in the news
overall learning they would continue to do more,” said DPS
Awards Presentation/Literary Jam
Region 2 Supt. Derrick Coleman. “What we understand is
that we’re competing with a bunch of different mediums so
Rho Sigma Foundation presents its sixth annual SPIRIT
whether it be Facebook, the Internet, or cable TV, we’re ask-
(Sigmas Promoting Inspirational, Resourceful and Insightful
ing them to drop everything that they’re doing and read for a
Torchbearers) Awards Presentation/Literary Jam.
minimum of a half an hour.”
The family-friendly, free event is set for Wednesday,
“This came to be because our students are stars,” said Dr.
March 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Southfield Public Library’s meet-
Delores Harris, principal of A.L. Holmes. “They’ve read over
ing room located at 26300 Evergreen Rd.
500,000 minutes over the past couple of weeks and they will
This year’s event spotlights local poets/authors through
continue to read and excel. We
readings and book signings plus salutes SPIRIT Awards win-
are so proud of them.”
ners who are “innovative educators.”
Trey Songz poses with facilitators and A.L Holmes
Monica Conyers to use
Spotlighted authors/poets include Denise Crittendon, Dr.
students.
court-appointed coun-
O.D. Groves, Shayne Hearns, Darlene House, Clifford Hub-
DPS teams with Trey Songz for literacy
bard, Sylvia Hubbard, Ari Jackson, Keir, Karen White Owens,
sel?
Arvis Perry, Marquita L. Scott, Terri F. Williams and Willie Wil-
Earlier this week, national recording artist Trey Songz
Recent reports have indicated
liams. Light refreshments will be served. For additional infor-
made a special appearance at A.L. Holmes School to encour-
that former Councilwoman Moni-
mation, call 313-778-1550.
age literacy and academic achievement.
ca Conyers will be defended by a
Detroit senators join colleagues and
The visit was the result of the students winning a contest
court-appointed appellate attorney
that DPS collaborated with the Mayor’s Office and Larrone
with respect to her appeal of her
approve resolution to create local jobs
Harris of Change Movement Inc to facilitate.
37-month sentence in conjunction Detroit Senate Democrats joined with their colleagues
to her guilty plea for bribery and
“We had the rewarding of the reading initiative, the 50 Mil-
earlier this week and voted to pass Senate Resolution 115,
conspiracy.
Monica Conyers
lion Minute Reading Challenge,” stated Tarence Wheeler of
which they all co-sponsored, that will ensure that local Michi-
the Mayor’s Office. “These kids were rewarded because they
U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn issued a statement say-
gan businesses and local Michigan workers will be the prima-
raised their MEAP scores by 30 percent, so we’re just trying
ing Conyers signed an affidavit attesting to the fact that she
ry beneficiaries of the American Recovery and Reinvestment
to find creative ways to continue to encourage kids.”
“lacks the financial resources to enable her to pay for an at-
Act (ARRA) funds allotted to the state.
torney.”
The thought behind this initiative is to establish a series
“The stimulus package has had a positive impact on our
of incentive-based programs that will keep students encour-
According to Freep.com, it has been speculated that her
state but there’s no reason money should be going to other
aged while allowing them to see the fruits of their labor.
husband, Congressman John Conyers, is not aiding her with
countries to purchase products we can make right here in
her legal fees because it would cause him more problems in
Michigan,” said Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thom-
“As a district, Detroit Public Schools has a major focus
his personal and political life.
as. “The people of Detroit and of Michigan need work and
on literacy and so we believe that if our students understood
that’s where our federal dollars should be directed.”
the importance of reading and the impact that it has on their Rho Sigma Foundation hosts free SPIRIT
www.frontpageconnect.com • March 19, 2010 3
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