Week-long High/Scope conference kicks off Monday
Educational think tank hosts workshops and hands-on training sessions on teaching methods.
By Pamela Appea
The Ann Arbor News
It’s been 30 years since educators, school administrators, and others got together at Perry Child Development Center in Ypsilanti to begin a conversation on how early childhood learning—particularly for low-income children—needed to be improved.
Today the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation has grown to a well-known research think tank, but the nonprofit organization continues its ties to Ypsilanti schools and the Ypsilanti community.
At High/Scope’s annual conference this week, starting Monday at the Ypsilanti Marriott Hotel, over 500 educators are expected to attend 75 workshops, seminars and hands-on training sessions to learn the High/Scope teaching method throughout the week.
The group’s method encourages children to be actively involved in learning, as opposed to the more traditional approach of adult-directed instruction, CEO Charles R. Wallgren said.
Wallgren said the conference will include a Tuesday keynote speech by David P. Weikart, president of the organization. Wallgren said Weikart will talk about the group’s accomplishments over the past 30 years, as well as what High/Scope plans for the future.
Event organizers said High/Scope aims to always reinvent itself, coming up with innovative teaching methods for special-needs children or other classroom techniques.
“All of our work is based on research. Its not that we have a warm idea and put (it) into practice … Research is absolutely critical to program development,” Wallgren said.
Typically the High/Scope annual conference attracts educators from Colombia to New Zeland to Canada, according to Anne Hudon High/Scope conference manager.
High/Scope staff said some highlights for this year’s conference include workshops focusing on the arts and related class curriculum tour, a tour of Bessie Hoffman Elementary School, and a two-day Movement and Music workshop.
Wallgreen also noted that Douglas Clements, a professor in the department of learning at SUNY Buffalo in New York will speak at a Thursday luncheon. Clements specializes in youth and mathematics education.
For more information, call the conference manager at (734) 485-2000, Ext. 277. For registration questions, ask for Ext. 228. The High/Scope e-mail address is training@highschope.org. The group’s Web address is http://www.highscope.org/.
Originally Published Sunday, April 30, 2000
Sunday, April 30, 2000
Thursday, April 27, 2000
Ypsilanti Cleanup funds lag
Ypsilanti Cleanup funds lag
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Organizers of the Ypsilanti PRIDE community cleanup day are expecting thousands of volunteers to pitch in May 20 to spruce up the community.
They are also confident that individual and corporate sponsors of the annual event will provide the necessary finding.
Financial donations for the fifth year of the cleanup are lagging behind last year.
PRIDE--People Restoring Image and Development the Environment-- has quickly been established as a tradition in the city and township. Everyone from the Girl Scouts and coworkers to families and university students come together to spruce up the community by sweeping sidewalks, picking up trash and cleaning parks.
Laurie Ridenour, this year’s PRIDE co-chairwoman, said the committee has raised $4,800 so far--just enough to cover the cost of T-shirts the PRIDE committee gives to many of the 2,000 volunteers who participate in the service event.
Aimee Bahs, PRIDE treasurer, said fund-raising efforts are about two weeks behind schedule. The PRIDE event, to take place in less than a month, needs an additional $10,000 of donations, for a total of around $15,000.
“I feel confident that the money is out there,” Bahs said.
“People who have donated in the past will do it this year,” she added.
Typically, Bahs said, an individual contributor gives anywhere from $50 to $100. Smaller businesses have given $250-$500, while larger companies donate $1,000 or more. The money is used to defer the costs of the event.
For the first time this year, Bahs said contributors are tax-deductible. PRIDE committee members hope this will be en extra incentive to help get the PRIDE day funds up to speed, Bahs said.
PRIDE volunteers are rewarded with a lunch at Riverside Park that includes entertainment and awards, noon-2 p.m. Also this year a PRIDE Ride--a bus tour of local historical sites--is being offered in the afternoon. This is a project of the Leadership Ypsilanti class from last year.
Ridenour said the event kicks off at 9 a.m. at the downtown Ypsilanti KeyBank. Individuals who pre-register by May 5 get a free PRIDE T-shirt.
Late registration takes place at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Call the PRIDE registration hotline at (734) 434-7391 or send in PRIDE donations to the Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI 48197.
Originally published Thursday, April 27, 2000
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Organizers of the Ypsilanti PRIDE community cleanup day are expecting thousands of volunteers to pitch in May 20 to spruce up the community.
They are also confident that individual and corporate sponsors of the annual event will provide the necessary finding.
Financial donations for the fifth year of the cleanup are lagging behind last year.
PRIDE--People Restoring Image and Development the Environment-- has quickly been established as a tradition in the city and township. Everyone from the Girl Scouts and coworkers to families and university students come together to spruce up the community by sweeping sidewalks, picking up trash and cleaning parks.
Laurie Ridenour, this year’s PRIDE co-chairwoman, said the committee has raised $4,800 so far--just enough to cover the cost of T-shirts the PRIDE committee gives to many of the 2,000 volunteers who participate in the service event.
Aimee Bahs, PRIDE treasurer, said fund-raising efforts are about two weeks behind schedule. The PRIDE event, to take place in less than a month, needs an additional $10,000 of donations, for a total of around $15,000.
“I feel confident that the money is out there,” Bahs said.
“People who have donated in the past will do it this year,” she added.
Typically, Bahs said, an individual contributor gives anywhere from $50 to $100. Smaller businesses have given $250-$500, while larger companies donate $1,000 or more. The money is used to defer the costs of the event.
For the first time this year, Bahs said contributors are tax-deductible. PRIDE committee members hope this will be en extra incentive to help get the PRIDE day funds up to speed, Bahs said.
PRIDE volunteers are rewarded with a lunch at Riverside Park that includes entertainment and awards, noon-2 p.m. Also this year a PRIDE Ride--a bus tour of local historical sites--is being offered in the afternoon. This is a project of the Leadership Ypsilanti class from last year.
Ridenour said the event kicks off at 9 a.m. at the downtown Ypsilanti KeyBank. Individuals who pre-register by May 5 get a free PRIDE T-shirt.
Late registration takes place at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Call the PRIDE registration hotline at (734) 434-7391 or send in PRIDE donations to the Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI 48197.
Originally published Thursday, April 27, 2000
Thursday, April 20, 2000
Tecumseh superintendent receives favorable review
Tecumseh superintendent receives favorable review
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Tecumseh, Michigan—When former Superintendent Gerry Pound resigned last year amid allegations he sexually harassed a school staff member, the district and the school board weren’t sure how to get the district back on track.
But Tecumseh schools’ current superintendent Richard D. Fauble, has proven his worth after nine months on the job. Trustee Marc Brown said during an evaluation Wednesday.
Brown said some people may have doubted – particularly in the beginning of the school year – whether Fauble would be right for the job.
“I feel proud, I guess, to say ‘We were right, “ Brown said of the decision to hire Fauble.
“Basically he came into a hornet’s nest and calmed things down,” Brown wrote for Fauble’s evaluation notes.
Six board members rated Fauble on categories such as school reconfiguration, public relations, school curriculum and personal leadership skills.
Trustees rated Fauble by choosing one of the following four categories: exceeded expectations, fully met expectations, partially met expectations, and did not meet expectations.
Five trustees said Fabule exceeded expectations, while one said he fully met expectations for his overall performance.
Fabule said he was honored by the praise, but added that now is not the time to rest.
With the ongoing issue of grade reconfiguration in the Tecumseh schools, a new high school coming in fall 2001 and some significant curriculum changes in all of the schools, Fabule said he will be busy working on making the Tecumseh school district “an even better school district.”
Trustees also credited Fabule for working on goals the former superintendent had set.
“Richard has done an outstanding job,” Brown said.
Other board members complimented Fabule on his accessibility and connecting well with students, staff and residents.
The superintendent started a three year contract in August 1999. His current annual salary is $92, 000.
Board President Eduward Tritt said the board will meet later this year to negotiate a possible salary increase for the superintendent.
Pound, the former superintendent, did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to resign last year to settle an accusation of harassment.
Trustees at the time agreed he could continue to be paid through this school year.
Originally published Thursday, April 20, 2000
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Tecumseh, Michigan—When former Superintendent Gerry Pound resigned last year amid allegations he sexually harassed a school staff member, the district and the school board weren’t sure how to get the district back on track.
But Tecumseh schools’ current superintendent Richard D. Fauble, has proven his worth after nine months on the job. Trustee Marc Brown said during an evaluation Wednesday.
Brown said some people may have doubted – particularly in the beginning of the school year – whether Fauble would be right for the job.
“I feel proud, I guess, to say ‘We were right, “ Brown said of the decision to hire Fauble.
“Basically he came into a hornet’s nest and calmed things down,” Brown wrote for Fauble’s evaluation notes.
Six board members rated Fauble on categories such as school reconfiguration, public relations, school curriculum and personal leadership skills.
Trustees rated Fauble by choosing one of the following four categories: exceeded expectations, fully met expectations, partially met expectations, and did not meet expectations.
Five trustees said Fabule exceeded expectations, while one said he fully met expectations for his overall performance.
Fabule said he was honored by the praise, but added that now is not the time to rest.
With the ongoing issue of grade reconfiguration in the Tecumseh schools, a new high school coming in fall 2001 and some significant curriculum changes in all of the schools, Fabule said he will be busy working on making the Tecumseh school district “an even better school district.”
Trustees also credited Fabule for working on goals the former superintendent had set.
“Richard has done an outstanding job,” Brown said.
Other board members complimented Fabule on his accessibility and connecting well with students, staff and residents.
The superintendent started a three year contract in August 1999. His current annual salary is $92, 000.
Board President Eduward Tritt said the board will meet later this year to negotiate a possible salary increase for the superintendent.
Pound, the former superintendent, did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to resign last year to settle an accusation of harassment.
Trustees at the time agreed he could continue to be paid through this school year.
Originally published Thursday, April 20, 2000
Monday, April 10, 2000
Playground Renovated
Playground Renovated
New structures replaced outdated equipment at Pleasant Ridge
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Saline, Michigan—Members of the Pleasant Ridger Playpark committee, a subgroup of the school’s parent group, said the first phase of its community project was completed last week.
The playground, adjacent to Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, now has several new structures, including a multi-see saw and a 13-ring traverse.
Before renovation began in September, some of the playground’s equipment were not up to state code, said committee member Wendy Beardsley.
Committee member Khris Ortman said some of the old playground equipment was designed and built as far back as the 1950s.
The playground’s old monkey bar and “spider’s web” structure were removed, committee members said. A swing set was renovated and moved to another part of the playground. And the gravel and other hard surfaces were replaced by 12-18 inches of wood chips underneath all new and remaining playground structures, committee members said.
With the aid of volunteers and community residents, seedling trees and bulbs were planted in the park area.
Committee members including Beardsley, Ortman and Melissa Phillips said the challenge now is in raising enough money to complete the next two phases.
“Given the fact that it is a community park, we would like to see area business, civic and corporate help in our quest for funds to build this park.” Ortman said.
Discussions on the park started during the mid-‘90s, said Beardsley, who served as a Pleasant Ridge PTA president. The project finally got under way when a special PTA committee was formed in January.
Beardsley credits the support of Sue Palmer, principal of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, and other residents and supporters.
Phase two of the park project will include a new handicap-accessible wood structure. Ortman said the committee plans to order the structure, which will include slides, rope games and fort structures, by Feb. 1.
Phase three of the project will focus on developing the playground’s so-called “passive” space. The planned space, located directly behind the elementary school, may include a grassy area, additional trees, a gazebo and benches, committee members said. The area, said playground designer, Jonathan Dreyfuss, will encompass an estimated 20,000 square feet.
Committee members said they’re trying to raise an additional $39,5000 for the final two stages of the playpark project.
“We need money,” Beardsley said.
Ortman said that although all committee members were initially “appalled” at the high costs of playground equipment, they decided to go ahead with the investment.
This equipment just costs a lot of money, especially to make it handicap-accessible. But it absolutely is worth it,” she said.
Ortman said phase two has an estimated cost of $45,000, with an estimated cost of $26,000 for phase three. Anticipated revenue from the school district and the Pleasant Ridge PTA will provide $31,500 in funding by July 2000, Ortman said.
“As we proceed with the phases, we need to make sure we have total support. There may be people who need more information. We do have to take what they say into consideration,” Beardsley said.
But she said that phase three may need to be scaled down if committee members don’t gather enough money.
“If it looks like we have difficulty, we need to rethink phase three,” Beardsley said.
To date, the three-phase project’s estimated cost is $106,000, committee members said.
Originally published 2000
New structures replaced outdated equipment at Pleasant Ridge
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Saline, Michigan—Members of the Pleasant Ridger Playpark committee, a subgroup of the school’s parent group, said the first phase of its community project was completed last week.
The playground, adjacent to Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, now has several new structures, including a multi-see saw and a 13-ring traverse.
Before renovation began in September, some of the playground’s equipment were not up to state code, said committee member Wendy Beardsley.
Committee member Khris Ortman said some of the old playground equipment was designed and built as far back as the 1950s.
The playground’s old monkey bar and “spider’s web” structure were removed, committee members said. A swing set was renovated and moved to another part of the playground. And the gravel and other hard surfaces were replaced by 12-18 inches of wood chips underneath all new and remaining playground structures, committee members said.
With the aid of volunteers and community residents, seedling trees and bulbs were planted in the park area.
Committee members including Beardsley, Ortman and Melissa Phillips said the challenge now is in raising enough money to complete the next two phases.
“Given the fact that it is a community park, we would like to see area business, civic and corporate help in our quest for funds to build this park.” Ortman said.
Discussions on the park started during the mid-‘90s, said Beardsley, who served as a Pleasant Ridge PTA president. The project finally got under way when a special PTA committee was formed in January.
Beardsley credits the support of Sue Palmer, principal of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, and other residents and supporters.
Phase two of the park project will include a new handicap-accessible wood structure. Ortman said the committee plans to order the structure, which will include slides, rope games and fort structures, by Feb. 1.
Phase three of the project will focus on developing the playground’s so-called “passive” space. The planned space, located directly behind the elementary school, may include a grassy area, additional trees, a gazebo and benches, committee members said. The area, said playground designer, Jonathan Dreyfuss, will encompass an estimated 20,000 square feet.
Committee members said they’re trying to raise an additional $39,5000 for the final two stages of the playpark project.
“We need money,” Beardsley said.
Ortman said that although all committee members were initially “appalled” at the high costs of playground equipment, they decided to go ahead with the investment.
This equipment just costs a lot of money, especially to make it handicap-accessible. But it absolutely is worth it,” she said.
Ortman said phase two has an estimated cost of $45,000, with an estimated cost of $26,000 for phase three. Anticipated revenue from the school district and the Pleasant Ridge PTA will provide $31,500 in funding by July 2000, Ortman said.
“As we proceed with the phases, we need to make sure we have total support. There may be people who need more information. We do have to take what they say into consideration,” Beardsley said.
But she said that phase three may need to be scaled down if committee members don’t gather enough money.
“If it looks like we have difficulty, we need to rethink phase three,” Beardsley said.
To date, the three-phase project’s estimated cost is $106,000, committee members said.
Originally published 2000
Wednesday, April 05, 2000
Playground Renovated
Playground Renovated
New structures replaced outdated equipment at Pleasant Ridge
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Saline, Michigan—Members of the Pleasant Ridger Playpark committee, a subgroup of the school’s parent group, said the first phase of its community project was completed last week.
The playground, adjacent to Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, now has several new structures, including a multi-see saw and a 13-ring traverse.
Before renovation began in September, some of the playground’s equipment were not up to state code, said committee member Wendy Beardsley.
Committee member Khris Ortman said some of the old playground equipment was designed and built as far back as the 1950s.
The playground’s old monkey bar and “spider’s web” structure were removed, committee members said. A swing set was renovated and moved to another part of the playground. And the gravel and other hard surfaces were replaced by 12-18 inches of wood chips underneath all new and remaining playground structures, committee members said.
With the aid of volunteers and community residents, seedling trees and bulbs were planted in the park area.
Committee members including Beardsley, Ortman and Melissa Phillips said the challenge now is in raising enough money to complete the next two phases.
“Given the fact that it is a community park, we would like to see area business, civic and corporate help in our quest for funds to build this park.” Ortman said.
Discussions on the park started during the mid-‘90s, said Beardsley, who served as a Pleasant Ridge PTA president. The project finally got under way when a special PTA committee was formed in January.
Beardsley credits the support of Sue Palmer, principal of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, and other residents and supporters.
Phase two of the park project will include a new handicap-accessible wood structure. Ortman said the committee plans to order the structure, which will include slides, rope games and fort structures, by Feb. 1.
Phase three of the project will focus on developing the playground’s so-called “passive” space. The planned space, located directly behind the elementary school, may include a grassy area, additional trees, a gazebo and benches, committee members said. The area, said playground designer, Jonathan Dreyfuss, will encompass an estimated 20,000 square feet.
Committee members said they’re trying to raise an additional $39,5000 for the final two stages of the playpark project.
“We need money,” Beardsley said.
Ortman said that although all committee members were initially “appalled” at the high costs of playground equipment, they decided to go ahead with the investment.
This equipment just costs a lot of money, especially to make it handicap-accessible. But it absolutely is worth it,” she said.
Ortman said phase two has an estimated cost of $45,000, with an estimated cost of $26,000 for phase three. Anticipated revenue from the school district and the Pleasant Ridge PTA will provide $31,500 in funding by July 2000, Ortman said.
“As we proceed with the phases, we need to make sure we have total support. There may be people who need more information. We do have to take what they say into consideration,” Beardsley said.
But she said that phase three may need to be scaled down if committee members don’t gather enough money.
“If it looks like we have difficulty, we need to rethink phase three,” Beardsley said.
To date, the three-phase project’s estimated cost is $106,000, committee members said.
Originally published 2000
New structures replaced outdated equipment at Pleasant Ridge
The Ann Arbor News
By Pamela Appea
Saline, Michigan—Members of the Pleasant Ridger Playpark committee, a subgroup of the school’s parent group, said the first phase of its community project was completed last week.
The playground, adjacent to Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, now has several new structures, including a multi-see saw and a 13-ring traverse.
Before renovation began in September, some of the playground’s equipment were not up to state code, said committee member Wendy Beardsley.
Committee member Khris Ortman said some of the old playground equipment was designed and built as far back as the 1950s.
The playground’s old monkey bar and “spider’s web” structure were removed, committee members said. A swing set was renovated and moved to another part of the playground. And the gravel and other hard surfaces were replaced by 12-18 inches of wood chips underneath all new and remaining playground structures, committee members said.
With the aid of volunteers and community residents, seedling trees and bulbs were planted in the park area.
Committee members including Beardsley, Ortman and Melissa Phillips said the challenge now is in raising enough money to complete the next two phases.
“Given the fact that it is a community park, we would like to see area business, civic and corporate help in our quest for funds to build this park.” Ortman said.
Discussions on the park started during the mid-‘90s, said Beardsley, who served as a Pleasant Ridge PTA president. The project finally got under way when a special PTA committee was formed in January.
Beardsley credits the support of Sue Palmer, principal of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, and other residents and supporters.
Phase two of the park project will include a new handicap-accessible wood structure. Ortman said the committee plans to order the structure, which will include slides, rope games and fort structures, by Feb. 1.
Phase three of the project will focus on developing the playground’s so-called “passive” space. The planned space, located directly behind the elementary school, may include a grassy area, additional trees, a gazebo and benches, committee members said. The area, said playground designer, Jonathan Dreyfuss, will encompass an estimated 20,000 square feet.
Committee members said they’re trying to raise an additional $39,5000 for the final two stages of the playpark project.
“We need money,” Beardsley said.
Ortman said that although all committee members were initially “appalled” at the high costs of playground equipment, they decided to go ahead with the investment.
This equipment just costs a lot of money, especially to make it handicap-accessible. But it absolutely is worth it,” she said.
Ortman said phase two has an estimated cost of $45,000, with an estimated cost of $26,000 for phase three. Anticipated revenue from the school district and the Pleasant Ridge PTA will provide $31,500 in funding by July 2000, Ortman said.
“As we proceed with the phases, we need to make sure we have total support. There may be people who need more information. We do have to take what they say into consideration,” Beardsley said.
But she said that phase three may need to be scaled down if committee members don’t gather enough money.
“If it looks like we have difficulty, we need to rethink phase three,” Beardsley said.
To date, the three-phase project’s estimated cost is $106,000, committee members said.
Originally published 2000
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