Message from the Superintendent
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August 2022
Greetings Westwood Heights Community,
I am excited to be starting this year as the Superintendent of Westwood Heights. I am ready to collaborate and learn with the students, parents, and families that make up this wonderful community. It is an honor to be part of a faculty and staff committed to providing the best possible education for every student in a safe, nurturing environment.
I believe the partnership between our families and our school district is an important part of our success. Students benefit as parents and guardians are involved in their learning. It is our goal to have consistent communication between home and school and regular opportunities for families to learn about what is happening here in Westwood Heights.
I am passionate about helping every child become a life-long learner, and I believe that this is the season of discovery. We are working diligently to provide different avenues for our students to explore. I want to stress that safety is the number one concern in our district. In light of what is going on in the world, it will be of the upmost importance to report any situation that might put our students in danger. I’m asking the community to help us with this process. If you see or hear something that might be a threat to our schools, please alert your building principal or my office.
When it comes to COVID, we want to follow the guidelines set by the Genesee County Health Department. Wearing a mask will be optional for students and staff, and we want you to do what’s best for you and your child. I want to thank you for your help this past school year in following the shifting guidelines recommended by the board of health. The administration and health staff appreciated your efforts to help stop the spread in each building.
There will be a change this fall when we open up. We will be moving the 1st grade programs to Hamady Elementary. In addition to that, the district will continue with our CTE Program teaching construction and trades. We will also be adding multimedia classes in the district this year. These programs provide an alternative route to success for our students. As always, our alternative programs will be open for any student in Genesee County. Academy West will continue to graduate students who need a different path to graduation, and our adult education program is considered the top program in the county and one of the premier programs in the state.
The process of educating and caring for our children is a team effort. I encourage you to contact the school at any time if you have a concern, need clarification, or simply want to check in with your child’s educators. We are also asking that you guide and support your students’ learning by ensuring that they:
- Attend school daily and arrive on time, ready for the day’s school experience.
- Complete all homework assignments given by teachers.
- Share their school experiences with you so that you are aware of their school life.
- Know that you expect them to succeed in school and become a successful citizen who is prepared for college and career. This starts with knowing how to behave in an educational setting.
- Demonstrate respect towards peers, teachers, staff and self.
- Work hard to self-advocate, plan and achieve.
The administrative team is always available to meet and discuss school issues or the individual progress of any student with parents, guardians, and the students themselves. Additionally, the excellent counselors, social workers, student support assistants, and other support staff are available to assist in supporting our students.
To make the school year the best for you and your student, please support the district in any way you can. Consider becoming part of the Hawk family by joining our parent groups, athletic booster club, or volunteering to help with school events. I look forward to making the district experience a positive and memorable one for you and your student. We will be seeing you at our many activities that make school a great experience. On behalf of the staff here in Westwood Heights, thank you for supporting us and your student and making this a great year!
Respectfully,
Mr. Les Key, Superintendent