On September 17, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District joins in observing Constitution Day—the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. For more than 230 years, this historic document has served as the foundation of our nation’s democracy.
Today, we celebrate the principles of liberty, justice, and equality that continue to guide us, and we recognize those who have taken the meaningful step of becoming United States citizens.
As educators, we take this opportunity to inspire our students to explore the Constitution, understand its impact, and reflect on the rights and responsibilities it grants us all.
#ConstitutionDay #CivicEducation #WhyWBSD
Today, we celebrate the principles of liberty, justice, and equality that continue to guide us, and we recognize those who have taken the meaningful step of becoming United States citizens.
As educators, we take this opportunity to inspire our students to explore the Constitution, understand its impact, and reflect on the rights and responsibilities it grants us all.
#ConstitutionDay #CivicEducation #WhyWBSD
Good evening,
The message below is being shared in the phone message that went out tonight. I wanted to share it as an email, as well.
Hello,
This is Mr. Podlewski calling to welcome all Yake families to our 1st PTO meeting of the year scheduled to take place in our media center at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening. All of the special events at Yake Elementary School like our Fall Festival, the Monster Mash Bash, Santa’s Secret Shop, the Winter Carnival, and our Field Day only happen because of the efforts of our supportive parent base. In addition, our PTO assists with the transportation for our field trips and covers the costs of assemblies and countless other classroom initiatives. So, please consider joining us for our PTO meeting on Wednesday evening and throughout the year. Even if you cannot make it to our meeting tomorrow night, please consider joining us for other meetings that take place on the third Wednesday of every month. Parents play a huge role in why Yake is such a special school. Join us to find out how you can get involved. You are always welcome.
Thank you and have a great night.
Tim Podlewski
The message below is being shared in the phone message that went out tonight. I wanted to share it as an email, as well.
Hello,
This is Mr. Podlewski calling to welcome all Yake families to our 1st PTO meeting of the year scheduled to take place in our media center at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening. All of the special events at Yake Elementary School like our Fall Festival, the Monster Mash Bash, Santa’s Secret Shop, the Winter Carnival, and our Field Day only happen because of the efforts of our supportive parent base. In addition, our PTO assists with the transportation for our field trips and covers the costs of assemblies and countless other classroom initiatives. So, please consider joining us for our PTO meeting on Wednesday evening and throughout the year. Even if you cannot make it to our meeting tomorrow night, please consider joining us for other meetings that take place on the third Wednesday of every month. Parents play a huge role in why Yake is such a special school. Join us to find out how you can get involved. You are always welcome.
Thank you and have a great night.
Tim Podlewski
Good evening,
The message below is being shared in the phone message that went out tonight. I wanted to share it as an email, as well.
Good Evening, this is Mr. Podlewski calling with a message for all of our fathers and father figures. Hopefully, by now you have heard about our Watch D.O.G.S. program, which has been running for over 15 years at Yake Elementary School. If not, join us for our “Dads & Kids Pizza Night” scheduled for 6:00 p.m. this Thursday evening. Come out to find out how father and father figures, which include grandfathers, uncles, and older, college-age brothers can become a hero for a day. Fathers can still RSVP by sending in their slips tomorrow morning.
Please be aware that on Thursday evening, I will be sharing a set of updates in regards to the Pizza Night, including signing up for days on the calendar and expectations for our Watch D.O.G.S. on the day or days that they are volunteering. The calendar will not be posted until the conclusion of our meeting with prospective Watch D.O.G.S. on Thursday evening. We needed to tighten up our practices and expectations to ensure that our 16th year with the Watch D.O.G.S. program is our best one yet for teachers, Gators and our Watch D.O.G.S.
We will look forward to seeing our current and soon-to-be Watch D.O.G.S. for our Dads & Kids Pizza Night starting at 6:00 p.m. this Thursday evening.
Good evening,
The message below is being shared in the phone message that went out tonight. I wanted to share it as an email, as well.
Good Evening, Yake Gators,
This is Mr. Podlewski calling to remind you that our annual Fall Festival is scheduled to take place on the Yake grounds from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
For the low cost of a $10.00 advanced purchase wristband, you will be able to enjoy unlimited jumbo inflatable bouncers, unlimited hay rides with Mr. Podlewski, a treat from the ice cream truck, Paint a Pumpkin, Face Painting, Pumpkin Bowling and a food coupon for a slice of pizza and water or lemonade. Where else can you get a deal like that for $10.00? Pre-pay wristband orders must be in by the end of the day tomorrow. If you forget to order a wristband in advance, they can be purchased at the event for $13.00.
So join us for an afternoon of food and fun with the wonderful families at Yake Elementary School.
I will look forward to seeing all of my Gators on Sunday afternoon.
The message below is being shared in the phone message that went out tonight. I wanted to share it as an email, as well.
Good Evening, Yake Gators,
This is Mr. Podlewski calling to remind you that our annual Fall Festival is scheduled to take place on the Yake grounds from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
For the low cost of a $10.00 advanced purchase wristband, you will be able to enjoy unlimited jumbo inflatable bouncers, unlimited hay rides with Mr. Podlewski, a treat from the ice cream truck, Paint a Pumpkin, Face Painting, Pumpkin Bowling and a food coupon for a slice of pizza and water or lemonade. Where else can you get a deal like that for $10.00? Pre-pay wristband orders must be in by the end of the day tomorrow. If you forget to order a wristband in advance, they can be purchased at the event for $13.00.
So join us for an afternoon of food and fun with the wonderful families at Yake Elementary School.
I will look forward to seeing all of my Gators on Sunday afternoon.
Good afternoon,
Please click on the link below to take a peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. In the newsletter, you will learn more about Watch D.O.G.S., the Fall Festival, attendance incentives, our first Family Dinner Night of the year to Buddy's Pizza, our first PTO meeting and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/cfyrj
Please take a moment to review and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing many of our fathers and father figures at the Watch D.O.G.S. Dads & Kids Pizza Night on Thursday night.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
Please click on the link below to take a peek at our Gator Bites for the upcoming week. In the newsletter, you will learn more about Watch D.O.G.S., the Fall Festival, attendance incentives, our first Family Dinner Night of the year to Buddy's Pizza, our first PTO meeting and more.
https://secure.smore.com/n/cfyrj
Please take a moment to review and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
I look forward to seeing many of our fathers and father figures at the Watch D.O.G.S. Dads & Kids Pizza Night on Thursday night.
Have a great weekend!
Tim Podlewski
Today, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District joins our nation in honoring and remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001. On this Patriot Day, we reflect on the courage, resilience, and unity that carried us through one of our nation’s darkest days.
As educators and community members, we have the responsibility to teach our students the values of compassion, strength, and togetherness—reminding them of the heroes who gave everything and the families who continue to carry their legacy.
Together, we stand united in remembrance and in hope for a future built on peace and understanding. 🕊️
#PatriotDay #NeverForget #WhyWBSD
As educators and community members, we have the responsibility to teach our students the values of compassion, strength, and togetherness—reminding them of the heroes who gave everything and the families who continue to carry their legacy.
Together, we stand united in remembrance and in hope for a future built on peace and understanding. 🕊️
#PatriotDay #NeverForget #WhyWBSD
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
✨💜 Calling all future Warriors! 💜✨
The WHS Dance Team is excited to host the Fall 2025 Jr. Warrior Dance Team Clinic! 🎉Grades K-7
📅 Practices:
Monday, October 6 & Thursday, October 9
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Erving Elementary
💃 Dancers will perform at halftime of the WHS Varsity Football Game on Friday, October 10!
✅ Registration is $50 per dancer and includes:
2 days of instruction
T-shirt & poms
Game entry
An unforgettable performance experience!
👉 Register here: https://gofan.co/event/4292897?schoolId=MI10127
⏳ Registration closes Monday, September 22.
Questions? Contact Coach Linton (lintonc@wbsdweb.com) or Coach Stephens (stephej@wbsdweb.com). Let’s cheer on our Jr. Warriors as they take the field! 🏈✨
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