MARK GREATHEAD - SUPERINTENDENT

Joshua Satterfield - Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum

Matthew Salah - Executive Director of Special Services

Gregory Roberts - Director of Human Resources

Lyndsay Johnson-LeMieux - Director of Technology & Instructional Integration

Joshua Smith - Director of Finance

Michael Belcher - Director of Facilities & Operations

Kristi Stamey - Director of Communications & Public Relations

Laura Berry - President

Kerri Sanders - Vice-President

Rob Harris - Secretary

Eryka Czopek - Treasurer

Mitchell Dobek - Trustee

Valerie Lowry - Trustee

Bridget Thorning - Trustee

Two powerhouse robotics programs - Woodhaven High School’s FRC Team 3604, The Goon Squad, and Brownstown Middle School’s FTC Team 8777, The Goonies - took center stage at the December Board of Education meeting to share their accomplishments, their impact on students, and their extensive outreach throughout the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District and beyond.

Now in its 16th year, The Goon Squad continues to set the standard for what a student-led STEM program can achieve. This season, the team competed at four major events, earning some of FIRST Robotics’ most prestigious honors:

- FIRST Impact Award – Ferndale District

- Engineering Inspiration Award – Woodhaven District

- FIRST Dean’s List Semi-Finalist – Woodhaven District

- FIRST Impact Award – Michigan State Championship (second year in a row)

- World Championship qualifier

Students shared details about Reefscape, this year’s water-themed challenge, and demonstrated the complexity of their robot - equipped with 8 motors, a three-stage elevator reaching over 8 feet, an automated alignment system, multiple onboard sensors, and advanced scoring features.

The team operates like a small engineering firm, with nearly 35 students working across mechanical, electrical, programming, scouting, and business subteams. They design, build, program, and test an entire robot in just six weeks.

Beyond competition, the Goon Squad leads a robust outreach program across southeast Michigan. Since 2023, the team has:

- Conducted 55 STEM outreaches impacting more than 5,700 people
- Managed two websites, seven social media accounts, and 24 media appearances
- Hosted or supported 10 official FIRST competitions
- Led hands-on engineering lessons for students at Gudith and Yake Elementary

Their commitment to expanding STEM opportunities is highlighted by annual initiatives such as the Goonettes Invitational—an all-girls robotics event that has welcomed nearly 1,000 participants—and the Hands-On Hallway, which brings together STEM professionals and colleges from across the state. The team also funds its own scholarships, totaling $15,000 in the last three years, and continues to inspire students toward careers in engineering, computer science, and technical fields. Since 2023, seniors have been offered over $450,000 in scholarships, with alumni pursuing prestigious colleges and internships at places like GM, Altair, Ford, and the Michigan Senate. 

Soon the team will receive their big reveal for the new game and begin the building for the 2025-26 school year. 

The Goonies, Brownstown Middle School’s FIRST Tech Challenge team, also shared their success and growth. For more than 11 years, the program has introduced students to mechanical design, coding, 3D printing, CAD modeling, public speaking, and marketing—skills many students never imagined they’d explore at this age.

This season’s game, Decode, challenged the team to design and program a robot capable of completing precise, fast-paced tasks. They competed in two qualifiers—the Madison Heights Qualifier and the Grosse Pointe Woods Qualifier—learning valuable lessons along the way. At Grosse Pointe Woods, the team finished 5th after qualification matches, became the 4th alliance captain, and earned the Sustain Award, recognizing their strong long-term growth plan.

Their community involvement mirrors that of their high school counterparts. Outreach efforts include:

- Delivering Valentine’s roses to senior citizens
- Bellringing for the Salvation Army
- Writing cards for veterans
- Meeting with engineers, local service organizations, and businesses
- Helping launch FIRST teams in other districts

A highlight of their sustainability efforts is the Goonies Camp, a multi-week program for 6th and 7th graders. Students design and build robots for a custom game created by the team, participate in mock matches, and even experience a simulated judging session led by members of the Goon Squad. The camp helps spark early interest and builds a strong pipeline of future robotics team members.

Both teams expressed gratitude to the Board of Education and the Woodhaven-Brownstown community for their support. Their work continues to elevate STEM opportunities across all grade levels, inspiring students to think creatively, explore engineering pathways, and develop skills that will carry them into college and careers.

The district is proud of the achievements of The Goon Squad and The Goonies and looks forward to another exciting season of innovation and excellence.

The Woodhaven-Brownstown School District Board of Education would like to share an important update regarding our district leadership. After 15 years of dedicated service, WBSD Superintendent Mark Greathead has informed the Board of his decision to retire, effective June 30, 2026.

Superintendent Greathead has served the Woodhaven-Brownstown community with dedication and distinction, leading our schools through periods of growth, innovation, and meaningful change.  Under his leadership, the district has achieved significant milestones, including increased pupil enrollment, improved facilities, a stable general fund, and the grade reconfiguration. He has consistently prioritized expansion of academic programming like STEM, arts, DCTC programs and more along with the integration of modern technology, to ensure our students are better prepared for future success. 

“We are deeply grateful for Superintendent Greathead’s unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and families,” said Laura Berry, President, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District Board of Education. “His steady leadership and passion for public education has left a lasting impact on our district and the broader community.

The Board of Education will soon begin the process of selecting the next superintendent. The Board’s primary responsibility is hiring, supporting and evaluating the district’s superintendent.

“We are committed to a thorough and transparent process and will provide updates as we move forward,” Berry said.

As Superintendent Greathead continues to lead the district through this school year, the Board extends its sincere appreciation for his ongoing dedication and looks forward to partnering with him throughout this transition period and celebrating his service with the community as his retirement date approaches.

This holiday season, students in Tara Miller’s fourth-grade class at Erving Elementary helped brighten the lives of local veterans through their participation in Stockings 4 Soldiers, a grassroots nonprofit based in Carleton, Michigan.

Miller has partnered with Stockings 4 Soldiers for more than five years, guiding her students in creating handwritten Christmas cards for veterans. Each card is filled with heartfelt messages, drawings, and words of gratitude - something the organization says is always a huge hit with the veterans who receive them.

Stockings 4 Soldiers is run by Milt Bryant, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1969–1971, along with his wife Sue and their adult children. Operating out of their family pole barn, the Bryants spend the entire year collecting stockings and small gifts just as they have for the past 10 years. On Black Friday, volunteers gather for an “assembly line” style packing event to fill each stocking with items like chapstick, snacks, crossword puzzles, mittens, tissues, and other comforts of home.

This year alone, the Bryants and their volunteers prepared 1,100 stockings. Throughout December, they hand-deliver these gifts to veterans receiving care at VA hospitals in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Saginaw, and across Michigan, as well as Sandusky, Ohio.

The handwritten cards from Miller’s students are tucked into each stocking as a personal touch. “The kids love it - they even ask to make extras,” said Miller. “They enjoy creating something meaningful, and it’s important for them to understand what it means to serve others.”

For Miller, supporting veterans is personal. “My husband and father are veterans, so serving veterans is important to me,” she shared. “I’m happy to give back and hopefully make someone’s day a little brighter.”

Local businesses also rally behind the cause. Hooked on a Bean, a community coffee shop, collects customer tips and donates them directly to Stockings 4 Soldiers to help cover the cost of stocking items throughout the year.

Through this project, Erving Elementary students learn the importance of gratitude, service, and giving - one handwritten Christmas card at a time.

Since June, BMS NJHS students have been collecting and returning pop cans, knowing that all the money raised would go toward helping families in need during Christmas, as well as supporting children at the hospital. It is important to serve our local community and to extend kindness beyond the Woodhaven-Brownstown borders.

These students went above and beyond, raising over $1,600. Combined with the funds raised during the recent Read-a-Thon, they were able to purchase not only the gifts the families requested, but also stocking stuffers and items for a holiday breakfast. Each family received pancakes, syrup, and cereal.

After the event, many students reflected on how good it felt to help others in need. They also shared how grateful they are for all they have. Their work is a wonderful reminder that giving forward creates a ripple of kindness that reaches far beyond our school and teaches lessons that go beyond what we cover in the classroom.

Kindergarteners in Mrs. Machlik’s class at Gudith Elementary wrapped up a week of reading and comparing different gingerbread stories with the most exciting activity of all - baking their very own gingerbread cookies!

Students rolled out dough, cut out their cookies, and proudly walked them down to the kitchen to give them to Ms. Lisa to bake. They made sure to remind her to “lock the oven,” just like in the stories they’d read. But when they returned eight minutes later… the cookies were gone!

Just like the gingerbread characters in their books, the cookies had “run away”— but thankfully they left behind a clue. With their amazing riddle-solving skills, our kindergarten detectives followed a scavenger hunt around the school until they finally found their cookies waiting for them back at their seats.

Good thing, too — they were hungry and ready for a treat! Students decorated their cookies and then enjoyed a delicious, hands-on ending to a fun week of learning.

Technology is an everyday part of childhood, influencing how students learn, communicate, and connect with the world around them. As these influences continue to grow, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District remains committed to partnering with families to support students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being.

This January, WBSD will offer two opportunities for parents and guardian to learn more about the impact of technology on children and gain practical strategies for supporting healthy digital habits at home.

The Anxious Generation: Live Virtual Panel Discussion
January 15, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. | Virtual

WBSD counselors, social workers, and administrators will lead a live virtual panel discussion centered on the themes of The Anxious Generation. Panelists will explore the unique pressures facing today’s children and teens, including anxiety, social media, and screen use. Families can expect practical guidance, expert insight, and time for questions focused on fostering balance, resilience, and healthy technology use at home. A link to join the virtual event is linked on the QR code above.

Screenagers: Movie Screening
January 27, 2026 | Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | Movie begins at 6 p.m. | Panel Discussion at 7 p.m.
Woodhaven High School

Families are also invited to attend a free screening of Screenagers: Elementary Age Edition at Woodhaven High School. This documentary takes a closer look at how screen time impacts children’s learning, attention, friendships, and overall well-being. The film offers research-based strategies to help parents set boundaries, encourage healthy habits, and start meaningful conversations about technology use. Please RSVP to save your spot with the QR code above.

WBSD encourages families to attend one or both events as part of our shared commitment to supporting students in a rapidly changing digital world. By working together, we can help children develop balance, resilience, and positive relationships with technology.

NOTE: The facilities will be closed on the following dates: December 20, December 27 and January 3 due to school district functions.

Woodhaven-Brownstown School District is dedicated to offering community enrichment to our local communities, beginning with programs at Woodhaven High School.

These free programs are open to Woodhaven or Brownstown residents, district employees and WBSD students and their families. Participants should park outside the Athletic entrance on the east side of Woodhaven High School. Programs will be held only at Woodhaven High School this summer due to construction at Brownstown Middle School.

Winter Hours

• Saturdays at Woodhaven High School, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  Pickleball, Basketball, Walk the Indoor Track, Open Gym, Open Swim (adult 9 - 10 a.m.)

   

• Sundays at Woodhaven High School, 12 noon to 4 p.m.

  Pickleball, Basketball, Walk the Indoor Track, Open Gym, Open Swim (adult 12 - 1 p.m.)

  Contact Jared Nicholls at nicholj@wbsdweb.com or by phone at 734-789-2934 if you have any questions. 

WBSD has a new App! It's everything WBSD, in your pocket.

We encourage all staff, students and families to download the new WBSD app, so you can stay in touch with the district and specific schools that your family is connected with.

Some of the key features include:

• News

• Live Feed

• Events - District, Athletic and per School

• Parent Connect access

• Student Connect access

• ROOMS two way communication now being used with athletics and coaches

Just search Woodhaven-Brownstown SD, MI in your app store. 

For support with Rooms, check out more information HERE.

Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Administration & Board of Education

24821 Hall Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183

734.783.3300

Business Hours:

Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Email: wbsdcares@wbsdweb.com
Website: mywbsd.org
Location: 24821 Hall Road, Woodhaven, MI, USA
Phone: 734.783.3300