TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL homecoming king and queen

Featured are Truman High School Homecoming photos of King and Queen Malik Brown and Kirsten Collett.  The Cougars unfortunately had a heartbreaker of a loss to Southgate, 28-27.

Q&A: November ballot questions ... What is RESA?

Intro:

Periodically, Talking Taylor Schools will present informational posts on upcoming educational ballot questions in the November 8 election. Two questions relate directly to school funding for the Taylor School District.

Overview:

On November 8, Taylor School District voters will have an opportunity to consider two ballot initiatives that would directly impact all students in the district. Each will be on the Presidential Election ballot.

The first is the Wayne County RESA enhancement millage.  The enhancement millage, if approved, would levy 2 mills for six years, and would bring approximately $2.6 million per year to the Taylor School District. 

The second initiative is the Taylor School District School Improvement Bond. The district will ask voters to consider a school improvement bond with a rate of 0.96 mills. This rate was chosen specifically to match an expired city of Taylor millage levy to ensure that this school improvement bond, if approved, would have a net zero impact on residents' tax bills. Funds from this school bond, if approved, would generate approximately $1.19 million per year for the next five years. 

What is RESA?

Wayne RESA is a regional educational service agency that provides a board spectrum of services and support to all of Wayne County’s 33 school districts.

State law requires Wayne RESA to be the entity that receives the revenue for this Wayne County enhancement millage and they distribute it to the local school districts on an equal, per-student basis.

For more on the Wayne County millage, click on www.resa.net/millage.

Q&A: More about educational ballot initiatives on November ballot

Intro:

Periodically, Talking Taylor Schools will present informational posts on upcoming educational ballot questions in the November 8 election. Two questions relate directly to school funding for the Taylor School District.

Overview:

On November 8, Taylor School District voters will have an opportunity to consider two ballot initiatives that would directly impact all students in the district. Each will be on the Presidential Election ballot.

The first is the Wayne County RESA enhancement millage.  The enhancement millage, if approved, would levy 2 mills for six years, and would bring approximately $2.6 million per year to the Taylor School District. 

The second initiative is the Taylor School District School Improvement Bond. The district will ask voters to consider a school improvement bond with a rate of 0.96 mills. This rate was chosen specifically to match an expired city of Taylor millage levy to ensure that this school improvement bond, if approved, would have a net zero impact on residents' tax bills. Funds from this school bond, if approved, would generate approximately $1.19 million per year for the next five years. 

What is an "enhancement millage"?

Michigan Constitution gives the state control over funding for public school with the one exception of an enhancement millage that can be passed at the county level for operational purposes.

The state requires that any money generated from an enhancement millage be shared equally on a per-student basis among the local school districts within that county, with each district being given control of how the dollars would be used to support its students.

According to the Taylor Schools, if approved, funds generated from the countywide millage would specifically be targeted to support the purchase of new school buses, repair and upgrade school buildings and purchase instructional technology.

For more on the countywide question, click on www.resa.net/millage

KINYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL supports Breast Cancer Awareness

Kinyon Elementary School’s recent Pink Out Day to supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

TOMMIE SAYLOR: Remaining on course is never easy

“This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt, first inaugural address

By Tommie Saylor

Kennedy High School Principal

When I was a young lad and I found myself wrapped in a difficult task, I often heard the adults around me say “it builds character.” 

For many years I believed that challenges that must be overcome to build one’s character and a better person. Much later in life I heard another version of this old saying, that difficult times “reveal character.” 

Once again I jumped on this bandwagon, expounding to all that would listen this newly acquired nugget of wisdom.

Today, being a little older and wiser, I firmly believe both adages are true.  Times of stress not only reveal one’s true being, it also changes us in a very fundamental way.  Much like the butterfly evolves from the caterpillar, the cocoon of life challenges irreversibly changes who we are and reveals what we have become.

Look hard enough and you will find previous “Friday Updates” centered on the above theme.  Why resurrect an old topic?  Because I believe it is needed.

When asked, “How is it going this year?” I resort to my old standby response of, “Great, we are having a good year.” Why? I don’t like airing dirty laundry. 

What is the truth? 

The truth is that we have had a challenging start to the school year.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying things are bad, I’m saying that things have not been easy this school year.  We are taking care of business and students are learning, but this year it seems to be a little more difficult to accomplish the same high standards that we have become accustomed to achieving here at Kennedy High School. 

Why? I believe it is because of some of the changes the district has experienced this year. I’m not saying it is anyone’s fault; I’m just saying that change is difficult and when changes occur people become nervous and tentative. 

New leadership, change in the evaluation process and tools, the loss of personnel, and the uncertainty of the future has all contributed to a heightened state of concern.

It is this lingering black cloud of ambiguity that allows the demons of insecurity to erode our confidence.  It is this distress that allows our lives to be filled with stress that saps our strength.  In other words, we are getting the job done, but this year the job seems to be a bit harder.

The only remaining question is how are we going to react to our fear and uncertainties?  We shut down, keep our heads down and do the bare minimum (to the detriment of our students) or we can suck it up, drive on, and stay the course. 

The course of action you decide to take will not only reveal your character, it will also change you for the better or worst.

So be careful and choose wisely. Always remember that your thoughts become your words, your actions and reflect and define who you are.

Helping students to find their greatness. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design.

NOTE: Parent Teacher Conference is quickly approaching.  Making a couple of parent contacts with each of your student’s parents is a must.  Likewise, grades should be up to date at all times. Do not wait until the last minute.

HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL takes a break ... inside

Mrs. Silva's third graders at Holland Elementary School enjoy an indoor picnic.

CAMPAIGN FOCUSES on battling domestic violence

Looking for a good class project or community campaign?

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Amy Wagel's Fierce Fitness (located at the Taylor Recreation Center) is now taking donations for gently used clothing and/or new personal items for the YWCA Interim House. 

The house is a shelter for women and children of Domestic Violence. Please drop off your donations at the Taylor Recreation Center. 

HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL pupils have fun with words

Mrs. Madden's kindergarten friends at Holland Elementary School love making words. Reading is so much fun – as are the wearable letters.

HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL pupils love their seeds

Mrs. Madden's kindergarten students at Holland Elementary School love learning about seeds. They read a story about pumpkins, investigated some soil samples and planted some seeds of their own. They are very eager to watch them grow.

TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL: A visit from a friend

There is nothing like a timely visit from a friend.

Here are photographs of Truman High School POHI students and Lexi, the certified therapy dog.

Lexi visits the POHI program every two weeks and also make visits to the POHI programs at Moody and Hoover. Here is Kathy Kurginski (retired Taylor POHI Teacher ) and Lexie. The kids love and look forward to their visits.

#POHICOUGARPRIDE! 

HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL pupils learn about cells

At Holland Elementary School, Mrs. Wensorski's fourth-graders learned about plant and animal cells this week.  Student made diagrams to help compare and contrast.

TAYLOR SCHOOLS lead awardees in MI HEARTSave program

If someone in school community suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, would you know what to do?

Representatives from Truman High School, Kennedy High School, Hoover Middle School, West Middle School, Taylor Parks Elementary, Eureka Heights Elementary School, Myers Elementary School, Blair Moody Elementary and Kinyon Elementary were honored at an MI HEARTSave School Awards Program recently.

Taylor had more buildings awarded as part of the program than any other district in Michigan this year.

“Taylor School District is amazing,” wrote Deb Duquette, Genomics Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Genomics and Genetic Disorders Section.

The program helps recognize that early recognition of a cardiac arrest and calling 9-1-1 are key factors in saving lives. Bystander response with hands-only CPR, and use of an AED, greatly increase the chance of survival.

School participating in the program are asked to consider the following:

• Does your school have a cardiac emergency response plan?
• How many students and staff can recognize the symptoms of cardiac arrest and know how to get help "on the way, right away"?
• Who knows CPR in your school and is ready to use it when necessary?
• Where are the automated external defibrillators (AEDs) located in your school building, are they properly maintained and inspected, and who knows how to use them?

The MI HEARTSafe Schools Award Program was developed to help schools be prepared for a cardiac emergency. Schools meeting the minimum criteria were awarded the MI HEARTSafe School designation, a letter of commendation, and were spotlighted on the program’s website, all at no cost to the school.

“Thanks to our nurses and to all of our building administrators for working to support this worthy endeavor,” said Supt. Ben Williams. “This is certainly a proud moment and a shining example of our collective commitment to our kids, staff and community!”

Supt. Williams plans to honor the winners at an upcoming Board of Education meeting.

HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL reading intervention making strides

Students in Mrs. Gervasi's reading intervention group at Holland Elementary School are having fun and making great strides already!  Way to go Huskies!

MCDOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL news crew honored by board

Every morning is "Ready on the Set" time at McDowell Elementary School for our Bulldog News Crew, but at a recent Board of Education meeting, students went out on location. 

Their advisor, Mrs. Hardin, upper elementary resource teacher, and reporters were invited for their contribution to McDowell's school spirit.

The board members and audience were treated to a look at how the news is delivered. This will be a lasting elementary memory for these boys and girls.  

CALLING ALL SENIORS! Meet the new administration on October 27

Calling all Taylor senior citizens!

Local 26M, the district's maintenance union, will host a free "Meet and Greet" for senior citizens who would like to meet the new Taylor School District administration. 

Local 26M will host the gathering from 4-8 p.m. October 27 at the union hall, 12305 Beech Daly. 

Seniors will receive a free pizza dinner, door prizes and music by Jones' For A Beat.

Save a seat by calling Brenda at (734) 946-5727 to RSVP.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION hosts euchre tourney to benefit scholarship fund

Taylor Schools Alumni Association will hold a Euchre Tournament to benefit the scholarship fund at 6 p.m. November 4 at American Legion Post 200.

Post 200 is located on Brest Road west of Telegraph.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and only 100 tickets will be sold ($20 per person). No tickets will be sold at the door (see the flyer below for contact information).

First prize is worth $300, with $150 going to second and $50 for third place. 

Tickets include food. Cash bar will be available.

Adults only.

KINYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students crazy about counting

Ms. Danja’s kindergarteners at Kinyon Elementary School are crazy about counting!

TAYLOR PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students use Chatterbox

Taylor Parks Elementary School students received a lesson from Derek Kaunelis, Elementary Technology Facilitator, using Chatterbox.

Chatterbox is a Wi-Fi chat application that transforms your entire WiFi domain into an interactable chat room. Chatterbox allows users to chat with each other by texting, drawing and by calling (audio call). 

As all students do these days, they took to using the new app like duck to water.  Fun + Learning ... a win-win.