Spending the weekend in school isnât appealing to many students but for some local band kids it was worth it to better their musical talents. 7th and 8th grade band students from Parker Middle School attended the schoolâs annual Winter Band Camp last weekend, spending almost 20 hours working on musical skills and team building. Parker Middle School band director Jeffrey Stimson organizes the Winter Band Camp and says it gives the kids an Honors Band experience. Guest conductor Katie Welty, Three Fires Elementary Schoolâs music teacher, worked with the students and says the camp is an amazing experience that helps them grow as musicians. The students also received help from sectional coaches who are music and performance majors from various universities. The two grades spent time working together, attending a chamber music session and focusing on specific arrangements. Fun activities were included into the mix as well, like a photo booth, painting project and a DJ. Students who weighed in on the experience concluded that even though it was a weekend spent in school, they enjoyed spending time with friends doing what they love. (DK)
Winter Band Camp Helps Kids Grow In Music And Teamwork SkillsWinter Band Camp Helps Kids Grow In Music And Teamwork Skills
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Congressman Bishop Targeted By National Political Action CommitteeCongressman Bishop Targeted By National Political Action Committee
Congressman Mike Bishop has been called out by a national group which wants to see him replaced in November. EMILYâs List, a political action committee that aims to help elect pro-choice Democratic female candidates to office, put the 8th District Republican onto its âOn Noticeâ list for 2016, a move they say makes his seat a top target for Democratic takeover in the upcoming election cycle. Actress and Brighton resident Melissa Gilbert previously announced that she was seeking to challenge Bishop in November. EMILYâs List, which claims a membership of three million supporters, says the Congressman has a legislative track record they term âanti-womanâ and âanti-family,â citing his opposition to the Paycheck Fairness Act and cosponsoring of âlegislation that would ban abortion and common forms of birth control.â When asked for a response to the designation, Bishopâs spokesperson Stu Sandler said that "Hardworking women and families in the 8th District pay their taxes unlike Melissa Gilbert. This extremist group's out of state support is an insult to those women and families that pay their taxes.â The reference is to Gilbertâs $360,000 in back taxes she previously reached a payment plan with the IRS to deal with. Bishopâs inclusion on the list puts him in notable company. Also deemed to be âOn Noticeâ by EMILYâs List is Arizona Senator John McCain, Indiana Governor Mike Pence and fellow Michigan Congressman Tim Walberg. Gilbert also offered up a response, saying, "I am so disappointed that in 2016 there are still politicians in Washington like Mike Bishop, who want to criminalize a woman's right to make decisions about her own health care."(JK)
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Council Approves Engineering For McPherson Park Drive Rehab Project Council Approves Engineering For McPherson Park Drive Rehab Project
The Howell City Council met Monday night and approved a proposal for design and construction engineering services for a beat up section of road with heavy truck traffic. The city will be receiving a Transportation Economic Development Fund grant through M-DOT to resurface portions of McPherson Park Drive in the industrial area of the city. The proposed limits for the rehabilitation have been modified a few times and in working with M-DOT, it was discovered the two worst sections of McPherson Park Drive were the portion adjacent to Mason Road and the crossing at the CSX railroad tracks, which is really starting to deteriorate. The resurfacing and rehabilitation work is expected to significantly help with truck traffic, which tears the road up. Community Development Director Tim Schmitt says Thai Summit America Corporationâs most recent expansion opened up an opportunity for the city to apply for grant funding under the Transportation Economic Development Fund program, which the state administers through M-DOT. Schmitt tells WHMI because its state money, itâs actually more flexible in getting projects such as McPherson Park Drive done quickly and they worked with the state to modify the application, which ultimately recommend approval. Schmitt says itâs a good grant and a great project for the city that will definitely help with the traffic from heavy trucks that travel south on McPherson Park Drive - Pepsi, Chem Trend and Thai Summit - that really tear the road up. Design and engineering costs are estimated to not exceed $48,000 and are required to be paid for by the local municipality under the terms of a grant awarded for the project. The source of the local match has not yet been identified. That discussion is expected to continue in February. Schmitt noted itâs the first phase and theyâll be working with the state to get the grant funding in place and then go out to bid to get the project done. He says the goal is to have the work done in early summer in advance of the Thai Summit expansion being complete. (JM)
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Suspect Facing Charges In Highland Township Car Theft, LarcenySuspect Facing Charges In Highland Township Car Theft, Larceny
Criminal charges are pending for a suspect who authorities believe is responsible for stealing a car and several larcenies in Highland Township. The 18-year-old suspect is a Highland Township resident who could face three felony charges and three misdemeanors. Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township Substation responded to a stolen vehicle report Saturday morning on Middle Road. The car was found shortly after, smashed into the rear wall of a 7-11 store. Police believe this was an attempt for the suspect to gain entry to the building. Another report was made at Milford High School soon after when a victim reported his keys and clothing had been stolen from his locker while he was working out. The victim then observed a man attempting to get into his vehicle. The suspect fled when he was approached by the carâs owner. Sgt. Matt Snyder, Highland Township Substation Commander, tells WHMI the suspect could be linked to several larcenies that occurred in the area. Sgt. Snyder says police found the suspect walking along Milford Road and took him into custody without incident. He was interviewed by a detective at the police station but attempted to flee when he was walked back to his detention cell. He was chased down in the parking lot but tripped and once again captured. Sgt. Snyder says this added two charges of resisting and obstructing police. The suspect is being lodged in the Oakland County Jail and is expected to be arraigned sometime Wednesday. (DK)
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Pinckney Man Wins $1 Million Powerball Prize Pinckney Man Wins $1 Million Powerball Prize
A Pinckney man is one million dollars richer after hitting it big in the Michigan lottery. 52-year-old Jeff Sheathelm says he felt ânumbâ after checking his Powerball ticket and learning he had won. He matched the five white balls in the January 9th drawing to win a $1 million prize. He bought his winning ticket at the Pilot Travel Center on Baker Road in Dexter and recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim his prize. With his winnings, Sheathelm plans to start college funds for his children, buy a new boat, take a hunting trip out West, and invest the remainder. Sheathelm says he plans to keep working for a while but itâs nice to know he has a more comfortable retirement to look forward to. Sheathelm is the second local man to cash in on a big lottery prize. 76-year-old John Rehm of Dexter recently won $1 (m) million playing Mega Millions. He bought his winning ticket at the Grand Party Store on Whitmore Lake Road in Brighton. (JM)
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Local Bank Offering Community Scholarships To High School Seniors Local Bank Offering Community Scholarships To High School Seniors
The application process is now open for community scholarships being offered to high school seniors in Livingston County. Up to ten scholarships of $1,000 each are available for high school seniors in Livingston County to continue their academic or vocational education. The scholarships are offered by First National Bank as part of its 2016 Community Scholarship Program. Five teacher classroom grants of $250 will again be presented as part of the program this year. Those will be selected as part of the scholarship process and no application is necessary. Officials say the scholarships benefit the future leaders of the community while the grants help local teachers with their important work. Students interested in applying must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, community service participation, a written essay, recommendation letters, and note challenges, if any, overcome to graduate. Scholarship applications are available from high school counselors and online through the link below. Completed applications are due by March 25th. More details can be found in the attached press release. (JM)
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Brighton School Board OKs Equipment for Fitness CenterBrighton School Board OKs Equipment for Fitness Center
The Brighton Board of Education last night accepted the bid by Barwis Methods of Plymouth for equipment to be used in the new high school fitness center. The center, scheduled to open this May, will be located where the old swimming pool â which is no longer being used - is located. Supt. Greg Gray tells WHMI that the school district received an excellent bid for the training equipment. Gray says whatâs particularly interesting about the fitness center is that it will be located where the old high school swimming pool was. Gray says that since the district now has a brand-new swimming pool, it was decided the best use of the old pool space would be to fill it and convert it into a center for fitness and physical conditioning. The bid price was slightly over $334,000. Gray adds that funds for a fitness center were in the original bond language contained in the 2012 bond issue passed by the voters. Gray says the fitness center will be for use primarily by students â not just those involved in athletics but the general student body. In addition it will be open for use by the public, although hours will be limited since it will be only for use by students during the regular school day. (TT)
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Brighton Township Talks Settlement Strategy In Gravel Pit LawsuitBrighton Township Talks Settlement Strategy In Gravel Pit Lawsuit
Brighton Township is working towards a resolution with a local company that is refusing to come through on their end of a development agreement. The Board of Trustees received an update from the townshipâs attorney Monday night discussing trial or settlement strategy in the ongoing litigation. The lawsuit filed by the township in 2014 revolves around a joint planned development agreement that was made with Sunset Sand and Gravel in 1987. The agreement allowed the company to mine gravel from a pit property at the corner of Jacoby and Kensington Roads for a 20-year period. At the end of that time frame, Sunset was to restore the property and build a park and condominium development. However the company went bankrupt before they could follow through with the deal and Clearwater Development, LLC from Milford took over. Clearwater refused to honor the agreement that had been made before their ownership, which led the township to take legal action. The lawsuit calls for Clearwater to be held responsible and fulfill the requirements of the agreement. Township Manager Brian Vick says he canât say too much on the issue because litigation is still pending, only that the lawsuit is in arbitration and the board is being briefed on its status in an executive session. (DK)
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New Four-Way Stop Planned At Intersection Of Fieldcrest & Silver Lake RoadNew Four-Way Stop Planned At Intersection Of Fieldcrest & Silver Lake Road
A new four-way stop and flashing red beacon will be going in at a well-traveled intersection on a newly paved road in Green Oak Township. Thanks to a voter approved millage, Fieldcrest Road was paved last year. Now, thereâs increased traffic in the already congested area near US-23 and the number of accidents continues to steadily increase. Itâs a complicated area by the township hall with tight freeway ramps and after analysis, the Livingston County Road Commission determined the four-way stop was the best solution to enhance safety and adopted a traffic control order. Managing Director Mike Craine referred to it as âthe law of unintended consequencesâ as Fieldcrest is much more attractive to motorists now that itâs newly paved and smooth. Craine tells WHMI there's been increased traffic volume, which is quite significant and almost double, but of more concern is the crashes. He says many are occurring at right angles, which often involve serious injuries, so theyâre tracked and monitored. Craine noted itâs not a location that could have a full traffic signal because of all the ramps and street approaches so the four-way stop was deemed the best solution after analyzing the data, which was shared with M-DOT because it will also have an impact on freeway ramp operations. Craine cautions that it will change the look and feel of things in that area so there will likely be a period of time for motorists to get adjusted because the intersection has been a two-way stop for so long. However once people get the hang of it, he says it should work pretty efficiently but theyâll take extra actions before they convert it and increase signage. Once the hardware for the new flashing red beacon is up, power will still need to be supplied by Detroit Edison. Craine says they hope to have the four-way stop in operation by no later than the middle of February. Photo - Google Street View. (JM)
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Howell School Board Files Unfair Labor Practice Complaint Against Teacher's UnionHowell School Board Files Unfair Labor Practice Complaint Against Teacher's Union
A local school board has decided to file a charge against its teacherâs union in hopes of resolving an ongoing issue. Monday night the Board of Education of Howell Public Schools spent time in closed session going over advice from its attorney, with a decision to file an unfair labor practice charge against the Howell Education Association, which represents the districtâs teachers. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says the board took action on the unfair labor practice against the Howell Education Association and that he can't discuss the personnel details. He says there is a disagreement, which happens from time to time between labor and management, but says the board is taking action, which in their opinion is to dismiss what shouldn't be moving forward. Zach Kasprzak is the President of the HEA and tells WHMI that âIn a nutshell, the dispute is about who is the decider of disputes.â While he didnât elaborate as to the exact nature of the dispute, he says the union prefers that all disputes are settled through an internal grievance process, but when it comes to non-contractual items, thatâs not what the district wants. Instead, he says, the district is filing the unfair labor practice complaint to ask an administrative law judge at the Michigan Employment Relations Commission to tell the union not to attempt to force them. Kasprzak says that if the district prevails, the HEA will have to file suit in the appropriate court venue regarding disputes over non-contractual items, instead of trying to work together to come to workable agreements internally with the grievance process. Trustee Gregg Gilligan was the only member of the board to oppose the action, though he did not say why. (DS/JK)
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Local High Schools To Take Part In Safe Teen Driving ProgramLocal High Schools To Take Part In Safe Teen Driving Program
Efforts from the state to make teens better, safer drivers will include a program that will be used at some local high schools. The state says in 2014 there were over 40,000 crashes in Michigan with a driver age 15-19, resulting in 69 deaths and 479 serious injuries. Ford Driving Skills for Life and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning wants to reduce traffic crashes, which is the leading cause of death for teens. The two organizations have formed a public-private partnership called Strive For a Safer Drive. More than 45,000 students at 44 Michigan high schools will benefit from the program during the 2015/2016 school year including Fowlerville, Dexter and Williamston High School. As part of the program, schools receive up to $1,000 for students to create traffic safety campaigns to educate their classmates about hazardous driving behaviors and conditions. Schools will submit a video or PowerPoint outlining campaign activities and the top five campaigns will be selected. Those winning schools will win a cash prize ranging from $500-$1,500 and a driving clinic with professional instructors. The project is part of Michiganâs Strategic Highway Safety Plan which was signed by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2013. (DK)
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Hit Show Sparks Debate Over Criminal Justice SystemHit Show Sparks Debate Over Criminal Justice System
For anyone who has seen the hit Netflix series "Making a Murderer," it likely raises questions about the state of the criminal-justice system, but advocates say thatâs a good thing. The series follows the disturbing case of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man in prison for 18 years for an assault he did not commit, only to be charged with murder two years after his release. While the series has generated passionate debate among viewers as to Averyâs innocence or guilt, it has also sparked conversation about the quality of legal defenses for low-income citizens. Oliver Burnette, who runs the Midwest Innocence Project, said that while viewers may find allegations of police and prosecutor misconduct in the series shocking, it's important to remember that the wheels of justice don't always turn in the right direction. "We're never going to have a perfect system, never, because we're flawed as humans. Justice is strengthened when we have the courage to stand up and say, 'These mistakes happened, so let's fix those mistakes.'â The Midwest Innocence Project is one of 70 affiliate groups nationwide that are working on behalf of people who say they're wrongfully convicted. Studies estimate that from 2 percent to 5 percent of people in prison are innocent, which translates to as many as 2,150 people in Michigan alone. Burnette said it takes an average of $325,000 and seven years to litigate one case and that they are currently litigating nine cases, with another 600 on the waiting list because of budget constraints. (JK) With assistance from Mona Shand of Public News Service. Picture Credit: Morry Gash/AP
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Man Charged After Break-In, Scuffle At Milford Police Officer's Home Man Charged After Break-In, Scuffle At Milford Police Officer's Home
An intoxicated Milford man is facing charges after allegedly breaking in to a local police officerâs home. 30-year-old Alexander Jay Odden of Milford is facing charges of 1st degree home invasion and assault and battery in connection with the incident this past Friday night. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg confirmed for WHMI that the officer and his wife fell asleep watching a movie at their home in the Village, when she woke up to find an intruder inside and screamed. Odden allegedly ignored orders to stop and tried to flee, and a scuffle ensued. The officer was able to restrain him while his wife called 911 but suffered some minor injuries to his right arm in the process. Odden was eventually taken into custody and responding officers discovered that the officerâs coat had been thrown on the deck, likely when Odden tried to escape, and that the center console of the officerâs car had been rummaged through. Nothing is believed to have been stolen. Odden lives in an apartment on the same street as the officer and was reportedly intoxicated, telling police he thought he was going into a friendâs house. Officers are familiar with Odden, who has various prior convictions. Chief Lindberg said evidence leads them to believe the incident was random and Odden was likely going around the neighborhood checking for open doors, which the couple would have locked had they not fell asleep. Lindberg further stressed the importance of locking doors to homes and vehicles because no matter how safe a community is, random things happen. Odden faces a probable cause conference in 52-1 District Court February 3rd. (JM)
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Local Man Hired To Help Snyder With Public Relations During Flint CrisisLocal Man Hired To Help Snyder With Public Relations During Flint Crisis
A Livingston County resident once again finds himself just behind the spotlight of a controversial statewide issue, this time the Flint water crisis. Bill Nowling, who resides in Green Oak Township, is the senior partner at the Detroit office for the New York-based public relations firm Finn Partners. It was one of two firms hired by Gov. Rick Snyder to help deal with the Flint water contamination crisis. The other was Mercury Public Affairs of Washington, D.C. A Snyder spokesman says that the governorâs social welfare fund known as Moving Michigan Forward is paying the bills for the two firms and that no state money is involved. Snyder has come under fire since word of the Flint water contamination became a national story late last month, with many questions being asked about his administrationâs role in the crisis. The decision to switch the cityâs water source to the Flint River took place under an emergency manager appointed by Snyder. The governor has repeatedly blamed state Department of Environmental Quality employees for failing to require Flint to add anti-corrosion chemicals that would have prevented lead from leaching from old pipes into the water supply. Nowling, who used to be a reporter for the now defunct Brighton Argus in the 1990âs, was a spokesman for Snyderâs 2010 campaign and for former Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr. He was present at last weekâs State of the State address and says they are helping coordinate the state response to the crisis in Flint. (JK)
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South Lyon Board Of Review To Come Under Perjury InvestigationSouth Lyon Board Of Review To Come Under Perjury Investigation
South Lyonâs Board of Review is coming under investigation after a councilwoman filed a complaint claiming officials did not report a possible perjury. Tempers flared at Monday nightâs city council meeting as councilwoman Maggie Kurtzweil announced that she filed the complaint which included allegations of an obstruction of justice to the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office. Kurtzweil claimed city manager Lynne Ladner and city attorney Tim Wilhelm were involved in the cover-up of a possible perjury during a tax exempt case that was brought before the Board of Review. According to the South Lyon Herald, she said she decided to file the complaint after receiving a letter from Wilhelm about an attorney-client privileged letter pointing to the possible perjury of an applicant. News of this created a divide among the city council as she stated that every attorney on council had the responsibility to take the action she took. Councilman Mike Kramer believed these were serious accusations and that Kurtzweil should have discussed the matter with other council members before filing the complaint. Mayor John Galeas also disagreed with the way the issue was handled, but believes the process will work itself out. Councilman Joe Ryzyi supported Kurtzweil saying he was proud to be on a council that was willing to stand up for whatâs right. South Lyon Police Chief Lloyd Collins said that the case will be handed over to the Special Investigations Unit of the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office in order to avoid bias on the part of the South Lyon Police Department. (MK)
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Highland Man Charged With Stealing Car And LarcenyHighland Man Charged With Stealing Car And Larceny
A man has been arraigned on charges connected to a stolen vehicle and several larcenies in Highland Township. 18-year-old Ricky Lee Keyser of Highland is charged with Unlawful Driving Away of Auto, Larceny from a Building, Malicious Destruction of Property and a misdemeanor count of Larceny. The charges are a result of a string of incidents that occurred over the weekend. On Saturday, a car was reported stolen and later found smashed into a 7-11 store in an alleged attempt to gain entry to the building. Keyser also attempted to steal another car from Milford High School and several larcenies were reported in the vicinity. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township Substation found him walking along Milford Road. When Keyser was taken into custody, he attempted to break free from officers leading him to a detention cell and flee. He tripped in the parking lot and was caught once again. That incident led to the addition of two felony charges which include Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer and Escape from Lawful Custody. Keyser was arraigned in 52-1 District Court on Wednesday and his bond is set to $50,000 cash. He is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on February 3rd. (DK)
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Two Bomb Threats Made At Local High School Within Days Of Each OtherTwo Bomb Threats Made At Local High School Within Days Of Each Other
Authorities are investigating the two bomb threats that were recently made at Linden High School. The high school went into lockdown on Monday around 11:45 am as a result of a bomb threat that was discovered written on the wall of the girlsâ bathroom. The Genesee County Sheriffâs Office and the Argentine Police Department responded to the school and brought in a K-9 unit, although the dog did not discover anything. The bomb threat is the second one that has been made within the last week- one was also found written in the boysâ bathroom just last Thursday. The school was put on lockdown at that time as well but nothing was found to substantiate the threat. In an email to parents informing them of the threat, Interim Superintendent Russ Ciesielski says âthe safety of our students and staff is of paramount importanceâ and ensures them that a thorough investigation will be conducted. Argentine Township Police Chief Dan Allen says the most important thing to know is that making a terroristic threat is a felony and the perpetrators will be prosecuted as so. He says police do have leads at this time and the investigation is ongoing. (DK)
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Putnam Township "Very Interested" In Buying Pinckney Elementary Putnam Township "Very Interested" In Buying Pinckney Elementary
Putnam Township is tossing around the idea of purchasing Pinckney Elementary School and has decided to look into the possibility a little further. Since its closure several years ago, the school has remained vacant despite some purchase offers. Supervisor Ron Rau says Putnam Township is interested in purchasing the building because of the recreational amenities it provides. He suggested the property could be used as a community park with the playground equipment and softball and soccer fields located on the grounds. Rau says he received a âvery positiveâ response from the Board of Trustees to meet with district Superintendent Rick Todd and talk about details in a very informal meeting. Clerk Sally Guyon made it clear that it was the township that approached the district with the idea. The district has received other offers for the property recently but Guyon says âthey donât care for the other buyerâ. One company approached the district earlier this month with the idea to develop the building into a senior citizen center or a charter school. It was not said if this is the offer the school is not fond of, however at the time of the proposal, Todd said he didnât think the community would support a charter school. If anything were to come to fruition from the discussion with Todd, Rau and other board members feel it will be necessary to negotiate the right price and maintenance of the property. At this time, the board isnât talking conceptual plans or money. Trustee Bob Press says for right now, it doesnât cost the township anything to just sit down with Todd and talk. (DK)
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Court Of Appeals Allows Whistleblower Claim In Lawsuit Against Hartland Schools Court Of Appeals Allows Whistleblower Claim In Lawsuit Against Hartland Schools
The Michigan Court of Appeals has issued an opinion in a lawsuit filed by a former Hartland Consolidated Schools administrator against the district. Tracey Sahouri filed the lawsuit in 2012 alleging the district violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it failed to renew her administrative contract and later re-assigned her to a teaching position. Sahouri was re-assigned after a state report concluded a breach of security in administering the MEAP test to Creekside Elementary students in 2011. The lawsuit claims her removal as principal was in retaliation for reporting ongoing âirregularitiesâ in how the district administered the MEAP tests and other incidents. At the trial court level, the district filed a motion asking a Genesee County Circuit Court judge to dismiss the case, which was denied. The district then appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals. In a recent opinion, the panel agreed the trial court erred and should have dismissed the defamation and invasion of privacy claims. However, it disagreed other claims related to the Whistleblower Protection Act should have been dismissed. Sahouriâs Attorney Tom Pabst called the opinion a huge victory, saying she was a star principal for twelve years with great evaluations and feels community pressure played a role in the district wrongly demoting her. Pabst says she was legally obligated to report a "false and malicious" ticket she received on July of 2011 for knowingly allowing minors to drink alcohol while at a graduation party at her home. Those charges were eventually dismissed by the Genesee County Prosecutorâs Office and Sahouri later settled a lawsuit for $150,000. Pabst says it doesnât matter if the district proves it's MEAP affirmative defense because they won big on five other claims as to why she was reassigned. Pabst says administration led an "out-of-control lynch mob" and trashed Sahouriâs career in part due to the ticket. He says other claims that will go to the jury include Sahouriâs reporting a death threat written on a bathroom mirror to police that administrators brushed off as a prank, gross negligence, her reporting a school board memberâs son for alleged intoxication and her filing a lawsuit. Meanwhile, the district contends Sahouri's re-assignment was based on the conclusions of a state report that determined teachers at the school improperly gained access to material from the tests in 2011, which constituted a breach of security, and thus she was ineligible for a Whistleblower defense. In regard to the recent opinion from the appeals court, Hartland Superintendent Jan Sifferman told WHMI theyâre pleased to have prevailed on the majority of the case and are considering their next steps. The district could appeal the ruling to the Michigan Supreme Court, which has the option to either hear the case or not. If not, then it would be remanded to the circuit court for a jury trial. (JM)
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Innovative Program Cuts Disciplinary Referrals In Half At Brighton SchoolInnovative Program Cuts Disciplinary Referrals In Half At Brighton School
Students at Hawkins Elementary School in Brighton are exhibiting greater discipline and eagerness to learn with the implementation of a new program. The âLeader In Meâ program, which started in the fall, is an adaptation of Stephen Coveyâs highly successful motivational book âThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.â Despite costing $42,000, with a $6,500 annual fee, Principal Basia Kiehler says itâs worth it. The fee entitles the school to training sessions staffed by trained professionals, along with student textbooks and other classroom materials. Teachers and other staff â right down to the custodians â took the 3-day training session last summer, with more training later this month and again in June. Kiehler says when they first became interested in the program, she sent a letter home to Hawkins parents explaining what it was and asking for a donation. To her surprise, the school received about $22,000 from school families, which the Hawkins PTO augmented that with a $2,500 donation. The entire 500-student body at Hawkins is participating in the program â even kindergarten and junior-K students. The program involves seven steps for the students: Begin with the end in mind; put first things first; think win-win; seek first to understand and then be understood; synergize â or âwork as a teamâ â and âsharpen the sawâ, meaning take care of yourself and your health first. Hawkins is the first school in Livingston County to implement the Leader In Me program, and with disciplinary referrals about half what they were at this time last year, Kiehler says other school districts in Livingston County have expressed an interest in starting it in their schools. (JK)
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