SMART Team:

Hey Jim,

Thanks for forwarding Kyle's comments. Ed and I are very much in the loop
for finding funding for OSMTech and of course, aligning it with some of our
other efforts have crossed my mind. I saw Kyle on Thursday evening and she
made the same comment about raising enough dollars to build their own
facility. Ed and I are going to move forward on finding funding for the
OSMTech program as it stands, just so we know that there will be a program
next year. Then that would buy us some time to get really creative. Let's
talk about how it could all fit together. We are certainly "aligning the
silver arrows."

Sherry

SMART Team:

Jim:

Don't be fooled by those numbers....try Brother Rice, Detroit Country-Day, International Academy, blah blah blah....

Let's see how those innovative teaching methods raise the ranks of the undeserving, underserved students of Pontiac.

Let OSM Tech move to a more centralized location, serve a larger population and take the filter off of the front door. They will no longer have to concern themselves with job security....or wait, do they have a better idea?

PB

SMART Team:

November 3, 2003

The pride of the Oakland Science, Mathematics & Technology Academy is in its trophy case -- and there's not one sports championship in the mix.


BY THE NUMBERS
OSMTech Academy in Clarkston provides classes in science, math and technology. Brandon, Clarkston, Holly and Lake Orion school districts send students to the program. The Oakland Intermediate School District oversees the academy. Here is a look at OSMTech's academic statistics.

Class of 2003

ACT composite scores (out of 36 possible points):

OSMTech

27.5
Michigan

21.3
United States

20.8

Source: OSMTech Academy


The school has no athletic teams, so the plaques and gold medals highlight excellence in math, science, engineering, physics and electronics.

Parents, students and teachers say they hope that history of success can help keep OSMTech's doors open. Many observers say it is going to take intense recruiting and fund-raising to save the school from closing in the next two to three years.

The 10-year-old academy, cramped in four classrooms -- two inside and two in mobile units outside -- at the Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest, needs to add about 10 students to its enrollment of 116 and raise thousands of dollars to stay afloat, says Regis Jacobs, assistant superintendent for resource management for Oakland Schools, which oversees the academy in Clarkston.

"If we don't surmount these financial issues, we'll be in a deeper and deeper deficit," he said.

The academy is struggling to keep students in its program -- but not for lack of interest. More than 100 students applied for one of the 30 open freshman spots at OSMTech last year, hoping for a chance to spend part of each school day at the academy. With a 14-1 student-teacher ratio and innovative teaching styles, there is demand for the program.

The problem is the local districts that allow students to take courses at OSMTech no longer can afford to do so. Many are beginning to limit the number of participants.

Local districts lose money with each student who attends the academy's half-day program. To help with costs, the district is required to send half of the state allotted amount for each student, plus $100, to the academy.

The academy's problem is similar to a struggle at International Academy in Bloomfield Township. There, a group of supporters is well into raising $86,000 -- the 3-year goal -- to help Rochester Community Schools continue its membership in the academy.

When OSMTech began in 1994, six area districts sent students to what was then a unique program, administrators say. The number soon dwindled to four districts when Waterford and Oxford pulled their students.

Now Lake Orion Schools has announced that by 2006 it will begin phasing out of the program. Like Waterford, the district has created a similar program.

"We were able to replicate their program in our district," said David Beiter, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. "We haven't gotten quite to the point where they are, but they've got a good leap on us."

Seventeen students from Lake Orion attend the program, which Beiter said became too expensive to maintain. He added that Lake Orion students now are beating OSMTech students at some robotics competitions.

"That's one indicator that we are teaching math and science just as well," he said.

With state budget cuts, the academy lost a $90,000 math and science grant this year. And with the threat of the state reducing the per-pupil spending amount, OSMTech is in jeopardy, Jacobs says.

He says OSMTech could face a $130,000 shortfall by 2006 if the drop in enrollment continues.

Students are trying to spread the word about OSMTech.

"Basically what we need to do is reach out into the community and help them understand a little better. I think they really need to understand why this is so important," said Kelly Williamson, 15, of Davisburg and a sophomore at Clarkston High School.

There is a glimmer of hope.

Last week, the Oakland Intermediate School District agreed to lend its support in helping a parents' task force find grant dollars.

Finding dollars and more students will solve part of the problem. The academy also is in the way of a renovation project at the technical campus, which is expanding its transportation cluster classrooms to an area where the mobile classrooms now sit.

Oakland Schools is trying to determine whether it will be able to accommodate the school during its upcoming renovations.



Contact TERESA MASK at 248-351-3691 or mask@freepress.com.

Copyright © 2003 Detroit Free Press Inc.

SMART Team:

Jim:

I'm glad to hear that the Obs is on Kyle's mind!

I planted those seeds at a meeting on October 14 when I told those OSM Tech teachers that they would do well, as far as job security is concerned, to think of relocating more centrally so that they would not have to depend on ONLY the NW quadrant for recruiting...under the direction of L. Motz (?), they were safe and secure in Clarkston...now then, about the underserved.

Paul Briercheck

SMART Team:

Hi Kyle:

Great to hear from you.

The Pontiac SMART Community Complex has become a much discussed topic of late and therefore is gaining the necessary critical mass for success. The concept is based on a community development initiative in downtown Pontiac on behalf of youth and it's citizenry (human services, agencies, etc.). We're currently negotiating for a centralized building to be the cornerstone of the initiative. It has support from the Mayor and the City Council along with many community driven organizations and most importantly residents and members of the community. Recently we have had various individuals from Oakland County, Oakland Schools, Oakland County Community Quality Council and Untied Way of Oakland County visit to discuss possible collaboration efforts. We have been soliciting ideas from everyone interested in educational programming as well as discussing partnership possibilities with K-12 educational institutions. Linda Torony has been a vocal champion of those particular SMART Complex opportunities and our Pontiac Nature Center proposal. Perhaps you may be interested enough to visit and see the facility and add your creative insights to the possibilities. Let me know if the spirit strikes a cord with you.

I am somewhat aware of the current dilemma facing OSMTech (newspaper) although I thought we had gotten past the most recent impasse. What are the current obstacles facing you and the rest of the staff? Can I be of help in any way? Perhaps we could schedule an informal meeting to discuss current strategic efforts and/or collaborative outcomes that would mutually benefit everyone........(it can never hurt to have additional minds focus on the solution specifics). I'm also glad to hear that the parent community is supporting your past success and will act as a catalyst to further same. This gives great testament to your efforts on behalf of the student body. Please let me know if your schedule allows and/or if there is any interest in additional discussion(s).

The observatory continues to make progress on restoration and renovation efforts as well as the deployment of some new digital infrastructure for the Tower Telescope instrumentation. It has also gained some notoriety for informal Group Think activities taking place here. Of course we are preparing for the November 8, 2003 Lunar Eclipse and were able to get some digital sunspot pictures of the most recent Solar activities.

Please let me know what your thoughts might be.

Much continued success.

Best,

Jim

SMART Team: (Update OSMTech / Clarkston)

Jim,

I was just speaking with Linda Torony and your name came up ... I am
curious about this SMART Community Complex. She showed me a flyer and I was
told to keep my mouth shut (or she'd have to kill me). :)

I don't know what you know - or have heard, but OSMTech needs help. We are
going to have to raise approx. $300,000 to renovate the OSTC-NW building for
our space. I have thought, why not raise $500,000 and build our own building
... on Oakland Schools property or somewhere else. I am not sure what will
happen. The parent organization has been fantastic and is not settling for
anything BUT long term viability of OSMTech. Thank God they are on our side!

How are things going at the Observatory?

Just thought I would give you a ring ... the observatory has been on my mind
lately.

Sincerely,
Kyle Hughes, OSMTech Teacher

Jim,

Thanks for keeping me in the loop. Let me know the response. After last week we must let the dust settle for a bit. The Civility Center should receive a letter from the Quality Council asking to enter into a joint venture initiative on Nov. the 8th. Once that happens and I get the go ahead from my board we can proceed and hopefully I will be engaged in your area full time around the 1st of Jan. Until then, which really isn't that far away, let us continue the idea sharing and exploring action steps we can immediately implement.

Later - Kent

Jim,

I love how you think. Getting a letter of support from OS and the OCQC should not be a problem and I will put that in motion when I return. The days go far too fast at home and in the north country. There are never enough hours to all that I need and want to do--possibilities everywhere. It seems it has been a good 3 days to be away from the office in Waterford.

I will call early next week for an update following your meeting with George and time to meet with Marlana and Michelle. Give George my best.

Making it happen....

Sherry

SMART Team: (Rick David of United Way of Oakland County)

Hi Rick:

Thank you for the invitation to meet Kent Roberts. His message was certainly refreshing and uplifting. The many discussions we shared while he was here in Oakland County and Pontiac in particular, were quite interesting and engaging. We also discovered we shared many insights and passions regarding true successful community development activities and youth focused issues. He was also able to visit the observatory and the Pontiac SMART Community Center building in downtown Pontiac to discuss possible mutual collaboration opportunities. I believe the vision for the SMART Center resonated with him as it has with so many others who have taken the time to become familiar with this community initiative.

To that end, I was wondering what would be necessary to obtain a letter of support for the SMART Project from United Way of Oakland County to add to our growing body of lettered supporters? Could you let me know if this would be possible?

I was particularly taken with your metaphor regarding fertile ground and the cultivation of same. Perhaps we should come together in a visioning meeting at the observatory and discuss what the harvest might look like.

Hope all finds you well...........

Best,

Jim

SMART Team: (Rick Williams of Oakland County Community Quality Council)

Rick:

Great FUN last week. Kent had an opportunity to visit the SMART Center building on Thursday morning with Sherry Kuchon. He was quite excited about the various possibilities the building/concept represented. I suggested to Kent that we should secure the building at our first opportunity, namely immediately. This would allow us to begin to "learn with/about the community and they about us as we create our successful future together." What are your thoughts about same?

What's UP for this week? How do I get a letter of support for the Pontiac Community SMART Complex Project from the Oakland County Community Quality Council to add to our growing list of lettered supporters?

I will be meeting with George Andrews later this week. He says the "walls at the observatory are talking to him." I guess that "think tank" element resonates with higher ordered thinkers everywhere while serving as a "demonstration model" for replication in/at other locations.

Maybe we should schedule a "visioning" meeting at the observatory to further ascertain/discuss the "details" of the SMART Project which have not been part of our discussions to date due to the limitations of time, agenda focus, etc. Would you have any thoughts about who should attend such a meeting of the minds.

Hope all finds you well and I would enjoy hearing more about that SMART Center Southwest compound.................

Best,

Jim

SMART Team:

Hi Sherry:

"We PLAN our WORK, We WORK our PLAN." That way there are no surprise's with the exception of unintended consequences (and it is how we handle those that will truly speak to our success). Here endeth the lesson (conversation). (;<)

Plenary Activities

Scheduled Events
Meeting with George Andrews on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at 3:00PM at the observatory.
Purpose: Meeting of the minds to further collaborative insights recently manifested via personal intuition and engagement of same (no idea to large....or to small).

Proposed but as yet unscheduled opportunities
Meeting: SMART Building (TBD- next two weeks)
Purpose: Begin community educational outreach efforts and identification of true "Community Building" assets and/or opportunities. Additionally, solicit and engage actualized community partners and supporters.

Michigan Cool Cities Initiative (Thursday, December 11, 2003 / Lansing)
Meeting: Visioning of State-wide Developmental Issues and Opportunities (TBD)
Purpose: Deliver the Pontiac SMART Community partners and supporters en masse to Lansing / (The Buss(s) to Cool)
*Determine end-game scenarios and/or additional leveraged outcomes from emergent "SMART Project Profile"

OTHER:

How do we obtain a letter of support from Oakland Schools and/or the Oakland Count Community Quality Council for the Pontiac SMART Community Center project to add to our growing body of lettered supporters?

I will be looking forward to your return from the north country..............the scenery should still be spectacular...........enjoy!

Update: "if it doesn't happen"............is no longer an option..............for it is already happening all around us.

Best,

Jim

SMART Team: (String of SMART Consiousness leading up to previous recent posts)

Hi Rick (David):

Meeting Tuesday, October 21, 2003 / with Oakland Schools: My current understanding is we will be meeting with Kent Roberts at the observatory on Tuesday....time not confirmed as of yet. Purpose: to explore mutual cross-pollination opportunities and possibilities regarding his National Civility initiative and the possible targeting of Pontiac as a "national model" for same. Additional co-location discussions regarding Pontiac SMART Community Center.

Concept for Pontiac SMART Community Center
Community Center serving YOUTH in downtown Pontiac and assisting citizenry through human services offered and connected to existing infrastructure represented by existing/surrounding faith based organizations and/or human service organizations (Lighthouse) etc. Letters of support for same from the "current" Mayor and additional letter from the Pontiac City Council. The DDA (Sandy McDonald) also supports the concept. Oakland Schools, Oakland County and various community organizations are also in support. Funding: Building owner (Leon Julkowski), Dollite Touche are pursuing partnering (cash), possible GM involvement and a NSF Grant initiative for infrastructure upgrades based on urban revitalization. Additional matching grant possibilities reside with Skillman Foundation, Kresge Challenge Grant, etc. Funding target in phases......several million.

Perhaps a "visioning" session is in order. Let me know what your thoughts might be my friend.

Best,

Jim

Morning Jim, At 4 again? I recall a brochure about the opportunity. What is the big picture vision? Rick

Rick David:

Sorry we missed you on this one..........but I understand we will have
another opportunity next Tuesday. Look forward to seeing you. Lot's to
share.

Best,

Jim

See you there. rick

Rick David: (FYI)

Can you join us for visit on Monday, October 13, 2003 at 4:00PM?

Best,

Jim

Hi Sherry: ( Had a little server upgrade problem for the last couple of days
which delayed my responses)

Great people, great conversations, equal great meeting, which can produce
great things! Many THANKS to you and Ed!

I will meet you at the Pontiac SMART Center building on Monday, October 13
at 4:00PM. You may wish to come casual as renovation things are still a
little rough. The building is south of the Phoenix Center and is the
red-brick building (you can't miss it) with all the new windows. I will
also be inviting some additional interested 3rd parties whom may add to our
critical mass.

Rick Williams stopped by briefly last evening and provided me with some
reading materials (two books by Kent Roberts) which I read last evening.
Civility, trust and Youth as a Catalyst certainly resonate with me and
parallels some of our past/current research efforts to date. Clearly, these
elements represent the necessary foundation issues for any meaningful
community proposition. Couple that with a "great shared idea" and anything
is possible.

Thank you for the "connection" to Tammy Evans! I will follow-up on the
contact information you provided today and let you know what comes of our
conversation(s).

I would also appreciate the "web-site address" for the NSF Grant you brought
on Tuesday which we didn't get a chance to discuss if you would be kind
enough to provide it. I will spend some time familiarizing myself with same
prior to our meeting on Monday.

Hope all finds you well.........

Best,

Jim

Hey Jim,

Are you available to meet me at the Pontiac Community Center on Monday,
October 13, at 4:00 p.m.? If not, what about the same time on Thursday,
October 16?

I tried to call by phone to follow up with whether or not you have connected
with Tammy Evans. When I didn't get an answer, I thought I would send you a
note to let you know that Ed and I met Tammy in the hallway on our way back
from meeting with you. She was excited that you had taken the time to read
the technology plan. When you meet with Tammy, she may be able to shed some
light on the rationale for the time lines, or she may be enlightened by what
you have to say. Either way, I know it will be a productive meeting.

I really enjoyed our time together Tuesday and I look forward to the site
visit.

See you soon!

Sherry

SMART Team:

Jim,

We need to continue the conversation and begin the work. I'm a worker--I can only talk so much ;-)

I am going back up north for the first of next week and then should be able to focus on the office and the work we have started with the community. We will be in touch.

Sherry

PS: Kent is very accessible. Get an email "fix." Keep the conversation going. And remember...

If it doesn't happen, it's because we didn't want it bad enough.

SMART Team:

Jim,

I think you deserve some sort of a medal for having to listen to me three days in a row. I love your passion and want to work with you to realize your vision. I'm not sure how our working relationship will proceed but I know it will. I still have a long way to go before I'm there full time but I'm working on it and will keep you advised. When I'm there I will 1) work to neutralize the institutions of resistance at the decision making level and help them discover new 21st Century thought 2) enjoy working at the grassroots level to increase capacity, develop new vehicles for growth, action strategies that work and build upon one another. Until then let us stay in touch and continue to clarify how we might both mutually help one another and ultimately the youth of our communities. It is a pleasure - Kent

SMART Team:

Jim and Kent,

I look forward to getting you two together to explore
possibilities this week. Here are some things I would have
you both consider. Jim you have a great vision for the
Smart Center and Kent you have great vision for the Civility
Center. My desire is to hopefully focus your "Centers" so
that they might be in alignment with each other and with the
Oakland County Community Quality Council.

I would offer as a suggestion the possibility of establishing
a neutral entity that could utilized the resources of the
United way as a nutral base of funding and coordination.
Utilizing the collective resources of all targeted
stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

I would like each of us to share some thoughts and recommend
a plan of action that will be doable.

Looking forward to hearing from you before the meeting.

Rick Williams

SMART Team:

Good morning Jim,

I am currently sitting in my brothers home in southwest
Michigan, in the city of Vandellia. I have down this way
building a family retreat center which is located five miles
up the road in Cassopolis, Michigan. My family has owned 48
acres of land in the historic underground railroad gateway into
Michigan. When we were children and teenagers we would come
to our old farm house and have fun and engage in many
exciting activities.

For more than 30 years we have dreamed of one day building a
house that would hold all of our families and provide
accommodations to host retreats and provide a place where
others might come and experience what my parents and siblings
experienced.

The house that we are building is 4800 Sq. Ft. above basement
and 2500 Sq. Ft.in the basement. There are 7 bedrooms and
ample space for meetings and break outs. The home is made of
Insulated Concrete Forms manufactured by Arxx Building
Systems of Toronto, Canada (www.arxxbuild.com). We have been
building since August and we are currently completing the 2nd
floor and will be under roof in two weeks.

What an experience! To help build a unconventional highly
energy effcient house. We have had teenagers and senior
citizens helping to lay block and work in all areas of the
building process. I am convenced that this is part of what
we talk about when we speak of a SMART Center. Be it in the
city or in the country, its a place where possibilities are
generated, where visions are developed, where dreams are
manifested.

I will see you on Tuesday morning and participate with a
renewed source of energy and compassion.

Rick Williams
SMART Center Soutwest
Cassopolis, MI