Crestwood School District

Crestwood Announces New Principal for Riverside Middle School Monday, February 24, 2025 Following tonight's Board of Education meeting, Crestwood School District is proud to announce that Mr. Saleh Abazeed has been appointed as the new Principal of Riverside Middle School. Mr. Abazeed, currently the Assistant Principal at Riverside Middle School and formerly an Assistant Principal at Crestwood High School, brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, leadership, and community building. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives in master scheduling, MTSS, PBIS, and student support, all while fostering a positive school culture. “In his short time at Riverside, Sal has already proven himself as a dedicated leader who inspires both students and staff to strive for excellence,” said Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Superintendent. “His vision and leadership will undoubtedly continue to move Riverside in a positive direction.” Please join us in congratulating Mr. Abazeed as he steps into this new role, continuing our commitment to student success and academic growth.

2024 Bond Update – February 2025 The planning phase is officially underway. Exciting progress is being made as we prepare for upcoming projects across the district. See the attachment for the project timeline and details. Together, we’re building the future for Crestwood Schools. https://www.csdmi.org/bond

🏆 MHSAA Wrestling Individual Regionals – Crestwood Making History! 🏆 Big news for Crestwood Wrestling! Regional Coach of the Year: Aboudi Beydoun – A well-deserved honor for his dedication and leadership! Three State Qualifiers Headed to Ford Field: 🥇 Hussein Krayem (Senior) – Regional Champion! Krayem avenges last week’s loss in the finals and dominates to take the title! 🏅 Mehdi Dakroub (Freshman) – 4th Place – Only the second freshman in Crestwood history to qualify for the state meet! 🏅 Mohamed Elhawli (Senior) – 4th Place – Securing his place at Ford Field with a strong performance! Crestwood sends three to the MHSAA State Championships! The hard work, determination, and grit these wrestlers have shown is incredible. Let’s show them our support as they take the big stage! 💪🔥 Let’s go, Crestwood! 🔥💪

🌟 Congratulations to our 2025 Spelling Bee Champions! 🐝 🎉A huge shoutout to all our Classroom Spelling Bee Winners and our 2025 District Spelling Bee Winners: 🏆 Lara Alahmed (3rd - Hillcrest) 🏆 Lilia Dbouk (4th - Hillcrest) 🏆 Alyssa Assi (5th - RMS) 🏆 Ali Zeidan (6th - RMS) 🏆 Angelos Tesitsikos (7th - RMS) 🏆 Zahraa Hachem (8th - RMS) Your dedication and hard work were inspiring to all! 🎊👏 A special thank you to our partner, The Amity Foundation, for their generous contributions and for providing gifts to our first-, second-, and third-place winners. Your support made this event even more special. !Due to the high quality and large size of the images, we’ve attached a link to browse through additional pictures. More will be updated as they arrive! 📸✨ 🔗https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DWBikeFf6sqbkExOzT6S3b95P8pdI9sM?usp=drive_link 📷 Photo Credits: Ibrahim Abouzenni#SpellingBee2025 #CrestwoodChampions #WordWizards 🐝💛 #ThankYouAmityFoundation

Due to severe weather, all Crestwood schools & buildings will be closed on Thursday, Feb 13, 2025. Stay safe! Download the CSD App on the Apple or Google Play Store for updates. Check with the Athletic Director for sports schedule updates.

📢STUDENT COUNT DAY REMINDER! 🗓 Wednesday, February 12, 2025✅ Be present. Be on time. Every student counts! Count Day helps our schools receive essential funding for teachers, programs, and resources. Your attendance makes a difference! #StudentCountDay #CrestwoodPride

📢STUDENT COUNT DAY REMINDER! 🗓 Wednesday, February 12, 2025✅ Be present. Be on time. Every student counts! Count Day helps our schools receive essential funding for teachers, programs, and resources. Your attendance makes a difference! #StudentCountDay #CrestwoodPride

Crestwood Families, Staff, and Community, Please see Dr. Mosallam’s letter regarding Mr. Awada’s retirement, Mr. Casebolt’s new role, and the next steps for Riverside Middle School’s principal position. Read it here: https://5il.co/37eeh

📢 Middle School Spelling Bee is Tomorrow! Join Us on Feb. 11! 🐝 After last week’s weather delay, we’re ready to crown more champions at the Crestwood District Spelling Bee in partnership with the Amity Foundation! 📅 New Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 📍 Location: Riverside Middle School ⏰ First group begins at 5:30 PM – Please arrive 15 minutes before your call time for a quick review of expectations and rules. We invite all families and community members to join us and cheer on our 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade spellers as they compete for the top spot! Last week’s 3rd-5th grade competition was a huge success, and we can’t wait to see the same energy and excitement for our middle schoolers. Don’t miss this spellbinding event! 🐝

The Crestwood Community Education Foundation (CCEF) 2nd Annual Blue Tie Gala Dinner is happening on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 6 PM at The Bellagio Banquet. Secure your ticket now by visiting ticket link or scanning the QR code. Crestwood teachers and staff: Please check with your building administration for a special ticket price. Join us for an evening of celebration and community! We can’t wait to see you there!

Your 2024-2025 MHSAA District Champs! 🏆💙💛 For the first time ever, Crestwood Wrestling has claimed the Division 1 District Championship! This marks the 6th district title in school history—but the first at this level, making it a truly historic moment for our program. Congratulations to our incredible athletes, coaches, and supporters who made this victory possible. The hard work, dedication, and relentless spirit of our wrestlers have paid off in a BIG way. Let’s keep the momentum going! On to the next! 💪🔥 #ChargerPride #CrestwoodWrestling #DistrictChamps

Due to the expected severe weather and icy conditions, and to keep students and staff safe, all Crestwood School District schools and buildings will be closed on Thursday, February 6, 2025. •The District Spelling Bee for grades 3-5 today, Wednesday, February 5th, will continue as scheduled. •Tomorrow’s District Spelling Bee for grades 6-8 is postponed to Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the same time. Please stay safe, and for updates, download the CSD App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For sports updates, contact your coach or check with the Athletic Director.

Crestwood School District Celebrates Highview Elementary’s Mrs. Montgomery as January Teacher of the Month! Crestwood School District is proud to share that Mrs. Montgomery, K-4 literacy coach at Highview Elementary, has been named January’s Teacher of the Month by Wayne County Commissioner David Knezek. Mrs. Montgomery has dedicated her entire 20-year career to the students of Highview Elementary, first as a kindergarten teacher and reading interventionist before stepping into her current role. A graduate of Dakota High School in Macomb, Michigan, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University and later completed a Master’s degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Montgomery plays an active role in the community, supporting family activity nights at both Highview and her son’s school. She was inspired to become a teacher after witnessing firsthand the lasting impact of both strong and struggling educational foundations. To this day, her passion remains the same: her students. As she puts it, “I love the daily opportunities to engage them in learning, honor their uniqueness, and watch them grow.” Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam praised Mrs. Montgomery’s dedication, stating, “Mrs. Montgomery embodies the heart of Crestwood’s mission—ensuring every child is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. Her unwavering commitment to literacy and student success is felt across our district, and we are honored to have her as part of our Crestwood family.” Congratulations, Mrs. Montgomery! Your dedication to the success of our students does not go unnoticed, and we thank you for all that you do. Go Hawks!

Today is Your Last Chance – Don’t Miss Out! Crestwood High School Class of 2025 Tin Can Raffle 📅 Saturday, February 1 📍 Crestwood High School Cafeteria 🕘 9 AM – 3 PM Tickets are only $0.50, $1.00, $2.00, and $5.00 each Raffle Drawing at 3 PM Sharp – You Do Not Need to Be Present to Win Plenty of amazing and valuable prizes up for grabs! A bake sale and light refreshments will also be available for purchase. This is your last chance—stop by before it’s too late!

📣 Get Ready for the Third Annual Crestwood District Spelling Bee! 🐝 Join us as we celebrate the art of spelling and the incredible talents of our students in partnership with the Amity Foundation! This exciting competition will feature the best spellers from Grades 3-8, with winners advancing to represent Crestwood at the Scripps National Spelling Bee®. 📅 Event Details: Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Grades 3-5 • 3rd Grade: 5:30 PM • 4th Grade: 6:15 PM • 5th Grade: 6:45 PM Thursday, February 6, 2025: Grades 6-8 • 6th Grade: 5:30 PM • 7th Grade: 6:15 PM • 8th Grade: 6:45 PM 📍 Location: Riverside Middle School 25900 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 Support our students as they spell their way to victory! Who will claim the top spot this year? Don’t miss this spellbinding event! 🐝✨

Due to dangerous temps (-20°F wind chill Tues., -25°F Wed.), Crestwood schools are closed Jan. 21-22. No Tues. evening events. Updates on after-school activities will come from ADs/coaches. Official game/activity update at 3 PM. Stay safe & download our app for updates!

Dear Crestwood Families, Due to dangerous temperatures with wind chills close to -20°F tomorrow morning and -25°F Wednesday morning, all Crestwood schools and activities will be canceled on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Frostbite can occur within 10 minutes of exposure, and buses struggle at these temperatures. Please note: • No evening events will take place on Tuesday. •Updates on after-school activities for Tuesday and Wednesday will be provided by Athletic Directors and coaches on the day of. We will provide an official update regarding games and other activities at 3:00 PM. To stay informed, download the Crestwood School District app for real-time notifications. Stay safe and warm, Crestwood School District

🎉 Crestwood High School Class of 2025 Tin Can Raffle! 🎉 📅 When: Friday, January 31: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday, February 1: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 📍 Where: Crestwood High School Cafeteria 💰 Tickets: $0.50, $1.00, $2.00, & $5.00 each 🎁 What’s Up for Grabs? AMAZING and VALUABLE prizes! 🎟️ Raffle Drawing: Saturday, February 1 at 3:00 PM sharp! Need not be present to win! 🍪 Extras: A bake sale and light refreshments will be available for purchase! Don’t miss out on this fun event while supporting the Class of 2025. Bring your friends and family and join us for two days of excitement and prizes!

Keeping Our Students and Staff Safe: A Recap of Yesterday’s Parent Discussion at RMS Yesterday, Riverside Middle School hosted an important parent discussion in the auditorium, led by Principal Scott Casebolt and Assistant Principal Sal Abazeed. They were joined by Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Associate Superintendent Andria O’Hara, and Communications, Climate, and Culture Coordinator Rashid Baydoun. The focus of the discussion was the recent swatting threat and subsequent lockdown at RMS. Administrators answered parents’ questions, clarified emergency procedures, and emphasized the importance of safety measures during such events. Key takeaways included: • Do not come to the school during a lockdown. Arriving on campus during emergencies can disrupt safety protocols and impede efforts to keep everyone secure. • Ensure your contact information is up to date in MiStar. Accurate information helps us communicate quickly and effectively. • Download the Crestwood School District app. The app provides real-time updates and critical information during emergencies. We are grateful to the parents who participated in this conversation and for their commitment to fostering a safe and supportive school environment. Together, we can continue prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

Highlights from Last Night’s Crestwood Board of Education Meeting The Crestwood Board of Education held its first meeting of 2025 last night, an evening filled with celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to the district’s mission of excellence. The meeting began with the swearing-in of trustees elected in the November 2024 general election: • Billy Amen • Danielle Elzayat • Salwa Fawaz • David Williamson • Najah Jannoun These dedicated individuals were officially welcomed to their roles, pledging to continue serving Crestwood students, staff, and families. Board Appreciation Month and Special Presentations In recognition of Board Appreciation Month, students from Hillcrest and Highview Elementary Schools led the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and presented thoughtful gifts to board members as a gesture of gratitude for their service. Organizational Elections The Board also conducted its annual organizational elections, announcing the executive board for 2025: • Board President: Mr. Mo Sabbagh • Vice President: Mrs. Najah Jannoun • Treasurer: Mr. Billy Amen • Secretary: Mr. David Williamson The full Board of Education for 2025 includes: • Mr. Mo Sabbagh (President) • Mrs. Najah Jannoun (Vice President) • Mr. Billy Amen (Treasurer) • Mr. David Williamson (Secretary) • Mr. Hass Beydoun • Mrs. Danielle Elzayat • Mrs. Salwa Fawaz Superintendent’s Remarks Honoring Outgoing Board President Danielle Elzayat Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam took a moment to honor outgoing Board President Mrs. Danielle Elzayat, whose tenure as President began on July 8, 2022, and concluded last night. Dr. Mosallam reflected on Danielle’s exceptional contributions, saying: “Danielle’s leadership was not just about governance; it was about heart, vision, and collaboration. She guided us through a historic era of transformation for Crestwood, from the passage of the 2024 Bond Proposal to closing learning gaps and creating unprecedented opportunities for our students.” Dr. Mosallam highlighted Danielle’s role in the passage of the 2024 Bond Proposal, which will bring vital upgrades to the district, including new classrooms, air conditioning in every building, enhanced security, and infrastructure improvements. He also spoke about her focus on academic success, adding: “Danielle has been a champion for equity and inclusion, enhancing opportunities for our ELL and special education students, and securing record-breaking grants to support innovation in our classrooms.” He concluded by expressing gratitude for her collaboration, saying: “It has been an honor to work alongside Danielle. She didn’t just lead Crestwood; she inspired it. Her passion for this district is unmatched, and while her term as President concludes, I am grateful that she will continue her work as Trustee, ensuring her vision remains a guiding force for our community.” The heartfelt remarks were a reminder of Danielle’s profound impact on the district, and her leadership will continue to be celebrated as Crestwood moves forward. Looking Ahead The evening closed with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future. With a newly sworn-in Board and a strong executive team, Crestwood School District remains focused on its mission to provide excellence in education for all. Congratulations to the newly elected trustees and executive board, and a special thank you to Mrs. Danielle Elzayat for her inspiring leadership! #CrestwoodExcellence #BoardAppreciationMonth #LeadershipInAction