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
🎉 New Classrooms, New Beginnings! 🎉
Last week, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting at the Crestwood Early Childhood Center with Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam, board members, teachers, and staff. This incredible event showcased the hard work and dedication of our Crestwood School District family.
Guests were given tours of the beautiful new space, highlighting the exciting opportunities it will provide for our youngest learners. Thank you to everyone who made this event so special—here’s to new beginnings and brighter futures! 🌟
#CrestwoodSchools #NewBeginnings #EarlyChildhoodEducation
🎉 New Classrooms, New Beginnings! 🎉
Last week, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting at the Crestwood Early Childhood Center with Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam, board members, teachers, and staff. This incredible event showcased the hard work and dedication of our Crestwood School District family.
Guests were given tours of the beautiful new space, highlighting the exciting opportunities it will provide for our youngest learners. Thank you to everyone who made this event so special—here’s to new beginnings and brighter futures! 🌟
#CrestwoodSchools #NewBeginnings #EarlyChildhoodEducation
Join the Fun at Hillcrest Elementary’s Overtime Athletics After-School Program!
Looking for an exciting and engaging way for your child to spend Friday afternoons? Sign them up for our Overtime Athletics After-School Program!
• Dates: January 17th - February 14th (5 sessions)
• Time: Every Friday, 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
• Cost: $100 (No refunds)
• Activities Include:
• Sports games
• Arts and crafts
• Team-building activities
The program begins right after school, with pickup at 5 PM.
Spots are limited, so sign up today!
For more information, visit www.otathletics.com/detroit or contact Dina Elzein at 313-971-3980.
Don’t miss out on the fun!
🌟 YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED! 🌟
Join us as we celebrate New Classrooms, New Beginnings at the Crestwood Early Childhood Center!
📅 Thursday, January 9th
⏰ 4:00 - 5:00 PM
📍 1045 N. Gulley Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Come see the amazing updates and share in this exciting moment for our community!
RSVP to Cheryl Rivera at crivera@csdmi.org
We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉
Congratulations to Hala Komaiha, a senior at Crestwood High School, for exemplifying the excellence of the Crestwood School District with her acceptance to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As this year’s valedictorian with a 4.55 GPA, Hala excelled in 14 AP and 4 Dual Enrollment courses while leading as National Honor Society President, Senior Class Vice President, Science Club President, and Robotics Captain/Programming Lead. A FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Finalist, Hala’s dedication to academics and STEM leadership leaves a lasting legacy at Crestwood. We are proud to celebrate her remarkable achievements and bright future!
Congratulations to Hashem Saleh, a senior at Crestwood High School, for embodying the excellence of the Crestwood School District. Saleh, a standout student-athlete, is headed to play Division 1 football at an Ivy League university, showcasing his hard work both in the classroom and on the field. Known for his academic rigor and leadership, as well as earning All-Conference honors in football, Saleh leaves a lasting legacy at Crestwood. Head coach Mike Grucz praised him as “an imposing figure” who “made a lasting impact on the program.” We are proud to celebrate his achievements and wish him continued success!
Crestwood School District will be closed for Winter Break from December 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025, with classes resuming on January 6, 2025.
Wishing our students, staff, and families a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year! Thank you for being part of our Crestwood community.
Santa came to town a little early at the 2024 Winter Concert, where the Crestwood High School and Riverside Middle School bands delivered a night of festive cheer! From timeless holiday classics to the lively “Sleigh Ride” and a playful 2/4 slapstick surprise, the evening was filled with joy and musical magic. Congratulations to our incredible band teacher and conductor, Jonathon Tockstein, and to all the talented students for making the season merry and bright!
2025-2026 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION BEGINS JANUARY 6, 2025
REGISTRATION IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!
Registration Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Children MUST be 5 years old by September 1, 2025 to attend.
For more information on REGISTRATION contact the Crestwood Board of Education Office at 313-278-0906
For enrollment/residency requirements visit www.csdmi.org
🎵 RMS & CHS Winter Band Concert 🎵
Mark your calendars for an evening of music and celebration! The Riverside Middle School and Crestwood High School Bands invite you to their Winter Band Concert on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Crestwood High School Auditorium. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends to enjoy the sounds of the season and cheer on our talented student musicians.
Let’s fill the auditorium with pride and applause!
The Grinch stormed Hillcrest, causing a scene,
Throwing snowballs at windows, acting quite mean!
But the Huskies stayed cheerful, they wouldn’t despair,
Their holiday spirit was beyond compare.
The highlight of all? Theo and Scout took the stage,
Our therapy dogs as Max stole the Grinch’s rage!
With wagging tails and a heartwarming cheer,
They wrapped up the Grinch fun for this 2024 year.
Big thanks to the Huskies, so lively and bright,
For showing the Grinch what makes Hillcrest just right!
The Grinch came to Kinloch, as grumpy as ever,
But the Koalas were ready, too clever to sever!
With new friends from afar and kindness to spare,
They showed the old Grinch how much they all care.
At lunch, there was drama—a koala, a brawl—
So Principal Marvaso ran a circle for all!
Dressed as Cindy Lou Who, she kept the peace right,
Turning chaos to laughter, a wonderful sight.
Big thanks to the teachers, the staff, and Nurse Maddy,
For snapping great pics of this fun Grinchy “addy.”
Tomorrow’s at Hillcrest—the fun doesn’t end,
With Crestwood’s great spirit, even Grinch is a friend!
The Kinloch Elementary Talent Show was a tremendous success, thanks to the exceptional leadership of Music Teacher Mr. Alexander Lane. Students brought the Riverside Middle School stage to life with singing, dancing, piano performances, and enthusiastic cheers, showcasing their incredible talents. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated Kinloch staff who supported Mr. Lane in making the night both fun and memorable for everyone.
The Grinch came to Highview and tried to cause fear,
But the Hawks were too joyful—he found kindness here!
With big thanks to the parents, the staff, and the crew,
And to Principal Taleb for all that they do!
Tomorrow, it’s Kinloch, where fun will take flight,
And Friday, Hillcrest will shine merry and bright.
In Crestwood, the Grinch finds it hard to feel mean,
With such wonderful schools spreading cheer unseen!
Today marked a monumental occasion for the Crestwood School District as we officially opened the doors to our new Central Office at 1045 N. Gulley Rd., Dearborn Heights, MI 48127. Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam, alongside Board President Danielle Elzayat, Board of Education members, elected officials, teachers, parents, and community members, gathered to celebrate this incredible milestone. Reflecting on the district’s journey since he joined in 2019, Dr. Mosallam spoke candidly about the challenges that once seemed insurmountable. “When I came to Crestwood in 2019, I saw potential that was buried under years of struggle. But I knew—if we worked together, if we truly believed in our vision—this district could become something extraordinary. Today is proof that dreams backed by effort, collaboration, and heart become reality.” President Elzayat also shared her heartfelt perspective, recalling her first experience entering the district as a parent in 2006. “As a parent, I never truly felt we were one district. I didn’t feel welcomed or valued, and I know I wasn’t alone in that. To see how far we’ve come, building a district that truly feels like home for all families, is nothing short of remarkable.”
Adding to the celebration was the announcement of a $130,428 grant, awarded through a partnership with Hype Athletics, to support our award-winning robotics and EA sports teams. Generous local business owners Iman and Ali El-Sayed provided beautifully curated charcuterie boards, showcasing the community’s spirit of giving. This ribbon-cutting ceremony reflects not only a new chapter for the Crestwood School District but also the culmination of a collective commitment to growth, inclusion, and excellence. As we close out 2024, this achievement is a testament to the power of a united community. With unwavering support from our staff, families, and community partners, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for the opportunities the future holds.
🌟 Building Leadership and Community at Crestwood High School! 🌟
Crestwood High School has launched a new Peer Mediation Program! Through hands-on training led by Julie Jamieson, Hassan Ozeir, and Anna Schankowski, students learned how to resolve conflicts and build a stronger school community.
This program empowers students to help each other and create a positive environment. We’re excited to see their impact!
📸 Check out the photos from this inspiring day!
#CrestwoodCommunity #StudentLeaders #BetterTogether
🦃🍁 Please read a special Thanksgiving message from Dr. Mosallam, Superintendent of Crestwood Schools!
English Letter: https://5il.co/31sgw
Arabic Letter: https://5il.co/31sgx
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday! 🍂✨
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from the Crestwood School District! 🍂
All schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 27 – Friday, November 29, 2024.
Regular operations will resume on Monday, December 2, 2024.🍂
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
🎨✨ Last week, Kinloch Elementary hosted an unforgettable Paint Night in partnership with our magnificent art teacher, Mrs. Dina Peterson! Students, families, and staff came together for a night of creativity, laughter, and colorful masterpieces. 🌟
A special thank you to our amazing Kinloch PTA and Crestwood High School's National Honors Society for their invaluable help in making the night a success. Your support truly brought our vision to life! ❤️
Enjoy these snapshots from our fun and vibrant evening—proof that art brings us all closer together! 🖌️🖼️ #KinlochPaintNight #CrestwoodCommunity #ArtInAction
