Greetings from the Superintendent…
Dr. Deborah Hunter-Harvill

It is my pleasure to serve as the Superintendent of the Westwood Heights School District. I appreciate the Board of Education and all of the community members that have faith that we can enhance our school district together.

I am honored and bring experience from the Detroit Public Schools, Oak Park Schools and Hazel Park Community Schools. I have taught Grades K-9, Special Education LD, EI and Resource Room K-12. I have served as an elementary, middle and K-8 principal. My dissertation reflects the impact mentoring has on middle school youth.
           
I love children, children and children. Our main focus will be to increase student achievement in all areas, but especially in writing, reading and mathematics.  We will also take a great interest in the new Michigan State Standards. The first 9th Grade class will focus on the 9th Grade Academy. We currently have enrolled 119 and will look to see how many of the 119 graduate in 2012.

Westwood Heights needs to become a cohesive family with one set of rules and procedures in place so that we are all working together to become one of the most successful school districts in Genesee County and all of Michigan. Our staff will follow the district wide attendance, curriculum, promotional and discipline policy and put students in the forefront of all decisions.

It has been my dream to see a, “No Excuse School District” where all students can learn and want to learn; in addition a place where teachers enhance their professional growth and development to impart knowledge to students. Therefore, it is my passion and my plan to make Westwood Heights a premiere school district of excellence.  We will be an accomplished school district where no excuses will be allowed for poor and academic failure because of socio-economic backgrounds or previous learning experiences that did not meet the needs of our students. Please know that I feel that, “Education Is a Civil Right” and that it is urgent that we make provisions for all students to become successful.

     The vision includes the following:

• Focus on new Michigan Standards for High School Students
• 9th Grade Academy – Graduation Year 2012
• Highly qualified and certified staff
• Parent Academy (equipping parents and giving insight for educational excellence)
• Professional Development for Staff, especially teachers/administrators
• Annual Writing Fair
• Westwood Heights Middle School Academy
• Elementary, Middle and/or High School Single Gender Classroom Models
• Determined to Succeed Summer School Enrichment Centers (2009 and beyond)
• Westwood Heights Competitive Sports Program
• Maintain North Central Accreditation
• Enrollment into the Malcolm Baldrige Performance Model/Michigan Quality Council
• Enhancement of the University of Michigan/Westwood Heights Partnership

And YOU, YOU and YOU!

Professionally yours,

Deborah Hunter-Harvill, Ed.D
Superintendent
Westwood Heights School District