Connections Digital Newsletter
Updates from Wayne-Westland Community Schools- October 2022
Welcome Back!
Happy Fall!
Our students and staff are having a fantastic start to the school year and our administrative team and Board of Education have been focused on one mission: Kids First. We have launched many new initiatives to better serve our students. Some of those initiatives include
- After school meal program for high school students
- Elementary sports program
- Mental health and social emotional support for students
During the school year, this digital newsletter will share important district updates and student and staff success and celebrations. We hope you enjoy this e-version of Connections.
Sincerely,
John Dignan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Fall Elementary Sports
Wayne-Westland Community Schools’ six-week elementary fall sports season will run through October 22, 2022. Every Saturday there are over 600 students and their families at Wayne Memorial High School learning new skills. Kindergarten through third-grade students learned how to play soccer and fourth and fifth grade students either play NFL Flag Football or or cheer for their school team. The last NFL Flag Football game of the season will be at 2 p.m. , 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Eastern Michigan University.
Sinking Fund Proposal
During the June 13, 2022 board meeting, the Wayne-Westland Community Schools Board of Education approved a motion to ask the residents of the Wayne-Westland Community School District to consider a 1-mill levy for the district Sinking Fund. The election for the proposal is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
As a result of the Sinking Fund that voters approved back in 2003 and renewed in 2012, Wayne-Westland Community Schools has been able to complete construction, repair and renovation projects annually, with board approval.
The Sinking Fund allows the district to keep the more than 1,868,816 square feet of educational space and 587 acres of grounds and property in a condition suitable for the thousands of students and community members that use the schools on a daily basis.
A few examples of what Wayne-Westland Community Schools has been able to accomplish with the current Sinking Fund include:
Repair and resurface more than 4,534,441 square feet of deteriorated parking lots.
Replace about 279,391 square feet of deteriorated roofing.
Repair and replace two old boilers, one chiller and ventilation systems in the schools.
Replace more than 1,300 square feet of cracked and broken concrete.
Construct new playground for Stottlemyer Early Childhood Center and much more.
The proposed 2022 Sinking Fund would be a new 10-year, 1 mill levy that would generate about $2.2 million dollars per year for capital improvements for school buildings.
Wayne-Westland on the Yard
Join us for Wayne-Westland on the Yard: A Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) Fair and Experience on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 6 - 8:30 p.m., at John Glenn High School (36105 Marquette, Westland 48185). Come and meet HBCU representatives and alumni and attend workshop sessions. This is a FREE event open to the public. There will also be food and great prize giveaways. For more information, please contact Daryl Beebe at beebed@wwcsd.net or 734-429-2084.
Resources and Support for Wayne-Westland Families
Are you a Wayne-Westland student or family in need of assistance? The Family Resource Center offers resource numbers and referrals, backpacks, school supplies, essential items, emergency toiletries, socks, underwear, hats, gloves, scarves, laundry assistance, food assistance and more for those unable to afford these items. For more information or assistance please call 734-419-2709 or email FRC@wwcsd.net. Or fill out the Digital Request for Services Form to request services.
In Need of Food? Gleaners Can Help
Gleaners Community Food Bank has food distribution twice a month at Adams Middle School Family Resource Center, 33475 Palmer, Westland. The food bank is open to anyone in need of food assistance. Upcoming Food Distribution dates
Mental Health Support
Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential service provided by Wayne-Westland Community Schools. This is a free service to students, families and staff. Care Solace helps connect individuals to mental health or substance abuse providers. They will call providers, verify insurance and help to make appointments. Contact Care Solace by calling 888-515-0595 or visiting caresolace.com/wwcsd and click “Book Appointment.” Support is available 24 hours a day 365 day a year in any language.
Crossing Guards Needed
Are you interested in giving back to the community and helping protect our children? The Westland Police Department is looking for candidates to serve as crossing guards.
Crossing guards will receive training in topics such as stranger danger, CPR/first aid, missing persons, and more. In addition, crossing guards will work at various posts in school parking lots and intersections throughout the city.
Learn more and apply here: https://www.cityofwestland.com/FormCenter/Police-17/Crossing-Guard-2022-Application-115
Food Services
After School Meal Program
The district has committed to providing our students with a comprehensive meal plan that not only includes free breakfast and lunch for all students but also after school meals for our high school students.
After school meals are available Monday-Thursday at both John Glenn and Wayne Memorial High Schools. All meals are available to students for free. There is no requirement for students to qualify. The Food Services department serves grab and go cold meals from 2-3:30 pm and hot meals from 4-6 pm. Please encourage your students to stop by and check it out!
After school activity buses are also available for students who stay after school for sports, clubs or activities.
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
Our Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program has begun at various elementary schools. This program, funded through the State of Michigan, helps to provide locally grown produce to students to take home to share with their families. This great opportunity allows us to introduce new fruits and vegetables to our students.
60 Seconds in Wayne-Westland with Dr. Dignan and Dr. Ofili
Please see our latest 60 Seconds in Wayne-Westland with Dr. Dignan and Dr. Ofili.
Topics:
- "Thank You" to the Detroit Red Wings
- College and Career Readiness Month
- Administrator Recognition Day (Friday, October 14, 2022)
- GEM Awards (Going the Extra Mile)
Students Engaged in Hands-On Learning
Preschool students learning how to follow rules and using gross motor skills.
Middle school students participating in a STEM activity.
High school orchestra students.
Upcoming Dates
- October 24- Board of Education meeting
- October 28- Half day (middle school students only)
- October 31- Half day (elementary school students only)
- November 2- Wayne-Westland on the Yard (HBCU College Fair)
- November 8- No school
- November 14- Board of Education meeting
- November 23- Half day (K-12 grades)
- November 24 and 25- No school (Thanksgiving recess)
- December 12- Board of Education meeting
Detailed calendar information including upcoming events can be found on the homepage of the district and school websites