Detroit Public Schools’ Parent Resource Centers are open for business during the school break with fun and engaging workshops for parents.

When:

The Parent Resource Centers open at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Workshops and activities will be held from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  The centers close at 3:00 p.m.  The Centers are stocked with information on the DPS Applications Schools process, currently ongoing through March 15, and have copies of the applications available. Go to The DPS Enrollment Page for information.

The workshops this week center on Black History Month. Topics:

• Celebrating the achievements of African- American men and women through literacy
• Did you know? Learn about great inventions of African -Americans
• A closer look at African American entertainers

Where:

Central High School, (313) 852-6995, 2425 Tuxedo

Osborn High School, (313) 245-3356, 11600 E 7 Mile Rd

Marcus Garvey Academy, (313) 245-3935, 2301 Van Dyke

Priest, (313) 216-5675, 7840 Wagner

Cody, (313) 866-9497, 18445 Cathedral

DSA West- Langston Hughes Campus, (313) 494-7674, 19501 Berg

Phoenix Elementary, (313) 554-8237, 7735 Lane Street

About the DPS Parent Resource Centers:

The centers are comfortable community gathering spaces equipped with multiple computers as well as phones, sofas, small libraries, play areas for children and more. They offer expert-led workshops, child care, GED support, job training, support groups, MEAP assistance, book clubs, sessions on Title I programs, college information, coffee talks on parent engagement and more. The Centers are part of DPS’ Parent and Community Engagement plan to increase parent involvement through school-based Parent Resource Centers, ongoing training camps that focus on parenting, workshops and other offerings. This Title I initiative was developed with input from parents and guardians, community leaders and the Detroit Parent Network. It is funded, in part, with a three-year $1.2 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

For more information, go to The Parent and Community Engagement Page

King High's Lady Crusaders -- 2011-12 Detroit Public School League girls basketball champions

King High was crowned king and queen of Detroit Public School League basketball Thursday at University of Detroit Calihan Hall where an estimated 3,000 fans saw the Crusaders and Lady Crusaders win both ends of a Big D tournament championship doubleheader against No. 1-ranked Pershing High.

Coach William Winfield’s Lady Crusaders (17-2) started off a black-and-gold night of celebration with a 50-47 victory against Coach Shawn Hill’s Doughgirls (16-2). Coach Pierre Brooks’ Crusaders (15-4) finished off the upset sweep with a 76-69 victory against Coach A.W. Canada’s previously unbeaten Doughboys (18-1).

Takira Height, a 6-2 junior, came off the bench to score 18 points for King’s girls, who claimed their first PSL championship since 2006. The championship was the 16^th in Winfield’s storied tenure at King, which had lost to Pershing earlier this season and snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Doughgirls.
Pershing’s Caprice Dennis, who was named Ms. PSL basketball at halftime and is ranked the top player in the state, was held to just five points and was never able to get into her shooting groove, due mostly to Height’s tough defense. Nijzah Hill led the Doughgirls with a game-high 27 points.

King High Crusaders celebrate the Detroit Public School League boys' basketball championship

In the boys’ championship, Malik Albert, a 6-2 senior, scored 16 of his game-high 29 points in the fourth quarter to ignite King’s first boys’ PSL basketball championship since 1999. William Abbott added 12 points and 13 rebounds as the other key player in the Crusaders’ upset.
Veyon Bentley scored 18 points and Kahlil Felder scored 16 for the Doughboys, who trailed just 70-66 with 40 seconds remaining but committed a turnover and a foul that sent Albert to the line where he sank two free throws to ice the game.

Pershing’s top two scorers were held in check. Senior Sherron Dorsey-Walker, who is headed to Iowa State next fall, scored just 12 points and junior Martez Walker had seven.

With their hard-earned PSL championships in tow, King’s boys and girls will represent the league against the Catholic League champions when they return to action.
The girls’ Operation Friendship game is slated for Thursday, Feb. 23, at Dearborn Divine Child. Pershing’s girls will play the Catholic League runner-up in the 5 p.m. consolation game, followed by King vs. the Catholic League champion at 7 p.m. in the title game.

The boys’ Operation Friendship game is scheduled for Thursday, March 1, at Cass Tech High School. Pershing will play the Catholic League runner-up at 5 p.m., and the Crusaders will play the Catholic League champion at 7 p.m.

Cass Tech celebrates its PSL boys' swimming championship

Cass Tech captured first place in four events and racked up 146 points to win the Detroit Public School League boys’ swimming championship Thursday at Martin Luther King High School.

Coach Eugene Collins’ Technicians were led by Rhoynald Clay, who anchored the winning 200-yard medley relay and took first in the 100-yard freestyle. Sergio Ibarra, in the 500-yard freestyle, and Angel Deltorre, in the 100-yard backstroke, also copped firsts for Cass.

Western International placed second with 126 points followed by Mumford in third with 69, King fourth with 65, Central fifth with 31, Southeastern sixth with 20, Douglass seventh with 16 and Renaissance eighth with  four.

The project is a collaboration between the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN), the City of Detroit Historic District Advisory Board, and the A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical Center.

The initiative was launched during the 2006-2007 academic school year, and continues this year thanks to grant funding from the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

The intent behind the project is to provide hands-on classroom experience in the areas of Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology through the preservation of historic buildings.

Students who participate in the project were hand selected and are enrolled in Carpentry, Painting and Decorating, Masonry, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, or Electricity Construction.

Skilled Preservation Trades professionals provide classroom demonstrations and assist with building restoration and rehabilitation.

Participating students take pride in their contributions to urban, economic and community development by helping to rehabilitate historic buildings.  

The Historic Fort Wayne and Belle Isle Project will culminate with a reception in May, but the benefits of the project will continue for many years to come.

For more information about this project, contact A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical Center at 313.494.7100.

We want to tell you about some upcoming changes in Detroit Public Schools, including details about our brand new Application Period for 19 Application Schools. The programs are exciting, and we hope you consider them.

We also want to tell you directly about our Transformation Plan, which includes information about 4 schools that are candidates to become newly DPS-authorized charter schools, 4 new buildings to open in the fall, buildings that will close and programs that will be moved.

We hope you find this information useful. Please see below.

Sincerely,

The DPS Team

DPS launches New Application Period for 19 DPS Schools; Period runs now through March 15

Detroit Public Schools has kicked off the process for its 19 Application Schools for the 2012-13 school year. Families can apply now to the schools that range from a number of elementary schools to new programs such as the Dr. Benjamin Carson School of Science and Medicine, Detroit Collegiate Prep High School, and for incoming 9th graders at the East English Village Preparatory Academy, set to open in a new $46 million facility this fall.

The new five-week Application Schools period runs through March 15. Schools Applications are open to families of current DPS students as well as those newly enrolling or attending school elsewhere.

Emergency Manager Roy Roberts also announced that an Open Enrollment Period for non-application schools will follow, running from March 15-April 16.

Further information is available at 313-240-4DPS or detroitk12.org/enroll

The Application Schools are as follows:

1. Ann Arbor Trail Magnet Elementary/Middle School
2. Bates Academy
3. Ben Carson High School of Science and Medicine
4. Burton International Academy
5. Chrysler Elementary School
6. Clippert Academy
7. Communication and Media Arts High School
8. Davis Aerospace High School
9. Detroit Collegiate Preparatory Academy
10. Detroit International Academy for Young Women
11. East English Village Preparatory Academy (Application being revised)
12. Edward “Duke” Ellington Conservatory of Music and Art
13. Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies School (FLICS)
14. Golightly Education Center
15. Ludington Magnet Middle School
16. Marcus Garvey Academy
17. Nichols Elementary/Middle School
18. Paul Robeson – Malcolm X Academy
19. Spain Elementary/Middle School

Application links:

• Ann Arbor Trail Magnet School
• Bates Academy
  • 2012 Entrance Examination Schedule
  • Enrollment Requirements
• Burton International School
  • Brochure
• Chrysler Elementary School
• Clippert Academy
• Communication & Media Arts HS
• Davis Aerospace High School
  • Recommendation Letter Forms
• Detroit Collegiate Preparatory High School
  • Recommendation Letter Form
• Detroit International Academy for Young Women
  • Brochure K-12
  • Brochure K-5
• Dr. Benjamin Carson School for Science and Medicine
  • Flier
  • Thumbs.db
• Edward “Duke” Ellington Elementary-Middle School
  • Application Memo
  • Brochure
  • Flier
• East English Village Preparatory Academy
• Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies
  • Admissions Process
  • Flier
• Garvey Academy
• Golightly Education Center
  • Admission Packet
• Ludington Magnet Middle School
• Nichols Elementary-Middle School
• Paul Robeson, Malcolm X Academy
• Spain Elementary-Middle School

Application Guidelines Parents Should Know:

• All application schools have their own application process.  For example, schools may require applicants to participate in an interview, take a test or submit a portfolio of their work.
• Parents should research all the schools of their interest.  They may apply to as many schools as you wish.
• The grade point average, disciplinary record, attendance record and the interests of the child will be assessed.
• Limited slots are available at each school.
• Each school maintains a “wait-list”.
• The application period will run through March 15, 2012.  All applications must be submitted to the school of interest no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 15, 2012.
• Late applications will not be accepted.
• The decision of the school review committee is final.
• Acceptance notifications will be sent to parents no later than March 31, 2012.

****

DPS posts increases in reading exceeding state gains

Comparing new cut scores to previous scores recalculated, reading assessments improve by as much as 7.2%, while math scores steady or lower.

Alignment to core standards and new Individual Learning Plan set for all students

Detroit Public Schools posted gains in reading at nearly all grade levels on the 2011 Michigan Assessment of Educational progress (MEAP), including at the middle grades by 7.2 %, 5.6%% and 5.0% where the increases in the number of students testing proficient or above exceeded the statewide increases. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has presented data using a new scoring system for the most recent exam as well as for the three previous years.

The scores for DPS, along with all schools in Michigan, reflect a new scoring system for both the MEAP and MME (Michigan Merit Exam) that MDE implemented to better represent student progress toward proficiency in the next grade and ultimately toward college-readiness.

The percent of DPS students demonstrating proficient or advanced performance by grade tested were: Grade 3, 32.7%, down 3.5; Grade 4, 37.7%, up 2.0; Grade 5, 40.6%, up 0.2; Grade 6, 37.6%, up 7.2; Grade 7, 29.5%, up 5.6; and Grade 8, 34.6, up 5.0. By comparison, using the former scoring system, DPS student scores would have ranged from 55-73 percent proficient, increases of 3-8%.

Math scores for Detroit Public Schools students decreased or remained steady at the grade levels tested, with proficiency levels on the 2011 test with the new scoring formula ranging from 7.2 to 13.1. Under the old scoring system, those scores on this year’s test would have ranged from 51-84%.

Superintendent of Academics Karen Ridgeway stated, “The revised scoring system is a rigorous one that we accept and, in fact, Detroit Public Schools has aligned its curriculum to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), considered to be the most demanding, challenging and nationally representative assessment of school children in the U.S.”

Ridgeway said that despite the improvements in reading proficiency, Detroit Public Schools must remain focused on implementing its new academic plan which is built around NAEP, the state’s common core standards and state curriculum, and nationwide best practices.

“Going forward, we will have data-driven discussions at every school in every classroom about every child, and are creating a new mechanism that leaves no doubt about what every single student needs to know and do to meet with academic success. Beginning next fall, every student throughout the district will have a data-based individualized education plan to help pinpoint his or her strengths and weaknesses.”

The individualized education plans will be automated and built electronically from existing data systems, using tests scores from the MME, MEAP, and benchmark assessments, as well as attendance. The plans will create a new academic blueprint for teachers and staff to know each child’s needs. DPS will also introduce a new parent-friendly academic blueprint to clearly outline what children should know at each grade level. Every school will have a School Improvement Plan based on a compilation of data from all students. The District will employ the use of a performance evaluation tool for all principals and teachers.  Every principal and every teacher will be evaluated on an annual basis, per state law.

***

Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Roy Roberts has announced school changes, academic initiatives and key dates and timelines for parents for the 2012-13 school year

“I am announcing, almost four months earlier than I was in a position to do so last year, the key changes affecting our Detroit Public Schools families for the upcoming school year. By doing so early, much earlier than has traditionally been the case in Detroit, parents can make plans for enrollment and also seek information about their children’s schools,” Roberts said.

The facilities changes include closure of nine school buildings where in some cases entire programs will relocate to other buildings, four schools to become new DPS-authorized charters, and consolidation of seven outdated schools into four brand new buildings.

Academically, DPS will also begin to create an individualized learning plan for each student in the district to help pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. The individualized learning plans will be automated and built electronically from existing data systems, using tests scores from the MME, MEAP, and benchmark assessments as well as other data, such as attendance.

Roberts said, “This is a critically important time in the history of Detroit Public Schools and for our city. I have stated frequently that Detroit Public Schools must not only be a part of Detroit’s comeback, it must LEAD it. We have been using an outdated educational model that we must discard. We must embark on a bold and ambitious journey that I believe will return this City to its rightful place as the world class leader in public education, a position it once held.”

The closures and consolidations will save the school district an estimated $7.5 million annually in operating costs. First-year closing and decommissioning costs total $2.7 million.

To see all the  key components of the transitions, which collectively will directly impact one of every three current DPS students, go to http://detroitk12.org/content/2012/02/08/dps-emergency-manager-roy-roberts-announces-school-changes-academic-initiatives-key-dates-and-timelines-for-parents-for-the-2012-13-school-year/

****

TUNE IN

NEW: Detroit Public Schools is launching a new student-produced teen talk show titled “Can U Relate?” to air the third Wednesday of each month. The first segment highlighting Teen Obesity aired Wednesday Feb. 15, 2012, at 7 p.m. on 90.9 WRCJ-FM. The first segment highlighted Teen Obesity.

WATCH

DPS is on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/detroitpublicschools), and Detroit Public Schools educational and community television programming airs daily on mydetroitcable access Channel 10 at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK

We’re always talking about Great Things Happening in DPS on our Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/DetroitPublicSchoolsFanPage

WANT TO KNOW THE REAL STORY ABOUT DPS? READ OUR BLOG!

The latest:  Handled Sensitively, Good School Programs Have Moved, Grown, Successfully

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-wasko/handled-sensitively-good-_b_1275603.html

A new five-week Application Schools period runs now through March 15, 2012. Applications are open to families of current DPS students as well as those newly enrolling or attending school elsewhere.

The Application Schools are as follows:

• Ann Arbor Trail Magnet School
• Bates Academy
  • 2012 Entrance Examination Schedule
  • Enrollment Requirements
• Burton International School
  • Brochure
• Chrysler Elementary School
• Clippert Academy
• Communication & Media Arts HS
• Davis Aerospace High School
  • Recommendation Letter Forms
• Detroit Collegiate Preparatory High School
  • Recommendation Letter Form
• Detroit International Academy for Young Women
  • Brochure K-12
  • Brochure K-5
• Dr. Benjamin Carson School for Science and Medicine
  • Flier
  • Thumbs.db
• Edward “Duke” Ellington Elementary-Middle School
  • Application Memo
  • Brochure
  • Flier
• East English Village Preparatory Academy
• Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies
  • Admissions Process
  • Flier
• Garvey Academy
• Golightly Education Center
  • Admission Packet
• Ludington Magnet Middle School
• Nichols Elementary-Middle School
• Paul Robeson, Malcolm X Academy
• Spain Elementary-Middle School

Application Guidelines Parents Should Know:

• All application schools have their own application process.  For example, schools may require applicants to participate in an interview, take a test or submit a portfolio of their work.
• Parents should research all the schools of their interest.  They may apply to as many schools as you wish.
• The grade point average, disciplinary record, attendance record and the interests of the child will be assessed.
• Limited slots are available at each school.
• Each school maintains a “wait-list”.
• The application period will run through March 15, 2012.  All applications must be submitted to the school of interest no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 15, 2012.
• Late applications will not be accepted.
• The decision of the school review committee is final.
• Acceptance notifications will be sent to parents no later than March 31, 2012.

The Detroit Public School League 2011-12 boys’ and girls’ basketball champions will be decided today, Thursday, Feb. 16, in an all-Pershing vs. King doubleheader finale of the Big D tournament at the University of Detroit Mercy’s Calihan Hall.
Marking a rarity and memorably a first in PSL history, the same two schools will wage battle for the girls’ and boys’ league basketball championships, with the girls tipping off at 5 p.m. and the boys at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the Calihan Hall box office.
Halftime festivities will include the announcement of the Mr. PSL and Miss PSL awards, representative of the league’s top boy and girl player as chosen by the league’s head coaches.
The PSL All-City team, listed below, will also be acknowledged.

DPSL All-City Boys’ Basketball Team
First team
Lloyd Neely, Crockett
Sherron Dorsey-Walker, Pershing
Malik Albert, King
Kendahl Amerson, Ford
Clark Bishop, Renaissance
Second team
Martez Asberry, Douglass
Kahlil Felder, Pershing
Dennis Norfleet, King
Martez Walker, Pershing
DeAndre Johnson, Cass
Third team
DeLandon Laye, Mumford
Dazeshawn Crim, Southeastern
Ralph Wildy, CMA
Eric Wise, Osborn
Terrance Byrd, Denby

DPSL All-City Girls’ Basketball Team
First team
Caprice Dennis, Pershing
Branndais Agee, Cass
Antania Hayes, King
Creiona Posey, Cody
Raven Bankston, Mumford
Second team
Jazmine Kimbrough, Southeastern
Tranee Jenkins, Western
Dominique Staten, Osborn
Yvonne Arlee, Ford
Shavarra Patton, Northwestern
Third Team
Theresa Thomas, Central
Kenshun Kendrick, Kettering
Regine Gullette, Crockett
Raine Bankston, Mumford
Beatrice Kiel, CMA

The first segment highlighting Teen Obesity will premier today-Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 7 p.m. on 90.9 WRCJ.

Detroit School of Arts students Ania McKoy and Desare Merritt will share their struggles with weight and diabetes.

DSA senior Kristin Rice will host the program, which includes interviews with fitness expert Lazet Michaels-Boatmon and DMC Sinai-Grace President Dr. Reginald Edie. 

The program, produced by students for students, discusses topics that many students face and can easily relate to.

Future show topics will include: Bullying; Teens and Homophobia; Being Muslim; African American Hair: Twists, Dreads, Weaves; and more.

Each show will feature a different student host/hostess and student producers.

Students solicit and schedule professionals to comment on show topics to offer positive solutions to the challenges and issues faced by students.  

Executive and technical producers for the show are Beverly Morrison-Green, Detroit School of Arts Radio and Television Instructor, and Donald Walker, Program Supervisor for the Detroit Public Schools Office of Communications and 90.9 FM WRCJ. 

“Can U Relate?” is part of a Wednesday line-up of DPS programming which includes:

• “DPS Radio” airing the first Wednesday of each month to profile DPS programs, students, schools and staff
• “DPS Backstage” airing the second Wednesday of each month to showcase the fine and performing arts programs and talents of DPS students
• The upcoming “Positive Parenting,” a program designed to engage and empower DPS parents
• ALSO: “Inside DPS” airs at 7 p.m. every other Sunday to keep listeners up-to-date with DPS news and newsmakers

Detroit Public Schools posted gains in reading at nearly all grade levels on the 2011 Michigan Assessment of Educational progress (MEAP), including at the middle grades by 7.2 %, 5.6%% and 5.0% where the increases in the number of students testing proficient or above exceeded the statewide increases. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has presented data using a new scoring system for the most recent exam as well as for the three previous years.

The scores for DPS, along with all schools in Michigan, reflect a new scoring system for both the MEAP and MME (Michigan Merit Exam) that MDE implemented to better represent student progress toward proficiency in the next grade and ultimately toward college-readiness.

The percent of DPS students demonstrating proficient or advanced performance by grade tested were: Grade 3, 32.7%, down 3.5; Grade 4, 37.7%, up 2.0; Grade 5, 40.6%, up 0.2; Grade 6, 37.6%, up 7.2; Grade 7, 29.5%, up 5.6; and Grade 8, 34.6, up 5.0. By comparison, using the former scoring system, DPS student scores would have ranged from 55-73 percent proficient, increases of 3-8%.

Math scores for Detroit Public Schools students decreased or remained steady at the grade levels tested, with proficiency levels on the 2011 test with the new scoring formula ranging from 7.2 to 13.1. Under the old scoring system, those scores on this year’s test would have ranged from 51-84%.

Superintendent of Academics Karen Ridgeway stated, “The revised scoring system is a rigorous one that we accept and, in fact, Detroit Public Schools has aligned its curriculum to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), considered to be the most demanding, challenging and nationally representative assessment of school children in the U.S.”

Ridgeway said that despite the improvements in reading proficiency, Detroit Public Schools must remain focused on implementing its new academic plan which is built around NAEP, the state’s common core standards and state curriculum, and nationwide best practices.

“Going forward, we will have data-driven discussions at every school in every classroom about every child, and are creating a new mechanism that leaves no doubt about what every single student needs to know and do to meet with academic success. Beginning next fall, every student throughout the district will have a data-based individualized education plan to help pinpoint his or her strengths and weaknesses.”

The individualized education plans will be automated and built electronically from existing data systems, using tests scores from the MME, MEAP, and benchmark assessments, as well as attendance. The plans will create a new academic blueprint for teachers and staff to know each child’s needs. DPS will also introduce a new parent-friendly academic blueprint to clearly outline what children should know at each grade level. Every school will have a School Improvement Plan based on a compilation of data from all students. The District will employ the use of a performance evaluation tool for all principals and teachers.  Every principal and every teacher will be evaluated on an annual basis, per state law.

Fans jam the stands at Renaissance High for the Big D boys' basketball semifinals

In the semifinals of the Big D boys’ basketball tournament Tuesday at Renaissance High School, a capacity crowd saw Pershing defeat Southeastern 76-65 and King beat Crockett 69-67 to set up an all King vs. Pershing Detroit Public School League basketball championship doubleheader Thursday at the University of Detroit Mercy’s Calihan Hall.
The same two schools will wage battle for the PSL girls’ and boys’ championships, with the girls tipping off at 5 p.m. and the boys at 7:30 p.m.
Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased in advance at the Calihan Hall box office