Great Futures Start Right Here in Wayne-Westland Community Schools!

Children's Grief Awareness Day was created to emphasize the unique struggles youth face when grieving and provide ways we can help support them through this challenging time. According to the New York Life Foundation, nearly 5 million youth under 18 will lose a parent or sibling.

At Wayne-Westland Community Schools, we know that every school day matters. That’s why we’ve launched our “Aim for 8” attendance campaign to encourage families to make regular school attendance a priority.

Our goal is simple: students should aim to have 8 or fewer absences for the entire school year. Consistent attendance helps students stay connected to their teachers, classmates, and learning—and gives them the best opportunity to succeed.

Wayne-Westland Wrap Up September 2026

Dear Wayne-Westland Community School District Community,

As we enter September, schools across the nation observe National Suicide Prevention Month, anchored by World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Caring for the mental health and safety of our communities is a collective responsibility, and keeping everyone informed is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal ideation allows us to step in early. Changes to look for include:

• Behavioral & Social: Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities; giving away prized possessions; self-destructive choices; sudden changes in hygiene or sleep; or a sudden, unexpected boost in mood after a period of deep depression.
• Verbal & Cognitive: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, excessive guilt, or being a burden; talking or writing about death; making statements like "I can't take it anymore"; or struggling to concentrate due to a fixation on dark thoughts.
• Emotional & Situational: Extreme mood shifts, intense irritability, or processing severe stress from recent loss, breakup, bullying, or academic pressures.