Volume 3 No. 12
Charter schools rank in the top 12 highest-scoring open-enrollment high schools on the SAT's in Detroit, according to an  article by MAPSA. The SAT is a college-entrance exam that not only reflects student preparedness for the rigors of college but also evaluates whether the school is able to meet the evolving needs of high school learners in the community.
 
The Michigan Department of Education  recently released data showing that the 12 highest-scoring open-enrollment high schools in Detroit were all charter schools. Every charter school in Michigan is open-enrollment, meaning it is open to any student who applies. However, if there are more applications than open spaces, a blind lottery is held to determine enrollment.
 
In the list of the Top 15 Open-Enrollment Schools, Bay Mills' authorized Detroit Community Schools ranked #2, with an average SAT score of 876.9. Another Bay Mills school, Frontier International Academy, ranked #8, with an average SAT score of 826.3. In the list of the Top 10 Detroit High Schools for SAT Scores, including charters and Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) schools, Detroit Community Schools took #4, with an average SAT score of 876.9.

Congratulations to all of the hard-working students!
American Montessori Academy 8th grader, Jada Flores, is bringing "High Hopes" to Detroit as she and the Detroit Youth Choir competed in the 'America's Got Talent' finale. On Tuesday, September 10th, the group won over the crowd with their cover of "High Hopes" by Panic! at the Disco which included a rap solo written by one of their own choir members.
 
Guest judge Queen Latifah sent out a tweet stating "It's heartwarming to see the talent and passion these kids have while singing."
 
The Detroit Youth Choir was founded in 1996 and is made up of metro Detroit students ages 8 to 18. The nonprofit group focuses on teaching young people about music, theater, and dance.
 
The season finale was aired on NBC at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17th. The night ended with the Choir placing second, but their journey doesn't end there. AGT winner, Kodi Lee, has invited the group to perform with him at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino November 7-10, along with fellow finalists comedian Ryan Niemiller, V.Unbeatable Dance Crew and violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa.
 
Great job Jada Flores and the Detroit Youth Choir!

Ojibwe Charter School was featured in the documentary, The Seventh Fire, at the SooFilm Festival this past weekend. The festival was held September 12-15 in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. The festival consists of a selection of narrative and documentary features and shorts, music videos, and animation for 2019. The Seventh Fire is a documentary that centers on the Bay Mills Indian Community and how these native people are fighting daily to save and grow their native culture after generations of assimilation.

Just like every parent knows that every child is different, the faculty and leaders at Battle Creek Area Learning Center (BCALC) recognize that not all students learn the same. BCALC has made it their mission to provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment for those who have not found success in a traditional high school setting. The staff at BCALC provides individual planning and focus to help students work to achieve their academic and life goals, including long-term employment and continued education.
 
Through smaller class sizes and the option of online courses, BCALC is better equipped to meet the individual needs of students compared to a traditional high school. BCALC also provides several unique opportunities to its students in the offer of dual enrollment classes at the nearby Kellogg Community College and Tech Center, as well as the option to enroll in Cosmetology courses. For many students, BCALC is their only opportunity to obtain a high school diploma, and the curriculum puts them on a fast track by requiring fewer credits to graduate.
 
Up to two times a month, BCALC has Student Support Days. These days are used as catch up time for students; to attend school to complete assignments, study, and seek out help from faculty, if needed. This is highly beneficial to students who require extra assistance, access to technology, and a place to get away from life's distractions to focus on schoolwork.
 
BCALC accepts students ages 14-19. Typically the students who attend are full-time but BCALC allows flexibility in order to accommodate every students' unique situation. In over 15 years of operating, BCALC has had more than 1,000 students graduate. BCALC has focused their school mission and curriculum around Career, Character, Health, and Service.
 
Learn more about BCALC by visiting their website: https://calhounhs.org/ 

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.