Supt's Corner
March, 2020
The Future of Linden Community Schools-2020 Bond Proposal
The Linden Community Schools Board of Education has approved placing a $55 million bond proposal on the May 5th ballot. The bond seeks a one-mill increase over the 2019 tax levy to address needs in four general categories:
enhancing student safety and school security
expanding and enhancing the instructional environment
remodeling, upgrading, and constructing school facilities
upgrading technology and technology infrastructure
The bond proposal calls for numerous projects, including adding a Media Center to Linden Elementary School, expanding the Linden High School Media Center, adding secure entrances to Central, Hyatt, and Linden Elementary, Linden Middle School, and Linden High School, enhancing the learning environment in all school buildings, relocating our Early Childhood Center from its current location in Argentine to Hyatt Elementary, building a new Multipurpose Center between Linden Middle School and Linden High School, developing areas for student collaboration, and adding space for robotics instruction and Science, Technology, Engineer, and Math (STEM) programming.
The bond proposal was developed following the review of a comprehensive facility study by the school district’s Facilities Needs Committee and Strategic Planning Leadership Group that regularly meets to assess Linden’s school environment and make recommendations for Board of Education consideration. The review process also included conducting a stakeholder survey as part of the school district’s strategic planning process.
A successful bond proposal will enhance and modernize our school facilities, providing for a positive learning environment. Voter approval of the ballot proposal will be a significant step toward a positive future for Linden students and the Linden community.
In Linden, we have a long history of community support for schools. Our residents understand that a successful election will have a positive impact on student achievement, homeowner property values, and the Linden community’s enviable reputation.
If you would like more information on the bond, please visit www.lindenschools.org and click on 2020 School Election. You can also call any Linden Community Schools Principal or contact Superintendent, Russ Ciesielski, directly at 810-591-0983 or by email at rciesiel@lindenschools.org.
What is the READ BY GRADE THREE law
Facts for Families: What is the Read by Grade Three Law?
In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed a law that requires schools to identify learners who are struggling with reading and writing and to provide additional help. The law states that third graders may repeat third grade if they are more than one grade level behind beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. These Facts for Families help families understand the Read by Grade Three Law so they can support their child.
How is my child identified as having a reading concern?
Assessments are given to all children who are in kindergarten through third grade within 30 days of the first day of school. An Individualized Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) will be written for all learners who have been identified through these assessments as having a reading concern.
When is an Individualized Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) developed?
An IRIP is developed following identification of a reading concern within 30 days of the screening assessment. The IRIP is developed with the help of teachers, the principal, parent or legal guardian, and anyone else that the team agrees needs to be involved. Your child will remain on an IRIP as long as there is a reading concern. Your child will be assessed several times throughout the year to check on their progress. IRIPs should be updated to reflect the needs of your child.
What is the “Read at Home” plan?
A “Read at Home” plan is developed between the school and family to develop the efforts you will take to support your child at home. Resources and activities are provided to families.
What if my child’s reading does not improve?
Your child will take the M-STEP in the spring of their third-grade year. The M-STEP is the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. The M-STEP measures what your child should be able to know and do. If your child scores one or more grade level behind the third-grade reading level, then a notification will be generated for you and your child’s school that your child may be retained.
What supports are in place for my child?
Our schools provide a reading program that is designed to improve your child’s specific reading concern. This program includes teaching strategies to help your child be a successful reader. Your child may also be assigned to a reading specialist, an evidence-based reading program, daily small group instruction, ongoing assessments, or specialized reading help
How do our schools perform?
The reading achievement of Linden students continues to be strong. Linden continues to perform at the top of the county in reading as well as math performance. In 2019, Linden ranked 1st in the county for MSTEP achievement and is in the 91% percentile in the state. This strongly suggests that our teaching and learning is working.
Online Paperless Enrollment Process
As we strive to improve our communication systems, Linden Community Schools has implemented a new online paperless enrollment process. This will allow parents/families with a more convenient opportunity to enroll new students and update current student information. When you login to ParentVue this week you will have a message that says, "Welcome to Online Registration" and you will also notice a button near the top right-hand side of your screen that says, "Online Registration". You will use this button if you have a New student to enroll in the district beginning February 26, 2020. Beginning March 9, 2020, you will also be able to update your existing student(s) information (phone number, email, address changes, etc.).
If you have any questions, please contact the building your student attends or our Central Enrollment Office at 810-591-0986.
Linden Hockey Gives Back
Linden turns 150 years old
VFW Easter Bingo
7:00 pm -10:00 pm
VFW Hall in Linden
Proceeds raised to help Linden High School Student Council
VFW Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Bieber, Linden Middle School CI teacher, was recognized for her commitment to our students, and her commitment to the teaching profession.
Now Hiring School Bus Drivers
Thank You!
Linden Community Schools
Email: rciesiel@lindenschools.org
Website: lindenschools.org
Location: 7205 W Silver Lake Rd, Linden, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-0983
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindenCommunitySchools/
Twitter: @lindenschools