Return to Learn Updates

Good Evening Wayne-Westland Community School Students, Staff, and Families,

What a great first week of school! This was one of the smoothest starts of the year that I can remember. Our students were able to open lockers, find their classrooms, navigate the technology, and acclimate themselves to what is going to be a great year. I want to thank all of you for your support and guidance.

Also, I want to inform you that we received reports of positive COVID-19 cases involving individuals connected with some of our schools. Those students who were in direct contact with any individuals were notified by our staff and are in quarantine. The purpose of this note is to ensure transparency with our entire school community by sharing information about a COVID-19 case involving an individual who was recently in one of our buildings.

We continue to work closely with the Wayne County Health Department, which will follow its protocols and communicate directly with those who may have been impacted. To protect the confidentiality, we do not release names in any COVID-19-related case. I appreciate your understanding and ask that you respect the privacy of those impacted. Wayne-Westland Community Schools’ response procedures for cleaning and disinfecting are being followed.

We all must continue to partner for the health and safety of students, families, and staff. Please take all steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These activities include self-screening and keeping your child at home if they do not feel well, using personal protective equipment, distancing where practicable, and frequent hand washing.

Have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,

John Dignan, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Dear Wayne-Westland School Community,

The 2021-22 school year is right around the corner. We can’t wait to welcome our students back on Monday, August 30. All school offices are open and our team is busy preparing a welcoming and engaging environment at your school. Our high school bands and athletic teams are back on the practice field and secondary parents have received informational packets. You will also receive emails from your child/ren’s principal with school information.

Mask Mandate

Today, August 27, 2021, the Wayne County Health Department announced they are implementing a K-12 mask mandate for all schools in Wayne County. Effective immediately, all PreK-12 students, staff, and visitors, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, are required by law to wear masks while inside any District school or building. This is a mandate for all Wayne County school districts. Masks are not required outdoors for staff, students or visitors.

In addition to the mask mandate, the District will continue protocols that have proven effective, including self-screening, regular hand washing, use of disinfectant, distancing to the extent practicable, and contact tracing in combination with quarantine. While vaccines remain a personal choice, we join the health department and the many individuals impacted by COVID-19 to encourage you to learn more about their availability.

Please engage in daily screening and keep your children home if they do not feel well or run a fever.

For Families Who Use Transportation

Consistent with the federal mandate and the CDC's Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation, which includes school buses, face masks will continue to be required for students, staff, and drivers while using WWCS transportation services.

Sports

All athletic and activities programs will continue to follow MHSAA guidelines and Wayne County Health Department mandates. Until further notice, all indoor activities including practice, competitions, weight room, team meetings, locker room use, team dinners, etc., require all personnel, student-athletes, and spectators to wear a mask.

Information on the latest school protocols is on our District website and is included in our WWCS Parent Handbook. I also encourage you to reach out to your school principal should you have additional questions regarding building protocols or other back-to-school-related questions.

Our skilled WWCS educators foster excellence and growth in our students is about to begin! Thank you for your partnership as we launch another exciting school year. As we look to the coming year, I am excited about the traditions and positive experiences that are characteristic of every school year. We develop champions in the classroom, in competition, and in life here at Wayne-Westland CommUNITY Schools. Thanks for your continued support and assistance as we start a great new school year!

Sincerely,

John Dignan, Ed.D.
Superintendent

As we finish up what might be the most unique and challenging year in our history, we wanted to send a note of thanks to our students, parents, our community and our staff for everything they have done to support our students this school year.

If ever we wondered the role schools play in society, the answer has become abundantly clear over the last year. Schools are not just a part of our childhood, a place where we make friends, or a warehouse of information to carry with us into the future. Schools are our childhood, they are our friends and family, and they are the key to unlocking our limitless potential. Perhaps above all, schools are a safe haven for children to develop into the adults they will become.

For many families, teachers and staff, the back and forth between in-person, online and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was jarring. Throughout it all, Wayne-Westland Community Schools has focused on putting first the safety, well-being and best interest of students and the school community. As this pandemic continued to change and evolve, so too did the recommendations of health experts that dictate the best course of action. We recognize the significant disruption this caused in everyone’s daily lives. We are deeply grateful to our parents, teachers and staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure students and the school community are protected while also providing the support students need to succeed.

Teachers dug deep to find new ways to keep students engaged and helped one another figure out new programs and technology. Support staff, ranging from paraprofessionals to custodial service providers and bus drivers, continued to demonstrate the tremendous impact on our district as families leaned on their schools to provide essential services. Meanwhile, as always, you played the most critical role in supporting student success – guiding your children through the challenges and adhering to safety protocols throughout the year. It hasn’t been easy, and we thank you for your patience and dedication along the way.

Over the last year, we have been reminded that schools are at the heart of our community. When schools succeed, our communities succeed.

Thank you for your commitment, dedication, and partnership in your child’s education. We will be back five days a week in the fall and we're excited to get back into a traditional schedule. Have a wonderful summer.

Sincerely,

John Dignan
Superintendent