Media-News Articles

Embracing Growth: Ypsilanti Community Middle School's Journey to Willow Run Ypsilanti Community Schools has a significant transition in the works as the 10-year anniversary of the consolidation of Ypsilanti Public Schools and Willow Run Community Schools comes to a close. Following a unanimous decision by the school board, middle school students will step into a new chapter for the district and community as the district reopens the doors to the former Willow Run Middle School. This move, slated for the 2024–25 school year, marks a strategic shift aimed at enhancing the educational landscape for students in the district.

The decision to return to the Willow Run facility underscores a commitment to providing students with state-of-the-art amenities and ample space for continued growth. With an additional 87,000 square feet at their disposal, the move promises to accommodate approximately 165 more students, offering a conducive environment for learning and exploration.

“The decision to move back to Willow Run was made after several in-depthconversations about how to better serve our student population and our wholecommunity,” said Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross on the transition. “They will haveaccess to a diverse range of amenities to nurture the talents and interests of everystudent. This move will not only allow for greater growth and achievement, but also space for growing programs, especially through the Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant.” 

Academic excellence is paramount to every school in the district, and the middle school is no exception. Ypsilanti Community Middle School proudly offers an International Baccalaureate program (IB) for 6th through 8th graders, alongside robotics, TEN80 engineering, and National Jr. Honor Society opportunities. State-of-the-art facilities support a comprehensive learning experience, with a media center featuring a three-story glass window serving as a modern hub for research and collaboration. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, YCMS science labs facilitate hands-on experiments, fostering a spirit of inquiry and discovery among students. 

At the heart of the district is a commitment to nurturing the diverse talents and interests of every student. At every turn, the middle school was designed with students in mind, with facilities crafted for academic achievement, artistic expression, and physical activity.

Those involved in the theatrical arts will get to perform in a 1,100-seat auditorium. Whether it's a musical recital, a drama production, or a guest speaker, the space provides a professional setting for students to shine. The YCMS choir and band have multiple concerts each year and will have the space to practice during and after school.

The community can expect a minimum of two musicals a year, starting next school year. n addition to the impressive auditorium, the school offers specialized spaces for artistic and creative expression. The band room and choir room provide the perfect acoustics for musical rehearsals, while the new art room is equipped with the tools and  materials for students to unleash their visual creativity.

For those interested in hands-on projects, the building offers makerspaces to provide a variety of equipment for tinkering, designing, and building. There’s also a new podcast room that students can use to create content weekly, building off the successful podcast program already running at Ypsilanti Community High School.

Physical activity and wellness are integral facets of Ypsilanti Community Schools. Witha fully equipped pool, two gymnasiums, a track and a football field, middle schoolstudents will have ample opportunities to engage in athletic pursuits. Outdoor spaceswill encourage teamwork and community spirit by hosting a variety of sports rangingfrom soccer to wrestling.

Additionally, thanks to a partnership with the University of Michigan Regional HealthCare Clinic, the district can ensure accessible healthcare for students, while afterschool programming with Bright Futures offers enriching activities and transportation for participants.

There’s every reason to say yes to YCS and join a vibrant school district dedicated to inspiring and empowering young learners, so enroll your child today and celebrate success with us.

Stay tuned for additional information regarding the move to Willow Run Middle School for the 2024–25 school year, including the opportunity to tour the facility before school begins in September.

Holmes students are published authors
Jennifer Gray’s fourth-grade students at Holmes Elementary recently lived out their Hollywood dreams by writing short stories to accompany the major motion picture, “IF.” The school was invited to participate in this project by 826michigan, a nonprofit organization that helps students express themselves through writing. 

Students were tasked with writing stories about their imaginary friends, as “IF” is about a girl who discovers she can see imaginary friends. The students’ stories were published, thanks to Paramount Pictures, and will be available nation-wide. 

This exciting news was celebrated with a book release party at Cinemark Cinema in Ypsilanti. The event started with students reading their stories at the event, followed by a screening of the movie.

“To see an enthusiasm for reading and writing take shape and grow in Mrs. Gray’s classroom

throughout this project was special,” said Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross.“ Ypsilanti Community Schools is fortunate to work with partners like 826michigan who make it their mission to see students thrive. The book is available to purchase here.

Tiny Steps, Big Leaps: Playground Dedications at Ford and Perry Early Learning Centers

In celebration of early childhood education, Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) and the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) recently dedicated two new preschool playgrounds for the youngest learners at Ford Early Learning Center and Perry Early Learning Center. 

These playgrounds, designed for preschoolers aged 3-7, signify a notable upgrade from equipment that had previously served the community for over 15 years. With a focus on safety and inclusivity, the new playgrounds will provide age-appropriate equipment and foster imaginative play. The district hopes that these structures serve as a place for students to form lasting friendships and explore the world around them.

“The best part of early elementary school is learning through play,” said Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross. “We have three schools in our district dedicated to the instruction of our youngest students and we take pride in equipping them with the resources needed to make the education experience both academically rich and fun. We are grateful for the continued support we receive from our partners at the Washtenaw Immediate School District, providing once again that we are Stronger Together. I can’t wait to see the playgrounds in use!”

Playgrounds provide a pivotal role in nurturing essential skills, fostering friendships, and laying the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, creativity and joy.  

We are proud to see the community’s commitment to providing Ypsilanti Community School children with safe and stimulating environments primed for their exploring, learning and growing. Together, let us continue to support and nurture the growth and development of our community's youngest members, one tiny step at a time.

Nurturing Bright Futures: A Community's Commitment to After-School Enrichment

Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) is proud to partner with Eastern Michigan University’s Bright Futures, an after-school program focused on illuminating the path to academic success and personal growth for students across the district. Bright Futures operates in eight sites across YCS, providing a safe and supportive environment for students of all ages to thrive outside of traditional school hours.

Bright Futures started in 2007 and has been present in YCS since 2009, before the district’s consolidation. At its inception, Bright Futures was driven by a commitment to student voice and empowerment, offering a variety of activities and clubs tailored to the interests and needs of the diverse student body. From academic support and enrichment clubs to social-emotional learning and leadership development, Bright Futures nurtures holistic growth while instilling a sense of agency and advocacy in its participants.

"Our students get the chance to take emotional risks in a low-stakes environment,” says Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross. “They’re leading clubs, advocating for themselves and making their voices heard by their peers. This gives a supplemental opportunity for YCS scholars to better understand themselves and those around them.”

Each Bright Futures site operates year-round, offering 32 weeks of programming during the school year and six weeks of summer activities. Students engage in community building, all while fostering meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Through a cohort model, students at each school come together to participate in a variety of activities, ranging from music clubs to math assistance. The program emphasizes student-driven decision-making to push scholars to be bold and advocate for themselves inside and outside of the classroom. 

Bright Futures also values community involvement and collaboration. Volunteers and local organizations play a vital role in supporting the program, offering workshops, leading clubs, and providing valuable resources. Regular family nights and community events further strengthen the bond between Bright Futures and Ypsilanti families, fostering a sense of belonging and collective responsibility for student success.

“As a district, we’re proud to see the input parents, educators and community members have on the program,” Superintendent Zachery-Ross said. 

Bright Futures holds quarterly events to showcase club activities where students get the chance to recite their poetry, perform dances and present any other art form they’ve developed during the year. Parental and educator input is greatly valued to inform what clubs should be offered and what additional academic support is needed.

As Bright Futures continues to evolve, it remains committed to its mission of providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for students to thrive. Ypsilanti Community Schools remains focused on the needs of its students and the partnership with Bright Futures aids in cultivating the seeds of success to nurturing a brighter future for the entire community.

CTE Programs at YCHS

Did you know that in the 10 years since Ypsilanti Public Schools and Willow Run Public Schools consolidated into Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS), the district has continued to bring excellent Career and Technical Education opportunities to its students? YCS takes pride in providing robust education offerings that support student academic, social and emotional growth.

Available programs currently include:

• Collision Repair: This is an ASE-accredited training program, which is a two-year course of study where students are professionally trained in seven areas of collision repair. They use I-CAR LIVE curriculum and do structural and non-structural repairs on today's high-tech automobiles, including a newly donated 2015 Ford Focus. In this class, students learn the basics of automotive MIG welding, plastic welding and plastic repair.

• Automotive Technology: This is an entry-level course for automotive technology students that utilizes the state-mandated ASE automotive maintenance and light repair curriculum. During this two-year course, students study personal and shop safety, tool, equipment, shop operations, basic engine fundamentals and basic technician skills. Students also study electrical and engine performance (tune-up), steering, suspension, alignment and brakes for a well-rounded learning experience. 

• Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management: RCTC Culinary Arts and Bakery Science teaches culinary arts, bakery science and hospitality. In this class, students get hands-on experience in the culinary industry and bakery science industries using the National Restaurant Association ProStart curriculum. Through the ProStart program, high school students can learn career-building skills and get a taste for success in an industry that is hungry for new talent. Students become acquainted with the best practices in all phases of the culinary and bakery industry. 

• Basic Nursing Assistant Skills: This state-approved 90-hour program prepares students for employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospitals and home healthcare agencies where they can hold positions as nursing assistants upon taking state clinical and knowledge tests for certification. 

• Cosmetology: This CTE course allows students to participate in hands-on training in hair and skincare from industry experts. 

“We are proud to have so many incredible CTE opportunities for our students, but most importantly, we are thrilled with the number of exceptional educators that teach these courses,” said Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross. “Their knowledge and dedication to their craft allows us to provide exceptional support to our scholars, which leads to successful outcomes after graduation.”

Meeting and exceeding potential with technology in every classroom

Ypsilanti Community Schools is dedicated to unleashing the potential of every student through technology. With a firm commitment to innovation, the district ensures that all students have access to the latest technology to support their learning journey. In today's digital age, technological literacy is essential, and YCS is paving the way for its students to excel in a tech-driven world.

Through the 1:1 Technology program, YCS empowers students with abundant online experiences, equipping them with the skills needed for success beyond their elementary and secondary education. Since becoming a 1:1 Technology District in 2020, Ypsilanti Community Schools has been providing each student with a learning device, ensuring that technology plays a pivotal role in their academic growth.

Superintendent Zachery-Ross emphasized, "Part of the mission at Ypsilanti Community Schools is to distribute resources to enrich teaching and inspire learning. By providing computers and teaching our students safe online habits, we are setting them up for success in and out of the classroom for the rest of their lives."

From first grade to twelfth grade, students are equipped with iPads or Chromebooks, fostering increased technological literacy, access to devices at home, independent learning, and additional resources. YCS instructors encourage students to safely explore the online world through strategic assignments, enhancing their learning opportunities.

YCS understands the importance of flexibility and alternative learning options. Providing each student with a device not only prepares them for an online classroom but also opens up additional learning opportunities at home, ensuring that every student can reach their highest potential.

Ypsilanti Community Schools is proud to advance the promise of success for all students and provide the resources necessary to support their journey toward excellence.

Magic of Christmas- Adopt a Family Foundation 

‘Tis the season the season of giving! At Ypsilanti Community Schools, working with The Magic of Christmas Adopt a Family Foundation is another way to spread joy and cheer to our students. Founded in 1996 by former University of Michigan athlete and community member, Debbie Williams-Hoak, this organization aims to provide children with magical Christmases. What started small, has blossomed into an annual event supplying Washtenaw County with Christmas delight. 

The Adopt a Family Foundation collaborates with Washtenaw County area schools, working with social workers to identify families in need. These families fill out wish lists, offering a glimpse into the specific needs and desires of each child. The community rallies together showcasing the remarkable generosity that defines our community. Not only are individuals signing up to give, but companies are participating in the adoption process.

“Our staff works hard every year to make this happen for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross. “Our amazing social workers, led by Greta Furlong, identify the families in our community that would benefit most from this program, and work hard to get their wish lists to donors in the community. We also have a dedicated maintenance staff, led by Aaron Rose, Director of Facilities, to arrange district trucks to transport the gifts to schools for distribution. We are stronger together and this wouldn’t be possible without the tireless work of our staff.”

As wish lists are due on Halloween, the Magic of Christmas Foundation ensures a smooth process, allowing for organized data entry and providing donors with ample time to shop throughout November and December. By December 15th, all gifts are wrapped and labeled for YCS families to retrieve. 

The generosity demonstrated by our community further proves that we are Stronger Together. At Ypsilanti Community Schools, the magic of Christmas is not about the presents, but the giving spirit in the entire community.

Gratitude and Appreciation at Thanksgiving

Since 2013, the Achieving College and Career Education (ACCE) High School has opened its doors ahead of Thanksgiving for a fun, festive community Thanksgiving Appreciation Luncheon. This annual event is organized by ACCE students and staff, and supported by several wonderful community partners - M Den, Covington Insurance Agency and Taste of Soul. Together, YCS parents, supporters and alumni share delicious food and enjoy each other’s company.

“As a school district, we are still in our infancy,” said YCS Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross. “To have traditions, such as the Thanksgiving Appreciation Luncheon, really demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment where all feel welcome inside our buildings. It is to our benefit that we have a passionate and dedicated community who show up by supporting our athletics, goods and food drives, and student initiatives like this one.”

This event allows over 100 members of the community to break bread as one and express appreciation for the support received year-round. An added benefit of this program is that those in attendance have the opportunity to go home with food for their personal Thanksgiving meals, including turkeys and pumpkin pies.

This year, Teacher Consultant and Teachers Union President Charlotte Tillerson was honored by having the ACCE food pantry named after her. Mrs. Tillerson is a valued member of our community, showing support to our students and staff by being present at school and showcasing what it means to be ‘Stronger Together.’ 

As YCS celebrates 10 years as a consolidated school district, gathering as a unified community for something as simple as a shared meal is joyful.

All photos were taken at the Thanksgiving celebration.

Endless “Opportunities” at Ypsilanti Community Schools

On a festive fall day in Ypsilanti, the school community gathered together to celebrate the endless possibilities available to district students participating in STEM and Robotics programs during the Toyota’s Driving Possibilities event. The collaborative program between Toyota, Eastern Michigan University, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, Ypsilanti Community Schools,  and Washtenaw Intermediate School District is designed to prepare our scholars for careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Through this partnership, members of the Ypsilanti school community, including students, families and staff, recently participated in the “Driving Possibilities” extravaganza in conjunction with a Grizzlies football game. 

Bringing the community together to provide exceptional support to scholars demonstrates the diversity of options available to the district’s students as they grow, develop and achieve . This year’s event included a robotics showcase, a variety of STEM-based activities for attendees to try, free food and a performance by the incredible Ypsilanti Community High School band.

“The Driving Possibilities event was one my favorite to attend this year because I got to connect with so many families as our students showed off their skills and make the community proud,” said YCS Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross. “Regardless of the score on the board at the end of the football game, I know we all felt like winners to be there together demonstrating 10 years of strength, unity and community.”

The evening was incredibly special, as the district topped off the festivities with a celebration of its senior student-athletes on the football team.  It was truly an event filled with fun and community for all.

“We are tremendously grateful to our wonderful partners for the event, including Toyota , Detroit Science Center, WCC, EMU, YCS Central Office, Restoration Outreach Ministry, SEMIS, Ypsilanti Community High School & Lincoln High School Robotics Teams and Print Giants,” Superintendent Zachery-Ross continued. “We are so thankful to them for their ongoing dedication to our student’s success. Because of their collaboration, as well as the wonderful support we receive from our entire community, we are stronger together. “

In Thanks: YCS Automotive Technology’s New Car

The Automotive Technology class at Ypsilanti Community High School recently accepted a car donated by a community member and the students cannot wait to start tinkering with it.

The 2015 Ford Focus, generously donated by Mrs. Mediana Atchison, will help students become acquainted with newer technology, which is not often found in the cars they practice on during class. In fact, with this donation, students will have the opportunity to explore potential technology issues in vehicles and how to solve them, all before setting foot in a professional mechanic or collision shop.

Between YCS and Lincoln Consolidated Schools, the district’s Automotive Technology class has 88 students who will benefit from working on the donated car. Students have already gotten their hands dirty pulling the bumpers off to keep the car looking shiny and new, hopefully for years to come.

“As a consolidated school district, we know the value and importance of working together to achieve greatness,” said YCS Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross. “This is why we open our classrooms to Lincoln students in the mornings so they can work with our talented teachers and staff members on their CTE skills before returning to their home school for the rest of their daily curriculum. We are grateful to Mrs. Atchison for her generosity and commitment to our students, further demonstrating that we’re strongest when working together.”

In addition the donated car, YCS’ Automotive class recently received Ford Mechanic Training from Ford Motor Company. This helped students deepen their knowledge about Ford cars before they set off to work on the Ford Focus. The specialized attention to detail will bolster their resumes and help students continue to be among the top competitors for mechanic jobs in the area.

CTE programs at YCS are historically successful, sending graduates to nearby auto shops and collision repair centers where they then have successful careers. In fact, nine recent graduates are working at local collision and mechanic shops with the knowledge they gained in YCS classrooms.