Announced by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), the collaboration offers hands-on experiences designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math.

“Investing in STEM education is crucial for preparing young Michiganders for the careers of tomorrow,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This collaboration helps strengthen our position as a leader in technology and innovation.”

The initiative kicked off last week with professional development training for educators, equipping them to bring NASA-inspired challenges into after-school programs.

“We are delighted that Michigan has been chosen for this incredible opportunity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “This collaboration will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”

NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland will provide content, training, and opportunities for students to interact with scientists and engineers while solving real-world STEM challenges.

“By engaging in NASA learning opportunities, students are challenged to use critical thinking and creativity to solve real-world challenges,” said Darlene Walker, director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center Office of STEM Engagement.

Ten 21st CCLC learning sites across Michigan will host the program:

• Stout Middle School – Dearborn
• BC STEM Innovation Center – Battle Creek
• Clare Middle School – St. Clare
• Detroit African Youth Development Organization (DAYDO) – Detroit
• Lee Middle School – Wyoming
• Leslie Middle School – Reaching Higher – Leslie
• Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts – Kalamazoo
• Charles Hackley Middle School – Impact Program – Muskegon
• Fostering Leadership Academy – Redford Charter Township
• White Cloud Junior High School – White Cloud

“Our team at MiLEAP is proud to support programs that inspire and invest in our youth every day,” said Rawlan Lillard II, deputy director of Education Partnerships at MiLEAP.

Site coordinators emphasized the program’s impact on students and their communities.

“We are very excited to provide this amazing opportunity to our students,” said Kristen Ambroggio, site coordinator at Leslie Middle School. “This is a great experience for our students, community, and school district.”

For more information about NASA STEM Education, visit NASA.gov/stem. To learn more about Michigan’s 21st CCLC programs, visit the MiLEAP Education Partnerships webpage.

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The ceremonies, recognizing achievements across five colleges, will be held in SVSU’s Ryder Center and livestreamed for virtual attendees.

Graduates from the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences, the Scott L. Carmona College of Business, and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology will participate in a morning ceremony at 10 a.m.

The afternoon ceremony, starting at 2:30 p.m., will feature graduates from the College of Education and the Crystal M. Lange College of Health and Human Services.

Mark Murray, vice chairman of Meijer’s board of directors and an esteemed leader in education and government, will deliver keynote addresses at both ceremonies. In recognition of his contributions, SVSU President George Grant Jr. will confer an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree upon Murray during the 10 a.m. event.

Murray brings a distinguished legacy of leadership to the occasion. Having served as co-chief executive officer of Meijer from 2013 and as president since 2006, he played a pivotal role in expanding the company, adding 24 supercenters and boosting annual sales by more than 20%.

His tenure in academia includes serving as the third president of Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where he spearheaded international partnerships and strengthened educational initiatives.

Before his contributions to higher education and corporate leadership, Murray dedicated over two decades to Michigan state government, holding critical roles such as state budget director, state treasurer, and education advisor to Governor John Engler.

A proud alumnus of Michigan State University, Murray holds both a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in labor and industrial relations.

SVSU graduates continue to make an impact in high-demand fields across the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. Recent data from the university’s Office of Career Services shows that 96% of graduates from 2019 to 2022 are employed or pursuing further education.

This year’s ceremonies mark not only the accomplishments of the graduating students but also the enduring strength of an SVSU education in preparing future leaders for success.

For those unable to attend in person, the events will be livestreamed on SVSU’s website.

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The Saginaw ISD Education Partnership Tuition Scholarship will cover 30% of tuition and fees for eligible employees enrolled in SVSU’s undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs. Additionally, eligible staff may receive tuition reimbursement from ISD to further ease financial barriers.

“The Saginaw ISD and SVSU share a commitment to quality education, and this scholarship will help employees of the district further their education so they can enhance the services they offer their students and families,” said SVSU President George Grant Jr.

Saginaw ISD supports 12 local school districts, five public school academies, and 22 non-public schools in Saginaw County. They employ more than 700 professionals in sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology, many of which align with Michigan’s most in-demand careers.

“Investing in our team members is investing in the future of education and the communities we serve,” said Jeffrey Collier, superintendent of Saginaw ISD. “This partnership with SVSU not only helps reduce financial barriers for our staff but also aligns with our mission to serve, innovate and empower. Together, we are creating opportunities that inspire professional growth and support the development of a robust and skilled workforce in Saginaw County and beyond.”

The scholarship program begins with the winter 2025 semester. Details about the application process and tuition benefits will be shared with employees through internal communications.

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Johnston’s talk, titled “Pox, Populism, and Politics: Three Centuries of American Vaccination Controversies,” will cover the evolution of vaccine skepticism in the United States. Beginning with a 1721 debate between a Puritan minister and Benjamin Franklin’s brother, the discussion will trace how vaccination conflicts have shaped public opinion, culminating in the divisive reactions to COVID-19 vaccines. Johnston aims to foster an open and constructive conversation during a Q&A session following his lecture.

Johnston is an esteemed historian and director of the teaching of history program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He earned his Ph.D. from Rutgers University and is recognized for his research and writing, including the award-winning book “The Radical Middle Class: Populist Democracy and the Question of Capitalism in Progressive Era Portland, Oregon,” which received the President’s Book Award from the Social Science History Association. Additionally, he has edited journals on alternative medicine, rural politics, and middle-class dynamics, and co-edited the “Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era.” His contributions extend to the College Board’s Advanced Placement United States History exam committee and authoring history textbooks for younger students.

The lecture is part of the Barstow Excellence in Teaching Humanities Seminar series, made possible by a gift from the Barstow Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting education, health and human services, and humanitarian initiatives, with a particular emphasis on the Midland area.

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“MiLEAP is excited to present this incredible opportunity for Michigan schools to ignite the potential of students all across the state,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We invite every district to consider taking on the Universal FAFSA Challenge. Together, we can ensure that every student has access to the financial resources they need to continue their educational journeys and position themselves for future success.”

The funding will allow districts to make FAFSA completion a graduation requirement, with an option for students to opt out if necessary. Schools that participate will use the funds to implement evidence-based strategies, offering critical support to students as they navigate the FAFSA process.

“Schools play a critical role in helping students discover their passions and build a path to achieving their goals after high school. Completing the FAFSA helps students make informed choices about their next steps,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “It is the key to unlocking valuable federal and state funding opportunities, such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee. We’re eager to see districts rise to this challenge to help students unleash their potential and achieve their dreams.”

Applications for the Universal FAFSA Challenge are due by Dec. 1, 2024. Funding will be distributed based on the number of 12th-grade students in each qualifying district, with awards expected to be granted by Jan. 31, 2025.

For more details on the application process and additional resources, visit the MiLEAP Office of Higher Education website.

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Where?

The location decision will not be as difficult as the past decade’s plan for the new Saginaw United High on the riverfront, but it won’t be easy either.

Representatives of the Board of Education, the City Council and the County Board weighed in at an Oct. 17  session. Preliminary suggestions include Ojibway Island, Hoyt Park’s Veterans Plaza or elsewhere in the central parks, or maybe across the Court Street Bridge where historic signs already stand, ranging from the Twilite Drive-In to Aubry’s Cleaners. Then there’s always the Saginaw United campus, with athletic facilities still under construction south of the new school.

A top priority is protection from vandals. Superintendent Ramont Roberts said the district will aim for 24-hour video surveillance.

At the same time, a goal is a site that is popular and heavily traversed, where alumni may stop for photos and selfies.

Why not keep the signs at their original places? One reason is students want their own identities as SASA, which moved into Arthur Hill, and as the new Saginaw Middle School, which occupies a portion of Saginaw High. These changes, along with Saginaw United and the new Handley Elementary, round out the promises from a $100 million bond that voters passed in 2020, along with another $40 million in federal pandemic response fund to cover cost overruns.

County Commissioner Sheldon Matthews jokingly asked if the memorials would be placed side-by-side. The Rev. Charles H. Coleman, school board president, answered that indeed Saginaw High and Arthur Hill would share space, even with a sports rivalry that dates to the 19th century, captured for basketball in a book by former AHHS Coach Dave Slaggert, “Remember the Trojans and the Lumberjacks,” available for purchase from the Saginaw Community Foundation or for rental from your local library.

Regardless, the two schools will look anything like twins. The Saginaw High sign is 15 feet long while the Lumberjack is 13 feet tall.

Other attendees were Lisa Coney, Mark Piotrowski and Board Coordinator Suzy Koepplinger from the county; Annie Boensch and Michael Balls from the council; and from the school board Joyce Seals, Ruth Ann Knapp and Janet Nash.

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Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier praised Krantz’s leadership, stating, “David Krantz’s servant leadership aligns perfectly with our mission to serve, innovate, and empower at Saginaw ISD. His experience and vision will be instrumental in providing exceptional services and opportunities for students throughout Saginaw County.”

Krantz’s work in passing the 2022 Special Education Millage enhancement, which secured funding to expand resources for students with diverse abilities, is one example of his dedication. In 2020, he received the Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award from the Michigan Administrators of Special Education, recognizing his impact on the community.

Reflecting on his new role, Krantz shared, “I am incredibly honored to step into this position and continue serving the Saginaw ISD community. I am committed to working alongside our talented staff to ensure that each student receives the support they need to reach their fullest potential.”

Dr. Erin Senkowski, Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs, has worked closely with Krantz and expressed her confidence in his ability to lead. “Dave’s advocacy for students and families has made a lasting impact, and I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes that will continue under his leadership,” she said.

Krantz began his career in special education after graduating from Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). He has held various roles at Saginaw ISD since 2011, focusing on compliance and administration. Active in organizations like the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), he is well-regarded for his advocacy at both the state and national levels. Outside of work, Krantz enjoys family time with his wife, Angie, and their two children, Elijah and Emily.

As Krantz steps into his new position, Saginaw ISD will begin searching for a new Director of Special Education to uphold the district’s high standards of support for students and families.

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Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign that encourages bystanders to become equipped and empowered to help in bleeding emergencies before professional medical help arrives. Stop the Bleed kits are not just essential; they are a game-changer in providing immediate care in the event of severe bleeding. They significantly increase the chances of survival in bleeding emergencies.

These kits, along with proper training, empower teachers, staff, and students to act swiftly and effectively in emergencies, making our schools safer for everyone.

“We believe that every school, regardless of location or size, should have the resources to handle emergencies,” said Lt. Mark Przybylski, the county’s emergency manager. “By providing Stop the Bleed kits and training, we are empowering teachers, staff, and students to save lives.”

The goal is to provide a Stop the Bleed kit at no cost for every school classroom in Saginaw County. This ensures every school in the community can respond to a bleeding emergency regardless of the cause or where in the school it may happen.

The Saginaw Intermediate School District helps to coordinate the county’s 12 local districts: BirchRun, Bridgeport-Spaulding, Carrollton, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Freeland, Hemlock, Merrill, Saginaw City, Saginaw Township, St. Charles and Swan Valley.

Jeffrey Collier, ISD superintendent, said, “Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority, crucial for fostering environments where learning and performance thrive. Introducing Stop the Bleed kits into every classroom in Saginaw County is an invaluable opportunity to enhance safety and advance our emergency preparedness protocols. We are grateful for the collaborative leadership of the Saginaw County Emergency Management team and the support of our entire community in our commitment to creating safe educational spaces.”

Initial sponsors include the Marine Corps League – John C Rock Detachment 902, the 100 Club of Saginaw, the Tittabawassee Road Meijer, and County Commissioners Chairman Christopher Boyd. All proceeds will go directly toward purchasing Stop the Bleed kits. To learn more or to help equip schools with STB Kits, please visit www.saginawcounty.com/emhsd,  call (9890 790-5500, or email emgmgr@saginawcounty.com.

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Taking place from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers located at 1600 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602, the clinic aims to provide essential health services to ensure children are ready to head back to the classroom.

Services offered will include:

• Back-to-school immunizations: Making sure kids are up-to-date on their vaccinations is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases.
• Kindergarten oral health assessments: Early dental checkups are key for establishing good oral hygiene habits and identifying any potential issues.
• Dental cleaning: A professional cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthy teeth and gums.

The clinic will also feature walk-ins, prizes and is collaborating with the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers to ensure comprehensive care.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their children’s health needs are met before the start of the school year. For more information, contact the Saginaw County Health Department.

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So was Central Union High School in 1863 when it opened at the intersection of Lapeer and Park streets.

This is more than a coincidence, says Ruth Ann Knapp, Board of Education trustee and retired elementary music teacher. In looking ahead, the common names of the schools reflect a connection that will carry on.

She received the insightful info from a longtime local teachers union cohort, Bob Hanley, who was president of the Bridgeport Education Association. Hanley cited key passages from 1954’s “Growth of Secondary Education in the World’s First Lumber Capital,” co-authored by Mary Elizabeth Hetherington, Saginaw High teacher of journalism and history, with Stephen H. Lytle, SHS principal at the time.

If you don’t recall Central Union High, that merely means you are not a centenarian, because the stately structure was demolished in 1924, East Siders next attended “Old Main” at Warren and Millard until a Saginaw High opened in 1954, the same year that Hetherington and Lytle published their history

One fun fact is that during the old 19th century Central Union era, educators combatted truancy by patrolling the fishing along the river banks. More serious is that Arthur Hill was built before World War II while Saginaw High waited until a decade after, among sources of debate and division between the town’s two sides.

The Michigan Legislature required the cities of East Saginaw and Saginaw City (west side) to combine in 1890, but the schools were not mandated to merge until the 1920s. Chester Miller was hired from among 64 superintendent candidates to oversee the process, which of course included some geographic flare ups.

Singular, Not Plural

When Saginaw United student-athletes suit up, they properly will be known as the Phoenix, not the Phoenixes.

That’s because in legend, there was one lone bird — not a flock — that lived 500 years before burning to death and then rising from the ashes.

And the girls’ teams are not to be known as the Lady Phoenix, no more than the guys would be the Gentlemen Phoenix, because the bird’s gender is not mentioned in the lore.

Students from Saginaw High, Arthur Hill and SASA took the lead in choosing the nickname, along with the ever-popular black and silver in the mode of Oakland Raiders gear.

At any rate, football games will continue to alternate between the old high schools because the new stadium on the Bean Bunny site will not be ready this fall.

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