@Farmington 5.03.23

May 3, 2023

Mike Bause, NFHS, chosen as FPS High School Teacher of the Year and Oakland County Outstanding High School Teacher

of the Year

Michael Bause was nominated by his colleagues, students, and parents in the community for his ability to build rich and genuine relationships, craft high-quality learning experiences, and consistently utilizing effective techniques to position students at the center of learning to foster and encourage student thought.

Bause teaches 10th and 11th grade Astronomy and Earth Science Essentials at NFHS. He received his Bachelors of Science in Earth Science from Michigan State University. Additionally, he earned his Masters of Science in Physical Science-Interdependent from Michigan State University. He then spent the next 23 years teaching in Farmington Public Schools in various subjects such as Chemistry, Earth Science Essentials, Weather and Climate, and Astronomy.

As a teacher, Michael strives to meet the needs of all of his students. He does this by curating deep relationships with individual students. He is able to create these relationships by his desire and ability to seek out approaches and strategies to ensure each student succeeds.

Joe Greene, NFHS Principal stated that, “Perhaps the best evidence of Mike’s ability to engage students is the fact that he makes science so intriguing and interesting that there are students in his room every day before and after school, as well as before, during, and after class, seeking help, seeking advice, helping others out, and engaging Mike in deep conversations about science and life.”

A crucial part of building these relationships is how he layers well-planned, engaging, and student-centered instruction that activates thinking and provokes students to process and work with what they are learning. These relationships and the careful planning become the foundation of the rich and positive classroom culture in Michael’s classes.

While putting his students' needs first and wanting them to not only learn but enjoy the subjects he teaches, Michael also demonstrates FPS characteristics on a District level as well. He demonstrates what it means to be a lifelong learner and is a leader in his school. He is always reading, thinking, seeking professional learning opportunities, and discussing topics to push his thinking. Michael is an officer in the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association (MESTA), and stays on top of the current state of science, best-practices, and trends.

His peers nominated him to help lead our curriculum alignment and they came to him for help on subject matters, as well as how to enrich their instruction with formative assessments, technology, and effective feedback. Through his leadership, participation, and impact upon the practice of his peers in his collaborative Professional Learning Team (PLT), Mike has helped increase the student success rate (as measured by passing grades) to 97.87% in Earth Science and 90.86% in Chemistry school-wide. Mike is an expert in the State of Michigan on the Next Generation Science Standards and has taken a strong leadership role in our District, Oakland County, and state-level work to align curricula to these new standards.

“Very few teachers work as hard, passionately, or generously as Mike Bause does on behalf of his students, his colleagues, and his family,” said Joe Greene. “He is always able to find time to help others and foster their growth, he never hesitates to celebrate and share out the successes of his colleagues, his students, or his own family. With all of this in mind, I can think of no more worthy teacher to be honored as Farmington Public Schools and Oakland County Schools High School Teacher of the Year!”

As winner of High School Teacher of the Year, Michael Bause was awarded a two-year lease of a brand new car courtesy of The Suburban Collection. He will have the opportunity to choose his car from dozens of eligible vehicles.

“The teachers in our communities give so much of themselves to ensure their students, our children, can succeed and reach their full potential,” said Mike Cavanaugh, Regional Vice President for Lithia Motors and The Suburban Collection. “We feel so fortunate we can help recognize and show our gratitude to these extraordinary individuals who leave a lasting impact on the lives of those they teach.”

Congratulations, Michael!

Check out this awesome video of Mike Bause picking out his brand-new car courtesy of The Suburban Collection!

In addition to Mike winning the FPS High School Teacher of the Year title, he was also named Oakland County's Outstanding High School Teacher of the year. He was once again surprised in his class room to be honored for this award!

Kevin Burr, East Middle School, chosen as FPS Middle School Teacher of the Year

Kevin Burr was nominated by his colleagues, students, and parents in the community for his student-centered work ethic and his laid-back, easygoing nature that helps students feel comfortable and provides a safe learning environment that promotes student confidence and success.

Burr earned his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Education from Wayne State University. Burr continued his education at Walden University and earned his Master's Degree.Throughout his years as an educator, Burr has taught 7th grade Ancient World History, 8th grade U.S. History, 8th grade English, Computer Applications, and Video Production. He currently teaches 6th grade Social Studies and English Language Arts at East Middle School.

Kevin connects with his students by learning their interests. He is able to make learning applicable to their lives and regularly puts them in a position to take ownership of their learning experience. Whether he is using research and technology as the tool for enrichment or having a “snowball fight" in the classroom to help reinforce our Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) model, Kevin’s students are actively engaged and learning.

One of the best characteristics of Kevin's teaching style is his ability to reach students of all learning styles and levels. He makes the content accessible and enriching for all of his students. Whether the students in Kevin’s classroom are working in peer groups or independently, he is constantly moving around and assessing their learning. Additionally he is able to react at the moment to make adjustments, as needed, to help support with behavior or academic needs as they arise.

“He is patient with all students and takes the time to connect with them on a personal level which, in turn, allows him to work with each student in the most effective way,” said East Middle School Principal, Andrew LaCroix. “His calm demeanor, kindness, patience, and use of humor help him build relationships with each student to build trust and mutual respect. This approach also helps create a safe environment for all students to learn.”

Kevin has been the Social Studies Instructional Leader at East for several years. In doing so, he supports his colleagues with curriculum development and lesson planning. He is constantly seeking out ways to improve his practice and is always willing to support his colleagues and be a team player. His colleagues at East seek him out for ideas and advice and he makes himself available to help. He also serves as a mentor for staff at East and he participates in and leads staff in professional development.

Kevin’s skills don’t stop at being a fantastic teacher. He is also East’s Athletic Coordinator where he ensures adults are present to provide supervision of the students at events. Additionally He is a long-time Track and Cross Country Coach and is always willing to attend student field trips and events. As East’s technology expert, he is always willing to train, support, and answer questions his colleagues may have regarding various tech-related programs.

Having years of experience in Social Studies doesn't stop Kevin from always learning the next best thing. He is eager to try new things and learn new techniques and technology. He is constantly seeking out ways to improve his practice. He is open to feedback and reflective on his methods in order to enhance his teaching the best he can so his students can prosper.

We think that the quote by Charles Kuralt best defines Kevin "Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students,” said East Middle School colleagues Deb Calanchi, Sherri Franklin, and Beth Latrou. “Granted, here in the East, we think Kevin brings out the best in all of us. We feel blessed to work with such an incredibly talented and passionate person.”

Congratulations, Kevin!

Angelina Lowe, Lanigan Elementary School chosen as FPS Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Angelina Lowe was nominated by her colleagues, students, and parents in the community for her ability to inspire and motivate her students to be engaged in their learning. She sets a positive example for her students, who look up to her as a role model.

Lowe earned her Bachelors in Elementary Education with a ZA Endorsement in Early Childhood Education and a double minor in Mathematics and Science from Alma College. After college, Lowe moved to Arizona where she taught for the Creighton School District from 2014-2017 as a 1st grade teacher. In 2017, Lowe started at Lanigan Elementary School where she currently teaches 2nd grade.

Angelina is creative in her approach to teaching, using a variety of methods to keep students engaged and interested. From interactive chalk talks to utilizing technology like Lumio, she fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment. This inclusive and diverse approach to teaching is effective across all subjects, promoting high levels of student engagement in the classroom.

When it comes to her students, Angelina puts the needs of each individual child first. Her ability to attend to the whole child and differentiate each student’s learning path promotes relationship building and risk-taking. One example is when she set up differentiated phonics lessons for students using a technology program for independent use. She also piloted the new English Learners (EL) Phonics program this year in order to meet student needs.

The minute students enter Miss Lowe’s classroom, they feel welcomed and valued, as evidenced by the "Welcome to our Classroom Family" sign and the morning greeting at the door. Miss Lowe places a strong emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), encouraging students to explore their unique qualities and strengths through engaging activities. The co-created classroom mission statement, which includes input from students, promotes a positive and supportive atmosphere that values student voice and choice.

Angelina strives to always do what's best for her students. She is a true professional who consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of her subject area by continuously seeking opportunities for learning and growth. She is dedicated to staying informed about the latest developments and research in teaching and learning, and she takes advantage of opportunities to enhance her knowledge and skills

This year, she participated in LETRS Training, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the latest research in reading. She also took the initiative to pilot EL Phonics for the District, showing her commitment to providing her students with the best education possible. Angelina's passion for learning extends to her colleagues as well, as she has taken training on Sound Walls, Secret Stories, Number Racks Intervention, and actively encourages her colleagues to try these strategies in their own classrooms. Additionally she is a PLC lead, School Improvement Lead for Math, a member of the Building Leadership Team and is a highly regarded, dedicated member of the Lanigan community.

“Angelina is committed to excellence in teaching and learning for her students,” said colleague Jill Chafetz. “She tracks student progress carefully and takes meticulous steps to alter teaching where needed, whether it be in pedagogy, managing modalities or structure.

Lanigan parent Chelsea Smith states that, “Ms. Lowe created a classroom environment that made Lanigan feel like home. Her warmth and smile are contagious, and they continued to shine through, even when life got turned upside down.” She continued, “I want to recognize Ms. Lowe for the all-encompassing care that she has for her students. Not only does she help shape the foundation for learning, but she also cares about the social and emotional well-being of our children. Ms. Lowe recognizes that each student is unique not just in personality, but in their learning style. She adapts to meet the needs of each child and gives

give them the confidence to excel.”

Congratulations, Angelina!

Pamela Wasko, Gill Elementary School selected as Farmington Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year

On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, Farmington Public Schools’ (FPS) Superintendent Dr. Christopher Delgado, along with the Human Resources Department, the Gill Elementary School principal and staff, and Pamela’s family surprised Pamela Wasko, Office Clerk at Gill Elementary School, with the award for Farmington Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year. Pamela has been with FPS for 22 years serving in her current position for 15 years.

Pamela is very well known throughout the Gill community. She is the first person you see when entering the building and often the first point of contact for students and parents. She makes it a point to make every interaction meaningful, and makes everyone feel safe and cared for.

“Her perpetual smile, upbeat attitude, and genuine care for those around her instantly draws people in and once they are in, they are friends for life,” said Gill Elementary School Principal, Christina Suliman. “Children know that Ms. Pam will wipe their tears, help solve their peer conflicts, listen to a problem, lend a hug when needed and always distribute the magic ice that makes boo boos disappear. She is often the confidant to parents and children who are struggling with issues both in and out of school. They know she cares for them on a deep level.”

Pamela is described as hardworking and dedicated by multiple nominators. Throughout her career she has demonstrated her work ethic and what it means to go above and beyond at a job. Throughout this past year, due to unforeseen circumstances, Pamela has had to step up and take on the role of two people. Between training guest secretaries, doing her own job, and taking on additional secretarial duties, she is swamped. She has constantly worked after hours and does whatever it takes to get the job done. And, she does it all happily with a smile.

“Those who have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Wasko have seen her embrace this new role with an "all in" attitude. She has taken it upon herself to ensure Gill runs with efficiency and synergy,” said nominator Kate Donnelly-Harris, a fifth grade teacher at Gill Elementary School. “You could never capture all that Pam is and has accomplished this year in a one page essay. She is so much more than words can convey.”

Between bumped heads, wiggly teeth, forgotten lunches, phone calls, parent questions, and everything in between, Pamela is always ready to take on the day. According to her coworkers, Pamela often comes in humming and singing in the morning, bringing so much joy and starting the day off right.

Pamela is adored by students, parents, and staff alike. She has been described as a teacher confidante whose trustworthiness is immeasurable. When it comes to staff and teachers, she is always a helping hand and a lending ear. She often acts as a guest mom for all 500 students at Gill and is considered the calm within the chaos every day.

According to Jordan Holmes, Kindergarten teacher at Gill Elementary School, “If you look up the definition of support, you will find 'to bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.' Pam holds up our school, our community, and our families. Without her steady support and dedication, Gill would not be the same.”

The lasting impact Pamela has at Gill is immeasurable. Past students come back years later to give her a hug, little siblings are excited to attend Gill in future years to see her, and parents call her to ask for help and advice. The school for Gill is entitled “Gill is the Place to Be” and Pamela Wasko is often considered a huge reason why.

Congratulations, Pamela! We are so thankful for you!

Steve Koponen, Warner Middle School teacher, has been named a national 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching finalist

Six outstanding Michigan educators, who work primarily with students in grades 7-12, have been selected as state finalists for the national 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the Michigan Department of Education announced.

Michigan’s six state finalists are:

Bryan Battaglia, Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies,
Utica Community Schools, Science
Diane Cerabone, Dakota High School, Chippewa Valley Schools, Mathematics
Steven Koponen, Warner Middle School, Farmington Public Schools, Mathematics
Scott Milam, Plymouth High School, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Science
Leigh Roehm, Saline Middle School, Saline Area Schools, Science
Karen Sleno, Flushing High School, Flushing Community Schools, Mathematics

“Michigan and its students are fortunate to have so many dedicated and talented teachers throughout the state,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “We salute these six strong state finalists and wish them the best of luck at the national level this year.”

The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district level personnel, and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive PAEMST awards.

Up to two teachers—mathematics or science—from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. territories as a group (comprising American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and schools operated in the United States and overseas by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) receive the award.

Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and a presidential certificate, and join an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who support and promote state/jurisdiction and national science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching.

Diana Fair, Gill Elementary School, selected as the MEA recipient of the Paul F. Blewett Friend

of Education Award

Diana Fair, Special Education ParaProfessional at Gill Elementary School, was named the Michigan Elementary Association (MEA) recipient of the Paul F. Blewett Friend of Education Award.

This award was named after Paul Blewett who was a dedicated educator and long-time MEA leader from Region 17. Mr. Blewett left a portion of his trust to provide a monetary award annually through the MEA to the Michigan person, who in the previous year, did the most to improve the lives of teachers, to further the goals of the MEA, or to further the cause of public education.

“MEA selected Diana for this award for not only her work in education but to honor her longevity of her 40 plus years in Farmington Public Schools,” said MEA Executive Director for 7G/7E, Lori Tunick.

The MEA Vice President, Chandra Madafferi, along with the MEA Executive Director for 7G/7E, Lori Tunick, honored Diana with the certificate and a monetary award at Gill Elementary School on April 27, 2023.

MEA is an organization designed to protect, advocate, and advance the rights of all education professionals to promote quality public education for all students.

Congratulations, Diana, on your well deserved award!

Congratulations to former FPS superintendent, C. Robert Maxfield, who was named one of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients of Albion College.

We love our FPS Family!

Kenbrook Elementary staff wore pink to support their beloved colleague Tammy Wright. After fighting hard, Tammy is now cancer free this school year! This is such AWESOME news! We are so happy for Tammy and proud of how supportive Kenbrook is!

FECC is in the spotlight!

This photo from the Farmington Early Childhood Center (FECC) has been chosen to be on the cover of Michigan’s new edition of "Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth to Kindergarten." Way to go, FECC!

Children Under Fire: An American Crisis

The Greater Detroit Hadassah along with the National Council of Jewish Women – Detroit and the Jewish Community Relations Council, are co-sponsoring an upcoming program. The program is on May 4 at 7 pm, and is called “Children Under Fire, An American Crisis.” Washington Post writer and author, John Woodruff Cox will discuss the true cost of gun violence on our nations children. The program is virtual and therefore, we are not limited in terms of attendees (I take that back, I think we can host 1,000 people total!)

We don’t need to tell you that gun violence in our country is at a crisis level. Cox’s book provides an intimate account of the devastating effects of gun violence on our nation’s children—and a call to action for a new way forward. At the end of the program, we will provide information for attendees should they want to get more involved at an advocacy level.

Webinar Registration - Zoom

We are SO proud of each and every one of our schools for the work they do and our community NEEDS to see it. We would love to highlight your events, projects, experiments, games, clubs, recess, and students overall.

Please send photos you take to diane.bauman@fpsk12.net or courtney.ohara@fpsk12.net so we can share them out on social media.

Want us to come take photos for your events? We can!

H.E.A.R.T. of Farmington:

Helping Educators Attain Resources to Teach

For the Jotform link, QR code, and contact information, download and open the flyer HERE.

IN THE NEWS

The "In the News Section" is a compilation of news stories about Farmington Public Schools. We feel it is an important resource for staff to know what is in the news.

Parents, school board discuss school safety

As school shootings and bomb threats have become an ever-present reality in America, the Farmington Public Schools Board of Education held an open meeting Jan. 26 with members of the community to discuss school safety at the Maxfield Education Center.

Photo gallery from the Farmington Hills Mercy vs.North Farmington

Division 1

No. 6-ranked Farmington Hills Mercy and unbeaten North Farmington squared off in a much-anticipated Division 1 District final

No.3 North Farmington uses third-quarter explosion to end Ferndale’s OAA Red reign

Raiders clinch first division title since 2015-16 with win over two-time defending OAA Red champion

Farmington Public Schools to offer Young 5s Program

Farmington Public Schools will offer a Young 5s Program for the 2023/2024 school year in two schools

Farmington school board hosts community dialogue on social media

The Farmington Public Schools Board of Education held a community dialogue March 15 on the positive and negative effects of students using social media

Farmington school district names teachers of the year

Three Farmington Public Schools teacher shave been named teachers of the year at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Oakland County school districts enhance security measures

Recently, two school districts in Oakland County have taken extra security measures.

Five Metro Detroit teachers named Presidential Teaching Award finalists

A big nod to six teachers across the state of Michigan who are nominated for the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Coaching notebook: North Farmington girls hoops coach Jeff Simpson hangs up whistle after 29 years in program

After 29 years of coaching girls basketball at North Farmington, the final nine as the head coach, and 77 total seasons of coaching in the school system, Jeff Simpson decided it was time to hang up the whistle.