All Woodhaven-Brownstown Schools are closed on Thursday, January 15, 2026 due to inclement weather. Stay safe and warm!
Good afternoon,
We ar down to 16 rooms left at Kalahari (84 booked) at our Yake special rate of $154.00 on President's Day. Click on the link below to book your room and join us for a day of fun at Kalarai with many Yake Gators and their families. My room is booked! I look forward to seeing you there!
https://book.passkey.com/event/51090512/owner/49785631/home
Tim Podlewski
We ar down to 16 rooms left at Kalahari (84 booked) at our Yake special rate of $154.00 on President's Day. Click on the link below to book your room and join us for a day of fun at Kalarai with many Yake Gators and their families. My room is booked! I look forward to seeing you there!
https://book.passkey.com/event/51090512/owner/49785631/home
Tim Podlewski
Let’s talk about it.
The Anxious Generation has sparked important conversations nationwide, and now it’s time for our school community to join in.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Live Virtual Panel Discussion with WBSD staff
Join via Google Meet - scan the QR code or click the link here - https://meet.google.com/ftu-pawf-esu
Parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to attend this meaningful discussion about kids, technology, and mental health.
The Anxious Generation has sparked important conversations nationwide, and now it’s time for our school community to join in.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Live Virtual Panel Discussion with WBSD staff
Join via Google Meet - scan the QR code or click the link here - https://meet.google.com/ftu-pawf-esu
Parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to attend this meaningful discussion about kids, technology, and mental health.
Good afternoon,
Please take a peek at our Gator Bites for information about events coming up during the month of January and as we move into February. Iin addition to our Music Trivia (BINGO) Night taking place tomorrow evening, you will also learn about upcoming events including our Yake Family Night at Kalahri (book your room by January 16th), the Future Chefs Cooking Competition, Kids Against Hunger, 4th grade NAEP testing, ordering your Yearbook and more.
https://app.smore.com/n/k0s2n
Please take a moment to read through our newsletter and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing many of our parents and grandparents at Music BINGO tomorrow night.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
Please take a peek at our Gator Bites for information about events coming up during the month of January and as we move into February. Iin addition to our Music Trivia (BINGO) Night taking place tomorrow evening, you will also learn about upcoming events including our Yake Family Night at Kalahri (book your room by January 16th), the Future Chefs Cooking Competition, Kids Against Hunger, 4th grade NAEP testing, ordering your Yearbook and more.
https://app.smore.com/n/k0s2n
Please take a moment to read through our newsletter and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing many of our parents and grandparents at Music BINGO tomorrow night.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
Young chefs across the district are invited to pack their bags and take their taste buds on a global adventure as the Future Chefs National Challenge by Sodexo returns with this year’s theme, Passport to Flavor. Students are encouraged to create an original recipe inspired by a country or culture from anywhere in the world, exploring international flavors through savory dishes, sweet treats, or family favorites.
One lucky winner from each lower elementary school will be selected as a finalist and travel by bus to Woodhaven High School on February 25 to compete in the districtwide cooking challenge. The excitement doesn’t stop there - this year’s overall winner will also advance to the Future Chefs National Challenge for a chance to earn special prizes and national recognition.
Entry forms are available in school cafeterias and must be submitted by January 30. Due to ordering deadlines, late entries cannot be accepted. It’s time for our Future Chefs to get creative, explore the world through food, and show off their culinary talents.
One lucky winner from each lower elementary school will be selected as a finalist and travel by bus to Woodhaven High School on February 25 to compete in the districtwide cooking challenge. The excitement doesn’t stop there - this year’s overall winner will also advance to the Future Chefs National Challenge for a chance to earn special prizes and national recognition.
Entry forms are available in school cafeterias and must be submitted by January 30. Due to ordering deadlines, late entries cannot be accepted. It’s time for our Future Chefs to get creative, explore the world through food, and show off their culinary talents.
Woodhaven-Brownstown School District invites families and community members to a Live Virtual Panel Discussion focused on key themes from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Everyone is welcome to participate, even if you haven’t read the book.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
7 p.m.
Live via Google Meet - Click the link - https://meet.google.com/ftu-pawf-esu
Join WBSD staff as they discuss childhood, technology, mental health, and ways we can support student well-being together.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
7 p.m.
Live via Google Meet - Click the link - https://meet.google.com/ftu-pawf-esu
Join WBSD staff as they discuss childhood, technology, mental health, and ways we can support student well-being together.
Happy New Year!
I hope that 2026 is off to a good start for you and your family. Please click on the link below to take a peek at our Gator Bites for our first week of January. You will learn about upcoming events including Our Yake Parent's Night Out Music Trivia Night, Yake Family Night at Kalahari and more. We will share information about Kids Against Hunger soon.
https://app.smore.com/n/k2brsd
Please enjoy taking a peek at our first edition of Gator Bites for the new year and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend! We'll see you on Monday!
Tim Podlewski
I hope that 2026 is off to a good start for you and your family. Please click on the link below to take a peek at our Gator Bites for our first week of January. You will learn about upcoming events including Our Yake Parent's Night Out Music Trivia Night, Yake Family Night at Kalahari and more. We will share information about Kids Against Hunger soon.
https://app.smore.com/n/k2brsd
Please enjoy taking a peek at our first edition of Gator Bites for the new year and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend! We'll see you on Monday!
Tim Podlewski
đź“Ł SAVE THE DATES, WBSD!
We’re hosting two important opportunities for our school community to connect, learn, and support the wellbeing of our children in a digital world. 💜📱
🗓️ January 15, 2026 – 7 p.m. (Virtual)
The Anxious Generation: Live Panel Discussion
Join WBSD counselors, social workers, and administrators for a virtual conversation about how technology is impacting today’s children - and what families can do to help.
🎬 January 27, 2026 – Woodhaven High School
Screenagers
A special screening for parents of students exploring screen time, learning, and healthy digital habits. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Movie begins at 6 p.m. and Panel Discussion at 7 p.m.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for these valuable community events! More details coming soon. đź’ś
We’re hosting two important opportunities for our school community to connect, learn, and support the wellbeing of our children in a digital world. 💜📱
🗓️ January 15, 2026 – 7 p.m. (Virtual)
The Anxious Generation: Live Panel Discussion
Join WBSD counselors, social workers, and administrators for a virtual conversation about how technology is impacting today’s children - and what families can do to help.
🎬 January 27, 2026 – Woodhaven High School
Screenagers
A special screening for parents of students exploring screen time, learning, and healthy digital habits. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Movie begins at 6 p.m. and Panel Discussion at 7 p.m.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for these valuable community events! More details coming soon. đź’ś
❄️ Snow Day Season Is Here! ❄️
As winter weather approaches, make sure you’re getting every important update from WBSD!
Please take a moment to log into your Parent Portal and double-check that your contact information is accurate and up to date. You don’t want to miss critical alerts about school closures or delays!
Families will be notified through:
📱 Text message
đź“ž Phone call
📧 Email
🟣 Social media
You can also stay informed by signing up for NIXLE emergency text alerts — just text WBSD to 888777 to enroll.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and informed this winter! ❄️🟣
As winter weather approaches, make sure you’re getting every important update from WBSD!
Please take a moment to log into your Parent Portal and double-check that your contact information is accurate and up to date. You don’t want to miss critical alerts about school closures or delays!
Families will be notified through:
📱 Text message
đź“ž Phone call
📧 Email
🟣 Social media
You can also stay informed by signing up for NIXLE emergency text alerts — just text WBSD to 888777 to enroll.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and informed this winter! ❄️🟣
📚 WBSD + Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 🌟
We’re proud to partner with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to ensure every child in the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District—from birth to age five—has access to books at home.
Ensuring early access to high-quality books is one of our top priorities. By strengthening community partnerships, we’re making literacy more accessible and helping every child build a brighter, more successful future.
Families can enroll their children and begin receiving free books delivered right to their home. ❤️
👉 Click here to sign up: https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
#WBSD #ImaginationLibrary #EarlyLiteracy #FutureWarriors
Good afternoon,
I hope that you are staying warm and are prepared for the upcoming winter break. The Gator Bites for the upcoming week (click on the link below) doesn't include anything about the next few weeks, but it does include some cute pictures and information about the New Year and events coming up in January. Two events to plan for are the Yake Parent's Night Out Music Trivia Night and the Yake Family Night in Kalahari. We are up to 60 rooms booked and they will fill up quickly at our special rate of $154.00 for the night on a holiday. The second link will be to book your room before they sell out.
https://app.smore.com/n/5qvgxÂ
https://book.passkey.com/event/51090512/owner/49785631/home   Â
Please take a peek at our Gator Bites and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
From my family to yours, I hope that all of our Yake families enjoy a warm, safe and fun holiday season and a wonderful New Year.
Tim Podlewski
I hope that you are staying warm and are prepared for the upcoming winter break. The Gator Bites for the upcoming week (click on the link below) doesn't include anything about the next few weeks, but it does include some cute pictures and information about the New Year and events coming up in January. Two events to plan for are the Yake Parent's Night Out Music Trivia Night and the Yake Family Night in Kalahari. We are up to 60 rooms booked and they will fill up quickly at our special rate of $154.00 for the night on a holiday. The second link will be to book your room before they sell out.
https://app.smore.com/n/5qvgxÂ
https://book.passkey.com/event/51090512/owner/49785631/home   Â
Please take a peek at our Gator Bites and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
From my family to yours, I hope that all of our Yake families enjoy a warm, safe and fun holiday season and a wonderful New Year.
Tim Podlewski
I know we have the holidays on our minds, but our Yake Parent's Night our Music Trivia Night (same event as last year, but with a different name) is right around the corner on Saturday, January 10th. Take a peek at the attached flyer and be sure to secure your seats for a night of fun where all proceeds go to the Yake PTO. I look forward to seeing many of our parents there.
Tim Podlewski
Tim Podlewski
Good afternoon,
We have made it down to the last week before the holiday break. Our kindergarten teachers describe the week as "Good Times!" Please click on the link below to learn about the good times next week and into the new year. We will share more information about our super fun Yake Family Night Out for Music Trivia/BINGO next week. Be sure to mark your calendars for a fun evening out.
https://app.smore.com/n/kfyrm
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
We have made it down to the last week before the holiday break. Our kindergarten teachers describe the week as "Good Times!" Please click on the link below to learn about the good times next week and into the new year. We will share more information about our super fun Yake Family Night Out for Music Trivia/BINGO next week. Be sure to mark your calendars for a fun evening out.
https://app.smore.com/n/kfyrm
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
After 15 years of dedicated leadership, Superintendent Mark Greathead has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2026.
Under his guidance, WBSD has grown academically, expanded opportunities for students, enhanced facilities, and strengthened its financial foundation. We are deeply appreciative of his service and look forward to celebrating his impact with our community.
Click to read the full announcement: https://www.mywbsd.org/article/2590769
Under his guidance, WBSD has grown academically, expanded opportunities for students, enhanced facilities, and strengthened its financial foundation. We are deeply appreciative of his service and look forward to celebrating his impact with our community.
Click to read the full announcement: https://www.mywbsd.org/article/2590769
Good afternoon,
I hope that you are weathering the first bite of winter. Please click on the link below to take a peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. The week will be extra special with Santa's Secret Shop and Breakfast with Santa. Please join me in thanking our PTO and parent volunteers for the hours of volunteer time that it takes to make our Shop come to life. In the Gator Bites, you will also learn about our Yake Family Dinner Night at Francesca's Brick Oven Pizzeria taking place on Monday, dates for the winter break, our Yake Parent's Night out for Music Trivia/BINGO and more. You will also see some great pictures from this past week.
https://app.smore.com/n/8qaun
Please enjoy reading our Gator Bites and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
I hope that you are weathering the first bite of winter. Please click on the link below to take a peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. The week will be extra special with Santa's Secret Shop and Breakfast with Santa. Please join me in thanking our PTO and parent volunteers for the hours of volunteer time that it takes to make our Shop come to life. In the Gator Bites, you will also learn about our Yake Family Dinner Night at Francesca's Brick Oven Pizzeria taking place on Monday, dates for the winter break, our Yake Parent's Night out for Music Trivia/BINGO and more. You will also see some great pictures from this past week.
https://app.smore.com/n/8qaun
Please enjoy reading our Gator Bites and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
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