School & Classroom Strategies: SSW's & PBS Support

Professional Standards: GLCE's

School Social Workers of the Year

Region News

PAC Information

Conference Updates

WebTips

Exchange Deadlines

MASSW is very excited about a collaborative venture with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Kyle Guerrant and Lauren Kazee. Lauren is a former school social worker who now works in a shared position between the MDE and Community Mental Health. Kyle, Lauren and others were instrumental in developing the State Board of Education’s policy on mental health in schools. This policy, which was recently approved by the state board, is a key feature in making the case that achievement will improve for students when social, emotional and environmental concerns are addressed, when these domains of functioning are barriers rather than strengths in educational progress. School Social Workers are the key and ONLY licensed mental health providers in the schools. In this collaboration, MASSW members are taking training to teachers to offer professional development on “Eliminating the Barriers.” It is a training that raises teacher awareness of what exactly they may be dealing with in the students in front of them. Regional Presidents are soliciting the help of at least two SSWs from each region to take, then teach the training as many times as is possible during the next school year.

MASSW is putting the word out. Advocating for student achievement by advocating for our profession is one of our major goals. MASSW has been actively pursuing the Anti-Bullying Legislation to demonstrate school districts’ responsibilities to provide a safe, positive and supportive environment for all children. It is clear that without this type of environment, optimal learning cannot occur. Should this legislation pass, it is our hope that MASSW members will be the first to address school board members in local education districts to volunteer to help develop policy for his or her district. This demonstration of professional leadership and caring practice will go far to demonstrate what SSWs can provide to districts, students and communities. Send your experience! We know you’ll be at the forefront of this opportunity!

Speaking of opportunity, keep in mind that Michigan is not alone. Michigan is one of the largest School Social Work Associations in the Nation. There are two national organizations attempting to make school social work a national phenomenon! School Social Workers Association of America (SSWAA) and American Council of School Social Work (ACSSW) are national organizations attempting to make a difference in two very different ways. Check them out by following links on our website www.masswmi.org . SSWAA is close to implementing plans that hope to tap, again, into the state associations and provide greater national unity toward establishing School Social Work as a specialized practice on a national level. SSWAA has an annual conference in the Spring. ACSSW has a leadership conference in Chicago, Illinois, in June. You can access a brochure for that conference via our website. ACSSW is attempting to set a national strategic plan and agenda for research and leadership development. We all have responsibility to document our practice at some level. You can assist your entire profession if you keep good records on programs or specific interventions that succeed or fail. It’s all information that can be used to demonstrate what does work and under what circumstances. Check out both opportunities.

While you move into “school year mode,” I hope you will keep MASSW in mind. The MASSW Board will be working to develop plans to support our organization in many ways. As a side note to that work, I want to thank you for your support through membership. We have a little less than ½ of all SSWs as members. Mention MASSW to your colleagues. The MASSW Board can act with added confidence knowing we have that support (even a note of “thanks” to your regional officers, committee members, etc., helps!) If you can help in any way or are just interested in how you might be able to help, feel free to call! “When we have us all, the tasks are small . . . but great things still get done!”

Have a great school year!

Sincerely,

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Philip R. Barker, LMSW, ACSW, SSW
President, MASSW

Governor signs SAF Transfer

The deal also rested on shifting $208 million from the School Aid Fund (SAF) to the General Fund which passed the House on August 25. House leadership stated that the shift needed to be made in order to balance the FY 2010 budget. Technically, the money will be used to cover the costs of the state’s public community colleges. The Senate, on September 8th, followed the House’s lead and transferred $208 million from the SAF to the General Fund for FY 2011. HB 6086, sponsored by Rep. George Cushingberry (D-Detroit) passed 21-14. On September 9th, Governor Jennifer Granholm made the transfer official by signing HB 6086, which is now Public Act 158.

The Senate has not taken up HB 5872, which transfers $312 million in new federal education money to the School Aid Fund for FY 2011. The House passed that bill last month as well. However, we do not know yet exactly how the funding will be allocated. The House version provides districts with a one time payment to totally restore the per pupil foundation allowance reductions of $154 per student (see following article). It also nearly restores the $16 million cut to ISD’s and distributes the remaining $50 million to districts in a one-time per pupil increase based on the 2x formula, providing a per pupil increase between $17 and $34. The Senate is likely to modify these allocations, however, and the bill will not be finalized till other budget bills have passed.

One other element of the deal is the elimination of Renaissance Zone payments to school districts, community colleges and libraries. School districts would lose $9.2 million in reimbursement under this proposal, which will also require legislative action.

School Aid

The school aid bill passed in July and has been signed by the Governor with an $11 per pupil “increase” for the current year that will be retained in the next year to meet ARRA standards and reduce the $165 per pupil cut to the current year’s budget to $154 per pupil, an amount that MAY be made up through new federal funds, as explained below. For school social workers, three things were very important:

• Additional funding in school readiness grants for at risk four year olds by $1.3 million apiece for both public school and non-profit programs so that 764 more children can be served.
• Restoration of general operations funding for intermediate school districts by $2.4 million (of the $16.3 originally cut).
• No reduction in At-Risk funding (Section 31 a), which may be used by districts to hire “general education” social workers and other staff and programming.

Additionally, former HB 6058, now PA 158 of 2010, increases school based services by $43.469,600 in federal authorization, due to additional settlements with schools that provide Medicaid services supported by local funds. These federal funds are paid to districts for various health services provided for Medicaid eligible pupils in school setting.

Finally, Michigan has been awarded $318 million from the Federal Education Jobs Fund to save 4700 education employee jobs. The funding may be used for any position that provides educational and related services for early childhood, elementary and secondary schools in 2010-11 and 2012 school years, and funds must be spent by September 30, 2012. The legislature must enact a school aid supplemental bill before the funds can be distributed. The House has passed HB 5872, and the Senate plans to take it up after the remainder of the budget is passed.

Although the bill is often referred to in terms of districts hiring and rehiring teachers, the funding can also be used for school social workers as well as other school-level educational related services. It cannot be used on general administrative expenses or for payment to contractual employees. We will inform MASSW once this bill has been signed into law and we know exactly how the legislature has allocated this new funding.

Other Policy Issues Move Forward

Regarding the anti-bullying legislation that has the best chance of passing this session, we had a recent conference call with several legislators and other lobbyists involved with HB 4580 (Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Chelsea). A “cyberbullying” package has been introduced in the Senate as SB 1458-1463 by Senators Whitmer, Anderson, and Hunter, and more recently in the House as HB 6468-6473 by Representatives Lisa Brown, Segal, Kennedy, Scripps, and Slavens. In both cases, the bills were referred to their bodies’ judiciary committee.

Recommendation: We ask all Board members to call, write or email their senators, asking them to support HB 4580. Also, we have provided President Phil Barker with a list of Senators who especially need face to face meetings.

Federal Improvement Funds Awarded to

28 Struggling Michigan Schools

On September 2, 2010, the Michigan Department of Education announced that twenty-eight of Michigan’s lowest achieving schools have been awarded federal School Improvement Grant (SIG) funds to help them increase student achievement.

The funds are from the federal School Improvement Grant, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) that was signed into law by President Obama last year. Michigan received $115 million in the first-round competitive SIG funds for local schools to improve teaching and learning for all students. Using federal rules, only $86 million was available for immediate grant awards, with the remainder rolling into a second round of funding later in the year.

The 28 schools receiving grants today earned them based upon meeting the federal grant requirements and having the highest quality applications. They are located in urban, suburban and rural communities throughout Michigan. The schools eligible for the School Improvement Grant were identified by student achievement and academic growth based on state testing date from the 2007-2009 school years. There were 108 schools eligible to apply and 84 sent in applications.

Districts with eligible schools had to submit a detailed school improvement plan using one of four improvement models required by the U.S. Department of Education. SIG funds must be used to provide Title I allowable school programming and activities. The four federally-required school improvement models are: Transformational Model-Districts would address four specific areas: 1) developing teacher and school leader effectiveness, which includes replacing the principal who led the school prior to the commencement of the transformational model; 2) implementing comprehensive instructional reform strategies; 3) extending learning and teacher planning time and creating community-oriented schools; 4) providing operating flexibility and sustained support. Turnaround Model-This would include, among other actions, replacing the principal and at least 50 percent of the school’s staff, adopting new governance structure and implementing a new or revised instructional program. Restart Model-School districts would close the school and reopen it under the management of a charter school operator; a charter management organization; or an educational management organization selected through a rigorous review process. A restart school would require enrolling, within the grades it serves, any former student who wishes to attend. School Closure-The district would close the low-achieving school and enroll the students who attended that school in other high-achieving schools in the district.

A list of the 28 schools and SIG Frequently Asked Questions are available for review. Copies are also available on the Michigan Department of Education’s website: www.michigan.gov/mde.

92 Lowest Achieving Schools Identified

On August 16, 2010, 92 schools identified by state law as the Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools will be required to develop Redesign Plans approved by the newly-formed State School Reform/Redesign Office in the Michigan Department of Education, or risk being placed in a statewide School Reform District.

The Michigan Department of Education released its up to date “Top-to-Bottom” ranking of all schools, based on a federally-approved measure of student achievement and academic growth over the past four years. The Top-to-Bottom ranking list was developed using student testing data for reading and math on the MEAP test and the Michigan Merit Exam for the 2006-2007 through 2009-2010 school years.

Districts with schools on the Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools list must submit a Redesign Plan to the Michigan Department of Education’s School Reform Officer by November 16, using one of four improvement models required by the U.S. Department of Education (same models as required by the SIG grants). Schools may begin to implement their plans immediately, but must begin them no later than the 2011-2012 school year.

A complete list of the 92 Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools is available for review. A copy of the full report is available on the Michigan Department of Education website: www.michigan.gov/mde.

MDE Receives Grant to Support

New Charter Schools

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has received from the United States Department of Education (USED) a grant award of $16,684,578 for use during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years to strengthen the pool of charter school developers in Michigan and support new charter schools. According to MDE, the three types of subgrants are: 1) New public school academies opening fall 2010 are invited to compete for twelve-month implementation grants. The competitive grants may be approved for up to $255,000. Successful completion of the competitive grant qualifies this new PSA to apply for a second year implementation grant in the amount of $255,000. 2) Earlier stage PSA developers planning for fall 2011 or fall 2012 opening may be eligible to compete for eighteen month planning grants. These competitive grant awards may also be approved for up to $110,000 in planning expenses, and successful completion of the planning grant, along with acquisition of a charter, will qualify the PSA to apply for further first and second year implementation funding of at least $200,000 annually. 3) A portion of the 2010-2011 federal award ($826,838) may be available to Michigan PSAs that have not already received a dissemination grant and may apply if they:

• Have been in operation for at least three consecutive academic years, and are financially viable and operationally successful and
• Have achieved at least 70 percent proficiency in both reading and math per MEAP results to serve Strict Discipline Academies (SDAs) or Alternative Education populations and have alternative evidence of the academic success.

Eligible charter schools have been identified and will be posted with the grant application on the MDE’s website: www.michigan.gov/charters.

Primary Election Results Surprise Pundits

As is true in most elections, the August 3 primary had a few surprises in store for political pundits and prognosticators. While Democratic candidate Virg Bernero’s victory was closer than most had anticipated, the real surprise was former Gateway executive Rick Snyder winning the Republican primary—by a wide margin—over competitors whose previous public service gave them a head start with name recognition and heavy duty endorsements. On the Democratic side, it was unions and more traditional liberal groups that turned the tide away from House Speaker Andy Dillon to the more populist candidate, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. Given that primary elections typically excite a party’s “base” voters, Bernero’s victory was no great shock. However, Snyder’s victory as the more moderate candidate went against the usual primary pattern. The big question for the general election is how much of Snyder’s support came from cross-over Democrats and how many of them will stay with him in November. At the congressional level, open seats provided most of the interesting primary races, with the closest hanging in the balance until fairly recently. In the 1st Congressional District, currently held by departing Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), Democratic State Representative Gary McDowell from Rudyard faced no primary opposition, but State Senator Jason Allen (R-Alanson) and Dr. Dan Benishek had a photo-finish in the Republican primary. Benishek, who heavily worked the “Tea Party” vote, got 27,091 votes to Allen’s 27,090. Senator Allen and Dr. Benishek wasted no time before hiring two of the state’s top election count attorneys to oversee the challenge, but when the recount appeared to widen the gap, Senator Allen decided to withdraw.

In the 2nd Congressional District Republican primary for the seat vacated by Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-Holland), former state representative Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) have edged out former football star Jay Riemersma, who appears unlikely to seek a recount. In this congressional district, winning the Republican primary is tantamount to winning the general election, unlike the 1st congressional district, which is more competitive between the parties.

In Detroit, the big news was State Senator Hansen Clarke prevailing significantly over U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick in the 13th Congressional District’s Democratic primary. In this district, winning the Democratic primary means a near certainty of success in the General Election.

As far as state legislative races, all we know for sure is that there will be an extensive turnover next January, when newly elected legislators take office. Of the 110 House seats, 52 are open due to term limits and House members running for the Senate. Most political forecasters expect Republicans to make gains and narrow the current 65-43 majority (there are two vacancies). About a half dozen House seats currently held by Democrats appear particularly open to challenge, with at least as many more being a jump ball. However, given the depth of the Democrats’ majority, it is less likely that Republicans will be able to re-gain the majority this November.

Similarly, it seems likely that the Senate will remain in Republican control, given Republican’s current 22-16 advantage. Democrats also lost some of their “top pick” candidates well before the primary election, including in northern Michigan when Rep. Gary McDowell decided to run for the 1st Congressional seat and Rep. Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) decided not to run at all. Rep. Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) also surprised the Democratic establishment when he withdrew from the race to replace Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Canton). However, the great uncertainty for both parties is what impact the top of the ticket, in this case the gubernatorial race, will have on races further down the ballot. Here again, all we know for sure is that the Senate will experience a major turnover, with 29 of its 38 seats being “open”.

We encourage you to get to know the legislative candidates in your communities, remembering that in about three-quarters of districts, the winners of the primaries will become legislators.

Campaign 2010 Update

The Republican and Democratic conventions are complete, and the remaining nominees for races not decided in the August 2 primary have been selected. The Democratic convention was relatively sedate with the only big news stories stemming from Virg Bernero’s selection of Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence as a running mate. The other big news from the Democratic side stemmed from the surprise resignation of Justice Elizabeth Weaver from the Supreme Court, allowing Governor Granholm to appoint Circuit Court Judge Alton Davis to the high bench.

The Republican convention was much more animated and divisive, as a large number of Tea Party activists showed up to make their voices heard. The Tea Partiers went so far as to challenge the tradition of allowing a gubernatorial nominee to select their own running mate to run for Lt. Governor. In this case, Rick Snyder’s chosen nominee – State Representative Brian Calley – was challenged by Tea Party favorite Bill Cooper of Fruitport. After the Tea Party faction demanded a roll call vote (something which the Party was not able to provide), Mr. Cooper stepped down and allowed the nomination of Mr. Calley to go forward.

The Republicans nominated Bill Schuette to run for Attorney General, and Ruth Johnson to run for Secretary of State. They will face off against Democrats David Leyton and Jocelyn Benson, respectively.

Supreme Court Surprise

It was a move that created a firestorm in Lansing. On August 26 – just two days before the party conventions to nominate candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court – Justice Elizabeth Weaver announced her resignation. Before her resignation, the Supreme Court had 4 Republican Justices and 3 Democratic Justices. Justice Weaver, though nominally a Republican, had become the swing vote on the sharply divided bench. A well publicized rift between her and her Republican colleagues had grown to the point where she would not have gotten the Republican nomination this year. Although she could have self-nominated as an incumbent, she instead chose to retire in the most damaging way possible to her own party.

By resigning just before the nominating conventions, she allowed Governor Granholm to appoint an immediate successor. Circuit Court Judge Alton Davis, a northern judge viewed as a Democrat, was appointed to the Supreme Court the same day as Justice Weaver’s resignation. This will allow now Justice Davis to have the incumbency designation on the November ballot – a huge advantage in judicial races. It also flips the court from a 4-3 Republican majority (in which Justice Weaver often sided with Democratic decisions to a solid 4-3 Democratic majority. Not only will this change the court’s overall judicial philosophy, it may play a big role in the legislative redistricting battles that will be fought beginning next year.

Since there are two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court up for election this year, the Democrats also nominated Circuit Court Judge Denise Langford Morris to run for the second seat. Republican incumbent Justice Robert Young won an enthusiastic nomination at the Republican convention, and he will be joined by Circuit Court Judge Mary Beth Kelly on the Republican Supreme Court ticket.

Constitutional Convention 2011?

Most state government insiders think that Michigan voters will shoot down a 2010 ballot proposal for a 2011 constitutional convention. Michigan’s Constitution requires that voters be given a chance every 16 years to rewrite the state’s governing document. If it is approved in 2011, 148 delegates representing each state house and senate district would be elected to come to Lansing to review and propose changes to the Constitution.

The proposed constitutional convention will be one of two proposals on the ballot for 2010. The second is a proposal to amend the Michigan’s Constitution to prohibit certain felons from holding elective office and specified types of public employment positions. The Citizens Research Council (CRC) has been publishing a series of articles analyzing the proposed con-con www.crcmich.org.

For 47 years, Michigan state government has operated under a constitutional framework that centralizes executive power in a single office and provides for a strong governor. Despite this consistency, a number of issues might be considered by a potential constitutional convention charged with looking at Article V dealing with: executive reorganization powers, single versus plural executive, filling legislative vacancies of executive officials, the governor’s role in the state budget process and the governor’s appointment process. While it is likely that a con-con would examine these and other issues related to Article V of the 1963 Constitution, Craig Thiel of CRC added in his report, “Nothing in Article V has prevented the executive branch from governing effectively since its enactment nearly 50 years ago and no issues have risen to the level of a crisis that would suggest immediate modifications necessary.”

Most voters do not realize that if the Michigan Constitution were opened up, it becomes a blank sheet of paper nothing would have to be carried over from the current constitution. The estimated cost of opening the constitution is $40 million, including room, board, salaries and elections for the 148 people to run as delegates. Spending millions of dollars for the election also opens the door for out of state influence to pay the cost for changing our constitution.

Implementation of Systematic Supervision:

How School Social Workers Can Support Positive

Behavior Strategies

As a School Social Worker it is important to be cognizant of current initiatives within education, especially as they relate to school social work. One of the most current initiatives is Response to Intervention (RTI) and this initiative’s reliance on data, including data collection, analysis, and use in decision making. “RTI is a practice of applying high quality interventions and instruction, monitoring progress frequently to make decisions about changes in instruction, and applying child response data to important educational decisions”, (Batsche et al., 2005). This article will highlight how social workers can use data to support District School Improvement Goals, Building School Improvement Goals, and highlight their role in educating all students.

For the past two years I have been a trainer for the MiBLSi Grant. MiBLSi is a grant offered by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), as a tool to help increase building-wide reading scores and decrease building-wide behavior referrals. As shown below, the MiBLSI Grant has been effective in increasing student DIBELS scores, across all cohorts, since the grants inception in 2004 through the present.

Percent of Students Meeting DIBELS Spring Benchmark for Cohorts 1-6 (combined grades):

The MiBLSi Grant has also been successful in reducing building-wide behavior referrals, which directly correlates to students spending more time in the classroom. As shown below, the MiBLSi Grant has been effective in decreasing student office discipline referrals (ODR’s), across all cohorts, since the grants inception.

Elementary Schools with Complete Data Sets: Average Major Discipline Referrals per 100 Students per Day

Although the MiBLSi data is impressive and School Social Workers should be familiar with it, this article will focus on a different set of data. The focus of this article is data from the Systematic Supervision Program. Systematic Supervision specifically targets a school’s playground behavior and the staff in charge of supervision on that playground in order to reduce behavior referrals.

Systematic Supervision is a complete professional development program that provides administrators with materials needed to train playground/supervisory staff in effective active supervision techniques. Systematic Supervision will help reduce negative behavior and increase positive behavior on the playground, and make the job of the playground supervisors easier and more rewarding.

This program teaches tested techniques supervisors can use to foster and maintain a safe and positive playground:

• Keeping track of playground behavior with movement and scanning methods

• Establishing and maintaining a positive environment and relationship with students

• Focusing on positive, appropriate behaviors

• Responding effectively and efficiently to problem behavior

• Working as a team to support appropriate student behavior

Developed by Stephen Smith and Jeffery Sprague, Ph.D. of the Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior at the University of Oregon and IRIS Media with a grant from the National Institutes of Health, Systematic Supervision offers DVD, video and print materials that are flexible, research-based and easily accessible.

This program was selected by an elementary school in St Clair County that was participating in the MiBLSi Grant. The building staff decided to focus on improving behavior on their playground and in their cafeteria because the data suggested that referrals were higher in these environments. (Shown below)

Before Training and Coaching, March 2010: 38 referrals, 380 minutes, 6.3 hours

The data from March 2010 revealed that behavior referrals during recess/lunch ate up more than 6 hours of staff time during that month. (Average referrals take approximately 10 minutes from time of incident, to office referral, to administrative decision). As the Behavior Specialist, for St Clair County RESA, the building administrator asked me to train her staff in the Systematic Supervision program. The training was completed in 2 hours and I also provided two, 1-hour observation sessions. During my observations I utilized the Systematic Supervision Observation Checklist, which uses a likert scale to measure program fidelity. After observations were completed, feedback was provided to the playground staff. Even though Systematic Supervision is designed for the playground, playground staff members also supervise the same group of kids as they transition to the cafeteria. Many of the skills discussed in Systematic Supervision are very applicable to the cafeteria as well. After the program was implemented with a high level of fidelity, the data revealed a dramatic improvement in positive behavior on the playground and in the cafeteria. (Shown below)

After Training and Coaching, April 2010: 17 referrals, 170 minutes, 2.8 hours

This particular building reduced their playground and cafeteria referrals by more than 50%. Caution should be used in analyzing these results, as we cannot say definitively that Systematic Supervision caused the improvement. We can summarize that a significant relationship exists between training the playground staff and the number of behavior referrals made from these areas. We can work to reduce the amount of time spent on problem behaviors by training our staff on how to teach clear behavior expectations and therefore increase the amount of time students spend in the classroom. This relationship can be represented visually using data and communicated to building, district, and county educational leaders. The visual representation of this data can be an important tool to present to building Principals and Superintendents, as a way to share the successes within our buildings. School Social Workers certainly play a role in the education of all students and one way that this relationship can be expressed is by the use of data.

For more information, please contact:

Joe Zima, LMSW
Behavior Specialist
St Clair County RESA
810-455-4045
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Standards-Based Individualized Education

Programs (IEPs)

Many School Social Workers were greeted this fall with the new IEP formatting that aligns goals and objectives with Standards, Grade Level Content Expectations and High School Content Expectations. March, 2009 issue of Focus on Results (CEN guidance & technical assistance document) featured an article by Dr. Patricia MacQuarrie, which provided salient information about how IEPs that align with the general education curriculum benefits students throughout their educational years and in their postsecondary goals. (For the entire article, click here or visit www.cenmi.org, Vol #7, Issue 2, Packet 14, Article 3.) Of particular note, Dr. MacQuarrie cites a study done by the National Center for Educational Outcomes, which highlights benefits of standards-based IEPs or aligned IEPs:

“ . . . students with disabilities had improved exposure to subject matter . . .”

“ . . . collaboration between special and general education teachers was greater when they worked with a student with an aligned IEP.”

“ When using an aligned IEP, educators tended to focus on high expectations rather than academic deficits.”

“The aligned IEP changed teachers’ pedagogy and attitudes to ensure that students with disabilities had access to the general education curriculum.”

“There was improved use of academic interventions, accommodations, and test data.”

Aligning affective goals and objectives to academic outcomes may be challenging. Yet, several district school social workers have worked diligently to provide the alignments. These documents (draft from Steve Whitmore, document from Muskegon, document from Montcalm & Kent County ISD’s and IEP examples from Wisconsin) are found under the members section of the MASSW website: Supporting School Social Workers Section/Standards Based IEPs. Please also note the technical assistance found in MDE’s Quick Reference Guide, Section 4, Goals and Objectives/Benchmarks. All of these tools are directed toward School Social Workers improving outcomes for students.

Submitted by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Standards Chair

MASSW HONORS SOME OF THE BEST!

In every corner of our beautiful state there are amazingly accomplished and talented School Social Workers helping children and their families build Strong Foundations and Bright Futures! We are pleased and honored to introduce to you the incredible cohort of 2010 Regional School Social Workers of the Year as well as Michigan's 2010 School Social Worker of the Year! They will be recognized and celebrated at the MASSW Awards Dinner on October 28, 2010 at the beautiful Shanty Creek Resort.

2010 Michigan School Social Worker of the Year

Walid Gammouh: Region F

Walid Gammouh is a man who has dedicated his life to his passion: helping others! His journey has not been without struggle. As a Christian Arab his decision to veer from his family's preferred vocation of engineering towards a clinical social work degree was a journey of courage. In the Middle Eastern culture, the concept of therapy and counseling is highly stigmatized so his career choice was not positively embraced. However, from an early age, he recalled the resonant message of his grandfather and parents : "Help people as if you are helping God." and with their support and his deep and abiding faith in God, Walid persevered against many odds.

Throughout his long and accomplished career, Walid has touched many lives. He began his Social Work career as a Clinical Social Worker and Substance Abuse Counselor with the Arab-American and Chaldean Council , later becoming the agency's Director. In 2001, Walid became a School Social Worker for Oak Park Schools. During his tenure there, he assumed the responsibilities of 504 Coordinator, PBS District Coach ,translated the Special Education Rules into Arabic, and developed many educational programs and documents to enhance cross-cultural sensitivity training locally, nationally and internationally.

However, the contributions for which Walid is most proud are the programs he has instituted to help children and families. In addition to the "traditional "School Social Work responsibilities: treatment, assessment and intervention, Walid has developed many valuable, direct assistance programs to assist struggling families. He imitated a program to teach newly- arrived parents about schools, English Language Learners and community resources. He developed a clothing/material needs closet for students and families and organized a Refugee Coalition to address the problems of disenfranchisement of newly -arrived families. An off shoot of the Refugee Coalition is the Righteous Benevolence Club which serves to provide university students as tutors/mentors to struggling students . Walid was instrumental in recruiting over 400 Wayne State University students to assist children of diverse backgrounds. Beyond the realm of schools, Walid shares is compassion and clinical skills with individuals and families. His Helping Hands Clinic ( a private, mobile clinic), provides services to address trauma and loss, gambling and addiction issues, custody evaluations, Cultural Diversity In-Service training and family therapy. His life philosophy is "the tool of love is the most effective tool in helping others".

In his letter of nomination he is described as " A person who has the rare combination of knowledge, life experience, drive, compassion and an ease that draws people to him. People from all walks of life seek him out because they can trust that he will go "to the ends of the earth" to help overcome hardship, strife, malice and discrimination."

A colleague offered the following description: "There are no words that can adequately communicate the degree of professionalism, the depth of dedication, the extent of work ethic and the warmth of the heart of Walid Gammouh. There are no limits to his energy, his sense of responsibility or of what he dreams of accomplishing. However, his dreams become reality, based upon his timeless efforts to make life better for those who depend upon him."

Judy Sulaver: Region A

Judy Sulaver has devoted over thirty years of her life to helping children and families. Her Social Work career has included positions as a Residential Treatment Specialist and Outpatient Clinical Therapist before entering the field of School Social Work 22 years ago. Since 1994, Judy has steadfastly served the students and families of Wayne Westland Schools. In addition to assessments, individual and group treatment services to children and families, Judy has dedicated innumerable hours to the implementation of the Second Step Violence Prevention Program throughout the entire District; training Social Work and Psychologist colleagues and modeling the program in countless classrooms. She has organized and coordinated Career Day Programs, Mother-Daughter, Father-Son After School Book Clubs, helped develop ten District-wide Anti-Bullying curriculum for Middle School, and works tirelessly to implement PBS and Tier II interventions within the schools she serves. Judy is currently assisting in the development of a District-wide Response To Intervention Plan package for implementation in the 2010-2011 school year.

Since 1997, Judy has served as a dedicated Field Instructor for University of Michigan and through her efforts has shaped the futures of many School Social Workers. In 2006, Judy was honored as the 2005 Wayne Westland Schools Ancillary Professional of the Year by Wayne RESA.

Judy is a consummate team player. She is very generous with her time and energy and devotes countless hours to "behind the scenes" endeavors including the 2009 MASSW Conference, her stepson's sports endeavors , fundraisers and other charitable pursuits.

One of Judy's lifelong colleagues remarked, " I've found Judy to be one of the most compassionate and selfless individuals I know. She has always approached her role as social worker with a high level of professionalism and integrity. She goes "above and beyond the call of duty" and she has made significant contributions to the practice of Social Work."

Constance Porter: Region B

Constance Porter began her career in the field of Child Welfare initially serving as a Foster Care Worker and progressing to the challenging world of Protective Services. A lifelong colleague and friend describes Constance "She was a dynamo as a Foster Care Worker...giving 100% for the children and she hasn't slowed down since!"

Constance began her remarkable School Social Work career serving students and families of Albion Public Schools and more recently she has served students through he Calhoun County Intermediate School District. During her years of dedicated service to students and families, Constance has used her positive energy, personal warmth and perpetual optimism to touch the lives of so many and in such profound ways. She has created a number of therapeutic games: The Anger Game, The Self Esteem Game, The Grief Game, The Divorce game and the Forgiveness Game to help students address a variety of personal issues. Several of her games were published through grants from the Kellogg Foundation. She has taught Anger Management, Conflict Resolution and Bully-Proof skills to children in grades K-8. She has also been instrumental in establishing resources for children in need of basic necessities and is careful and respectful in providing such items to students. She is passionate champion for each of her students an evidenced by her guiding principle: "There is a brilliant child inside every student".

Her energy and dedication to children and families transcends the school environment and she is an avid volunteer for such community organizations as Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Calhoun County and the Juvenile Fire Prevention Program.

Her supervisor's lavish high praise includes the following " Constance is compassionate, empathic and flexible. She is genuinely committed to serving any student she encounters. Students respond positively to Constance and the evidence of student growth has been apparent with each student that she has committed her time."

Mary Elizabeth Pierce: Region E

Mary Elizabeth Pierce is a School Social Worker employed by the Livingston Education Service Agency serving students in the Brighton Area Schools. Among the innovative programs which she has developed and implemented are a Mentoring Program. Peer to Peer Support Programs and a First Grade/Kindergarten Readiness Program. Her Readiness Program includes 16 week classroom-based social skills lessons which serve to enhance early learners' adjustment to school, cooperation with others and social success. It is a favorite of students and teachers alike!

Mary Elizabeth is also a certified CPI Trainer, providing several training opportunities each year.

She is seen as a compassionate and effective professional and is able to establish positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues.

Phil Barker, Region E President stated, " When excellence in your work stands out enough that you are nominated for the honor of Regional School Social Worker of the Year, it is a clear indication that you touch the lives of many on a daily basis. You have shown care implementing the skills, knowledge and insight of the School Social Work profession in raising the academic achievement of students in your practice."

Susan Hoffman: Region G

Susan Hoffman has touched many lives and hearts throughout her illustrious career as a Social Worker. During the last ten years, Susan has been employed as a School Social Worker initially in a self-contained school -based treatment facility for students with emotional impairment and more recently as an elementary School Social Worker for Boyne City Public Schools. In this capacity, Susan established some very effective and enduring programs including a mentoring program "Bigs and Littles" which paired high school students with needy elementary students, and "Compassionate Hearts" a collaborative effort of school persons and community members who endeavored to provide for the needs of the "working poor" families who often fell through the cracks of the established resource network. Susan parlayed the group's efforts into a nonprofit charitable organization which expanded its scope to include low-cost dental, vision and medical services in addition to food, clothing and emergency resources. Susan also served as the Homeless Liaison for Boyne City Schools and in this capacity has been able to positively impact the lives of students and families who struggle with homelessness. For the past four years, Susan has eagerly taught "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent" classes to area parents.

Her commitment to creating a positive world for students extends beyond the school day and Susan actively participates on the Char-Em Child Abuse Council and its many projects and programs. Additionally, she is an integral partner in her church, has authored grants to fund supports for children during summer breaks and worked tirelessly in homelessness prevention.

Susan has also assumed a very dynamic and effective leadership position in the revitalization of Region G and its efforts to strengthen its presence and support for area School Social Workers . Over the last two years, Susan has worked tirelessly to promote and invigorate Region G. "She is a visionary who can not only sees solutions for complex problems but bring ideas to reality". A colleague observes, " To say she is one in a million would be an understatement. She is a true master of her work but to all who know her, is the most humble of human beings, always "behind the scenes" working her magic. She wears her heart on her sleeve and always goes the extra mile for "her" kids and families.

William Davis: Region H

In his thirty- one years as a School Social Worker with Marquette Area Public Schools, William Davis has touched the lives of thousands of students and families. During his long and illustrious tenure, he has not only evaluated, counseled, developed positive behavior support plans for students, he has also served the MAPS District as Homeless Liaison, School Safety Office and Crisis Committee chairperson. He has been the District's "go to guy" for the duration of his career. He has been credited with implementing the following programs: After School programs in five Elementary schools, Juvenile Firesetter's Intervention Program, a multi-agency collaborative to address student safety issues, An Assaulted Staff Assistance Program, Implementation of the Assistive Technology Program, Truancy Intervention Program and Critical Incident Team Debriefings. He was the Crisis Team Coordinator for the District and in this capacity wrote the District Crisis Response Manual, organized building level and district level crisis teams and coordinated each crisis situation that occurred.

Additionally, William has been a devoted mentor and educator to over 40 BSW and MSW interns , serving on the NMU Social Work Department Advisory Board and functioning as a faculty advisor for two cohorts of students in the MSU distance learning MSW program.

His extra-curricular activities include Church Council President of Messiah Lutheran Church, founding board member of the Marquette County habitat for Humanity, an active member of the Marquette Substance and Violence Prevention Coalition, Upper Peninsula Children's Coalition, Child Death Review Team and Marquette-Alger Critical Debriefing Team.

His supervisor eloquently observed, " As a School Social Worker Mr. Davis has been instrumental in empowering students, families and school personnel with the ability to access available opportunities and resources to fully develop each student's p[potential. His professional dedication to the students and families of Marquette exceeds that of any professional I have worked with in my years as a public school employee."

Gerry McMillan: Region J

Gerry McMillan has had an extensive professional history. She began her career as an Outpatient Clinical Social Worker and a Medical Social Worker before entering the School Social Work arena. She began her School Social Work career at Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Grosse Pointe working with students in grades K-8. For the past twenty years, Gerry has served both general education and special education students and families of East-China School District. She has distinguished herself as an innovative, dedicated and very student-oriented School Social Worker. Some of the programs Gerry has implemented include the Lunch Buddies Program a mentoring program which pairs an adult volunteer with an at risk student, Conflict Resolution, Bullying Prevention, Sensitivity Training regarding students with disabilities and Peer to Peer Support with ASD students .

Gerry brings many skills and attributes to her School Social Work practice. She is a strong advocate for children's safety and welfare, she is an effective mediator and consensus builder and she is a team player. She is highly effective in her efforts to bring everyone together to develop and implement positive behavior support plans and to create an affirming, supportive environment for students.

Gerry has been an active member of the leadership team for Region J, serving as treasurer for three years and a contributing member of the local steering committee.

Her Principal observes, "Mrs. McMillan is the consummate social worker in the school setting. She truly loves children and does not bend when it comes to their welfare or safety. She has a great relationship with our parents, teachers, staff and the people in the community."

Jill Champagne: Region K

Jill Champagne began her life in small, rural community but the depth and breadth of her professional accomplishments and life experience s have been expansive. She worked in an assortment of clinical settings with a variety of client populations for the first thirteen years of her professional career prior to entering the field of School Social Work. She served as the first School Social Worker in her position with Kingston Elementary School and as such was able to develop the scope of the position. She implemented the Character Counts Program and helped to establish a solid foundation for future services. Since 2000, Jill has been employed by the Huron County ISD and together with her colleagues "Help Inspire Success and Dreams" (HISD). During her tenure with HISD, she has been a CHAMPS trainer, Character Counts Trainer, PBS presenter, and Field Instructor for MSU and Wayne State University. She has been a key member of the District's PBS program and has helped in the development and facilitation of the program throughout the entire District.

Jill devotes many hours to charitable and community organizations which serve to improve the quality of life for many. She is active in her church, a member of the "Breadbasket" (food distribution group), organizer of the annual free Thanksgiving Dinner and a summer camp counselor. She has also devoted several summers to humanitarian efforts in India and the West Indies.

Jill has been an active member of the Region K leadership team. She has served as Region K secretary for the past six years, has helped secure presenters for Region K's Professional Development Workshops and was involved with the 2008 MASSW State Conference Hospitality Events.

Her colleague offers the following testament to Jill's impact, "In all the years I have known Jill, she has been nothing less than amazing. Her kind, considerate and compassionate qualities make her an essential part of our team at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker Schools."

Steven Whitmore: Region M

Steven Whitmore began his professional career as an Outpatient Child Therapist in a Community Mental Health setting. in 2000, he began his School Social Work career at Utica Schools and has been making in-roads in clinical and technological programs since his first day. He has chaired the District's RTI and SW Roles committees , created the Courageous Kids website for parents and has been certified as an Assistive Technology Consultant with Macomb ISD. He has implemented effective strategies to support ASD students in regular education settings, and serves on the District Crisis team.

His contributions to the field of School Social Work are extensive and far-reaching. Through the donation of countless hours and endless expertise, Steve has left his digital imprint upon every MASSW member through the development and maintenance of the high-quality, user friendly masswmi.org website. He shares his knowledge freely and is ever so patient as he attempts to assimilate "digital immigrants" into the technological world of the 21stcentury. He serves as Webmaster for the MASSW state website as well as the Region M Blackboard. He drafted the "School Social Workers and Their Role in Supporting The Academic Standards" treatise and has presented a variety of in-service presentations concerning Internet Usage in SSW Practice and, Incorporating Educational Standards into SSW practice. Steve has also served on the State of Michigan Rules Committee for the School Social Worker roles and responsibilities description.

Steve values his family and devotes time to many family-centered activities including a marriage group with his wife, soccer coach for his daughter and Cub Scout Den Leader for his sons. He also is generous in his volunteer efforts with his Church, donating his time to Vacation Bible School and the Parish Faith Formation Committee. His guiding philosophy is to "make the world a little brighter".

Steve's supervisor observes "Steve is a dedicated social worker. He is empathic, creative and works well with students, teachers and all levels of staff in his buildings. Steve works with enthusiasm, energy and a very positive, can do attitude. We are lucky to have him."

Judy Sulaver was recognized as the Region A School Social Worker of the Year! Judy’s family and friends joined our May meeting to celebrate her honor. Judy has agreed to chair our SSW of the Year Committee this year! Please consider nominating a friend or colleague who you belief is deserving of this honor! Nominations may be submitted through December 7, 2010.

There are 5 Region A Professional Development meetings scheduled for the 10-11 school year, offering members the opportunity to earn 15 CE’s! Information regarding meetings can be obtained from the MASSW website www.masswmi.org or by contacting Dana Brown, Region A Secretary, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The first meeting of the year was September 27. Dr. J.P. Leleszi, D.O presented on the topic ‘Psychotropic Medication as a Treatment Modality in Children and Adolescents’. Our next professional development will take place on Tuesday December 7th. All MASSW Board members are invited to attend Region A events free of charge as a thank you for all you do for our organization.

The Region A Board has a few new faces this year! Please feel free to contact any board member about regional events or ways to get involved!

Officers

President: Susan McDaniel; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Past President: Kathy Weaver, Livonia; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vice President: Dawn Brown; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Secretary: Dana Brown, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Treasurer: Michel DeJulian; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Membership Chair: Faith Ivey; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As reported by the President and Vice-President to the MASSW Board on Saturday, September 25, 2010, Region D is reorganizing and rebuilding after devastating cuts to DPS which had resulted in layoffs to many DPS SSWs with lesser seniority, retirements and then some recalls from layoffs. There are plans for a Reception/ Fundraiser in mid-October and a future professional development/ CE-credit class. What follows is the new Regional slate of Officers:

REGION D Officers

President: Cynthia Reynolds (Cell: 313-310-5732)

Vice President: Leonard T. Zabawski (Cell: 313-804-0251)

Secretary: Michelle Thompkins

Treasurer: Roderick Arnold

Other: Membership Chair Susan Gallagher

Sergeant of Arms Latisha Myles

CURRENT REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP TOTAL: 36 [as of late 9/25/10] .

Submitted by the Region D team 9/26/10:

The Board of Region F has planned the Fall Workshop based on the Oakland County School Social Work Spring Survey results. Board Members include Sue Welcome, Barb Lange, Eric Ostdiek, Lisa Fish, and Randy Woodberg. We said bon voyage to Erin Romanuk who is off to Seattle with her husband, and Jennifer Nuss who is settling into a new job. There is room FOR YOU on the board so let any one of the current Board Members know you are interested.

Coming up next month:

November 5, 2010

Prevalent Mental Health Issues Seen in Today’s Youth

and Best Practice Interventions

Kristyn Gregory, D.O., Board Cert. Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

8:30am – 3:30pm

5.5 CE’s

Doyle Center, 7272 Wing Lake Rd., Bloomfield Hills, Mi 48301

Region J members Kicked off the school year on Wed. September 29, 2010 with a presentation on Special Education Initiatives by Cynthia Raymo, the new St. Clair County RESA Special Education Director.

Here is the schedule of events Region J has planned for the remainder of the 2010-11 school year:

October 28-30-Annual MASSW conference in Shanty Creek; November 17-Personal Curriculum; December 8-Thomas Edison Inn Social Gathering to honor Gerry McMillan, Region J School Social Worker of the year; January 26, 2011- Review of Autism information/Asperger Module; February-no meeting; March 23-Stress Management for Social Workers; April 27-Planning meeting and May 18- Annual Symposium. All Region J meetings will be held after school-- 4:00-6:30 pm at the St. Clair County RESA (TEC building) unless otherwise noted. Region J is comprised of the following counties: Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola. Any School Social Workers in the Region, that would like to be included on the listserv, please contact Donna Galbraith at (810) 385-4740 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jill Champagne was selected as 2009 - 2010 School Social Worker of the Year for Region K. She has been employed with Huron ISD since 2000. She previously worked for Kingston Community Schools. She has served as the secretary for Region K for the past six years. She served on the State Conference Committee in 2008 and supports MASSW and Region K activities. She is very active with her church. Jill was one of the presenters for Region K's first workshop held on September 24, 2010, entitled "Student Achievement Model, Response to Intervention, Positive Behavioral Support and Implications for School Social Workers." Patti Errer, MSW and JoAnn Landosky, MSW assisted her. The workshop was timely and informative. Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who supported Region K last school year. Dawn Roberson, Vice President, Jeff Davis, Treasurer, Jill Champagne and I are looking forward to working with you this school year.

Region K scheduled the following workshops for the 2010 - 2011 School Year:

November 12, 2010: Compassion Fatigue Mark Giesler, PhD.

January 14, 2011: Hate Crime 101 Alberto Flores, MPA

March 11, 2011: Strategies for Dealing with Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom David Gaffney, LMSW

May 6, 2011: Support Intervention Aide Program Rebecca Ducham, LMSW

All workshop will be held at the Saginaw Transition Center 3860 Fashion Square Blvd. Saginaw, Mi. 48603

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Download your PAC FORM TODAY

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FULL SESSIONS: The following conference breakout sessions are full:

Please do not select these sessions on your mail-in registration form.

HANDOUTS: Handouts are now available at: http://masswmi.org/component/content/article/154.html. Please check back often for updates and new additions.

FEE CLARIFICATION: SINGLE DAY RATES are for one day attendance only. For two or more days, please indicate and pay the FULL CONFERENCE RATE.

To view the 2010 MASSW Conference Webpage, please click here.

Conference Questions?

For more information, please contact:

Mollie Reynolds ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or Karla Vandenberg ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

Awards inquires can be directed to: Pat Sager ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

Registration questions can be directed to: Susan McDaniel ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

Have you checked out the Social Work Effectiveness Page lately? There have been many additions including goal writings and GLCE's.

Need Professional Development CE's? Check out our Events Calendar (http://masswmi.org/eventscalendar) to view what might be coming up in your region. You can also check out your region web pages at: http://masswmi.org/region-news.htm. Other places to look for CE's include the Non-MASSW Professional Development page (http://masswmi.org/meeting-place/20-professional-development.html). You can also post events here also. Finally, you can check out the bottom of the SSW Associations Page.

Looking for Employment? People can post jobs at our Job Postings page at http://masswmi.org/meeting-place/19-employment-positions.html.

For most of these web pages, you will need to log in first. If you don't know your user name or password, then contact our webmaster Steve Whitmore at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The deadlines will always fall on the 15th of the following months:

November 15th 2010 (Hard Copy)

January 15th 2011

February 15th 2011 (Hard Copy)

April 15th 2011

May 15th 2011 (Hard Copy)