Classroom spending tax break

A recent article on annarbor.com features a story about a tax credit proposal for teachers in the state of Michigan. The idea is simply that teachers should be given up to a $2,000 dollar tax credit for items that they have voluntary decided to purchase for their classroom. State rep. Jeff Irwin says that this is the least we can do for our teachers who are being forced to work with less supplies, and materials for their classrooms. I do agree that this sounds like a great idea to help teachers that use their hard earned money to buy supplies for the kids in their class. The real issue is that we need to stop taking money away from public education. I have a $100 dollar classroom budget for my 2 blocks of 51 fifth grade students. That equals out to $1.96 per kid for the whole school year!

How much money are you spending in your classroom? What types of things are you buying for your class that students need?

Michigan House passes school union dues proposal

Michigan House passes school union dues proposal that could impact MEA members.  If you have not heard about this recent proposed bill then please read the AnnArbor.com article.  Contact your rep. and tell them to stop attacking the working middle class.  We as a group need to stay strong and stay together to fight for our rights as teachers.

Social Media in Schools

A current hot topic around the state of Michigan and around the country is what type of polices should schools and states have in regarding social media in schools.  Check out this local article from AnnArbor.com website for a local perspective of what educators in Washtenaw county are saying.  With our schools progress in educational technology these are types of issues we are going to have to think about on a continuing basis. Should we as a district embrace the use of social media more in our classes or is it something we should shy away from?  I know many of our teachers already have a "class" facebook, or twitter account to connect with our students. What is the line that we draw between proper and improper use of social media in the classroom?  Is it a distraction or is it a teachable moment that can be capitalized to further a discussion?  Should it be something that is included in an upcoming PD session or Tech academy session?

The issue of technology is an ever changing dynamic and is something that we should all be in tune with.

Analysis of New Michigan Tenure Law.

Check out the article below of an early analysis of the newly passed tenure laws.  Lots of things are still up in the air but this article may answer some questions that you have about some of the most recent changes.

Tenure Package-Further insight

Community Support

Last night was the Manchester fair parade and Mr. Ball and his crew rode along in the fair parade tossing out pencils to those that lined the streets. As we tossed pencils and waved hello it was a great reminder that even with all of the negative things that have been in the media and that have been going on in our state this last year surrounding education, that people do still appreciate and support Manchester teachers. On many occasions groups of parents gave applause and said thank you. Many students had smiles on their face (young and old) as they picked up a brightly colored pencil that said, "Manchester Teachers Care".

It was a great reminder that we are teachers but are also a big part of the community. Make a decision this school year to try and be more visible in the community. If it is attending a sporting event, listening to a band concert, watching a school play. eating a coney dog at the Boy Scouts coney night, asking kids questions about their lamb they raised for the fair or maybe attending a monthly school board meeting. Do something extra to show your support for the students and the community this coming school year. In the end we are all part of the same community.

Layoff Map of Michigan

Below you will find an interesting map put together by the "We are the people" organization. They estimate that approximately 15,000 jobs have been lost due to the cuts to schools. Look at the map below to see how school districts have been effected around our district.

View Republican Firing Plan for Michigan in a larger map

Red Day!

Don't forget that Tuesday is a RED day to show your support of public education. Make sure to wear your favorite red clothing. Also teachers will be meeting after school to make signs to put on display at the middle school awards night. Make sure to come out to the middle school awards night at 6:30pm at the High School wearing RED to show your support for public schools education in Michigan.