School Bell … 5/19/23

HPS Oratory students (from left to right): Serenity Moore, Ali Ahsan, Zareen Begum, Tasfia Ahmed, Erna Balija, and teacher Rahiel Housey-Johnson.

Oratory students
On Wednesday, May 17, four of our brightest and best were treated to a day out with one of their favorite teachers, Rahiel Housey-Johnson, in honor of the Optimists of Downtown Detroit’s Winners’ Circle and Law Day.
Each student got a chance to squeeze into an actual Grand Prix race car, courtesy of Citizens Bank-Corktown, en route to the main event at Nemo’s in Corktown.
This special day was the pinnacle of the 2022-2023 Optimists International Oratorical season, which featured the topic, “Discovering the Optimism within Me.”
Contestants received commemorative medallions, certificates, and prize checks, based on their success on March 15, 2023, when Erna Balija, 8th grader at Kosciuszko Middle School nabbed first place; Dickinson East 5th grader Zareen Begum took second; and Ali Ahsan, 7th grader at KMS, tied for third place with 7th grader Tasfia Ahmed (formerly of KMS, recently moved to Sterling Heights).
Keynote speaker Robert Cleary, Esq. spoke to the contest winners, judges, club members, and others present about current events, education, and career opportunities in the fields of law.
Essay contest winners were invited to celebrate, also, but were unable due to testing.
DPS Senior Serenity Moore was recognized, along with her parents, for her success in response to the essay topic/question: “Who is an everyday hero who brings out the optimism within you?”
District Lieutenant Governor Jackie Johnson attended to present a special certificate because on Saturday, April 22, Miss Erna Balija, represented the Optimists of Downtown Detroit at a zone/area level Zoom competition, where she took third overall.
It was a beautiful, sunny day for a walk on Belle Isle to the Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, sculptures, and to check out the freighter that ran aground in the Detroit River.
Interested Hamtramck Public Schools students in grades 5-12 may contact Ms. Housey-Johnson at Kosciuszko to express interest in the next season, which begins Oct. 1. The Grand Prix will be held in Downtown Detroit the first weekend of June, with Free Friday on June 2.

Teacher appreciation
Even though Teacher Appreciation Week is over, that didn’t stop the good folks with the Michigan Panthers football club to show their thanks.
This week, people with the club visited Dickinson East Elementary and Early Childhood Elementary and delivers free sandwiches from Jersey Mike’s.
More than 80 teachers were provided lunch.
The Michigan Panthers football players to thank and celebrate the hard work and devotion they bring to the classroom every day.
Tau Beta
This past week, 8th grade students at Tau Beta spent a day exploring their futures at a Career Day event.
This was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about different professions and get a glimpse into what their future could hold. We can’t wait to see what paths our students will take and are proud to support them every step of the way.

From the superintendent
HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed recently sent this message out to district families and students:
As we approach the end of the school year, I know our students are experiencing a variety of emotions. Our seniors are getting ready to embark on a new journey and the rest of our students are celebrating a year of success, growth and development. These are important things to recognize, however, I encourage you to talk with your children about safe celebrations.
Many of our students are new drivers, learning how to be safe and cautious. Please reinforce the importance of following safe driving practices, especially around the school during arrival and dismissal. We have many students who walk and bike to school.
Driving recklessly or distractedly puts all people on the road in danger, including the driver. Our commitment to safety does not start at the front door, it extends into the community.
Please encourage your child to be conscious and considerate of all drivers and pedestrians.
We take the safety of our students, staff, and community seriously, and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone is aware of the potential dangers on the road.
I encourage you to talk to your children about being conscious and considerate of all drivers and pedestrians.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe. Together, we can celebrate the accomplishments of our students while ensuring that they remain safe and responsible.
Posted May 19, 2023