Volume 4 No. 9
The turmoil brought by COVID-19 has been especially difficult for schools. How do we keep in communication with our students? How can we ensure a quality education? How can we assist our students as they and their families adjust to a new normal amid the pandemic? These were all challenges Taylor Exemplar Academy took seriously in an effort to prioritize their students' safety and education.
 
The staff implemented interactive engagements including posting videos on social media featuring faculty members to stay in contact with students and their families. This provided a sense of community and closeness while being separated from one another. Additionally, the Academy tried to anticipate potential struggles families would have at home. They posted articles on social media about budget-friendly meals, educational resources to assist with at-home learning, and fun activities for students and their families to participate in by uploading photos into the post comments.


 
One of Taylor Exemplar's signature programs is their flexible curriculum in math for top-performing 8th-grade students who are ready to learn at a more accelerated pace. Meeting the needs of these students allows Taylor Exemplar to provide appropriate challenges and develop higher-level thinking. These advanced-level classes equip their middle schoolers with the skills and experience needed to enter the advanced courses in high school.

"During the COVID-19 closure, our 8th-grade teacher created a special google classroom for her algebra students," said Taylor Exemplar's principal, Melissa Nickel, when asked what measures the school had to take during quarantine in order to continue their math program. 

"She met with students consistently over google meet to continue to teach the advanced concepts and provide support throughout the remainder of the year. She also provided large group instruction and small group instruction via google meet. Small groups were established based on individual needs, allowing her to truly dive deeper into understanding with each student. She ensured that they received access to their textbooks as well as a Chromebook so that engagement could remain consistent."

 
Authorized by Bay Mills in 2006, Taylor Exemplar Academy provides an educational atmosphere you would expect at a "private" school with the no-cost benefit of a public school to the Taylor, Michigan area. As a tuition-free public charter school, Taylor Exemplar offers a college-prep education and custom-created moral focus education program to help prepare students for their futures.



Founded in 2006, Taylor Exemplar is home to 789 students, grades Y5-8. They provide many activities and programs to their highly diverse student body, including sports, music, free and reduced lunches, visual arts classes, and before- and after- school care.
 
Learn more about Taylor Exemplar Academy by visiting their website:

With virtual ceremonies, car parades, and social-distancing ceremonies, this year's class of 2020 experienced a different type of graduation.
 
West Michigan Aviation Academy, Arbor Preparatory, Star International Academy, and Universal Learning Academy held graduation ceremonies for their high schoolers in their parking lots. A train of cars paraded through, filled with graduates and their families to wave a celebratory goodbye to their teachers and faculty members.


  Wellspring Preparatory High School held a virtual graduation ceremony that students and their families could watch via social media or YouTube. The virtual ceremony included multiple speeches held in the school gymnasium, along with speeches from students in their homes. The ceremony video concluded with the photos of graduates in their robes alongside their diplomas.

Many Bay Mills authorized schools have held similar ceremonies, and many plan to continue celebrations throughout the summer.


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.