Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
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
Yake Elementary students took a journey through books when award-winning children’s author Lisa Wheeler visited for a special presentation during March is Reading Month. Wheeler, known for her lively storytelling and engaging picture books, captivated students with animated readings, silly songs, and interactive activities that brought her stories to life.
But for Wheeler, this visit was extra special—she has deep roots in the Woodhaven-Brownstown community. Though she now lives in Addison, Michigan, she previously lived in Brownstown, and her own children attended Wegienka Elementary and later Woodhaven High School.
Wheeler shared not just her stories but also her journey as a writer. Born in Pennsylvania, she moved to Michigan at 15, attending high school in Rockwood before graduating from Carlson High School. She admitted she never went to college but emphasized, “There’s a lot to be said for passion.” Her love for writing started early, but she never imagined she could make it a career.
“I was that kid who was terrified to stand out,” she told students. “But I had to learn. I’ve always written poetry, and when I was in high school, my teacher would edit my work with a red pen. We need people to teach us because we never get it right the first time. We all make mistakes.”
Before becoming a published author, Wheeler worked in the former Toys R Us at the back of the store in the Books R Us. It was there, surrounded by books, that she thought, I think I could do this. In 1995, she began sending out manuscripts. It wasn’t an easy road—she faced 225 rejections before selling her first book. “Don’t be afraid to fail,” she said. Now, she has written over 60 books.
During her visit, Wheeler took students on a literary adventure. She began with Sixteen Cows, a playful story about Cowgirl Sue and Cowboy Gene, who try to round up their cattle with different songs—only for the cows to hilariously mix up. She sang parts of the book, inviting students to respond with enthusiastic “moos!” and transported them from Michigan to Texas through the power of storytelling.
She then introduced Jazz Baby, a rhythmic city-based story that had students clapping, swaying, and using hand motions to repeat beats in the book, demonstrating how rhythm and movement can bring a story to life.
Next, she shared Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum, a tale of a toad who gets stuck in a gooey wad of pink bubblegum—followed by a shrew, a goose, a bee, a crow, and even a big blue truck! Wheeler invited students to imagine other creatures that could get stuck, improvising rhymes on the spot as students suggested animals like a fox, a deer, a spider, and even a sheep. “When you write a book, you get to be the boss of the story,” she told them, inspiring young minds to dream up their own creative tales.
She also explained what every good story needs: a beginning, a middle, and an end. “If one is missing, it’s not a very good story,” she said, helping students understand the importance of storytelling structure.
“For me, getting to spend time in a school with kids is the most fun ever,” Wheeler shared. And for Yake Elementary students, her visit was an unforgettable celebration of reading, creativity, and the magic of stories.
To learn more about Lisa Wheeler and her books, visit lisawheelerbooks.com.
The Women of Woodhaven (WOW) Club at Woodhaven High School took their passion for women’s history beyond their own school walls last month, bringing their first-ever Women’s History Month Showcase to the students at Wegienka and Bates Elementary Schools. With a club membership 30 strong, the WOW students set out to educate and inspire the next generation by highlighting the achievements of women throughout history.
Kristen Garavaglia, WOW’s club advisor, explained the motivation behind the event.
“We are always looking for ways to celebrate Women’s History Month,” she said. “This year’s national theme is ‘Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,’ which is exactly what encouraged our students to visit the elementary schools.”
During the showcase, WOW members set up multiple interactive stations, each focusing on different roles that women have played throughout history. Students rotated through activities that included learning about women in athletics, science, music, and art. They took part in arts and crafts, trivia, storytelling, and even a puppet show featuring historical female figures. One station encouraged students to make a card for an influential woman in their own lives, while another had them design their own medal after hearing stories of women in sports, inspiring them to dream big about their own accomplishments.
Each activity was led by WOW members, who took ownership of their presentations by selecting topics they were passionate about.
“It’s always more inspiring to hear someone talk about something they truly care about,” Garavaglia said. “Our students chose their topics, put together presentations, and rehearsed as a team to make sure they were delivering the best experience possible.”
The event was not just about teaching history - it was about mentorship and leadership too.
“Our mission is to create a safe space and support system for students while celebrating the accomplishments of women,” Garavaglia said. “This event went above and beyond that mission, allowing our students to become role models for younger students in our district.”
Despite their busy schedules, the high school students dedicated time to planning and executing the showcase.
“I’m so proud of the effort they put in,” Garavaglia said. “They might have felt a little stressed leading up to it, but I know on the day of the event, they were incredibly proud of what they accomplished.”
In the past, WOW has held showcases at the high school, but this was their first venture into the elementary schools. “We plan to meet to discuss if this event is better suited at the elementary or high school level,” Garavaglia shared. Regardless of what the future holds, this year’s event left a lasting impact on both the WOW members and the young students they inspired. Students enjoyed the many activities they were able to participate in as there were a variety of activities to include everyone.
Through creativity, leadership, and a passion for celebrating women’s achievements, the Women of Woodhaven made this year’s Women’s History Month one to remember - one that, hopefully, will encourage the next generation to dream big and break barriers.
Parents, teachers, and staff connected over the past few months for a comprehensive book study designed to inform and spark conversation about adolescent smartphone usage and its impact on mental health.
Over the course of the study, adults met virtually in January, February, and March to discuss three distinct sections of the book. In each session, the larger group divided into smaller breakout groups where participants examined various topics and discussion prompts drawn from the book’s content.
First Session – The Overprotected and Underprotected Generation
In the first meeting, participants examined the book’s central claim: “Overprotection in the real world and underprotection in the virtual world are the major reasons why children born after 1995 became the anxious generation.” This discussion set the stage for recognizing how shifting parenting practices might contribute to the vulnerabilities experienced by today’s youth.
Second Session – The Decline of Play-Based Childhoods
The conversation then moved to the changing landscape of childhood. The group discussed how play-based childhoods are fading as parents grow increasingly fearful and overprotective. Many shared memories of the unstructured play they enjoyed—a time when “free play is without adults,” allowing natural socialization and independence to flourish. The discussion linked this decline to the broader societal changes that began at the end of the 1970s when social trust eroded among adults, fundamentally altering how children experienced their formative years.
Third Session – The Rise of the Phone-Based Childhood
The final virtual meeting focused on the shift toward a phone-based existence. Research cited in the book reveals that by 2015, one in five American teen girls spent over 40 hours a week on social media. By 2023, more than 46% of teens reported being online “almost constantly.” This alarming trend sparked several questions among participants, including:
How does the rise of phone-based interactions contribute to feelings of isolation among adolescents despite being constantly “connected”?
What reservations should be considered regarding unsupervised time for children?
What problems do smartphones, social media, and screens solve—and what new challenges do they create?
What is the result of students having the greatest distraction device ever invented in their pockets?
These questions underscored the need for a balanced view of technology’s role in our children’s lives and set the foundation for a broader conversation on fostering resilience and confidence.
In-Person Connection and Community Engagement
The study culminated with an in-person meeting on April 16 at Woodhaven High School, where dozens of parents and teachers gathered to share their reflections on social media’s impact on children’s mental health and well-being. In small groups, participants engaged in deep discussions, exchanging insights and actionable ideas.
Cassie Sims, a parent, expressed her gratitude:
“I really appreciate that the district (Phil Short in particular) took the time to put together this amazing book study that created a platform for members of the community to have thought-provoking discussions about the challenges Gen Z faces with mental health caused by the rise of technology in our society. It is our duty to collectively act against these great issues that have caused mental health to decline in our youth population, specifically by limiting social media and encouraging play-based learning and in-person social interaction. It is comforting to know that the district is concerned not only about the academic success of our students, but also their mental well-being and ability to become productive members of society.”
Phil Short, WBSD Curriculum Supervisor, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative:
“Meaningful engagement with the community has always been a fundamental part of WBSD and will continue to be in the future. WBSD connected teachers, school leadership, and parents through this book study because we are ardently committed to the whole-child education approach - one that not only ensures high levels of academic achievement but also develops resilience and confidence in our students. We know the impact of social media on our students' mental health and well-being, and we also know that the way forward is through a collective action partnership between schools and parents.”
Joshua Satterfield, WBSD Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum is excited about bringing more thoughtful conversation such as these to the community:
“The conversations sparked by this book study are just the beginning. As a district, we envision a future where education not only prepares students academically, but also empowers them to navigate the complexities of a digital world with confidence, balance, and resilience. Partnering with families and educators in this work is essential—we're not just reacting to challenges, we're proactively shaping a healthier, more connected future for our children.”
Special education teacher Tara Lax from Brownstown Middle School reinforced the call to action:
“Actionable steps are so important. It's one thing to read about a topic and to gather information, but it's something else entirely to actually do something about it. I think one of the first actionable steps that any individual or school district can take is to educate oneself and others. Spread the message. You don't know what you don't know. Learning about the harmful effects of technology on young children is an important piece to enacting change.”
The discussion also touched on the evolving challenges and opportunities posed by technology. One participant challenged the group by asking, “What part of the book challenged your thinking the most - and why?” This question resonated deeply with both parents and teachers as it prompted them to re-evaluate how best to foster autonomy and confidence in children while ensuring their safety from digital and social media pitfalls. Despite the daunting challenges, there was a shared consensus that conversation and collaboration are key to forming viable solutions.
Lastly, Jim Walrad, Career/Exploratory Technology Teacher at Brownstown Middle School, provided a perspective on balancing technology in education:
“How can we balance the benefits of technology with the need to protect students’ mental health and development? As a technology teacher, I fully support the implementation and utilization of educational technology in the classroom. It is my hope that we can continue to outline a clear distinction for the integration of technology into education, as opposed to just a source of entertainment. Technology continues to show many benefits for all types of learners. Being able to validate it as a classroom tool - as well as monitor for appropriate use - will be key in helping it establish itself in education.”
Through these thoughtful discussions, the book study not only shed light on the challenges of modern technology use among adolescents but also paved the way for actionable solutions and stronger community partnerships. The collective insights from parents, teachers, and school leaders underscore WBSD’s commitment to nurturing both the academic and emotional well-being of its students - a commitment that promises to drive positive change in an increasingly digital world.
WBSD Celebrates First Aspiring Administrators Cohort
The Woodhaven-Brownstown School District recently celebrated the accomplishments of its first-ever Aspiring Administrators cohort - an inspiring group of teacher leaders who completed a two-year journey of professional development, mentorship, and growth.
Honored at a special recognition event, the following educators were celebrated for their dedication and leadership:
Samantha Griebe
Matt Valerius
Katrina McKinney
Sherry Burke
Brittany Tyler
Jenny Lauterbach
These individuals demonstrated a deep commitment to growing their leadership capacity, engaging in focused sessions, working alongside district mentors, and learning from both internal and external guest speakers.
“This cohort was a great opportunity for Woodhaven teacher leaders to come together and grow professionally,” said Michelle Briegel, who helped facilitate the program. “Some of the highlights included hearing meaningful conversations and personal experiences, all of which helped push our thinking as future leaders. Supporting others in their professional growth is something I’m passionate about, and I was honored to be part of this first group.”
The program is designed to prepare current educators to take the next step into building- and district-level leadership roles. Greg Roberts, who played a key role in the program, called the cohort “a bright spot of current classroom leaders who are ready to take the next step.”
Jay Vesperman, Woodhaven High School Principal, added, “The WBSD Aspiring Leaders program offers staff an amazing assortment of professional development. This will allow the district to have amazing leaders at several different levels.”
With plans underway for a second cohort to launch next school year, the district continues to invest in the future of educational leadership - ensuring that students, staff, and schools benefit from strong, prepared leaders for years to come.
Students from the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District have made their mark on Michigan History Day 2025, winning top honors at the state-level competition held April 19 at Central Michigan University.
Fourth-grade students Lucia Araujo Chavez and Nicole Arreola-Perez from Bates Elementary School took first place in the Youth Group Performance category with their original play, Sylvia Mendez Goes to a White School. Their moving performance tells the story of Sylvia Mendez, a young girl whose family's legal fight in 1946 helped end segregation for Hispanic students in California public schools. Today, Mendez is a civil rights activist whose story continues to inspire young people across the country.
The students were mentored by Maryna Hedeen, an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher at Bates Elementary. Under Hedeen’s guidance, the girls wrote an original script and brought the story to life through performance. The team previously won the same category at the Michigan History Day District 10 competition on March 1 at the Detroit Historical Museum. In the youth division, which includes grades 3–5, there are only two competition levels—district and state—and Lucia and Nicole won them both, officially completing their History Day journey as state champions.
Hedeen credited the girls’ families for playing a crucial role in their success.
“The girls and I wrote an original script that they had to memorize, but we didn’t have enough time during the school day to practice,” she explained. “Their parents stepped in and made sure they practiced regularly after school. The girls would call each other on video chats to rehearse and even got together in person sometimes. Nicole also had a costume change during the play, and her mom found a dress that looked just like Sylvia’s dress in a historical photo we found online. I was very impressed by all the support and effort the parents gave throughout the entire program.”
The win was an emotional and memorable moment for the students. “The girls and their parents were very happy and proud,” Hedeen said. “Lucia said she couldn’t believe it at first, and Nicole had to tell her to move and go up to the stage to get their award!”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of National History Day, and the 2025 theme, Rights & Responsibilities in History, has encouraged students to engage deeply with pivotal moments and figures in history through research and creativity.
At Wegienka Elementary, kindness isn’t just a concept - it’s something students and staff actively put into action. For the second time, Principal Michelle Briegel and her team led the school community in participating in Blankets of Hope, a nationwide movement that combines warmth and encouragement for those in need.
The idea first came to Briegel a few years ago after she saw a segment on CBS News highlighting the initiative. Inspired by its simplicity and impact, she applied for a grant through the organization - and Wegienka has now proudly completed the project twice.
A Project with Heart
The goal of the Blankets of Hope project is simple but powerful: to spread warmth, kindness, and encouragement to those facing challenging circumstances. With the help of a donation of 300 blankets from Blankets of Hope, Wegienka students paired cozy fleece blankets with handwritten notes filled with care and compassion.
“These weren’t just donations,” Briegel said. “They were reminders that someone out there is thinking of you, rooting for you, and wishing you well.”
Students Leading the Way
What makes this project so meaningful is the student involvement. Across grade levels, older and younger students partnered up as “buddy classrooms” to prepare each blanket with a handwritten note, a ribbon, and a gift tag. The collaboration brought students together in a unique and powerful way.
“It was awesome to see our Wildcats working side by side - learning from one another, writing kind messages, and truly putting care into every detail,” Briegel said. “They were so proud of what they accomplished together.”
The notes students wrote were simple, heartfelt, and uplifting like:
“You are loved!”
“Hope this blanket keeps you warm and cozy!”
“You’ve got this!”
“Wishing you smiles and sunshine today!”
Briegel said students were excited and proud to take part in something that would make someone else’s day just a little bit better.
The blankets were donated throughout the Downriver community and Metro Detroit to:
Fish and Loaves
Karmanos Cancer Center
Feed by Faith Food Pantry (Faith Lutheran Church)
Woodhaven Police and Fire Departments
Brownstown Police and Fire Departments
Christnet Shelter
Community Lutheran Helping Hands
Project Linus
Life Lessons in Action
Through this project, students learned valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the power of small acts of kindness.
“We hope our students walk away understanding that you don’t need to do something huge to make a difference,” Briegel said. “Even a short note and a blanket can have a big impact.”
A few students even had the opportunity to deliver blankets with their families, creating touching moments of connection and gratitude. While feedback from the community is still coming in, Briegel shared that during Wegienka’s first participation in the project, the school received many heartfelt thank-you notes from recipients.
Looking Ahead
Wegienka hopes to continue participating in Blankets of Hope in the future. Because the program is funded by donors, schools are placed on a waitlist and contacted when sponsorships become available.
While there are no current plans to expand the initiative to other schools, Briegel noted there’s definitely interest: “Some of our sports teams, like Lacrosse, are already looking for ways to get involved in service projects.”
How You Can Help
Community members and parents who want to support future service projects at Wegienka are encouraged to stay connected. Watch for updates through school newsletters, emails, and social media. Opportunities may include donating supplies, volunteering time, or simply helping spread the word.
“Every little bit of support makes a difference,” Briegel said. “We’re so thankful for the community’s involvement and can’t wait to keep making a positive impact - together.”
100 Days Smarter! Mrs. Danosky’s GSRP classroom recently celebrated the 100th day of Pre-K in style! The day was filled with fun and learning as students painted, played musical instruments, read books and poems about the 100th day of school, and sang and danced to mark the occasion. The celebration also included some parachute fun and adorable outfits—students dressed up like they were 100 years old!
What a wonderful way to honor a big milestone in their first year of learning!
Woodhaven Unified Track & Field has begun! The Warriors hosted their first Unified Track Meet on Wednesday, April 16. Thank you to the Unified coaches, the Middle School coaches and Middle School Athletic Director, Jared Nicholls, for their teamwork, flexibility and support! On Thursday, April 17 the team hosted the first all Unified Track & Field Meet for the Downriver teams, welcoming Unified friends from Allen Park and Lincoln Park.
During the meet, athletes participated in the 100m dash, long jump, a fun ring toss game, shot put . The athletes also participated in a relay race and passed the baton! Thank you to all who helped out. It was the perfect start to the spring season!!
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 is dedicated to offering community enrichment to our local communities, beginning with new programs at Woodhaven High School and Brownstown Middle 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.
Through June 8, 2025
Open Pickleball, Swim (adult 5:30-6:30), Walk the Building
Fridays at Brownstown Middle School, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Through June 8, 2025
Pickleball, Basketball, Walk the Indoor Track, Open Gym, Open Swim (adult 9-10 a.m.),
Saturdays at Woodhaven High School, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pickleball, Basketball, Walk the Indoor Track, Open Gym, Open Swim (adult 12-1 p.m.),
Sundays at Woodhaven High School, 12-4 p.m.
Contact Jared Nicholls at nicholj@wbsdweb.com or by phone at 734-789-2934 if you have any questions.
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
Administration & Board of Education
24821 Hall Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183
734.783.3300
Business Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Email: wbsdcares@wbsdweb.com
Website: mywbsd.org
Location: 24821 Hall Road, Woodhaven, MI, USA
Phone: 734.783.3300