Please Take Action and Call on HB 5111, HB 5112, and HB 5144

There are several bills moving through the Michigan Legislature right now which could have significant impact on public school policy next year.

Please take the time to contact your Representatives and make them aware that they may be casting a vote on several important issues as soon as tomorrow (see below). The House Education Committee is set to take up HB 5112 (letter grading accountability system), HB 5111 (third grade reading retention) and HB 5144 (early assessments and interventions). If these bills pass out of committee they are poised to be taken up by the House of Representatives soon.

We should respectfully ask that if HB 5111 and HB 5144 are voted out of committee that they request additional time to thoughtfully engage and fully understand the implications of the legislation prior to voting. Encourage them to contact the local Superintendents in order to learn more about our work to improve third grade reading proficiency.

We believe the best way to improve proficiency is through early assessments and interventions (as outlined in HB 5144). However, we do not support a mandatory retention policy (as outlined in House Bill 5111) for students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the third grade state assessment. We believe that students who are behind should have an intervention plan in place where retention, among many other successful and impactful interventions, should be considered NOT MANDATED. This plan should be developed in consultation with the parent, educator and school leader. These individuals are closest to the student and can best determine the needs of the student.

Please share your thoughts with your Representatives and encourage them to learn more about this complex issue prior to casting their vote. If they must cast a vote tomorrow - we respectfully ask for them to vote "no" until the mandatory retention language is removed.



Also, feel free to share this information with others. Thank you as always for your support of public education!!

PAC Drive Time! Will you help? Help us, help you?

PAC Chair Sydney Hoeksema is leading the drive to raise funds for our Political Action Committee or PAC.
These donations are vital to fight against ridiculous legislation from Lansing that might have good intentions, but further erodes your ability to do what you do best, teach.

No we don't win all the battles, but we fight a good fight to preserve one of Michigan's strongest traditions, quality public education.
Please consider making a PAC donation. Help us help you!

STOP THE VOUCHER DRIVE!

Yes, we cannot tire.  Keep contacting your legislators.  Read the notes in your KEA emails.  Take action.  
Check out this link: http://okemosparentsforschools.blogspot.com/2013/04/vouchers-for-vendors-what-it-is-and-why.html

Have a GREAT Memorial Day Weekend.

YOU WILL EARN LESS It Is happening.

The Senate is passing 1040.

One thing you may not be aware of....Your 403B Annuity will now reduce your retirement calculation.
Remember they take your 3 highest years?

If you work 25 years for instance and  earn $60,000 and put $10,000 into an annuity, new legislation will figure your yearly compensation for the average at $50,000!

Make Sense?

The Senate is voting, perhaps even has…..

Will you be calling?

Senator Contact info is on the blog..

www.kentwoodea.blogspot.com

We Are Under Attack Again

I don't really know how to express my anger due to the latest attack that is being aimed at you, a dedicated group of people who day after day do their best to educate Michigan students. Yet day after day the Republican majority in Lansing continues to attack YOU!

Please speak up, please make the call. You don't deserve this.

http://www.mea.org/latest-attack-retirement-unveiled-senate-bill-1040

Update from Steve Cook.

Did you take the time to check your home email for the note Michelle forwarded to you about the letter from MEA President Steve Cook regarding the Governor's plan for Education. It would be well worth your time to check it out.

Spring Break Condo?

Spring Break Condos from Dave Garland
Spring break isn't far off. Have your plans yet? I have one of two condos in Florida to choose from. We are going to rent only 1, but for the same price ($1000).
Check out the websites attached to see the amenities at each condo.
The Villas at Regal Palms is just outside of the Orlando area. It has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and sleeps 10. Check it out at the website below. This one is available Friday, March 30-Friday, April 6.
http://villasatregalpalms.com/amenities.html

The other one is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at Sheraton's Vistana Resort. You can check out the villa at the website below and go to the "home" section to see the resort's amenities. This one is available Sunday, April 1 to Sunday, April 8.
http://www.starwoodvacationownership.com/sheraton_vistana_resort/twobedroom_villa_lakes.jsp

For more information, or if you are interested, let me know at dgarls@yahoo.com or call me at 822-4786.
Thanks.
David Garland
6th grade science
Pinewood Middle School


Need Shoes?
Men's size 9.5 W, never worn/in the box, brown Hush Puppy plain, tie, casual dress shoes. $20.
janet peterson 245-6583. (off Breton)