8/22/2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, School is just around the corner! Teachers return next week, and we'll be ready to welcome students back right after Labor Day. Please take these last few days of summer to relax and recharge. I wanted to share two important updates before the new school year begins. State Budget and School Funding A state budget for K-12 education was supposed to be passed by July 1, but lawmakers still haven't reached an agreement. The biggest sticking point is a proposal to take money from the School Aid Fund, which is meant for schools, and use it for other projects. If a budget isn't passed, the state could face a shutdown on September 30, and our district would miss its first state aid payment on October 20. We rely on this money for everything from paying our staff and keeping class sizes manageable to funding sports and arts programs. Our students deserve a stable school year. Please join me in urging our lawmakers to pass a budget that protects school funding. If you need help finding their contact information, just reply to this email, and I'll send it to you. Addressing Threats to Our Schools As we start a new school year, it's important to be aware of an unfortunate trend: an increase in threats to schools. I'm not sure why this happens, but I do know that making a threat has serious consequences for the student involved. In our district, some students have been removed from our schools because of the choices they made. I’ve attached a letter from Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy that explains how seriously the legal system takes these actions. Please talk with your children about the expectations for a safe and positive school environment and the damage that threats can cause. I've met too many families who never thought their child was capable of making such a poor decision. By working together, we can ensure our students have a great and safe start to the school year. With that, I will wrap up this week’s note, it is still summer after all!  Enjoy your weekend, enjoy the week, and we will see you soon!  Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools If you have a positive to share about a staff member or group of staff members, please let me know by filling out the quick form at the following link: Wyandotte Public Schools - Staff Recognition Form   Follow me on Facebook at the page entitled “Dr. Anderson Wandering Wyandotte” Follow me on Instagram at “dr._anderson_wps” Community Coffee Days and Times: Tuesday, September 9th - IN PERSON - 1:30-2:30pm Wednesday, October 8th - VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/rqn-jaxx-sxr   ) - 9:00-10:00am Thursday, November 6th - IN PERSON - 12:00-1:00pm Tuesday, December 2nd - VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/pjw-bdhs-hbk   ) - 4:00-5:00pm Thursday, January 8th - IN PERSON - 10:00-11:00am Wednesday, February 11th - VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/bxt-tqsq-ghj   ) -1:00-2:00pm Tuesday, March 3rd - IN PERSON - 4:00-5:00pm Thursday, April 9th- VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/stw-bkjj-brh   ) - 9:00-10:00am Tuesday, May 5th - IN PERSON - 5:00-6:00pm Thursday, June 11th - VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/euo-hroj-bda   ) - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up)

Friday, Aug 22 2025

8/8/2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, While I realize some of you—okay, many of you—might not want to hear from me quite yet, the beginning of school is on the horizon. The start of a new school year is always a time of great excitement and renewed energy. I hope you've had a wonderful summer filled with relaxation and fun! I am especially excited to extend a warm welcome to all the new families joining the Wyandotte Public Schools community this year. I know that starting at a new school can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, but we are here to support you every step of the way. We are thrilled to have you as part of our district! Given the inquiries about free student meals, it's important to clarify the situation for Wyandotte families. While the "Michigan Free Meals For All" program's future is uncertain, Wyandotte Public Schools students will continue to receive free meals this school year. This is because the district qualifies for the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which is funded by the USDA.  So while you may read news articles about other districts changing course for the year, we do not plan to change this practice for the coming school year. This year, I am also very excited to introduce "Expect Respect," a new district-wide initiative focused on fostering a positive and inclusive school environment. This push is designed to reduce bullying and teach our students valuable skills for handling student-to-student conflict constructively. I believe that by working together, we can ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for everyone.  We will get into this in more detail when the year gets underway. As we kick off this new year, please know that communication remains a top priority. I will be sending out a weekly email every Friday when the school year begins so that we can stay in touch. I will also be continuing monthly opportunities to talk more directly. I am shifting every other month to a virtual setting to allow more parents to participate. The dates and times are below, and they will be included at the bottom of every weekly note: Community Coffee Days and Times: Tuesday, September 9th:  IN PERSON - 1:30-2:30pm Wednesday, October 8th:  VIRTUAL ( meet.google.com/rqn-jaxx-sxr ) - 9:00-10:00am Thursday, November 6th:  IN PERSON - 12:00-1:00pm Tuesday, December 2nd:  VIRTUAL ( meet.google.com/pjw-bdhs-hbk ) - 4:00-5:00pm Thursday, January 8th:  IN PERSON - 10:00-11:00am Wednesday, February 11th:  VIRTUAL ( meet.google.com/bxt-tqsq-ghj ) -1:00-2:00pm Tuesday, March 3rd:  IN PERSON - 4:00-5:00pm Thursday, April 9th:  VIRTUAL ( meet.google.com/stw-bkjj-brh ) - 9:00-10:00am Tuesday, May 5th:  IN PERSON - 5:00-6:00pm Thursday, June 11th:  VIRTUAL ( meet.google.com/euo-hroj-bda ) - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up) Our entire team has been working hard to prepare for an amazing year, and we are all looking forward to seeing the smiling faces of our students in the halls again. We can't wait to partner with you to make this a successful and memorable school year. Soak up the last few weeks of summer and we will see you soon! Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools If you have a positive to share about a staff member or group of staff members, please let me know by filling out the quick form at the following link: Wyandotte Public Schools - Staff Recognition Form   Follow me on Facebook at the page entitled “Dr. Anderson Wandering Wyandotte” Follow me on Instagram at “dr._anderson_wps” Community Coffee Days and Times: Tuesday, September 9th - IN PERSON - 1:30-2:30pm Wednesday, October 8th - VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/rqn-jaxx-sxr   ) - 9:00-10:00am Thursday, November 6th - IN PERSON - 12:00-1:00pm Tuesday, December 2nd - VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/pjw-bdhs-hbk   ) - 4:00-5:00pm Thursday, January 8th - IN PERSON - 10:00-11:00am Wednesday, February 11th - VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/bxt-tqsq-ghj   ) -1:00-2:00pm Tuesday, March 3rd - IN PERSON - 4:00-5:00pm Thursday, April 9th- VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/stw-bkjj-brh   ) - 9:00-10:00am Tuesday, May 5tth - IN PERSON - 5:00-6:00pm Thursday, June 11th - VIRTUAL (  meet.google.com/euo-hroj-bda   ) - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up) DATE - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Friday, Aug 15 2025

Week 1 of Wyandotte Reads Summer Program

Good Afternoon,  This Wednesday kicks off another summer of the Wyandotte Reads Summer Program. Each week is themed to have a story and an activity that relates to the topic. The topic for week 1 is GARDENING! Here are the details- 1. We have two locations that will host the events this year in their libraries - Roosevelt High School and Washington Elementary 2. The event runs from 10:00am - 1:00pm. You can show up anytime and it should take no more then a half hour to complete the story and the activity. 3. Students received Wyandotte Reads books during the last week of school. They can bring any Wyandotte Reads books that they have finished to trade them in for new books.  4. Students must be accompanied by an adult. 5. There will be a snack provided and Roosevelt High School will be offering free lunches to students from 11:30 am- 12:30 pm in the cafe.  What better way to kick off summer then by stopping in to learn a little more about gardening and walk away with your very own flower or vegetable to watch grow. Did I also mention that the libraries at Washington and RHS have AIR CONDITIONING?!?!  Hope to see you there! Future Wyandotte Reads Dates  10:00 am - 1:00 pm July 16th July 23rd July 30th August 6th August 13th

Monday, Jun 23 2025

6-11-2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, As summer begins, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire Wyandotte community for the opportunity to be your superintendent. It was a positive year of growth, and despite the occasional challenge, I am excited for what lies ahead. Serving this community is a privilege I am truly grateful for. Thank you! As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we want to celebrate some wonderful employees who will not be returning next fall. They are moving on to a well-deserved retirement after serving Wyandotte Public Schools for at least 10 years.   Their talent and experience have been invaluable to our organization, and they will be greatly missed. Please join me in wishing the following employees a huge congratulations: Lyle Gould (Grounds/Utility) 19 years Ruthea Taylor (Early Childhood Center) 11 years Cindy Taylor (Director of Special Education) 39 years Patrick Haley (Roosevelt High School) 28 years Carol Makuch (Wilson Middle School) 33 years Don Icenogle (Roosevelt) 21 years Tricia Lohman (Monroe) 38 years Tina Asher (Wilson) 33 years Mike Noble (Monroe, Jefferson, Garfield, Washington & Wilson) 18 years Maria Lanstra (Garfield) 25 years Dawn Pierz (Wilson) 33 years Marcella Flores (Garfield) 30 years Lauren Keddle (Jo Brighton) 25 years Lori Marklein (Jo Brighton) 32 years Sandra Bommarito (TLC) 19 years Michele Mans (Wilson) 28 years Beth Mekolon (TLC) 24 years Chris Kret (Maintenance) 31 years A quick note about my community updates for the summer. To give everyone a break from school news, this will be my last weekly message until August. Don't worry, you'll still hear from me if there is anything important that the community needs to know over the summer! Enjoy the sunshine and the slower pace. Have a safe and wonderful summer, and we'll see you in a few months. We're excited for the future at Wyandotte Public Schools and look forward to seeing you after a relaxing break! Remember, one last community coffee tomorrow, Thursday June 12th at 10:00am! Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools

Wednesday, Jun 11 2025

6-6-2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, As we conclude our final full week of classes, it's a great time to pause and reflect on the past school year. The energy in our buildings is a familiar mix of excitement for summer and pride in all that has been accomplished!  Yes, we have 3 days left, but we are ever so close! This year has been a testament to the incredible dedication of our staff. To our teachers, administrators, support staff, and everyone who plays a role in our students' days, I offer my deepest gratitude. Their effort, passion, and commitment create the foundation for everything our students achieve. They are the heart of this district, and their hard work has not gone unnoticed. I also want to extend my thanks to our parents and guardians. I recognize the challenges and complexities of raising school-aged children in today's world. Your partnership is invaluable. Thank you for entrusting us with your children, for the early morning rushes, the homework help, the volunteer hours, and for being our students' first and most important teachers. Your support at home is critical to their success at school. And to our students, the reason we are all here: what a year it has been! They have worked hard, faced challenges, and grown in countless ways. They have learned new concepts, solved complex problems, created music and art, competed on the field, and, most importantly, they have learned more about themselves. I am extremely proud of the progress they have made this year. It is a privilege to witness the remarkable collaboration that defines Wyandotte Public Schools. I am proud to serve as your superintendent, and while everyone slows down a little to recharge over the summer, we will continue to work to be even stronger in the coming year!   Look for one last note from me next Wednesday!  Until then, have a great weekend and enjoy the last three days!  Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools The end of the year is close, if you want me to share your message to recognize any staff in my last few staff notes, please fill out the form below : Wyandotte Public Schools - Staff Recognition Form   Follow me on Facebook at the page entitled “Dr. Anderson Wandering Wyandotte” Follow me on Instagram at “dr._anderson_wps” Community Coffee Days and Times: Thursday, June 12th - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up)

Friday, Jun 06 2025

5-30-2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, When we return on Monday, May will officially be behind us. That means just eight more school days until summer vacation! It's a short sprint, but we'll be sure to pack it with meaningful learning and activities. I also want to extend congratulations to the Class of 2025. They officially graduated at Wednesday's commencement ceremonies, and what an impressive group they are! I'm excited to see the great things they'll achieve as they embark on their new adventures! This week, I want to elaborate on a moment from my commencement speech. In 2017, our community tragically lost Christopher Baltzer, a 10-year-old Garfield student whose young life was taken by domestic violence. Christopher was a reserved and often misunderstood child. He should have been walking across that stage with the Class of 2025 this past Wednesday, but the circumstances he faced in life tragically prevented that. When one of his former teachers asked me to mention him, I agreed without hesitation.  But the speech alone didn’t seem like enough, so I want the whole community to remember him. The memory of a child, especially one lost so soon, deserves to live on. I hope you'll join me in remembering Christopher. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, his story has profoundly impacted me. As an educator, I've unfortunately come to know too many heartbreaking stories about students over the years. I can speak for every member of our staff when I say we carry those painful, behind-the-scenes stories with us for the rest of our lives. As a community, I ask that we keep these often unknown struggles in mind as we help all our children navigate school. Every child has a story, and while not every story is as tragic as Christopher's, his highlights the critical importance of care and empathy when addressing students and student behaviors. Children rarely act out without reason; more often, they're struggling with circumstances beyond their control.  Again, please  join me in keeping Christopher's memory in our hearts. As I close, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend. Life is precious and sometimes too short. Please do me one more favor: give your kids an extra hug this weekend for Christopher. I know he would appreciate that. Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools The end of the year is close, if you want me to share your message to recognize any staff in my last few staff notes, please fill out the form below : Wyandotte Public Schools - Staff Recognition Form   Follow me on Facebook at the page entitled “Dr. Anderson Wandering Wyandotte” Follow me on Instagram at “dr._anderson_wps” Community Coffee Days and Times: Thursday, June 12th - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up)

Friday, May 30 2025

5-22-2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, As the school day ends today, we officially kick off a long, four-day Memorial Day weekend. This is a wonderful opportunity to pause, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved rest. As we enjoy this extended weekend, let us also remember the true purpose of Memorial Day. It is a day of remembrance for the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, defending our freedoms and our nation. Their sacrifice allows us to enjoy the peace and liberties we hold dear. I encourage everyone to use this time to relax and rejuvenate. We have a final stretch of the school year ahead, with the last day of school on June 11th. Taking this time to rest will help us all finish strong. I wish everyone a safe and peaceful Memorial Day weekend. Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools The end of the year is close, if you want me to share your message to recognize any staff in my last few staff notes, please fill out the form below : Wyandotte Public Schools - Staff Recognition Form   Follow me on Facebook at the page entitled “Dr. Anderson Wandering Wyandotte” Follow me on Instagram at “dr._anderson_wps” Community Coffee Days and Times: Thursday, June 12th - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up)

Thursday, May 22 2025

5-16-2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, We're officially in the home stretch! With just sixteen school days remaining, let's all take a deep breath and power through these final weeks. The good news? A well-deserved four-day weekend is just around the corner! This past week we celebrated our seniors who have completed their K-12 journey.  Today was their last day. Next week's graduation will be a testament to their hard work, the unwavering support of their families, and the dedication of our staff – a true community achievement!  I am looking forward to Wednesday! Staying on the topic of community support, I also want to take a moment and thank you for any conversations that took place at home and at school around proper care of district chromebooks. We made it through this week with no incidents, and hopefully we can move past this issue.  A metro Detroit district had one actually catch fire and students needed medical treatment for toxic smoke inhalation.  Clear expectations for our students can be the best deterrent to some of these (pardon my language) stupid and idiotic social media challenges.   Did I mention 16 days?  We’ve got this Wyandotte! Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools The end of the year is close, if you want me to share your message to recognize any staff in my last few staff notes, please fill out the form below : Wyandotte Public Schools - Staff Recognition Form   Follow me on Facebook at the page entitled “Dr. Anderson Wandering Wyandotte” Follow me on Instagram at “dr._anderson_wps” Community Coffee Days and Times: Thursday, June 12th - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up)

Friday, May 16 2025

5-9-2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, As we close out staff appreciation week, I too want to take a moment to thank our staff for the important work that they do.  I know they appreciate the gestures this week and throughout the year! If you would like to send any specific messages for me to include in my bi-weekly staff notes, please see the link at the bottom of the page! Unfortunately, this week my note cannot be completely positive because I need to address a concerning trend that has recently come to our attention.  After an incident this week, we are concerned about damage to school computers, specifically involving objects being inserted into ports, stemming from what appears to be a recent challenge circulating on social media platforms like TikTok.   Our primary concern is the potential safety risks this challenge poses to our students. As you know, inserting objects into electronic ports can lead to electrical shocks, short circuits, and even fires. These actions put students in immediate danger of serious injury. The safety and well-being of our students are always our top priority, and we cannot overstate the seriousness of these potential hazards.  Beyond the safety concerns, this behavior will cause significant damage to our equipment. Our computers and other devices are essential tools for learning, and when they are damaged, it disrupts the educational process for everyone. The cost associated with repairing or replacing this damaged equipment is substantial and diverts much-needed funds from other important school initiatives.   I am asking all parents and guardians to speak with their children about responsible behavior and the importance of respecting school property. Please help us reinforce that participating in such challenges is not only against school policy but also dangerous. We will be implementing stricter monitoring of school technology and will address any incidents of intentional damage in accordance with our district's code of conduct. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and functional learning environment for every student. To close, I would like to move back to a more positive topic.  As Mother's Day approaches, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and mother figures in our community. Your dedication, love, and tireless efforts in nurturing and supporting our children are truly appreciated. I know I speak for all of us when I say we recognize and celebrate the profound impact you have on the lives of our students and the strength you bring to our families and community. Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and well-deserved recognition. Happy Mother's Day!  Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools The end of the year is close, if you want me to share your message to recognize any staff in my last few staff notes, please fill out the form below : Wyandotte Public Schools - Staff Recognition Form   Follow me on Facebook at the page entitled “Dr. Anderson Wandering Wyandotte” Follow me on Instagram at “dr._anderson_wps” Community Coffee Days and Times: Thursday, June 12th - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up)

Friday, May 09 2025

5-2-2025 - Dr. A's Wyandotte Weekly Update

Hello Community Members of Wyandotte Public Schools, With May now here, we have just a few weeks remaining in the school year, and our focus remains on the academic achievement of every student. We are committed to ensuring these final weeks are filled with meaningful learning and growth for all. Thank you for your continued support as we work to finish the year strong. This week, I had the opportunity to directly advocate with members of Congress for vital special education funding, a matter deeply important to me. My younger sister, who passed away at the age of eleven, greatly benefited from the access and protections afforded to students with disabilities. When the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was first adopted in 1975, the federal government pledged to fund 40% of the additional costs associated with educating students with special needs. To date, this promise has not been fulfilled, with current support hovering around only 10% of those additional costs. These resources are essential for providing the individualized support and services that enable many of our students to thrive. I was able to share the needs of our Wyandotte students with key decision-makers, and I sincerely hope this advocacy contributes to the fulfillment of the commitment made 50 years ago. During my discussions with legislators, potential cuts to Medicare were also a significant topic. We understand the critical role Medicare plays in supporting the needs of many of our students with special needs, and any reductions could directly and negatively impact their well-being and their access to necessary services. We are closely monitoring these potential changes and will continue to advocate for the vital support all our students deserve. As I have stated before, each and every one of our students deserves the very best we can provide to help them achieve their full potential. I was struck by a saying I heard this week: "Children only make up 25% of our population, but they are 100% of our future." Thank you for your ongoing support of Wyandotte Public Schools as we work together to ensure that the future is as bright as possible for all our students. Sincerely, James Anderson Superintendent Wyandotte Public Schools If you have a positive to share about a staff member or group of staff members, please let me know by filling out the quick form at the following link: Wyandotte Public Schools - Staff Recognition Form   Follow me on Facebook at the page entitled “Dr. Anderson Wandering Wyandotte” Follow me on Instagram at “dr._anderson_wps” Community Coffee Days and Times: Tuesday, May 6th - 5:00-6:00pm Thursday, June 12th - 10:00-11:00am (Year end wrap up)

Friday, May 02 2025