Dear Wayne-Westland students, staff and families,

As we return from Spring Recess, our 3-11 grade students will prepare for standardized testing. Schools will send out more specific information in separate communications. Please note the important dates and information below as it relates to your student(s):

Elementary Schools

• April 10, 2023 – May 19, 2023
  • M-Step or MI-Access Window*

* Each school will set its testing schedule. Please refer to communication from your student’s school for specific dates.

Middle Schools

• Wednesday, April 12, 2023
  • PSAT 8th grade only
• April 18, 2023, and April 19, 2023
  • M-Step – Grades 6, 7, and 8 –

MI-Access – Refer to information from your child’s case coordinating manager regarding your student’s test schedule.

High Schools

• Wednesday, April 12, 2023
  • 10th Grade PSAT
  • 11th Grade SAT
• Thursday, April 13, 2023
  • 9th Grade PSAT 8/9
  • 11th Grade ACT Work Keys
• Friday, April 14, 2023
  • 11th Grade M-Step Science and Social Studies

MI-Access – Refer to information from your child’s case coordinating manager regarding your student’s test schedule. We wish our students good luck as they take their spring assessments.

We started last week with the reality of another deadly school shooting – and deep sadness for the lives lost and their loved ones. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and send heartfelt healing wishes to the Nashville community. Our nation is again grappling with a senseless tragedy that has taken some very young lives. As a father and superintendent of a school district dedicated to youth and their future, it is difficult to write a note for our community that shares our protocols and information you can use with your children.

We know this may affect our students. Because it is difficult to predict how anyone will react to a traumatic event, the best we can do is be supportive and responsive to our students and their varied responses. Some students will have no reaction; some will be upset or anxious.

For students with significant reactions to this event, we have mental health community partners available to provide support. Please contact one of the following:

• Beaumont-Adams Child & Adolescent Health Center: 734-728-2423
• Hegira Health Inc: 734-793-5026 or https://www.hegirahealth.org/
• SandCastles of Wayne County: 313-874-6881 or www.aboutsandcastles.org
• EasterSeals of Michigan: 1-800-757-3257 or www.easterseals.com/michigan

The safety and security of our students and staff are our top priority. We have clear plans and procedures to deal with emergencies that may arise in our schools. Our safety initiatives focus on education, expectations, the learning environment, wellness, and mental health.

Please review the district’s Emergency Information Guide. We work closely with law enforcement to provide a police presence at our schools, including school resource officers who support our schools. Also, encourage your child to tell a trusted adult or use OK2SAY (8-555-OK2SAY) if they see or hear something happening in their school.

Welcome back. We look forward to our students' continued excellence and accomplishments in our classrooms, athletics, performing arts, and all extracurricular activities. Thank you for supporting and cheering on excellence. Have a wonderful week ahead.

Sincerely,

John Dignan, Ed.D.
Superintendent