The 2024-2025 school year begins

CENTER LINE/WARREN/STERLING HEIGHTS — The Warren Weekly emailed local school officials for comments to find out how the new school year started off, tips for getting back into a learning routine and information on new programs slated for 2024-2025.

Official enrollment count day is Oct. 2.

 

Center Line Public Schools
First day: Sept. 3.

New administrators: Crothers Elementary Principal Jillian Hamilton. Approximately 10 new teachers were hired.

“Our staff has worked really hard at getting everything ready for the start of school. Some of our bond construction work has put us behind, however, we will be ready for the first day of school,” Superintendent Joseph Haynes said. “There are always hiccups with bus routes and schedules, but we are moving students back into two newly renovated buildings (Crothers Elementary and the Kaltz Center), so there are likely to be a few adjustments that will need to be made.”

Center Line Public Schools closed schools of choice last year because there wasn’t room for additional students. Schools of choice allows students to attend schools outside of the district in which they reside.

“Our hope is that our enrollment will grow. We added classes and moved programs to accommodate more students,” Haynes said. “We are seeing a good number of local and school of choice families accessing our schools. We will have a better account of student enrollment the first week of school.”

Center Line adopted the new math curriculum Envision Math 3.0, and ParentSquare, a new communication platform for parents. Haynes had tips for getting back into a school routine.

“I would encourage families to start talking about what they want from this school year.  Encourage kids to try something new,” he said. “Families can start establishing routines like ‘homework time,’ bedtime routines and engage in conversations about what occurred at school today.”

 

Fitzgerald Public Schools
Superintendent Hollie Stange and Director of Communication & Culture Jessica Percy provided information about the upcoming school year, which began Aug. 26. Administrators felt starting before Labor Day was a better schedule for families and students.

Enrollment prediction: 2,400 students.

Across the district, Fitzgerald will introduce BenQ boards, a digital learning tool designed to make lessons more interactive between teachers and students. The Great Start Readiness Program expanded with a full-day program. GSRP is Michigan’s state-funded preschool for 4-year-old children. Families qualify for the free program based on annual income guidelines.

Rose Paterson is the new Westview Lower Elementary assistant principal.

School officials are still searching for a new Fitzgerald High School principal, with current Assistant Principal Gary Stevens serving as interim principal.

Over the summer, 19 new teachers were hired, and according to Stange and Percy “the excitement during new teacher week was palpable.”

Fitzgerald held two weeks of professional development this summer. The first week was for new staff to become acquainted with the curriculum, meet staff, and undergo Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (ALICE) training and CPR training.

All staff participated in Week 2. Employees were trained in lesson plan management for new programs and on the district’s new parent app. Teachers, too, went through trauma training designed to help all students when necessary.

 

Van Dyke Public Schools
First day: Aug. 26.

New administrators: Lincoln Middle School Assistant Principal Jackie Hoekstra.

“We are excited and ready to have another great year together. Our teachers and all staff have been preparing for the return of our amazing students. We’ve been working on updating safety training; new curriculum resources; district procedures; and building information to help things run smoothly for everyone,” Superintendent Piper Bognar said.

“I always look forward to seeing and being part of how much everyone grows. It’s so much fun to check in where they were when you see them throughout the year,” Bognar said. “You don’t always realize how much they’re growing academically, socially, or behaviorally right in front of you. I also love that we have the absolute best staff around and I have the privilege of being superintendent of this extraordinary district.”

The district updated curriculum and programs in many areas. About 15 new Van Dyke Public Schools teachers were hired this year. Van Dyke’s enrollment last year was just over 2,100 students, plus 200 students attending the Early Childhood Center.

Bognar offered the following to help your child get back into a school routine. For starters, she reminded parents the district serves free breakfast and lunch at school.

“Everything depends upon your child and your family’s routine, but some helpful things are to keep a consistent bedtime and schedule,” she said. “Setting aside time for homework and reading together are also helpful. Involve your children in things like making lists, cooking, and other household tasks to show them learning in action.”

 

Warren Consolidated Schools
The district was supposed to begin Aug. 28, but due to a power outage it was delayed one day. An enrollment of more than 12,000 students this year is predicted.

New administrators: Superintendent John Bernia; Carter Middle School Principal Mike Lee and Assistant Principal Grant Syswerda; Susick Elementary Principal Lisa Mullins; Black Elementary Principal Stacy Ary; Siersma Elementary Principal Michelle Babbish; Theresa Callahan, director of Assessments, Latchkey, Preschool and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) at Angus Elementary; Director of Budget and Grant Accounting Bryan Wood; and Marla Otterbacher, administrator of state and federal programs.

Literacy and math teacher training occurred throughout the summer.

“We are ready and excited for school to begin,” Bernia said. “All students in WCS will engage in high quality instruction aligned to the district’s continuous improvement plan. Students in specialized programs will have new resources to foster their learning in all content areas.”

There are 53 brand-new teachers. Warren Consolidated Schools will offer extended day tutoring through the MI Kids Back on Track grant to K-12 students with gaps in learning in math or English language arts. Three tutoring cycles will be scheduled.

“In addition, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) will be a continued focus area with elementary students engaging in lessons from the Positivity Project while secondary students explore complex topics throughout the year such as resilience and adaptability, responsible decision making, and social awareness,” Bernia said.

A good bedtime routine is essential for learning.

“A successful morning begins the night before. Take some time to make sure backpacks are ready and clothes are picked out,” Bernia said. “This is a wonderful time of year to talk with your children about your expectations. Be clear about what you want to see from them. Maintaining high expectations is one of the biggest ways parents can support what we do at school.”

 

Warren Woods Public Schools
First day: Sept. 3.

New administrators: Briarwood Elementary Principal Beth Mager and Director of Curriculum Michelle Voelker.

“Both new leaders have been integral members of our team for many years serving as both teachers and literacy/instructional coaches. The district is proud to be able to continue the long-standing tradition of developing leaders and promoting from within, when possible,” Superintendent Stacey Denewith-Fici said. “The anticipation of welcoming our students back, seeing their bright smiles, and working alongside our dedicated staff fills me with excitement. This year, we’re prepared to build on our successes, tackle new challenges, and create an even more enriching learning environment for everyone.”

Staff underwent professional development Aug. 27-28 for training in Kagan Cooperative Learning, restorative practices, trauma informed schools and some specific training for special education staff. Eight new teachers are joining the Warren Woods family. District officials expect an enrollment decrease of 36 students. Last year, the district implemented a new elementary level math program, Bridges.

“This year, our middle school math team will be implementing a new math program that aligns with the learning that has taken place at the elementary level. In addition, we have expanded our reading intervention instruction and now have that available at all levels,” the superintendent said. “We will continue with High Dosage Tutoring at all three levels to support students who need that extra small group instruction. Finally, we will be increasing our use of Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures across the district.”

Staying positive can help create a successful school year. Reinforcing morning and evening routines, such as organizing backpacks and supplies will help. Denewith-Fici also suggests families limit screen time, especially before bed as this helps children wind down more easily and improves sleep quality.

Incorporating light educational activities like reading or math games can help get students back into learning mode. Denewith-Fici also encourages parents to discuss the new school year and independence.

“Talk about what they’re looking forward to, any concerns they might have, and set positive expectations. This can help ease any anxieties and build excitement,” Denewith-Fici said. “Empower your children by involving them in preparing for school. Whether it’s packing their backpack or choosing their outfit, giving them a role in their routine fosters responsibility and confidence.”