Mr. Beckeman's Blog

January 28, 2010

R-P Receives District Accreditation

Reeths-Puffer District Schools hosted a national NCA visitation team this week with hopes that their review of our work in school improvement initiatives across the district met or exceeded their rigorous standards to receive District Accreditation Status.

The visiting team met with school board members, central office administration, building principals, NCA leadership teams from each of our schools, parents and finally students at all levels.

At the January school board meeting held last night, the visiting team presented their exit report to the board and audience highlighting commendations, challenges and recommendations.  The oral report can be accessed by clicking on the link provided below:

District Exit Report

The high school’s NCA leadership team enjoyed their time spent with the visiting team members.  Some comments from the members are bulleted below:

  • Students who were randomly picked from the visitation team mentioned that the high school was their favorite building.
  • Teachers are the best part of this school.  The students feel cared for.
  • The interview process proved to be very meaningful for our improvement initiatives.
  • It has improved our communications!
  • The change in focus from single buildings to a district focus will improve our vertical alignment.
  • It’s a reflection process which will make us better, which is what we desire.

The three day visit helped us recognize our strengths, highlight our challenges and sharpen our focus on raising student achievement across the district.

Team Photo: Distrcit Visitation Team Photo 002

News from the State Budget Office

Filed under: Archive, Community News, Parents, School Board, Staff, Students — Mr. Beckeman @ 4:22 am

In less than two weeks, the fiscal year 2011 executive budget recommendation will be presented for the coming year, and the budget will recommend a number of solutions to resolve the state’s structural deficit.  Those recommendations will include a public employee retirement program to cut costs by offering both positive and negative incentives to approximately 7,000 state employees and 39,000 public school employees eligible for retirement.

The budget recommendation will require legislative approval in time for employees to submit a retirement application between April 15 and May 15, 2010.  Here are some of the details about the plan that will be formally unveiled in the budget recommendation:

State Employees Retirement System:

State employees who are members of the defined (DB) plan will experience the following changes effective October 1, 2010:

* To ensure that the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) is fiscally sound, a 3 percent employee contribution will be reinstated.

* Earned service credit capped at 30 years.  Employees continuing in state service beyond 30 years will be moved to a defined contribution (DC) plan for any additional years of service accrued after September 30, 2010, excluding what is purchased by the employee.

* Elimination of state-subsidized retiree vision and dental coverage for state employees retiring after September 30, 2010.  Retirees will be able to purchase this coverage for a monthly fee through the plan.

* Increased retirement multiplier of 1.6 for eligible employees who retire between July 1 and October 1, 2010 .  Details on eligibility will be included in the fiscal year 2011 executive budget recommendation.

* Phased retirement option for retiring employees age 60 or older.  Phased-in retirement will be allowed for up to three years, enabling employees to collect their DB plan retirement with a workload of no more than 20 hours per week for a previously full-time employee.  This option is available to the employees at management discretion.

Michigan Public School Employee Retirement System:

Public school employees who are members of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System will be subject to the following changes effective October 1, 2010:

* Employee contributions to the plan will increase by 3 percent for all employees except those in the MIP Plus program whose contribution was increased in 2008.  MIP Plus members’ contribution will increase by 0.9 percent.

* Elimination of subsidized retiree vision and dental coverage for school employees retiring with an effective date after October 1, 2010.  Retirees will be able to purchase this coverage for a monthly fee through the plan.

* The retirement multiplier will be increased from 1.5 percent to 1.6 percent for employees who retire with an effective date between July 1 and September 1, 2010, which will be paid by the applicable school districts.

* A new, more cost-effective hybrid retirement plan for new employees hired on or after October 1, 2010, will be created.  New employees will participate in both a base defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan.

* Phased retirement option for retiring employees age 60 or older.  Phased-in retirement will be allowed for up to three years, enabling employees to collect their DB plan retirement with a workload of no more than 20 hours per week for a previously full-time employee.  This option is available to the employees at the discretion of the school districts.

This plan is part of a four-part reform plan for state government that can be found at:  www.michigan.gov/gov .  When the executive budget is presented on February 11, additional information about the retirement incentive plan will be posted on the Office of Retirement Services Web site at:  www.michigan.gov/ors.

January 27, 2010

Think “WIN”

Filed under: Archive, Community News, Parents, Staff, Students — Mr. Beckeman @ 5:47 pm

I received this video from Mrs. Stacy Johnson, special education teacher here at R-PHS.  The video uses the word “WIN” as an acronym for: What’s Important Now”.  I believe you will enjoy this six-minute video and might even consider sharing with others!

Think WIN!

January 22, 2010

Hockey Team Outfitted for Cure!

Filed under: Community News, Parents, School Board, Staff, Students, Uncategorized — Mr. Beckeman @ 5:56 pm

The Varsity Hockey team will take the ice tonight in PURPLE uniforms tonight in honor of the many cancer survivors in our community.  The photos below were provided to me by Mrs. Jodi Griffin:

 

Team Photo

Lockers

Skates

The colors and the meaning behind them will provide an extra boost for our team as they compete for a win against Forest Hills Central High School tonight at Lakeshore Ice Arena.   The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

Researcher Visits R-PHS

Filed under: Community News, Parents, School Board, Staff, Students — Mr. Beckeman @ 5:09 pm

R-PHS students were treated to a special presentation by Rich West, a VanAndel Research Institute specialist in cancer research.  Rich proved to be a very dynamic and engaging presenter giving students an idea of how a career in science can be life changing for many citizens.

Rich West Presentation 001

Mr. West speaks to students and staff about his work at VanAndel Research Institute.

Rich West Presentation 003

Mr. West spoke of his passion for his work which can be evidenced in this photo!

Rich West Presentation 006

Students got a glimpse into his personality with his choice of lab coats!

Sophomores Alex Evans and Kam Peel were two students in the audience who were moved by Mr. West’s presentation. 

712381

Alex had this to say about Mr. West’s visit:  “Not only did we learn about the many fields of science, we learned about all the amazing opportunities open to us in our own community.”

Rich West Presentation 007

Kam’s thoughts on Mr. West: ” When we heard  that a scientist working in the cancer research field was going to talk to us, I’m not sure any of us knew what to expect.  But when everybody left, we left inspired; that a guy who started out so normal, with normal ambitions, was able to become such a great man who changes the future forever.”

We’re very appreciative that Mr. West took the time to speak to our students at the high school.  Our partnership with VanAndel Research Institute continues to provide opportunities for both students and staff at R-P!

January 21, 2010

Collage XIX

Filed under: Community News, Parents, School Board, Staff, Students — Mr. Beckeman @ 2:40 pm

If you need a fine arts fix, get out your calendar and circle Wednesday, February 3rd and make plans to attend Collage XIX.

The fine arts department at the high school stages this event that includes Theatre, Visual Arts, Children’s Theatre, Choir and Band pieces that are sure to make you swell with pride in what young people are capable of.

Click on the link below and print a poster reminding  you of this great event.  Hope you can make plans to join us!

Collage XIX

R-P Hockey Wins in OT, Prepares for Purple Game

Filed under: Community News, Parents, School Board, Staff, Students, Uncategorized — Mr. Beckeman @ 12:41 pm

Our varsity boys hockey team beat Kenowa Hills High School last night in overtime by the score of 2-1.  Click on the link below to view the winning goal!

RP Hockey Beats Kenowa Hills in OT

Our hockey team is set to face Forest Hills Central Friday night in a game billed as THE PURPLE GAME!  The uniforms for the game will be purple to match the laces in their skates. 

January is Cancer Awareness month and the color PURPLE has been used as a visual connect for recognition in the fight against this disease.

The PURPLE game against Forest Hills Central starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be played at Lakeshore Ice Arena.  Come out and support our Rockets as they skate for a win against the Rangers and a cure for cancer!

January 20, 2010

Free H1N1 Vaccine!

Filed under: Community News, Parents, Staff — Mr. Beckeman @ 5:08 pm

I just received information that our county health department is providing a free H1N1 vaccine in both the shot and nasal spray form.

You need to call for an appointment (724-7191).  Their hours of operation are: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

January 19, 2010

Accreditation Standard VII: Commitment to Continuous Improvement

“Igniting Minds, Fueling Futures” (R-PHS Mission Statement)

An update on the Accreditation Standard VII:  Commitment to Continuous Improvement

As reported in the spring of 2009 report, the commendations noted by the Quality Assurance Review Team (QART) were:

  • A strong emphasis on writing across the curriculum.  Evidence of writing in all content areas including non-core areas
  • Emphasis in higher level writing beyond type I and type II writings
  • An emphasis on using the concept of “opportunity to learn” to drive student offerings and opportunities.
  • An increase in co-taught special education classes and support classes (READ 180)
  • Essential vocabulary is identified and implemented from a school-wide, course and grade level perspective.  The “essential” vocabulary terms have been “shelved’ and a heavy focus is placed on these essential terms

The QART suggested  the following recommendations for action planning for the 2009-10 school year:

  • Use multiple data points on an ongoing basis to validate school-wide goals
  • Ensure consistent use of identified school improvement strategies for identified goals
  • Continue to encourage graphic organizers to support target area goals

The action plans that staff have initiated are:

  • SRI testing has been implemented in grades 9-11 on three separate dates (Sept., Jan. & May) to monitor progress and improvement in lexile measures
  • Professional Development for Recpiprocal Teaching strategies has led to instructional application in classes across the curriculum

Please take the time to “surf” the high school website.  I believe you will be impressed with the information and support provided to our students.

Also consider subscribing to my blog by entering your email address in the text box located on the lower right column of this post and click the “subscribe” button.  You will then receive an email notifying you that a new post has been added to my blog.  It’s a great way to stay informed on what’s happening at the high school.

Accreditation Standard VI: Stakeholder Communications & Relationships

“Igniting Minds, Fueling Futures”  (R-PHS Mission Statement)

An update on the Accreditation Standard VI: Stakeholder Communications & Relationships

As reported in the spring 2009 report, the commendations noted by the Quality Assurance Review Team (QART) for Stakeholder Communication & Relationships were:

  • Effective use of Rocket Review, website and automated phone system
  • Administration provides staff with opportunities for conversation and growth through Professional Learning Communities and Peer Observations
  • Parents are provided a variety of support groups to engage with. Examples include Athletics, Band, Vocal Music, Theatre booster groups
  • Parents and students felt comfortable communicating concerns with staff.  All groups expressed a safe and inviting environment when approaching staff members.
  • Students and parents feel there is an open-door policy with staff

The QART suggested the following recommendations for action planning for the 2009-10 school year:

  • Consider surveying parents as to additional ways and means whereby parents could become more involved with the school
  • Consider expanding on current technology uses with respect to communicating to parents such as links to sites and calendars

The action plans that staff have initiated are:

  • Professional Development on individual teacher blogs to communicate class activities, homework and support materials
  • Conduct survey for additional parental input on communication improvements

Please consider subscribing to my blog by entering your email address in the text box located on the lower right column of this post and click the “subscribe” button.  You will then receive an email notifying you that a new post has been added to my blog.  It’s a great way to stay informed on what’s happening at the high school.

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