Washtenaw Intermediate School District

This week, about 50 educators from across the county spent 3 days this week at the Washtenaw CTE Teacher Summit learning, collaborating, and preparing to serve thousands of high school students enrolled in state-approved Career Technical Education programs this fall.

CTE connects students to high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand career pathways and prepares their postsecondary journey.

Thank you to BO’s Bagels and Zingerman’s for donating breakfast for this professional learning!

Start the school year inspired and equipped for success! Join the Tri-County Culturally Responsive Mathematics Institute on August 12 in Livonia, MI for a day of meaningful professional learning, collaboration, and networking with educators from across the region.

You'll leave with practical strategies, valuable resources, and fresh ideas to support equitable and engaging instruction in the classroom.

Review the event details and register today - space is limited!

Teaching to Liberate Teaching to Liberate

WISD has extended the application deadline for candidates interested in filling a Board of Education vacancy through Monday, June 29. Read the full press release for more information.

WISD Extends Deadline for Board Applicants - Jun 22, 2026 Website for Washtenaw ISD

Last week, we held our annual Retirement and Shining Star Celebration! We recognized 14 retirees and 40 Shining Star nominees.

Congratulations to all our Shining Stars and thank you to each of our retirees. We're appreciative for all that you've done for learners, families, and our community!

Dr. Sarena Shivers, who has served as a Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) trustee since 2023, has announced she will step down from the Board of Education before the completion of her term, ending June 2029. Her resignation is effective July 31, 2026.

The district is now accepting letters of intent and resumes for candidates interested in filling the vacancy until the next WISD board election in June 2027.

For more information about applying, visit https://www.washtenawisd.org/pub/news/posts/1728.

(Important note: Ann Arbor Public Schools residents are ineligible. State law dictates that no more than two members of the board may be from the same school district. WISD already has two sitting board members that reside within the boundaries of Ann Arbor Public Schools.)

This morning, we had the honor of celebrating the 2026 LaFontaine Automotive Group Teacher of the Year James Barnes (Dexter), along with Distinguished Teacher Janet Rickle (Lincoln) and Commendable Teacher Elizabeth Caron (Manchester) at the Ann Arbor/ Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Early Edition Breakfast.

Our community is lucky to have outstanding educators like James, Janet, and Elizabeth, and we know there are so many others like them in our schools. Thank you to all our educators and congratulations to this year's awardees!

This week, the Tri-County Meaningful Mathematics and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Showcase celebrated its largest event in five years with approximately 1,200 middle and high school students presenting their community research to the public. The Showcase featured students from schools in Wayne, Washtenaw, and Oakland counties and was hosted at the Wayne County Community College District’s Downtown Campus.

Read the full story: https://www.washtenawisd.org/pub/news/posts/1723

Meet Karrie, our Early On Teacher Consultant for Early Childhood! Our next Humans of WISD feature highlights how Karrie's personal experiences, community roots, and professional background all coalesce to guide her approach to supporting families.

"I feel like my work is more like a ministry rather than a job. My approach is deeply personal and about relationships. I believe building trust with parents is crucial. By sharing my own experiences as a mother and by being vulnerable, I help parents feel understood and supported."

Read Karrie's story at www.washtenawisd.org/HumansOfWISD

This week, High Point School hosted a curriculum showcase highlighting students' progress as they develop the skills to succeed outside of the classroom. This event included:

▪️ Presentations from preschool through 12th grade students showcasing learning from recent units in the Readtopia and TeachTown curricula;
▪️ A school store open to the public with young adult students practicing vocational skills and highlighting their micro-businesses; and
▪️ Opportunities for families, community members, and stakeholders to observe students using dynamic communication systems to express their ideas and share knowledge gained throughout their units.

Many thanks to our wonderful staff and students for putting together this event, and for families and community members who were able to attend and help celebrate learning!