Volunteers sought to assist seniors
METRO DETROIT — Jewish Family Service is seeking assistance for a family-friendly volunteer event Nov. 5.
Residents can register to rake leaves and winterize homes of older adults served by JFS.
Registration is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, located at 27375 Bell Road in Southfield.
Breakfast and supply pickup are scheduled to follow registration.
To register, visit jfs/fallfixup.
For more information, send an email to alyah@jfs.org or call (313) 622-5687.
Salvation Army launches Christmas campaign
METRO DETROIT — The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit has launched its Red Kettle Christmas Campaign to fundraise for social programs that support metro Detroiters in dire need, according to a press release.
The nonprofit has set a $7.9 million fundraising goal for the 2023 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign to help support communities in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
The campaign’s theme is “Love Beyond Christmas.”
“The Salvation Army is calling on metro Detroiters to help the nonprofit spread hope and love to the community’s most vulnerable not just during the season of giving but all year long,” the release states. “The campaign underscores the importance of aiding neighbors in need who may be without necessities like food and shelter during the Christmas season and beyond.”
With the rising cost of living, economic insecurity and inflation, families in metro Detroit are facing financial uncertainty, according to Maj. Toni Dorrell, who is the general secretary and metro Detroit area commander for the Salvation Army.
“Some may lack proper shelter, a warm meal or may even be choosing between paying rent and buying presents this Christmas,” Dorrell stated in the release. “We owe it to our neighbors in need to come together and lend a helping hand when times get tough. When you give to The Salvation Army, your donation makes it possible for us to help our community’s most vulnerable 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.”
For more information, visit sametrodetroit.org.
WLC named to ‘Honor Roll’
WALLED LAKE — Walled Lake Central High School was recognized by the College Board as a 2023 AP School Honor Roll Bronze school, according to a press release.
“Advanced Placement courses are critical to our overall success as an exemplary high school,” Walled Lake Central principal Kyle Meteyer stated in the release. “High levels of effort from students, teachers, counselors, and administration, as well as our strong partnership with parents and community, have led to this latest great news about the success of our AP program.”
The AP School Honor Roll distinction is awarded to schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access, according to the release.
“Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness,” the release states.
The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
New principal appointed at local elementary school
COMMERCE TOWNSHIP — The Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ Board of Education appointed Ryan West the new principal of Commerce Elementary School during a meeting Oct. 5, according to a press release.
West was scheduled to start Oct. 16.
“I am committed to fostering an environment where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential,” West stated in the release. “I look forward to supporting a safe, nurturing environment at Commerce Elementary while continuing to strive for academic excellence. It is my goal to have the community be an extension of the school working together to shape the educational experience for your children.”
West comes to Commerce from Roosevelt Elementary School in the West Bloomfield School District, where he has served as principal for the past five years.
Prior to his time in the West Bloomfield School District, he was an elementary principal in Lapeer for five years and a middle school assistant principal for one year.
West has worked in public education since 2003 and started his career as a teacher and a coach in Clawson Public Schools, according to the release.
“We are fortunate to have an administrator of Mr. West’s caliber join our District,” the district’s superintendent of schools, John Bernia, stated in the release. “He has proven himself to be a building leader and community partner throughout his career. I look forward to seeing him lead the Commerce Elementary community.”