Today Woodhaven-Brownstown School District celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities - it serves as a global reminder of the importance of inclusion, accessibility and respect for the rights and dignity of all people with disabilities. This year's focus encourages communities to remove barriers, celebrate strengths, and ensure all students have the chance to thrive in the classroom, community and beyond.
In the WBSD, inclusion is not an initiative - it is our commitment.
#IDPD2025 #inclusionMatters #Accessibiltyforall #WBSDstrong #WBSDcares #WhyWBSD
Good Evening, Yake Families,
This is Mr. Podlewski writing to remind all of our families that our Thanksgiving Break begins following a half-day of school tomorrow. Students will be dismissed from school at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon to begin their break. I hope that all of our Gators and their families have a warm and safe Thanksgiving Break. I will look forward to seeing all of my Gators when school resumes again on Monday.
Thank you, and good night.
Tim Podlewski
This is Mr. Podlewski writing to remind all of our families that our Thanksgiving Break begins following a half-day of school tomorrow. Students will be dismissed from school at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon to begin their break. I hope that all of our Gators and their families have a warm and safe Thanksgiving Break. I will look forward to seeing all of my Gators when school resumes again on Monday.
Thank you, and good night.
Tim Podlewski
Good afternoon,
I hope that your day is going well and you are happily preparing for the Thanksgiving break. Please click on the link below to read about the events coming up next week and in the month of December. You will see some great pictures from our Grandparents' Social on Tuesday morning, a link to our parent-teacher conference survey, information about Yake's U.S. News & World Report Rankings, a link to order your yearbook, book your room at Kalahari for President's day, sign up to volunteer for Santa's Secret Shop and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/cgwzs
I hope that you enjoy getting up to speed as you review Gator Bites. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend and a warm and safe Thanksgiving Break!
Tim Podlewski
I hope that your day is going well and you are happily preparing for the Thanksgiving break. Please click on the link below to read about the events coming up next week and in the month of December. You will see some great pictures from our Grandparents' Social on Tuesday morning, a link to our parent-teacher conference survey, information about Yake's U.S. News & World Report Rankings, a link to order your yearbook, book your room at Kalahari for President's day, sign up to volunteer for Santa's Secret Shop and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/cgwzs
I hope that you enjoy getting up to speed as you review Gator Bites. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend and a warm and safe Thanksgiving Break!
Tim Podlewski
Good morning,
Please see the message below and please consider voting for Logan's artwork. Votes can be submitted daily for each device and the votes will be tallied through the end of the day on Saturday, November 22nd.
Great job, Logan! I was proud to vote for your beautiful cactus.
Thank you!
Tim Podlewski
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Artsonia
Date: Wed, Nov 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Subject: Logan43281 nominated for Artist of the Week
To:
Vote for Artist of the Week
Logan43281, a student at Yake Elementary School, has been selected as a Finalist for the "Artist of the Week" contest for grades PreK-3.
Vote now
https://www.artsonia.com/museum/aotw/vote.asp?group=0
Vote by the end of day November 22. Limit one vote per computer per day for each grade group.
Winners will receive commemorative plaques and be featured on the Artsonia homepage. In addition, Blick Art Materials has generously donated $100 gift certificates to the winning schools and $50 to the winning artists.
All fan club members from Yake Elementary School have just been sent an email inviting them to vote, but we encourage you to personally spread the word at school, making sure all your students cast their votes right away.
Thank you for submitting artwork to Artsonia and helping every child be an artist!
Artsonia
1350 Tri State Parkway Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031
(800).869.9974 - info@artsonia.com
Artsonia is the largest student art museum in the world! Our dream is that every young artist will have a digital art gallery to preserve their masterpieces!
--
Timothy S. Podlewski
Principal
Yake Elementary School
16400 Carter Rd. E.
Woodhaven, MI 48183
(734)692-2230 (office)
(734)692-2234(fax)
Please see the message below and please consider voting for Logan's artwork. Votes can be submitted daily for each device and the votes will be tallied through the end of the day on Saturday, November 22nd.
Great job, Logan! I was proud to vote for your beautiful cactus.
Thank you!
Tim Podlewski
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Artsonia
Date: Wed, Nov 19, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Subject: Logan43281 nominated for Artist of the Week
To:
Vote for Artist of the Week
Logan43281, a student at Yake Elementary School, has been selected as a Finalist for the "Artist of the Week" contest for grades PreK-3.
Vote now
https://www.artsonia.com/museum/aotw/vote.asp?group=0
Vote by the end of day November 22. Limit one vote per computer per day for each grade group.
Winners will receive commemorative plaques and be featured on the Artsonia homepage. In addition, Blick Art Materials has generously donated $100 gift certificates to the winning schools and $50 to the winning artists.
All fan club members from Yake Elementary School have just been sent an email inviting them to vote, but we encourage you to personally spread the word at school, making sure all your students cast their votes right away.
Thank you for submitting artwork to Artsonia and helping every child be an artist!
Artsonia
1350 Tri State Parkway Suite 100, Gurnee, IL 60031
(800).869.9974 - info@artsonia.com
Artsonia is the largest student art museum in the world! Our dream is that every young artist will have a digital art gallery to preserve their masterpieces!
--
Timothy S. Podlewski
Principal
Yake Elementary School
16400 Carter Rd. E.
Woodhaven, MI 48183
(734)692-2230 (office)
(734)692-2234(fax)
Good morning,
I am looking forward to saying hello to families during parent-teacher conferences today. Following your parent-teacher conference, please take a few moment to complete a survey about your conference experience and in regards to Yake Elementary School. Your feedback is important to our ongoing school improvement efforts.
https://forms.gle/svQW9Pi4iYPfffuw6
As a note, I always share comments with our staff members and directly with any teacher or staff member mentioned in a comment. I know that our teachers and I appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you for your time, effort and feedback.
Tim Podlewski
I am looking forward to saying hello to families during parent-teacher conferences today. Following your parent-teacher conference, please take a few moment to complete a survey about your conference experience and in regards to Yake Elementary School. Your feedback is important to our ongoing school improvement efforts.
https://forms.gle/svQW9Pi4iYPfffuw6
As a note, I always share comments with our staff members and directly with any teacher or staff member mentioned in a comment. I know that our teachers and I appreciate your thoughts.
Thank you for your time, effort and feedback.
Tim Podlewski
Good Evening, Yake Families,
As you are aware, Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled to take place tomorrow afternoon and evening. Conferences will run from 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. As a result of Parent-Teacher Conferences, our students will have a half-day of school tomorrow with a 12:00 p.m. dismissal.
During Parent-Teacher Conferences, your child’s teacher will share fall assessment data, information pertaining to your child’s progress in the classroom, i-Ready diagnostic data and observations of your child’s social interactions with their peers. If your student has been identified as being below grade level benchmark in reading, the teacher will also share your child’s Individualized Reading Intervention Plan (IRIP).
Each conference will be limited to ten minutes. If, after that time, you feel you need additional time, we may arrange an appointment for another conference. Our goal is to have 100% parent attendance at conferences.
Following your conferences, please take a moment to complete a Parent-Teacher Conference Evaluation Survey. These surveys can be completed in an online version that I will send through email and post to our website. Your feedback will be very valuable to our ongoing school improvement efforts.
I hope that all of our families enjoy having a positive parent-teacher conference experience.
Take care and have a great night!
Tim Podlewski
As you are aware, Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled to take place tomorrow afternoon and evening. Conferences will run from 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. As a result of Parent-Teacher Conferences, our students will have a half-day of school tomorrow with a 12:00 p.m. dismissal.
During Parent-Teacher Conferences, your child’s teacher will share fall assessment data, information pertaining to your child’s progress in the classroom, i-Ready diagnostic data and observations of your child’s social interactions with their peers. If your student has been identified as being below grade level benchmark in reading, the teacher will also share your child’s Individualized Reading Intervention Plan (IRIP).
Each conference will be limited to ten minutes. If, after that time, you feel you need additional time, we may arrange an appointment for another conference. Our goal is to have 100% parent attendance at conferences.
Following your conferences, please take a moment to complete a Parent-Teacher Conference Evaluation Survey. These surveys can be completed in an online version that I will send through email and post to our website. Your feedback will be very valuable to our ongoing school improvement efforts.
I hope that all of our families enjoy having a positive parent-teacher conference experience.
Take care and have a great night!
Tim Podlewski
Good morning,
We need many hands to help our Gators shop and wrap gifts during the week of Santa's Secret Shop. Remember, volunteers must volunteer for an A.M. or P.M. session (not just with their child's class). Please click on the link below to join us to help make our Santa's Secret Shop happen.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A48A4AA23A6FF2-60555515-yake#/
Thank you for your support in continuing the fabulous Yake Santa's Secret Shop this year.
Tim Podlewski
We need many hands to help our Gators shop and wrap gifts during the week of Santa's Secret Shop. Remember, volunteers must volunteer for an A.M. or P.M. session (not just with their child's class). Please click on the link below to join us to help make our Santa's Secret Shop happen.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A48A4AA23A6FF2-60555515-yake#/
Thank you for your support in continuing the fabulous Yake Santa's Secret Shop this year.
Tim Podlewski
Tuesday is our Fall Grandparents Social! 🍂🍁
Grandparents (or grandparent figures) can:
💚 Share a donut and coffee/juice box
💚 Have a picture taken at our photo opp station
💚 Shop the bookfair with their Gator (s)
This is Open House style and there is always a rush at the beginning so it's a great alternative to come half way through.
⏰ ️We end promptly at 11:15am as lunches start right after.
Please have a list of your grandchild and their teachers to help minimize wait times and expedite getting the students from class.
Example:
1) Kevin McCallister - Mrs. O'Connor
2) Lily Potter- Ms Dennison
3) Gerald ALafonte- Mrs. Gross
🚨As a reminder, Grandparents are NOT ALLOWED in classrooms as to minimize disruptions. 🐊
🧡Thank you to all of our volunteers, student council, and Mrs Gray for offering this event for our Gators and their grandparents! 😊
Grandparents (or grandparent figures) can:
💚 Share a donut and coffee/juice box
💚 Have a picture taken at our photo opp station
💚 Shop the bookfair with their Gator (s)
This is Open House style and there is always a rush at the beginning so it's a great alternative to come half way through.
⏰ ️We end promptly at 11:15am as lunches start right after.
Please have a list of your grandchild and their teachers to help minimize wait times and expedite getting the students from class.
Example:
1) Kevin McCallister - Mrs. O'Connor
2) Lily Potter- Ms Dennison
3) Gerald ALafonte- Mrs. Gross
🚨As a reminder, Grandparents are NOT ALLOWED in classrooms as to minimize disruptions. 🐊
🧡Thank you to all of our volunteers, student council, and Mrs Gray for offering this event for our Gators and their grandparents! 😊
Good morning,
As you know, Monday, February 16, 2026 is President's Day and the Yake Family Fun Day at Kalahari. By booking your room in the Yake block, your room would only cost $154!! Please make reservations no later than January 18, 2026!! Mark your calendar to take a break!! Support your school while having fun! Get away without going too far from home to America's LARGEST indoor waterpark and enjoy a special rate for families and friends! Rooms are ONLY $154 and feature 2 Queen beds and INCLUDE waterpark passes! A portion from EACH room booked will benefit Yake Elementary School. BOOK EARLY to avoid being shut out. For reservations call: 1-877-525-2427. or click on this link to book. (Click below to book your room) Yake families have a blast at this event every year. Be sure to book early and join us for a day of fun! We were only at 25 rooms booked at this time last November and we booked 126 rooms and sold out! Currently, we have 34 rooms booked. Be sure to book early to make sure you have a room.
https://book.passkey.com/event/51090512/owner/49785631/home
I look forward to seeing many of my Gator and their families there.
Tim Podlewski
As you know, Monday, February 16, 2026 is President's Day and the Yake Family Fun Day at Kalahari. By booking your room in the Yake block, your room would only cost $154!! Please make reservations no later than January 18, 2026!! Mark your calendar to take a break!! Support your school while having fun! Get away without going too far from home to America's LARGEST indoor waterpark and enjoy a special rate for families and friends! Rooms are ONLY $154 and feature 2 Queen beds and INCLUDE waterpark passes! A portion from EACH room booked will benefit Yake Elementary School. BOOK EARLY to avoid being shut out. For reservations call: 1-877-525-2427. or click on this link to book. (Click below to book your room) Yake families have a blast at this event every year. Be sure to book early and join us for a day of fun! We were only at 25 rooms booked at this time last November and we booked 126 rooms and sold out! Currently, we have 34 rooms booked. Be sure to book early to make sure you have a room.
https://book.passkey.com/event/51090512/owner/49785631/home
I look forward to seeing many of my Gator and their families there.
Tim Podlewski
Good morning,
Below is the Sign Up Genius for Santa Shop Set Up starting the week of Monday Dec 1st. 🎄🎅 🎄🎅🎄
Any amount of time you can help is so appreciated! Upper Elementary aged kiddos can be great helpers too! All are welcome- neighbors, teens, family members, etc! 😊
This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours for NHS, catechism, etc
This is the biggest event we do all year and a huge undertaking as the responsibilities run for 4 weeks between set up, sales, and tear down.
We also shop all year round to make sure our Gators have a great selection of gifts for only $3 each.
Click below to volunteer!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A48A4AA23A6FF2-60562422-santa?fbclid=IwY2xjawOIAx1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyCGNhbGxzaXRlAjMwAAEegfQBiN2WTCyqQS5WHzAE5OmL_xTjQdQ0_SxkXnVbw6e5VT9ISmMBPT0YpYk_aem_uZ4ZcP9YOX-W2_HyueBtWg#/
Thank you!
Yake PTO & Mr. Podlewski
Below is the Sign Up Genius for Santa Shop Set Up starting the week of Monday Dec 1st. 🎄🎅 🎄🎅🎄
Any amount of time you can help is so appreciated! Upper Elementary aged kiddos can be great helpers too! All are welcome- neighbors, teens, family members, etc! 😊
This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours for NHS, catechism, etc
This is the biggest event we do all year and a huge undertaking as the responsibilities run for 4 weeks between set up, sales, and tear down.
We also shop all year round to make sure our Gators have a great selection of gifts for only $3 each.
Click below to volunteer!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A48A4AA23A6FF2-60562422-santa?fbclid=IwY2xjawOIAx1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyCGNhbGxzaXRlAjMwAAEegfQBiN2WTCyqQS5WHzAE5OmL_xTjQdQ0_SxkXnVbw6e5VT9ISmMBPT0YpYk_aem_uZ4ZcP9YOX-W2_HyueBtWg#/
Thank you!
Yake PTO & Mr. Podlewski
Good afternoon,
I can't believe we are midway through November and moving closer to Thanksgiving. Please click on the link below to view our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. You will find out more about events taking place the rest of this month and as we head into December. You will learn more to help you prepare for parent-teacher conferences, you will learn about the Scholastic Book Fair, our Grandparents' Social, Thanksgiving Break, Santa's Secret Shop and more. You will also see some pictures of new staff members and pictures of our FIRST LEGO team.
https://secure.smore.com/n/m2w1q
Please take a moment to review our newsletter and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
I can't believe we are midway through November and moving closer to Thanksgiving. Please click on the link below to view our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. You will find out more about events taking place the rest of this month and as we head into December. You will learn more to help you prepare for parent-teacher conferences, you will learn about the Scholastic Book Fair, our Grandparents' Social, Thanksgiving Break, Santa's Secret Shop and more. You will also see some pictures of new staff members and pictures of our FIRST LEGO team.
https://secure.smore.com/n/m2w1q
Please take a moment to review our newsletter and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
Hello Yake Families,
Your feedback is important to us! This short survey is designed to gather your perceptions about key areas that impact your child’s school experience, including safety, communication, academics, transportation, nutrition, and extracurricular opportunities. The information you provide will help our district celebrate strengths and identify areas for continued improvement. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective and support our efforts to engage, enlighten, and empower every student.
https://surveys.panoramaed.com/mywbsd/5562517183/surveys
Thank you for your time.
Tim Podlewski
Your feedback is important to us! This short survey is designed to gather your perceptions about key areas that impact your child’s school experience, including safety, communication, academics, transportation, nutrition, and extracurricular opportunities. The information you provide will help our district celebrate strengths and identify areas for continued improvement. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective and support our efforts to engage, enlighten, and empower every student.
https://surveys.panoramaed.com/mywbsd/5562517183/surveys
Thank you for your time.
Tim Podlewski
Check out the latest edition of the WBSD's Contact Newsletter for September & October 2025!
https://woodhavenbrownstown.edurooms.com/engage/woodhaven-brownstown-school-district/newsletters/contact-september-october-2025
Good afternoon,
Please click on the link below to take a peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. You will learn more about a number of upcoming events including our Pie Pick-Up Day (we are still looking for volunteers to help sort pies), our Yake Family Fun Night at Rev'D Up Fun, Picture Retake Day, our Grandparents Social, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Thanksgiving Break and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/jfbkh
Please take a moment to review our newsletter. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a good Friday and a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
Please click on the link below to take a peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. You will learn more about a number of upcoming events including our Pie Pick-Up Day (we are still looking for volunteers to help sort pies), our Yake Family Fun Night at Rev'D Up Fun, Picture Retake Day, our Grandparents Social, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Thanksgiving Break and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/jfbkh
Please take a moment to review our newsletter. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a good Friday and a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
National School Psychology Week | November 3–7, 2025
This week, we proudly recognize our incredible WBSD School Psychologists — Brandy McReynolds, Stefanie Scalcucci, Shelby Wendler, and Theresa Hamblin — for the vital role they play in supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of our students. 💜
Through their compassion, expertise, and dedication, they help students find their path — empowering them to build confidence, overcome challenges, and reach their goals.
Thank you for all you do to support our Warrior community every day! 🌟
#NationalSchoolPsychologyWeek #WBSDWarriors #MentalHealthMatters #ThankYou
Yake familie,
Come out for a Fun Night for Yake Elementary at Rev'D Up Fun on Tuesday, November 11th! Click on the link below to pre-order your discounted Luxury Wristbands and pizza & pop combo. We look forward to what is always a night of fun for Yake families.
Ways that Yake earns 💰 :
💚 We earn HALF of all PRESOLD arcade play cards sold.
💚 $1 per PRESOLD wristband if we sell 50-150 wristbands
💚 $2 per PRESOLD wristband if we sell over 150 wristbands
https://shop.revdupfun.com/retail/items/g/yake
Come out for a Fun Night for Yake Elementary at Rev'D Up Fun on Tuesday, November 11th! Click on the link below to pre-order your discounted Luxury Wristbands and pizza & pop combo. We look forward to what is always a night of fun for Yake families.
Ways that Yake earns 💰 :
💚 We earn HALF of all PRESOLD arcade play cards sold.
💚 $1 per PRESOLD wristband if we sell 50-150 wristbands
💚 $2 per PRESOLD wristband if we sell over 150 wristbands
https://shop.revdupfun.com/retail/items/g/yake
This is a reminder to all Yake families that we will not have school tomorrow due to Election Day.
Thank you for and have a great evening. - Tim Podlewski
Thank you for and have a great evening. - Tim Podlewski
Good afternoon,
Please take a peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. I can't believe we are already moving into the month of November. Our newsletter includes information about the events coming up during the month of November.
https://secure.smore.com/n/qhf31
Please take a moment to review and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I will have Halloween Parade pictures added on Monday.
Have a very Happy Halloween and a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
Please take a peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. I can't believe we are already moving into the month of November. Our newsletter includes information about the events coming up during the month of November.
https://secure.smore.com/n/qhf31
Please take a moment to review and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I will have Halloween Parade pictures added on Monday.
Have a very Happy Halloween and a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
Good Evening,
This is Mr. Podlewski writing to remind all of our families that our Halloween Parade is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning. Our parade will begin with Ms. McMahan’s class in room 1 starting at 9:20 a.m. The route will weave past our classrooms, along our media center, through the cafeteria, down to the gym, through the haunted gymnasium and back to the classrooms. Parents and grandparents will be able to watch the parade in our cafeteria, in the media center, or in the gym. Please be sure to not block the hallways as we need a route for the parade.
At the conclusion of the parade, parents will be asked to head home unless they have pre-determined plans to volunteer in a classroom. Please note that only parent volunteers will be allowed in the classrooms before, during or after the parade.
Please be kind and courteous as we know parking will be packed tomorrow morning. Please be sure to not block entrances and exits with vehicles as that makes departure even more challenging.
Please also note that we have a half-day of school on Halloween with a 12:00 p.m. dismissal. Thank you, and have a great evening.
Tim Podlewski
This is Mr. Podlewski writing to remind all of our families that our Halloween Parade is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning. Our parade will begin with Ms. McMahan’s class in room 1 starting at 9:20 a.m. The route will weave past our classrooms, along our media center, through the cafeteria, down to the gym, through the haunted gymnasium and back to the classrooms. Parents and grandparents will be able to watch the parade in our cafeteria, in the media center, or in the gym. Please be sure to not block the hallways as we need a route for the parade.
At the conclusion of the parade, parents will be asked to head home unless they have pre-determined plans to volunteer in a classroom. Please note that only parent volunteers will be allowed in the classrooms before, during or after the parade.
Please be kind and courteous as we know parking will be packed tomorrow morning. Please be sure to not block entrances and exits with vehicles as that makes departure even more challenging.
Please also note that we have a half-day of school on Halloween with a 12:00 p.m. dismissal. Thank you, and have a great evening.
Tim Podlewski
Students Against Destructive Decisions in collaboration with other Woodhaven High School clubs, is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 30 from 5-7 pm INSIDE Woodhaven High School. Please note that this is now indoors due to the weather forecast! Families should enter the doors by the circle entrance loop by the PBLZ and Performing Arts.
