Mindful Pathways
College and Career Readiness and Social Emotional Learning
“Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain and still succeed.”
Misty Copeland
Can you believe it's already February 2024? It seems like yesterday we were ringing in the New Year, and now we are on the heels of mid-winter break.
As we commemorate African American History Month, let this newsletter inspire and guide our students, families, and community members. Together, let's champion diversity, excellence, and the pursuit of knowledge. African American professionals have broken barriers and excelled in various fields. From STEM to the arts, their journeys exemplify the limitless possibilities that await our aspiring students.
Education has been a cornerstone of empowerment for African Americans, a catalyst for change, and a beacon of hope for all. As we step into the vibrant and culturally rich month of February, we have the privilege of celebrating not only the achievements of African Americans throughout history but also highlighting their profound impact on education and careers. We enter the month with a celebration of diversity in the workplace, emphasizing the value of unique perspectives and experiences.
Enjoy this edition of Mindful Pathways.
Empowering Futures,
Daryl G. Beebe
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to celebrate African Americans' achievements and contributions throughout history. This year's theme focuses on Black resistance and how Black communities have fought for their freedoms, against all forms of racism and oppression. Through slavery, segregation, poverty, and the fight for equal rights, the Black community has stood strong and persevered.
To this day, inequalities in our community persist. Black Americans are more likely to live below the poverty line than their white counterparts. They are less likely to have health insurance coverage leading to many not receiving necessary physical and mental health care.
At Wayne-Westland Community School District, we believe every person has the right to equitable access to care. We partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of our students, staff, and family members, regardless of circumstances. If you or someone you know needs help with mental health or substance use challenges, Care Solace will help you navigate the process and find the best options. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
Visit caresolace.com/wwcsd and either search on your own OR click "Book Appointment" for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential service provided by Wayne-Westland Community School District.
Through discussion and action, let's shine a light on the multiple facets of Black resistance and perseverance against all odds. There is so much to uncover, amplify, question, and correct, and while we continue to take action every day, we share with you the following words of wisdom:
"Turn your wounds into wisdom" - Oprah Winfrey
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress" - Frederick Douglass
"If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself." - Gabrielle Union
National School Counseling Week, February 6-10, 2024
National School Counseling Week is February 7-11th. We thank our school counselors for their contributions to our students and school communities. School counselors help students succeed in school and plan their careers while encouraging them to set healthy goals, mindsets, and behaviors. They have a huge impact on our entire school community.
FAFSA
What is the FAFSA® form? Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. You must apply for aid every year, but with the right information in hand, it's easy.
FAFSA Update for Senior Families - This is from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) & the Dept. of Education:
As you may have heard, Federal Student Aid has released a new timeline that will impact when students will receive college award packages. Right now, it is anticipated that colleges will not receive the FAFSA data until mid- March, therefore they will not be able to send financial aid packages until late March or early April. We know that this may cause you to delay your final decisions for next school year. We have been hearing from various colleges and universities and they recognize the impact that this may have on you and continue to figure out ways to address/support these changes. You may hear from colleges soon. We put together some things you can do while you wait:
- First, file the FAFSA. Although there is a delay, the sooner you file the sooner you will receive an award letter. Note: FAFSA is running inconsistently on chromebooks. If possible, students/families should use a computer other than a chromebook.
- Visit colleges that you have been accepted to or that you are interested in. Get a feel for the campus to make sure you have information that will help you with your final decision.
- Use the FSA Student Aid Estimator to determine potential aid and compare it to actual college costs (using net cost calculator) as you begin to think about final college decisions.
- Research and apply for scholarships: use this list to find scholarships that you may qualify for. They have varying requirements so you may qualify!
- All scholarship providers should understand that they will not have FAFSA submission summaries until mid-March. They can produce evidence of FAFSA completion if necessary.
- Attend virtual webinars about financing college through MiStudentAid to learn more about various opportunities. Register and you will receive the recording even if you are not attending live.
Important Links:
- Use the FSA Student Aid Estimator: https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/
- Net Cost Calculator: https://collegecost.ed.gov/net-price
- Virtual Financial Aid Presentations: https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-families/virtual-financial-aid-presentations
- If students/and or families are having challenges with the FAFSA form (Live Chat): https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact
FAFSA Night at John Glenn High School
There was a great turnout for the FAFSA Night at John Glenn High School last week. Thank you to the MCAN representative, Victoria Sparks, John Glenn Counseling Staff, the College and Career Readiness Team, and Eastern Michigan University for coordinating this event.
Wayne Westland Innovative Academy FAFSA Night
Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy hosted a FAFSA Fiesta on January 25th, 2024!
With delicious home-made nachos and tacos provided by MCAN college advisor, Addison
Mussen; and the assistance of Mark Schroeder, the Director of Student Financial Services at
Madonna University, WWIA Families were able to have their questions and concerns answered
while enjoying a wonderful meal.
FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing your FAFSA can give your
child access to thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships. Here at WWIA, we want to
provide families with as many opportunities to access assistance with professionals.
Save the date for February 19th, from 8:00pm-9:00pm, with Carrie Gilchrist, Senior Financial
Aid Outreach Adviser from Oakland University!
Any family in the Wayne-Westland Community School District is Welcome!
Participant Registration link: https://apply.oakland.edu/register/?id=3d3f9442-52b9-4e0c-
8010-0f2025bb73a7
Participant needs: studentaid.gov login credentials (created more than 24 hours before the
workshop), parent contributor social security numbers, personal emails, cell phone
numbers, and computer with internet access
John Glenn High School and Upward Bound Students Visit Michigan Medicine
We have been busy planning the 2024 Operation Opportunity calendar and curriculum since August, and Wayne and Glenn students had a wonderful time on their first site-visit to Michigan Medicine. Students met their mentors, toured radiology, and practiced in the simulation lab.
John Glenn MIAT Presentation for Trade School
Scholarships
EMU Education First Opportunity Scholarship (EFOS)
FREE TUITION FOR ELIGIBLE WAYNE-WESTLAND STUDENTS!
Eligible first-year students have the opportunity to attend Eastern tuition free! If you are Pell Grant eligible and have at least a 3.0 GPA, the EFOS will cover your full tuition.
To qualify for the Education First Opportunity Scholarship (EFOS), there are two criteria that must be met:
- High School GPA of 3.0 or Higher
- Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant (Qualify for the Pell Grant by filing the FAFSA)
Apply to EMU for free : EMU Admissions Application
All admission application materials including a FAFSA must be submitted by February
The Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce plans to award several scholarships to seniors graduating this spring from any Livonia, Westland or Wayne high school and pursuing postsecondary studies. A series of $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students planning to continue their education toward all career paths at a two-year college, four-year college or trade school.
Get ready to revolutionize your career path at the upcoming Virtual Career Fair, in partnership with Women in Manufacturing (WiM)! This event is your gateway to unparalleled opportunities, seamlessly connecting you with leading employers in the manufacturing industry.
Women in Defense Stem Program
Women in Defense STEM Program is excited to host their annual Pi-Day event with in-person and virtual options.
This WID-Michigan STEM event is open to 5th - 9th grade students within the continental United States.
Space is limited. After signing up, selected students will receive an email to confirm registration with additional details. Upon confirmation, FREE hands-on STEM KITS will be provided to each registered student.
- Virtual students will receive kits to their mailing address (at no cost) to participate in the virtual event. Must register by March 4th.
- In-person kits will be provided during check-in at the location. Students should arrive 30 minutes prior to event start time.
Get ready for an afternoon of fun as we learn about STEM Careers in the Defense Industry while building Wind & Solar Power Kits.
College & Career Readiness & Social Emotional Learning TikTok Channel
Check out our College and Career Readiness & Social Emotional Learning Department TikTok, where we will feature some of the fantastic initiatives we have to support and prepare students and their families. Our latest video features our growing partnership with Meridian Health, who sponsored the Envolve Vision Van to Wayne-Westland Community Schools. Thank you Meridian Health!!
To follow our CCR/SEL TikTok Channel, please scan the following QR code (TikTok will not work in school buildings, FYI) or search "WWCSD_CCR_SEL" in the search bar on TikTok (at the top).
Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning Spotlight: “Respect the Space”
After completing the ‘Expect Respect’ training offered through RESA last Spring, Colleen Sharkey, Speech-Language Pathologist at John Glenn High School (club sponsor) and the Advocacy (anti-bullying) Club, created the Respect the Space project. The project aims to spread positivity by cleaning up and beautifying the four courtyards on campus. Through experiences of cultivating and maintaining the courtyard grounds, students gain leadership and life skills, empathy for their environment, and pride for their school and community. It is worked on by the members of the Advocacy Club, and is also used as an alternative to suspension on Thursdays, as well as being an in-house job site for some of our students who receive special education services. To check out progress pictures of their hard work, please check out their Instagram page:
Instagram.com/respect_the_space. Way to go, JGHS Advocacy Club!
Family Resource Center
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has a Family Resource Center (FRC), which provides services to any student/family enrolled in our District, free of cost. Some of the services they provide are: basic need assistance, access to over 700 local resources, Laundry Assistance Program and material items for those unable to afford them (emergency toiletries, socks/underwear, hats/gloves/scarves, etc.) They are also able to supply school supplies and backpacks year round for any WWCS student. Please contact our Family Resource Center at: 734-419-2709 or FRC@wwcsd.net. Our FRC also has a Digital Request for Services Form, which can be used to request assistance by filling out a simple form. Please contact the Family Resource Center directly with any additional questions regarding their services.
FRC “Under the Tree”
A special THANK You to Wayne-Memorial High School, Stevenson Middle School and the Board Office for your very generous donations to the Family Resource Center during the month of December for “FRC Under the Tree”! Your donations will greatly help students in need attending Wayne-Westland Community Schools, through our Family Resource Center.
Sunshine and Rainbows Hats and Gloves Collection for the Family Resource Center
Thank you to Sunshine and Rainbows Preschool for collecting hats and gloves to donate to our Family Resource Center. These warm winter items will go directly to students in need attending Wayne-Westland Community Schools. We appreciate your ongoing support!
Compassion Project Winners
On February 4th, Wayne-Westland Community Schools Social Emotional Learning Department presented 3 students at the Westland City Council meeting to be recognized for random acts of kindness, as a part of the Compassion Project.
Wayne-Memorial High School
Student: Laylah Brown
Staff Who Attended: Heather Koch, Teacher at WMHS
Random Act of Kindness: "She always has a kind heart, always helps others understand assignments, or even just compliments others! She is a very good student in class and always has a smile on her face!"
John Glenn High School
Student: Sophia Lin
Staff Who Attended: Colleen Sharkey, Speech-Language Pathologist at JGHS & Dr. Mary Jenkins-Williams, Assistant Principal
Opening the door for others (consistently), Putting out other student’s materials in the beginning of her AP calculus class (so others don’t have to get them), helping a student who was feeling anxious- the student reported Sophia’s words brought her comfort and encouragement.
“These small gestures of compassion have brightened up my days”.
William D. Ford Career Tech Center
Student: Nayeli Rodriguez
Staff Who Attended: Diane Back, School Social Worker & David Brinkerhoff, Teacher
Random Act of Kindness: Nayeli has assisted other classmates all year with their assignments and projects whether it involves using computer-aided-design software, 3D printers or tools and resources.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Our Family Resource Center (Jess McMahen, Brenda Ozog and Alexis Johnson) & District McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison (Amanda Faughnan) support WWCS students and families who are experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides rights and services to children and youth who are homeless, which includes those who are: sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason; staying in a motel or camp grounds due to the lack of an adequate alternative; staying in shelters or transitional housing; or sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing or similar settings. If you know of a student who may be experiencing homelessness, please reach out to our Family Resource Center at 734-419-2709 or FRC@wwcsd.net, so we can reach out to the family and offer assistance. Please see this video for more information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Social Emotional Learning: Big Green Gardening Tips: Indoor Herb Gardens
Just because winter is here doesn't mean the growing has to stop! Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley thrive in indoor growing conditions during colder months. Use small pots with good drainage, place them in a sunny spot, and water to keep your herbs flourishing throughout the winter.
Pro tip: Clean and add drainage holes to small food tubs, plastic bottles, or cans to reuse them as herb pots.
Valentine’s Day, 2/14/24 & Random Acts of Kindness Day, 2/17/24
Let’s make kindness the norm this week! As we all work to create a kinder world, we can start with ourselves and our community. We invite you to celebrate Valentine’s Day (February 14th) and Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17th) by spreading kindness. There is no limit on the amount of goodness we can put into the world. Every ounce of kindness matters and inspires kindness in others. Spreading kindness improves our well-being and fosters a caring community. What will you do to spread kindness this week?
February is Teen Dating Violence & Prevention Month
February is Teen Dating Violence and Prevention Awareness Month. As a school community, let's stay informed about the signs of teen dating violence and know where to turn if you suspect yourself, a friend, or a family member is experiencing dating violence. Dating violence is never okay in any form. There are many forms of violence to be aware of:
Physical abuse - unwanted and intentional contact with someone's body or something close to their body with the intent to harm.
Emotional and verbal abuse - non-physical behavior such as threats, insults, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or social media monitoring.
Sexual abuse - force or coercion to perform unwanted sexual acts.
Digital abuse - using social media or texting to intimidate, stalk, or harass someone.
Stalking - when someone follows you or harasses you, causing fear and uncertainty.
For more information on types of abuse, you can visit loveisrespect.org.
It’s important to be aware of signs someone may be a victim of dating abuse. If you have a friend you suspect is experiencing signs of abuse, here are some tips on how you can help them:
Reach out to them and ask if they need help or support. Ensure they’re safe when communicating your concerns, and let them know you are there for them when they need someone.
Listen to them. Let them share their story and remind them it’s not their fault.
Tell a trusted adult. Sometimes, looking out for your friend means letting an adult know something is wrong and allowing them to step in and help.
If you, a friend, or a family member is experiencing abuse, please reach out to any of the help lines below:
First Step (which is local to Wayne-Westland): 734-722-6800
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
The National Center for Victims of Crime: 1-800-FYI-CALL
The National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
Love is Respect: 1-866-331-8453 or text “loveis” to 22522
You can also find a mental health care provider who will help you through your challenges by contacting Care Solace. Care Solace is a complementary and confidential service provided by Wayne-Westland Community School District. If you want to use Care Solace to help you find a mental health or substance use provider:
Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365
Visit caresolace.com/wwcsd and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Classroom Activity Breaks to Support Social Emotional Learning
Taking a classroom activity break can be a great way to redirect attention and antsy behavior to a fun, interactive activity or game. These games can also be used at home. Sometimes all students need is a short opportunity to analyze their current situation, reflect and responsibly choose their next action. Physical activity breaks in the classroom provide students an opportunity to practice these skills, while increasing to energize the brain. Last month, we shared some different activity break ideas. We are adding to that list this month, with new activity break ideas. Please check out the links below!
Source: Source: InPACT at School
Middle School Activity Break Links:
Deep Breathing for Middle School Kids (suggested stop at 3:55) (suggested stop at 3:48)
Upward Bound Happenings
Thus far in the application cycle, our seniors have applied to 344 colleges, have received 248 acceptances, and have earned $4,683,740.00 in scholarship dollars! We are working through the FAFSA rollout glitches with our families, and anxiously awaiting further acceptances and financial packages.
Arab American Museum Visit
We were able to visit the Arab American National Museum in January. Our visit included a guided tour, working on a traditional craft, and a delicious lunch of Middle Eastern food.
We are working through a very busy schedule of back-to-back new UB applicant interviews. We were thrilled that this year 109 students stayed for an after-school meeting to start the recruitment process!
We also hosted a Summer Opportunities meeting in January, introducing programs through Joyce Ivy, Questbridge, Distinguished Young Women, and University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to students-at-large at Wayne.