Volume 4 No. 6
"Wax Museum." An annual event organized by Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy where 4th grade students choose a biography of a historical figure and then work to create a 'living book report' of the individual they selected. Students have a little over a month to prepare their 'living book report' which requires each student to utilize their research skills to write a report, develop a timeline of their historical figures' life, and prepare a one-minute speech.


The "Wax Museum" event took place on Friday, March 6th where the students donned costumes, personas, and used props to transform into historical figures like Queen Elizabeth II. Held in the gym, the 4th graders performed for the rest of the school as each classroom toured the museum.
 
Historical figures this year included Jackie Robinson, Barack Obama, Sitting Bull, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth, Ellen DeGeneres and many more.
 
"It is truly amazing to see who the students pick as historical figures for their reports. There is no list, they all come up with this all on their own," said Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy Principal, Casey Rakowski. "This year we had figures you would never have thought a 4th grade student would think of, like Ruth Bader Ginsberg."

  
"It is always amazing to see students who would normally be shy surprise you and come out of their shell as this animated character. It makes you proud to see this culmination of Montessori learning."

" At the heart of Montessori is authentic learning which is student-driven, based on the personal interests and children's natural curiosity. "
 
From its humble beginnings in the basement of the Presbyterian Church with less than 30 students and three staff members, Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy has grown into its own building with 15 large classrooms, a music room, full-size gymnasium-lunchroom, and playground. The academy teaches 350 students and employs a staff of over 40.


Authorized by Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office in 2002, Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy models their classroom based on the educational thought of Dr. Maria Montessori. 

Their mission is to develop students with a positive self-image who can apply critical thinking skills, communication skills, creativity, cooperation and respect for others to changing situations. The interdisciplinary environment of the Academy recognizes and develops, utilizes and challenges each student's unique potential by addressing academic, aesthetic, emotional, physical and social needs.


Learn more about Mt. Clemens Montessori Academy by visiting their website:

Bay Mills Schools Provide Meals to Students During COVID-19 School Closures
As concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to increase, schools, teachers, and administrators are doing their part to be there for their students and help others in need.

Schools have closed this month as a result of the pandemic, but countless Bay Mills' authorized school administrators and staff are working to provide meals to students who rely on our schools' free and reduced lunch programs.
On behalf of Bay Mills, we would like to thank all of our hardworking school administrators and staff for all they have done and are doing to ensure the wellbeing of all of our students throughout this crisis. 
Interested in gaining educational experience? Or are you looking to add to your resume? Consider becoming a charter school board member for a public school academy authorized by Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office!
 
At Bay Mills Community College, we support a quality education to urban, minority and/or poor children.
 
Bay Mills will provide all of our academy boards with pertinent training so that they are able to make choices that are in the best interest of the students that attend their academies .
 
Our public school academies are always looking for new members that bring a range of skills, experiences and desire to help the Academy students to excel academically, as well as having the goal of advancing the mission of Bay Mills.
 
Some requirements of the position:
  • Engagement with the goals of the Academy
  • Enthusiasm to be an ambassador for the Academy
  • Willingness to fulfill the obligation of a board member, as well as continue to uphold the standards of being a board member
           
Board Member Qualifications:
  • Citizen of the United States
  • Resident of the State of Michigan
  • Submit materials requested by the College Charter Schools Office such as:
    • Public School Academy Board Member Appointment Questionnaire
      • Must include authorization to process a background check of the nominee
      • Submit annual disclosure of conflicts of interest
Members of the Board of Directors shall include:
  • At least one parent or guardian of a child attending the school
  • One professional educator; preferably a person with school administrative experience
Members of the Board of Directors shall NOT include:
  • Any member appointed or controlled by another profit or non-profit corporation
  • Academy employees or independent contractors performing services for the Academy
  • Any current or former director, officer, or employee of a management company that contracts with the academy
  • College officials or employees 
All Academy Board members shall serve in their individual capacity, and not as a designee of any other person or entity. If it is found that a person is serving as a representative or designee of another person or entity, they shall be deemed ineligible to serve as a Director of the Academy Board. They shall be removed from office in accordance with provisions found in the Resolution or Schedule 2: Bylaws.
 
Note that a Director serves at the pleasure of the College Board, and may be removed with or without cause by the College Board at any time.
           
Working with an Academy is the perfect opportunity to advance your career interests, expand your knowledge on education and help children receive a quality education that will last a lifetime. Apply to become a board member today!

For more information or to receive an application, please contact Megan Ringuette, Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office Compliance Coordinator at 906-248-8419 or [email protected].
About Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools
Bay Mills Community College began authorizing charter schools in the year 2000 and now authorizes 46 schools serving approximately 22,000 students. Fall 2015: 22,729 and Spring 2016: 22,257
 
Our Mission: To ensure a quality education for urban, minority, and/or poor children by improving and expanding educational opportunities through innovative oversight methods. To provide academy boards with the necessary support and training so that they may make educated decisions that are in the best interest of the students that attend their academies.