For the third Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) meeting of the school year, profits from the recent Fun Night, the history behind the Thurston Nature Center, construction plans for Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage were discussed from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. 

Treasurer’s report:

The treasurer, Gudrun Bossmann updated the Clague community on the latest expenses, profit, and revenues. Bossmann conveyed how $14,000 has been amassed as the net income, with $5,483 of it being raised in October. The Halloween Fun Night was “a huge success” according to Bossmann, as a $3,600 profit was made, subtracting the total expenses of $709.

Nearing events:

To continue the recents profits’ growth, volunteers will be needed for the approaching Winter Fun Night on Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with attendees exclusive to Clague eighth graders.

An upcoming event accessible to all grade levels, is the Winter Blast. To support the follow through of this social function, volunteers are also required. During school hours, the Winter Blast is intended for “raising extra fun” and will occur on Dec. 20. 

Eighth grade field trip:

During the PTSO meeting, the expenses of the eighth grade trip were overviewed. Expenses mentioned had encompassed the fees of transportation for $31,000, rooming at the Great Wolf Lodge for $24,000, student T-shirts for $2,040, catered post-lunch snacks for $1,300, and Boardman Nature Center walk for $1,449.

The first round of payments have a current progress of 95 percent for collected $25 deposits, and 36 percent collection of full payments. For those who cannot afford the costs, there will be granted financial assistance, which has been requested by the 12 percent minority. Moreover, 10 to 13 students will be receiving full scholarships. To achieve that goal, a total of five fundraisers have been distributed across the school year.

Second payments for the eighth grade field trip will be officially due by Friday, March 7, and a parent/guardian meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the auditorium.

Fundraisers:

The recent BIG fundraiser will be continued as a trilogy. The Can and Bottle Drive and Revel & Roll Fundraiser were introduced at the PTSO meeting to promote increased profit at Clague. From Dec. 4-7, donations of 10 cent returnable containers will be welcomed for drop off at the Clague drive line between 7:45 and 8:05 a.m. Volunteers are vital for the Cans and Bottle Drive to collect and transport the items from Dec. 4-6.

The Revel & Roll Fundraiser has dates set for Jan. 20. For students, this is a no-school day (MLK day) To entertain students, Revel & Roll is hosting a bowling event for students to enjoy. Tickets will be priced at $30 per person, which includes bowling lanes, shoes, arcade credits, drinks, and food.

Thurston Nature Center:

Praveena Ramaswami, chair of the Thurston Nature Center and long-time resident of the area, presented at the PTSO meeting to share the story behind the 18 acres of land, vegetation, water, and wildlife known as the Thurston Nature Center.

The oak savannah, prairies, forests, and rain gardens are all charming characteristics of the nature center, but how it came to be was a revolutionary feat. It started with an idea: William Stapp wanted effortless access to an outdoor lab. Though it took seven years, AAPS would eventually agree to perform his project. 

With evidence corroborating it, the once barren swamp became the country’s first environmentalist education center. Since 1967, 165 species of birds have inhabited the trees planted by the compassion of children and students 

Because of this charitable gesture to the environment, a documentary was initiated by the White House to share its impact. Following this in 1993, Stapp was recognized for his contributions by receiving a nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize.

“I really enjoyed the presentation on the Thurston Nature Center,” Clague Principal Harvell Kyron said. “I am planning to speak with staff regarding taking our sixth grade students here for a field trip in the spring.”

AAPS construction plans:

An AAPS construction contractor submitted plans to the city for over 200 trees to be removed, Logan’s expansion, and adjacent roads to be altered by spring of 2025. The feedback from the community, comprising concerned parents and long-term constituents, have provided the possible consequences of this major renovation. 

Since the plans do not include the installation of traffic lights or stop signs, safety hazards for students crossing Nixon road have been raised. Furthermore, there is additional negative response to the navigation of its roads — insupportable traffic, increased pollution, and susceptibility to vehicle congestion.

As a necessary component of construction, geothermal drilling is also scheduled to take place. This has caused students and staff members to express their reluctance of education alongside construction. There are challenges of learning productively when surrounded by a disturbing setting, which many are not willing to endure for extended periods of time.

The construction plans do not favor the environment as well — replacement of current green spaces, mature trees, demolition of wetlands in the Traver Creek watershed, and stormwater displacement are said to be the reverberations. 

To amplify the community’s voice, it is encouraged to contact the AAPS school board and learn more about the plans here.

AI seminar:

Concluding the November PTSO meeting, Jing Liu, Executive Director of Michigan Institute for Data & Artificial Intelligence in Society (MIDAS), gave insight about AI regulation from a PhD’s perspective.

“Even though we are at a very confusing time with regard to how AI should be used or should not be used in K-12 education, one thing is clear: AI is forcing us to think harder about the nature of education, what we really want to teach the kids, and what essential skills are,” Liu said.

Being a former Clague parent, Liu’s return for the PTSO’s education on AI consumption provided an engaging conversation that informed and warned families the exploitations —  or utilization — of technology.

Dates to remember:

• Wednesday to Friday, Nov. 27 – 29 — no school for Late Fall Break
• Wednesday, Dec. 4 — early dismissal at 12:15 p.m.
• Monday to Thursday, Dec. 9 – 12 — Book Fair
• Tuesday, Jan. 21 — packets for eighth grade field trip are due

The next PTSO meeting is arranged for Thursday, Dec. 5 via zoom, 6 – 7 p.m. More details are to be announced nearing the date!