The Pipeline

Hello Ford CTC Students and Families!

Welcome back to all our students! As we left for our break, I observed an incredible atmosphere filled with love, smiles, and an undeniable sense of community. Celebrating earned credentials, completed projects, and newly acquired skills showcases the vibrant journey we have collectively embarked upon this semester. The positive energy radiating from our students and their outstanding achievements is nothing short of inspiring and is a true testament to the power of education.

I am immensely proud of our students for not just meeting expectations but for surpassing them with remarkable determination. Their success is firmly anchored in the unwavering love, support, and enthusiasm from their teachers and classmates. The meaningful conversations and excitement they share with those who matter are pivotal to this growth.

Seeing students bring cherished recipes made with family members for our community celebrations was a powerful reminder of their creativity and community spirit. Their eagerness to share their creations and the stories behind them demonstrates their strong connections and appreciation for one another. Celebrating the unique qualities of our students is what makes Ford Tech special, and I am honored to witness this dynamic spirit.

As we move into the second half of the school year, I am truly inspired by how far we’ve come, and I am confident in what lies ahead. Our future expectations are not just aspirations; they are becoming a reality!

Kind regards!

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

If you are interested in supporting any of our CTE programs, please feel free to fill out the form:

https://forms.gle/rD22kqhwbJrWVMJL6

On December 8, 2025, our Construction students headed to the LiUNA Training of Michigan (LTM) site to learn about the LTM Pathways to Apprenticeship Summer Program. Students heard from Apprenticeship Coordinator Tyrese West and LTM instructors about what the Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program looks like and the steps toward becoming a journeyman with Laborers’ Local 1191.

Students received a crash course in setting up scaffolding and operating a jackhammer. These hands-on activities gave them a glimpse of just two of the many skills they would learn more in-depth during the summer program and beyond if they choose to pursue a career as a laborer.

A big thank you to Tyrese West and Cynthia Scherphorn, LTM Apprenticeship Outreach Consultant, for helping make this opportunity possible for our William D. Ford Career-Tech Center students!

Twenty-seven Auto Technology students have successfully earned their ASE Brakes credential, a noteworthy post-secondary certification that validates their expertise in this realm of the automotive industry. This achievement positions them to pursue more specialized roles within dealerships and automotive settings. It marks just the beginning for these students as they build their portfolios for future post-secondary opportunities.

The fire cadets have been working exceptionally hard this year. They have completed their studies in firefighting and recently sat for their Drone Pilot Certification (FAA Part 107). We have so many students ready that we are having to schedule them in waves to take the test. Today, two more high school firefighting students passed their certification. Please congratulate Luke Glen and Andrew Hagar on earning their licenses. They are ready for employment starting today, and these jobs offer excellent pay. Ford Tech is incredibly proud of them!

Congratulations to Brandon Daniel and Aubrey Courlas from our Sports Medicine and Exercise Science programs who were both recently hired by Athletico Physical Therapy as Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy Aides! They will be applying their classroom learning and hands-on skills to support therapists, assist with patient care, and gain real-world experience in the rehabilitation field. We are proud of their accomplishment and excited for their future!

If you or your business are interested in learning more about Work-Based Learning opportunities at William D. Ford Career-Tech Center, please contact Ashley McKenzie, Work-Based Learning Coordinator. Email: mckenziea@wwcsd.net Phone: 734-419-2142

After Thanksgiving, the Cybersecurity class took a creative approach by merging technology with agriculture. They developed an exciting project that focused on hatching baby chicks, showcasing innovation in a fun and practical way. Under the guidance of their instructor, Josh Rychlicki, and with assistance from Nicole and Jimmy Holland, the students set up an incubation facility that carefully regulated humidity and temperature to ensure successful hatching. The entire process was documented through a live chick cam, allowing others in the building to witness their arrival. Overall, it was an incredible learning experience for everyone involved. Stay tuned for more exciting projects forthcoming from the greenhouses!

All students at Ford Tech will eventually gain access to MiLearner Wallet, an electronic platform for managing earned credentials, awards, and electronic documentation of time spent in our classes. This website will be available for use even after graduation, providing a secure space for students to store electronic documentation and verification of their various accomplishments within CTE programming.

Our Architecture & Engineering Design, Construction, and HVAC students spent time getting their hands dirty at the “JUST BUILD IT!” Construction Career Expo

They jumped right in at the Bricklayers and Iron Workers booths—learning new skills, testing their abilities, and getting a real feel for life in the trades. From hands-on activities and live demos to connecting with union reps and apprenticeship programs, our students made the most of every opportunity!

ATTENTION CURRENT SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS

Need to know information:

• Current sophomores and juniors who are interested in attending the William D. Ford Career Technical Center for next year are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience an no later than February 13th.
• The application forms open on Monday, January 5th.
• ***CURRENT WAYNE-WESTLAND STUDENTS APPLY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZr5nqU8HjXnhaiTLMRZy8BrKXWvJbxP620Bin9NVNkR2RPA/viewform?usp=preview
• ***OUT OF DISTRICT STUDENTS APPLY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-b7JMfyeVkFnVibmvN2ax30AA1VBEQb4bbCwyfcU6P4iGyw/viewform?usp=dialog
• Descriptions of each area of study are included in the links below.
• Students need to be on track with credits or currently working to make up credit deficits to be eligible.
• Both in-person and virtual program students are eligible to apply to the Career Tech Center. Please note virtual program students do need to provide their own transportation to Career Tech.
• Current Career Tech students who are juniors DO NEED to reapply on the google form below if they wish to attend year two.
• Please note, completing an enrollment request does not guarantee a spot at William D. Ford Career-Technical Center. Students will be notified when placements are made based on the timeline listed.
• Any specific questions regarding applying can be directed to Ms. Chiasson at 734-419-2116.

IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES:

• 26-27 Enrollment Request Opens: Monday January 5, 2026
• Fire Up Your Future (Open House): February 3, 2026
• First Round Student Enrollment Request Closes: February 13, 2026
• Returning 2nd Year Application (Application for students who attended WDF in the 25-26 school year and would like to return for the 26-27 school year in the SAME program): March 25, 2026
• Second Round Student Enrollment Requests Closes: April 17, 2026
• Gear Up for Success Night (26-27 Orientation, invited students only): May 27, 2026

1/5/2026 - Return from Winter Break

1/8/2026 - Additional students testing for FAA-107

1/7/2026-1/8/2026 - Kindergartens visit Culinary program

1/14/2026-1/16/2026 - FINAL EXAMS SCHEDULE***NO SCHOOL IN THE PM

1/19/2026 - NO SCHOOL! MLK Observance Day

1/21/2026 - Firefighting class to go to Wayne County Community College for training

2/2 and 2/3/2026- Reality Fair-Financial Simulation for CTE classes

2/3/2026- Fire Up Your Future Open House Night-6 pm

2/16/2026-2/20/2026- NO SCHOOL-Mid-Winter Break!

Please see the following information regarding transportation and parking:

Please remember that each sending school has its own rules, schedules, and requirements regarding transportation. Students should address any transportation-related questions or concerns with their home high school. If you plan to drive, you must obtain a parking pass from Ford Tech’s administration. These passes cost $25 and come with specific arrival times. For morning arrivals, drivers must be on-site by 7:25 AM, and for afternoon arrivals, by 11:25 AM. Please note that Ford Tech reserves the right to revoke parking privileges if any issues or concerns arise.

****Attention Wayne-Westland students:

Please remember that you are only allowed to park at your respective home high school. John Glenn students are required to park at their school. Transportation has been arranged for students from Wayne Memorial and Innovative Academy.

Due to the limited parking available for over 1,100 students and the nearby restaurant, we strongly urge everyone to follow this policy. Exceptions will only be made for students participating in higher-level work-based learning experiences, but they must obtain approval from the administrative teams of both schools.

Be aware that students who drive without permission may face disciplinary consequences. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please see the following link regarding the procedures followed when having to cancel school due to inclement weather. Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q7PF241OdFeYLO2P5KylZZC2J7Q00WEBLzVx7bAeZaY/edit?usp=sharing

Over the past several months, a group of teachers and administrators from all four of our high school buildings has worked together to develop a consistent grading policy for our students. Our goal is to provide greater clarity and fairness for students and families by ensuring that grading practices are aligned across our schools.

This updated grading policy is designed to:

• Provide consistency in how grades are determined and reported.

• Communicate more clearly what students know and can do.

• Focus on student learning and growth, rather than points lost.
  

It is important to note that students will continue to earn letter grades on their transcript-this change only impacts how grades are determined within classes.

Key Features of the Updated Grading Policy

Common Categories & Weights

• Summative (70%) - Assessments that show what students have learned (tests, quizzes, papers, projects, presentations, etc.).
  Formative (30%) - Practice opportunities for learning (homework, exit tickets, classwork, discussions, etc.).
  

Semester Grades

• Students will no longer receive separate quarter or exam grades. Instead, grades will reflect learning across the entire semester.

• Progress reports will still be provided midway through the semester as a snapshot in time.
  Final exams may still be given at the teacher's discretion, but will be factored into the semester grade rather than reported separately.
  

Assessment Redos

• For every major test or project, students will have a chance to try again.

• Reassessments must be completed no later than one week prior to the end of the semester.

• End-of-semester assessments are not eligible for reassessment.

• Students will earn full credit for demonstrating improved learning.
  

Formative Work Expectations

• Late or missing formative work will be accepted until the end of the unit (minimum of two weeks).
  All formative work must be submitted no later than two weeks before the end of the semester.
  

Common Grading Scale

• Teachers will use a 4-point proficiency scale rather than percentages.

• ParentConnect will display number grades that correspond to letter grades on transcripts.

We believe these updates will provide a clearer, more accurate picture of student learning and help support every student's academic success.

.

Please click on the link for one of the TikTok videos made for the Fire/EMT program at William D. Ford.

https://www.tiktok.com/@wwcsd_ccr_sel/video/7310370034260430111

Our latest video for our Welding program.

https://www.tiktok.com/@wwcschools/video/7335874530986085678?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7328075319805265451

If you want to see more of what's happening in the district, please follow the link...

https://www.tiktok.com/@wwcschools

Wayne-Westland Attendance Policy:

District Policy:

Wayne-Westland Schools prioritizes student attendance, student safety, and student support. Our District has implemented a comprehensive attendance policy that will identify barriers families face and provide support so that they may attend school regularly. Working with our community partners, our goal is to reduce chronic absenteeism at all grade levels.

Additional details regarding the policy can be found here:

https://www.wwcsd.net/departments/administrative-services/student-services/#Attendance

Student safety is a top priority in Wayne-Westland Community Schools, both at school and at home.

Thanks to the Michigan State Police, we have FREE gun locks available for staff and families. Pick one up at any school office or the district office—no questions asked.

A new Michigan law requires firearms to be stored safely, away from children and teens. This means:

• Locking them in a secure storage box, or

• Keeping them unloaded and using a locking device.

Safe storage saves lives. Thanks for helping keep our kids safe.

Wayne-Westland Community Schools has a Family Resource Center (FRC), which provides services to any student/family enrolled in our District, free of cost. Some of the services they provide are: basic need assistance, access to over 700 local resources, Laundry Assistance Program and material items for those unable to afford them (emergency toiletries, socks/underwear, hats/gloves/scarves, etc.). They are also able to provide school supplies and backpacks year round for any WWCS student. Please contact our Family Resource Center at: 734-419-2709 or FRC@wwcsd.net. Our FRC also has a Digital Request for Services Form, which can be used to request assistance. Please contact the Family Resource Center directly with any additional questions regarding their services.

Take Charge of Your Internet: To ensure all students have the access they need, the State of Michigan is conducting a Broadband Mapping Challenge, which can help secure federal funds to expand quality broadband to homes in our district. Michigan residents can visit the website to check the map for their home address and submit necessary corrections to the state internet map. This program may be the best opportunity to get all of our students and families online. Link to PDF