Volume 4 No. 10
When the coronavirus crisis struck, Multicultural Academy was quick to make a plan for continuing school. Outlining the new practices that will help students feel safe and valued, Mohana Mukherjee, Superintendent of Multicultural Academy, guided the school to a mixed learning approach, "Taking students and teachers out of the classroom was a pedagogical transformation that required a rapid mobilization across the district to transform delivery."

Multicultural Academy opted to follow a blended learning approach where lectures were delivered online and supplemented with hands-on packets. Superintendent Mukherjee said the mixed learning was essential. "Often, technology is seen as 'the solution' but it may not be the best solution for students and teachers. We leveraged simpler methods of providing instruction including email or utilizing books and paper/pen assignments more like a traditional correspondence course. We had mailed out packets and thought out of the box to help students in the way that most suited them." 

Free breakfast and lunch was available for pick-up at the school. "The food distribution was not just for our school families but was open to anyone in need. It was a great way to greet and connect with the students and community members," said Superintendent Mukherjee.

To help minimize learning gaps due to the aberration in the school year from the pandemic, Multicultural Academy held online summer classes. " It allowed teachers to provide summer school services to more students than ever. In the past, summer school participation was limited," Superintendent Mukherjee said.

Authorized by Bay Mills in 2004, Multicultural Academy is a culturally-rich school located in Ann Arbor. The academy opened in 2004 with a K-5 multi-age program and a 6th-8th grade program.


 
With a strong belief in the flexibility of learning to adapt to the needs of their students, Multicultural Academy works closely to provide a high-standard education. Their teachers have found that teaching online has led to better classroom control and less behavioral issues, and are optimistic towards the fall. 

As the Superintendent says, "We hope to continue to deliver an education that supports the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally."

 
Learn more about Taylor Exemplar Academy by visiting their website:

Many Bay Mills authorized schools have held drive-thru graduation celebrations and end-of-year parades.

Madison Academy in Flint, Triumph Academy in Monroe, Star International Academy in Dearborn Heights, and Vista Charter Academy in Grand Rapids held graduation ceremonies for their high schoolers in the parking lot. A train of cars - filled with graduates and their families -  paraded through the lot to wave a celebratory goodbye to their teachers and faculty members.


Madison Academy students in Flint, Michigan celebrate finishing high school at their parking-lot graduation.

Vista Charter Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan students at their drive-thru graduation ceremony.


Vista Meadows Academy in Dearborn held Senior Spotlights for their students, highlighting where each student was heading to college in the fall, and their future career goals. 



The class of 2020 may not have graduated the way they had imagined they would, but it will be an experience they will never forget as the schools made sure their students did not leave empty handed.
 
On behalf of the Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office, we would like to congratulate the class of 2020! 
ANSWERING QUESTIONS DURING THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES
The impact of COVID-19 on schools have left teachers, parents, and students with uncertainty. Additionally, information about how schools are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly changing. 

In an effort to counteract confusion, Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office has partnered with MAPSA and the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers to help provide answers. Here is a link to frequently asked questions and other resources to help keep you up to date on any official action taken. The page is updated daily at 1PM EST.
 
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.