Crestwood is Leading the Way in Literacy!

We are proud to share that the Crestwood School District has been recognized by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko as one of just 17 Michigan school districts leading the way in advancing the Science of Reading.

Crestwood has been approved to participate in the Michigan Department of Education’s LETRS Leaders District Success Partnership, supporting our commitment to providing elementary educators with high-quality, evidence-based professional learning focused on how children learn to read. Through LETRS training, K-5 educators, coaches, and administrators deepen their knowledge of essential literacy skills, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

“The Crestwood School District is deeply grateful to be part of the LETRS leaders district success partnership with the Michigan Department of Education,” said Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam. “This funding will enable us to expand and enhance our literacy programs, ensuring that our students develop lasting skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey.”

This recognition reflects Crestwood’s continued investment in our educators and our commitment to ensuring that every student develops the strong literacy foundation needed for success in school and beyond.

We are proud to see Crestwood School District recognized at the state level for helping lead this important work!

Meet Kristopher Krajewski, a teacher at Riverside Middle School who proved that every reader has a voice. Last year, Kristopher led a complete novel study of The Giver with students who might not typically engage with a full-length book. By holding high expectations and providing the right structure, he watched students who typically find ELA challenging become the ones driving the discussion. This is what happens when we trust our learners and give them room to rise.

Good Day Crestwood Community,

Today at 3:53 PM, we received a Tornado Warning and immediately directed all elementary buses to return to their schools so students could shelter safely.

During an emergency, decisions must be made quickly, and our first priority will always be the safety of our students and staff. We appreciate our families’ patience as we follow emergency procedures and ensure all students are safe.

We sent messages throughout the situation; however, the severe weather impacted cell service for some families, which may have delayed communications.

At 4:30 PM, students were released to continue their bus routes home. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We are grateful that all of our students and staff are safe.

Labor Day Weekend Reminder:

All Crestwood School District buildings will be closed Friday, September 4th and Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.

We hope our students, families, and staff enjoy the long weekend! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, September 8th.

Dina Peterson, Teacher at Kinloch Elementary School, captured something powerful this year: when we celebrate students as individual artists, we nurture far more than creativity. At our annual art show, students across every grade level shared their work with pride, families gathered to celebrate, and the energy in the room spoke to the transformative power of Fine Arts education. This is the kind of moment that reminds us why investing in the whole child matters.

Due to today’s high heat index, all outdoor athletic practices and contests are canceled, with the exception of JV Football vs. Dearborn. The JV football game will continue as scheduled.

Coaches will communicate directly with their teams regarding sport-specific plans and any additional information.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes and coaches.

A special thank you to Crestwood High School alumna Israa Darwich and Advanced Physical Therapy for generously collecting and donating school supplies for our students!

The donated supplies will be distributed among schools throughout the Crestwood School District to help ensure our students have the tools they need for a successful school year.

We are grateful to Israa for continuing to give back to the Crestwood community and to the entire team at Advanced Physical Therapy for supporting our students

YOUR FORM MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

If your child receives an Education Benefits Form, please take a few minutes to complete it and return it to your school’s Main Office. Only one form is needed per household, and not every household will receive a form.

Completing this form is important! The information provided helps Crestwood School District secure valuable funding that supports programs and resources for our students. It may also help your family qualify for waived or reduced fees.

One form. A few minutes. A big impact for our students!

Fadwa Selameh, ESL teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School, shows us what's possible when we meet students where they are. Her ESL students moved from struggling with short vowel words to reading them fluently through structured lessons and persistent practice. This is the kind of intentional, equity-driven instruction that moves our district's early literacy goals forward every single day.

Help Us Share the Gift of Reading!

Throughout September, Hillcrest, Highview, and Kinloch Elementary Schools will be collecting new books to support the Children’s DMC Book Drive! The goal is to collect 200 new books for Children’s Hospital of Michigan to bring comfort, hope, and a great story to children during their hospital stay.

Families who would like to help can donate newly purchased books appropriate for a pediatric setting at any of our three elementary schools throughout September. Thank you to our Crestwood community for helping brighten the day of a child, one book at a time!

When students grow something with their own hands, curiosity takes root. Meghan Giant, a teacher at Highview Elementary School, created a classroom full of young scientists last year through a plant growth unit that built genuine observation skills and excitement. Her commitment to hands-on science experiences shows what's possible when we make learning tangible and meaningful for every child.

Looking for a fun, family-friendly event? Join Corewell Health for Dearborn Health & Safety Day on Saturday, September 12th, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at 18100 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn (across from the main hospital).

Enjoy safety information, hands-on activities, games, giveaways, food vendors, community partners, and a free diaper drive while supplies last. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and have fun with the whole family!

Azhair Alaajeeb, knows that trust starts with the smallest gestures. She watched children go from uncertain glances to running hugs, all because she showed up with patience and consistency across four classrooms. Her story reminds us that every interaction matters, especially for our youngest learners who need extra support. This is what it means to create environments where every child feels safe to grow.

We’re proud to showcase the impactful work and meaningful moments happening across Crestwood School District! Crestwood High School Principal Roni Abdulhadi highlights how shared responsibility and teamwork among staff are increasing student engagement and helping every student succeed. Stay tuned as we continue to share the great work happening across our district!

Shane Cash reminds us that the most powerful teaching often happens in the spaces between the curriculum. As a teacher at Crestwood High School, Shane models the kind of presence and intentionality that helps students build skills that last a lifetime. This captures exactly what makes our Crestwood community special: educators who see the whole student and invest in their growth every single day.

Cathryn O'Brien, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, reminds us that the most powerful learning happens when we design for transfer. Her approach to argumentative writing shows what's possible when we help students connect skills across subjects and contexts. This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, student-centered instruction we celebrate at Crestwood.

The Thirty42 Impact Foundation is helping families kick off the school year with Not Another Backpack Drive: A Real Head Start!

Join them on Wednesday, September 2nd, from 5–8 PM at 25585 Joy Rd. in Dearborn Heights for an evening filled with free resources and services for families, including physicals and immunizations, barber services, school and resource stations, sneaker restoration, hygiene and clothing basics, wellness resources, food, and more!

Meet Nissreen Slim, a paraprofessional at Kinloch Elementary School, who shows us what's possible when we commit to consistent, one-on-one support. Her dedication to reading intervention reminds us that real growth happens when students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to try. This is the heart of what we do at Crestwood.

Congratulations to Crestwood High School senior Ahmad Bazzi, whose design was selected as a winner of Michigan’s “I Voted” Sticker Contest!

Ahmad’s winning design will help represent the importance of voting across the State of Michigan. We are incredibly proud to see Ahmad’s creativity recognized statewide and to have him represent Crestwood High School and the Crestwood School District through this exciting accomplishment.

Congratulations, Ahmad!

When David Pierson, teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School, sees students proudly guiding their families to clay pots and weavings they created themselves, he knows the art program is doing more than producing beautiful work. It's building fine motor skills, focus, and the kind of pride that comes from creating something with your own hands. This is the kind of hands-on learning that makes a lasting impact.