*MASH*
(Mandatory Achievement Study Hall)
Introduction
On April 20, 2006, Governor Granholm signed into law legislation, which created rigorous state graduation requirements. Those requirements became effective commencing with the Class of 2011. With the stroke of her pen, Michigan went from having on of the least demanding graduation requirements (one-half credit of U.S. Government) to establishing the most comprehensive set if graduation requirements in the nation. The requirements include four years of English/Language Arts, four years of math including Algebra II and a senior year of math, three years of social studies, three years of science including biology and either physics or chemistry, one year of physical education/health, one year visual, performing, or applied arts, and a twenty-hour online course or experience. Not only did the legislation mandate specific curricular areas, but it and its ensuing regulations set forth curricular standards and course content expectations - High School Content Expectations (HSCE's).
 In the Fall of 2007, as the Class of 2011 was taking its seats, teachers, administrators, and curriculum leaders were scrambling to revise courses, create and align a new curriculum, and create uniform exams to test HSCE attainment.
The Class of 2011 had nothing extra to prepare themselves for the rigorous graduation requirements. There was no alignment of the middle school curriculum to the anticipated high school requirements. The students came as sheep being lead to an academic slaughter. Predictably they failed and failed in big numbers.
The Summit
On November 22, 2008, sixty parents and students joined the ninth grade counselors Denise Eaddy-Richardson and Nicole Nunlee, Dr. Williams, Anthony Stewart, Dr. Douglas, and Noel Folks to voice concerns and develop strategies regarding student achievement. A Petition to Teachers signed by parents, a 21-point Resolution, and a Parent Strategic Committee were the outcomes of the meeting.
Parents requested a mandatory study hall for all students earning grades below a C-. They also requested that teachers would support the study hall by dropping in from time to time. Further, they requested that all teachers use Power School.
*MASH*
MASH meets from 2:30 - 4:30 on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Students are assigned by counselors. There will be no MASH during exams.
Duties of Students Assigned to Study Hall
- Report to Study Hall on time.
- Bring work materials and assignments with you.
- Be ready to work.
- Work hard to achieve an "exit."
- Be prepared to celebrate the "exit."
Requests of Parents
- Support study hall by requiring your student to attend.
- Support consequences for failure to attend.
- Visit study hall periodically.
Request of Ninth Grade Teachers
- Support the study hall by providing tutoring services at least 30 minutes weekly.
- Provide tests to study hall staff with tests for retakes.
- Communicate with study hall staff and counselors.
- Communicate progress and deficiencies to students.
- Communicate with parents any concerns.
- Recommend student to study hall.
- Use PowerSchool for all assignments and tests.
- Celebrate with students who achieve an "exit" of study hall.
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