MPSConnect is a convenient communications tool for you to connect with me. Every message comes to my desktop. Either I or another MPS staff members will do all we can to reply to your message within the next work day.
Michael E. Sharrow, Superintendent
MPSConnect Link: https://www.midlandps.org/content2/706
August 9, 2021 Volume 9 - Edition 02
Superintendent Communiqué
Midland PS District Vision Statement
Lead with respect, trust and courage.
Ensure an equitable, collaborative and inclusive culture.
Enable all to achieve success.
WE NEED YOUR HELP ... Child/Family Contact Information:
Please log into Home Access Center ASAP to confirm/change your child(ren)'s contacts, address, phone numbers, etc. It is required that schools have "proof of residency" for each student every time they move. A copy of a utility bill with the parent/guardian current name and address would serve as documentation. It is very important that this information is kept up to date so you don't miss any information from the school or should the school need to contact you in case of emergency.
Link to HAC: https://hac.midlandps.org/HomeAccess/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2fHomeAccess%2f
If you have any questions about HAC, please contact your child(ren)'s school office. School office phone numbers are listed on the "District Details" page of this weekly Communique.
MPS administration is pleased to announce significant taxpayer savings due to the recent refinancing of the 2015 Building and Site Bonds.
Initial predicted savings from financial consultants estimate potential savings of approixmately $2,000,000.
Due to multiple factors including
exemplary financial position (good credit rating),
creative refinance structuring, and
favorable market conditions, savings realized were almost 75% higher than initially projected.
Once finalized, the effort resulted in saving MPS taxpayers almost $3.5 million dollars on its current debt obligations. The savings will result in lower tax burdens on MPS stakeholders over the life of the debt.
Midland Public Schools' Board of Education and Administration remain sincerely appreciative to our voters for their trust in passing the 2015 bond initiative. The District's commitment to maximizing the impact of the taxpayers' investment continues to be a top priority.
We are excited to report that we have had more than 300 listens to our first MPS Connections podcast that was released on July 22.
MPS CONNECTIONS!
We released our 2nd podcast this past Thursday--August 5. Thank you to MPS high school Athletic Directors/Assistant Principals Eric Albright and John Streeter for sharing information regarding Fall Athletic and Student Activities with our Podcast host, Brian Brutyn. If you didn't have a chance to listen to last week's podcast, here is the link:
Our next MPS Connections Podcast will be released Thursday, August 19
Title: Back to School--Tips for Students and Parents
Guests: Several MPS Administrators
Future Podcast topics may include: District-Wide Safety Protocols, Project Lead the Way, Spotlight on CTE, Social Emotional Learning, Restorative Practices, FIRST Robotics, Middle/High School Schedule Choices, and much, much, much more!
If you have suggestions for future topics, please let us know at podcasts@midlandps.org.
COVID Vaccine Clinics at NE, DHS, MHS in August & September
Those students and adults not yet vaccinated who are Ages 12 and older are welcome (and encouraged) to attend any of the three COVID Vaccine Clinics below:
August 24 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Midland High School
August 17 from 6:30-8:00 pm at Northeast Middle School
September 8 from 6:00-7:30 pm at HH Dow High School
The Midland County Department of Public Health has opened online scheduling for the Clinics that will be held at Midland High and Dow High. Please click on this link to register: https://www.co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/COVIDVaccineInformation.aspx
LifeChanger of the Year Nominee
Last spring we nominated Midland High Assistant Principal, Bob Scurfield, for the LifeChanger of the Year Award through the National Life Group.
We received word late last week that those who know and have been impacted by Bob’s professional legacy can support, comment and get updates on Bob’s nomination.
As most know, Bob retired this past June after 38 years of dedicated service to the students, staff and families of Midland High School. Please help us support this dedicated educator who spent almost four decades at MPS!
Here is the link if you'd like to check out Bob's nomination: http://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/nomination_detail.cfm?NominationID=6792&NominationYear=2021
Annual Notices — Per statute, Midland Public Schools must notify stakeholders of applicable state and federal laws.
All students and parents are expected to review and be knowledgeable of the information included herein annually. These annual notices are included in MPS student handbooks, located on each of the schools websites.
Here is the link to the Annual Notices information:
www.midlandps.org//2021-22MPSAnnualNotices
As you start to chart your family's course for the 2021-22 school year, here is the link for the 2021-22 Midland Public Schools District Calendar: https://www.midlandps.org//2021-22_MPS_Calendar
Some important 2021-22 school year dates:
1st day of school: August 23
September 3-6: No School -- Labor Day Weekend
Half days of school: November 24, December 22, March 25
Break during holidays: December 23-31
Spring Break: March 28-April 1
Last Day of School: May 27
Chartwells is the Midland PS Food Service Provider.
The 2021-22 school meal information and free & reduced application and documents
are now available on the MPS website: www.midlandps.org > students > food_service
Click on this link to complete the free & reduced application: https://www.lunchapp.com/
"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there."
--Barbara Bush