Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • Page 3

www.lsj.com Lansing State Journal Saturday, September 1,2007 3A INVESTIGATORS SEEK LINK TO '03 ATTACKS Schools: Grades 3, 8 will be tested again this year WMIIIU.INIIIHjlli.p II Hill II. All II 1 HI I High school scores Raising the bar Local high schools, including Lansing's four campuses, have historically struggled more than elementary and middle schools to meet adequate yearly progress. However, the state plans to release report cards and the adequate yearly progress status for high schools in October. That report is coming later than Friday's elementary and middle school release because of changes related to the Michigan Merit Exam, which juniors took for the first time last spring. Continued From 1A schools earned As or B's with few falling grades.

Educators say the news will help them keep the momentum going into this fall Grades 3 through 8 will be tested again on subject matter learned during the previous school year in October. "It gives you a more positive outlook for the year," said Mar-la Ruonavaara, a second-grade teacher at Lansing's Riddle Elementary School. "But you just can't let up. We've got to do even better every year." It may get tougher More schools across the state more than 93 percent also checked off all required progress measures, based on the percentage of students who took and passed the MEAP tests in 2006-07." However, educators warn more schools could start missing the mark because the annual accountability challenge is about to get tougher. A larger percentage of children including various subgroups must pass Michigan's standardized tests this fall in order to say they've made adequate yearly progress, or AYP, by this time next year.

It's the first "cut score" increase in three years on the path to 100 percent proficiency required by 2014. "Many schools across the state are bordering on just be- Schools must show a certain percentage of their students are proficient in each subject to made adequate yearly progress, or AYP, under the No Child Left Behind law. Those "cut scores," as educators often call them, will increase again when students take the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, or MEAP, tests this fall and remain in place through the 2009-10 school year. Ultimately, No Child Left Behind requires 100 percent of children to be proficient by 2014. Levelsubject '04-'07' 07-10 Elementary Math 56 65 English language arts 48 59 Middle school Math 43 54 English language arts 43 54 Source: Michigan Department of Education "I'd want to know what went into the formula that we're not up to." Waverly schools had a slate of A's and B's and its middle school, deemed deficient last year, made AYP this year.

"We made sure that we were clearly communicating and making sure that all of our subgroups were tested," said Dorothy Blackwell, director of instruction. "We're pleased that we were able to improve." Contact Nicole Geary at 377-1066 or ngearylsj.com. Contact Derek Wallbank at 267-1301 or dwallbanklsj.com. GREG DeRUITERlansmg State Journal Suspect in custody: Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley holds up a photo Friday of the suspect held in custody, Matthew Emmanuel Macon, who they believe is responsible in the homicides of five Lansing women. Suspect: Police say Macon may be charged in '04 death Criminal history ing above" the current expectations, said Lansing schools Chief Academic Officer Julie Lemond, noting 20 to 30 more struggling students would need to reach grade-level proficiency in any one building.

"So it will be a challenge." Lansing doing better Friday's release marked the third straight year that all of Lansing's elementary and middle schools made AYP. However, some Lansing schools still saw their overall performance grade fall from a to a C. Suzanne Maurer, mother of three and president of the parent-teacher organization at Grand Ledge's Neff Elementary School, said she wonders what earning a really means for a school. "I think if the grades were not as high, then I guess I would pay more attention," she said. Composite of suspect in 2007 killings, assault A no-grade rating indicates the school had fewer than 30 students tested By building results The Michigan Department of Education released "adequate yearly progress" report cards Friday for Michigan's public schools.

The release marked the third straight year that all of Lansing's elementary and middle schools made adequate yearly progress, in accordance with the federal No Child Left Behind legislation. See the complete report at www.michigan.govmde. School Name Continued From 1A prudently, in a way that is respectful of the victims' families, as well as constitutional requirements," he said. On Friday, police for the first time said Macon likely will be charged in the December 2004 bludgeoning death of Barbara Jean Turtle, 45, who was found in the same North Washington Avenue house as one of the recent victims. At a news conference, Alley said investigators still are trying to determine if Macon is responsible for several 2003 attacks on the city's west side.

Alley would not provide details about any of the crimes. Police believe Macon killed Ruth Hallman, 76; Deborah Cooke, 36; Debra Renfors, 46; Eichorn; and Karen Delgado-Yates, 41, between July 26 and Tuesday. Investigators also believe he beat and injured a 56-year-old woman Tuesday, but her dog chased him away. Both Renfors and Turtle were found dead in the house at 1017 N. Washington Ave.

His father 4in disbelief Macon had two criminal sexual conduct convictions as a juvenile, said Russ Marian, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Corrections. Macon's father, Jim Henry Macon said he learned Friday that his son, "Chilly," had been arrested. "I'm just in- disbelief," he said. But his father said the sketch of the suspect that was circulated "doesn't look anything like him, so I don't know what to think But you're innocent until proven guilty." The senior Macon said he wouldn't say it was his son based on the sketch, "but if this lady can identify him. I'll just wait and see." "I guess his freedom's in God's hands," his father said.

Matthew Emmanuel Macon has a lengthy criminal history, dating back to 1999. He also has two criminal sexual conduct convictions as a juvenile. March 2000: Pleads guilty to a larceny from a person for an incident that happened in 1999. He is sentenced to one year in jail with credit for 318 days served, according to court records. He also receives three years of probation.

January 2001: Violates probation. August 2001: Sentenced to two to 10 years in prison, with credit for 472 days served. I April 2003: Is paroled after serving two years for the larceny charge. I December 2003: Is sent to prison for violating technical conditions of parole. September 2004: Paroled a second time.

June 2005: Pleads guilty to third-degree home invasion and assaultingresistingobstructing a police officer in connection with a February 2005 incident. Sentenced to 12 months in jail. I May 2006: Sent to prison for violating the conditions of parole. I June 26: Paroled from prison a third time on the larceny charge. Friday: Macon is arraigned on three charges of third-degree home invasion, failure to register as a sex offender and with being an habitual offender.

Sources: Michigan Department of Corrections, tngham County Circuit Court Police have said investigators still are trying to determine if Macon is responsible for the 2003 attacks on the city's west side. At least one of the 2003 victims was sexually assaulted. In the recent cases, it is known Cooke was sexually assaulted with a stick. Police would not discuss the details of the other attacks. Contact Kevin Grasha at 267-1347 or kgrashalsj.com.

Composite of suspect in 2003 assaults "I'm just hoping and praying that it's not him." In and out of prison Since he pleaded guilty in 2000 to a larceny charge, was sentenced to one year in jail, and violated his probation, Macon has been in and out of prison for parole violations. While on parole a second time, he pleaded guilty to third-degree home invasion and assaultingresistingobstructing a police officer in connection with a February 2005 incident. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail. On June 26, he was paroled a third time, just a month before the beating death of Hallman. 2006 2007 School Name 2006 2007 Elmhurst Elementary School Fairview Elementary School A A Forest View Elementary School A Forrest Avenll Elementary School Gardner Middle School Gier Park Elementary School NA No Grade Grand Rrver Magnet School Gunnisonville Elementary School Kendon Elementary School 0 I Lewton Elementary School Lyons Bementary School Moores Park Elementary School ML Hope Elementary School A North Elementary School Pattengill Middle School Pleasant View Magnet School Post Oak Elementary School Reo Elementary School Vivian Riddle Elementary School No Grade No Grade Shendan Road School Wainwnght Leadership Magnet School Wexford Montesson Magnet School A A Willow Elementary School A A Woodcreek Elementary Magnet School A Leslie Public Schools A A Leslie Middle School Woodworth Elementary School A A Maple Valley Schools A A Fuller Street Elementary School Maplewood School A A Mason Public Schools A A Alaiedon Elementary School A A A A Cedar Street Elementary School A A Mason Middle School A A North Aureiius Elementary School A A Steele Street Elementary School A A A A Morrtee Area Schools A A Mortice Area Elementary School A Ofcemos Public Schools Bennett Woods Elementary School A A Central Elementary School A A A A Chippewa Middle School A A Cornell Elementary School A A Edgewood Public Montesson No Grade A Hiawatha Elementary School A A Kinawa Middle School A A Wardcliff Elementary School A A Olivet Community Schools Fern Persons Elementary School A A A Olivet Middle School Ovtd-Dsie Area Schools EE Knight Elementary School A A A Leonard Elementary School A A Ovid-Elsie Middle School Owosso Public Schools Bentley Elementary School A A Bryant Elementary School Central Elementary School A A Emerson Elementary School A A Owosso Middle School A 6 A Washington Elementary School A A A Perry Public School District A Ferry Elementary School A A Perry Middle School Shaftsburg Elementary School A A PewMra-WestpkjIui Community Schools A A Pewamo Elementary School A Pewamo Westphalia Junior S.

A A A Portland Public School District A A Oakwood Elementary School A A Portland Middle School A A Westwood Elementary School PottervHle Public Schools Potterville Elementary School A Potterville Middle School SL Johns PubHc Schools 1 I East Essex Elementary School East Olive Dementary School I Eureka School A Gateway Elementary School Oakwew Elementary School A Riley Elementary School A A A St Johns Middle School A St. Louis Public Schools Came Knause Early Childhood Learning Center A 7 Eugene M. Nikkan Elementary A T.S Numberger Middle School A A Stockbrtdge Community Schools A A Emma Smith Elementary School A A Stockbndge Middle School Waverly Community Schools A A Elmwood Elementary School A A Meryl Colt Elementary School 8 A Waverly East Intermediate School A A Waverly Middle School Winans Elementary School A Windemenj View Elementary School A A Webbarvlll Community Schools A A Webberwlle Elementary School A A Wllllamston Community Schools Williamston Discovery Elementary School A A A A Williamston Explorer Elementary School A A A A Williamston Middle School A A Victims friends express mix of relief, doubt about arrest Alma Public Schools Alma Middle School Hillcrest Elementary School Pine Avenue Elementary School Ashley Community Schools Ashley Elementary School Ashley Middle School Bath Community Schools Bath Elementary School Bath Middle School Carso City-Crystal Area Schools Carson City Elementary School Carson City Middle School Crystal Elementary School Charlotte Public Schools Charlotte Middle School Galewood Elementary School Parkview Elementary School Washington Elementary School Weymouth Elementary School Coninna Public School District Corunna Middle School Elsa Meyer Elementary School Louise Peacock Elementary School Nellie Reed Elementary School Dansvtlle Schools Dansville Elementary School Oansville Middle School DeWttt Public Schools DeWitt Junior High School Herbison Woods Elementary School Schavey Road Elementary School Scott Elementary School East Lansing School District Donley Elementary School Glencaim Elementary School MacDonald Middle School Marble Elementary School Pinecrest Elementary School Red Cedar Elementary School Whitehills Elementary School Eaton Rapids Public Schools Eaton Rapids Middle School Greyhound Intermediate School Lockwood Elementary School Northwestern Elementary School Union Street Elementary School Fowler Public Schools Waldron Elementary and Middle School Fowierville Community Schools fowlerville Junior High School H.T. Smith Elementary School Kreeger Elementary School Munn Middle School Fulton Public Schools Fulton Dementary School Fulton Middle School Gram) Ledge Public Schools W. Neff Elementary School Delta Center Elementary School Greenwood Elementary School Kenneth T.

Beagle Middle School Leon W. Hayes Middle School T.C. Holbrook Elementary School Wacousta Elementary School Willow Ridge Elementary School Haslett Public Schools Hasten Middle School Murphy Elementary School Vera Ralya Elementary School Holt Public Schools Dtmondale Elementary School Elliott Elementary School Holt Junior High School Hope Middle School Horizon Elementary School Midway Elementary School Sycamore Elementary School Washington Woods Middle School Wilcox Elementary School Howell Public Schools Challenger Elementary School Highlander Way Middle School Latson Road Elementary School Northwest Elementary School Ruahmah J. Hutchings Elementary Southeast Elementary School Southwest Elementary School Three Fires Middle Voyager Elementary School Ionia Public Schools A.A. Rather Elementary School Emerson Elementary School Ionia Middle School Jefferson Elementary School Boyce Elementary School Twin Rivers Elementary School rthacj Public Schoofc North Elementary School South Elementary School Laingsburg Community School District Laingsburg Elementary School Laingsburg Middle School Lakewood Public Schools Clarkswlle School Lakewood Middle School Sunheld Elementary School West Elementary School Woodland Elementary School Lansing Public School District Attwood Elementary School Bingham Elementary School C.W Otto Middle School Cavanaugh Elementary School Cumberland Elementary School Dwight Rich Middle School "I felt so much better walking (into Sandra Eichorris funeral) thinking they got the guy" Tina Dyer friend of homicide victim Sandra Eichorn they got the guy," she said.

2 women killed there Veronica Wilson of Lansing owns the home at 1017 N. Washington where Barbara Jean Tuttle and Debra Renfors were killed. Her brother-in-law, Levi Wilson, lives there. She was glad to hear that a suspect had been arrested. "It is good news because we were always really, really concerned," she said.

"You really feel badly that somebody is killed like that and you don't know who did it." She said she hoped the evidence was strong. "I just want to make sure that this is true. I don't know what proof they have, whether it's DNA or not." She recalled Tuttle, who was killed in 2004, as good-hearted and involved. "She was trying to get along, I guess," she said. "She would help down at Cristo Rey (Community Center).

She helped on (former Mayor Tony) Bena-vides campaign. She knew a lot of people." Staff writer Kathleen Lavey contributed to this report. Contact Brendan Bouffard at bbouffardlsj.com or 377-1061. Brendan Boiffard Lansing State Journal Just hours after attending Sandra Eichorn's funeral, Tina Dyer compared a picture of suspected killer Matthew Macon to the composite sketch released by police earlier this week. Although she said she wanted someone brought to justice, she could not help but think the two pictures didn't look similar in the least.

Dyer is among several who have questioned the arrest of Macon, due to the dissimilarities of his photo to that of the composite sketch. Edward Morris, 67, lives on Eighth Street near its intersection with Michigan Avenue in a Lansing neighborhood where Macon previously lived. He said he thought the man in the composite sketch had much lighter skin than Macon. "That man is innocent until proven guilty," Morris said. "Are they going by his track record or by the evidence?" The sweetest woman' Even through a haze of smoke you could see a look of fear and disgust on Dyer's face.

Sitting inside Harry's Place, a bar on the city's west side, the 41-year-old Lansing resident closely watched the Friday evening news, examining the face of Macon, the suspected serial killer police arrested Tuesday night. Dyer has a special interest in the case because of her close relationship with Eichorn, one of the victims. Earlier that morning, she attended her friend's funeral to pay last respects. "She had to wear a turtle-neck she was beaten so bad," Dyer said. "She was the sweetest woman in the world." Although she still has some doubts about the details of the case, Dyer said she feels relived now that the police have arrested a suspect in the case.

"I felt so much better walking (into the funeral) thinking Alert Charters Capital Area Academy Chary! Stockwell Academy Cole Academy El-Haji Mai B-Shabazz Academy Island City Academy Mid Michigan Leadership Academy New City Academy Sankofa Shule Academy White Pine Academy Windemere Park Charter Academy.