Good afternoon,
We have made it through our first week at Yake Elementary School. I think that our year is off to a great start. I want to thank our families for their patience with the pick-up and drop-off parent loop and for using the parent lot as much as possible when dropping children off and walking them into school.
We are rolling on with some exciting upcoming events including our first PTO meeting on September 17th, our Watch D.O.G.S. Dads & Pizza Night on September 21st and our Fall Festival on September 21st. Remember, events like the Fall Festival, Monster Mash Bash, Santa's Secret Shop and others do not happen without the support of our PTO. So be sure to join our fantastic PTO board on September 21st to find out how you can get involved.
https://secure.smore.com/n/g58v7y
Thank you for taking a moment to read through our Gator Bites. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
We have made it through our first week at Yake Elementary School. I think that our year is off to a great start. I want to thank our families for their patience with the pick-up and drop-off parent loop and for using the parent lot as much as possible when dropping children off and walking them into school.
We are rolling on with some exciting upcoming events including our first PTO meeting on September 17th, our Watch D.O.G.S. Dads & Pizza Night on September 21st and our Fall Festival on September 21st. Remember, events like the Fall Festival, Monster Mash Bash, Santa's Secret Shop and others do not happen without the support of our PTO. So be sure to join our fantastic PTO board on September 21st to find out how you can get involved.
https://secure.smore.com/n/g58v7y
Thank you for taking a moment to read through our Gator Bites. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
WBSD offers a Technology Protection Plan for $20 a year per student to help cover any accidental damages that may occur throughout the school year on student devices. All payments must be received by September 30th in order to be considered covered this 2025-2026 school year. This is an optional program, however damages that occur will be charged to each student if not enrolled. Please check out the link to the info sheet below for more information. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cDC_aegtSeP5JZlVgRRvSnJPQG9l9UNS7iel9dEUIpw/edit?usp=sharing
🚌 A Friendly Reminder: Patience with Bus Transportation 🚌
As we move through the first weeks of school, we want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Afternoon bus routes (and likely the remainder of this week) may run later than expected as students, families, and staff adjust to new routines and heavier traffic around our schools.
Our transportation team has been diligently preparing—drivers have been practicing these routes for over a week and are very familiar with them. It will, however, take a week or two before bus stop times consistently align with the posted schedules.
We appreciate your support as we work to ensure that all students get to and from school safely. Safety is always our top priority, and with time, the routes will smooth out and timing will become more reliable.
Thank you for your patience and partnership!
— Woodhaven-Brownstown School District Transportation Department
Just in case you missed it: School starts on Tuesday, September 2, 2025! We can't wait to welcome you back!
🎙️ New Episode Alert!
The Warrior Way Podcast is back with a special Back-to-School Welcome Message from Superintendent Mark Greathead. 🍎✨
As we kick off a new school year in WBSD, Supt. Greathead shares:
✅ Gratitude for our dedicated staff and supportive families
✅ Our mission to engage, enlighten, and empower every student
✅ 5️⃣ key things you need to know for the first days of school — from transportation and food service to construction updates and staying connected
💜 Together, we’re preparing today’s learners to become tomorrow’s leaders.
🎧 Listen now and start the year the Warrior Way ➡️ https://rss.com/podcasts/thewarriorway/2190348/
#WBSD #WarriorWayPodcast #BackToSchool #WarriorPride
Good afternoon,
We are down to our last weekend before the start of the new school year. Very fitting that we had a beautiful rainbow over our school and our city last night. Please click on the link below to review lots of information about the first day of school, a chance for kindergarten & young fives Gators to hear "The Night Before Kindergarten" at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening on Facebook live, a new staff introduction, reminders about pick-up and drop-off, dress code, bus routes, our PTO Board, Watch D.O.G.S., the Fall Festival, lunch menus and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/fnxc9
The first set of Gator Bites always includes the most information. Please review carefully and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Please remember that our parking lots will be packed on Tuesday morning and the buses will probably be delayed coming home that afternoon. Please bring your patience and your phone for some great first day pictures and enjoy your coffee in peace on the way home.
Have a great Labor Day weekend!
I can't wait to see my Gators return to school on Tuesday morning.
Tim Podlewski
We are down to our last weekend before the start of the new school year. Very fitting that we had a beautiful rainbow over our school and our city last night. Please click on the link below to review lots of information about the first day of school, a chance for kindergarten & young fives Gators to hear "The Night Before Kindergarten" at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening on Facebook live, a new staff introduction, reminders about pick-up and drop-off, dress code, bus routes, our PTO Board, Watch D.O.G.S., the Fall Festival, lunch menus and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/fnxc9
The first set of Gator Bites always includes the most information. Please review carefully and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Please remember that our parking lots will be packed on Tuesday morning and the buses will probably be delayed coming home that afternoon. Please bring your patience and your phone for some great first day pictures and enjoy your coffee in peace on the way home.
Have a great Labor Day weekend!
I can't wait to see my Gators return to school on Tuesday morning.
Tim Podlewski
Dear Yake Families and Staff,
I want to take a moment to update you on the work that has taken place at Yake Elementary over the past week. The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority, and I am happy to share that we are ready to welcome our Gators back on time.
As you know, after the mold was discovered, we partnered with 360 Fire and Flood, a licensed remediation company, to carefully remove and treat the areas of the building affected by mold. Their work was completed thoroughly and with great attention to detail. To go a step further, we also brought in Amistee Duct Cleaning to clean and sanitize our air ducts, ensuring our building environment is fresh and healthy.
Thanks to these efforts, Yake Elementary will be open on time for the start of school at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
We truly appreciate the patience, trust, and support of our families and staff as this work was completed. I am grateful for the teamwork that made this possible and so proud of the way our community comes together for our kids.
We look forward to seeing everyone’s smiling faces back in the building on Tuesday morning, ready for another great year at Yake!
With gratitude,
Tim Podlewski
I want to take a moment to update you on the work that has taken place at Yake Elementary over the past week. The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority, and I am happy to share that we are ready to welcome our Gators back on time.
As you know, after the mold was discovered, we partnered with 360 Fire and Flood, a licensed remediation company, to carefully remove and treat the areas of the building affected by mold. Their work was completed thoroughly and with great attention to detail. To go a step further, we also brought in Amistee Duct Cleaning to clean and sanitize our air ducts, ensuring our building environment is fresh and healthy.
Thanks to these efforts, Yake Elementary will be open on time for the start of school at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
We truly appreciate the patience, trust, and support of our families and staff as this work was completed. I am grateful for the teamwork that made this possible and so proud of the way our community comes together for our kids.
We look forward to seeing everyone’s smiling faces back in the building on Tuesday morning, ready for another great year at Yake!
With gratitude,
Tim Podlewski
Good Afternoon Yake Families,
This is Mr. Podlewski writing to say hello and welcome you to the 2025.26 school year. This email matches the phone message that is going out now.
I want to update families on the Yake Closure and Cleaning that began last Friday. The air in the building has been thoroughly tested, and there are no mold spores present in the air anywhere in Yake. The air quality is as good, or better, than outside.
The entire school was cleaned and fogged through a multi-step professional process, not just the rooms where mold was first noticed.
Two classrooms remain sealed because carpet samples tested positive for mold. The mold is not visible and not in the air. Those rooms are isolated until the carpet is fully remediated and cleared.
The testing shows mold is not traveling through the HVAC system. The cleaning methods used prevent spores from moving to other areas.
We’re holding Open House outside tonight out of an abundance of caution, until every classroom is fully cleared and reopened.
We know some students, staff and parents have allergies or compromised immune systems. Please know the building is safe for everyone — and no room will reopen until it has been cleared.
On a positive note, we will have an ice cream truck from Sweet Treat available with ice cream for every Yake Gator who joins us tonight.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. I look forward to seeing all of my Gators outside this evening and I look forward to welcoming them into a super clean building on Tuesday morning.
Have a great day!
Tim Podlewski
This is Mr. Podlewski writing to say hello and welcome you to the 2025.26 school year. This email matches the phone message that is going out now.
I want to update families on the Yake Closure and Cleaning that began last Friday. The air in the building has been thoroughly tested, and there are no mold spores present in the air anywhere in Yake. The air quality is as good, or better, than outside.
The entire school was cleaned and fogged through a multi-step professional process, not just the rooms where mold was first noticed.
Two classrooms remain sealed because carpet samples tested positive for mold. The mold is not visible and not in the air. Those rooms are isolated until the carpet is fully remediated and cleared.
The testing shows mold is not traveling through the HVAC system. The cleaning methods used prevent spores from moving to other areas.
We’re holding Open House outside tonight out of an abundance of caution, until every classroom is fully cleared and reopened.
We know some students, staff and parents have allergies or compromised immune systems. Please know the building is safe for everyone — and no room will reopen until it has been cleared.
On a positive note, we will have an ice cream truck from Sweet Treat available with ice cream for every Yake Gator who joins us tonight.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. I look forward to seeing all of my Gators outside this evening and I look forward to welcoming them into a super clean building on Tuesday morning.
Have a great day!
Tim Podlewski
Dear Yake Families,
Please see the message below from our Superintendent, Mark Greathead. Our intention is to have Yake open and ready to go for Open House on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Please plan on joining with the understanding that classrooms may not be set up in the manner that teachers are accustomed to. They usually have weeks to prepare as opposed to hours.
Please read the letter below and let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to welcoming our families to Yake on Wednesday evening.
Tim Podlewski
Dear Yake Families,
I want to provide you information regarding a temporary closure of Yake Elementary. About a week and a half ago, mold was discovered in a pair of classrooms. As we inspected further, it was found in additional areas as well. Our maintenance team quickly fixed the cause—an issue with the HVAC system—and we brought in a nationally recognized restoration firm to conduct testing and carry out a building-wide cleaning and mitigation plan.
The good news is that air quality testing showed results as good as, if not better than, outdoor air. However, because the cleaning process covers the entire school, areas must be completely isolated once they are cleaned so they remain safe and protected until the full process is complete.
To prioritize the health, comfort, and confidence of our students and staff, Yake Elementary will remain closed through Tuesday, August 26. By that time, the school will be fully cleaned, safe, and ready for learning.
I know this closure is concerning, and I greatly appreciate your patience and support as we work to ensure Yake Elementary is the best and healthiest environment for our children.
Thank you,
Mark Greathead
Superintendent
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
--
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 from our Superintendent, Mark Greathead. Our intention is to have Yake open and ready to go for Open House on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Please plan on joining with the understanding that classrooms may not be set up in the manner that teachers are accustomed to. They usually have weeks to prepare as opposed to hours.
Please read the letter below and let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to welcoming our families to Yake on Wednesday evening.
Tim Podlewski
Dear Yake Families,
I want to provide you information regarding a temporary closure of Yake Elementary. About a week and a half ago, mold was discovered in a pair of classrooms. As we inspected further, it was found in additional areas as well. Our maintenance team quickly fixed the cause—an issue with the HVAC system—and we brought in a nationally recognized restoration firm to conduct testing and carry out a building-wide cleaning and mitigation plan.
The good news is that air quality testing showed results as good as, if not better than, outdoor air. However, because the cleaning process covers the entire school, areas must be completely isolated once they are cleaned so they remain safe and protected until the full process is complete.
To prioritize the health, comfort, and confidence of our students and staff, Yake Elementary will remain closed through Tuesday, August 26. By that time, the school will be fully cleaned, safe, and ready for learning.
I know this closure is concerning, and I greatly appreciate your patience and support as we work to ensure Yake Elementary is the best and healthiest environment for our children.
Thank you,
Mark Greathead
Superintendent
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
--
Timothy S. Podlewski
Principal
Yake Elementary School
16400 Carter Rd. E.
Woodhaven, MI 48183
(734)692-2230 (office)
(734)692-2234(fax)
Did you know that families who have a child ages 0 to five years old in the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District are eligible for free books on a monthly basis from our partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?
Check out the link here: https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
🚍💜 Welcome to the Warrior Family! 💜🚍
This week we hosted our annual New Staff Orientation and were excited to welcome 16 new teachers, 3 paraprofessionals, 2 security team members, and our newest athletic trainer (making two full time ATs supporting Warrior athletes!).
We’re thrilled to have these amazing new team members join WBSD as they prepare for a great school year. And what better way to kick things off than with a photo alongside one of our new electric buses—a symbol of the future we’re building together! ⚡️
Let’s give our newest Warriors a warm welcome! 💪📚✏️
This week we hosted our annual New Staff Orientation and were excited to welcome 16 new teachers, 3 paraprofessionals, 2 security team members, and our newest athletic trainer (making two full time ATs supporting Warrior athletes!).
We’re thrilled to have these amazing new team members join WBSD as they prepare for a great school year. And what better way to kick things off than with a photo alongside one of our new electric buses—a symbol of the future we’re building together! ⚡️
Let’s give our newest Warriors a warm welcome! 💪📚✏️
Good afternoon,
I can't believe we are getting so close to the start of the 2025.26 school year. I apologize for the delay in getting our Gator Bites out this afternoon. I know families are looking at their class assignments as the newsletter is being shared. I have almost all of our Gators scheduled with the exception of a few new kindergarten students. I will have all of our Gators scheduled by the end of the day.
With this being said, please peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. You will find information about Open House, Lunch & Breakfast this year, Bond Updates, information about how to access Parent Connect, 4th grade NAEP testing, Bus Route information and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/dst9y
Please take a moment to review our Gator Bites and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
I hope that you have a great weekend! I look forward to seeing all of our Gators and their families during Open House on Wednesday evening.
Tim Podlewski
I can't believe we are getting so close to the start of the 2025.26 school year. I apologize for the delay in getting our Gator Bites out this afternoon. I know families are looking at their class assignments as the newsletter is being shared. I have almost all of our Gators scheduled with the exception of a few new kindergarten students. I will have all of our Gators scheduled by the end of the day.
With this being said, please peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. You will find information about Open House, Lunch & Breakfast this year, Bond Updates, information about how to access Parent Connect, 4th grade NAEP testing, Bus Route information and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/dst9y
Please take a moment to review our Gator Bites and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
I hope that you have a great weekend! I look forward to seeing all of our Gators and their families during Open House on Wednesday evening.
Tim Podlewski
💻🎙️ New Episode of the Warrior Way Podcast!
“Tech Ready: WBSD’s Approach to a Safe and Smart Digital Future”
With a new school year on the horizon, Superintendent Mark Greathead sits down with Director of Technology Lyndsay Johnson-Lemieux to talk all things tech at WBSD:
✅ Device protection plans for families
✅ Digital citizenship and online safety
✅ Our new AI Guide for students, parents, and staff
✅ How tools like School AI are enhancing — not replacing — teaching
Listen in to learn how WBSD is preparing students to succeed in a digital world while keeping safety front and center.
🎧 Tune in here: https://rss.com/podcasts/thewarriorway/2177391/
#WarriorWayPodcast #GoWarriors #DigitalFuture
“Tech Ready: WBSD’s Approach to a Safe and Smart Digital Future”
With a new school year on the horizon, Superintendent Mark Greathead sits down with Director of Technology Lyndsay Johnson-Lemieux to talk all things tech at WBSD:
✅ Device protection plans for families
✅ Digital citizenship and online safety
✅ Our new AI Guide for students, parents, and staff
✅ How tools like School AI are enhancing — not replacing — teaching
Listen in to learn how WBSD is preparing students to succeed in a digital world while keeping safety front and center.
🎧 Tune in here: https://rss.com/podcasts/thewarriorway/2177391/
#WarriorWayPodcast #GoWarriors #DigitalFuture
Please see the attached message from Woodhaven-Brownstown School District Supt. Mark Greathead regarding school meals.
WBSD encourages all families to fill out the Education Benefits Online Application found here. https://www.mywbsd.org/page/food-services
Good afternoon,
The summer sure flew by. I hope that all of our Gators and their families are soaking up the month of August. For new Yake families, our Gator Bites usually go out at 1:00 p.m. every Friday afternoon. I am still on summer time a moving a bit slower today. In all sincerity, please click on the link below to read about some upcoming events including our Open House on August 27th, the first day of school, information about teacher assignments and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/5pf73
Please note that Teacher Requests were due on May 1st and class rosters are all set for the upcoming school year.
For new kindergarten families, if you haven't already signed up for a Kindergarten Skills Screening time slot next Wednesday or Thursday, please click on the link in the Gator Bites to do so.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions as we move closer to the start of the 2025/26 school year.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
The summer sure flew by. I hope that all of our Gators and their families are soaking up the month of August. For new Yake families, our Gator Bites usually go out at 1:00 p.m. every Friday afternoon. I am still on summer time a moving a bit slower today. In all sincerity, please click on the link below to read about some upcoming events including our Open House on August 27th, the first day of school, information about teacher assignments and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/5pf73
Please note that Teacher Requests were due on May 1st and class rosters are all set for the upcoming school year.
For new kindergarten families, if you haven't already signed up for a Kindergarten Skills Screening time slot next Wednesday or Thursday, please click on the link in the Gator Bites to do so.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions as we move closer to the start of the 2025/26 school year.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
📌 Annual Enrollment Confirmation – Action Required
Before the 2025–26 school year begins, all parents/guardians must complete the Annual Enrollment Confirmation in Parent Connect. This quick online process ensures we have your current email, phone number, and emergency contact information in the WBSD system.
Completing this step is required before you can view your student’s teacher or class schedule.
📢 Teacher & Classroom Assignments
Available in Parent Connect starting Friday, August 22 at 4 p.m.
Exception: Brownstown Middle School schedules/teacher assignments will be posted Thursday, August 21
✅ Remember: You must finish the Annual Enrollment Confirmation in Parent Connect before you’ll be able to view your student’s schedule and teacher.
🔗 Log in to Parent Connect: https://sisweb.resa.net/woodhaven/ParentPortal
❓ Need help? Visit: https://www.mywbsd.org/page/parent-connect-resources
Or email parentconnect@wbsdweb.com or contact your child’s school office for more information.
Before the 2025–26 school year begins, all parents/guardians must complete the Annual Enrollment Confirmation in Parent Connect. This quick online process ensures we have your current email, phone number, and emergency contact information in the WBSD system.
Completing this step is required before you can view your student’s teacher or class schedule.
📢 Teacher & Classroom Assignments
Available in Parent Connect starting Friday, August 22 at 4 p.m.
Exception: Brownstown Middle School schedules/teacher assignments will be posted Thursday, August 21
✅ Remember: You must finish the Annual Enrollment Confirmation in Parent Connect before you’ll be able to view your student’s schedule and teacher.
🔗 Log in to Parent Connect: https://sisweb.resa.net/woodhaven/ParentPortal
❓ Need help? Visit: https://www.mywbsd.org/page/parent-connect-resources
Or email parentconnect@wbsdweb.com or contact your child’s school office for more information.
📢 Heads up, WBSD families!
Our Elementary Open Houses at Bates, Erving, Gudith, Wegienka, and Yake are happening on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 — but the correct time is 5–6:30 p.m. 🕔
The printed district calendar had the wrong time (oops 🙈) — thanks for rolling with us! Can’t wait to see you there to kick off the school year! ✏️
#WBSD #BackToSchool #BatesEagles #ErvingSkyhawks #GudithGrizzlies #WegienkaWildcats #YakeGators
Good afternoon, Yake families!
Our block of rooms at Kalahari on President's Day are ready to book! Don't miss out on this always day of fun filled with Yake Gators and their families. I love seeing my Gators at Kalahari on President's Day every year.
Please see the flyer and click on the link below to book your room at Kalahari on President's Day! You don't want to miss out on a great deal for a room and a few days of waterpark fun with some great Yake families at Kalahari on President's Day, which will be on Monday, February 16, 2026! The rooms sell out every year. Be sure to book early to reserve your room.
https://book.passkey.com/event/51090512/owner/49785631/home
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tim Podlewski
Our block of rooms at Kalahari on President's Day are ready to book! Don't miss out on this always day of fun filled with Yake Gators and their families. I love seeing my Gators at Kalahari on President's Day every year.
Please see the flyer and click on the link below to book your room at Kalahari on President's Day! You don't want to miss out on a great deal for a room and a few days of waterpark fun with some great Yake families at Kalahari on President's Day, which will be on Monday, February 16, 2026! The rooms sell out every year. Be sure to book early to reserve your room.
https://book.passkey.com/event/51090512/owner/49785631/home
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tim Podlewski
📚✨ Turn in your Think Stretch Workbooks by September 12! ✨📚
We are so proud of our students for keeping up their skills over the summer and getting ready for an amazing new school year! 🎉
🏅 Gold Medal – 100% completed
🥈 Silver Medal – 75% completed
🥉 Bronze Medal – 50% completed
Let’s celebrate all that hard work! 💪📖
#ThinkStretch #StudentSuccess #MedalTime #SummerLearning
We are so proud of our students for keeping up their skills over the summer and getting ready for an amazing new school year! 🎉
🏅 Gold Medal – 100% completed
🥈 Silver Medal – 75% completed
🥉 Bronze Medal – 50% completed
Let’s celebrate all that hard work! 💪📖
#ThinkStretch #StudentSuccess #MedalTime #SummerLearning
🚨 NOW HIRING!
Join the Sodexo team at Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
📍 Available Positions:
🍽️ School Lunch Aide
👩🍳 Food Service Worker
Enjoy day-one benefits and opportunities for growth with a company that cares. Full-time and part-time positions available!
📲 Scan the QR codes below or apply now at jobs.us.sodexo.com
Let’s serve our students together!
#WBSD #SodexoJobs #NowHiring #SchoolJobs #FoodService #WoodhavenJobs #JoinOurTeam
Join the Sodexo team at Woodhaven-Brownstown School District
📍 Available Positions:
🍽️ School Lunch Aide
👩🍳 Food Service Worker
Enjoy day-one benefits and opportunities for growth with a company that cares. Full-time and part-time positions available!
📲 Scan the QR codes below or apply now at jobs.us.sodexo.com
Let’s serve our students together!
#WBSD #SodexoJobs #NowHiring #SchoolJobs #FoodService #WoodhavenJobs #JoinOurTeam
