• - Grand Rapids, MI Schools...Creating New Realities by Challenging Perceptions!
It's funny how perception can shape reality. Pounding it fiercely into a hard mold of convenience, even if the reality it shapes is a mere contrivance or even a blatant falsehood. Recently, I attended a business/networking meeting of the Women's Council of Realtors of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The speaker for the event was Dr. Bernard Taylor, the Grand Rapids School District Superintendent. Dr. Taylor, an engaging and interesting speaker gave a speech that totally rocked the core of what many people, including real estate agents, think about the Grand Rapids public schools.
Dr. Bernard Taylor was recently appointed as Superintendent of the Grand Rapids Public Schools in July off 2006. Having previously served as the Superintendent in Kansas City Missouri, his perspective on the dynamics in educational offerings for students in the Grand Rapids area was revealing.
Dr. Taylor opened his presentation by sharing how impressed he was about the level of support for education in Grand Rapids, noting a recent bond issue which has allowed 10 Grand Rapids area schools to be refurbished or renovated. He noted that his previous district in Kansas, Missouri had not passed a bond issue like this in 40 years! He also talked about the Un-Funded Mandates that are a part of budget for the school system. The largest being 13 million dollars for Special Needs situations for which the district receives no reimbursement but remains committed to supporting and maintaining.
Many of the attendees were surprised that the Grand Rapids school system faces some unique challenges in educating students for whom English is a second language even as late as the high school level and sponsors programs to educate them at their grade level while learning English. Additionally, the Grand Rapids School system supports specialized academies like the Montesorri Program & the Coit Creative Arts Academy.
The audience was intensely engaged as Dr. Taylor spoke. In 30 minutes he succeeded in rapidly dismantling stereotypes and perceptions that, as he stated , "had more to do with the people who were served by the district than with the reality of what is really going on". As Grand Rapids has increased in diversity, there has been a proliferation of a variety of models available to parents for the education of their children. These have included private schools and charter schools. These options have given parents many options.
One of the unanticipated results of the expanded choice in education has been that classrooms have become increasingly segregated in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In one block of Grand Rapids which houses 4 schools, the parochial schools are mainly white and the public schools heavily populated by minorities. In a world that is becoming more globally interconnected on a daily basis, students are short changed in a vital component of the educational process when they do not have the opportunity to interact and learn from individuals from different backgrounds.
Dr. Taylor concluded by noting that in spite of these significant challenges, the people of Grand Rapids, Michigan remain committed to providing a quality education for ALL children. They have put their money to work through passing the bond issue to improve their schools even as state funding for education has decreased significantly. For the residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan, having a leader who exudes energy, optimism and hope about the community and what is possible, is giving Grand Rapids a unique opportunity to transform old perceptions to create a bright New Reality.
Here are some highlights from the talk:
The Grand Rapids Public School serves approximately 22,000 pre-school through adult education students
It is Michigan's 3rd largest School District
100% of Staff members meet highly qualified requirements (HQ)
All Elementary Schools meet Adequate Yearly Progress Standards
All K-8/Middle Schools showed gains in READ 180
ACT Test average is 20, despite the fact that the test is being administered for the first time to many students for whom English is not the first language.
Strong neighborhood schools, Comprehensive Special Education Services, Extensive Second Language Programs
Successful completion of Phase II of bond construction plan on time and UNDER Budget parameters for 10 schools in the district. Effort involved Local Contractors, Architects and Engineers and was a model of a Successful Diversity Initiative!
If your are looking for homes in the Grand Rapids area or surrounding communities by school district...click here.
From time to time, one has the fortunate privilege of being introduced to a person, business or service that exceeds your expectations. My introduction to Sananda Spa & Salon in Grand Rapids, Michigan is just such an experience!
However, the path to this connection is often littered with dashed aspirations and less than hoped for outcomes. Such was my experience in locating a good hair dresser in Grand Rapids, Michigan This makes the discovery even sweeter.
Every '"girlfriend" knows that finding a good stylist who doesn't keep you in the shop for half a day is an event worthy of Celebration! Most of us have resigned ourselves to the fact that you either spend the time or put up with sub-standard styling.
Well, my putting up came to a dramatic halt after several years with my former hairdresser. As she washed my hair, after coming in late for the appointment, she began to tell me how she had sent a lady to the hospital because she accidentally aimed a deluge from the water sprayer into her ears.
Perhaps the memory of the event jostled some hidden reflex. I suddenly found myself bolting out of my chair as the sprayer's full stream of water found it's mark right into my ears. That was it! My jacket was drenched. Fortunately, my ears were OK. I immediately began to call around for recommendations to friends, associates, anyone I could think of.
Finally, I connected with a friend who told me about a young lady who worked in a Salon called Sanada. Sandra said:
"You've got to get in to see Kristin. I've said good-bye to hours spent getting my hair done. She's not cheap, but she's good and she can get you in and out in an hour! But don't be put off if it takes you awhile to get an appointment."
I'm glad she let me know that. Kristin, one of the team of excellent stylist at Sananda Spa and Salon, is booked weeks in advance. And for good reason. She's worth it!
Sananda is part of trio of first rate Salons and Spas in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. These include in addition to Sananda, the Grand Salon in Ada and the Grand Salon located in the Amway Grand Plaza downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their official brochure provides this descriptive of the Sananda Spa & Salon experience: "Having joy or happiness, joyful, glad, delighted with" and their vision stated as a simple blessing reads thus: "May your experience with us fill you with joy and happiness and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed!"
As a full service Spa, the staff are trained to provide a wide array of services. First time visitors can expect a thorough analysis and detailed questionnaire designed to assure that the best possible recommendations and treatements are suggested. The calming earthtones of the reception area and Spa are accented by stylish contemporary furnishings. Every guest is offered your choice of beverage: coffee, tea, lemonade, wine...
I would highly recommend Sananda's massage therapist Linda. She is also available by appointment at the other locations. The woman has a gift in locating stress points and making them magically disappear. They also provide a full array of different Body Treatments, Masks and Facial Treatments as well as the Standard Manicures and Pedicures. Kristin, my stylist is also a Certified Specialist in Hair Extensions, an increasingly popular service to add volume and instant length to your hair.
Since I'm usually dashing between appointments on most of my visits, I haven't sampled all the services, but those I have were professionally and competently rendered. The biggest gift to me is the Value of my Time! Kristin consistently gets me into and more importantly out of her chair in an hour or less! If you are looking for a good hair salon or spa in Grand Rapids, Mi, I would highly recommend you check out the staff and services at Sananda Spa and Salon. A visit to Sananda will succeed in leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed as well as fill you with joy and happiness about a job well done!
• - What Will the World Be Like When "Shift" Happens?
SHIFT HAPPENS...
You never know what you might unearth of where you might end up when you follow a link down a cyberspace bunny trail. This find started with a drop in visit to Ed Rybczynski's blog & curiosity about the mention of a sight called slideshare. If you've wondered what the future holds...slide on over & watch!
It's hard to appreciate the enormity of the change that is happening in our world. This slideshow was a stylized adaptation of a presention by Karl Fisch which examined his perceptions for America in the 21st century global economy. What do you think?
• May. 9, 2007 - Springtime Blossoms in West Michigan!
Springtime Blossoms in West Michigan!
Spring is in the Air in West Michigan. Gardens are beginning to blossom into riotous color. A variety of Parks & Gardens are beginning to Open. Here's a Selection of some of the Luscious Beauty that is Blooming in Grand Rapids, MI & the Local West Michigan area.
Starting May 5th and continuing for one glorious week, Six Million Tulips will command center stage at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. This is a wonderful time to get out with the family and enjoy this gorgeous array of flowers.
The Festival has become the Nation's Fifth Largest Annual Festival & draws almost 750,000 visitors yearly. It is also an educational opportunity as the Dutch Heritage of West Michigan is celebrated with thousands of youngsters in Dutch costume join in the Kinderparade, and more than 1,500 teenagers proudly perform lively Klompen dances in wooden shoes held on by layers of woolen socks
John Ball Park & Zoo is a favorite amongst kids, large & small during the spring & summer seasons. The zoo has over 1100 animals from Africa, Australia, Asia, South America & the United States. John Ball Park Zoo is actively engaged in teaching & training about conservation & the proper care of planet earth. A variety of educational programs are available to teachers, parents & members of the community. The John Ball Park is a great place to relax & enjoy a picnic. I took this picture of some very "unusual swans" enjoying a leisurely swim on the lake!
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one one of the areas popular attractions year round! The gardens were created through the hard work & fund raising efforts of the Grand Rapids Horticulture Society and the benevolance & generosity of the Meijer family who own a chain of local grocery stores.
The sculpture park is one of the garden's most unique features with sculptures from many famous artists around the world. The gardens & sculpture park span 125 acres. A variety of classes are open to the public & the Concert Series held during the summer is very popular. The mission statement of theFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is "To promote the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. President Jimmy Carter has referred to the Gardens as "a national treasure."
• Apr. 28, 2007 - What's Up With the Birds & the Bees?
When I got the e-mail from my former neighbor this afternoon indicating that he was going to be on TV, my curiosity was peeked. Tom has recently started a new venture in his life & is now an Eco-farmer in Hesperia, Newaygo County, Michigan. Newsreporters were on his farm to interview him about a disturbing development that is affecting farmers across Michigan. The story featured on WZZM13 of Grand Rapids, Michigan indicates that there is a strange, unexplained phenomenon which has serious implications for Michigan. Apparently, honey bees are dying, literally by the ton...for no known reason.
Tom refers to his bees as "God's fertilizers"! He practices organic farming and uses no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The WZZM 13 TV report indicated that he had started with 3 colonies & literally overnight, 2 of them had suddenly died. This situation is being repeated on farms across the country. There seems to be no rhyme or reason; some farms are affected and others seem, at least for now, to be unscathed. The situation is affecting colonies in at least 23 States across the United States, even as researches plan to converge an urgent meeting in the nation's Capitol to discuss the issue.
If this continues unchecked, there will be serious consequences for Michigan's local agriculture. In a state plagued by serious economic challenge, this is unwelcome news. Already, 30% of the hives in lower Western Michigan have perished. Various theories abound about probable causes including the strange weather patterns that have affected the state with unseasonable cold & warm spells, mites and a strange disease called Colony Collapse Disorder.
Research on Colony Collapse Disorder revealed some fascinating, yet somber parallels. Apparently as this disease progresses, honey bees don't die...the worker bees simply leave. According to research by Dr. Jamie Ellis of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida,"Symptomatically, colonies with CCD can appear healthy as few as three weeks prior to collapse." All the worker bees simply disappear leaving behind, colonies full of honey, a few workers & the Queen.
As, I drive past shuttered factories, homes for Sale on many streets in Grand Rapids, Michigan & witness an increase in homes in foreclosure and short sales on my local real estate board, I am struck by an uneasy parallel...Michigan was the only state to suffer a Net Loss in population as so many moved out of the state due to economic conditions.
There are many reasons why this is an important story. Nature is often our first responder to significant changes which will affect life on earth as animals, being closer to Nature, respond instinctively to changes in the earth's atmosphere. Reports after the major tsunami hit Asia indicate that animals began to withdraw from the shoreline...apparently instinctively sensing something was amiss. Unfortunately, curiosity propelled many human beings toward the danger & eventual destruction
Bees are the primary pollinators for crops. Although, I find it annoying to be stung, the flowers in my yard need bees for cross pollination. So do the trees & vegetables on farms across the country. Bees are little creatures, but they contribute a very important service as they busily buzz around. Let's hope that we can come to a true understanding of what is so rapidly decimating the population of these creatures & perhaps in the discovery come to a better understanding of the vulnerabilities of this earth home we all share.
Information about local real estate in Grand Rapids, Michigan & surrounding communities including Grandville, Wyoming, Jenison, Kentwood & Walker. Also, Lola Audu, CRS, an experienced Real Estate Broker shares insights and general wisdom about life and personal growth. Lola welcomes your thoughts & insights about the information shared on this Web Log.
It's funny how perception can shape reality. Pounding it fiercely into a hard mold of convenience, even if the reality it shapes is a mere contrivance or even a blatant falsehood. Recently, I attended a business/networking meeting of the 
The audience was intensely engaged as Dr. Taylor spoke. In 30 minutes he succeeded in rapidly dismantling stereotypes and perceptions that, as he stated , "had more to do with the people who were served by the district than with the reality of what is really going on". As Grand Rapids has increased in diversity, there has been a proliferation of a variety of models available to parents for the education of their children. These have included private schools and charter schools. These options have given parents many options.
From time to time, one has the fortunate privilege of being introduced to a person, business or service that exceeds your expectations. My introduction to 
pring is in the Air in West Michigan. Gardens are beginning to blossom into riotous color. A variety of Parks & Gardens are beginning to Open. Here's a Selection of some of the Luscious Beauty that is Blooming in .jpg)
When I got the e-mail from my 
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