Inside• Registration Information 2

• Class of 2005 3-6

• K-16 Education Rally 7

• Ready, Set, Go! 8

Livonia Public Schools: Livonia Public Schools: Livonia Public Schools: Teaming together to ensure learning for all!Teaming together to ensure learning for all!Teaming together to ensure learning for all!www.livonia.k12.mi.us. • Serving portions of Livonia & Westland • www.livonia.k12.mi.us. • Serving portions of Livonia & Westland • www.livonia.k12.mi.us. • Serving portions of Livonia & Westland • Vol. 33 No. 6Vol. 33 No. 6Vol. 33 No. 6 July 2005 July 2005 July 2005

Potpourri

SPECIAL Graduation Issue

(continued on page 2)

August 29 First Day of SchoolSept. 2-5 Labor Day RecessNov. 8 Elementary Work Day / Secondary Curriculum Day - No school Nov. 16-18 Elementary Parent/Teacher conferencesNov. 24-25 Thanksgiving RecessNov. 28 Professional Development Day - No schoolDec. 21-Jan. 2 Winter RecessJan. 16 Teacher Work Day - No schoolFeb 20-24 Mid-winter RecessApril 14-21 Spring RecessApril 27 Professional Development Day - No schoolMay 29 Memorial Day RecessJune 8 Last Day of School

lnr 2005-06

Vision and hearing screenings scheduled this summerThe Wayne County Health Department will offer free vision and hearing screenings for children ages 3-18 on Tuesday, July 12 from 8:30-noon and August 18 from 8:30-11:30 & 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the Pearson Education Center, 19990 Beech Daly Rd. (just south of 8 Mile.) For more information call 734-727-7135 (or 7136.)

Community Education brochure to be mailed in AugustThe Community Education bro-chure will be mailed to all resi-dents the week of August 1, 2005. Most classes begin the week of September 19. Registration will start upon receipt of brochure which can also be downloaded at www.livonia.k12.mi.us/programs/ces/enrichment.html after August 1.

Immunization Clinics to be heldOakwood Healthcare System is offering child immunization clinics August 27, 29, 31 & Sept. 7. Log on to www.livonia.k12.mi.us/district/immunizations.html or call 313-586-5492.

Graduation DVDs availableA DVD of each LPS high school commencement ceremony is avail-able through the Community Rela-tions Offi ce for only $20. Forms were sent home in the most recent high school newsletters. Parents or other relatives interested in obtaining a copy should call (734) 744-2522 or email your request to: hallpass@livonia.k12.mi.us.

District retains programs after trimming $3 million from ‘05-’06 budgetThe Board of Education passed a $160 million budget in June reflecting approximately $3.5 million in cost saving/revenue generating actions and service reduc-tions. This is the fourth consecutive year the district has been forced to make budget reductions, totaling $19 million over that time period.

The reason for this action is a combination of a funding freeze from the state, increased mandated costs, such as health care and retirement plans and declining enrollments, which next year may total nearly 50 students.

“The budget reductions covered all departments, but the majority of the reductions,

about 60%, came in the areas of administrative and operational support,” said Dr. Randy Liepa, superintendent. “We still are concerned about our ability to maintain our programs in the future if the school funding issue is not resolved.”

“However, in spite of the need to make these budget reductions again this year, we

(continued on page 7)

Channels 15 & 19

The Livonia Public Schools Demographic Committee con-tinues to meet to study data about projected student enroll-ments, facility capacity, and learning configurations.

The goal of the committee is to explore attendance boundar-ies and facility utilization that would promote the efficient and cost effective expenditures of the limited financial resources of the district and to explore what would best meet the edu-cational needs of our students and community.

By: Lisa Levesque, Director of Finance

Update:

Demographics committee continues study of future district needs

lo

Livonia Public Schools:Teaming together to ensure learning for all!www.livonia.k12.mi.us. Serving portions of Livonia & WestlandJuly 2005 • Vol. 33 No. 6

Dialog is an offi cial publication of the Livonia Public Schools. It is published regularly and mailed to residents of the Livonia School District as a public service. We encourage your response. All correspondence should be addressed to:

15125 Farmington Rd.Livonia, MI 48154.Mary Pat Benoit,Jay A. Young, APR, Co-Editors

Livonia Public Schools Foundation

The quality of the education our schools provide will determine our children’s ability to succeed in the workplace, in college. . .in our changing world. To remain the best, our schools need public AND private support.

If you would like to make a tax deductible dona-tion for the future of our children, please make a check payable to LPS Foundation and send it to: 15125 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI 48154.

There will be a dramatic change in the student reg-istration process for the 2005-2006 school year. In an effort to make the process convenient for parents, all registration will be centralized. Students of all grade levels will now be enrolled in one place.

In the past, parents enrolled their child at each build-ing they attended. For some, families might have made

Student registration centralized for 2005-2006 school yearBy: Rodney Hosman, Director of Administrative Services

Demographics (continued from page 1)

The committee is com-posed of three sub commit-tees: “Guiding Principles,” “Learning Configurations,” and “Demographics.”

Over the past several months, the “Guiding Principles” com-mittee has spent time asking the Livonia Public Schools community to respond to a survey. The committee asked the following question: As we consider changes to the district, what do you want the commit-tee to be thinking about? As a result of the responses from parents, staff, students and oth-ers, the committee developed a document that included the following guiding principles the committee will consider during their study of the district:

1. Educational programs are a priority over non-essential facility expenses.

2. Attendance boundaries need to be reexamined to create equitable learning and working environments across the district.

3. Low class size is a prior-ity for all stakeholder groups.

4. Specialized and innova-tive programs are necessary to

meet diverse student needs and contribute to “the marketabil-ity” of Livonia Public Schools.

5. Sixth graders may have a unique set of social/emotional/academic needs. Parents and staff have different feelings about how these should be met.

6. Transition time and proactive communication about any changes is essential.

The “Learning Configura-tion” subcommittee has spent considerable time studying cur-rent literature about the opti-mum learning environment for our students.

The “Demographics” sub-committee is studying data about projected student enroll-ments, building sizes and loca-tions.

This fall the full Demo-graphics Committee will be making a recommendation to the Board of Education about the configuration of the district based on the studies and models developed by the three sub-committees.

Mall exhibits student photos

2

trips to three different buildings to complete the enrollment pro-cess. This process will now take place in the back building at the Board of Education Offices at 15125 Farmington Road. Hours of enrollment will be 8:00 am to 3:00 pm beginning August 1. Documents parents need to bring in order to ensure that the enrollment process goes smoothly include: an origi-nal birth certificate, complete immunization records, and cur-rent school records (report card or transcript.) A valid drivers license will be

needed for identification. Proof of residency will also need to be shown. For homeowners, this includes two of the following:closing papers, city tax bill, cer-tificate of occupancy, homestead property exemption, proof of home insurance, or voter reg-

istration card. Renters of com-mercial properties will need to show a lease with proper names and signatures.

If children are placed with the parent through the courts, the custody papers need to be presented. If your student receives special services or has a health concern, we need that information at the time of enrollment.

For other living/housing situ-ations not listed here, there are other specific requirements.

In the future there may be special registration times and locations established to accom-modate parents’ work schedules. These will be published in the local newspapers and on our Web site.

If you have any questions please call 734-744-2541 for further instructions.

Parents of 4th grade students from Buchanan and Cooper schools admire student photo-graphs exhibited at the Laurel Park Place Mall. This is the cul-minating activity of a program entitled “Through the Eyes of a Child” taught by Monte Nagler.

Seventy students at CHS received one or more academic or athletic scholarships for a college or university of their choice. Amounts range from less than $100 to several thousand dollars for a one-time-only or multi-year arrangement.

There were 62 graduates who qualified for membership to the National Honor Society (NHS). The pillars of the NHS are based on scholastics, character, leadership, and community service. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. Letters of recommendation are required from teachers and members of the community.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest scholastic fraternity in the United States that recognizes high school students that earn a 3.75 GPA during a student’s 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years. Phi Beta Kappa has a 55 year tradition of presenting certificates to deserving students. This year, 70 students were selected to join Phi Beta Kappa.

National Merit Finalists represent the top one-half of one percent of students nationally who compete by taking the PSAT and the SAT tests as juniors and seniors. Generally, these students are awarded scholarships from universities and/or US corporations. Congratulations to the following stu-dents who qualified as National Merit Finalists this year: Samuel M. Bhagwat, Michael Ye Han, and Travis A. Love.

Many Churchill students received academic honors this school year. Forty-three seniors earned Summa Cum Laude honors by achieving a cummulative grade point average of 3.95 or above on a 4.0 scale. Thirty seniors earned Magna Cum Laude honors by achieving a cummulative GPA of 3.75-3.94. Forty-two seniors earned Cum Laude honors by achieving a cummulative GPA of 3.50-3.74.

Class of 2005Churchill High School

“My four years at Churchill High School have, by far, been the best four years of my life. Granted, many things have happened in the world throughout our high school years that have had huge impacts on each of us individually, but I really feel like the class of 2005 bond goes further than that. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the close knit family we’ve become over the years. We’ve each had an amazing experience during this important part of our lives at CHS. Although we’ll all be going our separate ways, I’m sure that everyone will remain a Churchill Charger in their hearts forever.” - K Mrg

“My high school experience has been amazing! I feel so lucky to have attended such a great school, sur-rounded by such great people. I will never forget my time at Churchill, and I know that my experiences will shape my life for years to come.” - Jny Hr

By: Rodney Hosman, Director of Administrative Services

Class of 2005Franklin High School

Fifty-eight students at FHS received one or more academic or athletic scholarships for a college or university of their choice. Amounts range from less than $100 to several thousand dollars for a one-time-only or multi-year arrangement.

There were 26 FHS students who were members of the National Honor Society (NHS). The pil-lars of the NHS are based on scholastics, character, leadership, and community service. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. Letters of recommendation are required from teachers and mem-bers of the community.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest scholastic fraternity in the United States that recognizes high school students that earn a 3.75 GPA during a student’s 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years. Phi Beta Kappa has a 55 year tradition of presenting certificates to deserving students. This year, 49 Franklin students were selected to join.

We are proud of the Franklin students who received academic honors this school year. Twenty-seven seniors earned Summa Cum Laude honors by achieving a cummulative grade point average of 3.95 or above on a 4.0 scale. Nineteen seniors earned Magna Cum Laude honors by achieving a cum-mulative GPA of 3.75-3.94. Forty-five seniors earned Cum Laude honors by achieving a cummulative GPA of 3.50-3.74.

“I’ll never forget the magic and memories that is Franklin High School. Four years of laughter, love, joys and tears have come and gone with the best group of friends and mentors a guy could have. As we don our caps and gowns of red, let us remember the love that we have for one another...and with it the magic and memories that will never die.” - Brn Per

“I feel that during the past four years, I have really grown and trans-formed as an individual; and if some-day my teachers and peers look back on their experiences and the mention of my name puts a smile upon their face, only then can all my achievements add up to success.” - Dv Sim

Above:

Two Korean War veterans received their diplomas at the Franklin Commencement Cer-emony along with the class of 2005.

Complete listings of the MEAP Merit Scholarship and Michigan Competitive Scholarship winners; Western Wayne Skill Center certificate and

diploma recipients; and Adult and GED graduates are listed on the LPS Web site: www.livonia.k12.mi.us.

At SHS, 69 students received one or more academic or athletic scholarships for a college or university of their choice. Amounts range from less than $100 to several thousand dollars for a one-time-only or multi-year arrangement.

There were 49 graduates who qualified for membership to the National Honor Society (NHS). The pillars of the NHS are based on scholastics, character, leadership, and community service. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. Letters of recommendation are required from teachers and members of the community.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest scholastic fraternity in the United States that recognizes high school students that earn a 3.75 GPA during a student’s 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years. Phi Beta Kappa has a 55 year tradition of presenting certificates to deserving students. This year, 67 Stevenson stu-dents were selected to join Phi Beta Kappa.

Many Stevenson students received academic honors this school year. Forty-one seniors earned Cum Laude honors by achieving a cummulative grade point average of 3.95 or above on a 4.0 scale. Thirty-eight seniors earned Magna Cum Laude honors by achieving a cummulative GPA of 3.75-3.94. Thirty-two seniors earned Summa Cum Laude honors by achieving a cummulative GPA of 3.50-3.74.

Class of 2005Stevenson High School

“My four years at Stevenson allowed me to grow both academically and as a person. I was challenged intel-lectually and athletically. Through the opportunities afforded to me at SHS, I feel fully prepared for my future endeavors. “ - Mcha J. C

“These past four years at Stevenson have been amazing and have truly shaped me into who I am today. I thank and will miss all the students, teachers, and staff members. I will always keep all the memories at SHS dear to my heart.” - Dne Lnr

The Mathematics/Science/Computer (MSC) program at Churchill High School was founded in 1985. It is composed of students from all three Livonia high schools who qualify for this advanced academic program based on academic test scores, an application process, and teacher recommendations. Seniors Kaitlyn C. Moran, Timothy W. Francisco, and Michael Ye Han received awards of excellence this year.

Founded in 1986, the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) program offers an in-depth study of drama, dance, music, and the visual arts. The curriculum is designed to teach classical and con-temporary art forms. Guest artists are on campus to instruct and critique students in workshops/seminars and masters classes. Con-gratulations to Julie B. Sieron, Danielle F. DeNapoli, and Stefan M. Petrat-Reum who received honors in Vocal Music.

The Livonia Career/Technical Center (LC/TC), offers career and technical training in five of the six career pathways established by the Michigan Department of Career Development. Nearly 700 students from all three high schools participated in two or three hour classes this year. The following students have been honored for their efforts at the Career Center: Jarrod C. Brown (CHS), Travis M. Decapite (SHS), Stephen Franklin (FHS), Joseph Gauci (CHS), Amy M. Hamlin (SHS), Matthew R. Miller (CHS), Michelle L. Nickerson, Garrett Radford (FHS), Jacob Renner (FHS), Ryan Trzcinski (CHS), Bryan Vezina (FHS), and Nicole A. Zynda (SHS)

The adult education programs at Dickinson consist of High School Completion (HSC), General Education Development (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Educa-tion (ABE), in addition to skill centers at various GM and Ford automotive plants throughout the area. Twenty-four students graduated from the Alternative and Adult Education Program, and there were 37 GED graduates.

The purpose of the Western Wayne Transition Program is to provide vocational evaluation, prevocational training, and special education vocational training at job-entry level. The program provides half-day and full-day services for a wide range of handi-capped students between the ages of 16 and 26. This year, 99 stu-dents received vocational training certificates and/or high school diplomas.

Dickinson Center

MSC Creative & Performing Arts

Career Technical Center Western Wayne Skill Center

Class of 2005

Creative & Performing Arts

Western Wayne Skill Center

LPS joins rally to support educationOver 40 parents, teachers and administrators from LPS joined 11,000 other concerned citizens from across the state for a K-16 coalition rally in Lansing last month to demonstrate support for educational funding.

The rally, representing over 500 K-12 school districts and state colleges and universities, was addressed by the governor on the Capitol steps. “We need to invest in education because there simply is no other road to economic success,” Granholm (pictured right) told the huge crowd.

She also told the coalition members that additional invest-ment in education must be accompanied by a mechanism for paying for that invest-ment. The fight for meaningful investment in education, she said, must begin with the 2006 state budget.

Granholm has proposed increasing the K-12 education foundation allowance by $175 per pupil across-the-board and an increase in funding for at-risk students. Her funding proposal increases the K-12 budget by $330 million, while resolving over $3 billion in bud-get deficits.

Above:

Over 11,000 Michigan parents, students, and educators marched to the steps of the state Capitol build-ing to support increased educational funding.

The proposed foundation allowance increase will mean a $3.5 million revenue increase for LPS next year. That will help offset a $400,000 decrease in revenue due to a projected loss of enrollment.

For more information about the K-16 coalition and the educational funding crisis, log on to: www.michigank16.org.

Teachers union approves next year’s contractThe 1,200 members of the Livonia Education Associa-tion (LEA) and the Board of Education voted to approve a one year work agreement in a vote taken just prior to the end of the school year. Highlights of the contract call for a 2.1% salary increase and a change in health care coverage to Blue Cross PPO including increased prescription co-pays which will save the district in excess of $1.5 million.

It also includes a calendar change that includes five fewer instructional days, the time made up by an additional 12 minutes of instruction per day.

According to chief nego-tiator Steve Smith, the agree-ment, which will take effect on

August 1, is seen as a “win-win” for both sides. “This is the first time in many years we have been able to negotiate a settlement prior to the end of a school year, Smith said.

“That is a definite advantage over having to expend valuable time and energy over the sum-mer and fall and allows us to do some advanced planning for the next school year.”

The district has seven bar-gaining units, including the LEA. Typically the settlement of the largest group triggers agreements with the other units, several of whom are close to agreement, according to Smith.

The district and its unions are negotiating only one year agreements due to the volatile nature of school funding and the uncertainty of future state funding levels.

were able to maintain nearly all academic program offerings, thus maintaining an outstand-ing array of exceptional pro-grams and services for students in the communities we serve,” Dr. Liepa concluded.

The budget also anticipates some additional revenues from other sources, including a “pay to participate” program at the secondary level and revenues from the lease of the Dickinson Center.

The pay to participate plan calls for families of middle school athletes to pay $50 for the first sport, with each subse-quent sport at no cost, and no charge for non athletic activi-ties. At the high school level, the first sport will cost $100,

Budgetwith each subsequent sport at no cost. Activities, such as student government, drama or marching band will cost stu-dents $50 for the first activity, with each subsequent activity at no cost. There is a cap of $400 (athletics and activities combined) per family per year. This plan is estimated to gener-ate approximately $150,000 in additional revenue.

The Board also entered into a five year agreement to lease the 100,000 square foot Dick-inson Center, located on New-burg Road, to The Academy of Broadcast Arts. This arrange-ment will bring the district nearly $1 million per year in revenues.

(cont. from page 1)

2004-2005 Board of EducationKevin Whitehead, PresidentDaniel P. Lessard, Vice PresidentLynda L. Scheel, SecretaryTom Bailey, TrusteeRobert J. Freeman, TrusteeCynthia Markarian, TrusteeJoanne M. Morgan, Trustee

Dr. Randy Liepa, Superintendent

Postal CustomerLivonia Public Schools

s t Prts

Nonprofit OrganizationUS Postage PaidWestland MichiganPermit # 316

“Ready, Set, Go!” A Livonia Public Schools’ initiative, designed to support families as well as caregivers of young children, will debut in the fall of 2005.

In the meantime, please enjoy these

activities and strategies to support

learning for the young children in

your life.

We Love Chores!

Children need to know from a

very early age that it takes every-

one in the family, including them,

to “keep the household running.”

By having them help you with

chores, and teaching them the

skills to do chores, you help them

build confidence and self-esteem.

So, when you can, work

together as a family. When you

are cleaning the basement, prepar-

ing a meal, doing laundry or pulling

weeds, young children can help.

They enjoy being with you and

feel very proud when you can say

“Thanks, I couldn’t have finished so

quickly without you!”

As an added benefit, you are

exposing them to a lot of lan-

guage in a really meaningful way.

Coming Soon – “Ready, Set, Go!”During the first five years of life, children’s brains develop at an amazing rate. From

birth through age five, children are developing the language, thinking, physical, emotional and social skills that they will need for the rest of their lives. The experiences children have throughout this critical time can make a huge impact on this development. That is why the Livonia Public Schools staff, through “Ready, Set, Go!” will offer learning activities, discipline strategies, research reviews, and other helpful hints to families and caregivers of young chil-dren. This information will be available on the Livonia Public Schools’ web site, cable televi-sion Channels 15 and 19, the district newsletter Dialog, and at meetings.

When cooking, just think of all

of the talking you can do about

measurements, temperatures,

ingredients, textures, and so forth.

Every activity that you share with

a young child is an opportunity to

teach them new things!

Skills Built: Responsibility, daily

living skills, self-esteem and lan-

guage skills.

Note: The Livonia Public Schools, consistent with the

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is committed

to ensuring that communications with individuals with

disabilities are as effective as communications with

others and will furnish appropriate aids and services

where necessary to meet this commitment. Persons

desiring further information should contact Bob

Dietiker at 734-744-2500.

Notes from ResearchCatherine Snow, an expert in early lan-guage development, found that parents who talk with and explain things to their children help them to learn many new words. Children who know and understand a wide variety of words are more successful in learning to read and write when they enter school.

“Touchy Feely” Drawing

and Writing

Butter a cookie sheet, show

your child how to use his finger

to draw or write, and then erase

in the coating of butter. Or, put a

shallow layer of salt in a pie pan,

show your child how to draw or

write in the salt, and then have her

give it a small shake to erase and

start over.

Activities like this increase fine

motor skills which are needed for

drawing, writing, tracing and cut-

ting. And the talking that you do

with your child during this activity

will increase language skills.

You might say, “You are making

lots of big circles! I am going to

make one big square and one little

square.” You will be using words

like: slippery, smooth, grainy, slow,

fast, as well as names of pictures,

shapes, sizes, letters and numbers.

And your child is also practicing

taking turns, a very important skill

for school and for life!

Skills Built: Language skills and

use of small muscles in the hand.

The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits

unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color,

religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital

status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational

programs or activities. The following person has

been designated to handle inquiries regarding the

nondiscrimination policies: Assistant Superintendent of

Human Resources 15125 Farmington Road Livonia, MI

48154 (734) 744-2501.

2004-2005 Board of EducationKevin Whitehead, PresidentDaniel P. Lessard, Vice PresidentLynda L. Scheel, SecretaryTom Bailey, TrusteeRobert J. Freeman, TrusteeCynthia Markarian, TrusteeJoanne M. Morgan, Trustee

Dr. Randy Liepa, Superintendent

Postal CustomerLivonia Public Schools

s t Prts

Nonprofit OrganizationUS Postage PaidLivonia MichiganPermit # 36

“Ready, Set, Go!” A Livonia Public Schools’ initiative, designed to support families as well as caregivers of young children, will debut in the fall of 2005.

In the meantime, please enjoy these

activities and strategies to support

learning for the young children in

your life.

We Love Chores!

Children need to know from a

very early age that it takes every-

one in the family, including them,

to “keep the household running.”

By having them help you with

chores, and teaching them the

skills to do chores, you help them

build confidence and self-esteem.

So, when you can, work

together as a family. When you

are cleaning the basement, prepar-

ing a meal, doing laundry or pulling

weeds, young children can help.

They enjoy being with you and

feel very proud when you can say

“Thanks, I couldn’t have finished so

quickly without you!”

As an added benefit, you are

exposing them to a lot of lan-

guage in a really meaningful way.

Coming Soon – “Ready, Set, Go!”During the first five years of life, children’s brains develop at an amazing rate. From

birth through age five, children are developing the language, thinking, physical, emotional and social skills that they will need for the rest of their lives. The experiences children have throughout this critical time can make a huge impact on this development. That is why the Livonia Public Schools staff, through “Ready, Set, Go!” will offer learning activities, discipline strategies, research reviews, and other helpful hints to families and caregivers of young chil-dren. This information will be available on the Livonia Public Schools’ web site, cable televi-sion Channels 15 and 19, the district newsletter Dialog, and at meetings.

When cooking, just think of all

of the talking you can do about

measurements, temperatures,

ingredients, textures, and so forth.

Every activity that you share with

a young child is an opportunity to

teach them new things!

Skills Built: Responsibility, daily

living skills, self-esteem and lan-

guage skills.

Note: The Livonia Public Schools, consistent with the

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is committed

to ensuring that communications with individuals with

disabilities are as effective as communications with

others and will furnish appropriate aids and services

where necessary to meet this commitment. Persons

desiring further information should contact Bob

Dietiker at 734-744-2500.

Notes from ResearchCatherine Snow, an expert in early lan-guage development, found that parents who talk with and explain things to their children help them to learn many new words. Children who know and understand a wide variety of words are more successful in learning to read and write when they enter school.

“Touchy Feely” Drawing

and Writing

Butter a cookie sheet, show

your child how to use his finger

to draw or write, and then erase

in the coating of butter. Or, put a

shallow layer of salt in a pie pan,

show your child how to draw or

write in the salt, and then have her

give it a small shake to erase and

start over.

Activities like this increase fine

motor skills which are needed for

drawing, writing, tracing and cut-

ting. And the talking that you do

with your child during this activity

will increase language skills.

You might say, “You are making

lots of big circles! I am going to

make one big square and one little

square.” You will be using words

like: slippery, smooth, grainy, slow,

fast, as well as names of pictures,

shapes, sizes, letters and numbers.

And your child is also practicing

taking turns, a very important skill

for school and for life!

Skills Built: Language skills and

use of small muscles in the hand.

The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits

unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color,

religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital

status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational

programs or activities. The following person has

been designated to handle inquiries regarding the

nondiscrimination policies: Assistant Superintendent of

Human Resources 15125 Farmington Road Livonia, MI

48154 (734) 744-2501.