Achievement. Innovation. Top performing. Community. Responsive. College-bound.
These are some of the many words that parents, teachers, and students use to describe Michigan’s charter schools and the transformative impact they are having on the lives of students. To celebrate National School Choice Week–and how Michigan’s charters keep winning for kids–the National Charter Schools Institute is proud to sponsor the 2016 Charter Schools Essay Contest. This year’s theme is:
“What my charter school means to me.”
The contest is open to students in middle school and high school. We invite each student to tell their story and share what their charter school means to them. Is it a safe place with a great teacher that cares? Is it a special class or program? Is it being prepared for college and life? Whatever it is, we want to know so we can recognize and celebrate our great schools.
Entries are being accepted until April 1 and will be reviewed by a panel of qualified judges. Winners will be announced during National Charter Schools Week, May 2-6, but notified prior.
Prizes will be awarded for the first, second, and third place winners in middle (6-8) and high school (9-12) divisions. First place winners of each division will be invited to Lansing for special recognition during National Charter Schools Week, May 2-6.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners in each division.
[tabs style=”boxed”] [tab title=”Grades 6-8″]
First Prize:
$500, lunch with House Education Chair Amanda Price in Lansing and a plaque.
Second Prize:
$250 and a plaque.
Third Prize:
$100 and a certificate of recognition.
[/tab] [tab title=”Grades 9-12″]
First Prize:
$500, lunch with Senate Education Chairman Phil Pavlov in Lansing and a plaque.
Second Prize:
$250 and a plaque.
Third Prize:
$100 and a certificate of recognition.
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Contest Rules
The 2016 Theme: “What my charter school means to me.”
Word Count:
[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]
Grades 6-8: Minimum of 250 words and maximum of 400 words.
Grades 9-12: Minimum of 450 words and a maximum of 550 words.[/box]
Who Can Enter: The Institute’s essay contest is open to all middle school and high school students in Michigan Charter Schools.
How to Enter: Students interested in entering the contest must submit their essay to the Institute:
[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]By email at:
essaycontest@charterinstitute.org
By mail at:
National Charter Schools Institute
2016 Essay Contest
711 W. Pickard St. Suite M
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858[/box]
All submissions must include: the student’s name, the student’s grade, the teacher’s name, the school’s name, and either a telephone number or email address to contact the winners. All submissions must be typewritten or legibly handwritten. Only one entry per student, please.
Deadline: The deadline for submission is Friday, April 1, 2016. Winning entries will be announced during National Charter Schools Week, May 2-6.
Judging Criteria: Entries will be reviewed by a panel of qualified judges. Winners will be selected based on the originality of their theme (be creative and compelling); how clearly the theme is expressed; and adherence to rules of grammar, punctuation, and style.
Publishing Rights: Entering the contest grants the Institute permission to publish essays in whole or in part, and use winners’ names and photographs to publicize winning entries.
For Questions: Contact Don Cooper at the Institute at (989) 317-3510, essaycontest@charterinstitute.org, or in the contact form below:
Downloadable Flyers:
General Essay Contest Flyer
Essay Contest Flyer: 6-8 Grades
Essay Contest Flyer: 9-12 Grades
Thank you for participating!
This event is now closed for judging. Winners will be announced during National Charter Schools Week, May 2-6!
