new cut scores on Michigan Department of Education MEAP tests

The Michigan Department of Education has made changes to the way MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) test scores are evaluated. The MEAP test scores are set to be released next week in my kids' school district (and I'm guessing other Oakland County School Districts) and there are some changes to pay attention to.

Free Preschool Expos and Open Houses - Oakland County

Many Oakland County communities hold regular preschool expos and open houses to showcase area preschools and childcare providers. If you're considering childcare, A free preschool open house can be the perfect way to find the best day care, preschool or childcare option for your child. Many even welcome children to the event so parents can get a better idea of how the kids will interact with potential childcare providers.

Here are some upcoming free preschool expos and preschool open houses in Oakland County, Michigan

Oakland County Unemployment Rates and the Effects on Children

Kids Count in Michigan shows that in Oakland County the unemployment rate quadrupled between 2000 and 2010 - one of four counties in the state with this startling statistic.

The impact of Oakland County's long economic struggle on young children is reflected in the newly released Kids Count in Michigan Data Book 2011. The report ranks counties on 16 indicators of child well-being. Trends over time are available for 15 indicators, with Oakland County showing seven indicators improving and eight worsening.

Every year, Kohl's recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) across the country for their amazing contributions to their communities with Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program. This year Kohl's is recognizing more than 2,100 kids with more than $415,000 in scholarships and prizes. The top winners of this scholarship receive $10,000 toward college or post-secondary education.

To be eligible for the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program, the student must meet the following criteria as of March 15, 2012:

The Clarkston Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting scholarship applications from Clarkston Community Schools attendance-area graduating high school seniors seeking education in a 2 or 4 year college or university program.

There are 16 scholarships available through this program, 12 of which are open to all majors. Minimum GPA varies amongst the scholarships. Essay questions are required in addition to completion of the application.

Local Non-Profit Offers Scholarship for Culinary Arts Students

The Growing Tree has announced that they are sponsoring The Bryan Thompson Scholarship Award. The Bryan Thompson Scholarship is a $500 Scholarship and will be awarded to one student who is earning their degree in a Culinary Arts Program.

Full Day Kindergarten - Oakland County Schools

More Oakland County School Districts are switching to full-day Kindergarten for 2012-2013 due to changes in school budgets along with mandated school curriculum. Some Oakland County, Michigan School Districts have offered full-day Kindergarten for a few years and some Oakland County School Districts are only beginning to set the wheels in motion for full-day. Some Oakland County School Districts are still offering half-day kindergarten options under special circumstances. This list will be updated as we receive more information regarding full-day kindergarten updates.

Full-Day Kindergarten Updates by Oakland County School District:

Early On® Oakland and Great Start Collaborative of Oakland County are presenting a free workshops designed to help parents deal with and understand toddler temper tantrums. The workshops, hosted by Marian Orihel, M.Ed., will take place in Huntington Wood, Michigan and Troy, Michigan in February and April. I attended an Early On and Great Start seminar about picky eaters and found the information very informative.

Logo Design Contest for Teens

Rochester Hills Public Library is holding a logo design contest for their 2012 Teen Summer Reading Program. Teen artists and graphic designers are invited to submit logos that will be featured by the library. The theme of the 2012 Summer Reading Progam is "Own the Night." The winner will receive a giftcard.