Principal Update

Washtenaw International High School has earned outstanding recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.

This achievement reflects the hard work of our students, staff, and families.

We are looking forward to the first day of school and the start of a new year together. This week, we will spend time reviewing expectations and routines to help ensure a smooth and safe beginning for everyone.

Please take a few minutes to review this week’s Principal Update. You can use the Table of Contents toolbar at the top of the newsletter to click a section and go directly to the information most relevant to you. I’m sincerely grateful for the many hands that have helped prepare our school for excellence.

Thank you to our student leaders, parent volunteers, front office staff, custodial and facilities teams, Associate Principal Albrecht, Dean Carlton, Dean Bartolocci, Mr. Seibert, Mrs. McCann, Mrs. Cartwright, Lead Teacher Mr. Giddings, and everyone who has supported my transition this summer. Our teachers return Monday, and I look forward to welcoming them.

We are one school serving students in grades 6–12, and I’m excited about what we will build together. Let the new day begin. Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,
Ché

IB students develop a range of interrelated skills known as Approaches to Learning (ATL). These include research skills, social skills, thinking skills, self-management skills, and communication skills. These skills aim to empower students to become self-regulated learners who can ask good questions, set effective goals, and pursue their aspirations with determination.

What are the approaches to learning (ATL)?

• ATL are deliberate strategies, skills and attitudes that permeate the teaching and learning environment.

• ATL supports the IB belief that a large influence on a student’s education is not only what you learn but also how you learn.

• ATL are intrinsically linked with the IB learner profile attributes to enhance student learning and assist student preparation for life after high school.

Approaches to Learning (5 elements)

1. Thinking skills (critical thinking, creativity and innovation, transfer)
2. Communication skills
3. Social skills
4. Self-management skills (organization, affective, reflection)
5. Research skills (information literacy, media literacy)

Approaches to Teaching (6 elements)

1. Teaching through inquiry
2. Teaching through concepts
3. Teaching developed in local and global contexts
4. Teaching focused on effective teamwork and collaboration
5. Teaching differentiated to meet the needs of all learners
6. Teaching informed by assessment

Thank you to the parents, caregivers, and students who joined us for New Parent Orientation on August 19th. The involvement and leadership of our students were second to none, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped welcome our newest families. We have one ask: Please help us improve future orientations by completing our New Parent Orientation Survey by 5:00 PM on August 27, 2026. Your feedback matters!

Whether you are beginning middle school, starting high school, or entering your final year at WIHI, it is never too early to plan for success. We are here to guide and support you throughout your journey.

This week, choose three academic goals and three social goals. Make each goal SMART:

• Specific: What will you do?
• Measurable: How will you track it?
• Attainable: Can you accomplish it with effort?
• Relevant: Why does it matter to you?
• Timely: When will you complete it?

Write down your goals, share them with someone you trust, and check your progress each month. Remember, growth not perfection is the goal.

Be principled, caring, and a strong communicator, both online and in person. We believe in you and are here to help!

1. Celebrate success beyond a grade. Success in school is often anchored to a letter grade or a GPA at the end of the year. Parents should also celebrate social experiences, connections with peers and teachers, club involvement, and special interests or hobbies. Even something as small as winning a game of kickball in PE could be enough to spark students’ engagement during the school day. The confidence from that celebration usually translates back to more academic success as well.

2. Help your kids understand that you are a partner in their learning. It is easy for students to understand the role teachers play in their day-to-day learning, but it can be harder for them to see where parents get authority over their education. Make that connection explicit so students understand your relationship with their teachers, and how you are both working together to create a better learning experience for them. Set expectations for the three of you parents, teachers, and students to follow throughout the year and keep them accountable for their promises, in addition to holding up yours. Not only does this create more continuity between school and home but it shows your kids that you are invested in building their future and not just celebrating academic outcomes.

3. Encourage students to take ownership of their education. As parents, our initial reaction is to step in with solutions when our kids have a problem, but that does nothing to teach them ways of advocating for themselves. By giving students a voice in their own education, you are encouraging them to solve problems with the tools around them, and to speak up when things aren’t working.

4. Build a sustainable routine. Most of us have our daily routines. It is important for parents to reset and prioritize daily habits that will ultimately help their children thrive in school. These routines are most effective when they are personal and easily achievable. Instead of asking your child how their day was, ask them to tell you about three things they learned at school that day.

5. Be more internationally-minded. Working with students around the world at the International Baccalaureate (IB), I can tell you that we all have something to learn from one another. We have an opportunity as parents and teachers/staff to expose them to new ideas and diverse ways of thinking. A project such as calling or writing to a fellow student internationally, fundraising for a community around the world, learning a second language, or even something watching a video can help kids see the world from a different perspective with more inquiry. Whether it’s learning about new places, cultures, or even picking up new skills from online tutorials, we have much to learn from the people outside of our usual spheres of influence, and students are already leveraging that with full force.

Source: Antrina Leeth Of International Baccalaureate On The 5 Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Children Thrive and Excel In School | by Authority Magazine | Authority Magazine | Nov, 2022 | Medium

Building Opens: 7:05AM

School Doors Open: 7:15AM ( Supervision begins)

School begins: 7:35 AM

Dismissal: 2:40 PM

As we prepare to welcome students on the first day of school, we ask everyone to please pack a little extra patience. The first day can bring some organized chaos, but our staff will be visible and ready to help students get where they need to be.

• Official Schedules: New students will receive their official schedules during homeroom/advisory on the first day. Returning students should be able to view their schedules in PowerSchool. Please remember that schedules may remain tentative as we finalize enrollment.

• Before School: Students should wait in one of the following approved areas before moving to class: the cafeteria, entrance hallway, courtyard, or courtyard hallway.

• Student Drop-Off: Please have your child exit the vehicle on the curb side and direct them into the building. We’ll take it from there.

• Parking: If you must leave your vehicle, please park in a designated parking space. Remember, we are always modeling safe and responsible behavior for our students.

• School Safety: Every adult entering the building must report to the main office first.

Thank you for your patience, partnership, and support as we begin the new school year. We are here to help!

Cafeteria

• Cafeteria if eating breakfast ( suggested gathering area for 6th grade students)
• Hallway near the main entrance
• Hallway near 700 hall
• Courtyard 1
• Courtyard 2

Hallway Expectations

As members of our IB learning community, students are expected to:

• Walk on the right to keep traffic moving safely.
• Keep hands, feet, and belongings to themselves.
• Use a respectful, conversational voice.
• Help anyone who appears lost or needs support.
• Follow staff directions promptly.
• Move directly to class so learning can begin on time.

Staff and families, please take a few minutes to review these expectations with students. A safe and welcoming start to the day is something we create together.

Free Breakfast & Lunch

Free breakfast and lunch will continue for all students during the 2026–2027 school year. Students are expected to remain on campus during lunch and may eat in designated supervised areas.

Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) Bus Transportation

Students who live within the YCS district will receive YCS transportation. Bus route information is expected to be available by Monday, August 24. Transportation questions can be directed to our liaison: Mr. Perry Seibert PSeibert@wihi.org

Dress Expectations

WIHI &WIMA does not require school uniforms. Students should dress comfortably and appropriately for the school environment.

The following are not permitted:

• Violent language or images
• Images or language depicting drugs, alcohol, illegal items, or illegal activities
• Hate speech, profanity, or pornography
• Images or language that create a hostile or intimidating environment based on a protected class
• Visible underwear
• Bathing suits
• Helmets or headgear that obscure the face, except when worn as part of a religious observance

Locks for Lockers

Please provide your student with a combination lock for their locker.

Key locks are not recommended.

School Spirit Wear Order Form: School Spirit Wear Order Form

New styles and items are added throughout the year, so be sure to check back for updates!

Families of students who will need to take medication during the school day should complete the form and bring it, along with any required medication, to the Front Office during the first week of school.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Michigan public schools are required to establish policies addressing student use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices.

The legislation requires schools to restrict student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time, while allowing local school authorities to establish additional restrictions and procedures.

Michigan Legislative Reference: House Bill 4141— Wireless Communications Device Policy Families may review the legislation directly through this link. https://legislature.mi.gov/documents/2025-2026/billanalysis/House/pdf/2025-HLA-4141-KH6Z2PTQ.pdf

Our previous WIHI/WIMA cell phone policy required students to keep cell phones and earbuds off or silent and put away during class time. The policy also established a progressive response to repeated violations, beginning with reminders and teacher support and escalating to administrative follow-up for repeated incidents.

Advisory: 7:35–8:00 AM

Our goal is to create a safe, calm, and easy-to-follow routine for every WIHI/WIMA student and family. Please review these important expectations.

Morning Arrival

• Due to supervision, students should not arrive before 7:05AM doors open @ 7:15AM.
• Please do not park, stop, or leave a vehicle.
• Pull ahead as far as possible. ( Be nice to Mr. Carter if he redirects you)
• If you need to enter the building, please use a designated parking space.
• Students must use crosswalks when crossing streets or parking areas.
• Drivers should not make U-turns anywhere in the parking lot.

• Free breakfast and lunch for all students will continue for the 2026-2027 school year.

School Lunch Expectations: All students in grades 6–12 must remain on campus during lunch.

• Students may eat in the cafeteria.
• Students may not eat in hallways or other unsupervised areas.
• Food Delivery During the School Day is not allowed including but not limited to Uber Eats, DoorDash or GrubHub. This is to better ensure the security of the school as well as to minimize disruptions to the school day.

Afternoon Dismissal

• The regular school day ends at 2:40 PM.
• Students should exit through the main doors.
• Students should go directly to their pickup area, bus, or begin walking home.
• All YCS bus riders must leave campus on their assigned bus at the end of day.
• Families should pick up students by 2:50 PM, no later than 10 minutes after dismissal unless assigned to a school approved club/activity.
• During pickup, drivers should avoid the yellow traffic zone, drive slowly, and use a designated parking space if entering the building.

Attendance at school and classes is very important. Teachers take attendance at the start of each period (first ten minutes) of class. You can view your student’s attendance in Powerschool. Some absences are unavoidable and we understand that children will get sick and need to stay home occasionally. The important thing is to get your children to school as often as possible. Sporadic absences, not just those on consecutive days of school, matter. Before you know it just one or two days a month can add up to nearly 10 percent of the school year. Students with tardy and absenteeism will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular events held on campus.

September 2nd Welcome Back Ice Cream Social 6:00-7:30PM

September 4th No School—Pre-Labor Day (No-Homework Weekend)

September 7th No School—Labor Day

September 10th Meet the Teacher / Curriculum Night 6:00-8:30PM

September 24th Picture Day

Parents and guardians are invited to meet our teachers, counselors, and administrators while learning more about the IB curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Families will follow their student’s class schedule, purchase spirit wear, and learn about PTO volunteer opportunities.

Please bring a printed copy or screenshot of your student’s PowerSchool schedule. More details will be shared soon!

Students attending WIHI generally participate in athletics through the district they are registered through to attend WIHI, subject to that district’s requirements and MHSAA eligibility rules.

If your student plans to participate in a fall sport, we strongly encourage you to contact the Athletic Department for their operating district as soon as possible, as practices and tryouts may begin before the first day of school.

WIMA Sports: Students attending WIMA are eligible to participate in sports and extracurricular activities offered through Ypsilanti Middle School.

Please open the attached YCS and AAPS athletic information for school-specific details, requirements, and contact information. WIHI also offers many clubs, activities, and student organizations throughout the school year.

WIHI & WIMA students will have a new Arts elective option:Whether your student loves being in the spotlight, prefers working behind the scenes, enjoys writing and creating, or has simply always wondered what theatre is all about, this new course offers something for everyone!

Arts Options

Incoming 6th–8th Grade Students

• Visual Arts
• Band
• Theatre

Incoming 9th–10th Grade Students

• Visual Arts
• Band
• Orchestra
  
• Choir
• Theatre

Students may choose one Arts course per school year.

What Will Students Do in Theatre?

Our Theatre courses are designed to offer students a little bit of everything! Students will have opportunities to explore:

Acting & Improvisation, Directing, Playwriting & Storytelling, Set, Costume & Production Design, Technical Theatre, Theatre History & Theory, Analyzing and Creating Theatre Works

Throughout the year, students will participate in projects and smaller performances and each Theatre class will also have the opportunity to work together to create a class production for a public performance! No previous theatre experience is necessary!

Students simply need a willingness to try something new, take creative risks, and help build a safe, supportive, and kind environment where everyone feels comfortable creating and participating.

Interested in Switching to Theatre?

If your student would like to choose Theatre as their Arts elective this year, please email our Scheduler and IB Coordinator, Mr. Giddings, at dgiddings@wihi.org during the week of August 17th to express your interest.

Not interested in Theatre?

No action is needed! Your student's original Arts selection from their application or Re-Commitment Survey will remain their choice for the upcoming school year. You only need to contact us if your student would like to change their Arts selection to Theatre.

After Monday, August 24, if space remains available in the Theatre classes, students may request a switch by completing a Schedule Change Request Form before Labor Day.

WIMA is implementing a new, easy-to-use system to help students and families keep track of daily assignments: The Homework Hotpage.

The Homework Hotpage is a centralized Google Doc where students can locate the work assigned in each class that day, if any. It gives families one convenient place to check assignments and helps students keep their written planners accurate and up to date.

If you have any questions, please contact WIMA Dean of Students Chris Carlton ccarlton@wihi.org

The WIMA and WIHI community has a long tradition of giving students opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, build friendships, serve their community, and take on leadership roles.

The following clubs and organizations represent opportunities offered during the 2025–2026 school year. This list is intended to give families a sense of the many ways students have been able to get involved. Clubs and opportunities for the 2026–2027 school year may change. A new club list will be shared after the school year begins.

Arts, Music & Creativity

Students have opportunities to express themselves and develop their creativity through Drama Club, Improv Club, Jazz Club, Music Council, WIHigh Notes, WIMA Choir, Yearbook, Newspaper, Writing Competition Club, and other creative opportunities.

STEM, Academic & Competition

Students interested in learning beyond the classroom have participated in Coding Club, Math Club, Science Olympiad, GIDAS, Forensics, Debate Club, Ethics Bowl, National Economics Challenge, Finance & Investment Club, Aeronautical Engineering, Robotics, Chess Club, and French Honors Society.

Culture, Identity & Community

WIMA and WIHI have offered a variety of opportunities for students to celebrate culture, identity, and community, including the Black Student Union, Asian Student Association, Indian American Student Association, Hispanic/Latinx Student Alliance, Middle Eastern and North African Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Pakistani Student Association, Jewish Student Union, Korean Culture & Language Club, and Queer Student Association.

Service, Leadership & Advocacy

Students have also been able to make a difference through organizations such as Student Government, WIMA StuGo, Key Club, LEO Club, Rotary Club, Red Cross Club, VT Seva, Project Period, Amnesty International, and Defy Division.

Wellness, Environment & Community

Other opportunities have included Gardening Club, Kindness Club, Wellness4Washtenaw, and organizations focused on creating a stronger, healthier, and more connected school community.

Recreation & Special Interests

Students have also participated in activities such as D&D Club, Cricket Club, and other student-led interest groups.

WIMA Opportunities

Past WIMA-specific opportunities have included WIMA Robotics @ YCS/Tall Duck Technicians, WIMA StuGo, WIMA Yearbook, and WIMA Choir.

After-School Club Time

Our standard club meeting time will be: 2:45–3:15PM

Students participating in a club are expected to be picked up or have an approved plan for leaving campus by 3:15PM

Important: School supervision is not available after 3:15PM. unless a specific school-sponsored activity has communicated a different end time and supervision plan to families.

Clubs Liaison: Mr. Giddings dgiddings@wihi.org

Families interested in joining or helping lead a parent-led carpool can register here:

WIMA Carpool Registration: Carpool Link. Carpool information, including family contact information and a map, will be shared by August 19. Only families who register will receive access to the carpool information.

Please drive safely and slowly at all times in and around our parking lot. In order to keep students, staff, and families safe, we need all drivers to follow the traffic rules around and within our school parking lot. Please review the procedures below. We will have staff helping to guide drivers at drop off and pick up for the first month of school.

• Please do NOT stop and wait at the Mansfield and Grant stop sign if the pick up line is backed up. If the lot is full, please circle the block (left on Grant, Owendale, Sherman, and back on Mansfield) and the lot will open up within 5 minutes.

• Please pull up all the way to the end of the circle driveway/sidewalk when picking up and dropping off students. This helps to reduce traffic backups and accidents on Mansfield street.

• Please be patient and avoid honking and yelling at other drivers. Let’s model care and compassion.

• Please do NOT block driveways and do NOT drive on lawns or property.

• STOP at the stop signs and yield to students crossing the crosswalks.

Vehicles parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school. The school reserves the right to search any vehicle, if reasonable suspicion exists to do so. Students have full responsibility for the security of their vehicles and will make certain they are locked and that keys are not given to others.

Our counselors and staff are committed to supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Counseling services include academic planning, academic support plans, college and career exploration, college applications and scholarships, social-emotional support, and connections with community partners. We believe student success is about more than academics. It is also about belonging, relationships, confidence, curiosity, and finding joy in learning.

Link to webpage: Coming soon!

OK2Say

If there is something that you need to report anonymously, you can go to OK2Say.com and report there. Or, you can call 855-565-2729, text OK2SAY, email OK2SAY@mi.gov, or download the app.
Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools.

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) at UM Medicine
1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (734) 936-5900; https://www.uofmhealth.org/our-care/specialties-services/psychiatric-emergency-service
** If you are seeking outpatient or inpatient care at the University of Michigan health Care System, please contact intake services at 800-525-5188

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH)
2140 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108; (734) 544-3050 website

Ozone House

Offers 24 Hour support and resources for youth, and those who care about youth, any time day or night at (734) 662-2222.

For other community resources (mental health, food, utility assistance, housing, etc), please click here.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or Text 988 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
** You can also text HELLO to 741741

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) at UM Medicine
1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (734) 936-5900; website
** If you are seeking outpatient or inpatient care at the University of Michigan health Care System, please contact intake services at 800-525-5188

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH)
2140 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108; (734) 544-3050 website

Ozone House

Offers 24 Hour support and resources for youth, and those who care about youth, any time – day or night – at (734) 662-2222.

Our PTO plays an important role in strengthening the connection between home and school while supporting opportunities for our students and staff. All WIHI and WIMA families are welcome to participate.

1st Meeting: Monday, September 14th
Time: 6:30–8:00PM
Location: Virtual

Join by Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/xoh-oogz-kby

Join by Phone:
(567) 331-0189
PIN: 553 615 705#

Executive Board

Jenny Rose Ryan - Communications Secretary

For questions, suggestions, or comments please email us at PTO@WIPTO.org

PTO meetings are held virtually on the second Monday of each month.

We are currently transitioning our Spirit Wear program, as our wonderful PTO has graciously volunteered to take over Spirit Wear moving forward!

The PTO is already working on a fresh selection of items and will share ordering information, pricing, and available styles once everything is finalized.

Current Spirit Wear = Discounted!

As we make this transition, we will not be restocking our current Spirit Wear inventory, which means everything we have left is being offered at a discounted price while supplies last!

Once an item or size sells out, it will no longer be available through our current order form, so if you see something you want, be sure to grab it while you can!

Thank you for supporting WIHI/WIMA! We appreciate your school spirit and are excited for both the clearance sale on our current gear and the new Spirit Wear options coming from our PTO!

One of the most important aspects of our programming is the IB Learner Profile, a set of 10 traits that aims to “develop internationally-minded people, who, recognizing our common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better, more peaceful world.” Each month, we focus on one of these traits, and celebrate students who exemplify them.

Announcements

We encourage families to become familiar with these resources and check them regularly throughout the school year. Click here: https://www.wihi.org/wihi-wima/

Front Office

Kelly Cartwright

Enrollment Manager & Business Office

Email: kcartwright@wihi.org

Angelica McCann

Administrative Assistant

Email: amccann@wihi.org

Phone (734) 994-8145

Perry Seibert

Administrative Assistant

Email: pseibert@wihi.org

Phone (734) 994-8145

Building Administration:

Ché Carter
Principal

Email: ccarter@wihi.org

Richard Albrecht

Associate Principal

Email: ralbrecht@wihi.org

Ari Bartolacci

Dean of Students

Email: abartolacci@wihi.org

Christopher Carlton

Dean of Students

Email: ccarlton@wihi.org

IB Program Coordinators

Daniel Giddings

Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator & Lead Teacher

Email: dgiddings@wihi.org

Laura Wagner

Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator & Science Department Chair MYP & DP Chemistry

Email lwagner@wihi.org