Welcome To William D. Ford Career-Technical Center

Event: FIRE UP YOUR FUTURE
FEBRUARY 3, 2026 6-8 PM
36455 Marquette ˜ Westland MI 48185

JOIN US TO:

• Explore high skill, high wage, high demand careers
• Tour our state-of-the-art facility
• Meet our instructors with program specific industry experience
• Come see examples of award winning student work
• Explore various career pathways and post-secondary options

Fire Up Your Future Open House Flyer

Hello Ford CTC Students and Families!

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving season, we are reminded of how much there is to be grateful for every day. Thankfulness isn’t just about the big milestones in our lives; we can find reasons to be thankful in the small, everyday moments that shape our experiences: a kind word, a shared laugh, a helping hand, a lesson learned, or simply the chance to start fresh each morning. We find gratitude in a teacher who cares about their students and in a student who achieves their dreams.

I encourage you to take the time to pause and appreciate the people who support you, the experiences that have shaped you, and the opportunities that have helped you grow. Simply put, you are amazing, a miracle, and something to be thankful for. The truth is, gratitude doesn’t have to be reserved for a specific holiday. When you practice thankfulness every day, it changes how you view the world. It helps you notice the good that is already around you, strengthens your connections with others, and provides a positive perspective, even during challenging times.

So today, and every day, choose to be thankful for what you have, for those in your life, for your achievements, and for the opportunity to make each day meaningful. Treat every day like a gift, a chance to start anew. Thank your teachers for their support, and teachers, please let your students know how grateful you are to be a part of their lives as well.

Kind regards!

Stephanie Bigelow, M.A., L.P.C.

NEWSLETTER: The Pipeline - November 25, 2025

As the winter break approaches, we invite you to take a moment to slow down, recharge, and embrace the peace this season can bring.

The holidays are often filled with joy and connection, but they can also bring challenges—whether it’s missing a loved one, juggling holiday preparations, or managing the pressures of the season. While each of us celebrates in our own way, it’s important to acknowledge all feelings that may arise and remember it’s okay to ask for support when needed.

Did You Know is a video series produced by Wayne-Westland Community Schools that follows Interim Superintendent Catherine Cost, Ed.D. as she visits schools, departments and programs across the district. Along the way, we highlight the dedicated staff, departments, and programs that show how, in Wayne-Westland, Great Futures Start Right Here.

Watch the Did You Know Video Series Now

The holidays are upon us—a time for joy, connection, and creating meaningful memories with loved ones. It’s also a season that can bring its own pressures, like planning visits, managing gift budgets, and organizing events. With everything on your plate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Event: Community Meeting Superintendent Search
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 6pm-7pm
William D. Ford Career-Technical Center
36455 Marquette, Westland, MI 48185

The Board of Education of Wayne-Westland Community Schools is seeking our next superintendent, with assistance from the Michigan Leadership Institute. Engaging members of our school community in this process is a priority for the Board, as your input will play a key role in shaping the selection of our next leader. We are offering two opportunities for you to contribute to this critical process. Your feedback is invaluable in ensuring that we identify a superintendent who will best meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.

Opportunity #1: Complete an Online Survey
Complete an online survey and share your thoughts on the qualities we should be looking for in our next superintendent. The survey will be open until Monday, December 8, at 4:30 p.m. Survey link: Superintendent Search Survey

Opportunity #2: Attend an Interactive Meeting We invite you to join us for an interactive meeting on Tuesday, December 2, where you can:

• Provide input to be used during the search for our next superintendent.
• Learn more about the search process.
• Ask questions and engage in conversation.