Webberville Community Schools

By: Dr. William C. Skilling, Superintendent

Anyone who has been involved with our school district this past year knows that we have been talking about change. It has been a constant theme that has permeated everything associated with the district. In an effort to truly appreciate what we have accomplished as a school community, it is important to look back and recall all the positive personnel changes, revamped programs, and procedures that have been implemented in our effort to make our district a premier setting for our students.

We have new personnel in place in several core areas within the district. We have a new elementary principal, secondary principal, special education supervisor, technology director, marketing director and business manager. We have raised the standard for administrators, teachers and staff in regards to our desire to accept nothing less than the best for our students. Several new teachers have been hired who will in turn raise the standard of excellence in their respective areas.

The buildings and grounds have undergone dramatic changes over the past year. The students are utilizing new classrooms that have been outfitted with new ergonomically correct desks and chairs. The new weight lifting room was equipped with top of the line Hammer Strength equipment. We upgraded and expanded the fine arts program with the addition of vocal music, new band equipment, new risers and a full time art teacher. We changed the technology plan and decided to rebuild the entire infrastructure and implement new instructional technology in every classroom. Every classroom has a 36” television equipped with a DVD/VCR player to assist the teacher in having immediate access to instructional materials. Teachers now have access to video streaming which allows them to download a vast array of educational tools for the classroom. We will continue to move forward with building and ground changes as we implement the 8.5 million dollar bond for the athletic/recreation center, bleachers, and agriculture barn and greenhouse.

Some changes are not as noticeable as construction changes, but none the less will have a direct impact on our students. The board recently approved a new high school handbook and athletic handbook for our secondary students. We implemented a new structure for curriculum change, instructional change, and instructional technology change. The high school has a new 8 block schedule for classes which will provide more opportunities for the students. The grading system was changed and honor classes now have a weighted value. Our new school schedule was implemented this year which allows for a post Labor Day start and a Memorial Day end. May will be a month when we focus on patriotism which will culminate at the end of May with a school wide celebration of America involving the community.

The district has implemented a marketing strategy that has lead to the development of a new mascot, district logo, website, slogan, vision statement, and mission statement. Our marketing effort is poised to “get the word out” regarding all the positive changes that are happening within our schools and the accomplishments of our students.

Our curriculum has expanded to offer a 5-12 grade choir which currently has 272 students enrolled! We added 5 th grade band, computer classes, and Spanish for our elementary students. At the secondary level we have implemented a four-year CAD program and a new graphic arts/multimedia program. Our advanced placement classes have expanded to include AP Physics.

The new school year has started with a continued focus on setting a new standard of excellence. We will focus on academic excellence, improved student behavior, and good sportsmanship from our students. We have a new standard of professionalism for our administrators, teachers, and staff. The district will be directed by a new standard of accountability detailed in our 5 year strategic plan.

The magnetism of change is creating excitement within our district and the surrounding community. The Webberville Community Schools is blessed to be lead by a supportive school board with a visionary president, Cliff Simmons. We have supportive parents who are eager to get involved, an outstanding staff that is stepping forward to implement the changes, and with your continued support, we will set a New Standard of Excellence for our students and school.