Nestled in the heart of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, a dynamic school with a thriving pulse of diversity, community, and discipline begins its spring semester. Armed with the feedback they have collected from their students, faculty, and staff in surveys from the past semester, Star International staff are pushing forward to bring quality education to their students. Superintendent Hamadeh says the collaborative strength of their faculty and staff has helped the school’s transition to different methods of learning during the pandemic. Currently the school is preparing a return to offering in-classroom instruction. In preparation, the school pushed hard to be equipped with proper safety measures like desk shields, UV lights in HVAC systems, extended sanitization, social distancing, masks, and temperature checks. “The safety of our school is number one,” said Mrs. Hamadeh. |
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Weighing the advantages of the new vaccine brings hope and confidence to plans of returning. Again, Mrs. Hamadeh notes the necessity of surveys to measure the concerns and desires of her school. Some staff are simply not able to come back due to health issues. However, the school has learned to adjust. In being flexible and realizing people are under stress, “Accommodation is the key word. We’re all in this together and we’re trying to provide as much support as possible,” said Mrs. Hamadeh. For the students, this means offering opportunities for them to make up their work or finding creative ways to keep them motivated.
Mrs. Hamadeh reflects on the struggles and successes of the previous year, “The staff pulled together in an amazing way,” noting the proactive anticipation of the lockdown; the 3-day switch to online learning through provision of Chromebooks; the investment into larger internet bandwidth; and the collaborative training for staff. “Everyone wanted to do something to be successful,” Hamadeh concluded.
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For the college-focused students, Mrs. Hamadeh says business has remained comparatively normal. Universities have connected virtually, application processes are still the same, as well as the facilitation of communication from admissions to students. Most recently, the results have shone in this year’s graduating class, boasting of many exemplary students! Additionally, Mrs. Hamadeh is happy to report the school clubs that have kept the students motivated and encouraged. Aside from the National Honor Society, Star International has teams in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics), yearbook, and e-sports; as well as literacy, spirit, and senior committees. These clubs and committees spur each other on to hard work, helping maintain the crucial aspect of community at Star International.
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As for the upcoming year, Mrs. Hamadeh says, “We are looking closely at vaccination to be able to go forward.” She realizes this would give confidence to the staff, but also weighs the comfortability levels of the school’s families and staff, “obviously we don’t control all the factors.” Ultimately, she looks towards fall as the big return, “We’re going to look at safety and support of those who are willing to come back.”
When asked how the transition to online learning impacted the four pillars of learning (scholarship, character, culture, and community) that are core to Star International, Mrs. Hamadeh explained they continue to be embedded in day to day instruction. “Classroom etiquette, online safety and security, respecting others online—these are part of the pillars.” She noted that personal responsibility is encouraged in light of the community, whether that is delivering on your homework or wearing a mask, “We are responsible for what will happen to one another.”
Keep up the good work, Star International Academy!
Authorized by Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools Office, Star International Academy is a non-discriminatory, independent, K-12 public school.
To learn more about Star International Academy, visit their website:
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About Bay Mills Community College Charter Schools |
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Bay Mills Community College began authorizing charter schools in the year 2000 and now authorizes 46 schools serving approximately 23,660 students.
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.
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