Spiders close library, in-person learning returns: Ann Arbor top headlines Feb. 20-25
In-person learning coming to Ann Arbor Public Schools in MarchAnn Arbor Public Schools students will begin returning to the classroom in a hybrid learning format beginning March 25. Washtenaw County prosecutor won’t help ICE deport noncitizensEffective immediately, a person’s immigration status does not matter to the criminal justice system in Washtenaw County. Judge dismisses several claims in Ann Arbor school principal’s lawsuitClaims that an Ann Arbor Public Schools principal’s placement on leave was racially discriminatory have been dismissed from a lawsuit filed against the district and several of its administrators. 71-year-old Ann Arbor Catholic parish expanding with social justice in mindThe St. Francis of Assisi Parish traces its roots in Ann Arbor back to 1950, and it’s grown to become one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the region. ‘We are struggling.’ Owners hope Ann Arbor Restaurant Week brings much-needed businessHeavily discounted meals tend to bring in traffic for Ann Arbor Restaurant Week.
mlive.comU-M undergraduate library reopens after venomous spider scare
Recluse spiders usually stay in mechanical spaces, tunnels and other hideaways. — meredith kahn (@m_kahn) February 22, 2021I'm kinda surprised/amazed/confused that the news of the poisonous spiders in/under the U-M library has gotten so much traction. Recluse spiders live in our basements and garages and gardens? — Rebecca Welzenbach (@Rwelzenb) February 23, 2021According to associate professor of Biological Sciences at U-M Dearborn, Anne Danielson-Francois, Ph.D., Mediterranean recluse spiders are even more reclusive than the feared brown recluse spider. As for the brown recluse spider, she said she has never found one in the field in Southeast Michigan.
3 venomous spiders cause closure of University of Michigan library
ANN ARBOR, MI — The University of Michigan’s Shapiro Undergraduate Library was temporarily closed after venomous spiders were found in the building. Three Mediterranean recluse spiders were found in the library’s basement storage areas in late January, university spokeswoman Kim Broekhuizen said. The spiders were not in any public spaces, Broekhuizen said, and the library was closed on Sunday, Feb. 21, and Monday, Feb. 22. The university consulted with spider experts at Michigan State University and University of Michigan-Dearborn to determine the type of spider found, Broekhuizen said. READ MORE:When a senior citizen’s wife died of COVID, University of Michigan students helped him grieveSTEM at home: University of Michigan alum creates learning kit during pandemicUniversity of Michigan leaders remain optimistic for ‘much more normal’ fall 2021 semester
mlive.comU-M hosting virtual conversation about roles cultural institutions can play in environmental justice
FIL - In this March 21, 2016, file photo the Flint Water Plant water tower is seen in Flint, Mich. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says a proposed $600 million deal between the state of Michigan and Flint residents harmed by lead-tainted water is a step toward making amends. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)ANN ARBOR – The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History and Shapiro Undergraduate Library are hosting a virtual community conversation this month about the role museums, libraries and more can play in supporting environmental justice. The cultural institutions are looking for feedback and insight from people across Southeast Michigan -- a region that has experienced firsthand environmental injustice, from air quality issues in Detroit to the Flint water crisis. Email your original art, poetry, photos, and videos about environmental justice work in libraries and museums to ummnh.envforum@umich.eduLeave us a 60-second voicemail at 313-757-1872.
4 study tips for students stuck at home
Even with the new rules, the library can be a great place for students looking for a quiet place to study. Outdoor study spaces:If the library isnt for you, or if there just arent any spaces when you need them, UofM has also set up outdoor study spaces with tables and wifi. Setting up your own outdoor study space can also allow you to study together with roommates. Zoom study sessions with friends:It may not be ideal, but there are still options for students who like to study in a social group. Getting away from your study space for a bit can help prevent burnout.