Principal Update
Week Of October 26, 2026
A Note From Your Principal
Important Update for Washtenaw International Families
Regular school attendance is essential to student learning, achievement, and success.
We want to inform families that Washtenaw International's Attendance Intervention Plan is now in effect for all students in grades 6–12. This schoolwide process establishes consistent expectations for monitoring attendance, communicating with families, and providing support when students accumulate absences.
What Families Need to Know
Our attendance intervention process includes the following:
5 Absences: Front Office contacts the family and sends an attendance notification.
10 Absences: Attendance conference with the Dean and Counselor to develop an improvement plan.
15 Absences: Formal family meeting and Attendance Contract.
20 Absences: Administrative conference and additional interventions as needed.
Chronic absenteeism has become a significant concern for schools nationwide, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Missing school regularly, even for excused reasons, can negatively impact academic achievement, student engagement, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
We recognize that consistent attendance is essential to student success. A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused. We encourage families to prioritize daily attendance, establish consistent routines, and communicate with our school when challenges arise. Our goal is to partner with families to remove barriers and ensure every student remains connected to learning.
You are invited November 3rd! Monthly Coffee w/ Principal
This informal virtual gathering is designed to strengthen connections, encourage open dialogue, and support the learning and growth of Washtenaw International students.
How It Works
First 10 Minutes: Brief principal update on a relevant school topic.
Remaining minutes: Informal conversation, questions, and family perspectives.
What This Is: A welcoming space for connection, shared learning, general questions, and open communication.
What This Is NOT: A formal PTO meeting, decision-making forum, or setting to discuss individual student concerns, confidential matters, or personnel issues. These conversations should be scheduled separately.
This Month's Topic: State Laws and Policy Updates
When: First Tuesday of each month
Time: 8:15–9:00 AM
Location: Virtual via Click Here to Join Coffee with the Principals
As Halloween approaches, we want to ensure that our students have an opportunity to enjoy the occasion while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. Students are welcome to wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 30, 2026. Participation is completely voluntary, and all students who choose to participate must follow our school expectations and costume guidelines.
Halloween Costume Guidelines
No Full Face Coverings: Masks or costumes that completely cover a student's face are not permitted. Students must remain identifiable throughout the school day.
No Weapons or Hazardous Items: Real or replica weapons, dangerous objects, or accessories that could be mistaken for weapons are prohibited.
Appropriate Dress: All costumes must follow our regular school dress expectations and be appropriate for a school environment.
No Mess or Spills: Fake blood, messy substances, or costume materials that could damage school property or disrupt instruction are not permitted.
Respectful Themes: Costumes must not promote violence, illegal substances, offensive messages, or derogatory content.
Cultural Respect and Inclusion: Costumes that mock, stereotype, or disrespect cultures, races, religions, identities, or backgrounds are not permitted. Our commitment to belonging and inclusion applies to everyone.
Respect for Others: Students should respect their peers and their costume choices. Touching, damaging, or making disrespectful comments about another student's costume is unacceptable.
Administration reserves the right to require students to modify, remove, or change costumes that do not meet these guidelines.
IB Approaches to Learning (ATL) Spotlight: Organization
At Washtenaw International, we help students in grades 6–12 become confident, independent, lifelong learners through Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills—learning how to learn.
This Week’s ATL Focus: Organization
Organization is a key self-management skill that helps students plan, prioritize tasks, manage time, and meet deadlines. Through our MYP and DP programs, students develop strategies to manage assignments, tackle long-term projects, and build independence.
Family Conversation Starter:
Ask your student: “How do you organize your time and tasks to stay on track with your learning goals?”
High School
Ari Bartolacci
Dean of Students
Email: abartolacci@wihi.org
Google Site: https://sites.google.com/wihi.org/deanbarto
Middle School
Christopher Carlton
Dean of Students
Email: ccarlton@wihi.org
Google Site: https://sites.google.com/wihi.org/deancarltonscorner/home
PTO Newsletter: To receive the most up to date information, please opt into the PTO Newsletter.
Class of 2029 Fundraiser Achatz Handmade Pies. Pies are on sale now through October 25. Pies will be available for pickup on Friday, November 13, 2026.
PTO Linktree To view up to date PTO information, please view the PTOLinktree.
PTO Positions Please email pto@wipto.org with questions or to learn more.
Executive Board
Jennifer Tremewan - President
Mandy Davis – Vice President of FundraisingCharles Arnold – Treasurer
Aarti Joshi – Treasurer
Abby Adams – Recording Secretary
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.