Meet Kristopher Krajewski, a teacher at Riverside Middle School who proved that every reader has a voice. Last year, Kristopher led a complete novel study of The Giver with students who might not typically engage with a full-length book. By holding high expectations and providing the right structure, he watched students who typically find ELA challenging become the ones driving the discussion. This is what happens when we trust our learners and give them room to rise.
1 day ago, Crestwood School District
Green background with "Riverside Spotlight" and "Every learner can rise to the challenge". Quote and teacher's name, Riverside Middle School.
Labor Day Weekend Reminder:

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

We hope our students, families, and staff enjoy the long weekend! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, September 8th.
1 day ago, Crestwood School District
Labor Day closure graphic from Crestwood School District reminding families that all district buildings will be closed Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7. School and district logos are displayed along the bottom.
Due to today’s high heat index, all outdoor athletic practices and contests are canceled, with the exception of JV Football vs. Dearborn. The JV football game will continue as scheduled.

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

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes and coaches.
3 days ago, Crestwood School District
Blue and white graphic with bold text. Title reads "Athletic Announcement". Details below state a football game will continue, but all other events are canceled.
🎟️ The RMS Back-to-School Raffle is here! Enter for your chance to win one of these awesome prize baskets!
🎟️ 1 ticket — $3
🎟️ 2 tickets — $5
🎟️ 3 tickets — $6
Grab yours from the main office! Good luck, Ravens! 💚🖤🤍
3 days ago, RMS News
Graphic with green background displaying an advertisement for the 2026-27 Back-to-School Raffle.
YOUR FORM MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

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

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

One form. A few minutes. A big impact for our students!
3 days ago, Crestwood School District
Blue background with rocks and an Education Benefits Form with text: Break Through for Your Family.
Cathryn O'Brien, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, reminds us that the most powerful learning happens when we design for transfer. Her approach to argumentative writing shows what's possible when we help students connect skills across subjects and contexts. This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, student-centered instruction we celebrate at Crestwood.
8 days ago, Crestwood School District
Riverside Spotlight graphic featuring a quote from Cathryn O’Brien, Teacher at Riverside Middle School. The headline reads, “When Learning Is Built for Transfer.” Supporting text explains that when students build on skills throughout the year, they receive continued support before, during, and after a formal assignment.
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!
9 days 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.”
🏐 Riverside Volleyball tryouts are coming up! 💚🖤

Ready to hit the court and represent Riverside? Volleyball tryouts will take place after school on Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 1.

All students must have a current MHSAA sports physical on file in order to try out.

Bring your energy, effort, and Raven Pride! 💚🖤🏐

See Mr. Turk if you have any questions.

Let’s go, Ravens!
11 days ago, RMS News
VB Tryouts
🏃‍♀️🏃 Riverside Cross Country sign ups are here! 💚🖤

All 6th through 8th grade Ravens are welcome to join! No tryouts required! Whether you’re an experienced runner or just looking to try something new, cross country is a great way to build endurance, confidence, teamwork, and new friendships.

📋 Sign up during your lunch!

What you need:
• A current physical on file. Physical forms are available in the main office.
• Running shoes and gym attire
• Commitment, dedication, and a good attitude!

📅 Practice: Monday through Thursday, 3:15 to 4:15 PM
🏃 Season: August through October
⭐ First Practice: Monday, August 31

For the first practice, be in the Health Room by 3:15 PM, dressed and ready to run with a full water bottle.

Come run with the Ravens! 💚🖤
11 days ago, Ken Bajorek
RMS Cross Country Tryouts
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!
13 days 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.
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.
15 days 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!
17 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!
17 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!
19 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.
22 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.
22 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.
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, “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!

25 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!
26 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.
29 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.