•  More than 100 schools open for information, tours from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

•  Culturally-diverse schools offer robust ESL programs to serve multilingual learners

DETROIT — This year Detroit Public Schools is offering more choices, earlier than ever, including unique programs for multilingual learners, during a new Open Enrollment Period now through April 16.

On Saturday, March 31, all DPS schools operating for fall 2012, plus many DPS-authorized charters, will open their doors for an information day, opportunities to meet principals, staff and parent leaders, tours, nutrition and more. 

From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., each school will be open to allow parents to see schools firsthand and meet key leaders as part of the Open Enrollment Period. Free shuttle buses will be available from six hubs, and some sites will offer free dental checkups and immunizations.

Shuttles will be offered every hour on the hour at:

Osborn High School

11600 E. 7 Mile Rd.

Marcus Garvey Academy

2301 Van Dyke

Priest, 7840 Wagner

Cody, 18445 Cathedral

DSA West-Langston Hughes 

Campus, 19501 Berg

Detroit International Academy

 9026 Woodward Ave.

The five-hour time block, as well as the shuttle bus service, will allow families to visit several schools on one day. Activities will include classroom visits, free meals, instructional technology and lab demonstrations, teacher presentations, student performances, and business/community partner information.

Individual schools that are open for enrollment include those neighborhood schools showcased by Excellent Schools Detroit as among the best in the City, as well as new schools and college preparatory programs with curriculum focusing on science, medicine and performing arts.

DPS also offers multilingual education programs, Public School League scholar-athlete programs and Parent Resource Centers. Many of our schools offer accelerated reading and math programs, bilingual staff and a culturally diverse curriculum to develop social and academic skills for all students. 

Partnerships with local businesses, community volunteers, colleges and universities also play a role in helping students to thrive. Challenging, hands-on learning experiences are key for students to succeed in a global society. 

Here are some offerings in the Arab American Community:

Carver Elementary-Middle School promotes the whole-child approach to academic success in a multicultural environment. Appropriate play is a part of the daily schedule to assist students in developing social skills. Program offerings include: International Art Competition, National Scripps Spelling Bee, New Computer Lab, Tutoring/Extended Day Program, Summer School, Reading is Fundamental, Beyond Basics Reading/Literacy Support, Student Government, Financial Literacy, Conflict Resolution, Basketball for grades 3-8, Sign Language, Quilting, School Newspaper and more. 

Fisher Magnet Lower Academy offers a variety of subjects within a general education curriculum. Program offerings include: Art, Tutoring/Extended Day After-School Program, Chess, Science Club, Conflict Resolution, Jump Start Advanced Reading Program, R.I.F. (Reading is Fundamental), Internet Access in Every Classroom, Fully-Functioning Borrowing Library, Computer Technology Media Center, Safe and Drug Free School Program, Resource Coordinating Team, Academic Tutors, School Nurse, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program, and more. 

Gardner Elementary School is a culturally diverse school for bilingual/English language learners. The atmosphere of Gardner provides children from other countries a comfortable learning setting where no one is a stranger. Gardner students model to the world that people of all cultures can coexist. Program offerings include: Art, ESL Classes, Arabic, Tutoring/Extended Day Program, Computers, Arabic Dancing, Culture Club, Foreign Language Club, Drama, Cheerleading, Chess Club, Sports Club, Science Club, Learning Village for Parents and more.  

Greenfield Union Elementary-Middle School, another culturally-diverse program within the DPS system, is dedicated to educating the whole child by creating an atmosphere where students are expected to be productive, technology literate, life-long learners. Program offerings include: Extended Day/After-School Tutoring Program, Media Club, Computers, Book Club, Science Club, Student Government, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program, and more.  

The new $22.3 million Munger Elementary-Middle School is set to open in the fall 2012. The new school is part of the district’s $500.5 million bond construction program. Program offerings include: Elementary and Middle School Wings connected by a Two-Story “Student Arcade,” Dining Court, Student Center, School Square, Bright/Sustainable Classrooms, Academic Commons Area, and Teacher Work Centers.

Priest Elementary-Middle School offers a culturally diverse curriculum to develop social and academic skills. Program offerings include: Onsite Family Resource Center, Music, Art, Physical Education, ESL Classes for Parents/Community, Tutoring/Extended Day Program, Schools of the 21st Century, Bilingual Programs, CIS Mentorship, DIBELS Destination Learning, Learning A-Z, Gaggle Safe Student-Teacher Internet Connections, RAZ Kids, Media Clubs, School Garden, Student Council and more.

District-wide, DPS will create an Individualized Learning Plan for each student and academic blueprints for every parent, and will provide Netbooks for home usage to all students in grades 8-12.

Wrapping up the school assignments for current students early will ensure a smooth start to the new school year including the placement of a teacher in front of every child on the first day of school, states DPS Emergency Manager Roy Roberts.

Rather than continue to support underutilized buildings, DPS consolidated schools to allow resources to be delivered to a smaller group of high quality schools. In a number of cases, high achieving programs will move to newer, larger facilities to allow programs to expand and serve more students. 

"We are embarking on a bold and ambitious journey with new educational models that will return this City to its rightful place as the world class leader in public education," Roberts said.

With regard to the new Individualized Learning Plans, DPS Superintendent of Academics Karen Ridgeway said, “These learning plans will be automated and built electronically from existing data systems, using test scores from the Michigan Merit Exam, MEAP, and benchmark assessments as well as other data, such as attendance.” 

The district offers free breakfast, lunch and a snack, and provides services for children with special needs. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged and supported. 

For enrollment information, call (313) 240-4377 or visit detroitk12.org/enroll.