Madison/Preparatory High Newsletter

Our 7th Hour Credit Recovery and After-School Tutoring Program is now running 3 days per week -- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays @ 2:40-3:40pm!

We have 3 Tutor Volunteers and 2 staff facilitators available during each session to provide help and support! If your Eagle is enrolled in a 7th hour class, their attendance a minimum of 2 days per week is needed, but all 3 days is strongly recommended. Also, please continue encouraging them to complete their Tutorials at home, so they may use their time wisely in taking their teacher-facilitated assessments during 7th hour. Enrollment forms can be picked up in the main office.

For the month of March, our MDPS Core Value "Ethical was recognized as the theme: Trust will be built and maintained through honest, effective communication and responsible decision-making that focuses on the success of all students. This month’s theme is exemplified by two of our 11th graders - DaNylia and Obai - who are both enrolled at CASA taking AP classes!!!

The CASA Director, CJ, bragged: “Obai and Da'Nylia come in every day with a great attitude and are super excited about what their classes are covering!” Da'Nylia’s Japanese teacher at CASA says: “DaNylia is always ready to learn! I can count on her to stay focused and put in the effort needed to learn a very difficult language. She truly embodies what it means to be a scholar.” Obai’s AP Environmental teacher states: "he is unfailingly polite and asks inquisitive questions connected with the content of our science class. He is goal oriented, inquisitive and a delight to have in class!"

Shout out to Mr. Pitts as our March Eagle Staff member of the month! One of his greatest strengths is his ability to create meaningful and impactful relationships with his students, creating an environment where they feel supported and motivated to succeed. His dedication to both their academic growth and personal well-being makes him a truly exceptional teacher. We are lucky to have him!

Our Eagles had a great time celebrating March is Reading Month with the Madison Heights Public Library! During lunch, students were able to spin the prize wheel for a chance to win a book, a reading buddy, or a snack. Students were able to add some new reads to their collections!
A huge thanks to Rae, the Community Engagement Librarian at MH Public Library, for bringing this fun event to life. We can’t wait to see you again on the next two Wednesdays during lunch, Rae! Here's to more reading!

The Women of Tomorrow program in collaboration with CIS, recently took our students on an exciting field trip to a local business in Pontiac, giving them a chance to explore different industries and connect with inspiring women entrepreneurs. While the group was a little shy at first about asking questions, their curiosity quickly grew as they learned about the hard work and creativity behind the businesses they visited.

A special shout out to, Eisha Branner, the founder of the Parent Empowerment Center and the Women in Business Working Center for being able to personally show the students around her three buildings and even the bus she uses for outreach. Eisha made sure everyone felt comfortable asking questions and learning more about her work.
A huge thank you to our two WOT mentors, Joanne and Renate, for their guidance and support throughout the trip. Special thanks also go to Renette, the WOT program manager, for participating in the field trip and helping make it such a success. Shout out to Ms. P for stepping up last-minute to join our Eagles on the trip!
It was a day full of growth, confidence, and inspiration – and the students left feeling more excited than ever about the possibilities ahead! These young women are well on their way to becoming leaders in their communities and beyond.

This month, our Eagles had the chance to take part in the Positive Community Norms/Healthy Habits program, led by Ms. Kayla from the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities (ACHC). Over six weeks, students will dive into discussions on mental health, peer pressure, and making healthy choices, with some surprising and eye-opening takeaways.
Jayson, a 9th grader, said it best: "I feel like it was a great session getting to know each other a little bit, and Ms. Kayla was really nice. She gave good advice, not just about mental health, but about science and life stuff."
Some of the key topics of the launch included how drug prevention programs that use fear tactics actually don’t work, how campaigns often twist the truth to shape our community’s views, and the struggle with peer pressure—especially when your brain wants to just follow the crowd.
Thanks to Ms. Kayla and ACHC for making this program a meaningful experience for our students! A big thank you to Kimberly and Kara from MHCC for being present during the launch of this program. We appreciate everything you do for our students here at MHS!
And here’s something fun: students in this program have a little homework for next week! They need to ask as many students as possible to pick their favorite: pizza or French fries. The thesis is pizza, but we’ll see if fries have what it takes to win! Stay tuned to find out the winner!

The Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars’ 12th Annual Celebration Luncheon took place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at University of Detroit Mercy. Our Class of 2025 seniors in the Next Level Scholars Program celebrated 3 successful years participating in the program and joined 135 seniors across our 16 partner high schools. Featured during the event was student speaker Joseph Emmanuel from Henry Ford, and students had the opportunity to network and build relationships with over 600 business and community leaders, who came together to support the next generation of leaders!!!

Congratulations to our D4S Class of 2025 Eagles: Malachi, Layla, Christopher P, Erica, Jack, Jaslene, Mariya, Xanique, Xylia and Andi !!!

Last weekend, our Steel Eagles Robotics team competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). In preparation for the competition, students begin with a Kit of Parts, and design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance. Guided by mentors and sponsors, students learn engineering and problem-solving skills as they compete for awards, create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance appreciation for STEM in their community!

Our Eagles successfully showcased their robot during the competition, carefully built with their engineering and coding talents, and teamed up to collaboratively to solve themed robotics challenges over the 3 days of the competition. Congratulations to our Steel Wings Team for doubling their over placement to 16th! Best of luck in your next competition! Come on out and support the team March 27-29 @ Macomb CC Sports Expo in Warren

Our MHS Eagle and WMS Wildcat Bands joined forces under the direction of our Band Director Mr. Pethoud to deliver phenomenal performances at the March 1st Grand Opening of the Madison Heights Jax Kar Wash!

Shout out to Jax Kar Wash and manager Kari Riley for welcoming our students and making a generous donation to continue to grow our amazing band program!

Madison High School is partnering with Oakland Community College for the second summer in a row with its Bridges to Success (BTS) program. BTS is a dual enrollment and enrichment program designed to help high school students jump start their college journey. Students build the skills, knowledge, and resources one needs to prepare for college and their career. This program will help students understand how higher learning can shape their future and support their goals. Eagles interested in the program attended an informational session on Thursday and are encouraged to apply!

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2027!!!

EARLY COLLEGE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INCOMING JUNIORS 25/26 AT OSTC

Dear 10th grade student, As a current 10th grader interested in OSTC, there is an exciting opportunity available this spring that we wanted to share with you. The Oakland Technical Early College (OTEC) program is an opportunity for you to earn a free associate degree at Oakland Community College (OCC) while attending your high school and OSTC. This opportunity is only available to be enrolled in during your 10th grade year and the deadline for this process is May 23rd, 2025.

ZOOM INFORMATION SESSION 4/21 & 5/7: There are two scheduled Information Sessions about OTEC on Monday, April 21st @ 6:00 PM and Wednesday, May 7th @ 7:00 PM. If you are interested in attending this, please make sure to register, but there is a previously recorded session available as well.

APPLICATION PROCESS: The application process involves 4 tasks that you can start and complete online at https://www.ostconline.com/early-college/application-process. Please note this application is completely independent from your application to the OSTC Campus.

UNSURE ABOUT APPLYING? Please note that attending the information session, applying to, and even being accepted into the OTEC program does not require you to participate, so if you are unsure about the program, we would encourage you to apply now and make a decision about participating afterwards. Late applications cannot be accepted, so don’t delay and get started today!

QUESTIONS? If you have any questions about applying for the OTEC program, feel free to reach out at the contact information below.

Scott Kortlandt (Mr. K) - scott.kortlandt@oakland.k12.mi.us

Janet Temnyk – janet.temnyk@oakland.k12.mi.us

Oakland Technical Early College Advisors - Southeast Campus

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

Students and their families looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to register for an informational webinar about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which is the newest State of Michigan scholarship program expected to impact the majority of students.

Participants will be able to gather the following information:

• Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts

• Important action items for students and families

• Additional resources and program information

• FAFSA application information, Federal financial aid programs, State financial aid programs and Scholarship searching resources

*Scholarship Opportunities:

--Jack and Jill of America Inc, Oakland County Chapter Academic Incentive Scholarship - 3/31 deadline! Find more information at: APPLY HERE

--The Rho Sigma Scholarship: Three (3) scholarships will be awarded to students graduating as a high school senior entering a 4-year college/university in the fall of 2025 (see PDF and flyer)

--MSGCU is proud to provide scholarships to dedicated students to help them follow their passions and reach career goals. Apply for over $130,000 with a total of 57 eligible recipients! APPLY TODAY!!!

-- Wayne State Guarantee tuition pledge - covers the full cost of tuition and standard fees with federal, state and other Wayne State University scholarships and grants, and is renewable for up to four years. WSU INFO

*24/25 FAFSA application is now OPEN!!! Create an account or Log In

Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid your student is eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, and loans.

FSA ID creation - federal student aid website - & FAFSA checklist

At Communities In Schools of Michigan, we celebrate the incredible women—past, present, and future—who inspire, lead, and create opportunities for students to succeed. From educators to mentors, advocates to changemakers, women have shaped the path for a brighter future.

Shout out to the amazing women on our CIS team who work tirelessly to empower students every day. Their dedication, passion, and leadership make a lasting impact in our schools and communities!

This month, we honor their stories, amplify their voices, and continue our mission to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed.

Madison High School and Communities In Schools of Michigan wish all our students who observe Ramadan or Lent peace, joy, and blessings this holy month. May your days be filled with kindness and gratitude. Ramadan Kareem! (have a generous Ramadan) Happy Lent!
Muslim students who fast, if you need accommodation during your lunch time (to pray or to rest), please feel free to see Ms. Margi, Ms. Cauley, or Ms. Haïette

FAMILY FUN

- Saturday, March 8th:

Message from the City of Madison Heights (see flyer for more info)

We're Hiring: Summer Camp Staff!

Looking for a fun and rewarding part-time summer job? Join our dynamic Madison Heights Recreation team and make this summer unforgettable for kids and staff alike! We're seeking passionate, energetic, and responsible individuals to fill various positions for camp this season.

What We’re Looking For:

• A positive attitude and a love for working with kids

• Strong teamwork skills

• Ability to handle a fast-paced environment

• Previous experience in similar roles

• CPR/First Aid certification (City of Madison Heights provided upon hire)

View all open positions and apply today at

http://www.madison-heights.org/Jobs

- Message from American Academy of Pediatrics: Pick up your FREE gun safety lock at our Pontiac or Southfield locations. Locked guns, SAVES LIVES. https://bit.ly/3LeH260

- Message from Oakland Family Services:

“Take the first step toward positive change with SMART Recovery! Our evidence-based, stigma-free meetings focus on self-empowerment and provide practical tools rooted in motivational and cognitive behavioral theories.

Topics Covered:

Building and maintaining motivation

Coping with urges and cravings

Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Living a balanced life

Who: Adults 18+ | Free | No registration required

For more information, contact Rachel Boyle at rboyle@ofsfamily.org.

Join us on the path to a healthier, more balanced life—we’re here to support you!”

Royal Oak: Thursdays @6:30pm,

Pontiac: Tuesdays @ 1pm

- Message from our CIS partner nylc (National Youth Leadership Council):

Happy SEL Week!

To celebrate, we’re highlighting the connection between service-learning and social and emotional learning. Service-learning is applied social and emotional learning, offering real-world experiences to develop crucial skills.

Visit our Resource Library and search for “SEL Crosswalk” to access this FREE resource to learn how you can use service-learning to help meet SEL outcomes in your school or program. nylc.org/resource-library/

Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

- Message from MDHHS:

No one has to face their struggles alone. If you or a loved one are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing thoughts of suicide, free confidential support is available 24/7/365.

- Every Friday, starting 1/21 (9am-1pm): Case Management Services(Pontiac), presented by our CIS partner E-Community Outreach Services, in partnership with Gary Bernstein Clinic to connect families to resources and support.

- Saturdays by appointment only from 1/25 to 4/12: Free Tax Preparation, Pontiac, provided by OLHSA in partnership with AccountingAidSociety. More info and locations at: IRS Get Free Tax Prep Help

- Start registering now for the April 5th MHYA and OCSD Women & Girls Self Defense Awareness Program. Girls ages 13 and up. Written permission from parent/guardian required for participants 13-17 years, not accompanied by parent/guardian.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MadHgtsYouth4-5-25

- Wellness Wednesdays, Baldwin Center, Pontiac. Open to all Oakland county residents. More info on flyer and at: https://www.oakgov.com/community/health/partnerships/wellness-wednesdays

Beginning January 15, 2025, visit the Baldwin Center every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for a meal and connect with free health, housing, and employment resources.

All Oakland County residents have access to the following resources:

• Showers

• Laundry facilities

• Housing resources

• Career and employment support

• Community navigation

• Medical services

Additional services will be available on a rotating basis.

- Every Thursday, Pontiac Public Library is offering FREE TUTORING from 5:30-7 p.m. So please bring your child/children out and let us help them be the best they can be! A light snack will also be provided.

- Ferncare free clinic: to become a Patient, call 248-677-2273. This is an appointment only clinic. All calls are returned within 24 hours Monday through Friday. More info at: https://www.ferncare.org/

- The City of Pontiac is offering free carbon monoxide detectors to Pontiac residents through our Carbon Monoxide Safety Program.

Click the link to apply on our website today: https://tinyurl.com/PontiacGrants

Applications are also available at Pontiac City Hall in the Grants and Philanthropy office.

- Buyer's Assistance Program, Oakland County Treasurer's Office. More info at: Buyer's Assistance Program

- Need help with improving your computer skills? Check out Michigan eLibrary. Thanks Madison Heights Public Library for the tip! More info at: MeL Computer Skills Center

- The Hardship Assistance Program:

The Hardship Assistance Program can help eligible Oakland County residents. The program is open to Oakland County residents who get their water from a municipal water system, not a private well.

• Pay their current water or sewer bill for up to three months.

• Eliminate past-due balances.

• Pay for plumbing repairs.

For more info, visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/water-resources-commissioner/affordability/hardship-assistance-program

To apply: United Way for Southeastern Michigan Utility Assistance Application

Volunteering opportunities:

- Volunteer with Madison Heights Public Library! Volunteens is every last Thursday of the month! Get recorded volunteer hours, a snack and help our library!

- Volunteer with Lighthouse. More info and registration at: Volunteer with Lighthouse

- Volunteer with Oakland Literacy Council. Schedule an info session at: Oakland Literacy Council online info sessions. Next session March 11th. More info at: Become a Tutor