This Week
In the Ann Arbor Public Schools
January 19, 2009

To: The Staff of the Ann Arbor Public Schools
From: Todd Roberts, Superintendent

This Week’s Good News

• Yesterday, we celebrated the legacy and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I am always humbled, as I re-read his eloquent writings, of how brilliant a visionary and prophet he was as well as an unwavering advocate of justice for all.  He was a great man and a great leader.  It is noteworthy that, this year, the presidential inauguration is significant to the memory of Dr. King.    Certainly, “The I Have A Dream” speech is resonating with many as we celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.
• BusinessWeek has announced its first-ever Best High Schools in America rankings. Working in conjunction with San-Francisco-based nonprofit GreatSchools, BusinessWeek has identified Huron High School in Ann Arbor as the Best Overall School in Michigan. Other top-performing Michigan schools were Whittemore-Prescott Area High School in Whittemore, Harbor Springs High School, Davison High School and Regina High School in Warren. The BusinessWeek/Great Schools Best High Schools in America list, as well the full methodology, can be found online at www.businessweek.com/go/09/bestschools
• Pittsfield Elementary student Bushra Habbas-Nimer was a part of the inauguration segment of National Public Radio’s “This American Life” this past weekend.  The show featured people from all over the country offering their feelings about the new president.  She wrote a letter to President Elect Obama.   Her letter will also be a part of a book set to be released Tuesday titled “Thanks and have Fun Running The Country: Kids' Letters to president Obama.” 
• “Ann Arbor News” Reporter, Susan Oppat dropped by Eberwhite last week to collect money raised for the Warm the Children Program that is coordinated by the “Ann Arbor News.”  The $1000 proceeds were raised during Bobwhite’s Winter Flea Market.  An additional $1137.50 raised from the sale was given to Helping Hands at Eberwhite, a school fund to help families in need throughout the year.
• Mike Grace, recently retired from Community High, is being honored on January 24th as the University Musical Society's 2009 Teacher of the Year.  He will also have a presentation at the AAPS Board of Education meeting on January 21.   UMS gives this award each year to a teacher that has not only demonstrated a commitment to UMS K-12 programs, but to making arts education a priority for all students. This award honors Mike’s nearly 30 year history with Community High School and tireless commitment to bringing Jazz to a new generation of players, as well as a long standing participation in UMS youth performances and the participation of his student jazz ensembles in a wide variety of UMS events.
• January is Board of Education Recognition Month.  I would like to thank our Board of Education Trustees for all of their hard work and dedicated service to our school community.  Thank you:  Susan Baskett, Karen Cross, Helen Gates-Bryant, Randy Friedman, Deb Mexicotte, Glenn Nelson and Irene Patalan.  Your efforts and support are very much appreciated.
  

Todd Roberts, Ed.D.
Superintendent