“With Unity Comes Infinite Hope” Theme of PHS-NAACP Partnership
Port Huron, MI — Port Huron Schools are partnering with the Port Huron NAACP to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with service and positivity. For the past six years, both the district and the NAACP have engaged students in learning about the life and legacy of Dr. King and the civil rights movement, according to a statement from the school district.
This year’s theme is “With Unity, Comes Infinite Hope”. The theme comes from Dr. King’s quote, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Students across the district will listen to age-appropriate readings and recordings with the message of unity and hope.
This year’s district wide project will be the making of cards for shut in seniors. The Council on Aging is partnering with the school district on the project.
Port Huron Schools Superintendent Jamie Cain remarked, “This year, more than ever, encouraging and helping others find or rediscover hope is a valuable necessity. It’s inspiring to see our students challenge themselves in the memory of Dr. King to provide hope to some of the most vulnerable citizens in our community, shut in seniors.”
A link to full archive of Port Huron Schools’ MLK Day projects:
http://phschoolsmlkday.weebly.com/
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Michigan Joins Coalition Questions FDA’s Opioid Response
The opioid crisis is raging throughout the nation and while steps are being taken to address it, many are losing patience. Michigan is part of a coalition of 48 states that have taken action to hold the federal Food and Drug Administration accountable for their efforts in combating opioid addiction.
The coalition is looking for a progress report from the FDA clarifying how they are using their authority given under the SUPPORT Act to prevent and treat the crisis. The SUPPORT Act has provisions that include safer packaging and disposal features for opioids, new regulations on non-addictive alternatives to opioids, and prescribing guidelines.
Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “The opioid epidemic has been devastating for states in terms of lives lost and the strain it has imposed on both our health care system and economy. Patients suffering from chronic pain or addiction are particularly vulnerable, and if we are going to protect these patients and combat this epidemic, we must start by holding the FDA accountable for their role in this crisis.”
A link to the letter:
FDA Letter – NAAG.pdf (ca.gov)
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
PHASD Auctioning Off Items from Lakeport Elementary
If you were one of the elementary students who attended Lakeport Elementary, the school’s closing likely caused some emotion. Memories of Principal Brian Winters, climbing the rope in gym class, and passing notes to your friends may have come to mind in an instant.
The school was closed after the 2012-13 school year because of declining enrollment in the district. The property was listed for sale in 2018, and the sale of the building is currently pending.
As the district prepares to vacate the school for its new owners, they opened an auction to sell the surplus items that are stored there. The auction includes electronics, furniture, HVAC materials, and storage items, and is open until January 21st at 1 PM.
Visit the auction site <HERE>.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
Blue Water Hospice Home Patients Getting New Rooms
The VNA & Blue Water Hospice is set to begin a Room Renovation Project at the Blue Water Hospice Home. Work begins this week on the project and it is expected to take 1-2 months to complete.
The project includes new flooring, paint, beds, tvs, restrooms, and electrical in each patient room. Work will be done on one to two rooms at a time so the Hospice Home can remain open during renovations. Staff will keep patients in rooms as far away as possible from the rooms being renovated.
Many local partners helped fund and contribute to the renovation including the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and the VNA and Blue water Hospice plans to use local resources such as RESA and Watson Brothers among others to complete the work.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
Michigan Department of Education Trying Drum Up Interest in Teaching
The Michigan Department of Education is offering grants as a part of their effort to head off a statewide teacher shortage and diversify the educator workforce. The program is called the “Future Michigan Proud Educator Initiative”.
The program offers a competitive grant for school districts to assist them in developing opportunities for students interested in becoming teachers. Currently, the “Proud Educator” program recognizes and honors current Michigan teachers. The new effort is aimed at planting the seeds of interest in career teaching through targeted curriculum.
The grant program is aimed at students in all grades, but has expanded opportunities for middle school and high school students. The Michigan Department of Education will offer flexible models for implementation, content standards and curriculum, and professional development for winning districts.
State Superintendent Michael Rice said, “We need to encourage our young people to consider developing and using their talents as proud Michigan educators.”
The salary range for a public-school teacher in Michigan is around $30,000 – $67,000 depending on degree earned, district, and seniority.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland