Michael Doyle
Well, Trenton Public Schools has kicked off another school year. As I begin my 34th in public education, the excitement of a new year still exists. One of the most exciting things is that, in this new position as community liaison director, I am able to travel to the different schools throughout Trenton.
I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Anderson Elementary, Hedke Elementary, and Arthurs Middle School. My office is on the second floor of the high school, so I get to “tour” the high school every day.
First and foremost, my door is always open to any student, staff, or community member and I encourage you to reach out to me as we all work together to establish effective communications with any and all who are part of Trenton.
The excitement of all the students and staff was a joy to see as all began their first day of school, as many great things are going on in the buildings. It even brought back a few memories as I was once a student at Anderson Elementary. Yes, at one time I was an Anderson Viking prior to moving on to becoming a Slocum-Truax Steeler. It was certainly a flood of memories walking around the building and the excitement of the teaching and learning taking place throughout the Trenton Public Schools.
I was also able to attend a Trenton Business Association breakfast sponsored by the Trenton Trib. The goal here was to develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with all stakeholders in the Downriver area as we not only work to strengthen support for the Trenton Public Schools, but ask, “What can the schools do to help our local business people?”
For example, I was able to communicate with a director of a local funeral home. Now we all understand that working in a funeral home is not for everyone. But after speaking with a person from the business, there are many aspects of working in that business that would be important for students to learn about.
The same goes with speaking with a local attorney. There are many myths about practicing law. Watch a couple of shows on TV, and you could certainly develop an image of what attorneys do. Spending time with a local attorney, in person, will definitely help you separate fact from fiction if one is considering practicing law.
As part of building a strong relationship with the city, we have submitted a Competitive Schools Safety Grant for the 2018 Fiscal Year. The Michigan State Police is providing grants to schools to improve the safety and security of school buildings through the purchase of technology and equipment.
A huge “thank you” is in order to Trenton City Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Haley and TPS Nurse Kathy McPartlin as the school system and the City of Trenton worked together on this competitive grant. Let’s all hope we are successful in receiving the grant.
Please follow me on Twitter @DocThs80 or email me at doylem@-trentonschools.com.
Dr. Michael Doyle is community liaison director for Trenton Public Schools.