The classrooms of schools in the State of Michigan are segregated. There is a lack of diversity throughout the schools themselves, grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12), and the districts that serve as a conglomeration of the students, teachers, and administrations. As a state, Michigan has been historically segregated in several respects, be it geographically or socially. The education system is simply another contributing force to the preexisting segregated condition of Michigan.

It is no mystery that Michigan is racially divided. This year provides the citizens of the state with a stark reminder of the history its of racial divide, as it is the fortieth anniversary of the 1967 Detroit riot. No matter how many anniversaries come and go, the reminders only serve as remembrances and rarely procure an improvement in the situation. If a social-change group takes a stimulating spark like the riot’s anniversary and uses it to move forward with race relations, that group rarely does so successfully targeting Michigan’s schools.

The continuing problem of segregation in Michigan’s schools has yet to be solved. The first issue is that the schools are a direct reflection of the cities in which they stand. “In the early 1990s, 95 percent of the African American students attending segregated schools in Michigan were enrolled in central city public school districts.” (LandauerMenchik, 2006, pp. 2-3). To address that, the Michigan Department of Education developed a system of charter schools. This did not solve the problem, however. “In 2004-05 there were 87 segregated charter schools in Michigan, none of which had existed in 1992-93.

This is part of a research paper by OMIA Musician, John Girdwood. You can view the entire paper “BRINGING OUTSIDE MUSIC INSIDE MICHIGAN’S K-12 CLASSROOMS” here.

Event: OMIA Golf for Education
E-mail: jgirdwood@omiafoundation.org

History

The OMIA Golf for Education Outing began in 2009 as a fund raising effort for McLaren’s Camp Forget-Me-Not for Grieving Children. The Foundation expects to raise over $2,500 to contribute to this phenomenal camp that educates children on the grieving process allowing them closure after experiencing the loss of a loved one.

Course

The OMIA Foundation gladly hosts the annual Golf for Education Outing at Sugarbush Golf Club in Davison, MI. Click [here] for course details or to book an outing for your non-profit organization.

Why We Golf

• McLaren Camp Forget-Me-Not for Grieving Children
• To support Brian’s House Residential Non-Profit Hospice
• Girdwood, J. (2007). A Strategice Plan to Diversify Public Education Through the Michigan Department of Education. Central Michigan University
• Girdwood, J. (2007). Bringing Outside Music Inside Michigan’s K-12 Classrooms: A Foundation to Increase Diversity. Central Michigan University

Pamela Jo

would like to congratulate Megan Root as the recipient of the 2008 Down the River Scholarship in memoriam of “Pamela Jo from O-hio!”

The scholarship committee was thrilled to receive Megan’s application and surprised by how aligned her enthusiasm is with Pam’s.  There simply wasn’t a more qualified, accomplished, and promising applicant in the pool.

Hailing from Kenton, Ohio Megan and Pam share the passion to learn through continued education.  Megan now attends Ohio Northern University

ONU logo

with plans to study Pharmacology.  We thank Megan for her application package and appreciate those who cast recommendations for her.

On behalf of the OMIA Foundation, congratulations Megan and keep on learning!

OMIA Tailgate 2008

Join us next year for another great tailgate!

Former University of Michigan Coach Lloyd Carr Recruits for a New Team

Lansing, Mich. – September 26, 2008 – Mentor Michigan has named former
University of Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr their newest champion
for recruiting mentors. Carr has come out of retirement to recruit for a
new type of team, a team of mentors to match with Michigan’s young
people.

In her 2008 State of the State Address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
set a goal to recruit 10,000 new mentors by 2010 through the Mentor
Michigan program. Given Carr’s legendary coaching skills, he is well
equipped to help Mentor Michigan reach this goal by championing the
importance of mentors.

“I have partnered with Mentor Michigan to recruit a team of men and
women to make a difference in the lives of children in need,” said
Carr. “All it takes is a little time and the willingness to reach out
and mentor a child. I’m confident that we will form the finest team in
America to help the kids in our communities.”

One hour a week can make a big difference in a young person’s future.
Mentor Michigan supports more than 200 organizations around the state
that are changing lives by matching mentors with young people.  Mentor
Michigan provides those organizations with training and research.  It
fosters partnerships with businesses, faith-based and nonprofit
organizations, schools, colleges and universities, and state and local
government to support mentoring.  Mentor Michigan also builds public
awareness about the importance of and the need for mentors by urging
caring adults to “pass it on,” because sharing a little of yourself
with a young person can reward both of you with lifelong benefits.

DP + Company, a marketing, advertising, and public relations firm based
out of Farmington Hills, Michigan, has generously created various
materials, including PSAs, focused on Lloyd Carr’s mentor recruitment
efforts.

If you are interested in mentoring a child, visit
www.mentormichigan.org.

How many miles does an NFL running back travel throughout his career? How is batting average determined? How fast do Olympic sprinters and bobsledders go? These and many other exciting questions are examined during “Study Sports” training sessions

Have your students write an article about a game that your entire class watches together. Invite the kids to take their turn at calling play-by-play live at a pro event or local high school athletic event. Bring fun into the class with OMIA Sports Journalism lessons

The OMIA Foundation takes a new approach to motivation with its innovative “Motivational Coaches” program. Unlike regular motivational speakers, the OMIA Foundation brings in local athletes and sports coaches to “pump up” the kids through invigorating lessons

Did you know the 1941 Rose Bowl was played at Duke and not in California? The OMIA Foundation brings amusing trivia to the table through teaching “Sports and History.”