needs. Due to the magnitude of infrastructure needs, the District felt that it needed to review how its facilities could support a future vision of education. In 2012, the District formed the Facilities Forward Steering Committee (FFSC) to develop a vision for 21st Century learning and a plan for educational facilities to support that vision. This committee was comprised of parents, community members, teachers, students and administrators. The committee worked diligently since June 2012 to formulate their Vision for the District s facilities. On February 12, 2013, the Board of Education approved the FFSC s Vision Recommendation and continued on page 3 approved the formation of the Capi- Importance of This Bond... 5 Points You Need to Know Future! Kids! Our Community! Our Our NOV 5 BOND Enhances security measures to allow for a safe environment for students, staff and visitors Provides necessary improvements to existing classrooms and tools to support teaching and learning Preserves District facilities, one of our most important community assets, which can protect our property values Supports a well-rounded education for students by addressing identified needs in the arts and athletics programs Allows general fund dollars to be focused in the classroom instead of being used for urgent facility needs in our aging schools Ballot Proposals On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, voters in Public Schools will be asked to consider two bond proposals. Proposal 1 - $154.6 Million Safety/Infrastructure/Technology Addresses safety and security, infrastructure replacement, classroom remodeling, instructional technology tools, and the remodeling of media centers/libraries at all K-12 schools. Proposal 2 - $31.6 Million Arts/Athletics/ Technology Replacement Addresses remodeling of the high school auditoriums, the replacement of high school athletic surfaces, and the replacement of instructional technology tools. Proposal 1 must pass in order for Proposal 2 to be implemented. * Note: As stated in Board policy, sustainable measures will be implemented when possible. Bond Proposals Board of Education Meeting Dates... 2 Bond Timeline Aging Facilities Importance of the Bond Proposals Now Goodfellows Canned Food Drive PTA Parent Forums Bond Financial Information Estimated Cost for the Bond Proposals Bond Language Important Dates for Voters A Toast to Education Senior Adult Breakfast Teachers focus on goals to ensure student learning... 8 INDEX 1

2 Board of Education Meeting Dates Oct. 8 Oct. 29 Nov.12 Dec Study Session Study Session Study Session 2014 Jan.14 Study Session Jan. 28 Feb. 11 Study Session March 4 Study Session March 18 April 1 Study Session April 29 May 13 Study Session May 27* June 10 Study Session June /2015 July 22 Organizational Meeting Aug. 19 Study Session All meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Lewis Schulman Administrative Center located at Shiawassee Street,. * Meeting will be held at North High School, W. Thirteen Mile Road, Hills. Bond Proposals Proposal 1 Safety/Infrastructure/Technology Safety and Security Upgrades at all Schools Safety and security will be improved with renovations to the main offices and a new secure entry/lobby to restrict direct access into our schools. The improvements will create a welcoming environment while ensuring a higher level of safety for our students and staff. Infrastructure Replacements Due to the aging infrastructure of our schools, improvements are required to maintain healthy and safe learning environments. Building components and systems that are beyond their useful lives will be addressed to create equity across all schools and also to provide energy savings initiatives crucial to our operating budget. By making these improvements with the bond proceeds, we drastically reduce the use of general fund dollars for these upgrades and gain operating efficiencies. Areas to be addressed: Proposal 2 Arts/Athletics/Technology Replacement Remodel High School Auditoriums (FHS, HHS, NFHS) - High school auditoriums will be upgraded to current standards, supporting round-the-clock use by our students for vocal and musical concerts, large school assemblies, theater productions, and community activities. This work includes: - Painting due to remodeling, Flooring, Seats - Stage Extensions, Restrooms - Sound Systems, Fly Lofts Replace Outdoor High School Athletic Surfaces - Tracks, tennis courts, and artificial turf carpet will be replaced after the life of these surfaces expire Replacement Technology - Replacement of student computing devices - Electrical, Lighting, HVAC systems, Plumbing, Roofs - Painting due to replacements, Flooring - Code Compliance, Auditorium Safety - Parking Lots/Paving Classroom Remodeling - Classroom work (572 classrooms) includes electrical, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, painting due to remodeling, flooring and replacement of worn furniture Instructional Technology Tools - Student and Staff Computers - Smart Interactive White Boards, Audio Amplification - Network Improvements: Wireless and Server Storage Remodel K-12 Media Centers/Libraries - All K-12 Media Centers/Libraries will be remodeled with electrical, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, painting due to remodeling, flooring, furniture, and windows. - Increased network server storage - Video conferencing capabilities in every classroom (connectivity, cameras, etc) - Classroom tools such as digital microscopes, music keyboards and calculators for the middle and high schools. The new proposal eliminated the following items: - construction of a new pool at Harrison High School and the conversion of the old pool to an auxiliary gym - upgrade of high school cafeterias/commons area - addition to the North High School locker room The new proposal reduced the amount of the furniture budget by $4.1 million. The total of these eliminations/reductions is $35.8 million. Proposal 1 must pass in order for Proposal 2 to be implemented. Timeline for completion of Bond projects Series 1 Construction Target Date Summer 2014 Safe & Secure Entries for 1 Elementary School / 2 Middle Schools Minor Infrastructure Work, Roofs, Parking Lots Teacher/Student Technology Tools Implementation Series 2 Construction Target Date Elementary Schools / 1 Upper Elementary School / 1 Middle School / 1 High School Teacher/Student Technology Tools Implementation 1 High School Auditorium Balance of Series 1 Construction Target Date 2015 Safe & Secure Entries for 8 Elementary Schools 2 Elementary Schools / 1 Upper Elementary School / 1 High School Teacher/Student Technology Tools Implementation Technology Infrastructure Improvements 1 High School Auditorium Series 3 Construction Target Date Elementary School / 1 Middle School / 1 High School / District Support Buildings Teacher/Student Technology Tools Implementation 1 High School Auditorium Replacement of Outdoor High School Athletic Surfaces 2

3 Total Estimated Costs for the Bond Proposal Proposal 1 Safety/Infrastructure/ Technology...$154.6 million Safety & Security million Infrastructure Replacement million Classroom Remodeling million Instructional Technology Tools million Remodel K-12 Media Centers/Libraries million Proposal 2 Arts/Athletics/Technology Replacement...$31.6 million Remodel High School Auditoriums million Replace Outdoor High School Athletic Surfaces million Technology Replacement million The bonds will be sold in a three series time frame to lessen the impact to taxpayers and it will allow the District to purchase technology over a longer period of time. In addition, it is not realistic for the District to execute all of the projects simultaneously. Phasing in the work will be less disruptive to learning. Aging Facilities The average age of our schools is 50-years-old. Our newest school, Hillside Elementary School, is 23-years-old. School Year Age Building Built of Building Beechview Elementary School Forest Elementary School Gill Elementary School Highmeadow Common Campus Hillside Elementary School Kenbrook Elementary School Lanigan Elementary School Longacre Elementary School Wood Creek Elementary School Power Upper Elementary School Warner Upper Elementary School Dunckel Middle School East Middle School High School Harrison High School North High School How the November 5 Bond Proposals were developed continued from page 1 Facilities Assessment conducted identifying more than $100 million in infrastructure needs Four schools closed; redistricting occurred to align student enrollment with capacity tal Finance Planning Task Team (CF- PTT) whose charge was, To transform the vision developed by FFSC into an operational model that moves our facilities toward that vision with the ability of the community to support that vision. During the analysis phase of the CFPTT work, the District hired Target Insyght, a professional market survey firm, to conduct a telephone survey of a random sample of community members to ascertain their support for a future bond program. The results of this survey guided CFPTT in their final recommendation to the Board. On April 9, 2013, the CFPTT presented its recommendation to the Board and on April 30, 2013, the Board voted to place a $222 million bond issue on the August 6, 2013 ballot. On August 6, 2013, the proposal was brought before the voters and it was voted down with 8,043 no votes (53.17%) and 7,084 yes votes (46.93%). The District met with the Facilities Forward Steering Committee, the Capital Finance Planning Task Team and other community members and released a survey to the public to gather feedback about the August 6 bond proposal. Using this input, and staying as true as possible to the original vision Facilities Forward Steering Committee (FFSC) formed to develop a vision for 21st Century learning and a plan for educational facilities to support that vision 2012 Board approved placing $222 million bond proposal on August 6 ballot April 2013 Ballot defeated August Jan-March 2013, Capital Finance Planning Task Team (CFPTT) took Vision Recommendation and developed appropriate funding structure; community survey was conducted of the Facilities Forward Steering Committee, the District put together a new proposal and presented it to the Board of Education on Tuesday, August 20. The District heard feedback that some members of the community felt that the August 6 Proposal of $222 million was too large for the community to support. The District repackaged the vision into two proposals and eliminated some of the areas of the vision. The Board of Education held a special Board Meeting on Monday, August 26 to vote on the proposal and unanimously approved it to be put on the November 5 ballot. Community feedback sought: Board approved placing two proposals on the November 5 ballot August 2013 Why the Bond Proposals are needed now Due to the age of our school buildings, urgent infrastructure needs are required in our facilities. We have been maintaining our facilities and they have served our students well for many years. Over the last decade, as funding for public education has been cut by our State government, we have elected to maintain as much educational programming as is fiscally responsible. As a result, significant facility repairs and replacements were postponed. An investment in the infrastructure of our schools will improve the learning experience of our students and preserve the value of our community. Through the bond, our students and staff will be provided important technology tools that support teaching and learning. This technology will help prepare our students for the demands of colleges and careers. This bond proposal allows the District to preserve important general fund dollars for instruction by providing a funding source to address necessary infrastructure upgrades. Keep dollars in the classroom Urgent Water Main Repair Repave Failing Parking Lot Unexpected Roof Replacement With Bond passage, general fund dollars for capital improvements can be allocated back to the classroom. 3

4 PROPOSAL 1 - Safety / Infrastructure / Technology Area Goodfellows Canned Food Drive November 4-26 The District s annual canned food drive for the Area Goodfellows will be held this year from Wednesday, November 6 to Tuesday, November 26. During this time, all schools and support facilities in the District will be collecting nonperishable canned and boxed food. Food items can also be dropped off at both and Hills City Halls, the Hills Ice Arena and the Costick Center. The Goodfellows rely on this canned food drive to supply the majority of the canned goods needed to fill food baskets that are delivered to families in the community during the holiday season. In 2012, the Goodfellows Holiday Assistance Program helped 147 families, 322 children, 49 seniors and 11 adults with disabilities. Please consider donating food items for this very worthwhile cause. The need is ever increasing. Help make the holidays happier. This is a rendering of a safe and secure entry sequence. Infrastructure A facility assessment was performed in each of the District s schools and other sites in The proposed bond work for each of the schools is based on this report. The work focuses on the following areas: Mechanical and plumbing upgrades replacement of domestic water piping, replacement of hot water hydronic lines, energy efficient mechanical upgrades, replacement of H&V units Electrical upgrades replacement of electrical panels and feeders, fire alarm upgrades, generator hook ups, PA and Clock upgrades School exterior masonry upgrades, replacement of exterior lighting & doors, roof replacement Classroom and Corridor flooring replacement, ceiling upgrades, door replacement, casework upgrades, lighting upgrades, fire safety improvements Toilet room remodeling Site related work such as parking lot repaving, water main replacement, playground upgrades and site drainage, high school synthetic turf replacement Upgraded rigging and lighting at our high school auditoriums Classroom Remodeling The District has developed a common standard for classrooms. Proposal 1 will ensure that every classroom has appropriate lights and electrical, floor finishes, painting due to remodeling, student and staff furniture, code compliant fire wall separation between classroom and corridors, replacement of old classroom wood doors, frames & hardware, HVAC, sound enhancement systems, telephone equipment, and integration of technology tools to support future curriculum goals. Classroom furniture that can no longer be repaired will be replaced. Furniture that is not in use will be sold to generate revenue or recycled if it is unusable. Safety The proposed safety and security improvements would provide additional safety features while also providing a welcoming environment to all those who attend and visit our schools each day. Enhancements for safety and security at each of our schools will include the following: A secure vestibule/lobby will be incorporated into the entry sequence that prohibits direct access into the main building. From the vestibule, visitors enter the main office to check in before they can enter the main building. The recently installed video/buzzer entry systems will be incorporated into the new entries at our schools. A lockdown security button will be installed, that locks down the school and automatically alerts emergency responders. An example of deteriorating brick at one of our schools. This is an example of worn furniture in our classrooms. Technology The District adopted a comprehensive District Technology Plan in The Bond will support the District s technology plan by equipping and implementing technology tools and infrastructure improvements throughout all K-12 schools. These improvements support the District s goal to provide our students and teachers with the technology tools necessary to prepare students for college and job readiness. Some of the technology components include: Individual computing devices (such as laptops or tablets) for students at any time during the school day. Interactive whiteboards or projectors in each classroom supporting teachers and students with the ability to create highly engaging lessons. Audio systems in each classroom to improve teacher/student communication All teachers will be provided Professional Development (PD) training for all content areas and grade levels. Our PD will focus on how to integrate technology, to improve student learning and create an efficient classroom. Technology will be carefully selected to extend its life. Bond regulations require that the bonds be paid off in keeping with the average life of the improvements and equipment being financed. This keeps computing devices with a five-year life from being financed over a period longer than their use. All technology is maintained by the District s Instructional Technology Department. 4

5 PROPOSAL 2 - Arts / Athletics / Technology Replacement Remodel High School Auditoriums (FHS, NFHS, HHS) Our 1970 s high school auditoriums were not part of any of the 1997 or 2004 bond program upgrades, and therefore are included in this bond program. These spaces house a variety of fine arts classes and performances for our high school students, and are also utilized by our entire K-12 population for a variety of events, and for community activities. Our auditoriums are in use every day and are showing the effects of the wear and tear. The features of the upgrades at our auditoriums include: Enhanced lobby spaces Reconfigured entry sequence Seat replacements Carpet, paint due to remodeling and ceiling finishes Stage extensionw Orchestra pit with covers Cross aisle access to stage New sound system Enhanced acoustics New restrooms Additional storage Modifications to the front of the stage New fly loft at & North High Schools. Pooling water on roofs results in water damage and leaks in the schools. Harrison has a third floor with classrooms above the theater space. New back of house space; drama room, scene shop, etc.at High School New stairs to second level seating at Harrison High School New elevator to second level seating at Harrison High School Parent Forum Dates Monday, October 21 Texting/Internet Addiction 7 p.m. High School Shiawassee St. Monday, February 10 Advocacy/What Teachers wish families knew. 7 p.m. Harrison High School West 12 Mile Rd. Hills Monday, April 21 Financial Awareness 7 p.m. Hillside Elementary School West 11 Mile Rd. Hills Replace Outdoor High School Athletic Surfaces The current synthetic turf fields at our high schools are approaching seven to eight years of age. The estimated life expectancy based on current data is about 12 years depending on the frequency of use and the sports that are played on the field. We continue to maintain and monitor the condition of the turf on a monthly basis. Additionally, our tracks and tennis courts are in need of resurfacing as they are near the end of their safe-use lifespan. In Proposal 2 of the bond, we re seeking dollars to resurface these areas. In some cases, the actual work may not happen for a few more years, when the surfaces are no longer safe and playable. An example is shown here of tennis courts that need resurfacing. Replacement Technology One cycle of replacements to the technology devices is embedded in Proposal 2 of the bond issue. This is referred to as a refresh of the technology. This includes: Replacement of student computing devices Increased network server storage Video conferencing capabilities in every classroom (connectivity, cameras, etc) Classroom tools such as digital microscopes, music keyboards and calculators for the middle and high schools. Bond Presentations to the Community Wednesday October p.m. Hills Library W. 12 Mile Rd. Hills Wednesday October p.m. Library Liberty St. Bond Community Conversations Drop by and talk about the bond with District representatives. Tuesday October 8 7:30-10 a.m. Panera Bread Grand River Ave. Wednesday October p.m. Panera Bread W. 12 Mile Rd. Hills PTA Council Meeting Dates Monday, November 11 Monday, February 3 Monday, May 5 Meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Ten Mile Building, W. 10 Mile Road,. March 3, :30 p.m. PTA Founder s Day Dinner Glen Oaks Mile Road, Hills UpDate September

6 Reduced State Funding Shrinking Per Pupil Foundation Allowance from State (Current levels are similar to levels of more than a decade ago) 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 10,600 10,400 10,200 10,000 9,800 9,600 9,400 Public Schools Debt Comparison Neighboring and peer districts have experienced the same issues of aging buildings, safety and security enhancement needs, and outdated technology and learning environments. Bond programs have been approved and implemented in several area districts including Livonia, which passed a $195 million bond in May Troy and Walled Lake have bond proposals on the November ballot. The following chart includes our neighboring and peer districts current bond and sinking fund millage rates. currently carries a very low bond debt amount and even after the proposed millage increase would remain with a low debt amount. Financial Information Financing options are limited to Michigan school districts when considering large capital improvement projects. Recent cuts to K-12 public education funding and increased operational expenditures make it difficult to stretch the general fund budget to address upgrades to school facilities. Many districts are utilizing bond dollars to address facility needs in order to keep those expenses out of the general fund budget. Financial consultants concur that this is an excellent time for a bond program due to: Taxpayer Impact Average Home Value in Average Home Value in Hills Breakdown of Bond Costs District Building Proposal 1 Proposal 2 Beechview Elementary School $ 6,610,258 $ 389,040 Forest Elementary School 7,097, ,417 Gill Elementary School 6,785, ,727 Highmeadow Common Campus 5,249, ,336 Hillside Elementary School 4,400, ,863 Kenbrook Elementary School 6,822, ,331 Lanigan Elementary School 6,093, ,130 Longacre Elementary School 4,795, ,832 Wood Creek Elementary School 6,686, ,179 Power Upper Elementary School 10,321, ,188 Warner Upper Elementary School 11,594, ,013 Dunckel Middle School 9,030, ,318 East Middle School 12,755,105 1,042,207 High School 19,283,180 9,307,933 Harrison High School 14,437,497 6,763,059 North High School 15,340,478 7,110,170 Ten Mile NOC (majority District 4,592, ,260 Technology Infrastructure) Central Office 1,945,194 0 Maintenance 661,608 0 Transportation 96, Preserves General Fund It allows the district to preserve important General Fund dollars for instruction and classroom needs by using bond dollars to address necessary facility and technology upgrades. Our current per pupil foundation allowance from the State is at the same level we were at more than 10 years ago. Per Pupil Foundation Allowance chart is on the right. 2. Historically Low Borrowing Rates Municipal bond interest rates are near historical lows just like your personal mortgage rates. Although they are beginning to rise lately, the cost to borrow for the District, and ultimately the bond payments paid by taxpayers, is as low as they have been in the last 40 years. Delaying a bond issue could result in increased construction costs and higher interest rates for FPS taxpayers. Approx. market Taxable Prop 1 1.3l Approximate Prop 1 & 2 Approximate value of your value of your mill annual monthly cost 1.77 mill annual monthly cost property property increase Prop 1 increase Prop 1 & 2 $75,000 $37,500 $49.50 $4.13 $66.38 $5.53 $100,000 $50,000 $66.00 $5.50 $88.50 $7.38 $119,960* $59,980 $79.17 $6.60 $ $8.85 $150,000 $75,000 $99.00 $8.25 $ $11.06 $154,750* $77,375 $ $8.51 $ $11.41 $200,000 $100,000 $ $11.00 $ $14.75 $250,000 $125,000 $ $13.75 $ $18.44 $350,000 $175,000 $ $19.25 $ $25.81 This chart includes approximate increases to the 2013 tax rate for Proposal 1 and Proposal 1 & 2. Average Taxable Values in and Hills based on the 2013 figures received from Assessor s office. To compute your specific tax impact please visit the District s website and click on the TAx Calculation Icon. District Capital Improvement Debt Comparison Total Capital Improvement Debt Millage* West Bloomfield Novi Rochester Livonia Northville Walled Lake Troy Clarenceville Proposals 1 & 2 - (1.77 increase) Plymouth-Canton Birmingham Proposal 1 - (1.32 increase) Southfield Ann Arbor (current) Bloomfield Hills Total Amount $154,600,000 $31,600,000 * Includes Sinking Fund and Bond Debt Millages 6

7 Public School District Bond Proposals PROPOSAL 1 SAFETY/INFRASTRUCTURE/TECHNOLOGY Shall the Public School District, County of Oakland, Michigan, borrow the principal sum of not to exceed One Hundred Fifty-Four Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($154,600,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds in one or more series for the purpose of defraying the cost of making the following improvements: remodeling, equipping, furnishing, reequipping and refurnishing buildings, including classrooms and media resource centers, and safety and security, technology infrastructure and operational efficiency improvements; constructing additions to buildings, including new secure entrances and media resource centers; acquiring and installing technology equipment; and improving and developing sites, including playgrounds and parking lots, in the School District? YES NO The estimated millage to be levied in 2014 to service this issue of bonds is 1.52 mills ($1.52 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds of this issue is 1.95 mills ($1.95 per $1,000 of taxable value). The debt millage required to retire all bonds of the School District currently outstanding and proposed pursuant to this Proposal 1 and Proposal 2, if approved, is estimated to be at or below 4.33 mills. The debt millage required to retire all bonds of the School District currently outstanding and proposed pursuant to this Proposal 1 only, if approved, is estimated to be at or below 3.88 mills. The bonds may be issued in multiple series, payable in the case of each series in not to exceed 25 years from the date of issue of such series. (Under state law, bond proceeds may not be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries, routine maintenance costs or other School District operating expenses.) PROPOSAL 2 ARTS/ATHLETICS/TECHNOLOGY REPLACEMENTS Shall the Public School District, County of Oakland, Michigan, borrow the principal sum of not to exceed Thirty-One Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($31,600,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds in one or more series for the purpose of defraying the cost of making the following improvements: constructing additions to and remodeling, equipping, furnishing, reequipping and refurnishing all high school performing arts centers and adjacent spaces; acquiring and installing technology and related furnishings and equipment; and improving sites, including high school athletic fields, tracks and tennis courts, in the School District? YES NO The estimated millage to be levied in 2014 to service this issue of bonds is 0.65 mills ($0.65 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds of this issue is 0.55 mills ($0.55 per $1,000 of taxable value). The debt millage required to retire all bonds of the School District currently outstanding and proposed pursuant to this Proposal 2 and Proposal 1, if approved, is estimated to be at or below 4.33 mills. The bonds may be issued in multiple series, payable in the case of each series in not to exceed 25 years from the date of issue of such series. (Under state law, bond proceeds may not be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries, routine maintenance costs or other School District operating expenses.) BOND QUESTIONS? Please visit the home page of the District s web site at for further information. You can also your questions about the proposals to info@farmington.k12.mi.us. REMINDER School is not in session on Monday, November 4 and November 5 due to teacher training. For those planning to be out of town, you can register to vote via absentee ballot. Important Dates Absentee Ballot Applications Available: Monday, September 2, 2013 (Note absentee ballots are not available until the end of this week/first of October) Final day to register to vote: Monday, October 7, 2013 Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. To register to vote, a person must be: a United States citizen at least 18 years of age by election day a resident of Michigan and the city or township where you are applying to vote To vote in the November 5, 2013 School Election, a person must: reside within the school boundaries of Public Schools be registered to vote by the voter registration deadline of Monday, October 7,

8 Susan Zurvalec, Superintendent of Public Schools, with 2012 Senior Extrordinaire award winner Nancy Leflar. Community senior adults invited to the 18th Annual Senior Adult Breakfast / Hills senior residents are invited to join Public Schools students and staff for breakfast at the Costick Activities Center on Monday, September 30. Senior adults will get the opportunity to speak with District representatives about the November 5 bond proposals, see student curriculum exhibits and enjoy performances by student musicians. Also highlighted will be the announcement of the 2013 Senior Adult Extraordinaire award winner. The purpose of the award is to recognize, promote and encourage the volunteer efforts of senior citizens in Public Schools. The honored senior citizen (age 60 and above) must volunteer in the District and contribute to the overall educational process. Reservations are required. Please call to reserve your spot. Seating is limited to the first 300 respondents. Teachers focus on goals to ensure student learning Teaching in each classroom and in every school must meet the needs of our students. This year, teachers in Public Schools (FPS) are focusing on three specific teaching behaviors to ensure student learning (setting clear learning goals, tracking student progress, and celebrating student success). Public Schools has also set up structures such as professional development and instructional coaching to support teachers with the enhancement of their daily practices. The first area of focus, setting clear learning goals, ensures students understand what we want them to learn. Teachers can help students with this in a variety of ways posting learning goals on walls or interactive whiteboards, sharing learning goals aloud in class, including learning goals on syllabi, having students write learning goals in a data notebook or journal, etc. There are as many different ways to engage students in the understanding of learning goals as there are different teachers. Research tells us that student learning is greater in classrooms where goal setting is effective and students understand what they should be learning (Marzano, 2011). Along with presenting clear learning goals, teachers will be tracking student progress toward learning goals and celebrating student success in both formal and informal ways. Teaching has always included tracking and communicating student performance; however, the District is focusing on refining and enhancing these particular teaching strategies because they can have a significant positive impact on a student s overall success in school.we encourage all of our families and friends to talk to their children, grandchildren, or other FPS students about what they are learning in school. Parents can start by asking their child to tell them what they are learning in school. They may want to ask them to talk about the learning goals they have focused on throughout their school day. Let them elaborate in any way they feel comfortable. Using statements like, Tell me more about that or Why do you think that is important? may elicit more dialogue than asking yes or no questions. Talking about school at home shows children that their parents care about what happens at school and that their learning is important. Marzano, Robert J. (2011) The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Alexandria, Virginia. Public Schools Homecoming Dates High School Friday, October 11 Parade 5 p.m. Game at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 12 Dance 8 p.m. Harrison High School Saturday, October 12 Game 1 p.m. Dance 7 p.m. North High School Friday, October 4 Parade 6 p.m. Game 7 p.m. Saturday, October 5 Dance 8 p.m. UpDate is a newsletter for Public Schools residents. It is published four times during the school year by the School/ Community Relations Department. Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please visit or call Superintendent Susan H. Zurvalec Board of Education Howard I. Wallach, President Sheilah P. Clay, Vice President Frank L. Reid, Secretary George E. Gurrola, Treasurer Karen L. Bolsen, Trustee Priscilla L. Brouillette, Trustee Murray J. Kahn, Trustee Editors Diane Bauman Director, School/Community Relations diane.bauman@farmington.k12.mi.us Lynne Meyer Communication Specialist lynne.meyer@farmington.k12.mi.us Visit us on Visit us on 8