The DeWitt Creativity Group (www.dewittcreativitygroup.org) has made significant strides during the last four months in its quest to build a learning region in the Lansing, Michigan area:

The DCG is working with the DeWitt High School National Honors Society chapter on the following projects (NHS members are required to complete community service hours):

1. The formation of  the first Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (www.glrea.org) high school chapter at DeWitt High School. Two objectives of the group will be to fund-raise money with the help of the DeWitt Public Schools Foundation (www.dewittfoundation.org) and DCG to purchase and install a windmill at DeWitt High School (Project Enlighten) and bringing the 2014 Michigan Energy Fair (an annual showcase of alternative energy industries and educational opportunities) to the DeWitt area.

2. The formation of the DHS Social Media Club. This group will contact students, politicians, athletes, writers, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs throughout the world to talk with DHS students over current issues and topics via Skype (Skype Hype). Additionally, social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin will be used to promote deserving local schools, nonprofits, and businesses for outstanding community service and stewardship.

3. On January 15, 2013 at the NEO Center in Lansing, the DCG will host the fourth annual DHS Video Festival that features the best work of the DHS Video Production class.

4. On February 27, 2013 at the NEO Center in Lansing, the DCG and Stockbridge High School Underwater Robotics Team will hold a panel discussion with teachers and students on "The State of Innovation in Mid-Michigan Schools." A film screening will follow the panel discussion and serve as a fundraiser for the Sockbridge Underwater Robotics Team. Ths event will raise money to help Stockbride High School students make a return trip to Palau where they have used their robots to search for downed WWII planes in the Pacific Ocean.

5. The formation of a regional network of innovative school organizations known as the Capitol Area Schools of Innovation Network will launch in February 2013. This network will be comprised of K-12 Lansing area school organizations such as the DCG, Stockbridge Underwater Robotics Team and others. The purposes of the network are as follows:

1. Share best ideas and practices regarding innovative/creative projects in STEM, entrepreneurship, and the arts
2. Collaborate together - when applicable -  on high impact regional projects
3. Help promote the work of member organizations
4. Share contacts and other items to assist the work of member organizations, including parochial schools, homeschoolers, on-line academies, charter schools etc.
5. Create an awareness and importance of project based learning
6. Help drive the education reform agenda by giving a different kind of voice to teachers, students, and parents in addition to those of traditional education stakeholders (unions, legislature, governor, State Board of Education, Superintendents and Principals Association, local school boards etc.)
7. Educate and inspire administrators, teachers, parents and students on how to form similar groups to launch relevant initiatives.

6. Starting to plan the fourth annual Creative Educators Summit to showcase the innovative practices of school organizations in Mid-Michigan at (hopefully!) the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University in March or April 2013.

For any questions or feedback, please feel fee to contact me at: [email protected]

Thanks,

Jason LaFay