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.
2 months ago, Crestwood School District
Red background with white text. A photo of a woman and text reads "When Phonics Clicked for My ESL Students."
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!
2 months ago, Crestwood School District
Promotional flyer for the Children’s DMC Book Drive organized by Learning Solutions EdVantage. The book drive runs from September 1 through September 30 with a goal of collecting 200 new books for Children’s DMC Hospital. Donated books must be newly purchased and appropriate for a pediatric setting. The flyer states, “Every child deserves comfort, hope, and a good story during their hospital stay. Help us brighten a young patient’s day.” Contact information includes learningsolutionsed@gmail.com, Instagram @learningsolutionsedvantage, and phone number (313) 288-5191. The flyer features colorful illustrations of stacked books along the left side and the Learning Solutions EdVantage and Children’s Hospital of Michigan logos.
HILLCREST HUSKIES HAD A GREAT FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL!
2 months ago, Nassrine Saad
HILLCREST HUSKY TEAM
Hello Hillcrest Family, Reminder open house 9/2 from 5:00-6:30!
2 months ago, Nassrine Saad
open house
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!
2 months ago, Crestwood School District
Promotional flyer from the Thirty42 Impact Foundation for the “Not Another Backpack Drive – A Real Head Start.” The event will take place September 2nd from 5 PM–8 PM at Suite Thirty42, 25585 Joy Rd, Dearborn Heights. A QR code in the upper right is labeled “Not Another Backpack Drive,” with instructions to “Scan to register” and “Scan to sign up,” along with the phrase “A real head start for South Redford families.” The flyer features four photos highlighting event services: a Wayne Health Mobile Unit with staff offering free physicals/immunizations; a barber giving a child a haircut for barber services; BBQ Mike’s Food Truck; and a table filled with notebooks, pencils, and other supplies representing school/resource stations. The design uses dark blue and gold backgrounds with white and gold text. Logos along the bottom include KayRose, Suite Thirty42, Thirty42 Impact Foundation, Mobile Health Unit, and HealthFirst Telehealth. The bottom of the flyer repeats the location: “Suite Thirty42 – 25585 Joy Rd, Dearborn Heights.”
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.
2 months ago, Crestwood School District
Hillcrest Spotlight graphic featuring David Pierson, Teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School, with his headshot over a photo of a school art display filled with colorful student artwork and handmade projects. The message reads, “When students become tour guides.” Supporting text describes Hillcrest’s hands-on, step-by-step art instruction and the pride students experience when guiding their families through displays of clay pots, weavings, and other work they created.
Hello Hillcrest Family,
Please view our newsletter for this week. If you plan to drop-off your child please follow the car-line map provided in the newsletter. Thank you!
https://crestwoodmi.edurooms.com/newsletters/hillcrest-newsletter/newsletters/hillcrest-week-of-8-24-26
2 months ago, Nassrine Saad
Tomorrow is the first day of school!

If you haven't already, today is your last chance to complete the Required MiStar Back to School Check-In for each student before school starts.

This important process allows you to:
• Confirm emergency contacts
• Update address and health information
• Access important medical forms
• Acknowledge district policies

Complete your check-in today through MiStar ParentConnect:
https://sisweb.resa.net/MISTAR/Crestwood/

Need help?
English: https://5il.co/3k3nb
Arabic: https://5il.co/3k3na

Need a computer? The Crestwood Board Office (1045 N. Gulley) has Chromebooks available Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM for use in the lobby.

Thank you for helping us prepare for a safe, successful, and exciting start to the new school year. We look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow!
2 months ago, Crestwood School District
A blue Crestwood School District back-to-school graphic announces that there is 1 day until school starts. Large white and gold text at the top reads “Back to School,” with a gold box stating “School Starts August 24th.” A large white box on the left displays the number 1 above the words “Day Until School Starts.” On the right, the graphic reminds families to complete the MiStar ParentConnection Back to School Check-In now and includes the Crestwood Back to School Check-In and MiStar logos. The ParentConnection website, https://sisweb.resa.net/MISTAR/Crestwood/, is displayed across the lower portion of the graphic. Along the bottom are the logos for Crestwood High School Chargers, Riverside Middle School Ravens, Crestwood Early Childhood Center Caterpillars, Crestwood School District, Highview Hawks, Hillcrest Huskies, and Kinloch Koalas. The graphic serves as a final reminder for families to complete their required online back-to-school check-in before students return for the first day of school.
Please note that all district offices will be closed until 9:30 AM on Thursday, August 20th, as our entire staff comes together for a special Back-to-School event to connect, celebrate, and prepare for a great year ahead.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving our community when offices reopen at 9:30 AM!
2 months ago, Crestwood School District
Crestwood School District announcement graphic stating that on Thursday, August 20, all district offices will open at 9:30 AM while staff come together to kick off the new school year. The message thanks the community for its understanding. District and school logos appear across the top, with colorful pencils along the bottom.
Tomorrow is the Day! Our Back to School Kickoff is almost here, and we can't wait to welcome our Crestwood families!

Thursday, August 20th
Crestwood High School
5:00–7:00 PM

Don't miss:
FREE backpacks (while supplies last)
Food trucks
Bounce houses & inflatables
Free books, crafts, balloon animals & glitter tattoos
Sports physicals
Live entertainment from Crestwood Band, Theatre, Robotics, and more!

Reminder:
Sensory Friendly Time is 4:00–5:00 PM for special needs students and families only.

Bring the whole family and celebrate the start of another amazing school year. We'll see you tomorrow, Thursday, August 20th!
2 months ago, Crestwood School District
Crestwood School District Back to School Kickoff flyer announcing a new day and time: Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Crestwood High School, 1501 North Beech Daly, Dearborn Heights. The event is for Crestwood School District families only and features food trucks, free sports physicals and books, bounce houses, inflatables, glitter tattoos, crafts, balloon animals, entertainment from Crestwood Band, Theatre, Robotics, Charger the mascot and a DJ, plus a free backpack giveaway while supplies last. A sensory-friendly time for special needs students only is scheduled from 4:00–5:00 PM.
Caroline Jakubiec, a paraprofessional at Hillcrest Elementary, helped make magic happen this spring when she supported a student in participating fully in our school musical. Her commitment to meeting students where they are created an opportunity for genuine achievement and visible joy. This is the kind of dedication that defines our Crestwood community and reminds us that with the right support, anything truly is possible.
2 months ago, Crestwood School District
Hillcrest Spotlight graphic on a bright red background featuring the message, “Meeting students where they are.” Supporting text emphasizes that providing students with the right support and opportunities can lead to meaningful achievements and possibilities. The spotlight features Caroline Jakubiec, Paraprofessional at Hillcrest Elementary School.
Tomorrow is the big day, Hillcrest! Join us tomorrow as we celebrate the official Hillcrest Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Wednesday, August 19th
12:30 PM
Hillcrest Elementary School
7500 N. Vernon Street

We look forward to welcoming our families, staff, students, and community members as we celebrate this important milestone and exciting new chapter for Hillcrest Elementary.

We hope to see you tomorrow!
3 months ago, Crestwood School District
Red invitation graphic announcing a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the 2024 Bond Expansion of Hillcrest Elementary. The event will take place Wednesday, August 19 at 12:30 P.M. at Hillcrest Elementary, 7500 N. Vernon Street, Dearborn Heights. The design features the Hillcrest Huskies and Crestwood School District logos, decorative gold ribbon, scissors, and celebratory light effects.
Just 1 week until the first day of school!

Have you completed your Required MiStar Back to School Check-In?

All parents and guardians must complete the Back to School Check-In for each student before the first day of school.

During check-in you can:
• Confirm emergency contacts
• Update address and health information
• Access important medical forms
• Acknowledge district policies

For the best experience, complete your check-in using a desktop or tablet.

Need access to a computer? Stop by the Crestwood Board Office (1045 N. Gulley) Monday–Thursday from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. Chromebooks are available for families to use in the lobby.

Need assistance?
English: https://5il.co/3k3nb
Arabic: https://5il.co/3k3na

Complete your check-in today through MiStar ParentConnect:
https://sisweb.resa.net/MISTAR/Crestwood/

We can't wait to welcome our students back!
3 months ago, Crestwood School District
A blue Crestwood School District back-to-school graphic announces that there are 7 days until school starts. Large white and gold text at the top reads “Back to School,” with a gold box stating “School Starts August 24th.” A large white box on the left displays the number 7 above the words “Days Until School Starts.” On the right, the graphic reminds families to complete the MiStar ParentConnection Back to School Check-In now and includes the Crestwood Back to School Check-In and MiStar logos. The ParentConnection website, https://sisweb.resa.net/MISTAR/Crestwood/, is displayed across the lower portion of the graphic. Along the bottom are the logos for Crestwood High School Chargers, Riverside Middle School Ravens, Crestwood Early Childhood Center Caterpillars, Crestwood School District, Highview Hawks, Hillcrest Huskies, and Kinloch Koalas. The graphic serves as a one-week countdown reminder for families to complete their required online back-to-school check-in before the first day of school.
The Back-to-School Kickoff has a new date and time! We can’t wait to celebrate the start of the 2026–2027 school year with our Crestwood families on Thursday, August 20th, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Crestwood High School!

To provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for all families, a sensory-friendly hour will be offered from 4:00–5:00 PM, prior to the main event.
3 months ago, Crestwood School District
Crestwood School District Back to School Kickoff flyer announcing a new day and time: Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Crestwood High School, 1501 North Beech Daly, Dearborn Heights. The event is for Crestwood School District families only and features food trucks, free sports physicals and books, bounce houses, inflatables, glitter tattoos, crafts, balloon animals, entertainment from Crestwood Band, Theatre, Robotics, Charger the mascot and a DJ, plus a free backpack giveaway while supplies last. A sensory-friendly time for special needs students only is scheduled from 4:00–5:00 PM.
Help us ensure that our meal program is a success! Remind and encourage your child to take advantage of this opportunity and grab a school breakfast every single school day.
3 months ago, Crestwood School District
A colorful square graphic from Crestwood School District promotes the availability of free school breakfast. The background is white with playful blue, green, and gold decorative accents. In the upper left corner is the Crestwood School District logo featuring a tree with blue and gold leaves and the words “Crestwood School District” surrounding it. Beneath the tree is the district motto, “Your Future. Our Focus.” Centered across the top in large decorative navy blue lettering is the headline, “Breakfast is SERVED!” The word “Breakfast” is written in script with a gold rising sun and sun rays behind it, “is” appears in green script, and “SERVED!” is displayed in large bold navy blue capital letters. A smiling green apple with rosy cheeks appears on the left side of the graphic, while a smiling blue-and-white milk carton labeled “MILK” with rosy cheeks appears on the right. Additional hand-drawn-style blue and green hearts and accent lines decorate the design. A large gold brushstroke banner beneath the headline contains navy blue and green text that reads, “A healthy breakfast is available at NO COST in the cafeteria at all Crestwood Schools before the start of the school day.” The words “NO COST” are emphasized in large green capital letters. Three rounded white information boxes outlined in green and blue list breakfast serving times. The first box includes a colorful school building icon and reads, “Breakfast is available at all Elementary Buildings starting at 8:15 AM.” The second box includes the Riverside Ravens logo and reads, “Breakfast is available at Riverside Middle School at 7:30 AM.” The third box includes the Crestwood Chargers logo and reads, “Breakfast is available at Crestwood High School at 7:10 AM.” On the right side of the graphic is a navy blue panel titled in white script, “The meal offers.” Beneath the title is a list with colorful icons that reads: “GRAINS,” “PROTEIN,” “MILK,” and “FRUITS & VEGETABLES.” Below the list, white text reads, “daily to all students.” The panel is decorated with icons of wheat, an egg, a milk carton, and an apple. At the bottom right of the graphic is a blue bowl filled with cereal rings, alongside a yellow banana and a red strawberry. Decorative blue and gold heart doodles surround the food. A wide green banner stretches across the bottom of the graphic. Large white capital letters read, “PLAN ON GETTING TO SCHOOL EARLY,” followed by gold script that reads, “and joining us for breakfast!” A white outlined star appears on the left side of the banner, while a smiling face doodle and decorative accent marks appear on the right. The overall design uses bright, cheerful colors and playful illustrations to encourage students to take advantage of the free breakfast program before school each day.
When Dave Nelson set out to have every grade level at Hillcrest Elementary sing in Arabic at their spring concert, he didn't just plan a performance. He created a year-long journey toward musical excellence and cultural celebration. As a music teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School, Dave proves that rigor and inclusivity aren't competing values, they're partners in deep learning. His commitment to choosing repertoire that reflects our community gave Arabic-speaking families a moment of pride and gave every student an expanded understanding of the world around them. This is what student-centered education looks like in action.
3 months ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic features a photograph of a large group of elementary students standing shoulder to shoulder in a school gymnasium during a music performance. Colorful tulip artwork decorates the wall behind them, creating a vibrant backdrop. In the upper left, large white text reads “HILLCREST,” with “Spotlight” written below in white script over a translucent gray banner. Near the top center is a circular headshot of Dave Nelson, and to the right, white text identifies him as Teacher, Hillcrest Elementary School. Across the lower portion of the image, bold white text reads, “WHEN MUSIC EDUCATION REFLECTS COMMUNITY.” Below, on a red background, black text states: “Deep, meaningful learning is possible when music education is both rigorous and culturally inclusive. By committing to a year-long vision and choosing repertoire that reflects our community, students achieve excellence and a genuine appreciation for one another.” The design highlights the importance of culturally responsive music education in fostering student achievement, belonging, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Hillcrest, it’s time to celebrate!

We are excited to welcome our community to the official Hillcrest Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Wednesday, August 19th
12:30 PM
Hillcrest Elementary School
7500 N. Vernon Street

Please join our families, staff, students, and community members as we celebrate this important milestone and an exciting new chapter for Hillcrest Elementary!

We look forward to celebrating with you!
3 months ago, Crestwood School District
Red invitation graphic announcing a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the 2024 Bond Expansion of Hillcrest Elementary. The event will take place Wednesday, August 19 at 12:30 P.M. at Hillcrest Elementary, 7500 N. Vernon Street, Dearborn Heights. The design features the Hillcrest Huskies and Crestwood School District logos, decorative gold ribbon, scissors, and celebratory light effects.

Just 1 Week Until the Crestwood Back to School Kickoff!

School is almost here—and so is one of our favorite community events! Bring the family to Crestwood High School on Tuesday, August 18th from 5:00–8:00 PM for an evening of fun, food, and everything you need to start the school year off right.

Enjoy:
Free backpack giveaway (first come, first served)
Bounce houses and inflatable slides
Free books and crafts
Balloon animals & glitter tattoos
Sports physicals
Food trucks
Live entertainment featuring Crestwood students and programs

Sensory Friendly Time: 4:00–5:00 PM (special needs students and families only)

Mark your calendar—we look forward to seeing all of our Crestwood families there!

3 months ago, Crestwood School District
A colorful promotional flyer announces Crestwood School District's Back to School Kickoff event. The graphic features a blue background with the Crestwood School District logo in the upper left and the headline "BACK TO SCHOOL Kickoff" prominently displayed across the top. The event takes place Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at Crestwood High School, 1501 North Beech Daly, Dearborn Heights. Four illustrated panels highlight event attractions: Food Trucks featuring The Custard Co, ElSayed on the Grill, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Zs Bubble Tea, and Heights Nutrition; Activities including free sports physicals, free books, bounce houses, glitter tattoos, inflatable slides, crafts, and balloon animals; Entertainment by Crestwood Band, Crestwood Theatre, Crestwood Robotics, Chargie the Mascot, and a DJ; and a Free Backpack Giveaway available while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis. The flyer thanks sponsors including United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Highview PTA, Hillcrest PTO, Kinloch PTA, Riverside Middle School KAB, and the Crestwood High School PTA, along with community partners including Blue Hands United, Family Doc, Dearborn Heights Police and Fire Departments, Dearborn Heights Library, and Dean Transportation. A banner notes the event is for Crestwood School District families only. At the bottom, the flyer announces a Sensory-Friendly Time from 4:00–5:00 PM for special needs students only before the main event begins.
Only 2 weeks until the first day of school!

Now is the perfect time to complete your Required MiStar Back to School Check-In for every student in your household.

Completing your check-in helps ensure we have your most up-to-date information and allows you to:
• Confirm emergency contacts
• Update address and health information
• Access important medical forms
• Acknowledge district policies

For the best experience, use a desktop or tablet (not a phone).

Need a computer? Visit the Crestwood Board Office (1045 N. Gulley) Monday–Thursday from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, where Chromebooks are available for families to use in the lobby.

Need help?
English: https://5il.co/3k3nb
Arabic: https://5il.co/3k3na

Complete your check-in today through MiStar ParentConnect:
https://sisweb.resa.net/MISTAR/Crestwood/

Let's get ready for a fantastic first day of school!
3 months ago, Crestwood School District
A blue Crestwood School District back-to-school graphic announces that there are 14 days until school starts. Large white and gold text at the top reads “Back to School,” with a gold box stating “School Starts August 24th.” A large white box on the left displays the number 14 above the words “Days Until School Starts.” On the right, the graphic reminds families to complete the MiStar ParentConnection Back to School Check-In now and includes the Crestwood Back to School Check-In and MiStar logos. The ParentConnection website, https://sisweb.resa.net/MISTAR/Crestwood/, is displayed across the lower portion of the graphic. Along the bottom are the logos for Crestwood High School Chargers, Riverside Middle School Ravens, Crestwood Early Childhood Center Caterpillars, Crestwood School District, Highview Hawks, Hillcrest Huskies, and Kinloch Koalas. The graphic serves as a countdown reminder for families to complete their required online back-to-school check-in before the first day of school.
When we create the right conditions, students surprise us every time. Batoul Hossein, teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School, designed a cross-grade collaboration that put 2nd and 4th graders in conversation together. The result? Students leading, listening, and building mathematical confidence in real time. This is the kind of student-centered learning that drives our commitment to math improvement across Crestwood.
3 months ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic with a bright red background highlights a Hillcrest Elementary School classroom spotlight. Soft light rays shine from the upper right corner, and a subtle light flare appears in the lower left corner. In the upper left, large white uppercase text reads, “HILLCREST.” Overlapping the lower portion of the title is the word “Spotlight” in large black script placed on a semi-transparent light pink rectangle. Near the upper right of the graphic is a pair of oversized, semi-transparent pink quotation marks used as a decorative design element. Centered on the page in large black uppercase text is the headline, “STUDENTS RISE TO THE LEVEL OF OPPORTUNITY.” A thin white horizontal line separates the headline from the body text below. Centered beneath the line, black text reads: “This experience showed that younger students don't need to wait to 'be ready' to engage in deep thinking and discussion. With the right support and models, they rise to the level of the opportunity.” In the lower right corner, large black uppercase text reads, “BATOUL HOSSEIN.” Beneath the name, smaller black text reads, “Teacher,” followed by “Hillcrest Elementary School.” To the right of the name is a circular headshot outlined in black showing Batoul Hossein smiling at the camera. She is wearing a light-colored hijab and a light top. The graphic uses Hillcrest Elementary School’s red, black, white, and light pink color theme with a clean, modern layout to recognize a teacher whose instructional approach encourages young students to engage in meaningful thinking, discussion, and learning when provided with appropriate support and opportunities.