Thoughts from Owosso Public School Superintendent, Dr. Andrea Tuttle. Owosso, a world class school that prepares students to be Ready for the World! The 2012-2013 school year has been tremendous. Throughout the year, I have shared many of the highlights, so to conclude my “Tuttle’s Thoughts” for 2012-2013, I will share, in no particular order, a glimpse of what our team is working on this summer and for next year: • The continued gracious support of The Cook Family Foundation will allow for all Owosso educators to continue training in the International Baccalaureate (IB) instructional model over the summer months to facilitate the expansion of our IB program. During these trainings OPS teachers work intensely with certified IB trainers and learn alongside teachers from all over the world. • Fourth and fifth grade students will participate in this summer’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) camp where they will use technological advancements to participate in simulated science experiments centered on hypothesizing, observing, collecting data, and drawing scientific conclusions. STEM curriculum continues district-wide, beginning at Bentley Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Center, and carrying through all grade levels. • “Be the ‘G’ in EnGineering” program for girls – Sixth and seventh grade girls will become introductory level “engineers” exploring various engineering careers. Participants will design and construct projects and visit with designers at local manufacturers (Crest Pontoon and Owosso Composite, Williamston Products, and American Recycling). Additional field trips will be conducted to the colleges of engineering at Kettering University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. • Several elementary teachers will be attending two full days of training over the summer at Eastern Michigan University focused on techniques to include engineering concepts in everyday teaching. • A new class at Owosso Middle School, “Industrial, Mechanical, and Architectural Arts” will be developed over the summer months. Materials including a planer, sander, various hand tools, and wood will be arriving at OMS to be housed in the former “shop” classroom. This class will provide an introduction to skilled trades at the middle school level in response to the community’s need for skilled workers for manufacturing and industry. • The OHS instructor for the Year 2 Principles of Engineering class that began this year will attend a comprehensive two week training at Eastern Michigan University this summer. This training builds upon concepts applied in the Year 1 course, Introduction to Engineering. • Mathematics teachers in grades 6-12 will participate in professional development this summer as Statistics is added to the OHS course schedule. This course is designed to attract students pursuing a wide range of post-secondary options. New state-of-the-art Geometry materials will also be studied across the summer to prepare teachers for implementation in the fall. • The curriculum development and planning for Culinary Arts/Hospitality will occur this summer. This new state approved Career and Technical Education program is officially slated to begin at OHS this fall. OHS is proud to offer the only Culinary Arts/Hospitality program in Shiawassee County! • Year 2 of Fashion Design planning will occur this summer with instructor, Mrs. Marti Lameti designing world class experiences for students. This Career and Technical Education certified program is one of many that will allow OHS students to earn college credits while still in high school. • Middle school students will have an opportunity to earn Algebra I credit at the 7th grade level or Geometry at the 8th grade level and receive high school credit. • The parking lot at OHS as well as the tennis courts will be replaced using Sinking Fund dollars. • The Owosso High School Pool Pak project will be completed this summer using Sinking Fund dollars. This Pool Pak is intended to protect the Sinking Fund investment made in the pool area several years ago. OHS houses the only pool available to students, athletes, and community members in Owosso. We are at a point where it is necessary for us to make improvements to the existing pool area in order to maintain safety and adhere to our commitment to presenting clean and pristine environments within our schools. • Global Studies will continue at each of the elementary schools and will be part of the everyday encore schedule which includes technology, music, art, and physical education. • All elementary and Lincoln High School students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch through a federal grant. • Our middle school cafeteria will be renovated using funds in the Food Service account. The cafeteria will look similar to the high school’s renovations completed last summer and will continue to include everyday lunch choices like Owosso Way (sandwich) bar, stir fry line, and many other healthy choices. • Fine Arts performances, supported by the PTO’s and Performing Arts Committee, will occur at every elementary grade level with the goal of enriching Owosso’s fine arts curriculum. • The development of the Introduction to Entrepreneurship class for middle school students will commence this summer. • As always, ALL K-12 students will participate in various field trips. Additionally, next year students at each grade level will experience a field trip to a local manufacturer or service business. The goal is for students to engage in real-world applications of classroom learning in at least 13 different businesses in our community by the time they graduate. • All students will have opportunities to join the numerous clubs and extra-curricular opportunities in Owosso including Robotics Club, Destination Imagination, Environmental, Web Design, etc. Students who begin as preschoolers in Owosso and graduate from here will enjoy a fantastic core-curriculum as well as outstanding arts, athletic, volunteer, career and technical and extracurricular opportunities. They will graduate from a world class school and be Ready for the World. Last week’s riddle: I’m there once in a minute, twice in a moment but never in a thousand years. Who am I? Answer: The letter M. Make it a Great Summer, Dr. Andrea Tuttle Superintendent
Posted on: Sat, 06 Jul 2013 01:32:35 +0000
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