Mike's Monday Memo

Here’s what’s up for the week of October 24, 2005:

1. Proposal 1 - As Election Day approaches, it is important that as an education community we do everything in our power to assure our young people attend school in safe and updated facilities. Both Pinconning and Bay City Schools face a bond issue on Nov 8. I encourage you to make your vote count. Remember, your vote is important!
   
   
2. United Way - There is still time to sign up and be part of the 2005-2006 United Way Campaign of Bay County.  Many of our students and their families benefit annually from the contributions we all make. If you wish to make a pledge, you need to have it in to Terri Steih no later than October 28. Also, if you made a contribution last year that you want to stay the same, it does not automatically carry over. You need to complete and sign a new pledge form every year.
   
   
3. Opening Day 2005 Survey – The Strategy 7 Communication’s Committee would like to respond to some of your comments about the “Opening Day 2005 Survey” that was completed by staff in September. The committee wants you to know that we really do review the comments and try to make improvements in the area of communication. If you have any additional comments, I would like to hear them. Please call me at ext. 3273. Please review the memo that is attached in this e-mail.
   
   
4. Imagination Library – If you are interested in contributing to the Imagination Library through payroll deduction, you need to contact Connie Frank at ext. 3256 to request a form. Once you have completed and returned the form, the process can begin.
   
   
5. Bay-Arenac ISD On-line Store – Many of you are asking how do I get shirts, etc. with the BAISD logo. Last year we went on-line. The following should answer your questions. In cooperation with Proforma, we would like to present the Bay-Arenac ISD on-line store. Detailed instructions along with the web address are attached; however, we would like to emphasize some information to assist you in saving money on shipping. Shipping charges will vary depending upon the quantity of the orders placed in the same week. This does not mean you will need to combine your orders with co-workers and send the order in as one. You will simply need to communicate with your co-workers as to when you will be placing your individual order so they can place their individual order that same week. Proforma will combine all individually submitted orders to give Bay-Arenac ISD staff the greatest savings possible. Please keep in mind that orders are not to be delivered to your work place, so you will always need to provide your home delivery address when placing an order. Proforma has provided a customer service phone line and e-mail address if you have any questions.
   
   
6. Don’t Forget to Change Your Clock – Just as a reminder, that this Sunday, October 30^th, our clocks will fall back one hour.  This is the time of the year that the daylight hours are short and the nights seem sooooooooooo much longer!
   
   
7. Next Board Meeting - Just as a reminder, the next Board of Education work session is Monday, November 7, 2005, at 4:00 p.m.
   
   
8. Heating Season - Many of you have heard that this heating season could put a big dent in all of our pocket books.  As we approach that time of year.  I would ask that you help conserve energy here at BAISD as much as possible. You can help by turning off lights when you leave a vacant room, just reduce energy use when ever possible. Sweaters and long pants might be the “IN” thing this winter. Did you know?  Thermostat setback is an excellent way to cut your energy bills. For every degree you set your thermostat down in the winter you can reduce your energy use by about 2%. Setback is particularly easy if you use a programmable, electronic setback thermostat.
   
   
9. Facts about BAISD – Fact # 1 At our Career Center we serve over 1,200 students from 11 different High Schools. Fact # 2 At our Special Education Programs we serve 298 students.  That is over 1,498 great students that we are helping make a difference in their lives each and everyday.
   
   
10. Procrastination - A painfully shy man fell in love with a young woman. He sensed that she felt the same way, but he couldn’t find the courage to ask her out. Finally he decided he would mail her a love letter every day for one year, and then ask her for a date. Faithfully, he followed his plan, and at the year’s end he was courageous enough to call her-only to discover she’d married the letter carrier.     -Good Stuff-  
    
    
11. Share Good News - I need your help. If you have good things to share about your classroom program or a fellow staff member pass if along to Katie, Brenda, or me. Remember DON’T PROCRASTINATE!    
    
    
12. Birthday Wishes – 10/25 Carol Sevener; 10/26 Andrew Phillips; 10/27   Jorri Novak; 10/29 Jenny Geno; Happy Birthday!  
    
    
13. Genesee County/Oakland University/Carman-Ainsworth Early Childhood Z.A. Master’s Program – In an effort to service certified teachers within Genesee County, a Group XIV Early Childhood ZA/Masters Program through Oakland University is being offered here in Genesee County. This program will begin with the Winter 2006 Term and will be held at Dillon Elementary within the Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools. The ZA Program will consist of 5 class sessions of 4 credit hours each or a total 20 credits, and the Masters Program is an additional 4 class sessions or a total of 16 credits for a total of 36 credits to complete both the ZA and Master’s Program. The ZA Endorsement Program will be completed in April, 2007. Then if you wish, you can go on to complete your Master’s (ask for more information on this area). A Master’s could be completed by June, 2008. (approx.)  Note: If you have a B.A./B.S. degree in another area other than education you may qualify for the Master’s Program. All classes meet one night per week for 14-16 weeks per semester with the exception of spring, which meets two nights per week for eight weeks, and Summer meets two full weeks (approx.).

To be considered for this program and to receive a registration packet you must call and register now, as space is limited.