When Amanda Mersek talks about learning that sticks, she's talking about the kind of teaching that transforms a classroom. As a teacher at Riverside Middle School, Amanda brought High Touch High Tech into her 5th grade science lessons this past school year, turning abstract concepts into tangible moments of discovery. Her commitment to hands-on, real-world learning experiences reflects exactly the kind of educational excellence we celebrate across Crestwood. This is what great teaching looks like.
1 day ago, Crestwood School District
Riverside Spotlight graphic featuring a quote from Amanda Mersek, Teacher at Riverside Middle School. The headline reads, “Hands-On Learning That Truly Sticks.” Supporting text explains that hands-on demonstrations and real-world connections create meaningful learning that students carry with them long after the lesson ends.
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!
3 days 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!
3 days 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.
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!
5 days 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.
8 days 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.
8 days 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.
Meet Maggie Jones, teacher at Riverside Middle School who knows that the best learning happens when students take the lead. In her culminating physical science lesson, Maggie stepped back and let her students drive their own inquiry, choosing their own methods to explore magnetism, solubility, and electrical conductivity. The result? Deep understanding and real confidence. Stories like Maggie's remind us why we prioritize student voice and hands-on learning across our district.
8 days ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic with a dark green background highlights a Riverside Middle 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, “RIVERSIDE.” Overlapping the lower portion of the title is the word “Spotlight” in large gold script placed on a semi-transparent light green rectangle. Near the upper right of the graphic is a pair of oversized, semi-transparent green quotation marks used as a decorative design element. Centered on the page in large white uppercase text is the headline, “REAL INQUIRY BRINGS LEARNING TO LIFE.” A thin white horizontal line separates the headline from the body text below. Centered beneath the line, white text reads: “Deep understanding is possible when students are given the autonomy to ask their own questions, choose their own methods, and confirm their own hypotheses, even when it feels a little messy along the way.” In the lower right corner, large white uppercase text reads, “MAGGIE JONES.” Beneath the name, smaller white text reads, “Teacher,” followed by “Riverside Middle School.” The graphic uses Riverside Middle School’s green, gold, and white color theme with a clean, modern layout to recognize a teacher whose inquiry-based instructional approach empowers students to think independently, explore ideas, and develop a deeper understanding through authentic learning experiences.

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!

11 days 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!
12 days 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 Mohammad Bazzi, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, took students on a field trip they'd earned through positive choices and hard work, he witnessed something powerful: students reminding each other that their decisions create real opportunities. That ripple effect is exactly the kind of culture we're building across Crestwood, where every student feels valued and motivated to show up at their best.
15 days ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic with a dark green background highlights a Riverside Middle 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, “RIVERSIDE.” Overlapping the lower portion of the title is the word “Spotlight” in large gold script placed on a semi-transparent light green rectangle. Near the upper right of the graphic is a pair of oversized, semi-transparent green quotation marks used as a decorative design element. Centered on the page in large white uppercase text is the headline, “STUDENT CHOICES CREATE A RIPPLE EFFECT.” A thin white horizontal line separates the headline from the body text below. Centered beneath the line, white text reads: “I heard students encourage each other to keep making positive decisions so they could earn future opportunities, and that ripple effect says everything about the culture we can build when we recognize their growth in meaningful ways.” In the lower right corner, large white uppercase text reads, “MOHAMMAD BAZZI.” Beneath the name, smaller white text reads, “Teacher,” followed by “Riverside Middle School.” To the right of the name is a circular headshot outlined in gold showing Mohammad Bazzi with short dark hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and rectangular eyeglasses. He is wearing a white button-up shirt over a light-colored T-shirt and is looking off to the side with plants visible in the background. The graphic uses Riverside Middle School’s green, gold, and white color theme with a clean, modern layout to recognize a teacher whose focus on positive reinforcement and student ownership fosters a school culture where encouraging choices create a lasting ripple effect.

Only 2 Weeks Until Our Back to School Kickoff!

The countdown is on! Join us for one of Crestwood School District's biggest family events of the year as we celebrate the start of an exciting new school year. Join us on Tuesday, August 18th at Crestwood High School for an evening filled with:

Free backpacks (while supplies last)
Bounce houses and inflatable fun
Free books and crafts
Balloon animals and glitter tattoos
Sports physicals
Food trucks
Entertainment from Crestwood Band, Theatre, Robotics, and more!

There is a special Sensory Friendly Hour from 4:00–5:00 PM (for special needs students and their families) and all Crestwood School District families are welcome from 5:00-8:00 PM.

We can't wait to kick off another incredible school year with you!

18 days 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.
What does it take for multilingual learners to move from hesitant participation to confident, independent communication? Klodiana Myftiu, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, reminds us that growth happens when students are given repeated opportunities to engage in supportive, structured environments. Her intentional work with our ELL cohort this year exemplifies the kind of patient, skillful teaching that helps all students thrive. We're proud to celebrate stories like this from across our district.
22 days ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic with a dark green background highlights a Riverside Middle 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, “RIVERSIDE.” Overlapping the lower portion of the title is the word “Spotlight” in large gold script placed on a semi-transparent light green rectangle. Near the upper right of the graphic is a pair of oversized, semi-transparent green quotation marks used as a decorative design element. Centered on the page in large white uppercase text is the headline, “WHEN STRUCTURE BECOMES CONFIDENCE.” A thin white horizontal line separates the headline from the body text below. Centered beneath the line, white text reads: “Growth in language proficiency is not immediate, but it is deeply visible when students are given repeated chances to read, write, speak, and listen in environments where they feel supported.” In the lower right corner, large white uppercase text reads, “KLODIANA MYFTIU.” Beneath the name, smaller white text reads, “Teacher,” followed by “Riverside Middle School.” To the right of the name is a circular headshot outlined in gold showing Klodiana Myftiu with long dark brown hair, wearing makeup with red lipstick, smiling at the camera while wearing a dark-colored top. The graphic uses Riverside Middle School’s green and gold color theme with a clean, modern layout to recognize a teacher whose structured, supportive classroom environment helps students build language proficiency and confidence.
Tomorrow's the day! Support the Crestwood Marching Band by stopping by their Car Wash on Saturday, July 25th, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Riverside Middle School (25900 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn Heights).

A $5 suggested donation helps support our talented band students. Stop by, get your car washed, and help our Marching Band hit the right note this season!
29 days ago, Crestwood School District
A flyer with a white background promotes a CAR WASH fundraiser for the Crestwood Marching Band. Centered near the top, the title “CAR WASH” appears in large light blue capital letters. In the upper left corner is a smiling yellow cartoon car covered in soap bubbles while holding a blue garden hose that is spraying water over itself. In the upper right corner is a smiling purple cartoon car with soap bubbles on its roof and hood. Centered beneath the title, black text reads: “Where: Riverside Middle School 25900 W Warren Ave, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127” Below that, the event information reads: “When: Saturday July 25th, 10:00am - 2:00pm” The next line reads: “Suggested Donation: $5 per automobile” Centered below in large black italicized capital letters is the message: “PLEASE COME SUPPORT THE CRESTWOOD MARCHING BAND ALLOWING THE BAND MEMBERS TO GET YOUR CAR NICE AND CLEAN!!!” In the lower left corner is an illustration of a green car covered with soap sitting in a puddle of water beside a large yellow sponge. In the lower right corner is the Crestwood Marching Band logo, which features a blue circular emblem with the words “CRESTWOOD MARCHING BAND” surrounding a white fist holding a gold lightning bolt, with a black musical note incorporated into the fist. The overall design uses playful cartoon illustrations of cars, soap, and cleaning supplies with centered event information to advertise a Crestwood Marching Band car wash fundraiser at Riverside Middle School and encourage community support through a suggested five-dollar donation per vehicle.
When eighth graders teach basketball skills to fifth graders, something bigger than athletics happens. Brian Turk, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, watched both grade levels walk away with stronger confidence, better skills, and genuine connections that went beyond a single gym class. This is the kind of cross-grade collaboration that strengthens school culture and creates meaningful opportunities for students to learn and lead together.
29 days ago, Crestwood School District
A green graphic titled “RIVERSIDE Spotlight” features a quote from Riverside Middle School teacher Brian Turk. The title appears in large white block letters with the word “Spotlight” written in yellow script over a translucent banner in the upper left corner. Decorative quotation marks appear in the upper right, with a subtle light effect in the upper and lower corners. Centered on the graphic is the headline “WHEN STUDENTS LEAD, EVERYONE GROWS” in bold white capital letters. Below the headline, the quote reads: “The fifth graders were more willing to participate and try new skills because they felt comfortable learning from older students they looked up to. Both groups walked away with stronger confidence, better skills, and new connections.” In the lower right corner, the graphic identifies Brian Turk as a Teacher at Riverside Middle School. The design emphasizes the value of peer mentorship, student leadership, confidence-building, and meaningful connections through collaborative learning.
Join us for the Crestwood School District Back to School Kickoff on Tuesday, August 18th, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Crestwood High School!

Enjoy food trucks, free sports physicals, books, crafts, inflatables, entertainment, and more. Plus, free backpacks will be available while supplies last.

We can't wait to welcome our Crestwood families back for another great school year!
about 1 month ago, Crestwood School District
A square promotional graphic with a dark blue background advertises the Crestwood School District Back to School Kickoff event. Faint outline illustrations of school-themed items such as pencils, leaves, and classroom objects are patterned across the background. In the upper left corner is the Crestwood School District logo, which features a tree with blue and gold leaves and the words “Crestwood School District” surrounding it. Across the upper right portion of the graphic, very large white and gold outlined text reads, “BACK TO SCHOOL.” Beneath it, large black text with a gold outline reads, “Kickoff.” A large gold banner below the title contains black text that reads, “Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • 5:00–8:00 PM.” Across the center of the graphic are four gold information panels outlined in blue. The first panel features a colorful food truck illustration with a sign reading “FOOD TRUCK.” Below it, bold black text reads, “FOOD TRUCKS.” The description reads, “The Custard Co, ElSayed on the Grill, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Zs Bubble Tea, and Heights Nutrition.” The second panel features illustrations of a flower, an open book, crayons, and an inflatable bounce house. Bold black text reads, “ACTIVITIES.” The description reads, “Free Sports Physicals, Free Books, Bounce Houses, Glitter Tattoos, Inflatable Slides, Crafts, and Balloon Animals.” The third panel displays the logos for Charger Robotics, Crestwood Theatre, and the Crestwood Marching Band. Bold black text reads, “ENTERTAINMENT.” The description reads, “Crestwood Band, Crestwood Theatre, Crestwood Robotics, Chargie the Mascot, and DJ.” The fourth panel features illustrations of a red backpack and a green backpack. Bold black text reads, “FREE BACKPACK GIVEAWAY.” The description reads, “First come first serve. Supplies are limited.” Below the activity panels are two sponsor sections. On the left, large white text reads, “Thank you to Our Sponsors!” Gold text beneath lists, “United Way of Southeastern Michigan • Highview PTA • Hillcrest PTO • Kinloch PTA • RMS KAB • CHS PTA.” On the right, large white text reads, “Thank you to Our Partners!” Gold text beneath lists, “Blue Hands United • Family Doc • Dearborn Heights Police • Dearborn Heights Fire • Dearborn Heights Library • Dean Transportation.” Near the bottom center of the graphic, large curved white text outlined in black reads, “Crestwood School District Families Only.” Beneath it is a large gold rounded rectangle containing bold blue text that reads, “Crestwood High School.” Smaller blue text below reads, “1501 North Beech Daly • Dearborn Heights.” Along the very bottom of the graphic, centered on a white curved border, bold dark blue text reads, “Sensory Friendly Time • 4-5 PM • Special Needs Students ONLY.” The graphic uses Crestwood School District’s blue and gold color scheme with bold typography and colorful illustrations to promote the community back-to-school event.
Katheryne Friske knows that every student has a voice worth celebrating. As a teacher at Riverside Middle School, she started a choir with about 20 students and created something much bigger than a music program. She built a family where confidence and empathy grow right alongside musical skills. This is what it looks like when we invest in the whole child and create belonging for every learner.
about 1 month ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic titled “RIVERSIDE Spotlight” features a photograph of a middle school choir performing on stage during a concert rehearsal or performance. The word “RIVERSIDE” appears in large white capital letters in the upper left corner, with the word “Spotlight” written beneath it in large yellow script over a semi-transparent gray rectangle. In the upper right corner, white text reads: “KATHERYNE FRISKE” followed by “Teacher” and “Riverside Middle School.” The main photograph shows approximately 15 middle school students standing in a choir formation across a stage, all dressed in black concert attire. The students are facing forward with attentive posture as they sing. In front of the stage, a teacher stands with her back and side partially facing the camera, conducting the choir with both hands raised. A black music stand is positioned in front of the conductor. The stage features dark blue curtains and a wooden front edge, while a projected presentation is faintly visible on a screen behind the choir. The auditorium includes a gray carpeted floor, light-colored walls with wood accents, mounted stage lighting, and an exit door visible on the right side. Soft rays of light shine from the upper right corner of the graphic, adding emphasis to the performance scene. Across the bottom of the photograph, large white capital letters read: “WHEN STUDENTS FIND THEIR VOICE.” The bottom third of the graphic is a dark green panel containing centered white text that reads: “We started a choir at Riverside with about 20 students, and it's become a family. I've seen the light in their eyes when they feel good about what they just sang. These kids have grown in confidence and empathy along the way.” The overall design combines a live performance photograph with bold typography and green accents to recognize Katheryne Friske of Riverside Middle School while highlighting the positive impact of choir on students' confidence, sense of belonging, empathy, and personal growth.
Support the Crestwood Marching Band and leave with a sparkling clean car!

Stop by the Crestwood Marching Band Car Wash on Saturday, July 25th, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Riverside Middle School (25900 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn Heights).

A $5 suggested donation helps support our talented band students. We hope to see you there!
about 1 month ago, Crestwood School District
A flyer with a white background promotes a CAR WASH fundraiser for the Crestwood Marching Band. Centered near the top, the title “CAR WASH” appears in large light blue capital letters. In the upper left corner is a smiling yellow cartoon car covered in soap bubbles while holding a blue garden hose that is spraying water over itself. In the upper right corner is a smiling purple cartoon car with soap bubbles on its roof and hood. Centered beneath the title, black text reads: “Where: Riverside Middle School 25900 W Warren Ave, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127” Below that, the event information reads: “When: Saturday July 25th, 10:00am - 2:00pm” The next line reads: “Suggested Donation: $5 per automobile” Centered below in large black italicized capital letters is the message: “PLEASE COME SUPPORT THE CRESTWOOD MARCHING BAND ALLOWING THE BAND MEMBERS TO GET YOUR CAR NICE AND CLEAN!!!” In the lower left corner is an illustration of a green car covered with soap sitting in a puddle of water beside a large yellow sponge. In the lower right corner is the Crestwood Marching Band logo, which features a blue circular emblem with the words “CRESTWOOD MARCHING BAND” surrounding a white fist holding a gold lightning bolt, with a black musical note incorporated into the fist. The overall design uses playful cartoon illustrations of cars, soap, and cleaning supplies with centered event information to advertise a Crestwood Marching Band car wash fundraiser at Riverside Middle School and encourage community support through a suggested five-dollar donation per vehicle.
Christopher Mitchell, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, reminds us that the most powerful learning happens when students become the experts. His classroom unit celebrating cultural backgrounds turned students into teachers for one another, creating pride and connection that went far beyond the assignment itself. This is the kind of thoughtful, student-centered work that defines our Crestwood community.
about 1 month ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic titled “RIVERSIDE Spotlight” features a clean, text-focused design on a dark green background. In the upper left corner, the word “RIVERSIDE” appears in large white capital letters, with the word “Spotlight” written beneath it in large yellow script over a semi-transparent light green rectangle. Decorative light rays shine from the upper right corner, a pair of oversized translucent quotation marks appear near the upper right portion of the graphic, and a subtle starburst light effect is displayed near the lower left corner. Centered in the middle of the graphic is a bold white headline in all capital letters that reads: “OUR STUDENTS ARE THE MOST POWERFUL TEACHERS.” A thin white horizontal line appears beneath the headline, followed by centered white text that reads: “When we design learning around who our students are, they become the most powerful teachers in the room. Embracing that fact creates experiences that stay with them long after the school year ends.” Near the bottom center of the graphic, the teacher's name appears in large white capital letters reading “CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL.” Beneath the name, smaller white text reads: “Teacher” and “Riverside Middle School.” To the right of the name is a circular black-and-white headshot outlined in yellow showing Christopher Mitchell smiling while wearing a light-colored collared shirt. The overall design uses a simple, professional layout with bold typography and subtle decorative elements to emphasize the inspirational quote and recognize Christopher Mitchell of Riverside Middle School.
What happens when we make space for creativity in unexpected places? Jeremy Phillips, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, shows us exactly that. Through his Wheel of Theodorus project, Jeremy helped 8th graders see geometry not just as formulas and constructions, but as a canvas for individual expression and personal meaning. His commitment to weaving creativity into rigorous academic work exemplifies the kind of teaching that helps students truly own their learning.
about 2 months ago, Crestwood School District
A Crestwood School District Riverside Spotlight graphic highlighting Jeremy Phillips, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, and celebrating the integration of creativity into mathematics education. The background features a close-up of a student-created geometric drawing of a green chameleon. The artwork is composed of carefully shaded geometric shapes and repeating triangular patterns, demonstrating how mathematical concepts such as geometry, symmetry, angles, and spatial reasoning can be incorporated into creative art. In the upper left corner, large white text reads: RIVERSIDE Spotlight The word "Spotlight" appears in a gold script font over a translucent gray banner. In the upper right corner, white text identifies the featured educator: JEREMY PHILLIPS Teacher Riverside Middle School A dark green banner spans the bottom of the graphic with the headline in bold white text: CREATIVITY BELONGS IN MATH CLASS, TOO Below the headline, the featured quote reads: "Anytime there's an opportunity to weave creativity into a math lesson, it's worth the extra effort. It helps students build confidence, find personal meaning in their learning, and see math as something connected, enjoyable, and truly their own." The overall design highlights how creative, project-based learning can deepen students' understanding of mathematics while fostering confidence, engagement, and a stronger personal connection to the subject.
Wishing our students, staff, families, and community a safe and joyful Independence Day.

In observance of Independence Day, all Crestwood School District schools and District Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.
about 2 months ago, Crestwood School District
A Crestwood School District Independence Day announcement featuring patriotic colors and American flag graphics, wishing the community a safe holiday and sharing a district closure notice. The graphic has a dark navy blue background with stylized American flags draped across the upper left corner and extending along the top edge. Decorative blue halftone patterns appear in the upper left and lower right corners, reinforcing the patriotic theme. Centered near the top, large white text reads: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY 4TH OF JULY Below the headline is the Crestwood School District logo. Centered beneath the logo, the message states: "Wishing our students, staff, families, and community a safe and joyful Independence Day." A second paragraph provides an important schedule reminder: "In observance of Independence Day, all Crestwood School District schools and District Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd." The overall design uses red, white, and blue colors with clean typography and patriotic imagery to celebrate Independence Day while informing the community of the district's holiday closure.