Shawhan, Laura posted on September 17, 2010 13:31
Welcome to Marquette Area Public Schools and our new school year. We know that 2010-2011 will offer tremendous learning opportunities for more than 3,000 public school students. Partnerships with Northern Michigan University, Father Marquette Schools, Marquette Alger Regional Educational Service Agency and area non-profit organizations have never been stronger. In recent years, Marquette Area Public Schools has made significant progress toward offering world class instruction to families within our community. The next ten months will provide more challenges …and more fun. Our fall athletic teams are off to a great start, as are many other extra-curricular and academic programs. As we wind up our first nine days of school, here are some important updates:
Class Size Information: Our website, mapsnet.org, offers access to important district information including elementary class sizes and middle/high school grade enrollment. While small class sizes are preferable especially in lower grades, budget constraints dictate final decision-making in most Michigan public schools including Marquette. Take a look at the Quick Link (Class Size Information) on our website for current information. Within recent days, MAPS has made preparations to employ additional teacher assistants and educational program aides at Superior Hills, Sandy Knoll and Cherry Creek. This strategy will further the reach of classroom teachers and provide more guidance for young children.
Professional Learning Time: Another quick link on the MAPS website, Professional Learning Time, provides details of Marquette’s 2010-2011 initiative designed to provide teachers and other certified staff with additional hours of professional development. Since collaboration among staff is the key to increased student achievement, we are excited to be among the first school districts within our region to offer this opportunity to all teaching staff. On 16 separate occasions throughout 2010-2011, students will be dismissed one hour early from school. Transportation system drop-off times will be adjusted accordingly and fee-for-service child care/enrichment programs will be available for students desiring such options. While MAPS instruction will be shortened by a combined 16 hours in the next ten months, our staff will gain significant new skills as the result of our new Professional Learning Time program. For details beyond those offered in our website quick link, please feel free to contact my office or your local school principal.
Bothwell Middle School’s New Footprint: We are now a 5-8 middle school, serving nearly 900 young adolescent children. In Bothwell’s initial two weeks of programming, we have been amazed at our students’ capacity to learn new skills, acquire new friends and otherwise form this great new learning community. Our thanks go to the many “can do” parents who made this transition possible. Of equal importance, Bothwell’s instructional and support staff initiatives. What a great organization of dedicated professionals. Progress is being made on construction of Bothwell’s new playground, an asset designed to meet the needs of younger middle school children. For those who wish to learn more about our exemplary middle school program contact Principal Bill Saunders (wsaunders@mapsnet.org). Facility tours and small group discussion sessions are available at any time.
Graveraet School: Graveraet School began operation in 1927. Unlike so many other aged educational facilities throughout the region, our oldest and most highly-valued school remains operational, productive and vital. Combined with an improved and more accessible Kaufman Auditorium, our city-central school has great things in store. A drive past Graveraet on Front Street reveals initial stages of our Courtyard Restoration Project. Slated for completion in October, the school will boast new fountains, seating areas, flower gardens and other decorative and functional improvements. Donations include generous gifts from local foundations, businesses, Graveraet school alumni and various community members. Graveraet’s first floor houses MAPS Community School programs, our Senior High School Credit Completion program, District Technology program headquarters, the elementary program’s Literacy Coaching office and other school program centers. Graveraet’s second floor is the location of our Board of Education meeting room, the district’s new Eastside Academy for middle school students, and importantly, our hugely successful Alternative High School. Third floor Graveraet space is being reserved for future new programming options yet to be determined. Watch for details of MAPS’ new community schools offerings – great ways to promote extracurricular learning and continuing education opportunities. They will utilize the expanse of Graveraet to better serve our school community. Arrange for a Graveraet School visit by contacting building manager Sara Cambensy (scambensy@mapsnet.org). As always, continue to enjoy a new season of Kaufman Auditorium programs including our district’s musical, Into the Woods at 7 pm on November 18-20 and any of the four productions of the Marquette Symphony scheduled this year.
Again, welcome to a great new school year. MAPS staff is honored to serve a community of learners. We acknowledge the privilege of teaching your children and welcome opportunities to discuss your needs. We are a dedicated and hard-working staff who is proud to live and work in Marquette.
Jon Hartwig, Superintendent
Marquette Area Public Schools
906-225-5326