LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL “November” NEWSLETTER
22500 Federal
Warren, Michigan 48089
586.758.8320
visit us on the web: www.vdps.net
MR. MICHAEL WILTSE MR. DEREK LAWSON
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
586.758.8320 586.758.8324
November 2013 Volume III
CALENDARS
Dear Parents and/or Guardians,
In advance of conferences which are on Thursday, November 14th from 5:30 – 8:00, I want to let you know what Lincoln Middle School staff and students have been doing. We conducted Northwest Evaluation Association testing (NWEA) in Reading, Math, and English Language Usage. These scores are used to guide us in student placement for support classes and in interventions on how to support our students. Your son or daughter has scores in these three areas and should be able to tell you where they rank in national averages based on grade levels. We have already changed some students schedules to place them in the best settings based on these scores. Students are also being pulled out for small-group instruction by several teachers to increase the student’s skills in reading. Classroom teachers have also been using small-group instruction in some of their rooms as well.
Teachers at LMS are increasing their skills in technology through a pilot program that four of our teachers are being trained in. This training, which these four teachers are then teaching all of us, is to provide the staff of LMS with the training needed for the technology readiness skills that our students must demonstrate in the future. Other teachers are being trained in E3T, which is Engage, Expand, Encompass through Technology. These two professional development courses are through the MISD. I am very impressed with the skills our teachers possess and how much more they want to learn to become even better. The teachers at LMS are working hard to create the best learning environment and teaching/learning practices for your sons and daughters.
Sincerely,
Michael Wiltse
Michael Wiltse
Principal
PARENT–TEACHER CONFERENCES
are scheduled for November 14th. Please note there will be a full day of school on the 14th. Conferences will be held for grades 6-7-8. The conferences will be held from 5:30 – 8:00 P.M. Report Cards will be given at conferences.
Hope to see you!!!
What: Family Engineering Event
When: November 14, 2013
6-8 p.m. (During Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences)
Tentatively Room 128
Participants will be entered intoa Grand Family EngineeringPrize Drawing.
Students are given 2 ID’s, one to take home, and one to stay in their homeroom class. If they forget their ID they can borrow the spare from their homeroom, but it must be returned at the end of the day. If both ID’s are missing the students will be charged $4.50 for a replacement
POLLUTION CONTROL TIPS
Remember, you’re not just walking the dog
Some important tips for keeping our water clean
Did you know that pet waste contains bacteria that makes our lakes and rivers unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities?
Did you also know?
…There are over 53 million dogs in the United States, which produce 6.3 billion pounds of waste and bacteria per year?
…Residential lawns and streets are among the highest contributors of bacteria in storm water, which drains directly to our lakes and rivers?
Southeast Michigan loves dogs, too. Nearly one-third of the region’s households have at least one dog. Most of us pick up after our pets to be good neighbors and keep our yards clean. But there’s another important reason to clean up after our pets. Leaving pet waste on the sidewalk or in the yard means that harmful bacteria can get washed into storm drains and roadside ditches and then flow directly into our lakes and rivers untreated.
What can you do? Simple. No matter where you are, dispose of your pet’s waste promptly by throwing it in the trash or toilet.
For more easy steps on protecting our lakes and rivers, visit the “Ours to Protect” site at www.semcog.org.
Social Studies News
Asia is coming to LMS! On November 18th and 19th the Social Studies classes will be involved inusing a HUGE interactive map of Asia. The National Geographic map is the size of a basketball court! Students will be doing amazing activities and cooperative learning skills. Ask your child about their experience with this wonderful resource.
VAN DYKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
NOVEMBER 5, 2013 MILLAGE ELECTION
On November 5, 2013, Van Dyke Public Schools will be asking for a renewal of the 18 mill “non-homestead property tax on business, industrial and second home properties. This is not a tax increase.
A YES vote means:
· Continued funding for the Van Dyke Public Schools
· No new taxes to homeowners’ primary places of residence
· Continued taxes for businesses in our school district
A NO vote means:
· A loss of funding equal to roughly $3.8 million per year for our students & district
· Severe program cuts within the district
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “non-homestead” mean?
Non-homestead represents industrial, commercial and some agricultural property and “second homes.” It does not include a family’s primary residence.
I thought schools no longer received funding through property taxes, so why are they talking about a millage renewal?
Funding for school districts changed significantly in 1993/94 when the Michigan voters passed Proposal A. Under Proposal A, the State pays the majority of the cost, but to receive full funding, schools must levy 18 mils on non-homestead property in their district.
Is this a new tax?
No. This is a renewal of a millage approved by the voters in 2003. The district has voter approval to levy up to a maximum of 18 mils on non-homestead property through June 2014.
How much will this cost my business?
This renewal will have little effect on your current taxes. For a business property with taxable value of $200,000 the tax would cost $3,600 ($200,000 ÷ 1,000 x 18 mils), similar to what you are paying today.
Will my residential school taxes increase?
No. This tax is on non-homestead property and does not apply to your primary place of residence.
What if the millage is voted down?
The revenue generated from the 18 mils totals about $3.8 million annually, about 12% of the school district’s budget. If this millage does not pass, the State will not replace the funding and the Van Dyke Public School District will be forced to reduce or cut programs to offset the loss.
Can the district use bond or sinking fund money to cover the loss?
No, these funds are restricted by law to capital projects and cannot be used for general fund expenditures.
How are Michigan school districts funded?
Districts receive most of their funding from the State on a per-pupil basis. The State assumes each district collects 18 mils on the non-homestead properties. The State reduces their obligation by this amount, whether it is collected or not. Therefore, it is critical to continue to collect 18 mils on non-homestead property to attain full funding.
7th Grade
Boys Basketball Try-outs
You must have a physical form turned in, signed by a Dr.
Monday, Nov. 11
Tuesday 12th
Friday 15th
3:15 – 5 PM
The Bridge
School Social Work
News you can use
Linking Home, School, and Community
Vision: Enhancing students success
Mission: Ensuring students success by removing barriers to education. Maximize opportunities for students academic success by supporting and advocating for students and their families.
Community Resources:
Holiday Help!
· Roseville Goodfellows
· Roseville residents only. Phone line active after Dec 1st or can mail a request to P.O. Box 202, Roseville, MI 48066 any time prior to Dec 1st. Call 586-779-0304 for more information.
· Eastpointe Goodfellows
· Applications available at Eastpointe City Hall; 23200 Gratiot Ave, Eastpointe. Nov 1st- Dec 1st. Eastpointe residents only.
· Fraser Goodfellows
· Fraser residents only. Register at Fraser Public Library, 16330 14 Mile Rd, Fraser. Nov 15th, 27th, and Dec 3rd. Call 586-294-0450 for time and more information.
· St. Clair Shores Goodfellows
· St. Clair Shores residents only. Call 586-980-0400 to register for appointment. Nov 22nd- Dec 9th.
· Volunteers of America
· Adopt a family/senior program. Apply online—until November 15th. www.adoptafamilymichigan.org
· Salvation Army- Warren
· Warren, Roseville, Centerline, St. Clair Shores and Eastpointe residents only. In person applications accepted November 11th- December 13th. Call 586-754-7400 for more information.
· Warren Parks and Recreation Center
· Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: October 2013- May 2014. Grades 4-8, 4:30-6:30 pm. Grades 9-12, 2:30-4:30 pm. $20 per student. Join the recreation center for; basketball, foosball, ping pong, card games, pool, table games and much more! Registration still open. Call 586-757-7480 for more detail.
· Toys for Tots
· Select “REQUEST A TOY”, click on “MICHIGAN”, then select “CITY”, click on city of residence to find local coordinator’s contact information. www.toysfortots.org
Parent Ambassador Program:
VOLUNTEERS STILL WELCOME!
Meetings are held every third Tuesday in room 156 at LMS. Next meeting is November 19th at 5:00 PM!
Reminder:
· 11/7: After School Snack Sale
I hope you find this information helpful. If you would like to speak with me I can be contacted via phone @ 586-759-9470 or email
What is Anime?
Anime is a Japanese form of animation that includes movies and books and focuses on heroic epics, romantic genres, science fiction, and comedy. There is a style of Anime for everyone!
If you are interested in Anime or just want to find out what it’s all about, our first club meeting is on Wednesdays after school starting, November 6th.*** Meetings will be held every Wednesday except on PLC days and when we have no school. For any questions, please see Mrs. Guthrie (Art Teacher).
We will be drawing and painting Anime characters, as well as learning about Japanese culture and may even explore Japanese cuisine.
***Permission slips are available from Mrs. Guthrie, or in the office.