Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

CTE Month: Meet the Teachers – Lisa Meyers & Brian Taylor

Meet Lisa Meyers and Brian Taylor, the team behind Marketing and Business education at Woodhaven High School, where students learn skills that shape both careers and everyday life.

Through courses such as Marketing, Marketing II, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, School Store, and soon AP Business, students develop strong marketing, communication, leadership, and financial literacy skills. Lessons don’t stop at theory - students apply what they learn through hands-on projects, DECA competitions, and real-world business experiences.
Students put their skills to work through DECA by tackling projects focused on community awareness, financial literacy, career development, sales, and community giving. They also collaborate with local businesses and organizations like Cycle Trip Studio, Kiwanis, Woodhaven Brownstown Rotary, and Downriver for Veterans, gaining firsthand insight into marketing careers and job opportunities.

What students gain:
✔ Communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
✔ Real-world marketing experience (inventory, sales, promotion, pricing, product development)
✔ Career exploration through guest speakers and community partnerships
✔ Employability skills like resumes, interviewing, and job exploration

The School Store class gives students the opportunity to operate a real business, with recent technology upgrades making the work-based learning experience even more meaningful. Students also benefit from experiences like the Financial Reality Fair, designed to prepare them for budgeting and financial decisions they’ll face after graduation.
By encouraging students to explore a wide range of business and marketing courses, this program helps students discover career paths - and graduate with direction, confidence, and practical skills they can use for life.

#CTEMonth #MeetTheTeachers #MarketingEducation #BusinessEducation #DECA #CTEWorks #WarriorWay

CTE Month: Meet the Teacher – Dawn Damron

Meet Dawn Damron, our Dental Science teacher, who prepares students for careers in healthcare through hands-on learning and real-world experience.

In Dental Science I & II, students explore the practice and principles of dentistry, including clinical and laboratory skills, dental and medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control, and professional procedures. Students also have the opportunity to earn an OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens certification - a valuable credential for future healthcare pathways.

What sets this program apart is Woodhaven High School’s $2.5 million, state-of-the-art dental facility, equipped with advanced technology that rivals - and even exceeds - college-level dental programs. Open to students across the Downriver community, the program allows students to explore the health sciences, whether dental becomes their long-term career path or a stepping stone to another field.

What students gain:
✔ Hands-on clinical and lab experience
✔ Industry certifications and a professional portfolio
✔ Work-based learning through observation and community service
✔ Independence, responsibility, and employability skills that transfer to any career

Many students go on to pursue dental hygiene, dental assisting, or other healthcare careers, while others discover new passions that shape their future paths.

“As a dental hygienist turned teacher, there’s nothing better than seeing former students get accepted into dental hygiene programs and knowing they already have the skills to succeed,” Damron said.

This program offers something for every learner—and proves that career exploration is just as valuable as career preparation.
#CTEMonth #MeetTheTeacher #DentalScience #CTEWorks #HealthcareCareers #WarriorWay

CTE Month: Meet the Teacher – Lauren Dziadosz

Meet Lauren Dziadosz, our Graphics Communications teacher, where creativity meets career readiness every day.
In this hands-on course, students learn visual communication and creative problem-solving through graphic design - turning ideas into powerful messages using imagery and text. With access to industry-standard technology and equipment through our long-standing partnership with the Downriver Career Technical Consortium, students gain real-world experience you won’t find just anywhere.

What students gain:
✔ Creative and critical thinking
✔ Collaboration and communication skills
✔ Technology and design software proficiency
✔ Professional habits, time management, and attention to detail

From designing posters and event signage to creating logos, business cards, apparel, and more, students work on real projects for real audiences - often right here in our schools and community.

“I love watching students realize they can bring what’s in their heads to life - and even profit from it. Once that happens, the enthusiasm is unstoppable,” Dziadosz said.

One of the biggest myths about graphics communications: there is no prior experience required - just curiosity and a willingness to create. Whether students pursue careers in art, design, media, technology, or business, this program gives them a powerful head start.
#CTEMonth #MeetTheTeacher #GraphicsCommunications #WarriorWay #CTEWorks #CreativeCareers

Families and caregivers of nonverbal or minimally speaking children are invited to our next WB-RISE meeting.

This gathering is designed to build community and provide a supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another. A district speech pathologist and AAC coach will be on hand to help guide the conversation and offer support.

WB-RISE Meeting
📅 Monday, February 9, 2026
🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 Wegienka Elementary

🔗 RSVP: https://forms.gle/d8W6Y3afpmV7UFcB8

We hope you’ll join us for an evening of connection, learning, and support.