Major Investment in Computer Science Education Statewide

AP Computer Science is a high school class that can open the door to a rewarding career. A pilot program is spending $15 million to make Advanced Placement Computer Science a real option for kids across the state. 

The collaboration between MiStem Network, Code.org, Grand Valley State University, and College Board is focusing on expanding access to the class for everyone. 

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said, “We are thankful for Code.org for choosing Michigan as one of the first states in the nation to launch this expansive, inclusive computer science opportunity. We encourage educators and students to explore the rewarding opportunities this new AP Computer Science offering brings.”  

The program is reaching out specifically to underrepresented groups and trying to get those students to pursue careers in computer science or engineering. The grants will pay for offering the AP Computer Science classes at no cost to the district. 

Trevor Packer, head of the AP Program at the College Board said, “We applaud Michigan’s commitment to providing a more diverse set of students with computer science courses, which are fundamental for 21st century careers.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Updated Face Mask Order Goes Into Effect Saturday

Governor Whitmer just announced in a press release that Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is updating the Gatherings and Mask Order to align with the CDC’s latest guidance on face coverings. The new order hasn’t been posted in full yet, but is expected to lift the majority of face mask orders for vaccinated individuals.

The press release states, “Michiganders who are outdoors will no longer need to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. While indoors, fully vaccinated Michiganders will no longer need to wear a mask, but residents who are not vaccinated, or have not completed their vaccinations, must continue to wear a mask or face covering to protect themselves and others. After July 1, the broad indoor mask mandate will expire.”

There was no mention in the press release of MIOSHA rules which require employers and certain businesses to adhere to face masking and other safety measures to protect employees from the virus, which may lead to some confusion as to how and where this will be enforced. There is also no clarification in the release about how to tell who is truly fully vaccinated.

The order goes into effect on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

 

 

Five St. Clair Students Receive Scholarships

The St. Clair Women’s League holds an annual spring flower sale to raise money to give back to the community. This year, they have awarded scholarships to five St. Clair High School Students: Praewa Montross, Angela Ladd, Alyvia Osborne, Hannah Grippe and Claire Wiegand.

Praewa Montross will attend Michigan State University and major in English and Biology.  She was involved in many activities including varsity swim, National Honor Society, the Thai American Association of Michigan Youth Group, and more.  Praewa helped to run the very successful Thai Food Festival and has participated in community service from a young age.

Angela Ladd will attend Lawrence Technological University and will major in Robotic Engineering.  She has been involved in Dance, SkillsUSA, Robotics, National Honor Society, and more.  She played a large role in the Kids on the Move tech project, and has volunteered her time for Relay for Life and the McCrest Homeless Event.

Alyvia Osborne will attend University of Michigan and will major in Computer Science.  She has been involved in Student Council, Varsity Golf, National Honor Society, Robotics, and more.  She has accumulated dozens of hours of community service during high school, including for PKSA’s Force Against Hunger.

Hannah Grippe will attend Michigan State and will major in Business and Spanish.  She has been involved in the National Honor Society as the President, and also Student Advisory Council.  She has done community service through the NHS and also volunteered to coach gymnastics for free during the pandemic last summer.

Claire Wiegand will attend Michigan State and will major in Psychology.  She has been involved in Student Council and the National Honor Society, Tennis, and more.  She has done community service through the NHS and has also participated in food drives with her church.

 

Nessel and Colleagues Say No to Instagram for Kids

A coalition of attorneys general, including Michigan’s, is reaching out to Facebook and is urging the company not to launch Instagram for Kids. Instagram is one of the company’s social media products.

In a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and others in the National Association of Attorneys General expressed concern based on Facebook’s track record with monitoring social media and the research that shows that social media is harmful to children’s physical, emotional, and mental health.

Nessel said, “With research rating Instagram as the worst social media platform for youth mental health, it’s hard to imagine that this launch is about anything other than expanding the already lucrative Instagram franchise. Introducing children to this social media environment poses serious threats to their security and wellbeing and I urge Facebook to reconsider its plans for this new platform.” 

The letter states that the risks to mental health far outweigh any benefits of an Instagram platform tailored to kids under the age of 13. Kids under 13 are prohibited from using Instagram, currently.

A link to the full letter:

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/NAAG_Letter_to_Facebook_-_Final_724678_7.pdf

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Discounts on Internet Bill and Devices Available

Some people are eligible for a discount on internet service through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission.

The FCC is allocating $3.2 billion to give $50 per month credits to eligible households. There is also a provision for a $100 discount on a laptop or desktop computer or tablet. Eligibility includes family income at 135% or less of the federal poverty level for family size, being a recipient of free or reduced lunch, being a Pell Grant recipient, or having experienced a substantial income loss due to the pandemic.

Even with legislation in the works to get fast internet to every corner of the state, not everyone can afford it.   Eric Frederick, Executive Director of Connected Nation Michigan said, “Michigan’s broadband issues go beyond a lack of infrastructure access. Even when high-speed internet service is available, many families cannot afford the monthly cost of service to get connected.”

 There are three ways to apply for the benefit:  

  1.       Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process. 
  2.       Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and find participating providers near you. 
  3.       Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application and return it along with proof of eligibility to:  

Emergency Broadband Support Center 

P.O. Box 7081  

London, KY 40742  

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Mid City Nutrition Breaks Ground on New Building

Port Huron, MI — Four years ago the board of directors for Mid City Nutrition realized more than ever that they didn’t have the room to do their work. With a steady increase of clients to feed, and a desire to expand their work, they decided it was time to raise money for a new building.

Board member Bethany Belanger shared that from the moment they made that decision, the community has rallied to their cause.

The new building will be on the corner of Griswold and 9th Streets in Port Huron, and the groundbreaking ceremony was on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. The nonprofit shared a beautiful outdoor celebration with a large crowd of supporters from the Blue Water Chamber of Commerce, the City of Port Huron, fellow nonprofit organizations, and the community.

The future building will be one story with easy access for the handicapped and include a large dining room, commercial kitchen, storage areas, bathroom facilities, and a teaching kitchen for cooking classes. Belanger foresees the teaching kitchen doubling as a source of income for Mid City Nutrition as it could be available for rent to small businesses or caterers who could use it for prep.

The building project will be supervised by Gary Beem, owner of  Beem Construction, and will benefit from in-kind donations from Blue Water Glass, Port Huron Paint, and others along with a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The teaching kitchen has been supported by the Stebbins Family Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and will be named the Stebbins Family Nutrition Center.

When asked how she feels about the support Mid City has received for their building project, Bethany Belanger said, “So many people have supported this project. We are absolutely blessed. It’s a need in this community. It’s a necessity. Maybe someday it won’t be, but it’s just gotten greater.”

Mid City Nutrition is  holding their annual fundraiser the week of May 17 – 21st. The online event will air on Blue Water Healthy Living on Monday, May 17th at 6 PM and replayed throughout the week. The event includes entertainment, celebrity chefs, and an auction for 8 incredible dining, wine & spirits, and entertainment packages.  Visit Mid City Nutrition’s Facebook Event page <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand