On Monday, February 18, the Board of Education held a special meeting hosted by the

Superintendent’s Evaluation and Succession Planning Committee, to narrow down the search firms that they would like to interview that would help with the selection of the District’s next superintendent. Superintendent George C. Heitsch will be retiring in June 2019.

The Board decided to offer interviews to the following firms: Hazard Young Attea Associates from Schaumburg, Illinois, McPherson Jacobson, LLC from Omaha, Nebraska, Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), and Ray & Associates from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As of Monday, February 25, McPherson Jacobson, LLC withdrew from consideration.

The Board of Education conduct-ed interviews with the three firms in a special meeting on Wednesday, Febru-ary 27 and selected MASB to run the search.

Updates on the Search will be posted on the District’s website at www.farmington.k12.mi.us.

Battle of the Middles XIV scores big for charity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2International Baccalaureate options offered in FPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2018-2019 Outstanding Teachers of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Chris O’Brien to take over principal duties at Harrison High School . . . . . 3Community Coffees with the Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3High School Theater Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Kindergarten Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4FFHEF Grant & Donor Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Community Dialogues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Awards and Achievements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Neighborhood House Annual Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Farmington Area PTA Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Harrison High School Legacy - Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Farmington Public Schools’ Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7March is Reading Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Save the Date: George Heitsch Retirement Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8FFHEF - “Get on the Bus Tour” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Early Childhood Grant Programs Open House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Senior Adult Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Section 105 School of Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

WinterQuarterly News Update

March 2019 • Volume 41 • No. 3

Board of Education selects the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) to run the search for the next FPS Superintendent due to Dr. Heitsch’s retirement in June 2019

In a special meeting held on Friday, February 1, the Farmington Public Schools’ Board of Education elected trustee Pam Green to serve as President.

Pam Green was elected to the Board of Edu-cation in November 2018. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education and her Masters in Elemen-tary Education from Eastern Michigan University. Additionally, Pam received her Education Special-ist and Administration Degrees from Wayne State University.

Pam served as an elementary teacher for twenty years and an elementary administrator for eleven years with Farmington Public Schools. She par-ticipated in the Galileo Leadership Academy and

the Farmington Leadership Academy. Pam was recognized as the FPS/Oakland County/WDIV Teacher of the Year during her career with Farmington Public Schools. Upon retiring, Pam began supervising student teachers at Eastern Michigan University.

As a community member and educa-tor, Pam has served on numerous district

committees and has been involved in a wide range of community service activities including

beginning the Bountiful Backpack Program, which provides food for students on the weekends. Pam has served as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout Leader, an Odyssey of the Mind Coach, PTA Teacher Representative, and a mentor for the Oakland County Intermediate School District Aspiring Principal Academy. Pam began the Leader in Me Program at Hillside Elementary. She received the Distinguished Ser-vice Award for her involvement with the PTA. Pam has lived in Farmington/Farmington Hills for 31 years. She is married and has a blended family of five children. All five of her children have attended Farmington Public Schools. Two of her children are graduates of Farmington High School and another received his Certification of Completion from Visions Unlimited. Pam was an active parent who was involved with her children’s athletic, academic, and extracurricular activities.

UpDate

Superintendent George C.Heitschset to retire in June 2019.

Pam Green, chossen as President of Farmington Public Schools’ Board of Education

Pam Green elected President of the Farmington Public Schools’ Board of Education

Recently, Hillside students participated in Community Day - “Hillside Serve” where they visited and read to seniors at Brookdale Senior Center as one of the activities.

2 UpDate - Winter Farmington Public Schools

Board of Education

In December, the middle school staff in Farming-ton Public Schools (FPS) took to the basketball court to raise money for two local charities. The Battle of the Middles pits the staff of the NORTH - Warner Middle School and Farm-ington STEAM Academy against the staff of the SOUTH - Power Middle School and East Middle School on the basketball court to raise money, food, and toys for Farm-ington area families in need.

This year, Battle of the Middles raised a re-cord amount of $15,000 for Neighborhood House of Farmington/Farmington Hills and the Farmington Area Goodfellows.

Over the past decade, the Battle of the Middles has helped raise more than $92,400 and collected countless canned goods and toys. This event would not be possible without the tremendous support of our Battle Crew: Kathy Koperski (Warner), Whitney Tyner (East), Bryan Lamble (STEAM), and Michele Laramie (Power). FPS is grateful to our local community, students, families, and Farmington Public Schools’ staff for helping us bring joy to so many others this holiday season.

“May your hearts be full knowing that, together, we have made a difference for so many families in need,” stated the Battle Crew.

“Thank you so very, very much again to the event leaders and organizers Kathy Koperski and Whitney Tyner, team leaders Bryan Lamble and Michele Laramie, all the players, and to the countless other teach-ers, administrators, and staff who gave so much of themselves to make this year’s Battle of the Middles such a great suc-cess,” stated Alan Maxey, president of Neighbor-hood House. “This does so much to help those who are in need and makes life a little better for them during the holi-

day season, as well as throughout the year.” Neighborhood House of Farmington/Farmington

Hills is a local charitable organization that is affiliated with the Farmington Area Goodfellows. It is wholly supported by the local community and operates year-round to help local, needy families and individuals in Farmington and Farmington Hills regain their well-be-ing and get back on their feet in the wake of financial or economic hardship and distress.

Board of Education Meeting Dates2019March 12 May 21March 26 June 4April 16 June 18May 7 2019/2020August 20

All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Lewis Schulman Administrative Center located at 32500 Shiawassee Street (between Farmington and Power Roads) in Farmington. Meetings are cablecast LIVE on TV-10.

Battle of the Middles XIV scores big for charity

Pamela S. Green President

Terry L. Johnson Vice PresidentAngie F. Smith

SecretaryZach T. Rich

TreasurerJessica B. Cummings

Trustee Richard D. Mukamal

TrusteeTerri A. Weems

Trustee

International Baccalaureate (IB) options offered in FPSPrimary Years Programme (PYP) Wood Creek Elementary Candidate School (Applying for Authorization - Spring 2019)

An IB PYP school strives to develop an interna-tionally-minded person. It focuses on the develop-ment of the whole child as an inquirer, both in and outside the classroom. At the heart of the program’s philosophy is commitment to structured, purpose-ful inquiry as the leading vehicle for learning. Wood Creek students have opportunities to learn through six different units and focus on key themes. PYP schools support second language learning. Wood Creek students are learning Spanish two times a

week. In addition, the whole school is focused on the IB Learner Profile.

Middle Years Programme (MYP) East Middle School Application submitted 11/1/18 (two-year process)

What is an IB MYP school?

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasizes intellectual challenge. It

encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and

the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life.

What the MYP offers students

The MYP aims to develop active learners and inter-nationally-minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning.

The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally, and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical, and reflective thinkers.

Why offer the MYP?

Research shows that students participating in the MYP:

• build confidence in managing their own learning• learn by doing; connecting the classroom to the

larger world.• outperform non-IB students in critical academic

skills • consistently have greater success in IB Diploma

Programme examinations• thrive in positive school cultures where they are

engaged and motivated to excel• develop an understanding of global challenges

and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.

Diploma Programme (IBDP) Harrison High School - Moving to Farmington High School - 2019/2020 school year Authorized IB World School in 2013

The IB Programme is designed for highly moti-vated students interested in earning the IB Diploma, or individual IB Courses, in addition to their high school diploma. IB offers high quality programmes of international education to a worldwide community of schools. The first two years in the program are consid-ered to be IB Prep where the classes and the content are intended to prepare the student for the standards and requirements of the full IB program. The last two

Continued on page 4

Battle of the Middles crew presents a check to Alan Maxey, President of Neighborhood House of Farmington/Farmington Hills.

Farm

ingt

on P

ublic Schools’ IB Program

me Stats

Community Co�eewith the Superintendent

Lets talk overWednesday, May 29, 2019 • 6:30 p.m.

Lewis Schulman Administration Building - Board Room32500 Shiawassee, Farmington

The co�ee is scheduled for:

This is an opportunity for parents and community members to ask questions regarding the school district. No reservations are required.

Additional information, please contact School/Community Relations at 248. 489. 3349.

Farmington Public Schools UpDate - Winter 3

North Farming-ton High School Presents:

“Joseph and the

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”North Farmington High School 32900 W. 13 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills

Performances Thursday, March 21 - 7 p.m. Friday, March 22 - 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23 - 1 & 7 p.m.Tickets can be purchased online now at www.showtix4u.com by searching

“North Farmington”

Harrison High School’s “final curtain” musical on the HHS Stage

“Once Upon a Mattress”Harrison High School 29995 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills

Performances Thursday, March 21 - 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 22 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23 - 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Farmington High School Spring Musical“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”Farmington High School 32000 Shiawassee St., Farmington

Performances Friday, May 3 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 - 2:30 p.m.

Farmington Public Schools announces 2018-2019 Outstanding Teachers of the Year

On Friday, February 15, it was announced that Jim Anderson, principal at Harrison High School, will be stepping down due to personal reasons. Dr. Anderson has been re-assigned to work on other projects within the District. Jon Manier, Executive Director of School Services, will continue to provide support for Harrison as well.

Current Wood Creek Elementary School Principal, Chris O’Brien, will take over the principal duties at Harrison on Monday, February 25 and will be return-ing to Wood Creek beginning July 2019.

“This has not been an easy decision as I acknowl-edge the amount of disruption that the Harrison school community has experienced over the past several years but we feel this is in the best interest for all,” stated Superintendent Dr. George Heitsch.

Chris began his administrative career with the District in 2006 when he was hired to serve as the Assistant Principal at Harrison High School. In 2013, he moved to serve as the Assistant Principal at Power Upper Elementary School and then began his princi-palship at Wood Creek in 2014. Prior to that, Chris had taught in the District from 1997-2005. Chris earned

his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and his Master’s in Education Leadership from Wayne State Uni-versity.

Melissa Wiercinski, who currently serves as the IB Coordinator and Interventionist at Wood Creek Elemen-tary School, will take over the principal du-ties at Wood Creek until Chris O’Brien returns to the school in July. In the past, Melissa served as principal at Kenbrook Elementary School.

“Students will continue to be provided a quality education at all of our schools,” stated Heitsch. “The Harrison High School staff is committed to providing our students and families with a great ending to their school careers at Harrison High School.”

Chris O’Brien to take over principal duties at Harrison High School through the end of the school year

On Tuesday, February 26, three Farmington Public Schools’ teachers were surprised by Dr. George Heitsch, Superintendent, to inform them that they had been named Teacher of the Year at their respec-tive levels. Nancie Jahshan at Lanigan Elementary School, Keichea Shauntee-Wilson at Power Middle School, and Mary Sheltrown at Farmington High School were the selected awardees this year.

Elementary Teacher of the Year Nancie Jahshan, Lanigan Elementary School

Nancie was nominated by colleagues, parents, and students for her ability to inspire learning in her students. Nancie encourages students to take owner-ship of their ability to learn and is a team player who is always immersing herself in the learning process.

Nancie began her career at Farmington Public Schools at Flanders Elementary School in 2009. When Flanders closed, Jahshan relocated to Power Upper Elementary School for six years and in 2016 moved to Lanigan Elementary School. Nancie earned her Bachelors of Science at Eastern Michigan, majoring in Social Studies, and her Masters of Art at Madonna University, majoring in Education Leadership.

Jahshan makes it a point to connect with all her students. She makes sure students know the material, why it is important, and how to apply their learning. Students come away from her lessons excited about learning. She makes it a point to have a positive atti-tude in any situation, always showing respect toward others. Continued on page 6

Elementary School Teacher of the Year - Nancie Jahshan with Lanigan Principal Gregory Smith and Superintendent George Heitsch.

IB Le

arne

r Prof

le

Awards and Achievements

Do you have a child that will be going to Kin-dergarten this fall? If so, it is time to begin thinking about registering your Kindergarten student for the 2019-2020 school year.

Kindergarten Registration March 4 - March 8, 2019

Kindergarten registration can occur at any time, however, it is best for parents to register their child(ren) as early as possible to guarantee place-ment at their home school. To register, parents are asked to bring a driver’s license and proof of residency such as: warranty deed, current property tax statement or lease/rental agreement with oc-cupancy date including a list of all occupants, and any two of the following items: current gas, electric, telephone, or cable bill. Water bills do not meet the accepted criteria.

If you wish to enroll in Kindergarten, the child must be at least five years of age by SEPTEM-BER 1. The birth date cut off for a child to begin Kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year is September 1, 2014. However, if a parent or legal guardian wishes to enroll a child with a late birth

date between, September 2, 2014 and December 1, 2014, the parent must provide a letter to the school requesting enrollment.

Kindergarten Orientation Day Friday, May 3, 2019

Information will be shared with NEW Kinder-garten parents and their children on Friday, May 3 during Kindergarten Orientation Day. Orientation will be held in the morning at each of our elemen-tary schools, except Farmington STEAM Academy. Farmington STEAM Academy will hold it’s own Orientation Day. On Friday, May 3, 2019, there will be no school for current Kindergarten students. Additional information regarding Kindergarten Orientation Day will be shared from each child’s home school.

For further information regarding registration for Kindergarten, please contact your home school. If you do not know which elementary school your child(ren) would be attending, information can be found on the District’s website at www.farming-ton.k12.mi.us

4 UpDate - Winter Farmington Public Schools UpDate - Winter 5

Now is the time to starting thinking about Kindergarten registration

continued from page 2

years of the program is what is considered to be the actual IB program where students are taking IB classes based on the IB curriculum.

Parents who want the best possible education-for their children choose the DP because it offers:

International Baccalaureate (IB) options offered in FPS

For information regarding registration, please contact your

child’s home school.

• a challenging academic curriculum that serves as outstanding preparation for university and higher education,

• a student-centered approach to teaching, focused on developing students intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially, as opposed to preparation for test-taking only,

• a focus on international-mindedness, compas-sion, and understanding intercultural differ-ences,

• respected, reliable, and world-renowned aca-demic preparation,

• universities regularly cite DP students as the best prepared for higher education,

• DP graduates excel at university and often be-gin their studies with advanced standing.

What’s unique about the DP curriculum?DP students complete courses from six subject

groups, ensuring a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding. By engaging with a range of subjects, they experience a comprehensive educa-tion that encourages them to link their learning to form a more useful way to apply what they’ve learned. The study of an additional language is also

required, as well as the completion of a compulsory programme core consisting of three components:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) challenges stu-dents to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.

• The Extended Essay introduces students to the demands and rewards of independent work prior to entering university, requiring them to produce a self-directed piece of research in an area of personal interest.• Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) is an ex-periential learning component where students engage with a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including community service and athletic options.Assessment and examination at the end of DP

courses are a recognized worldwide standard, measuring student understanding and providing a passport to university.

IB isn’t just an academic program - it’s a pro-gram that teaches students how to learn, how to express their opinions in a respectable manner, and how to be a knowledgeable person.

Monday • April 29, 20195:30 - 7 p.m.

Power Middle School34740 Rhonswood Street • Farmington Hills

Farmington/Farmington Hills Education Foundation

Grant & Donor Celebration Rescheduled to:

Save the Date 2019 GraduationsSunday • June 9, 2019

Class of 2019Harrison High School - 12 p.m.

Farmington High School - 3 p.m. North Farmington High School - 6 p.m.

USA Hockey Arena14900 North Beck Rd., Plymouth

Farmington Central High SchoolThursday, June 13 - 7 p.m. Farmington High School Auditorium

This is

a partial list of awards

and achievements of

Farmington Public

Schools’ staff

and students.

Awards and Achievements

4 UpDate - Winter Farmington Public Schools UpDate - Winter 5

Awards and AchievementsBionic Dragons Robotics Team of Warner Middle School won the Judges Award and the Compass Award at the FIRST State Championship.

Wood Creek Elementary School was awarded an Arts and Humanities Touring Grant. The grant was given by the Michigan Humanities Council to fund Wood Creek’s project entitled “Celebrating Black History Month.”

Farmington Public Schools’ three high schools, three middle schools, and the Farmington STEAM Academy competed at the HOSA-Future Health Professionals Region 8 Leader-ship Conference, held in November. North Farmington High School students took three first place finishes, three second place finishes, four third place finishes and 15 top 10

spots. Harrison High School teams took four first place finishes, 10 second place finishes, three third place fin-

ishes and 23 top 10 spots. Farmington High School students took four spots each in first, second and

third places, and twenty-three top 10 spots. Students from the Middle Schools took seven

first place finishes, five second place and third place finishes.

Eleven North Farmington High School Business Professionals of

America (BPA) participants joined 49 Farmington High School

students at the Regional Lead-ership Conference on Friday, January 4, 2019. Several students will move on to the 47th Annual State Leader-ship Conference March 14 - 17, 2019, in Grand Rapids.

The Michigan High School Athletic Coaches Asso-ciation selected Harrison High School’s Dennis Hermani as Michigan High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach

of the Year. Mr. Hermani was

honored for his commit- ment to the Farmington

High School Boys’ Bowling Team.

Several students from all three comprehensive high schools took part in the DECA District Conference at Lawrence Technological Institute. Farmington High School had 48 competitors that received five Top Test Medals, 19 Top Role Play Medals with 36 students who qualified for the State Conference. Twenty-one Harrison Hawks competed and received nine Top Test Medals, five Top Role Play Medals with 17 students moving on to the State Competition. North Farmington High School had 41 competitors that received 16 Top Test Medals, 13 Top Role Play Medals with 25 stu-dents who qualified for the State Conference.

Farmington Public Schools’ middle school students partici-pated in the Liberty Canton Science Olympiad Invitational, Division B. Power Middle School had 13 competitors, two medal winners, four ribbon winners, and Power placed 21st overall. Farmington STEAM Academy had nine competi-tors, four ribbon winners, and placed 26th overall. East Middle School had three competitors and Warner placed 31st overall.

The North Farmington High School Percussion Ensemble recently performed at the Percussive Arts Society Inter-national Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis. The following NFHS students performed at PASIC: Sarah Al-Rubaye, Micah Bienstock, Jake Brown, Rishabh Budhraja, Emma Elliot, Nolan Ellis, Noah Francis, Colin Gray, Alex Jutila, Elijah Kaye, Robert Koh, Lily Kollin, Ethan Kopicko, Noah Leib, Yael Morais, Steven Pruett, Jack Randel, Arushi Shah, Jackie Shelton, Nyla Weems, and Sarah Williams.

Farmington High School students placed in some of the top spots in the State Stock Market Competition. Junior Faris Adas - 2nd Place, junior Prutha Raghava - 20th Place, and junior Bryanna Worthy - 30th Place.

Optimist Essay Contest Winners

Middle School Contest 1st place - Jhanavi Bharathwaj - Power Middle School 2nd place - Preya Patel - Farmington STEAM Academy 3rd place - Samarth Punjala - Farmington STEAM Academy

High School Contest 1st place - Yash Mehta - North Farmington High School 2nd place - Rahimah Imam - Harrison High School 3rd place - Jack Sweeting - Farmington High School

Farmington Area PTA Council

2018-2019

Upcoming meetingApril 29, 2019

7 p.m.

Power Middle School 34740 Rhonswood St., Farmington Hills

Events Officers’ Planning Meeting

June 3, 2019 • 5 p.m.Maxfield Education Center (MEC)

Standing Up for Our Future Today

PTA council

Standing Up for Our Future Today

PTA councilNeighborhood House is a 501 (c)3. All donations are tax deductible.

Neighborhood House

an affiliate of the Farmington Area Goodfellows

Annual Fund Raising Gala

April 18, 2019 4 - 7 p.m.

Program at 5:30 p.m.Longacre House

24705 Farmington Rd. Farmington Hills

Presenting the Annual Dick Tupper Community

Service AwardIndividual Sponsor Ticket

$50 per person

Event Ticket - $25 per person

Hors d’oeuvres • Cash Bar

Tickets are available at the door; through Farmington Public Schools’ Central Office

(32500 Shiawassee, Farmington); or call 248.871.2848

Please join us for a series of workshops for our community to examine privilege, prejudice, bias, and “isms.”

Thursday, March 7 - Race Thursday, March 28 - Diversity in Faith

Wednesday, April 10 - Privilege & PowerWednesday, April 17 - Gender Spectrum

6 - 8:30 p.m.Maxfield Education Center • 32789 W. 10 Mile Rd., Farmington

Our time will be spent seeking to understand different perspectives and how our individual and collective

experiences shape our thoughts and actions. Sign up at: https://bit.ly/2D9VzPV

Community Dialogues

Continued from page 3In Nancie’s nomination form, colleague Sandi

Biondo wrote, “One of Ms. J’s strongest assets is her ability to work effectively with colleagues. She fosters teamwork and collegiality. She is respected by her colleagues here in Farmington Public Schools and across Oakland County.”

One of Jahsham’s students wrote, “I like her way of teaching because she makes learning fun, all the time.”

Middle School Teacher of the YearKeichea Shauntee-Wilson, Power Middle School

Keichea has been with Farmington Public Schools since 2016, teaching at North Farmington High School and Power Middle School. She has a Bach-elor’s degree in Management from Hampton Univer-sity, an MBA in Business Administration from Wayne State University, a M.Ed. with a Social Studies Major and Business Education Minor, as well as an Ed.D. (ABD) degree in Administrator Leadership for Teach-ing and Learning from Walden University.

Shauntee-Wilson encourages her students to have a voice; to be able to question, support and explain their views. Her teaching methods address multiple learning styles geared to each student’s ability. She is always looking for ways to provide engaging oppor-tunities for learning.

Keichea started the Power dance team, facilitates the Religious Diversity Journey student group, and is currently working on forming a female leadership club. She oversees the District’s elementary and mid-dle school Summer School Program. Keichea is also participating in the Aspiring Principal Leadership Academy through Oakland Schools and continuing her college education by taking leadership courses.

Colleague Tera Shamey wrote, “The single greatest quality that Ms. Shauntee-Wilson possesses as a teach-er is her unwavering commitment to her students.”

Parent Mikki Hill said, “It is hard to find teachers who are as dynamic and personable as Ms. Shauntee-Wilson. She thinks and teaches outside the box. She keeps the students energized and excited about learning. Ms. Shauntee-Wilson is ‘trendy’ as my daugh-ter says and relates to them on their level.”

High School Teacher of the YearMary Sheltrown, Farmington High School

Mary Sheltrown has been with Farmington Public Schools at Farmington High School (FHS) since 1996. She has been teaching Physical Education, and since 2006 she has the added responsibility as the Building Athletic Coordinator. Mary earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan Univer-sity, and her Master of Arts degree from Wayne State University.

Mary can be found working out with students, en-couraging them, and promoting a love for a healthy lifestyle. Mary also takes time each week to hold a classroom meeting to discuss social and emotional well-being. She is always fair, consistent in her leader-ship, and committed to her students. She truly cares for each student and provides a safe environment for them to learn and grow.

She is a huge part of the FHS community, serv-ing on several curriculum committees, attending not only sporting events, but concerts, talent shows, and robotics competitions. A colleague wrote, “In a lot of ways, Mary defines Farmington High School. She is a beacon of light from within our building that shines on everyone.”

Another colleague wrote, “When we talk about promoting positive citizenship and ethical behavior, an image of Mary Sheltrown comes to mind for all of us at FHS: morally strong, committed to students and their success, and constantly cognizant of her respon-sibilities as a teacher and role model for many.”

Sheltrown was also surprised with a leased car from Suburban Collection.

All of the FPS Teachers of the Year will be recog-nized at the May 21 Board of Education Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Lewis Schulman Adminis-tration Building in the Board Room and will begin at 5 p.m.

6 UpDate - Winter Farmington Public Schools

SAVE THE DATES! Harrison High School announces

the KEY EVENTS for its final year.

Closing Weekend will take place the weekend of May 31 and June 1, 2019 Friday, May 31 - Harrison All-Staff Dinner at Glen Oaks Country Club 6 p.m. Email: HHSStaffdinner@gmail.com for more information and/or reservations. Saturday, June 1, HHS Celebration Gathering - 12 - 4 p.m. • Memorabilia Sale - Gym - 12 - 2 p.m. • School Tours, start in Auditorium lobby, - 12 - 2 p.m. • Celebration Ceremony, Gym - 2 - 3 p.m. • Ice Cream Social and Final Gathering, Gym - 3 - 4 p.m.

“Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk” CampaignSend us your photo holding a sheet with the following information: • Year of graduation • What you are doing now • “Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk”Send via Facebook (HHSLegacy), email to angela.leach@fpsk12.net or mail to Harrison High School Alumni Photos 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Legacy Wear at: http://www.cafepress.com/hhslegacy OR stop by the Main Office to purchase these selected items: goo.gl/qos5TLQuestions? Contact Angela Leach at 248.426.2858 or angela.leach@fpsk12.net

Farmington Public Schools announces 2018-2019 Outstanding Teachers of the Year

The entire Harrison Hawk student body and staff recently posed for an outdoor photo to commemorate their final year at Harrison

High School Teacher of the Year - Mary Sheltrown was also awarded a new car lease from Suburban Collection.

Middle School Teacher of the Year - Keichea Shauntee-Wilson with Superintendent George Heitsch and Power Principal Allyson Robinson.

Farmington Public Schools UpDate - Winter 7

Farmington Public Schools’ Vision Celebrate March is Reading Month with Farmington Public Schools’ program “One School, One Book”

Farmington Public Schools celebrates March is Reading Month with the program “One School, One Book” that kicks off on Monday, March 4. The “One School, One Book” program encourages reading together at home and is designed to create a shared reading experience and help students de-velop a lifelong love of reading.

The program will reach approximately 3,628 Farmington Public Schools’ families. Farmington Public Schools has participated in this wonderful program for the past eight years.

Families read the chosen book, a chapter at a time, over the course of a month. Books are chosen for the ability of early readers, yet still hold the interest of experienced readers, “Save Me A Seat” by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan is the book that has been selected this year.

The schools have partnered with the Farmington Community Library and will participate in special Family Nights at both branches of the public library. Farmington Public Schools would like to invite families to attend special events.

According to Amazon, “Joe and Ravi might be from very different places, but they’re both stuck in the same place: SCHOOL. Joe’s lived in the same town all his life, and was doing just fine until his best friends moved away and left him on his own. Ravi’s family just moved to America from India, and he’s finding it pretty hard to figure out where he fits in. Joe and Ravi don’t think they have anything in common -- but soon enough they have a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and a common mission: to take control of their lives over the course of a single crazy week.”

This program’s success was made pos-sible through generous donations of time and/or money by the Friends of the Farm-ington Community Library, Farmington/Farmington Hills Education Foundation, the West Oaks Civitan Club, Beechview PTA, Forest PTA, Gill PTA, Hillside PTA, Ken-brook PTA, Lanigan PTA, Longacre PTA and Wood Creek PTA. Friends of the Farmington Community Library donated $6,000 that helped purchase 3,400 copies of the book. The West Oaks Civitan Club donated $500 and the Farmington/Farmington Hills Edu-cation Foundation donated $5,000.

Farmington Public Schools hopes that all of our families participate in this wonderful program.

We would like your feedback!We wanted to create a concise graphic that helped everyone to see what the District stands for and what guides our work. Please let us know what you think by emailing your thoughts to info@fpsk12.net by Friday, March 22. Thank you!

UpDate is a newsletter for Farmington Public Schools’ residents. It is published four times during the school year by the School/Community Relations Department. Comments and sugges-tions are welcome. Please visit www.farmington.k12.mi.us. or call 248.489.3349.

SuperintendentGeorge C. Heitsch

Board of Education Pamela Green, PresidentTerry Johnson, Vice PresidentAngie Smith, SecretaryZach Rich, Treasurer Jessica Cummings, TrusteeRichard Mukamal, TrusteeTerri Weems, Trustee

EditorsDiane Bauman Director, School/Community Relationsdiane.bauman@fpsk12.net

Lynne Meyer Communication Specialistlynne.meyer@fpsk12.net

Kendra MontanteCommunication Specialistkendra.montante@fpsk12.net

#FPSSuccess

Farmington Public Schools UpDate - Winter 8

Farmington Public Schools’ Section 105 Schools of Choice registration open through March 22

Farmington Public Schools will accept Section 105 Schools of Choice applications from Oakland County Intermediate School District residents beginning Friday, March 1 through Friday, March 22, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. for openings in Kindergarten through eighth grade for the 2019-2020 school year.

Farmington Public Schools will place intra-district transfer students and PA227 non-resident employees’ students first. Remaining Kindergarten through eighth grade spaces, not to exceed 2019-2020 staffing levels/ratios, will then be opened up for Section 105. The following seats are available: • 40 seats open at Kindergarten • 40 seats open at each level, first through eighth grade • no open seats at the high school level

In order to support the District’s goal of excel-lence and equity for all students, the granting of choice is balanced with the need to provide an equitable and appropriate enrollment in all of our schools. Final placement will be determined based on current enrollment, projected enrollment, 2019-2020 staffing levels/ratios, and the number of applications received for each school/level.

If the number of applications received for a given school/level exceeds the number of avail-able openings, a private lottery will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Families will be noti-fied of placements on April 24, 2019, via mail.

Online applications will be available beginning Friday, March 1, 2019, on the Farmington Public Schools’ website, www.farmington.k12.mi.us. For those without Internet access, hard copy applica-tions will be available at the Lewis Schulman Ad-ministrative Center, 32500 Shiawassee, Farmington.

Applications for Section 105 (Oakland County ISD) Schools of Choice for the 2019-2020 school

year must be submitted by 4:00 PM on Friday, March 22, 2019. No ap-

plications will be hon-ored after the March 22, 2019 deadline.

Did you know that Farmington/Farm-ington Hills senior adults (60 and over) are eligible for discounts for student perfor-mances and sporting events (excluding hockey)? A Farmington Public Schools’ Senior Adult Card is all you need. Please call the School and Community Relations Department at 248.489.3349 or pick one up at the Administration Building, 32500 Shiawassee, Farmington. Senior Adult Cards do not expire. If you have a card, there is no need to request a new one.

Events can be found on the District’s website at www.farmington.k12.mi.us

Senior Adult Card provides discounts for adults 60 and over

Make Farmington

Public Schools

YOUR CHOICE!

OPEN HOUSE for Grant Programs Only

Farmington Community School Early Childhood

30415 Shiawassee St. • Farmington Hills

248.489.3373

Come out and meet our highly qualified staff and experience our nurturing environment, where your child can play, create, imagine, and develop a lifelong love of learning!

For more information, please visit www.farmington.k12.mi.us

Saturday March 23, 2019 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Space is limited!

Get on the Bus Tour!Join the Farmington/Farmington Hills Education Foundation for our Second Annual “Get on the BUS” Tour. Come spend a couple of hours with the Foundation and see first hand how your support has made a difference to the students in our community. The bus leaves on Wednesday, May 8, at 8 a.m. and will visit three schools, Lanigan, Power, and Farmington High School. Space is limited, so please RSVP as soon as your schedule allows!

Tour will begin and end at theEast Middle School LGI Room

25000 Middlebelt Rd. • Farmington HillsWednesday • May 8, 2019

8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

FARMINGTON / FARMINGTON HILLS