Deanna Banko – TOTE

Kimberly Bardoni – Gudith Elementary School

Tyler Calhoun – Woodhaven Upper Elementary

Amanda Dennison – Yake Elementary School

David Gapske – Wegienka Elementary School

George Hloros – Brownstown Middle School

Charles Hool – Woodhaven Upper Elementary School

Karie Kujala – Brownstown Middle School

Katherine Lee – TOTE

Tiffany Maier – Early On

Meg McCormick – Woodhaven High School

Rebecca McNamee – Gudith Elementary School

David Mifsud – Woodhaven Upper Elementary School

Austin Peters – WBSD English Language Learners

Kelsey Pizzo – Bates Elementary School

Chelsea Randles – Woodhaven Upper Elementary School

Paula Ray – Woodhaven High School

Gabrielle Redman – Yake Elementary School

Allison Rickard – Wegienka Elementary School

Mary Ritchie – TOTE

Ammy Rosales – Erving Elementary School

Jacob Seasock – Woodhaven High School

Rebekah Smith – Wegienka Elementary School

Sarah Szalay – Wegienka Elementary School

Katelynn Testy – Woodhaven High School

Haley Turner – Woodhaven Upper Elementary School

Vanessa Tyra – Brownstown Middle School

Matthew Valerius – Woodhaven High School

Nicole Wallis – TOTE

James Walrad – Brownstown Middle School

Julie Wykle – Erving Elementary School

Community Bond Investment Enhancing Every Building, Modernizing Learning Spaces

The Woodhaven-Brownstown School District (WBSD) is excited to announce the continuation of its multi-year facility improvement plan funded by the 2021 voter-approved bond. With gratitude to the community’s support, summer 2025 will bring significant upgrades to every school building in the district - marking another milestone in our commitment to providing state-of-the-art learning environments for all students. 

Summer 2025: Upgrades Across All Schools

This summer’s construction includes over $31 million in updates, covering everything from innovative classroom additions and high-tech Smart Labs to revitalized athletic facilities, upgraded furnishings, and student-focused outdoor spaces. Highlights include: 

Bates and Gudith Elementary Schools ($5.6M each)

New main offices, expanded classrooms, small group professional spaces, and modern Learning Commons featuring Smart Labs. Mechanical system upgrades, new playgrounds, resurfaced parking lots, and updated furniture throughout instructional and collaborative spaces.

Special Services Building

A complete reconfiguration to better support specialized programming and staff collaboration, along with updated furnishings to meet program needs.

Brownstown Middle School – Phase 2 ($6.1M)

Modernized pool and locker rooms, an advanced Learning Commons and Smart Lab, newly constructed baseball/softball fields, track and athletic storage, a revitalized teacher workspace, a new parking lot, and new furniture to support enhanced learning and staff spaces.

Woodhaven High School ($3.8M)

Renovated cafeteria and science spaces, a new teacher workspace, resurfaced tennis courts with new lighting, seal-coated parking lots, and enhanced campus security. A state-of-the-art Dental Lab - comparable to college-level training facilities - will be constructed to prepare students for real-world healthcare careers. Updated spaces will be furnished with modern equipment and furniture aligned with current instructional practices.

Wegienka, Erving, and Yake Elementary School

Each school will receive new GSRP playgrounds, with Wegienka also adding a backup generator. All buildings will be equipped with new furniture to complement future-ready learning environments.

Looking Back: Progress Since 2021

Previous work completed through the bond program includes:

• Installation of new playgrounds at elementary schools district-wide

• Repurposing of Patrick Henry Middle School into the new Woodhaven Upper Elementary School (grades 5–6), with band, art, and choir rooms, robotics area, gym upgrades, mechanical system improvements, Smart Lab, and Learning Commons. Classrooms and common spaces are being completed this summer, along with HVAC upgrades.

• Renovations at Brownstown Middle School, including updated cafeteria, classrooms, furniture, and outdoor track and field

• Additions and renovations at Woodhaven High School, including performing arts classrooms (band and choir), cafeteria expansion, classroom additions, and a new counseling suite

Looking Ahead: 2026 Construction – $18M in Design and Planning

WBSD is currently in the planning phase for 2026 construction projects, which will bring classroom additions, upgraded Learning Commons, Smart Labs, and front office enhancements to Erving, Wegienka, and Yake Elementary Schools. All upgrades will include new furniture to support next-generation learning environments.

Superintendent’s Message

“Thanks to the continued support of our community, we’ve been able to turn a bold vision into reality - one that prioritizes student success, innovation, and safety. These investments go beyond bricks and mortar; they represent our shared belief in providing every child with an exceptional learning environment.” - Mark Greathead, Superintendent, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

When third grader Lyla Klapp saw her hand-drawn flag rise high above Bates Elementary on June 5, it marked a moment of pride, symbolism, and celebration. Lyla, a student in Mrs. Michling’s class, was named the winner of the school’s annual Flag Day contest. Her original flag design - accompanied by an essay explaining how it represents the spirit and community of Bates - will fly outside the school for an entire year.

Flag Day, officially celebrated on June 14, typically falls during summer break. To honor the holiday in a meaningful way, Bates Elementary hosts its own early celebration before school lets out. The highlight: raising a new student-designed Bates Elementary flag that reflects the school’s values through creativity and patriotism.

This tradition is the result of a collaborative project led by third grade teachers Tara Bacha, Daniele Michling, and Celine Farner, along with Principal Cherie Godfrey and District Literacy Coach Kathy Gray. The event is proudly supported by the Bates PTO and the Monguagon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The project begins in the classroom, where students explore the history and symbolism of the American flag. This year’s lessons were brought to life with a special visit from historical reenactor Brenda Tomblin, portraying Mary Pickersgill (the woman who helped sew the original Star-Spangled Banner) and a colonial friend. They read Our American Flag by Mary Firestone, answered questions, and provided students with keepsake flags.

After immersing themselves in history and symbolism, students put their learning into action by designing their own flags to represent Bates. Each design was accompanied by a thoughtful essay that explained their choice of colors, symbols, and themes. One winner was chosen from each third-grade classroom.

Mrs. Michling stated “It was rewarding to see students engaged in their creations, all the while bursting with pride for their school.”

Lyla’s flag was selected to be made into a full-size version and raised at the school’s flagpole ceremony. Meanwhile, Skylar LeBlanc, last year’s winner, received her now-retired flag as a treasured memento.

Bates Elementary’s Flag Day celebration is more than a lesson in patriotism - it’s a lasting tribute to student voice, creativity, and pride in their school community.

A packed forum erupted in cheers recently as 59 talented Erving Elementary students lit up the stage with their spring show choir performance, “Movie, Music, Magic.” From the opening notes of “Happy” to the final chorus of “We’re All In This Together,” the audience was treated to a high-energy showcase of music, movement, and remarkable young talent that left families and staff beaming with pride.

Under the direction of music teacher Russell Gallas and interventionist Katrina McKinney-Grier, the “Triple Arts” after-school show choir has grown from a small group of 30 students last fall into a full-fledged production, featuring second through fourth graders singing, dancing, acting and - most importantly - growing as performers.

“We’ve created a culture where the students want to sing and perform,” said Gallas. “Last year, many of them were nervous to even sing in front of their peers.”  Now they’re auditioning for solos and working on their craft outside of rehearsal. It’s amazing to see.”

“When we first started, we had no idea how impactful this after-school program would be,” said McKinney-Grier. “We are creating an environment where students feel empowered and enthusiastic to express themselves creatively—whether through singing, dancing, acting, or public speaking. This after-school program not only nurtures artistic expression but also helps students build confidence, develop communication skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for collaboration and teamwork.” 

The club meets three times a week for an hour, and the dedication shows. This spring’s performance featured group numbers like “Happy” from Despicable Me, a show-stopping medley from Wicked, and a crowd favorite - “We’re All In This Together” from High School Musical.

In addition to group numbers, the show featured solo performances: “My Once Upon a Time” from the movie Descendants 3 and “Kiss Me” from the movie She’s All That - two stand-out moments that showcased the individual talent and confidence of Erving’s young performers.

The program puts on two performances a year. Gallas coordinates the music and vocal arrangements while Grier, who has ballet training, designs all the choreography. The team modeled the club’s format after the Young Americans, a professional music outreach group known for its themed performances and workshops.

“We wanted to give our students that same experience - learning music and movement, working together, and performing with confidence,” said Gallas.

It’s more than just entertainment. Gallas notes that Triple Arts is helping students build foundational skills in music literacy, performance, and collaboration - skills they’ll carry into the upper elementary and middle school programs. “They’re following along with sheet music, understanding timing and harmony - this is laying real groundwork,” he said.

The show choir has also helped bring the Erving community closer together. “The response from families and staff has been incredible,” Gallas added. “Everyone loves seeing what their students bring to the stage. We’ve built a community that wants to perform, and it’s all smiles.”

As for what’s next, Gallas and McKinney-Grier are already thinking ahead to the fall performance. But for now, they - and the students - are basking in the magic of a successful show.

“It’s about the kids and seeing them succeed,” said Gallas. “I couldn’t be more proud.”

Yake Elementary School is proud to announce a special student art exhibition hosted at Rev’d Up Fun from June 17 through June 29, 2025. The exhibit features 26 pieces of winning student artwork selected from Yake’s second annual Art, Eats, and Beats night, offering the community a chance to see the creativity and talent of our youngest artists on display in a vibrant, public space.

This unique collaboration between Yake Elementary and Rev’d Up Fun is more than just an art show - it’s a celebration of self-expression, problem-solving, and the joyful process of creating art. The partnership helps bring student work into the broader community, fostering both pride and inspiration.

The featured pieces were hand-selected by Kristin Johnson, Rev’d Up Fun’s event coordinator, who served as a guest judge during the school’s art night. As the month unfolded and the stories behind each creation were shared, Johnson carefully chose a diverse range of works that reflected both artistic skill and the imaginative learning happening at Yake.

“As a former Yake Gator, I have memories of some of the art pieces I made as an elementary student,” Johnson shared. “So, when the opportunity arose to display the next generation of Gator artwork at Rev’d Up Fun, it was a no brainer!”

“Rev’d Up Fun is more than just an entertainment center, it is a place of memory and connection. Partnering with the district we are located in (and graduated from personally) means a lot to us as owners. We are very thankful for the opportunity and hope that it provides a great memory for all the showcased students.”

As a special thank-you for participating, each exhibiting student received two luxury wristbands and lunch courtesy of Rev’d Up Fun, along with an award certificate celebrating their artistic achievement.

Guests are encouraged to visit Rev’d Up Fun to view the exhibition and vote for their favorite piece. Each visitor who votes will receive a $10 arcade play card, and the student artist with the most votes will win a free luxury membership to Rev’d Up Fun. 

Yake art educator Tina Kincer shared her excitement about the partnership: “Art gives students the freedom to take an idea and make it their own. There’s no set formula—it’s about exploring, expressing, and thinking critically. Showcasing their work in the community helps others see the depth and importance of what our students are learning.”

Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” This exhibition is proof that Yake Elementary’s students are not only having fun - they’re inspiring everyone who sees their work.

Featured Artists & Their Work:

• Norah Files Lee – Color Block Bears
  

• Sawyer Burke – Neon Turtle
  

• Jack (John) Wallace – Ninja Squishmallow
  

• Andy Stanley – Baseball Rainbow (made of little paper)
  

• Mason Bankey – Hippo
  

• Violet Guest – Yarn Art
  

• Alia Ashrafi – 3 Birds
  

• Lucas Thomas – Waterfall
  

• Emma Swearingen – Cactus
  

• Rylyn Franks – Hot Air Balloon
  

• Farauk El Hossui – Fruit Bowl
  

• Louis Hoffman – Sailboat
  

• Logan Schmittou – Guitar (missing pic)
  

• Hannah Canner – Rainbow
  

• Cole Shallow – Lego
  

• YsaBella Pierce – Ice Cream
  

• Jackson Seguin – Buildings (missing pic)
  

• Vivienne Farmer – Elephant
  

• Gus Humerez – Hungry Caterpillar
  

• Norrin Akers – Tree
  

• Emilia Humerez – Chick
  

• Faith Evans – Pineapple (missing pic)
  

• Reinald Rrokau – Butterfly
  

• Alexander Carter – Birds
  

• Ruby DePhilips – Lion
  

• Liam Bannon – Zebra