Connections Digital Newsletter

Greetings Wayne-Westland Families,

The countdown is on! Next week is the last week of school for the Class of 2023. Our seniors and their families will celebrate prom, award ceremonies and graduation. We are very proud of our students and wish them the best of luck.

Following, please find the dates of the commencement ceremonies.

• Friday, June 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. - Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy (HYPE Athletics Center)
• Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 10 a.m. - John Glenn High School (Eastern Michigan University)
• Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 2 p.m. - Wayne Memorial High School (Eastern Michigan University)
  
  

The rest of our students also have exciting events and activities in these last three weeks of school. Please check the district and your child’s school calendars to stay updated. We hope you can join us at some of these special celebrations.

Thank you again for your partnership and support.

Sincerely,

John Dignan, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Andrea Bonner, a John Glenn High School music education teacher, was recognized as an Exceptional Educator through a program created by the Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys law firm.

Bonner was nominated for her commitment to music education. She leads music appreciation, choir, band, symphonic, and orchestra classes and is the marching band director. John Glenn High School received a $1,000 donation from the law firm.

Watch her story here.

With the kindergarten standards and curriculum changes, many skilled once taught in first grade are expected in kindergarten. Young 5s provides a bridge to kindergarten and allows students to learn in a hands-on, interactive way that supports their development while maintaining rigor and high standards of success.

Early learning is a key component to the success of every child. The Young 5s program is a gift of time, an opportunity to empower your child to enter kindergarten confidently and eager for learning. In Michigan, children who will be five years old by December 1, 2023, can enroll.

Young 5s classes are located in the following schools:

• Graham Elementary

• Hamilton Elementary

• Hicks Elementary

• Schweitzer Elementary

• Wildwood Elementary

Enrollment for the Young 5s program is open for the 2023-2024 school year and is entirely online.

The Wayne-Westland Unified Bocce Ball team held its last match on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Wayne Memorial High School. Spectators cheered the team on as they showcased all they had learned and played against other teams in the league.

To wrap up the season, the team will compete on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the United Wholesale Mortgage Athletic Complex for a Unified Champion Schools Bocce Ball Tournament against 11 other schools.

Stevenson Middle School has been designated No Place for Hate for the 2022-23 school year. This designation from the American Defamation League is a student-led initiative that promotes inclusivity and bullying prevention, intending to challenge all students to think critically, instill a sense of empathy, and empower students to act as allies for one another.

No Place for Hate is a grant-funded collaborative initiative that provides PreK-12 schools with an organizing framework for students, administrators, teachers, and family members to develop long-term solutions for creating and maintaining an inclusive, safe, and equitable climate.

Congratulations, Stevenson Middle School, for working to achieve this designation!

For two weeks, 800 district fifth graders took over the Eastern Michigan University campus for the Wayne-Westland Excursion camp. Students explored two career paths of their choice and on the final day, campers celebrated their experience by showcasing projects relating to their field of study, including dance routines, dramatic scenes, and creative art projects. This camp is part of the district's college and career readiness initiatives.

Wayne-Westland Community Schools has partnered with several community organizations to provide a variety of exciting programs keep your child engaged this summer. Information and registration links can be found in the 2023 Summer Programs Information Guide. Program placement is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Wayne-Westland Community Schools is hosting its Back to School and Resource Fair on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the John Glenn High School football field. The fair will feature family resources, including health screenings and book bags with supplies. In addition, attendees can enjoy food, carnival games, train rides, a petting zoo and more. All for FREE.

Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for the fun. All students must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian.

The start and dismissal times will change for a few buildings next school year. These changes are to balance the bus routes to make them more efficient. Please see the new school hours below:

• Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy - 7:10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Hamilton Elementary School - 8:30 a.m.- 3:20 p.m.
• Wildwood Elementary School - 8:30 a.m.- 3:20 p.m.
  
  

These changes go into effect for the 2023-24 school year.

Wayne-Westland Community Schools is launching Peachjar to provide an electronic alternative for distributing flyers making it easier for families to receive school and community information and resources.

How are flyers distributed?

• Families will receive flyers via email based from the school their child attends.
• Flyers are posted on each school's website.

We are excited to announce the launch of the district’s new mobile app for access to important notifications, the latest district news, school information, calendars and more. There are also quick links to the district's social media channels.

Search Wayne-Westland Schools via the Apple Store and Google Play or scan the QR code below and download today!