This Week
In the Ann Arbor Public Schools

October 22, 2007

To: The Staff of the Ann Arbor Public Schools
From: Todd Roberts, Superintendent

This Week’s Good News!

• Rachel Seltz, Senior at Pioneer won an NCTE scholarship for writing. The selection is very competitive and is based on both an impromptu essay as well as submission of other writing from the student.
• The Washtenaw County Public Health Department has received a grant to implement a Safe Routes to School handbook process at Carpenter and Thurston Elementary Schools.
• Forsythe Teacher Tom Pachera and Dicken Principal Michael Madison have been appointed to a three year term serving on the International Technology Education Association's Advisory Council. TEAC was established in 1981 to provide information to the technology education profession about current developments and possible trends in technology and industry, and the implication of those trends for technology education. The council's activities are advisory and normally take place in conjunction with the ITEA's Board of Director's meeting. Tom and Mike are off to Louisville in November for their first meeting. Congratulations to both of them, for serving on this council and representing Ann Arbor Public Schools!
• Tom Pachera also wrote an article, “Student Travel: Thinking Outside the School,” that is featured in the October 2007 edition of “Middle Ground, The Magazine of Middle Level Education.”
• Community High Counselor John Boshoven received an award from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) for his work as a trainer during this past summer. NBPTS developed and administers the National Board Certification Program, one of the most rigorous performance evaluations for educators that is currently available. The National Board Certification scoring process is complex and requires the time, attention and skills of educators who serve as assessors, trainers of assessors, scoring directors, validators and site managers.
  
• This week each building is receiving United Way materials and pledge forms. I have enclosed a letter with these materials asking for your help in demonstrating to our community that we, as a district, are supportive of our local helping organizations. Please take some time to read my letter and make a pledge of whatever you can spare. Your kindness is very much appreciated.
  

Todd Roberts, Ed.D.
Superintendent