Volume 4 No. 7
The sudden shut-down of schools due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has been a difficult time of adjustment for students and teachers all over the United States, but Prevail Academy was not going to let distance stop them from connecting with their students. Through social media, Prevail Academy (located in Macomb County) hosted a 'Virtual Spirit Week', allowing them to engage with students online. 


During the week of March 31st, each day was assigned a special theme which was posted on social media. Each day of the week, students and their families would then participate by commenting with photos following the theme. From "Movement Monday" to "Wellness Wednesday", the days were meant to encourage exercise, use of cognitive and motor skills, mental wellness, and creativity.

 
"Fresh Air Friday" was a hit with the Prevail Academy students and staff. The post was flooded with photos of students and their families enjoying the sunshine and getting some much-needed fresh air. Activities ranged from family picnics to basketball and hopscotch games. Prevail Academy teachers even joined in on the fun by posting pictures of outdoor activities like performing yard work and walking their dogs!

"We believe every student can succeed given the right balance of challenge and support, coupled with personalized instruction and experiential learning."
 
At Prevail Academy, students start out learning to read before reading to learn. This method allows students to develop the skills necessary to read with fluency and develop a better comprehension of what they are reading.
 
The math learning process at Prevail Academy is broken up into three parts: experience it, talk about it and name it. Through 'Experience it', students use concepts they know to become familiar with a problem rather than their teacher immediately demonstrating how to solve the math problem. 

With 'Talk About It' the teacher facilitates discussion around the skills and ideas students developed while working on the problem. Lastly, through 'Name It,' the teacher explains the problem at the end of the lesson by building on the language students shared, explicitly naming the key points of the exercise for that day.
 
These advanced learning strategies are shown through their science and social studies curriculums. These methods are set to prepare students for college and life, giving them the skills they need to be successful.
 
Authorized by Bay Mills in 2004, Prevail Academy is home to students grades K-8 and located in Mt. Clemens, MI.  They set standards high for their students to encourage them to reach higher, build character, and empower them to take personal responsibility for their academic success.
Learn more about Prevail Academy by visiting their website: 
ANSWERING QUESTIONS DURING THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES
The impact of COVID-19 on schools have left many with uncertainty and unanswered questions. In an effort to help ease the minds of teachers, parents, and students, Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office has partnered with the Michigan Association of MAPSA and the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers to compile some of the most frequently asked questions related to the shutdowns and how it impacts the school community. 

"How should I talk to my child about COVID?" "Will childcare access be expanded?" "What about M-STEP testing during the closure period?" Find the answers to these questions and more by clicking the link provided below.
 
This website is updated at 1pm on a daily basis. Because information is rapidly changing, we recommend you verifying any potential changes before taking any action. Click here to visit the website.
MICHIGAN CHARTER AWARDS
The Michigan Charter School Awards highlights outstanding educators throughout Michigan's charter school community each year. Educators and administrators are nominated anonymously by parents, fellow teachers, school leaders, and community members for their ability to go above and beyond the call of duty.
 
We are excited to congratulate Tricia Osborne, from our Bay Mills authorized Madison Academy, as one of the finalists in this year's MAPSA 2020 Administrator of the Year Awards! The top five "Teacher of the Year" and "Administrator of the Year" finalists will each receive a $500 cash prize, as well as a platform to share their best practices throughout the year.
 
Congratulations Tricia!

Visit MAPSA's website to stay up to date on the 2020 MI Charter Schools Award recipients announcement in May. 
Interested in gaining educational experience? Or are you looking to add to your resume? Consider becoming a charter school board member for a public school academy authorized by Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office!
 
At Bay Mills Community College, we support a quality education to urban, minority and/or poor children.
 
Bay Mills will provide all of our academy boards with pertinent training so that they are able to make choices that are in the best interest of the students that attend their academies .
 
Our public school academies are always looking for new members that bring a range of skills, experiences and desire to help the Academy students to excel academically, as well as having the goal of advancing the mission of Bay Mills.
 
Some requirements of the position:
  • Engagement with the goals of the Academy
  • Enthusiasm to be an ambassador for the Academy
  • Willingness to fulfill the obligation of a board member, as well as continue to uphold the standards of being a board member
           
Board Member Qualifications:
  • Citizen of the United States
  • Resident of the State of Michigan
  • Submit materials requested by the College Charter Schools Office such as:
    • Public School Academy Board Member Appointment Questionnaire
      • Must include authorization to process a background check of the nominee
      • Submit annual disclosure of conflicts of interest
Members of the Board of Directors shall include:
  • At least one parent or guardian of a child attending the school
  • One professional educator; preferably a person with school administrative experience
Members of the Board of Directors shall NOT include:
  • Any member appointed or controlled by another profit or non-profit corporation
  • Academy employees or independent contractors performing services for the Academy
  • Any current or former director, officer, or employee of a management company that contracts with the academy
  • College officials or employees 
All Academy Board members shall serve in their individual capacity, and not as a designee of any other person or entity. If it is found that a person is serving as a representative or designee of another person or entity, they shall be deemed ineligible to serve as a Director of the Academy Board. They shall be removed from office in accordance with provisions found in the Resolution or Schedule 2: Bylaws.
 
Note that a Director serves at the pleasure of the College Board, and may be removed with or without cause by the College Board at any time.
           
Working with an Academy is the perfect opportunity to advance your career interests, expand your knowledge on education and help children receive a quality education that will last a lifetime. Apply to become a board member today!

For more information or to receive an application, please contact Megan Ringuette, Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office Compliance Coordinator at 906-248-8419 or [email protected].
About Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools
Bay Mills Community College began authorizing charter schools in the year 2000 and now authorizes 46 schools serving approximately 22,000 students. Fall 2015: 22,729 and Spring 2016: 22,257
 
Our Mission: To ensure a quality education for urban, minority, and/or poor children by improving and expanding educational opportunities through innovative oversight methods. To provide academy boards with the necessary support and training so that they may make educated decisions that are in the best interest of the students that attend their academies.