NoviTalk.org » Schools

Definitions matter in sex education

Willy Mena — Mon, 30 May 2011 13:17:28 +0000

The Novi Board of Education recently approved a new and expanded Sex Education curriculum. I’m a bit perplexed, though, by the final definition of the word “abstinence” used by the district in what is supposed to be an abstinence-based curriculum. In a previous meeting, many board members expressed concerns with different portions of the curriculum Continue reading →

Proposed Sex Ed curriculum slightly off target

Willy Mena — Mon, 09 May 2011 13:39:52 +0000

On Thursday night, our school board is scheduled to vote on whether to adopt a new sexual education curriculum, one that goes well beyond what is required by state mandate. While this may not be overly problematic, there are certain topics that are better left for parent and religious leader to discuss. For example, a Continue reading →

International Baccalaureate – Another Viewpoint

Willy Mena — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:45:40 +0000

Last week, the Novi News headline story titled “High school’s IB program drawing rave reviews” was nothing more than a puff piece for a costly school program. While I concede that many of the International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates are excited with the program, this hardly reaches a level of district-wide “rave”. The story states that Continue reading →

Manar is passionate about Novi Schools

Willy Mena — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 14:48:11 +0000

Every time I watch a school board meeting, I see JASON MANAR in the audience. He has attended just about every school board meeting, committee meeting and workshop over the past six months. He knows and understands the issues that face the Novi Community School District. He has the passion, dedication and desire to make Continue reading →

Novi Schools gets it right on President’s speech

Willy Mena — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:03:32 +0000

I have to say, I’m sort of puzzled by those folks who have come out against the Novi School’s administration for delaying the viewing of the President’s speech to school children earlier this month. This includes those who wrote in the Novi News, and those who spoke in front of the Board of Education. Their Continue reading →

School Board Election – Deadline ahead

The Editors — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:03:20 +0000

To date, only one candidate has committed to run for the two contested school board seats in November. Current board president Ann Glubzinski is seeking re-election. Ann has done an excellent job during her tenure, so we’re glad to see she still has the energy to continue on, knowing more tough decisions are ahead. Continue reading →

Campaigning with Class

Willy Mena — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:55:59 +0000

On Tuesday, I spent about 12 hours at the polls stumping for 2 school board candidates: Bruce Bagdady and Dennis O’Connor. For part of that time, I had the opportunity to work right next to the 3rd candidate, Karl Wizinsky. While I enjoy working the polls, it can be a bit awkward when the opposing Continue reading →

More on IB in Novi

Willy Mena — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:02:21 +0000

Interesting story from a High School in Texas that has offered the IB Diploma program for the past 10 years. John Tyler Principal To Discuss IB Withdrawal I’m still not sold that this program is good for our district. Remember, we have one of the best AP programs around and IB will simply cannibalize it Continue reading →

International Baccalaureate – Attitudes, Values, and Beliefs

NH — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:47:48 +0000

Yes folks IB is all about ‘mission’. Please read the articles and essays at this website to get the real truth about why you do NOT want IB to take over your school, which is what would eventually be demanded. Bow NH Fights IB

Is International Baccalaureate good for Novi Students?

Willy Mena — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:11:16 +0000

I am following with great interest the Novi Board of Education?s discussion of an International Baccalaureate program. Every Novi taxpayer should be following this issue closely. The premise is that an IB program would be good for Novi students ? and a ?product differentiator? in helping attract additional enrollment to Novi from other school districts. Continue reading →