WSU Program Connects Pontiac Schools and Kusatsu Japan Schools
(Brenda Carter, President Pontiac School Board, Oct. 17, 2016)
Great things are happening in Pontiac School District (PSD)! Since 2013, PSD dramatically reduced its deficit (more than 50%). Also, PSD returned its sports, arts, and band programs back to the district. The most amazing program that has taken wings is the revitalization of the relationship between Pontiac, Michigan U.S.A and Kusatsu, Shiga Japan!
Last year, four educators (Sebrina Shields, Sylvia Sturgis, Susan Skwirsk, and Chad Fisher) and two board of education trustees (William Carrington and Brenda Carter) entered into a research program sponsored by Dr. Fred Pearson of Wayne State University Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. The goal of this project was to implement a Japanese program into district’s curriculum. The year-long program consisted of bi-monthly meetings to acclimate educators on Japan’s culture and history. Last May, the six educators traveled to Japan along with four teachers from various cities in southeast Michigan.
The journey re-ignited the relationship between Pontiac and Kusatsu. In August, four delegates came to Pontiac. Municipal stakeholders, including Representative Tim Greimel, Mayor Deirdre Waterman, President Patrice Waterman and Pontiac City Council, Julie Skene of Oakland County Community and Economic Development supported PSD. Various members of the business community worked hard to ensure our delegates enjoyed themselves. Tim Travis of Goldner Walsh Garden and Home and the Pontiac Rotary Club, Sue Nine from Bloomfield, Brad Oleshansky of M-1 Concourse, and George Derderian of the Ultimate Soccer. Also, Lee Industries, Roland Elam’s Barber Shop, Bill Massie of Wessen Tennis Club, and Martin Kalaj of Rocket Restaurant were among many who greeted our guests. In the words of Superintendent Kelley Williams, Pontiac showed up and showed out!
The highlight of the delegate’s visit was the planting of the weeping pine tree that rekindled the almost forty-year relationship between the two cities. Members of the Michigan-Shiga Sister City Board and the Japanese Consulate were in attendance. The leader of the delegation, Masanori Aoji suggested we reinstate the exchange program between the two middle school systems. On October 2, 2016, the Board of Education for Kusatsu Schools approved the exchange for ten Pontiac children. On October 3, 2013, Pontiac School District Board of Education approved the exchange for ten children from Japan.
The proposed exchange program is tentatively scheduled for September 2017. Numerous community stakeholders are working with PSD to make the program successful, including Pontiac Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc International Awareness Committee and the Clarence E. Phillips Ascend Foundation named after the memory of the late Clarence E. Phillips who participated in earlier exchange programs. PSD is working with the Michigan-Shiga Sister City Board and other sister city programs in Michigan to develop the timeline for our eighth-grade exchange program.