AUGUST 2020
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VOL. 17 ISSUE VII<br />
METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong><br />
$<br />
3<br />
www.chaldeannews.com<br />
RAISING THE ROOF<br />
A NEW CCF CENTER OPENS<br />
INSIDE<br />
PREPARING KIDS<br />
FOR THE CLASSROOM<br />
DORM LIFE ADAPTS<br />
DEATH OF THE<br />
HANDSHAKE
2 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
W_Chaldean_News_Ad_August.pdf 1 7/23/20 1:47 PM<br />
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CONTENTS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong><br />
THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 12 ISSUE XII<br />
14 40<br />
departments<br />
6 FROM THE EDITOR<br />
BY PAUL JONNA<br />
Commitment<br />
18<br />
on the cover<br />
18 RAISING THE ROOF<br />
BY SARAH KITTLE<br />
A New CCF Center Opens<br />
features<br />
24 COVID SCHOOL YEAR<br />
BY CANDACE ABRO<br />
What grade school will look like in the fall<br />
26 BACK TO SCHOOL?<br />
BY PAUL NATINSKY<br />
Colleges and universities share plans<br />
for returning to the classroom<br />
28 NEW DORM LIFE<br />
BY LISA CIPRIANO<br />
Social distancing on campus<br />
special section<br />
30 OUR ANNUAL SCHOOL GUIDE<br />
6 YOUR LETTERS<br />
8 FOUNDATION UPDATE<br />
10 NOTEWORTHY<br />
Historic $3 Million Fine Against<br />
Liquor Distributor<br />
11 CHALDEAN DIGEST<br />
12 FAMILY TIME<br />
BY DANIELLE ALEXANDER<br />
Preparing kids for the classroom<br />
14 RELIGION<br />
Becoming a Nun: Meet Sr. Amanda Foumia<br />
14 HALHOLE!<br />
16 OBITUARY<br />
Anahit Akrawi<br />
16 IN MEMORIAM<br />
20 CHALDEAN KIDS ON THE STREET<br />
What are you looking forward to when<br />
school returns?<br />
36 CHALDEANS AROUND THE WORLD<br />
BY ADHID MIRI, PHD<br />
Chaldeans in Canada: The Pioneers<br />
38 DOCTOR IS IN<br />
BY NICHOLAS M. YELDO, MD<br />
Death of the handshake<br />
40 EVENTS<br />
Ordination<br />
17th Annual Chaldean Community<br />
Golf Outing<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 5
from the EDITOR<br />
Commitment<br />
PAUL JONNA<br />
ACTING EDITOR<br />
IN CHIEF<br />
As we continue to<br />
restructure our<br />
lives with all the<br />
uncertainty during this pandemic,<br />
we are forced to reconcile<br />
our commitments,<br />
to our values, dreams, and<br />
convictions. Commitment<br />
requires a high level of dedication,<br />
especially when we<br />
are faced with challenges<br />
and failures. We must remind<br />
ourselves to view<br />
things not as they are, but rather<br />
what they could be, which will lead<br />
to it becoming what it should be. It<br />
requires a willingness to do whatever<br />
is needed to achieve the best possible<br />
outcome.<br />
This month’s issue is filled with<br />
stories of commitment. You cannot<br />
speak about commitment without<br />
mentioning our teachers and school<br />
administrators during this back to<br />
school edition. Candice Abro pens<br />
another informative article this<br />
month that provides how schools<br />
will attempt to continue through<br />
this pandemic. From the Archdiocese<br />
to public schools, each school<br />
has diligently worked to provide a<br />
safe environment in which children<br />
can thrive. While it remains uncertain<br />
how (or if) school will occur,<br />
the commitment of our teachers and<br />
school administrators is unwavering.<br />
We are fortunate to live in an area<br />
with amazing professionals that are<br />
committed to the mental wellness<br />
and scholastic growth of our children.<br />
While this will not<br />
be a typical school year, it<br />
provides a great real-life lesson<br />
to our children. Like us,<br />
our children will also have<br />
to commit to their growth<br />
regardless of the challenges.<br />
This is a historic month<br />
for the Chaldean Community<br />
Foundation as it opens<br />
the 19,000 sq. ft. expansion<br />
space to serve those with<br />
behavioral health challenges.<br />
The CCF’s commitment to this<br />
project has been steadfast as it continues<br />
to serve those with disabilities<br />
with a firm dedication to resolve clients’<br />
underlying issues. It is this commitment<br />
to serving those who cannot<br />
serve themselves that is the most<br />
amazing. This expansion is more<br />
than a building; it is a commitment<br />
to the serve the community through<br />
advocacy, acculturation, community<br />
development and cultural preservation<br />
for decades to come. A lasting<br />
institution that represents the community,<br />
open to all regardless of race,<br />
religion, national origin or sexual<br />
orientation. I highly encourage each<br />
of you to visit the CCF, learn about<br />
the programs and get involved. Your<br />
commitment is needed and welcomed.<br />
This month also brings a true<br />
story of commitment with Sister<br />
Amanda’s journey to dedicate her<br />
life to serve God. Sister Amanda was<br />
gracious enough to share her journey<br />
in staying committed to her convictions.<br />
Her abundant joy in fulfilling<br />
her purpose shines through, and although<br />
the road to ecclesiastic service<br />
is not easy, it’s not about “giving<br />
Commitment requires a high level of<br />
dedication, especially when we are faced<br />
with challenges and failures. We must<br />
remind ourselves to view things not as they<br />
are, but rather what they could be, which will<br />
lead to it becoming what it should be.<br />
up” material things or a family, it’s<br />
about the treasure gained when one<br />
says, “yes!” to God.<br />
With Gratitude,<br />
Paul Jonna<br />
Acting Editor in Chief<br />
PUBLISHED BY<br />
Chaldean News, LLC<br />
Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
Martin Manna<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
ACTING EDITOR IN CHIEF<br />
Paul Jonna<br />
MANAGING EDITOR<br />
Sarah Kittle<br />
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS<br />
Candice Abro<br />
Danielle Alexander<br />
Lisa Cipriano<br />
Robert W. DeKelaita<br />
Sarah Kittle<br />
Adhid Miri<br />
Paul Natinsky<br />
Nicholas M. Yeldo, MD<br />
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS<br />
Carolin Hormis<br />
Alex Lumelsky<br />
Dany Ashaka with DMA Productions<br />
ART & PRODUCTION<br />
CREATIVE DIRECTOR<br />
Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative<br />
GRAPHIC DESIGNER<br />
Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative<br />
CLASSIFIEDS<br />
Tania Yatooma<br />
SALES<br />
Interlink Media<br />
Sana Navarrette<br />
Tania Yatooma<br />
SUBSCRIPTIONS: $35 PER YEAR<br />
CONTACT INFORMATION<br />
Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com<br />
Advertisements: ads@chaldeannews.com<br />
Subscription and all other inquiries:<br />
info@chaldeannews.com<br />
Chaldean News<br />
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Farmington Hills, MI 48334<br />
www.chaldeannews.com<br />
Phone: (248) 851-8600<br />
Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published<br />
monthly; Issue Date: August <strong>2020</strong> Subscriptions:<br />
12 months, $35.<br />
Publication Address:<br />
30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101,<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48334;<br />
Permit to mail at periodicals postage rates<br />
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Postmaster: Send address changes to<br />
“The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy.,<br />
Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334”<br />
your LETTERS<br />
Better Balance Is Needed<br />
Dear Editors,<br />
Similar to other Chaldeans, I<br />
have watched the several videos of<br />
white cops shooting blacks many of<br />
whom were un-armed. As an attorney,<br />
I have during my career came<br />
across incidents where law enforcement<br />
appeared to abuse their powers.<br />
I also recall conversations with fellow<br />
Chaldeans whose focus is that if the<br />
victim in those cases did not resist police,<br />
there might not have been any<br />
shooting. As a small community with<br />
many members engaged in the often<br />
dangerous retail store business, it is<br />
understandable that some of us would<br />
support law and order positions.<br />
But, I do think blaming the victim<br />
misses the point. While it is true that<br />
in some of those incidents, the victim<br />
did not behave in an optimal fashion:<br />
they resisted arrest, fought the police, or<br />
refused to cooperate, that behavior does<br />
not merit them getting killed. What often<br />
happens in those incidents is once<br />
the victim behavior falls below the ideal,<br />
the cops are too quick to draw their<br />
weapons, aim, and shoot to kill. It is as if<br />
once the black victim misbehave, they<br />
are de-humanized, with some of the<br />
police taking this as a license to leach<br />
utmost animosity towards the victim.<br />
Take the case of Rayshard Brooks.<br />
It was a mistake for him to sleep while<br />
drunk in front of the Wendy’s store<br />
or to resist arrest, to run and direct a<br />
Taser toward the police. He might<br />
have served a couple of years in jail for<br />
that, but he did not deserve to die for<br />
that mistake. The police in this case<br />
interviewed him for about 40 minutes,<br />
became aware of his address, where he<br />
works, and that he has no record. They<br />
knew he had kids and was out trying<br />
to buy food for his daughter. When<br />
they tried to handcuff him, he resisted,<br />
picked up the police Taser and fled.<br />
The police knew he was drunk and<br />
lacked judgment. They had his car to<br />
confiscate and could have arrested him<br />
easily later. They could even have shot<br />
at his legs when he flee, but not kill<br />
him. Yet, they shot three times, twice<br />
in the back aiming to kill.<br />
The job of a policeman in our democratic<br />
country is most difficult. They<br />
need to apply the law while doing<br />
their best to preserve the life, liberty<br />
and happiness of citizens. That balance<br />
had tilted very much into rush to<br />
enforcement mentality, at least in the<br />
incidents we witnessed. So that members<br />
of the police will always have the<br />
admiration of all the people, better balance<br />
needs to be restored.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
N. Peter Antone, Attorney and prior<br />
Professor of Law at MSU Law School<br />
We encourage letters to the editor from<br />
readers and subscribers. The opinions<br />
reflected in these letters are not ours,<br />
but rather the contributors’.<br />
6 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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ADVOCACY<br />
NETWORKING<br />
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 7
FOUNDATION update<br />
Chaldean Community Foundation <strong>2020</strong> Academic Scholarship Program<br />
The CCF’s <strong>2020</strong> Academic Scholarship<br />
Program will provide 15 scholarships<br />
to help students meet the escalating<br />
costs of education.<br />
w3r Consulting’s STEM Scholarship:<br />
Two $5,000 scholarships will<br />
be offered to current undergraduate<br />
Chaldean students at a Michigan college<br />
or university enrolled in a program<br />
in the fields of Science, Technology,<br />
Engineering or Mathematics.<br />
Yvonne E. Nona Women’s Scholarship<br />
Fund: Three $2,500 scholarships<br />
will be awarded to women pursuing<br />
higher education at a Michigan<br />
community college, trade school,<br />
university or graduate program.<br />
Open to current undergraduate or<br />
graduate students.<br />
Drs. Nathima and Peter Atchoo<br />
Family Foundation Scholarship Fund:<br />
Awards six $2,000 scholarships to<br />
Chaldean students looking to attend a<br />
Michigan community college, university<br />
or graduate program in preparation<br />
for a career in the field of their choice.<br />
Abdulkarim and Jamila Sesi Memorial<br />
Scholarship Fund: Awards<br />
four $2,500 scholarships to candidates<br />
pursuing higher education,<br />
including trade school certification<br />
courses, community college, university,<br />
and graduate studies.<br />
Students can apply by visiting<br />
chaldeanfoundation.org/scholarships-2.<br />
Candidates must submit all<br />
supporting documents with their application<br />
and essay questions. The<br />
application deadline is Friday, August<br />
14, <strong>2020</strong> at 5pm.<br />
Pictured left to right; Joelle<br />
Neal (CCF), Melanie Davis<br />
(City of Sterling Heights),<br />
Janan Arabo (CCF)<br />
Census <strong>2020</strong><br />
As a part of the City of Sterling<br />
Heights <strong>2020</strong> Census Campaign, the<br />
city recruited several census ambassadors<br />
to do things like hang door tag<br />
reminders and host education events<br />
throughout the city. However, with<br />
COVID-19 they were no longer able<br />
to engage in these activities. The<br />
Census Bureau provided an option<br />
to do a virtual phone bank to remind<br />
residents to complete their Census<br />
forms. Using a virtual phone bank,<br />
CCF team members made nearly<br />
1,800 phone calls to Sterling Heights<br />
households that have not filled out<br />
the Census. This resulted in the City<br />
of Sterling Heights blowing every<br />
other municipality participating in<br />
the phone bank out of the water.<br />
CCF team members were awarded<br />
a “Nice Neighbor Award” thanks to<br />
their efforts at the July 21 Sterling<br />
Heights City Council Meeting.<br />
Visit <strong>2020</strong>census.gov to complete<br />
your Census, if you haven’t already.<br />
Wise Program<br />
The CCF’s most recent WISE program<br />
graduates enjoyed a day of celebration<br />
following completion of the course!<br />
The Wellness Initiative for Senior<br />
Education (WISE) Program is an evidence-based<br />
wellness program, which<br />
empowers older adults to make positive<br />
and healthy choices. The program<br />
sessions take place once a week for six<br />
weeks. Topics include medication use<br />
and misuse, stress management, the aging<br />
process, depression, alcoholism and<br />
prescription drug abuse.<br />
WISE graduates made the beautiful<br />
handmade card for the CCF<br />
team. “Take time to make your soul<br />
happy!”<br />
Now Hiring<br />
The Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
is seeking qualified candidates to<br />
fill the following positions:<br />
• Crisis Case Manager<br />
• Lead Behavioral Health Case Worker<br />
• Behavioral Health Therapist-LMSW<br />
• Lead Case Worker<br />
• Case Worker<br />
Visit https://www.chaldeanfoundation.org/careers/<br />
to apply.<br />
Co.Act Detroit Award<br />
Co.act Detroit, a hub for accelerating<br />
collaborative action in Southeast<br />
Michigan’s nonprofit community, announced<br />
32 grants totaling $1.4 million<br />
to help regional organizations<br />
and collaboratives meet their missions<br />
and to work together on shared<br />
projects this week. We are happy to<br />
announce that the CCF was awarded<br />
$50,000 to continue our great work!<br />
Hey U Vote<br />
The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) launched the Hey U Vote campaign<br />
in 2017 to aid individuals with voter registration. You can register to vote<br />
at the CCF in their office daily. Call (586) 722-7253 Monday-Friday between<br />
8:30am-5:00pm for more information.<br />
Mango Languages<br />
Create your free profile today at<br />
https://mangolanguages.com/available-languages/learn-chaldean-aramaic/.<br />
8 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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A TTORNEYS & C O UNSELORS AT LAW<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 9
noteworthy<br />
Historic $3 Million Fine for 88 Violations<br />
Announced Against Liquor Distributor<br />
Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan<br />
Liquor Control Commission (MLCC)<br />
Chair Pat Gagliardi secured an unprecedented<br />
$3 million fine and independent audit<br />
against NWS Michigan LLC, one of the state’s authorized<br />
spirits distributors, for 88 violations of the<br />
Liquor Control Code.<br />
The violations by NWS Michigan LLC –<br />
which does business as Republic National Distributing<br />
Co. (RNDC) – contributed to liquor supply<br />
shortages throughout the state during the 2019<br />
holiday season.<br />
“I appreciate the work of my assistant attorneys<br />
general and the Michigan Liquor Control<br />
Commission in reaching this significant settlement,<br />
which should serve as a strong reminder of<br />
accountability in the state’s liquor inventory and<br />
delivery system,” Nessel said. “The State will not<br />
tolerate vendor mismanagement that results in financial<br />
hardship which impacts the livelihood of<br />
liquor retailers across Michigan.”<br />
The order approving the settlement was signed<br />
by MLCC Hearings Commissioner Ed Clemente<br />
Last year, distilled spirit sales in Michigan topped nearly<br />
$1.5 billion.<br />
and is believed to be unprecedented in the liquor<br />
regulatory industry.<br />
In the historic settlement, RNDC acknowledged<br />
all 88 violations of the Michigan Liquor<br />
Control Code that included failure to deliver liquor<br />
orders, failure to maintain an adequate physical<br />
plant, and failure to provide records requested by<br />
the MLCC. In addition to the $3 million fine, the<br />
order stipulates an independent audit of RNDC’s<br />
distributing business (with MLCC approving the<br />
auditor); places RNDC on probation for one year;<br />
and requires RNDC to submit monthly compliance<br />
reports to the MLCC during that time.<br />
“Distributors must abide by the rules or be subject<br />
to a fine,” said Gagliardi, who looks forward to<br />
a stronger liquor distribution system, and to a better<br />
and more productive relationship with RNDC.<br />
“I am deeply appreciative of the assistance from the<br />
Attorney General’s office and all of the hard work<br />
of the MLCC staff in negotiating this agreement.”<br />
RNDC’s logistical failures began in spring 2019<br />
and contributed to liquor shortages at Michigan<br />
liquor stores that extended through the 2019 holiday<br />
season. During that time the MLCC received<br />
hundreds of complaints from liquor retailers who<br />
could not obtain products from RNDC to stock<br />
their shelves. Retailers reported that RNDC delayed<br />
or missed deliveries completely, or did not<br />
deliver the products ordered. They also complained<br />
of RNDC’s lack of customer service, failure to return<br />
phone calls and of having to drive to RNDC’s<br />
warehouse to pick up their products.<br />
MICHELLE BRYANT ON PIXABAY<br />
We can’t help you<br />
edge your lawn.<br />
But we can help you<br />
buy a new home.<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
10 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
chaldean DIGEST<br />
What others are saying about Chaldeans<br />
Detroit’s Project Green Light Business Surveillance Program<br />
Sees Renewed Opposition<br />
Crainsdetroit.com/technology<br />
Project Green Light is a business<br />
surveillance program between the<br />
Detroit police and Detroit business<br />
owners. The business owners<br />
agree to have cameras installed<br />
(at their own expense) which are<br />
monitored at the police station.<br />
Green lights are lit outside the<br />
businesses’ establishment, sending<br />
a message to reassure customers<br />
and warn would-be criminals that<br />
the cops are watching. In a time of<br />
defunding, some are calling for an<br />
end to the program.<br />
The Chaldean American<br />
Chamber of Commerce has<br />
promoted Project Green Light,<br />
according to the Farmington<br />
Hills-based chamber’s president,<br />
Martin Manna.<br />
“We’ve seen a significant reduction<br />
in crime, improved response<br />
times from the DPD, more<br />
engagement from the community,”<br />
Manna said. He said many<br />
Mayor Mike Duggan speaks at an October 2016 Project Green Light event in<br />
Detroit. The real-time business surveillance program started in January 2016 with<br />
eight gas stations participating and has grown to around 700 participants, including<br />
other businesses and apartment buildings.<br />
businesses did find it cost-prohibitive<br />
in the beginning, and some<br />
still don’t participate for that reason.<br />
But he said he hears positive<br />
experiences from those that do.<br />
Manna added in a written<br />
statement: “While we are supportive<br />
of appropriate measures<br />
that keep our city, residents and<br />
business owners safe and secure,<br />
we do not in any way support racial<br />
profiling. All of us must work<br />
together as a community of one<br />
— to listen, learn, understand<br />
and find solutions and approaches<br />
that work for everyone.”<br />
THE DETROIT NEWS VIA FLICKR<br />
Catholic cathedral in Syria<br />
that survived missile attacks<br />
reopens after restoration<br />
Ankawa.com<br />
A Catholic cathedral that was repeatedly struck<br />
by missiles amid the Syrian civil war was due to<br />
reopen Monday following its restoration. The<br />
Maronite Cathedral of St. Elijah in Aleppo was<br />
bombarded with missiles on at least three occasions<br />
between 2012 and 2016, and suffered<br />
extensive damage when jihadists entered the<br />
Christian quarter of Al-Jdayde in 2013.<br />
The restoration was financed largely by the<br />
foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).<br />
Thomas Heine-Geldern, executive president of<br />
ACN International, described the reopening as a<br />
miracle. Explaining that he was unable to attend<br />
the reopening due to the coronavirus pandemic,<br />
Chaldean Patriarch: The Expulsion of Iraqis carried out by the<br />
USA is “Inhuman and Immoral”<br />
Agenzia Fides<br />
The Chaldean Patriarchate,<br />
led by Patriarch Louis Raphael<br />
Sako, is following with concern<br />
the story of Iraqis who have been<br />
residents of the United States<br />
of America for a long time and<br />
are now being sent back to their<br />
home country because they<br />
have not yet obtained the necessary<br />
documents to obtain US<br />
citizenship, or because accused<br />
of committing crimes.<br />
In a statement released on<br />
Monday, July 20, the Chaldean<br />
Patriarchate defined this measure<br />
ordered by the US Administration<br />
as a form of “inhuman<br />
and immoral” deportation, because<br />
it affects people residing in<br />
the USA for many years, sometimes<br />
forced to separate from<br />
their family or bring children<br />
born in America to Iraq who do<br />
not speak Arabic, thus exposing<br />
the whole family to the risk of<br />
Protesters in the U.S. speaking out against the deportation of Iraqi Christians.<br />
social isolation and the lack of<br />
work and livelihoods. The patriarchal<br />
pronouncement, released<br />
through the official channels<br />
of the Chaldean Patriarchate,<br />
hopes for a rethinking by the<br />
US Administration, and protects<br />
the rights and family peace<br />
of potential Iraqi victims of expulsion.<br />
On Thursday, July 2, the<br />
United States Supreme Court<br />
did not accept the request made<br />
by a large group of Iraqis to urge<br />
the blocking of the provisions of<br />
expulsion and forced return to<br />
Iraq issued against them by the<br />
US judicial systems. It involves<br />
about 1,400 Iraqis residing in<br />
the United States.<br />
The restored Maronite Cathedral of St. Elijah in Aleppo,<br />
Syria. (Aid to the Church in Need via CNA)<br />
he said: “ACN has been with you throughout<br />
the most difficult times, and it would have been<br />
wonderful if we had been able to celebrate together<br />
today. Sadly, the circumstances do not<br />
permit this; however, we see the Cathedral of St.<br />
Elijah and it is a miracle.”<br />
ACN estimates that only 30,000 Christians<br />
remain in the city, compared to a pre-war population<br />
of 180,000. Aleppo was Syria’s most populous<br />
city before the war, but now is the second<br />
largest after the capital, Damascus.<br />
The domed Cathedral of St. Elijah with its<br />
distinctive twin bell towers was built in 1873, on<br />
the site of a small 15th-century church. Archbishop<br />
Joseph Tobij of Aleppo said that the cathedral’s<br />
restoration had both a symbolic and<br />
practical significance. “In the symbolic sense, it<br />
is a message to the parishioners and Christians<br />
in Aleppo and the world that we are still in this<br />
country despite our dwindling numbers; the restoration<br />
of the cathedral is proof of this. Mouths<br />
must continue to praise God in this place despite<br />
all the difficulties.”<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 11
FAMILY time<br />
Preparing Kids<br />
for the Classroom<br />
BY DANIELLE ALEXANDER<br />
School supplies have officially<br />
taken over the back corner of<br />
Target again, but unlike most<br />
school years, checking off supply<br />
items is not the major back-to-school<br />
concern. Whether you have little<br />
ones like me or are sending your big<br />
babies back to school this fall, we<br />
have no choice but to prepare them<br />
for what will inevitably be a very different<br />
academic year.<br />
My husband and I made the decision<br />
early-on to be open yet also<br />
reassuring concerning the<br />
pandemic with our children,<br />
doing our best not to instill<br />
fear. We work together to<br />
help our kids understand both<br />
why they need to do their part<br />
to help prevent the spread of<br />
Covid-19 and what these efforts<br />
should look like once<br />
school starts.<br />
Social Distancing<br />
With “social distancing” being<br />
a new term to all of us this<br />
spring, we decided to lean on good<br />
‘ol Google for help in explaining it<br />
to our young ones. Our son (almost<br />
3) really got a kick out of not only<br />
watching Grover from Sesame Street<br />
(“Grover and Social Distancing”<br />
on YouTube) show him the “good”<br />
of being far away and “bad” of being<br />
too close to someone but also<br />
testing it out himself. While out in<br />
public, we remind him to be “good<br />
like Grover” and maintain space to<br />
practice for preschool. My daughter<br />
(5), who does understand the concept<br />
of viruses and germs, enjoyed<br />
another YouTube video by Cincinnati<br />
Children’s Hospital Medical<br />
Center titled “What is Social Distancing?”<br />
that provides catchy visuals<br />
and examples to emphasize the<br />
idea that those who socially distance<br />
are heroes. When we discuss school,<br />
we talk to her about how she should<br />
continue being a “hero” whenever<br />
possible.<br />
For older elementary-aged children,<br />
KinderCare.com suggests<br />
adults prepare students by using a<br />
six-foot-long piece of ribbon or string<br />
and place it on the floor so kids can<br />
learn how far six feet is. Next, the<br />
educational program company suggests<br />
removing the ribbon or string<br />
and have each family member guess<br />
how long six feet is. The closest guess<br />
is the winner (perhaps receiving a<br />
new, fun mask as a prize!), and the<br />
idea that this is the distance children<br />
should keep between others at school<br />
when possibly should be emphasized.<br />
Another suggestion of theirs<br />
is to have kids cut out people from<br />
magazines and draw a scene (maybe<br />
a classroom, school hallway or playground!)<br />
on a piece of paper. Glue or<br />
tape the people into positions in the<br />
scene that keep them as far apart as<br />
possible to signify social distancing.<br />
Middle schoolers and up should<br />
be able to understand the concepts of<br />
flattening the curve and raising the<br />
line, and there are plenty of resources<br />
out there to help. One, in particular,<br />
I found useful for this age group was a<br />
YouTube video by Lifebridge Health in<br />
Maryland titled “Beating Coronavirus:<br />
Flattening the Curve, Raising the<br />
Line.” Once children and teenagers<br />
seem to be getting a handle on what<br />
social distancing is, as well as the importance<br />
of it, it is not a bad idea to discuss<br />
how lunch time, recess and afterschool<br />
care/activities should look if the<br />
goal is to maintain as much distance<br />
from others as possible. I keep reiterating<br />
to my children that now is not the<br />
time to share food or beverages– even<br />
with their cousins or besties!<br />
Mask Wearing<br />
Although maintaining six feet of<br />
distance from others is the ideal scenario,<br />
it certainly won’t be the case<br />
all the time, especially on the bus or<br />
while carpooling to and from school.<br />
And that’s where wearing<br />
masks come into play.<br />
Our pediatrician from<br />
University of Michigan (U<br />
of M) Hospital suggested we<br />
have our kids practice wearing<br />
masks as much as possible even at<br />
home, so it’s not new, uncomfortable<br />
or scary once school begins. I found<br />
these other five tips for helping kids<br />
(over the age of two) wear masks by U<br />
of M helpful, as well:<br />
• Let them pick it out: Allow kids<br />
to choose their color, fabric or decorations<br />
for their mask.<br />
• Teach children how to wear it<br />
properly: Children should cover the<br />
nose, chin and mouth fully, and, if<br />
using cloth masks, they should wash<br />
them after every use.<br />
• Be a mask role model: Wear<br />
your mask and continue emphasizing<br />
how it keeps both you and others safe.<br />
• Make play masks for stuffed animals<br />
or dolls: Help children, using<br />
materials around the house, create<br />
masks for their special toys.<br />
• Follow a plan and offer rewards:<br />
Find what motivates your child, and<br />
set fun goals or small rewards if needed.<br />
Hand Washing<br />
One of the best ways to prevent the<br />
spread of germs is washing hands;<br />
however, handwashing is definitely<br />
not something that comes naturally<br />
to children (and, if I’m being honest<br />
here, even some adults), so it needs<br />
to not only be taught but also occasionally<br />
revisited. Knowing this, to<br />
practice for the school year, I printed<br />
out a handwashing visual from the<br />
World Health Organization, discussed<br />
it with our kids and hung it up<br />
in each bathroom as a reminder. Funcolored<br />
soap and silly hand washing<br />
songs certainly help!<br />
Cough and Sneeze Covering<br />
As we’ve all heard, Covid-19 spreads<br />
mainly from person to person, typically<br />
through respiratory droplets<br />
from talking, as well as coughing and<br />
sneezing. To provide a visual for our<br />
kids, my husband and I used BoogieWipes.com’s<br />
Coughing and Sneezing<br />
Activity where we took the kids<br />
outside, put some flour in their hands<br />
and had them fake cough and sneeze<br />
to see how far the flour travelled. We<br />
told them that germs do the same<br />
thing, but they’re invisible. We then<br />
discussed why elbows are better than<br />
hands when it comes to blocking the<br />
germs since we don’t use our elbows to<br />
touch and pick up things.<br />
Danielle Alexander is a mother of two,<br />
owner of tutoring/freelance writing/<br />
editing company Edify LLC and<br />
editorial coordinator for Birmingham<br />
Life and West Bloomfield Lifestyle<br />
Magazines. She’s praying for a safe<br />
school year.<br />
12 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 13
RELIGION<br />
halhole!<br />
Becoming a Nun: Heeding a Higher Call<br />
BY SARAH KITTLE<br />
Who knows for sure what they want to be when<br />
they grow up? For a fortunate few, a chosen vocation<br />
is clear early in life. Such was the case<br />
with Sr. Amanda Foumia.<br />
Sr. Amanda didn’t have a favorite teacher in elementary<br />
school that was a nun who inspired her to join the<br />
convent – in fact, she wasn’t taught by nuns at all. She<br />
did, however, enjoy going to church at St. Thomas and<br />
loved Eucharistic adoration. Even as an adolescent, she<br />
had a special love for the Blessed Mother and a personal<br />
devotion to the rosary, where she found “a gift of many<br />
graces,” thus leading to a deeper love of the Lord.<br />
Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center (ECRC)<br />
played a key role in Sr. Amanda’s life. They offered retreats<br />
and theology classes that appealed to her. It was<br />
a priest, Fr. Emmanuel Reyes, now retired, who asked a<br />
teenaged Amanda, “Have you ever considered becoming<br />
a nun?” A seed was planted in her heart, and her life was<br />
forever changed. That is when the process began.<br />
For the next four or five years, Sr. Amanda prayed<br />
and looked for signs that she was<br />
on the right path. Each day the<br />
Holy Spirit led her closer to a life<br />
in service, nudging her to “think<br />
about it.” A young woman with<br />
a special love to serve those in<br />
need and most vulnerable found<br />
a natural path to the convent.<br />
She is not presumed to have arrived<br />
at the doorstep already a<br />
saint—or even possessed with<br />
an outstanding character. What<br />
is anticipated is that she has the<br />
necessary disposition to persevere<br />
in the path of virtue, and to<br />
grow and mature in that path.<br />
Sr. Amanda was ready and willing to grow and mature<br />
in her faith. A life of service looked promising to a teenager<br />
who was looking for meaning in her own life. “If you<br />
remain rooted in prayer, what is in your heart will come<br />
out of your mouth,” she explains.<br />
Sr. Amanda was 19 when she decided that she was<br />
called to service as a Sister. Living as a Sister means<br />
changing your life entirely. Every part of your life takes<br />
on a new and different meaning as you learn to live a religious<br />
life. It comes from a yearning to be close to God and<br />
to walk in His ways. It also means serious prayer and study<br />
and preparation for full-time active ministry in the world.<br />
The process begins with serious conversation (or discernment)<br />
with a vocation director, a Sister who is specially<br />
trained to help someone discern whether God is calling<br />
her to be a Sister. For Sr. Amanda, Sr. Therese Shekwana<br />
at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church served this<br />
role. Fr. Frank Kallabat (Bishop Francis) was pastor and<br />
helped during the discernment process. This discernment<br />
is mutual – a woman discerns and the vocation director<br />
and the religious community discern with her to see if this<br />
is where she belongs. Sr. Amanda felt called to her home<br />
parish at St. Thomas, the people and the Chaldean community<br />
in Metro Detroit, home to the largest population<br />
of Chaldean Catholics outside the Middle East.<br />
Sr. Amanda with middle schoolers on a field trip to<br />
Sacred Heart Major Seminary in 2019.<br />
Postulancy is the first step toward becoming a nun. A<br />
postulate takes the time to get to know the community<br />
and they get to know her. She takes part in all of the daily<br />
prayers and activities of the convent and attends classes<br />
to enlarge her knowledge of religious subjects including<br />
Scripture, the Catechism, Church documents, theology,<br />
and philosophy.<br />
It is a gradual transition over the course of a year from<br />
the lay life to the life of the novitiate. At the end of the<br />
year, if both the Sister and the Community discern that<br />
it is God’s will for her to continue, she receives the habit<br />
and enters the Novitiate for two years.<br />
Sr. Amanda was 22 when she entered the convent and<br />
23 when she became a Novice. Her two younger brothers<br />
were happy for her. They could see that their sister’s decision<br />
brought her joy. “When you are called, you just know<br />
and I can’t explain it but you know God has called you,”<br />
explains Sr. Amanda, paraphrasing her inspirational mentor,<br />
Mother Teresa.<br />
Mother Teresa was an inspiration to countless millions<br />
for her lifelong devotion to the<br />
neediest and most vulnerable of<br />
the world. The selflessness and<br />
sacrifice with which she lived her<br />
own life made her a role model<br />
for Sr. Amanda. Finding her inspiration<br />
in Catholic teachings,<br />
Mother Teresa always placed our<br />
common humanity above religious<br />
divisions.<br />
A Sister is a novice for two<br />
years. During this time, she continues<br />
her religious studies and<br />
human formation. The process<br />
of becoming a Sister took 9 years<br />
for Sr. Amanda. This may sound<br />
like a long time, but it is a huge commitment and one<br />
that changes you daily. “I’m not the same person I was<br />
when I started,” says Sr. Amanda. “The process of formation<br />
never ends.”<br />
A Novice wears a crown of flowers, like the excited<br />
bride rushing to her groom. She studies the vows, along<br />
with the other novices. An entire year is given to the<br />
study of and work on the interior life, and another year is<br />
dedicated to introducing the Novice to the apostolic life<br />
of the community. It is such an important time in the life<br />
of a young religious, no studies or activities are undertaken<br />
during the first year which do not have as their primary<br />
purpose the formation of the Novices.<br />
At the end of the two years, if the Sister and the community<br />
discern that it is God’s will, she professes vows of<br />
Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. Now she wears a crown<br />
of leaves. The blush is gone off the rose, the “honeymoon”<br />
is over, but she has steadfast commitment to her God, her<br />
community and her calling.<br />
During this time, the Sister renews her vows each year,<br />
for a total of five years; the sixth year she takes her final<br />
vows. All the while, the Sister receives guidance in the<br />
actual living of her vows. This guidance is both spiritual<br />
Continued on page 17<br />
birth<br />
Luke Salim Hanna<br />
Congratulations to Justin and Nora<br />
(Youkhana) Hanna on the birth of<br />
their son Luke Salim Hanna. Luke<br />
arrived on July 18, <strong>2020</strong> at 3:01 PM,<br />
weighing in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces.<br />
anniversary<br />
Byron James and<br />
Sandra Sue Yono<br />
Happy 50th wedding anniversary to<br />
Byron James and Sandra Sue Yono,<br />
married August 30, 1970 at St. Joes<br />
Church in Southfield. Currently living<br />
in Canton, the Yonos are dearly<br />
loved by their children Brian, Michael<br />
and Christy and by their grandchildren<br />
Samantha, Nicholas, Anthony<br />
and Graham.<br />
14 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
TOBACCO USE & CORONAVIRUS<br />
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Young and healthy people<br />
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Vaping could be the reason<br />
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<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 15
in MEMORIAM<br />
Anahit Akrawi<br />
May 17, 1936- Apr 25, <strong>2020</strong><br />
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our<br />
beloved Anahit Akrawi.<br />
Beloved wife of the late Hanna Toma Akrawi and<br />
loving mother of Sana Azzoo, Dhafir (Claudette)<br />
Akrawi, Sawsan (Hilmi) Kashat, Suadad (Andre) Atallah,<br />
Mahir Akrawi, Amer (Niran) Akrawi, and Thamir<br />
Akrawi. Humble grandmother of 10 grandchildren.<br />
You are wholeheartedly loved and will be greatly<br />
missed. Your legacy will forever live within our hearts.<br />
May you rest in eternal peace.<br />
RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS<br />
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Samir Shamoon<br />
Kassab<br />
Apr 17, 1952 -<br />
Jul 20, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Roza Kezy<br />
Jul 1, 1929 -<br />
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Jun 12, 1946 -<br />
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Brianna<br />
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Sep 29, 1954 -<br />
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Elias Zoma<br />
Mar 05, 1959 -<br />
Jul 14, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Hanna Issa<br />
Jul 1, 1928 -<br />
Jul 13, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Bushra Dawod<br />
Jul 1, 1945 -<br />
Jul 12, <strong>2020</strong><br />
George Makdesi<br />
Oct 6, 1950 -<br />
Jul 12, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Mario Dalou<br />
Aug 12, 1991 -<br />
Jul 10, <strong>2020</strong><br />
William Murad<br />
Jul 1, 1932 -<br />
Jul 10, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Victoria Dado<br />
Semerjian<br />
Apr 8, 1927 -<br />
Jul 10, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Antoinette<br />
Salmu<br />
Nov 6, 1935 -<br />
Jul 10, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Harbia Salmo<br />
Jul 1, 1941 -<br />
Jul 8, <strong>2020</strong><br />
George Hermiz<br />
Jul 5, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Rose Gallozi<br />
Nov 25, 1920 -<br />
Jul 3, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Natiq Dashto<br />
Jul 1, 1953 -<br />
Jul 2, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Ghanim<br />
Esteefan Alfay<br />
Jul 1, 1928 -<br />
Jul 2, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Shamimta Haio<br />
Shango<br />
Jul 1, 1939 -<br />
Jun 29, <strong>2020</strong><br />
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Samira Yaldo<br />
Apr 9, 1943 -<br />
Jun 26, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Bahija Zaia<br />
Hirmiz Bahoura<br />
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Jun 28, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Sabrina<br />
Hannosh<br />
Apr 19, 2006 -<br />
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Naim Haisha<br />
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Aug 15, 1964<br />
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Continued from page 14<br />
and apostolic, doctrinal and practical. She<br />
may begin to pursue any degrees necessary and<br />
begins to participate regularly in the community’s<br />
apostolate. At the end of six years, if a<br />
Sister feels this is the life she is called to and is<br />
able to make a lifetime commitment, she will<br />
profess her final vows.<br />
After a decade of maturing into a better<br />
person, a better sister, this modest, humble<br />
warrior of Christ took her Final Vow on the<br />
eve of Pentecost, May 19, 2018. On this date,<br />
Sr. Amanda wore the final crown – the crown<br />
of thorns. This crown represents the suffering<br />
that comes along with serving the Lord. It is<br />
death to oneself and life to Christ, which represents<br />
the suffering of the thorns that come<br />
along with serving in the Lord’s vineyard.<br />
Sr. Amanda believes it was the beginning<br />
of a lifelong effort to be “in formation for the<br />
rest of my life.” As a religious Sister, her life<br />
consists of a balance between prayer, community<br />
life and serving the apostolic vocation.<br />
“We’re not social workers,” she states, quoting<br />
Mother Teresa, “We are contemplatives in the<br />
heart of the world.”<br />
Sr. Amanda received her theology degree<br />
this April, although there was no graduation ceremony<br />
due to COVID-19. She plans to pursue a<br />
teaching degree in order to better serve her community<br />
and if it is part of the Lord’s plan, to be<br />
a teacher in a Catholic school. She enjoys working<br />
with children preparing for their First Holy<br />
Communion; the joy of preparing children to<br />
receive Jesus for the first time is a great gift.<br />
The decision to live as a Sister is a commitment<br />
to God, her community and the people.<br />
Sr. Amanda feels there was no “giving up” of<br />
anything important, while the decision gained<br />
her the treasure of a life steeped in God’s love<br />
and mercy. A key verse in her conversion was<br />
the Bible verse from the Book of Matthew,<br />
Chapter 19, Verse 29: “And everyone who<br />
has left houses or brothers or sisters or father<br />
or mother or wife or children or lands, for My<br />
name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and<br />
inherit eternal life.”<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 17
A New Chaldean Community Foundation Raises Its Roof<br />
BY SARAH KITTLE<br />
At 15 Mile and Ryan Roads in<br />
Sterling Heights sits a monument<br />
to Chaldean culture,<br />
its limestone arches shining in the<br />
sun. It’s a beacon to the immigrant<br />
community that sees the Chaldean<br />
Community Foundation as a friendly<br />
place to ask for help. Ever since<br />
their doors first opened in 2011, the<br />
need has been greater than capacity.<br />
That’s about to change.<br />
The new façade may look like a<br />
larger version of the previous but the<br />
interior area has gained nearly three<br />
times the square footage. From the<br />
expansive new lobby that overlooks<br />
an interior courtyard to the full-court<br />
gymnasium to the completely staffed<br />
medical clinic, an entire community<br />
exists within the building. Everything<br />
in front of you and to the<br />
left once you walk through the front<br />
doors is brand new. It didn’t exist<br />
even a year ago, except in a floorplan.<br />
The Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
(CCF) was born out of the<br />
minds of a handful of visionaries who<br />
wanted to keep the faith, culture and<br />
traditions of their homeland alive<br />
while embracing the opportunities<br />
that America had to offer. They<br />
wanted to share their blessings with<br />
others that followed, and to help new<br />
Americans assimilate well enough to<br />
be independent of social services.<br />
The president of CCF, Martin<br />
Manna, explains, “Originally we<br />
wanted to help new arrivals navigate<br />
the waters, help them with visa applications<br />
and citizenship classes.<br />
But the need was greater than that.”<br />
The majority of clients (80 percent)<br />
are from Iraq, a country that has<br />
been ravaged by war for two decades.<br />
Programs such behavioral health and<br />
personal development help clients<br />
heal the inside while career services,<br />
scholarships and affordable housing<br />
help them build up the outside.<br />
There will always be a need for these<br />
services.<br />
The original building, which was<br />
the second home of the CCF, still exists<br />
and remains basically the same.<br />
The problem wasn’t the building; it’s<br />
just that it wasn’t big enough. Saroki<br />
Architecture won the bid to design<br />
the addition, and they seamlessly<br />
married the two buildings, keeping<br />
the significant arch design. The addition<br />
looks like it has always been<br />
there.<br />
Some big names are<br />
going up on signage in<br />
the new space. The Konja<br />
Family Art Studio is a big<br />
bright room designed with<br />
lots of natural light for<br />
art therapy classes. Painting,<br />
dance and music will<br />
be taught and encouraged<br />
as a way to communicate<br />
feelings. Students will be<br />
trained to tap into their<br />
emotions, work through<br />
them and finally release<br />
them as artistic expression. That is<br />
where true art is born.<br />
Thomas M. Denha Main Street<br />
celebrates the legacy of a man who<br />
knew the value of family and community.<br />
The street is reminiscent of<br />
a simpler time, with your neighborhood<br />
barbershop in SuperCuts, the<br />
friendly bankers of Level One, and<br />
the well-stocked corner store, Wild<br />
Bill’s Café. Filling more than one<br />
role, these stores will serve as training<br />
centers as well as retail stores.<br />
Students will have the opportunity<br />
to job shadow, developing appropriate<br />
work habits and specific job competencies.<br />
At the heart of the new CCF<br />
building is the Life Skills Wellness<br />
Center. It is the dream of many, including<br />
Susan Kattula, who started<br />
as a case manager taking life history<br />
information from newly arriving<br />
refugees and immigrants. Clients<br />
with disabilities face additional challenges,<br />
and Kattula saw the need to<br />
offer life skills training for the special<br />
needs individuals she worked with so<br />
closely. The new program is a result<br />
of her and her team’s tireless work to<br />
create services not accessible due to<br />
cultural barriers.<br />
The CCF “Breaking Barriers”<br />
team understands the need to provide<br />
programs to engage special needs clients<br />
and their families. Programs can<br />
help to build creativity, confidence,<br />
focus and collaboration. Individuals<br />
with special needs benefit from art,<br />
music and dance programming that<br />
is specifically developed to engage<br />
them. It has been proven for example<br />
that music can positively influence<br />
an individual’s behavior by affecting<br />
the brain through sound waves,<br />
thereby impacting other bodily<br />
structures.<br />
Research has shown that traumatic<br />
stress has negative effects on<br />
overall health and well-being. Traumatic<br />
exposure has been linked to<br />
higher rates of psychological and<br />
physical health problems. Individuals<br />
as study participants who completed<br />
artwork as a mode of expression<br />
reported more enjoyment and<br />
were more likely to participate.<br />
The Life Skill Wellness Center<br />
will offer programming, education<br />
and training to those with<br />
developmental and intellectual<br />
disabilities. The program will<br />
specifically offer skill-building<br />
activities designed to foster increased<br />
independence. The goal<br />
is successful functioning and<br />
productive workers, at home as<br />
well as in the community.<br />
Classes offered include Daily<br />
Living Skills, a series of basic<br />
activities performed by individuals<br />
on a daily basis necessary for<br />
independent living at home or in the<br />
community. Subjects include personal<br />
hygiene, dressing, and eating.<br />
Another series offers classes in basic<br />
communication skills, transportation,<br />
meal preparation, shopping,<br />
housework, managing medications,<br />
avoiding conflict, managing personal<br />
finances and leisure activities.<br />
18 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
Personal skills training will help<br />
students develop self-awareness,<br />
self-confidence, socially responsible<br />
behavior, good interpersonal skills,<br />
independence, decision making, and<br />
communication skills.<br />
Since the CCF serves the immigrant<br />
community, acculturation classes<br />
are very important. Socialization is<br />
in the lesson plan, with role playing as<br />
a tool. Support and respite for caregivers<br />
is a priority as well. The new gymnasium<br />
sponsored by Wireless Vision<br />
will provide not only a space for recreational<br />
programs and fitness classes for<br />
clients, but also a place for caregivers<br />
to unwind and recharge.<br />
The place to really chill, though,<br />
is the Leila and Johnny Kello Courtyard.<br />
In the middle of facility where<br />
east meets west sits the open-air<br />
courtyard which includes comfortable<br />
seating for optimal socialization<br />
as well as meditation and mindfulness.<br />
A gas flame representative of<br />
the ‘eternal flame’ will burn for John<br />
Loussia and allow a space for contemplation<br />
and introspection with<br />
the courtyard. The garden services<br />
the sight as well as the soul.<br />
Everything has been well thought<br />
out for maximum care. With Ascension<br />
doctors providing services onsite,<br />
clients are encouraged to take<br />
control of their own health and<br />
create a plan to ensure that health<br />
continues. Mental health and physical<br />
health are treated as equal; each<br />
affects the body in the same measure.<br />
Behavioral Health services include<br />
therapy and group work.<br />
The new CCF Center will open<br />
in August.
chaldean (kids) on the STREET<br />
What are you looking forward to<br />
about returning to school?<br />
I’m looking forward to all the new<br />
opportunities high school will bring.<br />
Adding to that, I’m excited to meet<br />
new people and have new classes. It<br />
will also be nice to see some friends<br />
who I haven’t seen since the beginning<br />
of the pandemic.<br />
– Ferris Dally Jr., 14,<br />
Farmington Hills<br />
I’m most excited to get to see my<br />
school friends and also to be able to<br />
learn. I didn’t really enjoy online learning<br />
and I rather not have to take APUSH<br />
online so I’m looking forward to actually<br />
learning in a school setting again.<br />
– Alex Rabban, 15,<br />
West Bloomfield<br />
I want to go back to school and see<br />
my friends and teachers again. I want<br />
to go back because online learning<br />
was not very helpful. I want to be creative<br />
and do projects with my friends. I<br />
miss helping my teachers after school<br />
and playing at recess.<br />
– Esmeralda Yousif, 10,<br />
Farmington Hills<br />
I miss my friends so much...I can’t wait<br />
to see them so we can play together<br />
again. I can’t wait to meet my new<br />
teacher too and see Mrs. Tait (my 2nd<br />
grade teacher).<br />
– Charlotte Shounia, 8,<br />
Commerce Township<br />
I’m excited to see my friends and play<br />
at recess. I hope we get to go back to<br />
school and play.<br />
– Khloe Zerki, 7, Waterford<br />
I’m looking forward to going back to<br />
school so I can keep myself busy at all<br />
times. I am also looking forward to getting<br />
good grades in each of my classes.<br />
Lastly, I hope to meet new people there<br />
so I could become more social.<br />
– Gianna Gumma, 11,<br />
West Bloomfield<br />
I’m most looking forward to gym class,<br />
and seeing all my friends! I’ve missed<br />
being at school and celebrating all the<br />
fun holidays with my classmates.<br />
– Cameron Abro, 6,<br />
West Bloomfield<br />
I can’t wait to go back to school. I’m<br />
very excited to see my teacher, friends,<br />
and play at recess.<br />
– Lucas Zeer, 6,<br />
West Bloomfield<br />
20 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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hard to face alone.<br />
For Your Best Health.<br />
In therapy your trilingual therapist will help you<br />
to establish person centered goals and determine<br />
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We invite you seek out the Light of Project Light!<br />
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CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION<br />
3601 15 MILE ROAD<br />
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310<br />
WWW.CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG<br />
(586) 722-7253<br />
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY: The CCF and Project Light is committed to your privacy and confidentiality and<br />
are sensitive to the stigma and stress that come with seeking mental health support. Therefore, all counseling records<br />
are kept strictly confidential. Information is not shared without client’s written consent. Exceptions to confidentiality are<br />
rare and include persons who threaten safety of themselves others or in circumstances of a court order.<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 21
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<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 23
COVID School Year<br />
BY CANDICE ABRO<br />
What will school look like this upcoming<br />
fall is a question that many parents,<br />
teachers, and students across the country<br />
are asking. Will schools open up for in-person teaching<br />
in the fall? Will students and staff have to wear<br />
a mask? How will schools keep students socially distant?<br />
What happens if someone in the building gets<br />
COVID-19? The list of questions goes on and on,<br />
and many of the answers are still unknown.<br />
As many are eager to get their kids back to<br />
school, others are making the decision to homeschool.<br />
Schools are working on putting plans in<br />
place to get students and staff back to school safely.<br />
This upcoming school year will not look like any<br />
other school year; every school in the state of Michigan<br />
will have to follow the requirements set by Governor<br />
Whitmer’s Return to School Roadmap.<br />
The roadmap outlines the requirements and<br />
recommendations that schools must follow in order<br />
to open up. We must be in phase 4 to allow<br />
for schools to open up for in-person instruction. If<br />
we revert to phase 3, schools will be required to go<br />
back to distance learning. For phase 4, every school<br />
must meet the following guidelines:<br />
• All school staff will need to wear a mask at<br />
all times.<br />
• Students in grades 6th-12th grade will need<br />
to wear a face mask at all times, students in grades<br />
K-5th will not have to wear a face mask in the<br />
classroom but will when they are not in the classroom<br />
(hallway, restrooms, bus, etc.).<br />
• Schools need to provide adequate hygiene to<br />
support proper hand-washing behaviors.<br />
• Schools have to implement a screening measure<br />
for staff and students; it is up to the school<br />
to create a plan (taking student temperatures every<br />
day or answering screening questions).<br />
• No indoor school assemblies.<br />
• Students who ride the bus will need to wear a<br />
mask on the bus. They will need to use hand sanitizer<br />
before entering the bus and will need to be<br />
socially distanced from one another.<br />
In addition to these guidelines, there are many<br />
recommendations such as distancing students’<br />
desks at least 6 feet apart, having students eat in<br />
their classrooms, and limiting shared materials between<br />
students. Each school in the state of Michigan<br />
is required to come up with their own plan using<br />
the Return to School Roadmap as a guideline.<br />
As a kindergarten teacher myself, I’ve been<br />
working with our school on making the necessary<br />
changes for the upcoming school year. Our school,<br />
a local parochial school in the Archdiocese of Detroit,<br />
has a task force of staff working on a plan for<br />
a safe school year. Within our school plan, we have<br />
made the required changes and have used many of<br />
the recommended suggestions. Some of the things<br />
we will be doing as a school that differ from a normal<br />
school year include:<br />
We must be in phase 4 to allow for schools to open up for<br />
in-person instruction. If we revert to phase 3, schools will be<br />
required to go back to distance learning.<br />
• Disinfectant caddies for each classroom<br />
which will contain disinfectant, gloves, disposable<br />
masks, paper towel, & hand sanitizer.<br />
• Decals throughout the building (social distancing<br />
reminders, wash hands/cover mouth reminders,<br />
hallway lane dividers, etc.).<br />
• Drinking fountains turned off and only using<br />
bottle fillers for water bottles.<br />
• Using acrylic dividers for classrooms.<br />
• Limiting visitors entering the building.<br />
• Social distancing within the classroom.<br />
If students do get a fever they must be fever-free<br />
for 72 hours to return to school rather than the 24-<br />
hour rule.<br />
Even with all of these changes, my concern<br />
as a teacher is my class of 5-year-old students. In<br />
my classroom, I will be limiting what supplies students<br />
share. Students will have their own supply<br />
bins, book bins, caddies, manipulatives and only<br />
using toys that can be disinfected which means<br />
no soft play.<br />
However, even with all of these changes one<br />
of the biggest questions is what will happen if a<br />
student or staff member needs to be quarantined.<br />
Our school is providing an online platform for<br />
students who have to be quarantined, and also<br />
to prepare if we do go into distance learning for<br />
the school year.<br />
This platform will be used by the school for<br />
students use, and it will include videos of lessons,<br />
assignments, and activities that align with what<br />
students are doing in the classroom. Teachers will<br />
also be working in cohorts - each teacher will have<br />
a teaching partner to work with (which is typical<br />
for most schools pre-COVID).<br />
There are still many unanswered questions and<br />
issues we will be working on throughout the school<br />
year but one thing that will not change is the school’s<br />
biggest concern and effort is to keep students safe.<br />
Candace, a Kindergarten teacher at St. Regis Catholic<br />
School, is a contributing writer to the CN.<br />
24 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 25
Back to School: COVID-19<br />
Challenges Lesson Plans<br />
BY PAUL NATINSKY<br />
As we head toward fall in what<br />
have been dubbed “uncertain<br />
times,” Michigan and<br />
its schools face an uncertain return<br />
to halls of learning.<br />
The MI Safe Schools Return to<br />
School Roadmap and its six-phase<br />
“MI Safe Start” protocols serve as the<br />
overarching guidance for individual<br />
K-12 schools and districts. In following<br />
the Roadmap, school districts<br />
would create a plan for reopening and<br />
adhere to mandated safety protocols<br />
marked “required” in the Roadmap.<br />
The first three phases provide<br />
for distance-only learning. They are<br />
lumped together in the Roadmap<br />
and don’t seem very differentiated.<br />
Phases 4 through 6 provide for inperson<br />
instruction and gradually<br />
loosen spacing and other restrictions.<br />
In Phase 4, the most restrictive inperson<br />
reopening phase, students and<br />
teachers are required to wear face coverings<br />
(with some medically based exceptions).<br />
Students from multiple classrooms<br />
cannot combine for assemblies<br />
or other events. Hygiene supplies and<br />
instruction are required as is a beefed up<br />
cleaning schedule using EPA-approved<br />
disinfectants, which ranges from wiping<br />
down classrooms after every class<br />
to cleaning light switches, bathrooms,<br />
doors and other “frequently touched<br />
surfaces” every four hours.<br />
However, spacing requirements<br />
inside classrooms, special areas within<br />
schools to quarantine students,<br />
and rules governing when students<br />
and teachers can return to school<br />
after testing positive for COVID-19<br />
or exhibiting symptoms appear under<br />
“strongly recommended” or “recommended”<br />
measures. Cooperation<br />
with local public health department<br />
protocols and guidelines is listed as<br />
“required,” but it is unclear how that<br />
coordination will take place.<br />
Athletics is governed by a list<br />
of “required” restrictions that limit<br />
contact between athletes, call for<br />
separate water bottles for athletes<br />
and social distancing and face coverings<br />
for spectators, among other<br />
provisions.<br />
“The West Bloomfield School<br />
District will be following the ‘required’<br />
and ‘strongly recommended’<br />
protocols for each of the MI Safe<br />
Start Phases,” said Superintendent<br />
Gerald Hill, PhD.<br />
The first requirement listed for<br />
returning to in-person instruction<br />
under Phase 4 states that, “The number<br />
of new cases and deaths has fallen<br />
for a period of time, but overall case<br />
levels are still high.”<br />
At press time, daily reports of<br />
new cases were in the hundreds and<br />
tagged as rising in Johns Hopkins<br />
University data. Other requirements<br />
for a Phase 4 reopen regarding hospital<br />
capacity and disease tracking and<br />
testing are equally vague.<br />
Recent studies<br />
show that students<br />
have likely suffered<br />
significant learning<br />
loss during this<br />
period of remote<br />
schooling.<br />
Money<br />
Michigan’s School Aid Fund is facing<br />
a whopping $1.2 billion shortfall,<br />
mostly from to a drop in sales tax<br />
revenues for big-ticket items during<br />
the recession that began in February.<br />
That is about $600 per student.<br />
Adding insult to injury, one estimate<br />
pegs the cost of extra personal<br />
protective equipment, daily deep<br />
cleaning, screening and other costs at<br />
almost $2 million, or about $500 per<br />
student for an average-sized school district.<br />
These shortfalls and added costs<br />
come during an era in which schools<br />
have taken a budget beating already.<br />
“We know that safety protocols<br />
come with costs,” stated Gov.<br />
Gretchen Whitmer in the forward to<br />
the Roadmap. “Thus, we will be investing<br />
a significant amount of federal<br />
funds to support schools in the implementation<br />
of the required safety<br />
protocols outlined in the Roadmap<br />
and to address other needs resulting<br />
from COVID-19.”<br />
“If our state and nation are serious<br />
about opening schools safely for<br />
the fall, additional resources, not<br />
budget cuts, are imperative,” said<br />
West Bloomfield’s Hill. “The federal<br />
government must pass additional<br />
stimulus legislation that backfills the<br />
loss of state and local revenue caused<br />
by the recession. Schoolchildren and<br />
teachers cannot be expected to learn<br />
and work safely and productively<br />
in stripped down learning environments.<br />
One of the keys to a successful<br />
economic recovery is an appropriate<br />
investment in K - 12 public<br />
schools. Our future, and our children’s<br />
health and safety are at stake.”<br />
Crash Course<br />
Like many K-12 school districts<br />
across the state, West Bloomfield was<br />
not set up to provide distance learning<br />
when Michigan schools shut<br />
down in mid-March. At press time,<br />
the district was finalizing its plans<br />
for blended distance and in-person<br />
learning, a program called Classroom<br />
to Cloud, and refining a remote-only<br />
option, called Lakers Online.<br />
The new strategy is designed to be<br />
flexible and meet the challenges presented<br />
by a changed environment for<br />
in-person learning and a newly minted<br />
necessity and demand for distance<br />
learning. “The hybrid option of Classroom<br />
to Cloud, which will be implemented<br />
if we are in the MI Safe Start<br />
Phase 4, requires significant investments<br />
in PPE (face masks, hand sanitizers,<br />
etc.) as well as less efficient space<br />
utilization due to social distancing on<br />
school buses and in schools (which<br />
necessitates smaller groups of children<br />
in classes),” said Hill. “Additionally,<br />
because students will also be working<br />
remotely, we are providing Chromebooks<br />
for each student to use at home<br />
in addition to the Chromebooks that<br />
will be used during face-to-face instruction<br />
when they are at school.”<br />
Teachers<br />
Remaining in play are issues regarding<br />
teachers, who have a list of safety<br />
and work process concerns, and parents<br />
who decide to keep their children<br />
home this fall.<br />
Time Magazine reported in early<br />
July, “About 20 percent of teachers<br />
said they aren’t likely to return<br />
to teaching if schools reopen in the<br />
fall, according to a USA Today/Ipsos<br />
poll conducted in late May.”<br />
The Magazine reported that Ed-<br />
Week Research Center surveys conducted<br />
around the same time found<br />
that, “more than 10 percent of teachers<br />
are more likely to leave the profession<br />
now than they were before the pandemic,<br />
and 65 percent of educators said<br />
they want school buildings to remain<br />
closed to slow the spread of the virus.”<br />
Students<br />
Still, the undisputed goal among all<br />
parties is to return children to school<br />
as soon as it is safe to do so. The<br />
Michigan chapter of the American<br />
Academy of Pediatrics urges “in-person<br />
education to the maximum extent<br />
possible,” according to an email<br />
on school reopening.<br />
“In our offices we have seen large<br />
discrepancies in available at home<br />
learning support…which increase<br />
the achievement gap (especially<br />
with) younger and special needs<br />
children,” the email reads. “School<br />
closures have put mental and social<br />
health at risk (for students) and that<br />
affects their educational trajectories.”<br />
Schools also provide meals, personal<br />
health services, mental health support<br />
and a better environment for<br />
English learners, AAP notes.<br />
Time reported that “…the pressure<br />
to reopen schools is strong.<br />
Recent studies show that students<br />
have likely suffered significant learning<br />
loss during this period of remote<br />
schooling, worsening the achievement<br />
gap between affluent and lowincome<br />
students…Dr. Anthony Fauci,<br />
the country’s top infectious disease<br />
expert, agrees. ‘I feel very strongly we<br />
need to do whatever we can to get<br />
the children back to school,’ he said<br />
during testimony before the Senate<br />
on June 30,” reported the magazine.<br />
With regard to the fears about<br />
spreading COVID-19, the doctors<br />
refer to data suggesting elementary<br />
and pre-school kids are at low risk<br />
of contracting the virus and they are<br />
“less likely to be primary vectors for<br />
the spread.”<br />
For children, the benefits of being<br />
in school might outweigh the risks<br />
to their health, but older teachers<br />
administrators, custodians and others<br />
who work in school buildings fall<br />
into higher risk groups for both infection<br />
and death.<br />
The state has provided a framework<br />
and schools are working on<br />
plans, but money, logistics and developing<br />
science regarding COVID-19<br />
leave much work to do in an increasingly<br />
short window.<br />
26 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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248.341.2000<br />
oaklandcc.edu
New Dorm Life<br />
BY LISA CIPRIANO<br />
Just as all of our lives have changed<br />
due to the COVID-19 pandemic,<br />
life in college residence halls will<br />
be more than a bit different for both<br />
new and returning students this fall.<br />
Social distancing, wearing face<br />
masks and quarantining, concepts that<br />
were foreign to us less than six months<br />
ago, are now part of our daily lives and<br />
that will be no different in college<br />
dorms for the foreseeable future.<br />
How will social distancing be<br />
done in such close living quarters?<br />
It’s already being done by students<br />
who live on campus year-round and<br />
will continue on a larger scale with<br />
the influx of new and returning students<br />
this fall.<br />
It’s a challenge,” said Director of<br />
Residence Life at Central Michigan<br />
Masks are not required among dorm mates in shared sleeping areas.<br />
But in common areas, social distancing by six feet and mask wearing<br />
are not only essential, but mandatory.<br />
University, Kathleen Gardner. “In<br />
everything we’ve done, we’ve tried to<br />
follow guidelines put out by the Centers<br />
for Disease Control and Prevention,<br />
the American College Health<br />
Association and we’ve worked in tandem<br />
with the university emergency<br />
management team,” she explained.<br />
Michigan State University, the<br />
state’s largest university in terms of enrollment,<br />
is utilizing both government<br />
and its own world-renowned medical<br />
resources and expertise for guidance.<br />
“We have worked really hard<br />
with our partners at the university<br />
physician’s office and the Ingham<br />
County Health Department as well<br />
as the CDC to make sure that we’re<br />
providing the safest experience possible<br />
for not just our students, but for<br />
our faculty and staff as well,” said Kat<br />
Cooper, Chief Communications Officer<br />
for Residential and Hospitality<br />
Services at Michigan State University.<br />
In fact, MSU has the benefit of<br />
having a renowned, Harvard educated<br />
infectious disease researcher in its<br />
President, Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.<br />
The University of Michigan is<br />
tapping into its own unique and<br />
world-renowned medical expertise<br />
and resources as well.<br />
“We’re very fortunate at U of M<br />
to have outstanding public health<br />
expertise,” explained Senior Associate<br />
Director at University of Michigan’s<br />
Housing Administration, Amir<br />
Baghdadchi. “We’ve worked with<br />
the university chief health officer,<br />
the executive director of our university<br />
health service and we’ve had our<br />
doctors walking our residence halls,<br />
looking at floor plans and figuring<br />
out what makes sense here,” Baghdadchi<br />
said.<br />
Overall, what the experts have<br />
found to make sense directly mirrors<br />
what the general public has been<br />
advised to do since the start of the<br />
COVID-19 outbreak.<br />
At all three universities, each<br />
dorm room is considered a family<br />
unit. Masks are not required among<br />
dorm mates in shared sleeping areas.<br />
But in common areas, social distancing<br />
by six feet and mask wearing as<br />
not only essential, but mandatory.<br />
“Students who are living together<br />
in a single room, that’s considered<br />
a single household unit. So, no<br />
physical distancing or facemasks are<br />
required. Outside of their rooms will<br />
be considered a public space where<br />
face masks will be required along<br />
with physical distancing, said Baghdadchi.<br />
We’re also asking students to<br />
quarantine for 14 days before arriving<br />
on campus,” he added.<br />
Another overall recommendation<br />
from health experts is that residence<br />
hall occupancy be reduced, if<br />
possible, to help accommodate better<br />
physical distancing.<br />
“Once students move in together,<br />
that becomes like your family. It’s<br />
the person that you live with. It’s<br />
not going to be someone that you’ll<br />
be able to be six feet from every moment<br />
of every day, but we want to be<br />
able to give students enough space so<br />
they don’t have to be up against each<br />
other all of the time. So, we took a<br />
handful of rooms in the north neighborhood<br />
and made those single occupancy<br />
rooms,” said Carson.<br />
CMU has the ability to make residence<br />
hall occupancy management<br />
a major focus to help mitigate any<br />
potential spread of the virus and ease<br />
the minds of the concerned students<br />
and parents.<br />
“In looking at the guidelines put<br />
out there by various associations, we<br />
need to reduce the amount of students<br />
in each living unit. It’s a bit tight, but<br />
we do have the space to be able to do<br />
that. We feel that’s important to offer<br />
that option to help address some<br />
of the concerns that our students and<br />
families have about returning to campus,”<br />
Gardner explained.<br />
In accordance with ACHA<br />
guidelines, all three universities all<br />
have set aside separate residence<br />
halls to isolate, monitor and provide<br />
care for students who are feeling ill or<br />
test positive for the virus.<br />
Reducing dorm room occupancy<br />
also reduces the amount of social interaction<br />
is common areas, like dining<br />
halls which are currently and will continue<br />
to operate at 50 percent capacity,<br />
like Michigan’s restaurants under Governor<br />
Gretchen Whitmer’s executive<br />
order. They’re also offering students<br />
more ‘to go’ options to further help reduce<br />
dining hall occupancy.<br />
All of these new procedures and<br />
requirements require students’ cooperation,<br />
and both new and returning<br />
students will be briefed on what to<br />
expect and consistently reminded of<br />
what’s expected of them this fall.<br />
“We’re doing a lot of communication<br />
with them right now on how the<br />
fall will be different. We’re in the process<br />
of making some videos that will<br />
go out to students so that they can really<br />
see what fall will look like before<br />
they get here, so they can start to set<br />
those expectations,” said Carson.<br />
Stressing a sense of responsibility<br />
and community is a major focus in<br />
the effort to keep students and faculty<br />
safe at U of M this fall.<br />
“Every one of these students<br />
knows that reopening for the fall and<br />
a residential experience depends on<br />
shared responsibility. They already<br />
know exactly what’s at stake and why<br />
mask wearing and physical distancing<br />
are important. And, they’ll be plenty<br />
of signage around campus reminding<br />
them of that and what the expectations<br />
are,” Baghdadchi explained.<br />
Despite the seemingly daunting<br />
situation ahead of them, through<br />
following the basic guidelines, adapting<br />
to a changing environment and<br />
stressing the importance of responsibility,<br />
the universities are optimistic<br />
about a successful year ahead.<br />
“I think it’s going to be a challenge.<br />
But, I have full confidence that<br />
if we put all of our energy and intelligence<br />
behind this, we can have a<br />
great fall,” concluded Carson.<br />
28 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 29
ack to SCHOOL <strong>2020</strong>-2021<br />
As of press time, schools are planning to have in-person class or a hybrid of<br />
in-class and distance learning in the fall; this may change if an Executive<br />
Order is issued prohibiting in-person classes.<br />
Private Schools<br />
Bloomfield Christian School<br />
Elementary, Middle and High School<br />
3570 Telegraph Road<br />
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302<br />
(248) 499-7800<br />
BloomfieldChristian.com<br />
Formerly known as the Christian<br />
Leadership Academy, this K-12th grade<br />
interdenominational, classical-curriculum<br />
school was founded in 1994. The<br />
school’s mission is teaching students to<br />
know, reason, discern and apply truth<br />
using Scripture and the classical liberal<br />
arts. Seventh- and eighth-graders learn<br />
Latin. Students have steadily scored<br />
higher than average on standardized tests<br />
for college.<br />
Brookfield Academy<br />
Elementary School<br />
2965 Walnut Lake Road<br />
West Bloomfield, MI 48323<br />
(248) 626-6665<br />
BrookfieldAcademy.net<br />
Brookfield Academy was founded in<br />
1964 by Dr. and Mrs. David Weinberg as<br />
the first Montessori school in Michigan.<br />
The academy has campuses in West<br />
Bloomfield, Troy, Rochester Hills and<br />
Livonia. West Bloomfield, Troy, and<br />
Rochester Hills locations serve students<br />
in grades pre-K to fifth grade, while the<br />
Livonia location caters to infants until<br />
the third grade. Brookfield Academy has<br />
been honored by the Michigan legislature<br />
and Untied States Congress for excellent<br />
academic achievements and involvement<br />
in early education for children.<br />
Cranbrook Schools<br />
Elementary, Middle and High School<br />
39221 Woodward<br />
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304<br />
(248) 645-3000<br />
Schools.Cranbrook.edu<br />
Founded in 1922, Cranbrook is located<br />
on a beautiful 319-acre campus<br />
considered a masterpiece of American<br />
architecture. In 1989, it was designated<br />
as a National Historic Landmark.<br />
Cranbrook has 1,661 students in<br />
2016/2017, including a few hundred<br />
boarders. Cranbrook Kingswood Upper<br />
School has been named an Exemplary<br />
School by the U.S. Department of<br />
Education due to its academic excellence.<br />
Cranbrook has also shown excellence<br />
through extracurricular activities.<br />
Detroit Country Day School<br />
Elementary, Middle and High School<br />
22305 W. 13 Mile Road<br />
Beverly Hills, MI 48025<br />
(248) 646-7717<br />
Dcds.edu<br />
For more than 100 years, the core<br />
commitment of Detroit Country Day has<br />
been academic excellence for grades<br />
pre-K-12 on several campuses in<br />
Bloomfield Hills and Beverly Hills. Onehundred<br />
percent of high school graduates<br />
are accepted into accredited four-year<br />
colleges and universities. Country Day<br />
offers a liberal arts-based education,<br />
more than 30 athletic programs, and<br />
impressive fine and performing arts<br />
programs.<br />
Eton Academy<br />
Elementary, Middle and High School<br />
1755 Melton Road<br />
Birmingham, MI 48009<br />
(248) 642-1150<br />
EtonAcademy.org<br />
Opened in 1980, Eton is designed<br />
exclusively for students with reading,<br />
attention and other learning challenges in<br />
grades K-12. The school offers classes in<br />
both group and individual settings. This<br />
school year, Eton Academy will work with<br />
approximately 200 students. The school<br />
offers an Independent Study Program<br />
that features one-to-one instruction on<br />
a schedule designed for each student.<br />
There are also several summer camps<br />
including drama and dance. Eton has<br />
gained substantial support from the North<br />
Central Association of Colleges and<br />
Schools and the Independent School<br />
Association of the Central States.<br />
The International Academy<br />
High School<br />
1020 E. Square Lake Road<br />
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304<br />
(248) 341-5900<br />
IAToday.org<br />
The International Academy is a nationally<br />
recognized all International Baccalaureate<br />
public high school serving 1,300<br />
students from 14 Oakland County<br />
school districts and students living in<br />
surrounding counties. The International<br />
Academy is one school with three<br />
campuses: IA East in Troy, IA Okma in<br />
Bloomfield Hills and IA West in White<br />
Lake. In 2014, 66 International Academy<br />
students achieved National Merit status<br />
representing 22 percent of the senior<br />
class.<br />
Japhet School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
839 S. Crooks Road<br />
Clawson, MI 48017<br />
(248) 585-9150<br />
JaphetSchool.org<br />
Japhet serves ethnically diverse students<br />
in preschool through eighth grade.<br />
Rolling admission means students<br />
are admitted through the school year.<br />
The school is accredited through the<br />
Independent Schools Association of<br />
the Central States. Japhet was the first<br />
independent school in the country — and<br />
the first school in Michigan — to receive<br />
a National Schools of Character Award,<br />
presented to schools that encourage<br />
the social and ethical development<br />
of students while maintaining strong<br />
academic standards. Class sizes are<br />
small, less than 20 students.<br />
Lakes Area Montessori Center<br />
Preschool through Elementary<br />
8605 Richardson Road<br />
Walled Lake, MI 48390<br />
(248) 360-0500<br />
LakesAreaMontessori.com<br />
Lakes Area Montessori is a toddler,<br />
preschool, kindergarten and elementary<br />
school housed in a specially constructed<br />
building on two acres. The school is<br />
directed by professional educators<br />
and staffed by Montessori teachers.<br />
Children as young as 18 months are<br />
accommodated and full-day kindergarten<br />
is offered. The non-graded curriculum<br />
has a strong academic focus on science,<br />
mathematics, language arts, geometry,<br />
history, geography, art, music and<br />
Spanish.<br />
Montessori School Rochester<br />
Elementary School<br />
3976 S. Livernois Rd.<br />
Rochester Hills MI 48307<br />
(248) 453-5757<br />
TheMontessoriSchoolRochester.com<br />
Montessori works with children from<br />
toddler years through the age of 12. The<br />
school follows the philosophy of allowing<br />
children to follow their greatest interests<br />
and learn about their immediate world<br />
at their own pace. Appreciation for the<br />
arts is facilitated with visiting artists,<br />
musicians and storytellers.<br />
The Lower Roeper School<br />
Elementary School<br />
41190 Woodward Avenue<br />
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304<br />
The Upper Roeper School<br />
Middle and High School<br />
1051 Oakland Avenue<br />
Birmingham, MI 48009<br />
(248) 203-7300<br />
Roeper.org<br />
Roeper is a unique coeducational<br />
school community for gifted children<br />
in preschool through grade 12 with<br />
campuses in Bloomfield Hills and<br />
Birmingham. The first school opened<br />
in 1941. The school enrolls more than<br />
570 students and is organized into three<br />
divisions starting with children as young<br />
as 2 ½. The mission is to educate the<br />
whole child in an emotionally supportive,<br />
intellectually engaging environment.<br />
Catholic Schools<br />
Academy of the Sacred Heart<br />
Elementary, Middle and High School<br />
1250 Kensington Road<br />
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304<br />
(248) 646-8900<br />
ashmi.org<br />
One of 22 Sacred Heart schools in the<br />
United States, the 44-acre campus includes<br />
an Early Childhood Program through Grade<br />
4; the Knights of the Sacred Heart (boys<br />
in grades 5-8), and the Middle School and<br />
Upper School that is home to the Gazelles<br />
(girls in grades 5-12). The high school is<br />
also known for its outstanding lacrosse<br />
team, 17 state championships (including<br />
the 2016 high school tennis team), and its<br />
31,000-square-foot field house.<br />
All Saints Catholic School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
48735 Warren Road<br />
Canton, MI, 48187<br />
(734) 459-2490<br />
AllSaintsCS.com<br />
Accredited by the Michigan Nonpublic<br />
Schools Accrediting Association, this co-ed<br />
school has more than 500 students. Special<br />
classes are taught by teachers from the<br />
Livonia Public School Share Time Program<br />
and include foreign language instruction,<br />
faith mentoring and the monthly outreach to<br />
disadvantaged communities and organizations.<br />
Highlights at All Saints are student<br />
service projects and small class sizes.<br />
Austin Catholic Academy<br />
Co-Ed High School<br />
25925 23 Mile Road<br />
Chesterfield, MI 48051<br />
(586) 200-0143<br />
AustinCatholicAcademy.org<br />
Created under the auspices of the<br />
Archdiocese of Detroit and sponsor parishes,<br />
Austin Catholic Academy is the only co-ed<br />
Catholic high school in Northern Macomb<br />
County. Opened in 2011, administrators<br />
hope to eventually serve about 500 students.<br />
The Augustinian education includes rigorous<br />
college preparatory academics, spiritual<br />
growth, service to the community and<br />
extracurricular activities. Last school year<br />
Austin opened a media center.<br />
Bishop Foley Catholic High School <br />
Co-Ed High School<br />
32000 N. Campbell Road<br />
Madison Heights, MI 48071<br />
(248) 585-1210<br />
BishopFoley.org<br />
Bishop Foley is a co-educational high school<br />
with advanced national accreditation through<br />
North Central Association of Colleges and<br />
Secondary Schools. Founded in 1965,<br />
it has an enrollment of 400 students and<br />
offers a wide range of opportunities in<br />
academics and athletics. The school has a<br />
full-time Campus Ministry Director to foster<br />
spiritual activities and teacher and peer<br />
tutoring. Bishop Foley has amassed more<br />
than 50 athletic championships and has a<br />
dual enrollment program with the University<br />
of Detroit Mercy for Engineering and<br />
Leadership classes.<br />
30 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
Bishop Kelley Catholic School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
926 W. Nepessing Street<br />
Lapeer, MI 48446<br />
(810) 664-5011<br />
BishopKelleyLapeer.org<br />
All faiths are welcome at this co-ed school<br />
instituted by the Immaculate Conception<br />
Parish community and accredited by the<br />
Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting<br />
Association. The school, which boasts<br />
a family-type atmosphere, was founded<br />
in 1950 and has about 230 students.<br />
There is also a preschool for children as<br />
young as 3. The school is affiliated with<br />
Immaculate Conception Parish in Lapeer.<br />
Brother Rice<br />
All Boys High School<br />
7101 Lahser Road<br />
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301<br />
(248) 833-2000<br />
BrRice.edu<br />
Founded in 1960 by the Congregation<br />
of Christian Brothers of Ireland, Brother<br />
Rice is a private, fully accredited, four-year<br />
Catholic college preparatory school for<br />
young men. Brother Rice High School<br />
fosters the spiritual, intellectual, cultural<br />
and moral development of its students. The<br />
Brother Rice community promotes excellence<br />
through an environment conducive to life-long<br />
personal growth, and responsible, moral<br />
decision making in a Christian atmosphere.<br />
The Brother Rice student body is<br />
composed of over 600 young men with<br />
a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic<br />
backgrounds, talents and interests. Each<br />
student is a unique contributor to the<br />
Brother Rice family.<br />
De La Salle Collegiate<br />
All Boys High School<br />
14600 Common Road<br />
Warren, MI 48088<br />
(586) 778-2207<br />
DeLaSalleHS.com<br />
Inspired by the tradition of St. John Baptist<br />
de La Salle, this school is dedicated to the<br />
Catholic education of its diverse students,<br />
including the poor and disadvantaged. The<br />
college preparatory school was founded in<br />
1926. Clubs and activities range from choir<br />
to robotics. It’s a Class A MHSAA member<br />
school and also a member of the Catholic<br />
League Central Division.<br />
Detroit Catholic Central High School<br />
All Boys High School<br />
27225 Wixom Road<br />
Novi, MI 48374<br />
(248) 596-3810<br />
CatholicCentral.net<br />
The school dates to 1928 and has<br />
relocated a number of times, settling into<br />
its current home on 60 acres in Novi in<br />
2005. The school philosophy is that while<br />
textbooks are important (it has more than<br />
a dozen AP courses and is accredited<br />
through the North Central Association of<br />
Colleges and Schools), much knowledge<br />
can be learned only in prayer. Each student<br />
is required to complete Christian Service<br />
and at least 95 percent of graduates go<br />
onto college.<br />
Detroit Cristo Rey<br />
Co-ed High School<br />
5679 W. Vernor Highway<br />
Detroit, MI 48209<br />
(313) 843-2747<br />
DetroitCristoRey.org<br />
Detroit Cristo Rey opened in 2008 as the<br />
only co-ed Catholic school in the city of<br />
Detroit. The most distinctive feature of this<br />
school is its corporate work-study program,<br />
which allows students to spend one day<br />
per week on real-life work experience in a<br />
businesses or organization in Metro Detroit.<br />
Across the network, 96 percent of seniors<br />
graduated and were accepted to college.<br />
The school strives to “break the cycle of<br />
poverty” in Detroit by offering a collegeprep<br />
education to low-income, center-city<br />
students.<br />
Divine Child<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
25001 Herbert Weier<br />
Dearborn, MI 48128<br />
(313) 562-1090<br />
dces.info<br />
Divine Child<br />
Co-ed High School<br />
1001 N. Silvery Lane<br />
Dearborn, MI 48128<br />
(313) 562-1990<br />
DivineChildHighSchool.org<br />
Divine Child is a co-ed parish school<br />
founded in 1958. Equipped with 34<br />
classrooms, a chapel, library, and 500-seat<br />
auditorium, it’s the largest co-ed Catholic<br />
high school in Michigan. With more than<br />
30 extracurricular activities and AP-level<br />
courses available, 97 percent of students<br />
attend college. The elementary and middle<br />
schools offer many activities including<br />
scouting. For athletes, there are 52 teams<br />
in 24 sports.<br />
Everest Collegiate High School<br />
and Academy<br />
Elementary, Middle and High School<br />
5935 Clarkston Road<br />
Clarkston, MI 48348<br />
(248) 241-9040<br />
Everest-Clarkston.org<br />
Everest, which offers pre-K through<br />
high school, uses the Integral Formation<br />
method of education, which is built upon<br />
the Christian view of the person and<br />
focuses on forming all dimensions of the<br />
person – their intellectual, human, spiritual<br />
and apostolic capacities. In 2012, Everest<br />
Collegiate was awarded a spot on the Top<br />
50 Catholic Schools list. The school shares<br />
most high school athletics with Our Lady of<br />
the Lakes.<br />
Gesu Catholic School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
17139 Oak Drive<br />
Detroit, MI 48221<br />
(313) 863-4677<br />
GesuSchool.UDMercy.edu<br />
Gesu is an award-winning co-ed school<br />
with about 250 students in grades pre-K<br />
through 8. Gesu students are known to<br />
give back to the environment by recycling<br />
and tending their own garden-to-harvest<br />
crops. The school was established in<br />
1925 and is accredited by the Michigan<br />
Nonpublic Schools Accreditation<br />
Association. Gesu has been recognized by<br />
the Skillman Foundation as an improving<br />
school. Facilities include an on-site learning<br />
center, renovated computer lab and<br />
updated library.<br />
Guardian Angels<br />
Preschool, Elementary and Middle School<br />
521 E. 14 Mile Road<br />
Clawson, MI 48017<br />
(248) 588-5545<br />
GASchool.com<br />
A Blue Ribbon School, Guardian Angels<br />
students have scored well above the<br />
national average and are as much as three<br />
full grades ahead of other students at<br />
their same level. Unique features of the<br />
school include a science lab, a greenroom<br />
and Spanish instruction for all grades.<br />
The school has about 300 students.<br />
An extended day program is available.<br />
Guardian Angels has created a new full-day<br />
service for their preschoolers.<br />
Holy Family Regional School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
North Campus Grades K-3<br />
1240 Inglewood<br />
Rochester, MI 48307<br />
(248) 656-1234<br />
South Campus Grades 4-8<br />
2633 John R Road<br />
Rochester Hills, MI 48307<br />
(248) 299-3798<br />
HolyFam.org<br />
Holy Family educates children at two<br />
campuses: kindergarten (full or halfday)<br />
through grade three in Rochester, and<br />
grades four through eight in Rochester<br />
Hills. The school has an impressive<br />
computer lab, and all students in grades<br />
6-8 receive Spanish instruction. Unique<br />
programs include Talent Development and<br />
Special Services for those who need extra<br />
help. There is also the Young 5 Program as<br />
an alternative to kindergarten.<br />
Holy Name<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
680 Harmon St.<br />
Birmingham, MI 48009<br />
(248) 644-2722<br />
school.hnchurch.org<br />
A Blue Ribbon school since 2008, Holy<br />
Name provides unique classes for boys<br />
and girls in grades K-8, and also has a<br />
preschool. A variety of teaching techniques<br />
are used to meet the different learning<br />
styles of its students. Facilities include a<br />
media center, music and art rooms and a<br />
technology lab. The Holy Name Hurricanes<br />
have an outstanding athletic department.<br />
The school is accredited by the Michigan<br />
Association of Non-Public Schools and<br />
offers after-school enrichment programs.<br />
Immaculate Conception<br />
Co-Ed Elementary and Middle School<br />
7043 Church Road<br />
Ira Township, MI 48023<br />
(586) 725-0078<br />
ICCatholic.org<br />
For more than a century and a half,<br />
Immaculate Conception, set on the shores<br />
of Anchor Bay, has served the northeast<br />
Macomb County and St. Clair County<br />
communities. It has more than 180 students<br />
and a low teacher to student ratio. Detroit<br />
Archbishop Allen Vigneron is an alumni.<br />
Loyola High School<br />
All-Boys High School<br />
15325 Pinehurst St.<br />
Detroit, MI 48238<br />
(313) 861-2407<br />
Loyolahsdetroit.org<br />
A Catholic scschool fronthool in the Jesuit<br />
tradition, Loyola began as a concerned<br />
response to a pressing need in Detroit and<br />
its surrounding communities. With strong<br />
involvement of parents and staff at every<br />
step of the way, its graduates – truly “Men<br />
for Others” – demonstrate the level of academic,<br />
physical, social, and spiritual growth<br />
first envisioned by the school’s founders.<br />
Now in its 23nd year, Loyola remains committed<br />
to its original mission. It is a strong<br />
community of students, parents, and staff.<br />
Marian<br />
All-Girls High School<br />
7225 Lahser Road<br />
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301<br />
(248) 644-1750<br />
Marian-HS.org<br />
Founded in 1959, Marian is a prestigious<br />
college-prep high school for young<br />
women with about 500 students. It offers<br />
17 advanced placement courses and<br />
19 honors classes. The Class of 2015<br />
was 100 percent college-bound. Marian<br />
athletic teams have been recognized<br />
as state champions on 24 occasions.<br />
Marian is located next to Brother Rice<br />
and is accredited by the North Central<br />
Association of Colleges and Schools. The<br />
student-teacher ratio is 16:1.<br />
Mercy<br />
All-Girls High School<br />
29300 W. 11 Mile Road<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48336<br />
(248) 476-8020<br />
mhsmi.org<br />
More than 13,000 students have graduated<br />
from Mercy throughout its 60-year history.<br />
After graduation, 99 percent of Mercy’s<br />
young women attend college – and 88<br />
percent get into their first choice. The<br />
school, which has a student body of 750,<br />
upholds a strong tradition of competitive<br />
athletics in more than 17 sports and<br />
facilities that include a gymnasium, indoor<br />
swimming pool, full-size track, two fields,<br />
and two enclosed softball diamonds. Mercy<br />
is designated as an Exemplary Private<br />
High School by the U.S. Department of<br />
Education.<br />
Continued on page 30<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 31
ack to SCHOOL <strong>2020</strong>-2021<br />
Continued from page 29<br />
Notre Dame Marist Academy – Lower<br />
Division<br />
Elementary School<br />
1425 Giddings Rd.<br />
Pontiac, MI 48340<br />
(248) 373-2573<br />
Notre Dame Marist Academy – Middle<br />
Division<br />
Middle School<br />
1300 Giddings Road<br />
Pontiac, MI 48340<br />
(248) 373-5371<br />
Notre Dame Preparatory School<br />
Co-ed High School<br />
1300 Giddings Road<br />
Pontiac, MI 48340-2108<br />
(248) 373-5300<br />
ndpma.org<br />
Notre Dame has a co-ed and<br />
economically diverse student body with a<br />
population of about 1,000. As a college<br />
preparatory school it offers a variety of<br />
advanced-placement classes and myriad<br />
clubs and organizations; graduating classes<br />
routinely earn more than $10 million in<br />
scholarships. The school is operated by<br />
the Marist Fathers & Brothers. It is the only<br />
Catholic school in Michigan that offers<br />
the International Baccalaureate course of<br />
study to students from junior kindergarten<br />
through 12th grade.<br />
Our Lady of Good Counsel<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
1151 William Street<br />
Plymouth, MI 48170<br />
(734) 453-3053<br />
IAmOLGC.com<br />
Good Counsel has 545 students, 25<br />
teachers and a 1:17 student-teacher ratio.<br />
Most teachers have advanced degrees<br />
and the school is accredited by the<br />
Michigan Nonpublic Schools Accrediting<br />
Association. The school is more than<br />
60 years old and offers extracurricular<br />
activities from chess to yearbook. It has<br />
captured championships in several CYO<br />
sports. Our Lady of Good Counsel has<br />
a school partnership with a junior high in<br />
Nanjing, China.<br />
Our Lady of the Lakes<br />
Elementary, Middle and High School<br />
5495 Dixie Highway<br />
Waterford, MI 48329<br />
(248) 623-0340<br />
ollonline.org<br />
Our Lady of the Lakes Parish School is the<br />
only K-12 Catholic School on one campus<br />
in Oakland County. Founded in 1956,<br />
the school serves more than 650 co-ed<br />
students and touts itself as an affordable<br />
option. The school offers up a foreign<br />
exchange student program and a drama<br />
club. Students can earn extra credit by<br />
working in the office or library. The college<br />
preparatory curriculum includes seven AP<br />
classes.<br />
Our Lady of Refuge<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
3750 Commerce Road<br />
Orchard Lake, MI 48324<br />
(248) 682-3422<br />
Olr-School.net<br />
Our Lady of Refuge offers a Christcentered<br />
education for students from pre-K<br />
(3-5 year olds) through eighth grade. It<br />
offers a fully accredited core curriculum<br />
complemented by classes in Spanish,<br />
music, art, computer skills and physical<br />
education, as well as a wide range of<br />
sports and school activities. Before- and<br />
after-school programs are available to meet<br />
the needs of working parents.<br />
Our Lady Star of the Sea<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
467 Fairford Road<br />
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236<br />
(313) 884-1070<br />
StarSchoolGrossePointe.org<br />
Star of the Sea offers a wide range of<br />
academic and elective programs for<br />
preschool through eighth grade. Among<br />
its amenities are a computer lab and<br />
an extensive arts and music program.<br />
Students score highly in most IOWA basic<br />
skills tests.<br />
Our Lady of Sorrows<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
24040 Raphael Road<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48336<br />
(248) 476-0977<br />
OLSorrows.com<br />
Our Lady of Sorrows is one of the largest<br />
elementary schools in the Archdiocese of<br />
Detroit. Accredited by the Michigan Non-<br />
Public School Accrediting Association,<br />
it offers preschool, half- and full-day<br />
kindergarten, and grades 1-8. The school<br />
has 33 classroom teachers, six classroom<br />
aides, school counselor, technology<br />
coordinator, media specialist, development<br />
room teacher, and shared-time teachers<br />
and a speech therapist from Farmington<br />
Public Schools.<br />
Our Lady of Victory Catholic School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
132 Orchard Drive<br />
Northville, MI 48167<br />
(248) 349-3610<br />
OLVNorthville.org/school<br />
This co-ed parish school has about 445<br />
students with a maximum classroom size<br />
of 26. On test scores, students perform<br />
well above the national averages and<br />
above the average of other schools in the<br />
Archdiocese of Detroit. Students also<br />
participate in a special CARE project<br />
(Christ’s Arms Reaching Everyone) to<br />
benefit the community. Preschool and afterschool<br />
faith programs are available.<br />
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
32460 Pierce Road<br />
Beverly Hills, MI 48025<br />
(248) 642-2616<br />
OlqmCatholicSchool.org<br />
Accredited by the Michigan Non-Public<br />
Schools Accrediting Association, Our<br />
Lady has a college-prep curriculum from<br />
early childhood programs through grade<br />
eight. OLQM, which dates to 1954,<br />
provides after-school latchkey for working<br />
parents and a student/teacher ratio of<br />
22:1. Competitive and intramural sports<br />
teams are available, as are band, choir and<br />
scouting. Transportation is provided via<br />
Birmingham District buses.<br />
Regina<br />
All-Girls High School<br />
13900 Masonic Boulevard<br />
Warren, MI 48088<br />
(586) 585-0500<br />
ReginaHS.com<br />
Open since 1956, Regina has a number<br />
of endearing traditions for its 463 young<br />
women. It is accredited by the North<br />
Central Association of Colleges and<br />
Secondary Schools and has 38 certified<br />
educators, 70 percent holding master<br />
degrees or beyond. Virtually all graduates<br />
go onto higher learning. Regina is classified<br />
as a Class A School and offers 23 Honors<br />
and nine Advanced Placement classes.<br />
Its brother school, De La Salle, unifies<br />
with Regina to create a well-balanced and<br />
positive environment.<br />
Shrine<br />
Elementary, Middle and High School<br />
3500 W. 13 Mile Road<br />
Royal Oak, MI 48073<br />
(248) 549-2925<br />
ShrineSchools.com<br />
Shrine offers elementary, middle and high<br />
schools and is affiliated with the landmark<br />
Shrine of the Little Flower Church. The<br />
grade school is a Michigan Blue Ribbon<br />
School and has about 600 students. The<br />
attached middle school with about 175<br />
students is known as the Academy. The<br />
co-ed high school has about 275 students,<br />
participates in the Michigan High School<br />
Athletic Association and is a member of<br />
the Catholic High School League. It is also<br />
home to a dynamic International student<br />
base with students from China, South<br />
Korea, Vietnam, and Guatemala.<br />
St. Anne<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
5920 Arden Avenue<br />
Warren, MI 48092<br />
(586) 264-2911<br />
St-Anne.net<br />
Founded in 1949, St. Anne has some 600<br />
students in pre-K through eighth grade. St.<br />
Anne ranks as one of the highest schools<br />
for test scores in the Archdiocese. In<br />
national IOWA testing, the school’s fifth-,<br />
seventh- and eighth-grade students scored<br />
in the top 10 percent, while the second-,<br />
third-, fourth- and sixth-graders were in the<br />
top 15 percent. Enrollment at St. Anne has<br />
increased in recent years.<br />
St. Catherine of Siena Academy<br />
All-Girls High School<br />
28200 Napier Road<br />
Wixom, Michigan 48393<br />
(248) 946-4848<br />
SaintCatherineAcademy.org<br />
Just opened in 2011, St. Catherine of<br />
Siena Academy is the first all-girls Catholic<br />
high school to open in 50 years. The<br />
campus is a 137,000-square-foot facility<br />
constructed on a 33-acre parcel that<br />
includes 27 classrooms and a 400-seat<br />
chapel. St. Catherine’s mission is rooted<br />
in Pope John Paul II’s philosophy of the<br />
“Feminine Genius.” It’s accredited by the<br />
Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting<br />
Association.<br />
St. Clare of Montefalco<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
16231 Charlevoix Street<br />
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230<br />
(313) 647-5000<br />
StClareM.org<br />
This co-ed school is the only private<br />
school in Grosse Pointe Park. St. Clare of<br />
Montefalco is part of the National Catholic<br />
Educational Association. The school has<br />
a 15:1 student/teacher ratio in preschool<br />
through eighth grade. A large number<br />
of extracurricular activities and special<br />
programs are offered.<br />
St. Edith Catholic School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
15089 Newburgh Road<br />
Livonia, MI 48154<br />
(734) 464-1250<br />
StEdithSchool.com<br />
This co-ed school of about 178 students<br />
focuses on stressing responsibility and<br />
independence to prepare students for<br />
junior high and high school. Extracurricular<br />
activities include weekly music classes,<br />
choir and scouting. The school also<br />
participates in the Livonia Share Time<br />
Program where teachers specializing in<br />
certain subjects teach on site.<br />
St. Fabian<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
32200 W. 12 Mile Road<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48334<br />
(248) 553-4610<br />
StFabian.org<br />
St. Fabian, a Chaldean community favorite,<br />
offers preschool through eighth grade for<br />
some 385 students. Most teachers have or<br />
are getting their master’s degree and meet<br />
or exceed the Michigan Department of<br />
Education standards. Paraprofessionals are<br />
utilized in kindergarten through third grade,<br />
and students in all grades participate in at<br />
least one “special” class per day. Students<br />
learn Spanish starting in kindergarten. The<br />
school offers a wide variety of CYO and<br />
intramural sports.<br />
Continued on page 32<br />
32 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 33
ack to SCHOOL <strong>2020</strong>-2021<br />
Continued from page 30<br />
St. Hugo of the Hills<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
380 E. Hickory Grove Road<br />
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304<br />
(248) 642-6131 <br />
StHugoSchool.org<br />
Operated by the Sister Servants of the<br />
Immaculate Heart of Mary and located<br />
on 30 acres, St. Hugo is a Blue Ribbon<br />
Exemplary School with a student population<br />
of about 565. Students typically score in<br />
the top 10 percent in math and reading<br />
tests. Extracurricular activities range<br />
from band to scouting to the National<br />
Geographic Bee.<br />
St. Isaac Jogues<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
21100 Madison Street<br />
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081<br />
(586) 771-3525<br />
StIsaacJoguesSchool.org<br />
Established in 1956, St. Isaac Jogues has<br />
a population of about 300 students. Special<br />
clubs include choir, drama, forensics and<br />
yearbook. The school also offers preschool<br />
for 3- and 4-year-olds and extended<br />
daycare.<br />
St. Joseph<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
715 N. Lapeer Road<br />
Lake Orion, MI 48362<br />
(248) 693-6215<br />
StJosephLakeOrion.org<br />
Named an innovative model for other<br />
faith-based schools, St. Joseph, which<br />
dates to 1952, has more than 330 students<br />
in grades pre-K through eight. Through<br />
the years, the school has doubled the<br />
number of classrooms and added a media<br />
center, computer lab, science lab, fine arts<br />
labs, extended care and state-of-the-art<br />
technology.<br />
St. Lawrence<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
44429 Utica Road<br />
Utica, MI 48317<br />
(586) 731-0135<br />
StLawrenceParish.com<br />
Established in 1931, St. Lawrence has<br />
students in pre-K through eighth grades.<br />
The school is accredited by the National<br />
Catholic Educational Association. The<br />
Mustangs play a number of sports,<br />
including lacrosse, and before- and afterschool<br />
latchkey is offered. The Varsity<br />
Cheerleading Team won the winter CYO<br />
championship in 2016.<br />
St. Mary<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
2 Union Street<br />
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043<br />
(586) 468-4570<br />
StMaryMtClemens.com<br />
St. Mary’s has been a pillar of Macomb<br />
County since 1871 by continuing their<br />
commitment to serving the community<br />
with faith-filled education for children from<br />
preschool through eighth grade. The school<br />
is accredited through the Michigan Non-<br />
Public School Accrediting Association and<br />
is a designated Michigan Green School.<br />
Music, hands-on science, art, Spanish and<br />
computers are part of the core curriculum.<br />
Activities include children’s choir,<br />
newspaper, national junior’s honors society,<br />
children’s ministry and student council.<br />
St. Mary’s Catholic School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
628 S. Lafayette<br />
Royal Oak, MI 48067<br />
(248) 545-2140<br />
StMaryRoyalOak.org<br />
A member of Michigan Green Schools,<br />
St. Mary’s Royal Oak is accredited by the<br />
Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting<br />
Association. Most of the 220 students<br />
are parishioners at St. Mary. The school<br />
dates back to 1916 and offers a variety of<br />
athletics. St. Mary also has 117 preschool<br />
students.<br />
St. Mary’s Preparatory<br />
All-Boys High School<br />
3535 Commerce Rd.<br />
Orchard Lake, MI 48324<br />
(248) 683-0530<br />
StMarysPrep.com<br />
St. Mary’s has a day program and boarding<br />
school for young men. Dating to 1885, its<br />
115-acre campus has been designated<br />
a Michigan Historical Site and placed on<br />
the National Register of Historic Places.<br />
It is accredited by the State of Michigan<br />
Department of Education and nearly 100<br />
percent of graduates go onto college.<br />
St Michael’s Catholic School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
11311 Hubbard Street<br />
Livonia, MI 48150<br />
(734) 261-1455<br />
LivoniaStMichael.org<br />
St. Michael’s received the “School of<br />
Distinction” award by the Michigan<br />
Association of Non-Public Schools<br />
for exceeding standards and effective<br />
school improvement in both 2008 and<br />
2011. The co-ed school is aligned with<br />
Michigan state standards. Students are<br />
strongly encouraged to enter at least one<br />
enrichment program such as art, band or<br />
drama.<br />
St. Patrick<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
9040 Hutchins Road<br />
White Lake, MI 48386<br />
(248) 698-3240<br />
StPatrickSchoolWhiteLake.org<br />
St. Patrick has been open since 1957.<br />
Advanced programs are an integral part<br />
of the regular curriculum to help students<br />
get ahead in their studies. Scouting, ski,<br />
drama and chess are among the many club<br />
offerings. It’s accredited by the Michigan<br />
Non-Public School Accrediting Association.<br />
St. Paul on the Lake<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
170 Grosse Pointe Boulevard<br />
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236<br />
(313) 885-3430<br />
StPaulOnTheLake.com<br />
A designated Blue Ribbon School, St.<br />
Paul has roots back to 1887. Students<br />
can choose from a wide variety of<br />
extracurricular activities including scouting,<br />
foreign language, gymnastics and choir.<br />
Eighth-graders typically score four years<br />
above their grade level on national tests<br />
and take advanced placement classes in<br />
high school.<br />
St. Regis<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
3691 Lincoln Road<br />
Bloomfield Township, MI 48301<br />
(248) 724-3377<br />
StRegis.org<br />
Established in 1959, St. Regis focuses on<br />
faith, high academic standards, leadership<br />
and service. For working parents, it offers<br />
an extended care club, as well as afterschool<br />
enrichment programs. St. Regis<br />
is accredited by Michigan Non-Public<br />
School Accrediting Association. Services<br />
like remedial reading and speech therapy<br />
are offered through Birmingham Public<br />
Schools. The church is newly restored.<br />
St. Thecla Elementary School<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
20762 South Nunneley Road<br />
Clinton Twp., MI 48035<br />
(586) 791-2170<br />
StThecla.com/school<br />
St. Thecla was founded in 1960 and<br />
offers preschool through eighth grades.<br />
The school participates in the Scrip<br />
Corner program, which helps families<br />
earn credit towards their child’s tuition.<br />
Students enjoy a new media center and<br />
many extracurricular programs such as<br />
Spanish, music and CYO sports including<br />
soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball,<br />
softball, bowling and cheerleading. The<br />
Little Disciples Program is for tots ages 18<br />
months to 3 years.<br />
St. Valentine<br />
Kindergarten through Ninth Grade<br />
25875 Hope Street<br />
Redford, MI 48239<br />
(313) 533-7149<br />
StValentineSchool.com<br />
St. Valentine is a Michigan Green School<br />
dedicated to achieving environmental<br />
goals. The school participates in several<br />
CYO sports. It also offers a computer<br />
lab, the Accelerated Reader program, a<br />
latchkey after-school program and scouting.<br />
Currently it serves about 175 students. All<br />
curriculum objectives meet the Michigan<br />
state standard.<br />
St. William<br />
Elementary and Middle School<br />
135 O’Flaherty<br />
Walled Lake, MI 48390<br />
(248) 669-4440<br />
StWilliam-School.com<br />
With 200 students, St. Williams excels in<br />
competitions such as the spelling bee and<br />
the Science Olympiad. Advanced math is<br />
available for students in grades 5-8. The<br />
school has earned full accreditation by<br />
the Michigan Association of Non-Public<br />
Schools. It also offers a junior kindergarten<br />
program.<br />
University of Detroit Jesuit High School<br />
All-Boys Middle and High School<br />
8400 South Cambridge Avenue<br />
Detroit, MI 48221<br />
(313) 862-5400<br />
UofDJesuit.org<br />
Founded in 1877 as Detroit College,<br />
U of D Jesuit is the oldest continuously<br />
functioning secondary school in Detroit and<br />
oldest college-prep Catholic high school<br />
in the city. The high school has about<br />
750 students and the Academy has more<br />
than 150 seventh- and eighth-graders.<br />
The school has more National Merit and<br />
National Achievement semi-finalists than<br />
any other Catholic school in the state.<br />
Public Schools of Choice<br />
The State School Aid Act of 1979 in<br />
Michigan allows schools to enroll nonresident<br />
students if there is room and the<br />
district is willing. Commonly known as<br />
Schools of Choice, it is a recruitment tool<br />
that more and more districts are using to<br />
boost their numbers – and funding. Schools<br />
of Choice have helped a lot of districts<br />
educate children who might have otherwise<br />
had a poor education in their failing schools<br />
and dangerous neighborhoods. SOC<br />
students bring their state per-pupil funding<br />
with them to their school, while their<br />
resident district loses those dollars. It has<br />
been a controversial topic in many school<br />
districts in Metro Detroit and different<br />
districts vary their allowance based on<br />
enrollment of resident students.<br />
Here are some Schools of Choice with<br />
large Chaldean student populations, based<br />
on teacher estimates.<br />
Avondale School District<br />
2940 Waukegan Street<br />
Auburn Hills, MI 48326<br />
(248) 537-6000<br />
Avondale.K12.mi.us<br />
Avondale has nine schools covering<br />
elementary through high school with<br />
students from Troy, Auburn Hills, Bloomfield<br />
and Rochester Hills. The Avondale/Oakland<br />
University Partnership was established in<br />
2013 where OU teaching students explore<br />
methods and models at Auburn Elementary<br />
and medical students teach kids about<br />
wellness. The district also offers early<br />
learning centers for 3-5 year olds. The<br />
schools offer a full roster of extracurricular<br />
activities.<br />
Farmington Public Schools<br />
32500 Shiawassee<br />
Farmington, MI 48336<br />
(248) 489-3349<br />
Farmington.K12.mi.us<br />
Farmington Schools have numerous points<br />
of pride, including Blue Ribbon schools<br />
and consistent winning titles in athletics<br />
and music. Their rigorous curriculum<br />
has earned several honors, and they are<br />
very dedicated to their diverse student<br />
body, establishing Welcome Centers for<br />
newcomers, going-green initiatives, and<br />
International Baccalaureate programs.<br />
Continued on page 35<br />
34 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
A Co-Divisional Catholic High School<br />
OUR MESSAGE<br />
IS CLEAR<br />
God<br />
Family<br />
St. Mary's<br />
www.stmarysprep.com<br />
admissions@stmarysprep.com<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 35
chaldeans AROUND THE WORLD<br />
Chaldeans in Canada<br />
BY ADHID MIRI, PHD<br />
The steady immigration of<br />
Chaldeans from northern Iraq<br />
to the United States and Canada<br />
started at the beginning of the last<br />
century. The early pioneers left their<br />
villages and took unchartered voyages<br />
to distant countries, ports and seas<br />
armed with little more than courage<br />
and faith. Few official documents are<br />
available to support their stories and<br />
much of what we know comes from<br />
family members and elders.<br />
The first Chaldean pioneers came<br />
from the village of Tel-Keppe, what<br />
was then part of Ottoman Turkey,<br />
reaching the New World around<br />
the beginning of the last century.<br />
We have documentation for Akko<br />
Qarana (Brazil), Jajjo Hajji (South<br />
America), Petto Goryoka (Mexico),<br />
Makhola Qashat (Mexico), and<br />
Yousif Shammam (North America -<br />
Canada).<br />
Yousif Shammam left Iraq for<br />
Egypt, ending up in Fort William,<br />
Canada in 1899. Shammam is considered<br />
by many to be the first pioneer.<br />
A handful of years later, in July<br />
1905, a United States government<br />
‘declaration of intention’ document<br />
shows that George Binno, born in<br />
Tel-Keppe in 1878, arrived in New<br />
York via Havre, France.<br />
Many Chaldeans came to Canada<br />
and the Detroit area from Tel-Keppe,<br />
establishing themselves and sending<br />
for their families. This type of ‘chain<br />
immigration’ also occurred between<br />
Canada and Michigan. Hanna Sarraya<br />
went first to Fort William, Canada in<br />
1913, moving to Detroit in 1920 with a<br />
priest named Father Faranso Dabbish.<br />
Between 1910 and 1912, a few adventurous<br />
immigrants (we count 23)<br />
traveled to Detroit and Canada but<br />
returned after a short stay. By 1913-<br />
1914 there were 41 documented<br />
Chaldeans living in Canada. Some<br />
were from the village of Tel-Keppe,<br />
such as Jameel Qashat (1914), some<br />
were from Mosul and one man (name<br />
unknown) from Baqofa.<br />
Born in 1883, Jameel Qashat is<br />
the hero of a dramatic pioneering<br />
story. He became an officer of the<br />
Ottoman Army at age 20, witnessing<br />
Turkish calamities against Christians<br />
and Armenians. Soon after his army<br />
discharge, he decided to leave Iraq<br />
and join his maternal uncle, Yousif<br />
Shammam, who was living in Fort-<br />
William, Canada.<br />
In 1914, Qashat started his journey<br />
on foot from Mosul, Nineveh to<br />
Beirut, Lebanon. He traveled with<br />
a 2,000-person caravan, all seeking<br />
to escape Ottoman persecution.<br />
This first step of the journey took 3<br />
months. In Beirut, Qashat met up<br />
with a British sailing ship that carried<br />
him to the port of Marseille,<br />
France. There he caught a sail on a<br />
French vessel traveling to Canada.<br />
The French commercial ship was<br />
in the Mid-Atlantic when World<br />
War I erupted on August 28, 1914.<br />
It was vulnerable and defenseless<br />
and worse yet, orders were received<br />
from the French government to sink<br />
the commercial ship in the event of<br />
a German attack. Luckily, the ship<br />
escaped that fate and Qashat landed<br />
safely in Canada just before Christmas<br />
in 1914.<br />
During his first year, he stayed<br />
and worked with his uncle, Yousif<br />
Shammam, selling goods, portables,<br />
clothes and accessories. Qashat<br />
worked hard and saved his money,<br />
one foot planted in his new land but<br />
one foot still in Mesopotamia, “the<br />
land between two rivers.”<br />
News of Turkish massacres in Qashat’s<br />
homeland and letters from his<br />
family members prompted him to<br />
travel back to the land of his birth.<br />
His return journey in 1921 was more<br />
dramatic: crossing two oceans, landing<br />
in Beirut, through the Suez Canal,<br />
Egypt, along the Red Sea, around the<br />
Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Ocean,<br />
to the port of Basra, Iraq.<br />
Qashat settled in Baghdad, got<br />
married and worked for the British in<br />
their new camps. In another pioneering<br />
move, he was among the first to<br />
open a hotel in Baghdad’s famous Al-<br />
Rasheed Street. He named it Qasr Al-<br />
Sham (Syria Palace). With the church<br />
as his second home, the new world became<br />
a distant third and Qashat never<br />
returned to Canada or the USA, despite<br />
his desire to travel back. He died<br />
on November 27, 1967 in Baghdad.<br />
After World War II, religious<br />
persecution, the rise of nationalism,<br />
the 1958 Iraqi coup, the rise of<br />
fundamentalism, and the fall of the<br />
Soviet Union all combined to trigger<br />
an emigration of Eastern Christians<br />
from Iraq.<br />
There were fewer than 9,000<br />
Canadian Chaldeans in 2006. By<br />
the time Pope Benedict XVI formed<br />
the Mar Addai Catholic Eparchy<br />
for Canada in 2011 there were<br />
over 13,000. As of 2013, the eparchy<br />
serves 18,886 Catholics. Seven<br />
priests and 40 permanent deacons<br />
preside over eight parishes, which are<br />
located in the provinces of Ontario<br />
and Quebec. In the 2016 census over<br />
46,000 people identified themselves<br />
as Chaldean or Assyrian.<br />
The Chaldean Catholic Eparchy<br />
of Mar Addai of Toronto is<br />
36 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
ack to SCHOOL <strong>2020</strong>-2021<br />
Continued from page 32<br />
The Canadian passport of Jameel Qashat<br />
Hazel Park Schools<br />
1620 E. Elza<br />
Hazel Park, MI 48030<br />
(248) 658-5200<br />
Hazelparkschools.org<br />
Hazel Park has several schools throughout<br />
the small district, ranging from the typical<br />
high school and elementary schools<br />
to alternative education and vocational<br />
programs. Hazel Park Schools has<br />
enhanced the learning experience with the<br />
use of technology, giving each student their<br />
own Chromebook. In recent years, the<br />
district has also implemented the Promise<br />
Zone, providing scholarship dollars to<br />
provide an associate’s degree or its<br />
equivalent at Oakland Community College.<br />
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools<br />
850 Ladd Road<br />
Walled Lake, MI 48390<br />
(248) 956-2000<br />
wlcsd.org<br />
Walled Lake, one of the largest school<br />
districts in the state, has shown significant<br />
gains in Michigan Educational Assessment<br />
Program (MEAP) and Michigan Merit Exam<br />
(MME) scores, as well as AP enrollment<br />
in the high schools. They continuously<br />
implement state-of-the-art technology<br />
in their instruction and offer a variety of<br />
enrichment programs and community-wide<br />
initiatives. Like West Bloomfield, it is very<br />
diverse and all three of their high schools<br />
have been ranked in Newsweek’s list of<br />
advantageous schools.<br />
the sole eparchy (Eastern Catholic<br />
diocese) of the Chaldean Catholic<br />
Church (Syro-Oriental Rite)<br />
in Canada. It depends directly on<br />
the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch<br />
of Babylon, without being part of<br />
any ecclesiastical province. Its cathedral<br />
is the Cathedral of the Good<br />
Shepherd, in North York, near Toronto,<br />
in Ontario.<br />
The Most Reverend Bawai Soro<br />
was installed as the third Eparchial<br />
Bishop of the Chaldeans in Canada<br />
at Good Shepherd Chaldean Cathedral,<br />
North York, Ontario, on 29<br />
November 2017. His Beatitude Mar<br />
Louis Raphaël I Sako, Chaldean Patriarch<br />
of Babylon, presided.<br />
According to Bishop Soro, 60-80%<br />
of Chaldeans now live outside their<br />
historical territories. “We are already<br />
a Western Church. We really don’t<br />
know what we are now.” Since the<br />
American invasion of Iraq in 2003<br />
about one million Iraqi Christians,<br />
most of them Chaldean, have left Iraq.<br />
As the new bishop to a Canadian<br />
Church which has grown in recent<br />
years because of the Christian refugees<br />
fleeing ISIS in Iraq and Syria,<br />
the connections Soro hopes to make<br />
are complex spiritually, culturally<br />
and politically.<br />
It’s a task the 63-year-old Iraqiborn<br />
priest is ready to tackle as he<br />
takes charge of the Chaldean Eparchy<br />
of Mar Addai of Toronto. Established<br />
in 2011, it is the only Chaldean diocese<br />
in Canada, serving an estimated<br />
40,000 Chaldean Catholics.<br />
On the run from misguided attempts<br />
by ISIS to return to the age<br />
of empires, the Chaldeans must now<br />
embrace a whole new perspective on<br />
life in Canada. St. Peter’s Chaldean<br />
Catholic Church pastor Fr. Niaz<br />
Toma in Oakville appreciates the<br />
challenge his new boss faces bridging<br />
the gaps between generations,<br />
between new arrivals and established<br />
Chaldean-Canadians, between the<br />
families that have adjusted well and<br />
those that still struggle.<br />
Many of the conservatives are<br />
to be found right here in Canada in<br />
the established immigrant Church.<br />
The innovators are either in Iraq or<br />
among the new arrivals — people<br />
who have witnessed not just war but<br />
enormous cultural upheaval. They<br />
demand a liturgy and a Christianity<br />
that responds to their reality.<br />
That’s not so easy for older immigrants<br />
who have sacrificed so much<br />
to start over in Canada. They begin<br />
growing in a new environment, totally<br />
alien to them. What’s the only<br />
thing, however, that they continue<br />
to hold? It’s their liturgy. They cling<br />
to it. Bishops are there to care for the<br />
people whose passions and problems,<br />
whose families and traditions, are engaged<br />
in the liturgy.<br />
“We have started to have second<br />
and third-generation Chaldeans in<br />
Canada, where they are Chaldean,<br />
but they seem to be very different<br />
from the Chaldeans who are just arriving<br />
in Canada,” says Bishop Soro.<br />
Certainly, Soro is aware of their<br />
pride and heritage. But he also wants<br />
Canada’s Chaldeans to be anything<br />
but frozen in time. “We are engaged<br />
in preparing a new generation of<br />
clergy who understand the rising<br />
mentality, who understand Canada,<br />
who are native to the English expression<br />
and tongue,” he said. “The<br />
Chaldean Church in Canada needs<br />
people who are native to this culture,<br />
to this language, so they can properly<br />
serve it.”<br />
Lamphere Schools<br />
31201 Dorchester<br />
Madison Heights, MI 48071<br />
(248) 589-1990<br />
Lamphereschools.org<br />
Lamphere is one of Madison Height’s two<br />
districts. The district has enhanced its<br />
instruction with the use of technology and<br />
has added a Mandarin Chinese Immersion<br />
program beginning in preschool. They have<br />
renovated all of their buildings and align<br />
their curriculum with the state’s common<br />
core standards. They encourage athletics,<br />
the arts and community involvement.<br />
Madison District Public Schools<br />
26524 John R. Rd.<br />
Madison Heights, MI 48071<br />
(248) 399-7800<br />
MadisonSchools.K12.Mi.Us<br />
This small district offers challenging<br />
academics and a nurturing environment.<br />
They provide state-of-the-art technology,<br />
bilingual programs, and specialized math<br />
and reading programs. Student leadership<br />
and involvement is much encouraged, as<br />
is the appreciation for cultural differences.<br />
They also offer an alternative school and<br />
a “virtual academy” in which students can<br />
take online courses. Madison accepts<br />
students from Oakland, Macomb and<br />
Wayne counties.<br />
Troy School District<br />
4400 Livernois Road.<br />
Troy, MI 48098<br />
(248) 823-4000<br />
Troy.K12.Mi.Us<br />
Troy supports a quality education with<br />
enrichment programs that foster an<br />
appreciation for learning, diversity and<br />
mutual respect. They offer a complete<br />
K-12 IB program and all schools have<br />
received the Blue Ribbon Award. They also<br />
previously received an A+ rating from the<br />
Detroit News.<br />
Warren Consolidated Schools<br />
31300 Anita Drive<br />
Warren, MI 48093<br />
(888) 492-7543<br />
wcs.K12.Mi.Us<br />
More than 52 languages are spoken at<br />
home by students of Warren Schools’<br />
diverse population. Warren is committed<br />
to using technology and providing a wide<br />
range of opportunities for its multicultural<br />
student body. It offers a strong curriculum<br />
in a friendly atmosphere supported by the<br />
local community. Sterling Heights High<br />
School has been named among the best in<br />
the nation by U.S. News & World Report.<br />
West Bloomfield School District<br />
5810 Commerce Road<br />
West Bloomfield, MI 48324<br />
(248) 865.6480<br />
wbsd.org<br />
West Bloomfield is a very diverse district<br />
that boasts rigorous academics, engaging<br />
programs and a 95 percent graduation<br />
rate. West Bloomfield High School, ranked<br />
in the top 6 percent of Newsweek’s<br />
most desirable schools, offers the most<br />
Advanced Placement (AP) classes than any<br />
other high school in Oakland County. There<br />
are more than 5,500 students enrolled<br />
in the schools, which have achieved<br />
Evergreen status through the students’<br />
aggressive attitude to being energy<br />
conserving.<br />
Utica Community Schools<br />
11303 Greendale<br />
Sterling Heights, MI 48312<br />
(586) 797-1000<br />
UticaK12.org<br />
Utica’s commitment to students can be<br />
found in their motto, “Every child achieves.”<br />
They have implemented a first-class<br />
curriculum and a culture in which students<br />
aspire to accomplish their goals. They<br />
have 28 Blue Ribbon schools and their<br />
students have the highest MEAP, MME and<br />
American College Testing (ACT) scores in<br />
Macomb County.<br />
<strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 37
DOCTOR is in<br />
Death of the Handshake<br />
With the world<br />
still reeling from<br />
the impact of<br />
the COVID-19 pandemic,<br />
many are struggling to understand<br />
how the “new<br />
normal” will redefine their<br />
daily lives. While political<br />
views have infiltrated and<br />
polarized the minds of the<br />
masses, we must begin to<br />
take reasonable and meaningful<br />
steps forward in this<br />
new era. One question I am<br />
frequently asked is, how do we protect<br />
ourselves and our families without<br />
any real or effective cures or preventions<br />
for COVID-19? The term<br />
‘social distancing’ is now familiar in<br />
every household across the country.<br />
But what does this mean for Americans<br />
moving forward?<br />
Are we living through the death of<br />
the handshake? Can we ever hug our<br />
friends or family again without worrying<br />
for the following two weeks about<br />
being exposed to a potentially lethal<br />
virus? Are Americans to completely<br />
part ways with our traditional social<br />
and professional greetings and exchanges<br />
of affection? All particularly<br />
important questions with likely significant<br />
impact on our interpersonal<br />
relationships and cultural traditions.<br />
With recent and abrupt resurgence<br />
in COVID-19 cases across<br />
America, many have serious concerns<br />
about the direction our local<br />
and national governments have given<br />
on ‘opening-up’ society. In many<br />
cases, those directions from different<br />
government agencies conflict with<br />
one another and leave everyone feeling<br />
confused on how to move on with<br />
their lives. One’s political orientation<br />
now seems to dictate how safe<br />
they choose to be and how seriously<br />
they take COVID-19 in general.<br />
This has to stop. We must, as a<br />
community, rise above this. It is ridiculous<br />
that Republicans and Democrats<br />
approach COVID differently.<br />
We must see beyond the politics of<br />
this matter in order to keep ourselves<br />
and everyone around us safe.<br />
The term ‘social distancing’ is defined<br />
by the CDC as: keeping a safe<br />
space between yourself and other<br />
people who are not from your household.<br />
This concept has scientific<br />
NICHOLAS M.<br />
YELDO, MD<br />
SPECIAL TO THE<br />
CHALDEAN NEWS<br />
merit because viruses like<br />
COVID-19 spread mainly<br />
among people who are in<br />
close contact (within about<br />
6 feet) for a prolonged period.<br />
Spread happens when<br />
an infected person coughs,<br />
sneezes, talks loudly, or sings<br />
(think the typical Chaldean<br />
wedding) and droplets<br />
from their mouth or nose<br />
are launched into the air<br />
and land in the mouths or<br />
noses of people nearby. The<br />
droplets can also be inhaled into the<br />
lungs.<br />
Recent studies indicate that<br />
people who are infected but do not<br />
have symptoms likely play a role in<br />
the spread of COVID-19. Since people<br />
can spread the virus before they<br />
know they are sick, it is important<br />
to stay at least 6 feet away from others<br />
when possible, even if you—or<br />
they—do not have any symptoms.<br />
Social distancing is especially important<br />
for people who are at higher<br />
risk for severe illness from COV-<br />
ID-19. Recent studies have shown<br />
that COVID-19 can live on surfaces<br />
for hours or days depending on environmental<br />
conditions and may be<br />
spread when someone touches a contaminated<br />
surface and then touches<br />
their face, mouth or nose, but this<br />
has been shown not to be a major<br />
route of spread of the virus. Regardless,<br />
distancing limits opportunities<br />
to come in contact with contaminated<br />
surfaces and infected people<br />
outside the home.<br />
The greatest danger to our society<br />
is to simply ignore the existence of<br />
this virus. As restrictions were eased<br />
in Michigan, we saw beaches, bars<br />
and restaurants and other social gatherings<br />
flooded with people who clearly<br />
did not take safety very seriously,<br />
with subsequent rises in COVID1-19<br />
cases. Now weeks later, we are seeing<br />
rises in hospitalizations and ICU<br />
admissions due to COVID-19. We<br />
must be more careful than this. All<br />
of us want to go back to our normal<br />
lives but doing so without any regard<br />
for the dangers of this virus is reckless<br />
and irresponsible. The following list<br />
outlines some basic tips for moving<br />
forward safely in the COVID-19 era.<br />
Wear a cloth covering over your<br />
face – I am a Critical Care Doctor and<br />
a Cardiac Anesthesiologist. I wear a<br />
mask nearly every single day for up<br />
to 20 hours at a time with no consequences.<br />
Wearing a mask does not<br />
compromise your oxygen supply or<br />
increase your carbon dioxide levels.<br />
Masks have reduced and continue to<br />
reduce the spread of aerosolized virus<br />
particles and will greatly reduce transmission<br />
when everyone wears them.<br />
This won’t last forever. It is a temporary<br />
solution to limit viral spread.<br />
This is not a new concept across the<br />
world. Please, wear your mask!<br />
Wash your hands constantly –<br />
Remember, 20 seconds of soaping<br />
your entire hand surfaces and then<br />
10 seconds rinse.<br />
Choose safe social activities - It<br />
is possible to stay socially connected<br />
with friends and family who don’t<br />
live in your home by calling, using<br />
video chat, or staying connected<br />
through social media. If meeting others<br />
in person (e.g., at small outdoor<br />
gatherings, yard or driveway gathering<br />
with a small group of friends or<br />
family members), stay at least 6 feet<br />
from others who are not from your<br />
household.<br />
Keep distance at events and gatherings<br />
- It is safest to avoid crowded<br />
places and gatherings where it may<br />
be difficult to stay at least 6 feet away<br />
from others who are not from your<br />
household. If you are in a crowded<br />
space, try to keep 6 feet of space between<br />
yourself and others at all times,<br />
and wear a cloth face covering. Try<br />
to avoid handshakes for now. If we<br />
can get past this pandemic together,<br />
those practices will return.<br />
Having worked in a COVID-19<br />
ICU taking care of up to 16 COV-<br />
ID-19 patients at a time for weeks on<br />
end, I stayed completely safe by wearing<br />
my mask at all times. If I was able<br />
to do this while standing in the faces<br />
of these patients, intubating them<br />
and performing procedures on them,<br />
then everyone can stay safe by following<br />
the above guidelines. We are at a<br />
critical point in time and I can promise<br />
everyone one thing, ignoring this<br />
virus and living life as usual will not<br />
help us get back to normal. With a<br />
little effort practicing the above tips,<br />
we can beat this virus and keep our<br />
community safe. It’s time to put aside<br />
our differences of opinion and work<br />
together, guided by science, to make<br />
our world a safer place.<br />
Nicholas S. Yeldo, MD is a doctor<br />
of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology,<br />
Critical Care Medicine, Director<br />
of Educational Programs, Program<br />
Director - Anesthesiology Residency,<br />
Department of Anesthesiology,<br />
Perioperative, and Pain Medicine<br />
at Henry Ford Hospital System and<br />
a Clinical Assistant Professor of<br />
Anesthesiology and Critical Care at<br />
Wayne State University School of<br />
Medicine.<br />
38 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
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586-573-6880<br />
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Suite 225<br />
Troy, MI 48084<br />
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Each office is independently<br />
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CHALDEAN<br />
AMERICAN<br />
CHAMBER OF<br />
COMMERCE<br />
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY<br />
FOUNDATION<br />
Jaguar Land Rover Troy<br />
Sammi A. Naoum<br />
1815 Maplelawn Drive<br />
Troy, MI 48084<br />
TEL 248-643-6900<br />
MOBILE 248-219-5525<br />
snaoum@suburbancollection.com<br />
ELIAS KATTOULA<br />
CAREER SERVICES MANAGER<br />
3601 15 Mile Road<br />
Sterling Heights, MI 48310<br />
TEL: (586) 722-7253<br />
FAX: (586) 722-7257<br />
elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
CHALDEAN<br />
AMERICAN<br />
CHAMBER OF<br />
COMMERCE<br />
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY<br />
FOUNDATION<br />
SANA NAVARRETTE<br />
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT<br />
30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48334<br />
CELL (248) 925-7773<br />
TEL (248) 851-1200<br />
FAX (248) 851-1348<br />
snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com<br />
www.chaldeanchamber.com<br />
www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
SANA NAVARRETTE<br />
MEMBERSHIP MANAGER<br />
30850 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SUITE 200<br />
BINGHAM FARMS, MI 48025<br />
TEL: (248) 996-8340 CELL: (248) 925-7773<br />
FAX: (248) 996-8342<br />
snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com<br />
www.chaldeanchamber.com<br />
www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
Twitter: @ChaldeanChamber<br />
Instagram: @ChaldeanAmericanChamber
event<br />
Our Fathers<br />
PHOTOS BY CHALDEAN DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS<br />
A happy congregation welcomed our<br />
new priests, Father Marcus Shammami<br />
and Father Kevin Yono, ordained over<br />
the Fourth of July weekend.<br />
2<br />
4 5 6<br />
7<br />
3<br />
8<br />
1. Our new priests<br />
pose for a group photo<br />
with Msgr. Todd J. Lajiness,<br />
rector of Sacred<br />
Heart Major Seminary,<br />
Most Reverend Francis<br />
Kalabat, bishop of the<br />
Chaldean diocese, and<br />
fellow clergy and seminarians.<br />
2. Chaldean seminarians<br />
Yousif Habeeb<br />
(left), Sebastian Adam<br />
(middle), and Joseph<br />
Nannoshi (right) leading<br />
the ordination ceremony<br />
procession.<br />
3. Bishop Francis Kalabat<br />
vesting Fr. Marcus Shammami<br />
with his cope during<br />
the Rite of Ordination<br />
to the Priesthood<br />
ceremony.<br />
4. Newly ordained priests<br />
Fr. Kevin Yono (left)<br />
and Fr. Marcus Shammami<br />
(right) behind Most<br />
Reverend Gabriel Kassab,<br />
Bishop (retired).<br />
5. Fr. Kevin Yono greets<br />
his family after his ordination<br />
to the priesthood.<br />
6. Fr. Fawaz Kako (left),<br />
pastor of St. George<br />
Chaldean Church, Fr. Fadi<br />
Philip (middle), pastor of<br />
Our Lady of Perpetual Help<br />
Chaldean Church, and Fr.<br />
Bashar Sitto (right), pastor<br />
of St. Thomas Chaldean<br />
Church.<br />
7. Fr. Perrin Atisha (left),<br />
parochial vicar at St.<br />
George Chaldean Church<br />
with Fr. Fadie Gorgies<br />
(right), parochial vicar<br />
at St. Joseph Chaldean<br />
Church.<br />
8. Fr. Ayad Hanna (left),<br />
pastor of Mart Mariam<br />
Chaldean Church, Fr.<br />
Manuel Boji (middle),<br />
pastor of Holy Martyrs<br />
Chaldean Church, and Fr.<br />
Matthew Zetouna (right),<br />
parochial vicar of Mart<br />
Mariam Chaldean Church.<br />
40 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY<br />
FOUNDATION<br />
Help<br />
Wanted?<br />
As our Nation plans<br />
to rebuild after this<br />
unprecedented time,<br />
please consider<br />
investing in one of our<br />
many new Americans.<br />
HOW WE HELP:<br />
The Career Services Team<br />
at the Chaldean Community<br />
Foundation offers one-on-one<br />
assistance to help individuals<br />
identify their goals and<br />
develop their careers.<br />
SERVICES INCLUDE:<br />
• Resume Building and Cover Letter Writing<br />
• Job Application Completion<br />
• FAFSA Completion<br />
• Mock Interviews<br />
• Employer Referrals<br />
• Training Opportunities<br />
• Career Fairs<br />
• Access to Transportation via the<br />
Michael J George Chaldean Loan Fund<br />
To inquire about hiring one of our clients and having your business added to our job bank,<br />
please call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
CHALDEAN<br />
AMERICAN<br />
CHAMBER OF<br />
COMMERCE<br />
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 3601 15 MILE ROAD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310 586-722-7253 CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG
event<br />
2<br />
1<br />
1<br />
1 3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
Tee Time<br />
PHOTOS BY DANY ASHAKA, DMA PRODUCTIONS<br />
The 17th Annual Chaldean Community Golf<br />
Outing teed off at Shenandoah Country Club<br />
on July 23. The popular event, a fundraiser<br />
for the Chaldean Community Foundation,<br />
was sold out at the beginning of the year.<br />
1. Left to right: Salim<br />
Gasso, Matthew<br />
Loussia, Chris Abro<br />
and David George<br />
2. Patrick Tomina<br />
(left) and Jim Manna<br />
3. Paul Jonna (left)<br />
and Raad Kello<br />
4. Frank Konja (left)<br />
and Jamal Kalabat<br />
5. Left to right:<br />
Spencer Sandiha,<br />
Stefan Sandiha,<br />
Sylvester Sandiha<br />
and Brian Dabish<br />
6. Getting ready<br />
to tee off<br />
6<br />
42 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>AUGUST</strong> <strong>2020</strong>
هذه هي الحدائق العامة.<br />
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