Lutz Parents Group Meeting

March 12, 2019 Notes

Principal John Nader introduced a special guest, MISD Assistant Superintendent Justin Michalik.

Principal’s Report: Health Ed classes are ongoing this month, with 170 kids signed up for two classes. One is taking place now, another starts later this month. March is reading month and every Lutz class has activities. Neil Reid is operating a Gleaner Food Bank program for ISD families, with the drive continuing year-round and food pick-ups scheduled for once a month. The more people who use the program, the longer it will continue.

Asst. Principal Nick DeVault said students had an awesome time at a recent Great Skate outing. Macomb County Special Olympics are coming upon Wednesday, May 8, and he issued a reminder to get physical forms turned in ASAP. He also discussed a parent looking for connections outside of school, which is tough because school officials can’t really give out phone numbers. Nick wondered whether there was some way for the LPG to take this on.

Justin Michalik gave us an overview of whats going on at the MISD. Before joining the ISD about a year and a half ago, he was with the Warren Woods district. He did his student teaching at Lutz and Neil Reid. What’s going on in Michigan with Special Ed? With a new governor, there’s a proposed increase in special ed funding for the first time after many, many years of cuts. Former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley headed a commission whose report showed spec. ed was underfunded by $700 million. Getting this money is contingent on getting road funding proposal passed. Back in July, there were reports that Michigan had low scores in special ed graduation rates and needs federal intervention. Michalik said that upon further study, that’s not correct. We don’t have a 29% dropout rate, more like 6%. Part of the problem is the federal testing program doesn’t have a test for our students, then labels them untestable. Other things the ISD is working on are transitions for students after school. Right now, though, funding is the real issue.

Our account balance: per Eileen, as of Feb. 28: $12,894.66.

Snowball dance recap: we had exactly the right amount of food. Ninety-nine kids attended, five at door with the rest RSVP. Norma says everything turned out well, no complaints. Only thing was our DJ’s father had a seizure at the end of the night. Most of the kids were gone, and he is OK)

Hawaiian Dance: Julie says we are trying a new thing: a sensory-friendly room for kids who get overwhelmed by noise of dance. Nick reminded everyone the MiAble seminar is going on the same night. Tentatively, the seminar will be in the cafeteria; food will be in the quad, dance in the gym.

John says once we get RSVPs for MiAble, we’ll make final decisions. Lauren says she can make her room work for the sensory-friendly room. After some discussion, we decide to keep MiAble in the cafeteria, set out the food in the Wildcat room, and use Lauren’s room for the sensory-friendly crowd.

Julie and Mary and Bob Johnson are co-chairs for the Hawaiian Dance. Probably won’t start calling volunteers for a couple of weeks. Will be serving pizza with a $5 admission fee. Julie and the Johnsons are still figuring out what will need to be bought.

New Business:

MiAble presentation: a savings account specifically designed for special needs folks. Scott Davronna, from the state will make the presentation. This program allows savings for special needs people without consequences for SSI or SSDI benefits.

We talk a bit about high school volunteers at the dances, and how to get them dancing/interacting with our students.

Teacher Appreciation Day: we set it for May 7^th. We will do a luncheon for 70 staffers.

Weingartz Fundraiser: Dates available from April to mid-June. It’s a hot dog stand. Weingartz provides all the food, utensils, tables, everything. We staff the booth and handle the sales. Our kids are also invited to participate. Ann also wants to order cookies from our kids to give to Weingartz employees who buy food. Last year, which was the first time Lutz was involved with this fundraiser, volunteers were scheduled for two-hour shifts. But everyone ended up staying the whole day.

We’re hoping to get either May 25 or June 15. We decide to give a cookie to everyone who buys a hot dog. Lisa D. will package the cookies in small bags tagged with a Lutz logo thank-you tag.

Butter Braid: Ann Martin will take charge; we’ll need two weeks turn-around time. It’s not a lot of work, good for a spring fundraiser.

We discuss a Welcome sign: it’s using welcome on a bulletin board, with inspirational words coming off each letter.

Spirit week: Lauren: reminds people to donate. Volunteer date to put gift bags together is Tuesday, March 26, from 9-11.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 6:30 p.m.

Field day, May 23