Stevenson Middle School Update

Each week, this newsletter will give you information that you will need to know what is going on at Stevenson Middle School. We look forward to you reading this each week.

As parents and guardians, one of the most important things we can do to support our middle school students is to maintain open, consistent, and meaningful conversations about their academic progress, behavior, and overall experiences at school. Middle school is a time when students are developing independence, making important decisions, and learning how their choices affect themselves and others. Regular conversations at home about completing assignments, putting forth their best effort, treating others with respect, following classroom expectations, and making responsible choices throughout the school building help reinforce the habits necessary for success.

Ask your child about their day, celebrate their accomplishments, and address concerns when expectations are not being met. These conversations send a clear message that education, personal responsibility, and respectful behavior matter.

It is equally important that we work together to build a positive culture at Stevenson Middle School. The way we speak about our school, its teachers, and its staff members in front of our children can have a lasting impact on how they view their school experience. We encourage families to speak positively about Stevenson Middle School and the adults who work hard every day to educate, support, and guide our students. Our staff members are committed to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, even when that means having difficult conversations, correcting behavior, or holding students accountable. Students need to understand that being corrected is an opportunity to learn and improve, not a reason to lose respect for the adults responsible for their education.

Of course, questions, concerns, and disagreements may arise, and we recognize that parents and guardians will not always agree with every decision or situation. When concerns arise involving a classroom, a staff member, a school policy, or something happening at school, we ask that you communicate directly with the appropriate teacher, counselor, or administrator so the situation can be discussed respectfully and addressed appropriately. These conversations should take place between the adults involved rather than being shared with students in ways that create distrust, negativity, or conflict. Students should not be placed in the middle of adult concerns. When adults communicate directly and work together toward solutions, we demonstrate the problem-solving, respect, and accountability we expect our students to practice every day.

Our partnership matters. Stevenson Middle School and our families share the same ultimate goal: helping every student succeed. By talking regularly about academics and behavior, reinforcing high expectations, speaking positively about our school community, and addressing concerns through appropriate channels, we create a stronger support system for our children. The messages students hear at home and at school should work together to encourage responsibility, respect, effort, and pride in being part of Stevenson Middle School. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us create a school environment where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

There are two major Halloween events coming to Stevenson. The Haunted Library will take place on Tuesday, October 27 during lunch. The Halloween Dance will take place on Thursday, October 29 from 6-8 pm. These events are great opportunities for parents/families to get involved. If you are interested in helping with either of these events (or making donations), please go to the following sites to sign up:

Haunted library help

Halloween dance chaperones

Halloween event donations

Amazon wish list

We thank you in advance for your support of these fun events.

The annual Halloween Dance is coming to a cafeteria near you (or the Stevenson Cafeteria) on Tuesday, October 27. We are hopeful that students will come and have a great time. They may wear school appropriate costumes which means no masks, no weapons, no inappropriate clothing.

Please note that students who have been suspended prior to September 28 need to set up a meeting with Mr. Kay (they can do so in the main office) to discuss dance participation. Any students who are suspended starting September 28 are not able to attend the dance. Furthermore, student who have more than 3 tardies during the month of October will not be able to purchase a dance ticket. Following school expectations allows our students to participate in the extra activities. This is not negotiable.

Please speak with your student about the following expectations:

1. Be on time to class - There are far too many tardies which is interrupting classrooms when students decide to show up. We are working on tardy consequences which will include after school detention and loss of upcoming dance privileges, sports playing time and time with clubs.

2. Use of Language and Hands- Too many of our students feel that when they get frustrated with their peers it is acceptable to make threats, use profanity our begin fighting. As a reminder, these incidents will have consequences that may include suspension. It is our goal for students to be in school taking advantage of the educational opportunities and not being at home but they must begin to reduce these behaviors.

3. Passes- When students utilize their SmartPass (they get 2 per day), they must be done with their out of class time within 5 minutes.

Our counseling student Ambassadors have been busy giving new student tours and helping students get acclimated to middle school life. We counselors have been busy with scheduling and also planning activities for our kids. Here are some up and coming activities and their dates:

All 8th grade students will be visiting our William D. Ford Career & Technical Center on Tuesday October 20th. Students will be attending with their math class. More information to come!

Friday, October 23rd, we have our first in our series of Master classes! We have Mr. Merrick Adams from Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, MI. He will be presenting on marine technology engineering, a very unique and fast growing career. Students who are interested in a possible career in this field of study or science related in general are encouraged to sign up. Students sign up for Master classes on the student hub. Our Master classes are a series of guest speakers that we procure to come in and present to our students about their occupation. We’ve had nurses, a firefighter, a chef, an artist, an author, a realtor, a doctor of pharmacy, and many other speakers over the past four years. If you are interested or know someone who is interested in being a guest speaker for our Master class series, please have them reach out to one of us counselors here at Stevenson.

Monday, November 2nd & Wednesday, November 4th, all of our students will be using our Xello career exploration platform. Students will be completing a career interest inventory and a few other assessments such as their learning style to find out what types of careers they may want to explore and pursue. It’s always fun to see the students learning about career possibilities!

Counseling Secretary

Ms. Natalie Greenshields

734-419-2355

greenshieldsn@wwcsd.net

Counselors:

Student Last Name:

Krista Dezsi (Students Hoq-Me Wed & Friday)

dezsik@wwcsd.net

Student Last Name:

Yvette Jonna-Moore (Students A-Hop)

jonna-moorey@wwcsd.net

Student Last Name:

Kelly Reinink (Mi - Z)

reininkk@wwcsd.net

COUNSELING WEBSITE

School Counselor Role

The role of the school counselor is to support student success and well-being,

help all students reach their full potential by creating a supportive learning environment, and serve as advocates, liaisons, and collaborators within the school community

We support student social-emotional development/SEL, academic goals, personal development and college and career aspirations.

School counselors provide short-term individual counseling, targeted small group counseling, classroom lessons/career development, and community resource referrals.

How to see your counselor?

Sign up on the Student Hub or email your counselor

Your counselor will call you down as soon as they are available. In the event of a mental health emergency, please go directly to the counseling office which is located in the main office.

At Wayne-Westland Community Schools, we know that every school day matters. That’s why we’ve launched our “Aim for 8” attendance campaign to encourage families to make regular school attendance a priority.

Our goal is simple: students should aim to have 8 or fewer absences for the entire school year. Consistent attendance helps students stay connected to their teachers, classmates, and learning—and gives them the best opportunity to succeed.

We know that life happens and some absences are unavoidable. We also have attendance monitors at each school who are eager to help remove barriers that keep students from coming to school. Resources such as food, transportation, clean clothes, and school supplies are available to families, and we want to support whatever is needed.

“Aim for 8” is about building a culture where showing up, staying connected, and being engaged are celebrated and supported. Together, families, schools, and our community can help every student make attendance a habit and reach their full potential because every day counts!

Sincerely,

Catherine Cost, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Free Breakfast and Lunch for all Wayne-Westland Students!

Wayne-Westland Community Schools is proud to continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026–27 school year.

That means all enrolled students can enjoy a healthy breakfast and lunch every school day at NO CHARGE to your household!

We need your help! Please complete and sign the Education Benefits Form as soon as possible. You can access the form through the Meal Magic Family Portal: https://waynewestland.familyportal.cloud/.

We use the information you provide for administrative purposes; it does not determine eligibility.

Please take a few minutes to complete the form and help us maintain this important program for our students!

When dropping off your student, please do not wait in the east or west parking lot (against the fence & near the fields) as these spots are needed for the staff. In the afternoon, I understand that some people pick up in the parking lot at the church across the street. It would be best if families parked and came across the street to walk their student to the car. As a staff, we are always worried about students crossing Palmer during such a busy time.

If your student is running late to school, please do not add to the lateness by stopping for food or drinks with which the student is then walking into class. The appearance that stopping for breakfast, snack or a drink is that getting to school is less important as well as it adds to your student's tardy number and can be disruptive to class beginning. We thank you in advance for getting your student to school, on time, each day.

Common Language for School Safety

At Wayne-Westland Community Schools, the safety of our students and staff is always a top priority.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Michigan schools must use standardized emergency response terminology established by the Michigan State Police Office of School Safety. Public Acts 270 and 271 of 2024 require all public and non-public schools to use five standard terms: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter.

Standard Response Protocol (SRP) provides students, staff and first responders with clear, consistent language and actions to use during a variety of situations.

What does this mean for our students and staff?

You may hear these five terms during safety drills or, if necessary, during an actual emergency:

• Hold – Stay in your classroom or current location and remain there until the situation is resolved.
• Secure – Bring everyone inside the building, secure exterior doors and continue normal activities inside.
• Lockdown – Secure rooms, stay out of sight and remain quiet until the threat is resolved.
• Evacuate – Leave the building and move to a designated location.
• Shelter – Move to a designated area and take specific protective actions based on the type of emergency.
  
  

While the language we use is changing, our commitment to safety and emergency preparedness is not. Wayne-Westland Community Schools remains an ALICE-trained district, and our students and staff will continue to practice age-appropriate responses to a variety of emergency situations. Our staff receives training, and our schools conduct drills throughout the year so everyone knows what to do and where to go if an emergency occurs.

The SRP gives us a common set of words that can be easily understood by students, staff, families and first responders. This shared language helps everyone respond quickly and confidently when it matters most.

For your ease and convenience, there is an app that has been created to have quick access to your Parent and Student Connection. In your Google App or Play store, type in "MiStar" and you will have the option to download the "Q ParentConnection" app for yourself and also the "Q StudentConnection" app for your child. I downloaded it and found it to be very easy to use. The convenience of having an app, rather than locating the website and looking up my PIN and password each time, was great. I highly recommend downloading if you have a device.

If you get the app, you can select the "Re-Enrollment" in the drop down menu to submit your information that way as well.

All wireless communication devices (including, but not limited to, smart phones, cell phones, airpods, tablets, and smart watches) must be turned off or locked in the student's locker during the school day inclusive of passing time and lunch time.

Consequences Framework for Middle Schools (grades 6-8):

• First Offense: Tracked warning and parent communication

• Second Offense: Phone brought down to the office by student or behavior coach, parent communication, student picks up phone at end of day.

• Third Offense: Phone brought down to the office by student or behavior coach, parent communication, parent pickup.

• Fourth Offense: Phone brought down to the office by student or behavior coach, parent communication, parent pickup, and cell phone “detention” (student brings phone to office every day and pickup at end of day for a predetermined amount of time).

• Fifth Offense: May result in ISS/OSS. Any beyond five offenses will result in progressive discipline.

To be clear, there is no educational, social, or emotional benefit to a student having a cell phone or headphones/earbuds/etc. in our building. It only serves as a distraction or catalyst to inappropriate behavior.

Certain allowances are made for medical reasons, but those must be coordinated with administration. Students that violate the no cell phone policy during class time will receive progressive discipline which includes

If you need to reach your student during the school day you must reach out to the front office.

This year, Wayne-Westland Community Schools is launching the Aim for 8 Attendance Campaign to encourage students and families to prioritize regular attendance.

Our goal is simple: Aim for 8 or fewer absences during the school year.

When students are in school every day, they have more opportunities to learn, build relationships, participate in activities and stay on track for success. Even a few missed days can add up and make a difference.

Let’s work together to help every student show up, stay engaged and succeed!

1. Log into parent connect and select student

2. Click on the three lines in the upper corner

3. Select "Report Absence"

4. Enter information about the absence and click submit

Transportation information (route and pick up and drop off times) can be found under the 'Transportation' tab in your Parent/Student Connect account.

Bussers

Please note students are expected to load their bus immediately at the dismissal bell. Dismissal is at 2:40pm and buses depart at 2:47pm. Buses will not return to the school for students that missed the bus. Students will need to come to the main office to contact their parent/guardian to be picked up.

Parent/Guardian Pick up

Students that are picked up from school are not allowed to wait in the building. They are dismissed outside with all other students. Students will need to be picked up in a timely matter as afterschool supervision is not provided for late pick ups.

Walkers

Students that walk home need to leave the premises immediately after dismissal. Reentry into the building is not allowed and students are not to hang out on school property or at the surrounding businesses.

Wayne-Westland Community Schools has partnered with Here Comes the Bus to offer families an app that will help avoid students and parents from waiting too long for the bus. Here Comes the Bus allows parents to see where their child's bus is along the route and when it will be at their bus stop.

DIRECTIONS:
Visit herecomesthebus.com
Click the "Sign Up" button
Enter school code 87839 and click "Next" followed by "Confirm"
Complete the "User Profile" box
Under "My Students," click "Add." Enter your child's last name and student ID number
Once you confirm your information, you're ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!

All students participating in athletics MUST HAVE A MHSAA ATHLETIC FORM TURNED IN to the Counseling office or Athletic Director BEFORE THE FIRST PRACTICE OR TRYOUT (whichever is first). Physical forms may be picked up in the main office HERE for the digital form.

If your child has any medical needs during the school day, please bring the necessary documentation to the main office. Any medication to be kept in the office must be brought in by a parent or guardian. Click HERE to access the necessary forms we will need on file prior to the start of school.

It is the WWCSD district policy that NO prescribed or over-the-counter medication can be in school without WWCSD medication forms signed by a doctor and parent. If the form turned in is for "self carry" orders, the student may keep the medication with them. If it is not a "self carry" order, only parents or their listed contacts may bring in the medication which will be kept in the main office. Blank medication forms can be picked up if needed in the main office during the school year.

You can schedule a sports physical at the Corewell Health Clinic located at Adams Middle School, too!

The style and manner in which a student dresses while they attends school shall be the responsibility of their parents. Parental discretion shall be the major criteria for student dress.

The District, however, maintains the right to impose reasonable restrictions on dress for the following reasons:

If the style of dress or grooming is disruptive to the educational process or is detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the student or other students with whom he/she attends school.

Students, together with their parents, have the responsibility to dress and groom themselves in a manner appropriate for school. Principals have the responsibility and right to interpret the Dress Handbook in a consistent, fair and reasonable manner.

This list is not exhaustive and includes, but is not limited to:

1. Safe footwear must be worn at all times.
2. Clothing for school will cover the shoulders to mid-thigh.
3. Hats or headgear (other than for religious or medical reasons) are not to be worn inside the building.
4. Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the building.
5. Pajamas, slippers, underwear that is exposed, halter-tops, bare midriffs, bare sides, sheer articles of clothing, low cut tops or skirts/shorts that do not reach below one's fingertips, and t-shirts with drug or alcohol literature are examples of clothing not permitted.
6. Clothing, jewelry or accessories that denote membership in a group which advocates drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior or that promote inappropriate or illegal behavior, indicate profanity or unacceptable language/double meanings, are not to be worn.
7. Wallet chains and other forms of chains over 6 inches in length are not permitted nor are spiked jewelry.

Bell Schedule

First Hour 7:50 - 8:48 (5 minutes passing)

Second Hour 8:53 - 10:01 (5 minutes passing)

Third Hour 10:06 - 11:04 (5 minutes passing)

Fourth Hour 11:09 - 12:34 (5 minutes passing)

A Lunch 11:09 - 11:34

B Lunch 11:39 - 12:04

C Lunch 12:09 - 12:34

Fifth Hour 12:39 - 1:37 (5 minutes passing)

Sixth Hour 1:42 - 2:40 (Dismissal)

Half Day Schedule

Rotational Schedule

First or Fourth Hour 7:50 - 8:48 (5 minutes passing)

Second/Fifth Hour 8:53 - 9:57 (5 minutes passing)

Third/Sixth Hour 10:02 - 11:00 (Dismissal)