Principal Update

As we welcome the month of November, we join together in honoring Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate, learn from, and uplift the voices, histories, and enduring contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples. At WIS we are intentional about creating spaces to listen, learn, and reflect on the strength, resilience, and wisdom of these communities. I encourage each of us to take time this month to explore the stories and traditions that continue to shape our collective identity. Together, we celebrate and honor the heritage and legacy of Native Americans past, present, and future.

Washtenaw International partners with Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) Food Service to provide nutritious meals for our students. Through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), breakfast and lunch are available at no cost to all students.

New Digital Menus

YCS Food Service has transitioned away from Nutrislice to a new digital menu platform.

View Updated School Menus

Families may also access menus through the YCS Food Service webpage by scrolling to "Starting September 8" and selecting "SFE School Menus."

Special Thanks

Thank you to Mark Raupp, YCS Food Service Director, and the entire Food Service team for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting our students. For food service questions, please contact Mark Raupp at mraupp2@ycschools.us.

As mornings grow darker please take a few moments to review these important safety reminders.

• Stop for pedestrians

• Do not stop over the crosswalk.

• 🚫 Do not park or stand within 20 feet of a crosswalk (or within 15 feet of an intersection without a marked crosswalk).

• ⚠️ Always obey posted signs and or flashing lights.

• Pull ahead as far as possible for drop off and pick up

Michigan Vehicle Code (Act 300 of 1949, Sec. 674) states:

A vehicle shall not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk, or if there is not a crosswalk, within 15 feet of the intersection of property lines.

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Daylight saving time ended Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks rolled back one hour at 2:00AM.

With this change, it will get darker earlier in the evening across the United States and mornings will be dimmer during arrival times. Please take extra caution when driving near school zones, crosswalks, and bus stops. Studies have shown a temporary increase in traffic accidents after time changes often due to fatigue and reduced visibility so please plan for extra time and stay alert.

Congratulations to Cameron Flowers and Elijah L. Shivers, recently honored as Young Men of Promise by the Delta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated! This prestigious recognition celebrates African American high school seniors demonstrating excellence in scholarship, leadership, and community service. We are proud of Cameron and Elijah for representing Washtenaw International with distinction! Special thanks to Dean Ari Bartolacci for attending Sunday's community celebration and supporting our students.

Winter Sports Tryouts Are Here! ❄️

Families interested in winter athletics at Huron High School are encouraged to review the 2026 Winter Sports Tryout Schedule for dates, times, locations, registration requirements, and team fees. Opportunities include basketball, hockey, swimming, wrestling, cheer, and more!

All athletes must register before participating in tryouts. Please review the attached schedule and contact the appropriate coach with questions.

Middle School swim team is starting up this week at Ypsilanti Middle school. Swim tryouts are after school until 4:15 this Weds and Thurs (Nov 4th and 5th) at Ypsilanti Middle School, 235 Spencer Lane, Ypsilanti.

Practices will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2:40‐4:15 through the end of November.

Practices and meets will be Monday through Thursday in December. Black swim suits are required for meets.

WIMA swim team members have a parent carpool that departs WIMA at approximately 2:45. Please text Liz Thomas at 773-983-4841 for the carpool information.

In essence, it answers the question: "What opportunities did this student have, and how did they perform within the context of their school?"

Profile includes:

School Demographics: Enrollment size, student-teacher ratio and community setting. Curriculum & Grading: A description of the curriculum rigor (Honors, AP, IB, Dual Enrollment), grading scale.

Assessment Data: Average SAT/ACT scores and Michigan-specific accountability data (like M-STEP or SAT School Day results). Graduation & Post-Secondary Plans: The graduation rate and the percentage of graduates attending 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges.

PTO Meeting

Join us virtually on Monday, November 9 at 6:30 pm for our monthly PTO meeting.

WIHI WIMA PTO Meetings 2026- "Virtual"

Monday, November 9 · 6:00 – 9:00pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: meet.google.com/xoh-oogz-kby

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 567-331-0189‬ PIN: ‪553 615 705‬#

Mark your Calendar

Wednesday, December 9 (early release day): Sky Zone in Canton. All proceeds will go to help fund class field trips.

PTO Linktree To view up to date PTO information, please view the PTO Linktree.

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?

Families who have not yet completed the required annual Student Registration Update for the current 2026–2027 school year should have received an email from PowerSchool or Utkarsh on Friday, October 23rd, with instructions to complete this process. All outstanding registration updates must be completed by Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Please note that your student remains enrolled at Washtenaw International. However, this annual update is required to ensure we have accurate and up-to-date student information on file.

This update is for the current 2026–2027 school year and is not related to enrollment for the upcoming 2027–2028 school year.

If you receive a reminder email, please complete the requested update by the deadline. If you have any questions, need assistance, or do not receive the email, please contact Mr. Utkarsh Shah at UShah@wihi.org.

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 vial meet.google.com/dam-yqet-vth

As colder weather approaches, please plan accordingly for morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. Our procedures are designed to ensure student safety, and supervision. Supervision is available only during designated school hours and approved school activities. Student safety is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate your partnership in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all students.

Morning Arrival

• Students should not arrive before 7:05 AM.

• Building doors open at 7:15 AM. (Staff onsite)

• Please follow traffic procedures and use designated drop-off areas.

Afternoon Dismissal

• School dismisses at 2:40 PM.

• Students should be picked up after school unless participating in an approved, supervised activity/club or prior arrangements have been made to meet with a teacher. An Approved After School Club list is below.

• Students may not remain inside the building after dismissal while waiting for transportation.

• Students must leave the building when their club or activity ends.

• Tuesdays: Staff participate in professional learning; clubs are not available.

Please Plan Ahead

While we offer after-school clubs on designated days, Washtenaw International does not provide general after-school supervision or childcare. Club advisors also leave when their activities conclude. As temperatures drop, please plan accordingly and arrange reliable transportation to avoid leaving students unattended after school.

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.

Picture Retake Day at Washtenaw International is Thursday, November 5. Students who were absent on the original picture day or would like to have their photo retaken will have an opportunity to do so.

Ari Bartolacci

Dean of Students

Email: abartolacci@wihi.org

Google Site: https://sites.google.com/wihi.org/deanbarto

Christopher Carlton

Dean of Students

Email: ccarlton@wihi.org

Google Site: https://sites.google.com/wihi.org/deancarltonscorner/home

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.

Advisory: 7:35–8:00 AM

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 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

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.

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