A Note From Your Principal

As we move into the fall season, I want to recognize members of our community observing Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Its focus on reflection, growth, and renewal is a meaningful reminder of how we can continue becoming our best selves.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Curriculum Night. It was great seeing our families connecting with teachers and learning more about the experiences we are creating for our students. If you were unable to attend, please reach out to your student’s teachers for any materials that were shared.

Many Currents. One Pack. Moving Forward Together.

🎓 Celebrating Academic Excellence!

Washtenaw International High School seniors who have been named 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

We are proud to celebrate our National Merit Semifinalists! This is an exceptional academic achievement, with only 535 students across Michigan earning Semifinalist recognition this year and more than 16,000 students nationally advancing in the competition.

Our Semifinalists now have the opportunity to advance to Finalist status and compete for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million.

This week, we had the privilege of celebrating these outstanding students and their families with a special breakfast at Washtenaw International. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition and your commitment to academic excellence!

Congratulations: Haadi Chishti, Abhay Dittakavi, Navya Dwivedi, Teja Gopu, Aadya Kamath, Hannah Mathew, Anantika Nair, Avantika Nair, Catherine Peihe, Rohan Richmonds, Shreya Shetty. Oren Signh

In the news: https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=405

These 535 Michigan high school students are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

👉Household Information Survey – 2026–27 School Year

This survey is optional, but the information provided can be very helpful in determining whether your household and/or our school may be eligible for certain school, state, and federal programs, benefits, and resources. If you are comfortable completing the survey, we kindly ask that you submit it by Friday, September 25, 2026:

Household Information Survey – 2026–27 School Year

A few things we want families to know:

Participation is completely optional. There is no requirement to complete the survey if you prefer not to provide this information.
Only one survey is needed per household, even if you have more than one student enrolled with us.
Any non-required questions may be left blank.
If you would prefer not to provide the optional household information, you may complete only the required fields and sign the form to indicate that you have reviewed it.
Even if you do not believe your household will qualify for any benefits, completing the survey can still be helpful in identifying resources and funding that may benefit our students and school community.

NWEA Testing This Week ( 6th-8th Grade Only)

NWEA Testing | Monday, September 14th Tuesday September 15th

NWEA MAP is a computer-based assessment that helps us understand each student’s current strengths and areas for growth. The results provide our teachers with useful information to help plan instruction, identify needed supports, and monitor student growth throughout the school year. This is not a test students need to study for. We simply want each student to do their best.

How Families Can Help

Make sure your student gets a good night’s sleep.
Encourage them to eat breakfast and arrive at school on time.
Remind them to take their time, read each question carefully, and give their best effort.
Keep the pressure low this assessment is designed to show us what students know now and what they are ready to learn next.

Early Release Day — Reminder Wednesday, September 16

Student Dismissal: 12:40 PM

Please remember that Wednesday, September 16 is an Early Release Day at Washtenaw International (6–12). Students will be dismissed at 12:40 PM so that our staff can participate in professional learning and collaboration.

Important Reminders for Families:

Students will be dismissed at 12:40 PM.
There will be no clubs or after-school activities.
There will be no student supervision after dismissal.

14th Annual International Dinner Celebration

Friday, September 18th 6:00–9:00 PM

🎟️ Admission: $10 per person. We will share the accepted payment options as we get closer to the event. If the cost presents a barrier for your family, please contact the appropriate grade-level Dean to request a waiver. At Washtenaw International (6–12), we are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming community. Cost will never determine a student’s or family’s ability to participate in our school community and events. Admission is half off if you or your family brings a dish that serves at least 20 people.

There are several ways students and families can participate:

Share a Dish: Families are invited to share a food that represents their culture, family, or tradition. Please include ingredient/allergen information clearly labeled.

🎤 Join the Talent Show
Students interested in performing during the International Dinner Talent Show are encouraged to sign up.

🤝 Become a Sponsor
If you know a local business, organization, or community partner that may be interested in sponsoring or supporting the International Dinner, please contact me. We would love to partner with members of our greater community to help make this year's celebration special.

A special thank you to WIHI Student Government (StuGo) and the Muslim Student Association (MSA) for helping host this important community tradition.

➡️ International Dinner Food Sign-Up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4DA5A62EA2FCCF8-65270407-international#/

➡️ Talent Show Sign-Up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_Ig9NkC3Jz6HtgkanXbp3cQVjE1iTUJq9Kc88wo_kwmT3kA/viewform

Picture Day 2026 Is Coming Thursday September 24th

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Approved Clubs & Contacts

Please review the WIHI & WIMA Club List 2026–2027 for our approved clubs, meeting information, and respective staff contacts.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18yWK2IaYiT68O09FJmRecw7MIGStXnZh2xYXcDyb5T0/edit?gid=1404690931#gid=1404690931

Questions and inquiries should be made to Mr. Giddings at dgiddings@wihi.org.

When You Have a Concern @ Washtenaw International

We recognize that questions and concerns will arise throughout the school year. When they do, please begin with the adult closest to the concern. For classroom or academic matters, contact the teacher directly as the first step. Many concerns can be resolved through a conversation and shared understanding. If additional support is needed, our administrative team is here to help.

Daily Bell Schedule

Advisory: 7:35–8:00 AM

Period 1: 8:05–8:50 AM
Period 2: 8:55–9:40 AM
Period 3: 9:45–10:30 AM
Period 4: 10:35–11:20 AM — 1st Lunch
Period 5: 11:25 AM–12:10 PM — 2nd Lunch
Period 6: 12:15–1:00 PM — 3rd Lunch
Period 7: 1:05–1:50 PM — 4th Lunch
Period 8: 1:55–2:40 PM
Clubs: 2:45–3:15 PM

Volunteer Opportunity: 11th & 12th Grade

Support Local Students with CAN

Juniors and Seniors have an opportunity to make a difference by volunteering with Community Action Network (CAN) at the Brick Community Center. Student volunteers will provide reading and math tutoring to students in grades 1–5.

Volunteer Times:

Mondays: 5:20–5:50 p.m.
Tuesday–Thursday: 4:50–5:30 p.m.

CAN partners with families throughout Washtenaw County to provide educational programs, enrichment opportunities, and family support. Interested? Learn more at https://canwashtenaw.org/ and contact Vanina Quinn at vquinn@canwashtenaw.org to express your interest.

This is a great opportunity to serve, connect, and make a positive impact in our community!

Attendance & Tardies

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.

Reporting Absences

When and Where Do You Report a Student Absence?

Coming Soon: Easier Absence Reporting...

In the coming weeks, we will introduce a new online option for families to report student absences, making the process quicker and easier. For now: Parents/guardians should continue to report absences by calling the attendance line at (734) 994-8145 before 9:00AM on the day of the absence.

Please report all absences within 48 hours and provide the reason for the absence.

Stay tuned for more information about our new absence reporting process!

Back-to-School Clinic @ Washtenaw County Health Department

Tuesday September 15th 5:00-7:00PM

Washtenaw County Health Department is hosting a special evening back-to-school clinic! Families can get their kids caught up on vaccines and/or get them tested for lead exposure. Flyers attached in English and Spanish.

Here are the details:

Tuesday, September 15 from 5 to 7PM
555 Towner in Ypsilanti
Call 734-544-6700 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments will have priority.
This season's updated flu or COVID vaccines are not available yet. Stay tuned for more info on those.

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BTS Sept 15 2026 Spanish.pdf

BTS Sept 15 2026 English.pdf

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Counseling Corner & Student Support

Supporting the Whole Student

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.

Alicia Doty-Densemo (Grades 6-8 counselor)

734-994-8145 opt 4

Talia Thorson (Grades 9-10 counselor)
734-994-8145 opt 4

Annie Kiser (Grades 11-12 counselor, College Counselor)
734-994-8145 opt 4

WIHI College Rep Visits — Fall 2026

Upcoming Visits

Where: 600 Wing Conference Room, unless otherwise noted

When: 2:45–3:15 PM
Who: All WIHI students are welcome

Sept. 14 – Vanderbilt University
Sept. 15 – Brown University
Sept. 17 – Northwestern University
Sept. 18 – Kenyon College
Sept. 22 – Oakland University
Sept. 23 – University of Michigan–Dearborn
Sept. 24 – Western Michigan University
Sept. 25 – Lawrence Technological University
Sept. 28 – University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Sept. 30 – Calvin University

📅 The schedule is updated regularly, so students should check back for new colleges and visit information. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ba2Bm7yPR7b7CWCOmlHTmImZSDhxnBQkGp6riega6W0/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.498tlcnaf831

Other Support Resources

WIHI/WIMA Calendar Overview 2026-2027

Highlights key dates, events, academic milestones, breaks, and community opportunities. Use it to plan ahead and stay connected throughout the school year.

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.

(PTO) Parent Teacher Organization 2026-2027

New Updates

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#

You can view the agenda and the May 2026 minutes before the meeting.

PTO Newsletter

To receive the most up to date information, please opt into the PTO Newsletter.

PTO Annual Fundraising Drive

The WI-PTO is hosting our Annual Donation Drive for the 2026-2027 school year. Our PTO works hard to create meaningful experiences for our students and staff - from special events and celebrations to activities that build community and school spirit. We need your help to keep these opportunities going!

Wally the Wolf Mascot Design Contest

Calling all student artists! Submit your original design for Wally the Wolf. Your design could become our school mascot for the next four years. The submission deadline is Friday, September 25, 2026.

Class of 2029 Fundraiser

In the spirit of paying it forward and supporting each class as they prepare for senior year activities, the class of 2029 is selling Achatz Handmade Pies. Pies are on sale now through October 22. 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

Do you want to get involved but would like to ease into a leadership role? We are searching for a future president and two treasurers. This would be a year of transition and shadowing to prepare for the role in the 2027-2028 school year.

Please email pto@wipto.org with questions or to learn more.

President-Elect:

What do we do?

The WI-PTO President-Elect shadows the president to take over the following year and fills in if the president has to miss a meeting. The president prepares the agenda for the PTO meetings, presides at general and executive board PTO meetings, helps develop content for the newsletter, serves as the official representative of the PTO, and retains all official records of the PTO

What is the time commitment?

The overall time commitment is estimated as 2-4 hours per month. This includes the monthly meeting prep and the meeting. Most work can be completed on your schedule.

How will this benefit you?

It's a great opportunity to interact with WIMA-WIHI administrators and staff. The president-elect role along with all executive Board positions offers an opportunity to weigh in and make decisions that will be beneficial to the WIHI-WIMA community.

Why do we need you?

The WI-PTO supports both WIMA and WIHI, which represent seven grade levels, a student body of 700+ students, and 70+ staff members. While our school is small in size, we have considerable needs as we work to support the school's goal of health and wellness for students and staff. Without this leadership role, we are unable to guarantee the continuity needed to keep the PTO going.

Treasurer:

What do we do?

The WI-PTO Treasurers are the custodians of the WI-PTO 501(c)(3) account. We help develop the annual budget, collect funds, make deposits, make payments (check or bank card) for purchases and reimbursements, record entries in our financial management tool, create monthly financial reports, and maintain the WI-PTO Treasury Team email box.

What is the time commitment?

The overall time commitment is estimated as 2-3 hours per month. This number can be higher or lower depending the availability of the other members of the treasurer team. Most work can be completed on your schedule.

How will this benefit you?

It's a great opportunity to interact with WIMA-WIHI administrators and staff. The treasurer role along with all executive Board positions offer an opportunity to weigh in and make decisions that will be beneficial to the WIHI-WIMA community. For example, issuing "Fairy Fund" grants to support economically disadvantaged students.

Why do we need you?

The WI-PTO supports both WIMA and WIHI, which represent seven grade levels, a student body of 700+ students, and 70+ staff members. While our school is small in size, we have considerable needs as we work to support the school's goal of health and wellness for students and staff. Given the responsibilities and importance of the treasurer role, it is necessary for this role to be facilitated by a team of co-treasurers. This allows us sufficient backup during vacations, work-related travel, etc. We believe we are optimal with a team of two co-treasurers.

Executive Board

Jennifer Tremewan - President

Mandy Davis – Vice President of Fundraising
Charles 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.

🌐 Stay Connected

Our WIHI/WIMA website is a one-stop resource for families

Announcements

Principal Updates & Parent Bulletins
School calendars
IB programming
Attendance
Bell schedules
Counseling
Transportation
PowerSchool
Activities and clubs
Enrollment
Family resources
Opportunities to stay involved

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/

Important Building Contacts & Administration Team

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

A Note From Your Principal

🎓 Celebrating Academic Excellence! 🎓 Celebrating Academic Excellence!

Washtenaw International High School seniors who have been named 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists!

👉Household Information Survey – 2026–27 School Year 👉Household Information Survey – 2026–27 School Year

NWEA Testing This Week ( 6th-8th Grade Only) NWEA Testing This Week ( 6th-8th Grade Only)

NWEA Testing | Monday, September 14th Tuesday September 15th

Early Release Day — Reminder Wednesday, September 16 Early Release Day — Reminder Wednesday, September 16

Student Dismissal: 12:40 PM

14th Annual International Dinner Celebration 14th Annual International Dinner Celebration

Friday, September 18th 6:00–9:00 PM

Picture Day 2026 Is Coming Thursday September 24th Picture Day 2026 Is Coming Thursday September 24th

Approved Clubs & Contacts

When You Have a Concern @ Washtenaw International When You Have a Concern @ Washtenaw International

Daily Bell Schedule Daily Bell Schedule

Volunteer Opportunity: 11th & 12th Grade Volunteer Opportunity: 11th & 12th Grade