SLCS District Update
April 28th, 2022
Superintendent's Update
Greetings SLCS Families and Staff Members,
This week's "SLCS Story" comes from South Lyon High School student Drake. I am not an overly emotional person, but must admit this story is very touching. It also serves as a prime example of the quality individuals that make up this amazing school community. We are fortunate to have individuals who are committed to making our community stronger by supporting others. Thank you to Drake for sharing and to all who helped make a special occasion one that will last a lifetime.
SLCS PEERS! A program that makes a difference!
Steve Archibald
Superintendent
I am a peer Mentor for SLHS’s PEERS Program and support students within the Social Communications class. Most students in this class have Autism or struggle with their social skills. It has been a great experience and I have learned a lot. During the month of April, the PEER’s program, with the help of students in Social Communications, helped promote the celebration of Autism Acceptance & Awareness. To get our school involved in our celebration we held an after school activity for hand making decorative pins out of puzzle pieces that could be worn during our second Unified Basketball game, and throughout the month of April. After a lot of discussion we decided to continue with the puzzle piece to represent support of people on the Spectrum. The puzzle piece to us represented that every student with Autism is unique and has their own special talents, and to support the idea that everyone has a place to fit in at SLHS.
During one of our classes Mrs. Hindersman asked her students if anyone wanted to present during our weekly TV announcements about Autism in April. Immediately, Nick T. volunteered. He has struggled socially in school, and wanted to inform others about Autism, and in particular how it impacts him at school. When Nick’s speech was shared on our school's TV News, I thought it took a lot of courage to speak out and advocate for himself. Nick received tremendous support from the staff and most importantly other students for having shared about himself. Around that time, Nick’s mom reached out to Mrs. Hindersman for suggestions on students who Nick could invite to celebrate his up-coming 18th birthday. The majority of Nick’s birthdays had been celebrated with only close family members attending. Mrs. Hindersman immediately reached out to several classmates, and Nick’s peer mentors. As soon as she asked me if I would be interested, I knew I was in; but the only problem was that the party would be at the same time as my Lacrosse practice.
The next day I asked my coach, Coach Boughton, if it is ok with him for me to leave practice early and explained what it is for. Coach Boughton did not hesitate to let me go, and even asked, “Why don’t we have the whole team go?”. I thought that was a great idea, so ran it by Mrs.Hindersman. Before Nick’s party our coach showed the team Nick’s video on Autism and we all were impressed and decided we wanted to make Nick’s birthday something to remember. On the day of Nick's party, our team got to practice and all got ready for the party. We wore our white jerseys with one of the homemade puzzle piece pins on them and drove to his house. We packed the street full of cars as we arrived and positioned ourselves in his front yard. I then went to the door to get Nick, and told him that I had a surprise for him outside. When we walked to the door Nick appeared to be nervous, and confused about what was going on. When Nick stepped outside, the entire team (26 players & 3 Coaches) broke out singing “Happy Birthday”. The look on Nick’s face when we surprised him was great. He had the biggest smile, and kept saying “Wow, I can’t believe this' '. The team wished Nick a happy birthday, and gave him several gifts that we bought. The whole team loved being part of this experience. It showed how much of an impact people can make on each other with just a little compassion. Coach Boughton said later that night “As a coach, my goal of course is to create great lacrosse players, but more importantly when we leave after four years that we go off into the world as better people”. Being part of Nick’s birthday party taught me that a simple gesture can better someone’s day or life.
Nick’s birthday party continued on into the night, where 12 mentors and 2 friends played games, kayaked, laughed and just hung out. When asked what Nick thought about his 18th birthday and the Lacrosse team dropping by he stated, “I thought them coming to my house was so surreal and nice of them to do. My 18th birthday was a BLAST!”. Memories of that night, and seeing Nick so happy will be something that will stick with me forever.
South Lyon East Sock Hop
Students in the 20th Century American History class at South Lyon East recently went back to the 1950's. They enjoyed root beer floats while discussing the "news" of the day with their friends at the malt shop. In other words, each student researched a different theme from the 1950s and then jig-sawed the information with their classmates. Angel Ankawi was the overall hula hoop champion for the day, with Cody Hunt and Lily Groves coming in as semi-finalists.
Special Education Summer Programming
The Special Education Department is excited to offer Summer Experience again this year. The Summer Experience is a five day a week program that operates for three weeks in the summer: June 20-July 8 (NO school on July 4). Any student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is invited to attend. The half days of instruction will focus on literacy and math skills in addition to social-emotional activities all through a camp style format.
To register your student, complete and submit the appropriate form below before June 1, 2022. Indicate the grade your student will be going into for the 2022-2023 school year. If you have a current 8th-grade student, you will need to register them for the secondary summer experience. If you have questions, please call the Special Education Office 248-573-8220.
Elementary/Middle will be held at Hardy Elementary
Elementary/Middle School Summer Experience Registration
Secondary/Adult Transition will be held at South Lyon High School
The Why Behind Challenging Behaviors - Virtual Saturday Morning
The big "why" behind behaviors can help parents approach their child and other children with more understanding. Dr. Karen Clark will present from her research a summary of the three main cognitive preferences of the brain and outline how differences in mental processing styles ultimately lead to differences in behaviors. Knowing why can make a difference. There will be an opportunity for Q & A following the presentation. Click the Virtual Link to join the conversation on April 30th at 9:00 a.m.
Staying Well-Creative Coping
Four in 10 teenagers report they feel “persistently sad or hopeless,” according to a recent CDC survey. A new workshop series for teens can help young people struggling with these kinds of feelings. The online workshops are geared toward helping teens understand the causes and consequences of emotions. Participants will learn how to turn off self-judgment, manage relationships better, and regulate their ups and downs -- with the goal of finding more meaning and purpose in life.
To participate, all you need is an Internet connection to Zoom, paper and pencil, and an open mind. All sessions are free of charge. Click here to REGISTER or visit Michigan.gov/StayWell.
Dates and topics
Week 1 / Saturday, April 23 at 12:00 p.m. - Give yourself permission to feel
Week 2 / Saturday, April 30 at 12:00 p.m. - Emotional Intelligence vs. Emotional Judging Week 3 / Saturday, May 7 at 12:00 p.m. - Practical Coping
Week 4 / Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 p.m. - Moving Forward
SLAYA Summer Enrichment Program
Please look at the image below for more information about the South Lyon Area Youth Assistance Summer Enrichment program.
SLEF Photo Fundraiser
Are you looking for a great idea for a Mother's Day gift? Or are you due for some updated family photos? Well, I have the perfect solution for you!
Please see the below flyer for an upcoming mini photo session hosted by the South Lyon Educational Foundation. The mini photo session will take place on May 14th and 15th at Maybury State Park. The two amazing photographers are SLCS employees, Kristen Line and Brandon Boyd. Click this link to sign-up for a session.
Reminder-District Calendar
The 2022-2023 school calendar is included as part of the teacher negotiation process. It will be shared with the community upon completion of negotiations.
Upcoming Events
- May 30 - Memorial Day - No School
- June 11 - Graduation
- June 17 - Last Day of School