August 2018 MANS Notes
Executive Corner
Dear MANS Member Schools, Staff, Colleagues, and Friends:
 
It’s the start of a new school year and that always promises to be a very fast-paced and exciting time. Please remember to take some time and remind yourself that the work you are doing is to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ for each student that walks in your school. Each of us are living a mission to be Disciples of Christ and spread his message to all the ends of the earth. May the passion and purpose in Jesus’ name be vibrant in each of our member schools. 

There is still time to join us for the MANS Education Conference and Expo: Educating with Passion and Purpose on October 18-19, 2018 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a wonderful time to connect with colleagues from all over the state and be reminded of the Christ-centered mission of our schools. This promises to be an exceptional professional development opportunity as we come together to celebrate and learn as educators in Christ.

In partnership with the Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative (MESC), MANS has another wonderful professional development calendar for the coming year. While details are still being finalized, most of the opportunities are outlined in the professional development section of MANS Notes.

Some key dates to note are our Public Policy Day on March 14, 2019 and Law Day on June 27, 2019 both in Lansing.

The Michigan Department of Education has been focused on making Michigan a Top 10 Education State in 10 years. With this initiative have come some changes. Please pay attention to a few of these initiatives by MDE outlined in this edition of MANS Notes.

Many blessings on the start of your school year. 

Sincerely, 
MANS Executive Director
Advocacy
State News
School Safety Police Grant
August 1, 2018 - end of August
A total of $25,000,000 will be made available during the current fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2018, for school safety improvements. A wide variety of school safety projects are allowable under this funding. The deadline for applications to be submitted is September 13, 2018 at 12:00 p.m.

FIRST Robotics Competitive Grants
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will once again administer the competitive Section 99h, FIRST Robotics Grant. Funding has been made available for non-public schools for FIRST Robotics, REC, other STEMworks robotics competitive program, or Science Olympiad programming. The grant application will be available through the Michigan Electronic Grants System Plus (MEGS+) on August 20, 2018. 

Public Comment on the Proposed Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Lower Elementary (PK-3) and Upper Elementary (3-6) Education
The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Educator Excellence, is requesting public comment on the proposed Michigan Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Lower Elementary (PK-3) and Upper Elementary (3-6) Education to guide preparation of candidates seeking certification and/or endorsement in these fields.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Practice Profile
The Michigan Department of Education's (MDE) strategic plan, Top 10 Education State in 10 Years, involves the development of an effective and comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). To best support the implementation of MTSS, it is essential to have a shared understanding of what it is.
 
Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
In preparing to stock epinephrine auto-injectors, there are intermittent supply constraints for the EpiPen®0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr® 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors, as well as the authorized generic versions of these strengths. A newer option for obtaining epinephrine auto-injectors for next school year is the “Q Your School” program. This program provides up to 4 free cartons of AUVI-Q (each carton contains two auto-injectors and one trainer) to elementary schools through a charitable donation program. For questions regarding the "Q Your School" email donationrequest@kaleo.com.
 
Updates to Educator Placement and Assignment
In support of the MDE’s strategic plan, Top 10 in 10, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has determined that verification of a teacher’s No Child Left Behind Highly Qualified status is no longer required. Teachers are required to hold the endorsement for the subjects in which they are assigned to teach.
 
New School Administrator Permit Availability
The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Educator Excellence, announces the availability of the new School Administrator Permit. This permit is designed to comply with Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 380.1246 and School Administrator Certification Code as well as support the MDE's strategic plan, Top 10 in 10. School Administrator Permits can be obtained beginning August 17, 2018 using the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
 
Michigan School Water Training Program Webinar: How to Sample Your School's Drinking Water for Coliform Bacteria, Lead and Copper - August, 28, 2018 - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Children are vulnerable to the health risks associated with exposure to contaminants that may come from drinking water. Although barriers are put in place to keep water in school buildings safe for drinking, things or events may happen to break one or more of those barriers down, potentially leading to water contamination. One way of knowing if a barrier is broken is through water sampling.
 
YMCA Michigan Youth in Government
YMCA Youth in Government is a nationwide program that serves more than 10,000 teens every year. Michigan’s program provides middle school and high school students the unique opportunity to simulate the state government, elect their own leaders, debate their own ideas and build a vision for a better tomorrow. Teens won’t just read about the government, they will be the government! There is something for everyone at YMCA MYIG. 
 
Professional Development
MANS Upcoming Events
MANS Education Conference and Expo
October 18-19, 2018 - Grand Rapids
Register soon to take advantage of the Early Bird Rate! Make registration planning simpler for you and your staff with this helpful  worksheet . Don't miss the expo while out searching for lunch. Our boxed lunch options are an easy way to sustain yourself and experience the many events scheduled at the conference. Early bird registration ends August 31st!

Faith-based Educator Award
Take a moment to nominate the teachers that stand as representatives of excellent faith-based education in your schools! Winners will be recognized at the 2018 MANS Conference and Expo.

Professional Learning Opportunities
The Michigan Association of Non-public Schools has compiled a list of upcoming professional learning opportunities for non-public schools that includes MANS events along with events provided through the Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative (MESC). Keep an eye out for the Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative Newsletter being sent soon to Michigan non-public schools. Thanks to Title IIA resources, some opportunities offered are discounted by up to 75%.

Additional Professional Development
K -3 Essential Instructional Practices Institute
Sept. 24th-27th, 2018 - Grand Rapids, MI
These 4 day institutes offer deeper learning around the K-3 Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy. Teams will be provided the content and resources needed to lead literacy work and professional learning around the K-3 Instructional Essentials in their regions.

Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME)
"School Librarians: Leading the Way" Conference
October 24-26, 2018- Troy, Michigan
Join the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) in Troy for a librarian leadership conference. In their work to support school librarians and media specialists, they provide librarian resources to support their students with high-quality media services.

Michigan Google Education Summit
November 5 - 6, 2018 - Freeland High School
MESC Discount Available for non-public schools - 75% off!
Attend this two day conference organized and run by Michigan educators, featuring unique application of Google tools in the classroom including Chromebooks, Google Drive, Blogger, Maps, and more! The MESC will subsidize the cost for you to be inspired to use the technology you already have to promote student engagement and success if you use the code " mesc-18 " upon registering.

#GoOpen Michigan Microsite: An Accessible Resource for Educators!
The #GoOpen Michigan Microsite has officially been launched. As a virtual library of openly licensed educational resources and collaboration space for Michigan educators, it will allow educators and students to discover materials that can be used in the classroom, as well as share their own ideas and resources.

Innovative Solutions
State Continuing Education Clock Hours
Are you offering professional development through your school or diocese? If it contains at least three hours of educational content, it may qualify for SCECHs. Email this application  and the final agenda to Shelley Long at least 45 days prior to your event. MANS will inform you when it has been approved, and will send you all the paperwork you need so your educators can receive their well-deserved SCECHs and maintain their educational certificates.
 
Fund Development Opportunities
Meemic Foundation: Traditional Grant
Due September 30th
Meemic's Traditional Grant is available for funding up to $500 for any of your classroom needs. Apply for a chance to win!

Meemic Foundation: Scholastic Book Grant
Due September 30th
Answer three simple questions to apply for a $100 book grant that can be used exclusively through the Scholastic online store!

Business Partner Corner
Michigan Virtual
Enroll Your Students in Non-Core Electives and AP Courses — For Free!

This Fall, we're offering over 200 online core and elective courses for high school and middle school students in Michigan — including 23 AP courses, seven world languages, new Essentials courses for credit recovery and over 40 core courses and electives for middle schoolers.


We encourage private schools to look into our shared time program before enrolling students in courses. Working with our public school partners, you can enroll your students in a variety of non-core electives — including Advanced Placement and language courses — at no cost to your school.