FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2019

Dearborn starting early college for education majors

Next fall, Dearborn Public Schools will start its fourth combined high school and associate degree program, this one focused on educating future educators.

Henry Ford Early College – School of Education will allow students to get degrees in child development or pre-education for elementary, secondary or special education.  Students can also leave with a paraprofessional certificate, giving them the option to work as a classroom aide while they pursue their bachelor’s degree at a four-year university.

The new School of Education joins three other Dearborn Public School programs that allow students in five years to both complete high school and earn an associate degree or professional certification, all at no cost to the family. All of the programs are possible through a partnership between the school district and Henry Ford College.  The three Henry Ford Early College programs are housed on the college campus, including existing programs focused on healthcare and manufacturing-related careers.  Another program, the Henry Ford Collegiate Academy, is a mix of traditional high school classes at Dearborn High, Edsel Ford or Fordson and courses at Henry Ford College.

Since the first early college started in 2007, Dearborn Public Schools has had more than 230 students graduate from the five-year programs.

Students in the School of Education will be able to get hands-on experience in classrooms across Dearborn Schools.  Eighth graders were allowed to apply to the college earlier this school year, although the program only recently received official state approval.  The School of Education is open to students from across Wayne County.  It will accept about 50 students each year.

“It’s going to be great,” said Early College Principal Majed Fadlallah.  Graduates from the program could help fill what is expected to be a growing teacher shortage in Michigan and around the country, Fadlallah said.

Dearborn School students enrolled in the combined high school/college programs are allowed to participate in traditional high school activities like sports and clubs back at their home high schools through 12^th grade.  The district provides busing from the home high schools to the Early College programs.

“Dearborn Public Schools is grateful and proud to be able to offer our students these early college programs in cooperation with Henry Ford College.  Whether we are helping launch students directly into a career or giving them a head start on a university degree, we understand these programs are a great asset to our students, our families and our community,” said Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2019
Contact: Danene Charles, Coordinator, Affective Education
(313) 827-8330 charled@dearbonschools.org
David Mustonen, Director, Communications
(313) 827-3006 MustonD@dearbornschools.org

April 26 is second annual Care to the Core Day

Schools long ago moved beyond the basic reading, writing and arithmetic in their curriculum.

Teaching students to be considerate and to avoid or resolve conflicts improves student behavior and school safety, reduces disruptions, and helps students succeed both in school and outside the classroom far into the future.  Dearborn Public Schools has a number of programs that work to improve school environment by fostering communication, respect and caring.

On Friday, April 26, most Dearborn Public Schools will highlight the great ways they are working to improve their school environment and grow future leaders during the second annual Care to the Core Day.  Each school will participate in an activity centered on helping students resolve conflicts, understanding the impacts of their behaviors, and creating a safer school environment.

Some schools are planning activities such as a No One Eats Alone lunch or a Leadership Day to learn more about interacting with special needs students.  Other schools may be focused on one of several programs that improve student relationships and/or minimize bullying behavior such as Leader in Me, STAND (Students Taking a New Direction), PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), Restorative Practices or PlayWorks.

A link to a master schedule of events can be found on the District’s webpage www.dearbornschools.org.  Parents and community members are invited to visit a Dearborn Public School on April 26 to experience the types of activities that Dearborn Schools are doing to promote a positive environment that nurtures student success.  The District will also be covering several of the events on social media including the District Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.  Look for #Care2Core19.

Creating safe schools and a safe community is a city-wide effort in which partners work together to reach all community members and build a bully-free culture throughout the city of Dearborn.  Care to the Core Day is part of a district-wide plan that, through community partnerships and effective student-driven initiatives, is focused on identifying and stopping bullying behavior.

“This is our eighth year of hosting anti-bullying activities, which shows our District’s commitment to addressing culture and climate in our schools.  This commitment goes beyond preventing bullying behavior.  It is about creating an environment where all feel safe and welcome and how that climate impacts learning,” said Superintendent Glenn Maleyko. “We look forward to showing others how each school in our District is working to make a better school environment where all students will succeed.”

For more information about the Care to the Core Day and Dearborn Public Schools response to bullying initiatives, contact Danene Charles at 313-827-8330 or charled@dearbornschools.org

###

PR 38- Care to the Core Salina caring chain – Students at Salina Elementary look at a caring chain wrapped through the hallways during the 2018 Care to the Core event in Dearborn Public Schools.  Each link of the chain lists an act of kindness shown between students. This year’s Care to the Core Day is scheduled for April 26.

PR 38 Care to the Core HFEC cleanup –Henry Ford Early College students participate in a campus cleanup during the 2018 Care to the Core Day held by Dearborn Public Schools. Care to the Core highlights activities that foster better behavior between students and improve the school environment. This year’s Care to the Core Day is set for April 26.

April 2019: School Library Month

SCHOOL LIBRARY MONTH

WHEREAS, effective school library programs staffed by certified school librarians/library media specialists are integral to a quality educational program and have a high impact on increasing student achievement; and,

WHEREAS, effective school library programs contribute to a well-rounded education and positively affect the climate and culture of schools; and,

WHEREAS, effective school library programs equalize access to print and digital resources for all students; and,

WHEREAS, school librarians/library media specialists teach students the skills they need to access, evaluate, and use information throughout their lives; and,

WHEREAS, school librarians/library media specialists are leaders in technology integration and digital learning in their schools; and,

WHEREAS, school libraries not only are places where information can be found, but also are places that can bring pleasure and recreation to students for many years to come; and,

WHEREAS, effective school library programs contribute to an interest in lifelong learning and enhance the learner’s quality of life;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2019 as School Library Month in all public schools in the State of Michigan, and I urge all school boards, superintendents, school administrators, teachers, students, and citizens to join me in recognizing school libraries for the outstanding services they provide.

Gov. Whitmer’s Proclamation