Crestwood School District

📣 Get Ready for the Third Annual Crestwood District Spelling Bee! 🐝 Join us as we celebrate the art of spelling and the incredible talents of our students in partnership with the Amity Foundation! This exciting competition will feature the best spellers from Grades 3-8, with winners advancing to represent Crestwood at the Scripps National Spelling Bee®. 📅 Event Details: Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Grades 3-5 • 3rd Grade: 5:30 PM • 4th Grade: 6:15 PM • 5th Grade: 6:45 PM Thursday, February 6, 2025: Grades 6-8 • 6th Grade: 5:30 PM • 7th Grade: 6:15 PM • 8th Grade: 6:45 PM 📍 Location: Riverside Middle School 25900 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 Support our students as they spell their way to victory! Who will claim the top spot this year? Don’t miss this spellbinding event! 🐝✨

Due to dangerous temps (-20°F wind chill Tues., -25°F Wed.), Crestwood schools are closed Jan. 21-22. No Tues. evening events. Updates on after-school activities will come from ADs/coaches. Official game/activity update at 3 PM. Stay safe & download our app for updates!

Dear Crestwood Families, Due to dangerous temperatures with wind chills close to -20°F tomorrow morning and -25°F Wednesday morning, all Crestwood schools and activities will be canceled on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Frostbite can occur within 10 minutes of exposure, and buses struggle at these temperatures. Please note: • No evening events will take place on Tuesday. •Updates on after-school activities for Tuesday and Wednesday will be provided by Athletic Directors and coaches on the day of. We will provide an official update regarding games and other activities at 3:00 PM. To stay informed, download the Crestwood School District app for real-time notifications. Stay safe and warm, Crestwood School District

🎉 Crestwood High School Class of 2025 Tin Can Raffle! 🎉 📅 When: Friday, January 31: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday, February 1: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 📍 Where: Crestwood High School Cafeteria 💰 Tickets: $0.50, $1.00, $2.00, & $5.00 each 🎁 What’s Up for Grabs? AMAZING and VALUABLE prizes! 🎟️ Raffle Drawing: Saturday, February 1 at 3:00 PM sharp! Need not be present to win! 🍪 Extras: A bake sale and light refreshments will be available for purchase! Don’t miss out on this fun event while supporting the Class of 2025. Bring your friends and family and join us for two days of excitement and prizes!

Keeping Our Students and Staff Safe: A Recap of Yesterday’s Parent Discussion at RMS Yesterday, Riverside Middle School hosted an important parent discussion in the auditorium, led by Principal Scott Casebolt and Assistant Principal Sal Abazeed. They were joined by Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Associate Superintendent Andria O’Hara, and Communications, Climate, and Culture Coordinator Rashid Baydoun. The focus of the discussion was the recent swatting threat and subsequent lockdown at RMS. Administrators answered parents’ questions, clarified emergency procedures, and emphasized the importance of safety measures during such events. Key takeaways included: • Do not come to the school during a lockdown. Arriving on campus during emergencies can disrupt safety protocols and impede efforts to keep everyone secure. • Ensure your contact information is up to date in MiStar. Accurate information helps us communicate quickly and effectively. • Download the Crestwood School District app. The app provides real-time updates and critical information during emergencies. We are grateful to the parents who participated in this conversation and for their commitment to fostering a safe and supportive school environment. Together, we can continue prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

Highlights from Last Night’s Crestwood Board of Education Meeting The Crestwood Board of Education held its first meeting of 2025 last night, an evening filled with celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to the district’s mission of excellence. The meeting began with the swearing-in of trustees elected in the November 2024 general election: • Billy Amen • Danielle Elzayat • Salwa Fawaz • David Williamson • Najah Jannoun These dedicated individuals were officially welcomed to their roles, pledging to continue serving Crestwood students, staff, and families. Board Appreciation Month and Special Presentations In recognition of Board Appreciation Month, students from Hillcrest and Highview Elementary Schools led the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and presented thoughtful gifts to board members as a gesture of gratitude for their service. Organizational Elections The Board also conducted its annual organizational elections, announcing the executive board for 2025: • Board President: Mr. Mo Sabbagh • Vice President: Mrs. Najah Jannoun • Treasurer: Mr. Billy Amen • Secretary: Mr. David Williamson The full Board of Education for 2025 includes: • Mr. Mo Sabbagh (President) • Mrs. Najah Jannoun (Vice President) • Mr. Billy Amen (Treasurer) • Mr. David Williamson (Secretary) • Mr. Hass Beydoun • Mrs. Danielle Elzayat • Mrs. Salwa Fawaz Superintendent’s Remarks Honoring Outgoing Board President Danielle Elzayat Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam took a moment to honor outgoing Board President Mrs. Danielle Elzayat, whose tenure as President began on July 8, 2022, and concluded last night. Dr. Mosallam reflected on Danielle’s exceptional contributions, saying: “Danielle’s leadership was not just about governance; it was about heart, vision, and collaboration. She guided us through a historic era of transformation for Crestwood, from the passage of the 2024 Bond Proposal to closing learning gaps and creating unprecedented opportunities for our students.” Dr. Mosallam highlighted Danielle’s role in the passage of the 2024 Bond Proposal, which will bring vital upgrades to the district, including new classrooms, air conditioning in every building, enhanced security, and infrastructure improvements. He also spoke about her focus on academic success, adding: “Danielle has been a champion for equity and inclusion, enhancing opportunities for our ELL and special education students, and securing record-breaking grants to support innovation in our classrooms.” He concluded by expressing gratitude for her collaboration, saying: “It has been an honor to work alongside Danielle. She didn’t just lead Crestwood; she inspired it. Her passion for this district is unmatched, and while her term as President concludes, I am grateful that she will continue her work as Trustee, ensuring her vision remains a guiding force for our community.” The heartfelt remarks were a reminder of Danielle’s profound impact on the district, and her leadership will continue to be celebrated as Crestwood moves forward. Looking Ahead The evening closed with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future. With a newly sworn-in Board and a strong executive team, Crestwood School District remains focused on its mission to provide excellence in education for all. Congratulations to the newly elected trustees and executive board, and a special thank you to Mrs. Danielle Elzayat for her inspiring leadership! #CrestwoodExcellence #BoardAppreciationMonth #LeadershipInAction

🎉 New Classrooms, New Beginnings! 🎉 Last week, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting at the Crestwood Early Childhood Center with Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam, board members, teachers, and staff. This incredible event showcased the hard work and dedication of our Crestwood School District family. Guests were given tours of the beautiful new space, highlighting the exciting opportunities it will provide for our youngest learners. Thank you to everyone who made this event so special—here’s to new beginnings and brighter futures! 🌟 #CrestwoodSchools #NewBeginnings #EarlyChildhoodEducation

🎉 New Classrooms, New Beginnings! 🎉 Last week, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting at the Crestwood Early Childhood Center with Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam, board members, teachers, and staff. This incredible event showcased the hard work and dedication of our Crestwood School District family. Guests were given tours of the beautiful new space, highlighting the exciting opportunities it will provide for our youngest learners. Thank you to everyone who made this event so special—here’s to new beginnings and brighter futures! 🌟 #CrestwoodSchools #NewBeginnings #EarlyChildhoodEducation

Join the Fun at Hillcrest Elementary’s Overtime Athletics After-School Program! 
 Looking for an exciting and engaging way for your child to spend Friday afternoons? Sign them up for our Overtime Athletics After-School Program! • Dates: January 17th - February 14th (5 sessions) • Time: Every Friday, 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM • Cost: $100 (No refunds) • Activities Include: • Sports games • Arts and crafts • Team-building activities 
 The program begins right after school, with pickup at 5 PM. 
 Spots are limited, so sign up today! 
 For more information, visit www.otathletics.com/detroit or contact Dina Elzein at 313-971-3980. 
 Don’t miss out on the fun!

🌟 YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED! 🌟 Join us as we celebrate New Classrooms, New Beginnings at the Crestwood Early Childhood Center! 📅 Thursday, January 9th ⏰ 4:00 - 5:00 PM 📍 1045 N. Gulley Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 Come see the amazing updates and share in this exciting moment for our community! RSVP to Cheryl Rivera at crivera@csdmi.org We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

Congratulations to Hala Komaiha, a senior at Crestwood High School, for exemplifying the excellence of the Crestwood School District with her acceptance to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As this year’s valedictorian with a 4.55 GPA, Hala excelled in 14 AP and 4 Dual Enrollment courses while leading as National Honor Society President, Senior Class Vice President, Science Club President, and Robotics Captain/Programming Lead. A FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Finalist, Hala’s dedication to academics and STEM leadership leaves a lasting legacy at Crestwood. We are proud to celebrate her remarkable achievements and bright future!

Congratulations to Hashem Saleh, a senior at Crestwood High School, for embodying the excellence of the Crestwood School District. Saleh, a standout student-athlete, is headed to play Division 1 football at an Ivy League university, showcasing his hard work both in the classroom and on the field. Known for his academic rigor and leadership, as well as earning All-Conference honors in football, Saleh leaves a lasting legacy at Crestwood. Head coach Mike Grucz praised him as “an imposing figure” who “made a lasting impact on the program.” We are proud to celebrate his achievements and wish him continued success!

Crestwood School District will be closed for Winter Break from December 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025, with classes resuming on January 6, 2025. Wishing our students, staff, and families a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year! Thank you for being part of our Crestwood community.

Santa came to town a little early at the 2024 Winter Concert, where the Crestwood High School and Riverside Middle School bands delivered a night of festive cheer! From timeless holiday classics to the lively “Sleigh Ride” and a playful 2/4 slapstick surprise, the evening was filled with joy and musical magic. Congratulations to our incredible band teacher and conductor, Jonathon Tockstein, and to all the talented students for making the season merry and bright!

2025-2026 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION BEGINS JANUARY 6, 2025 REGISTRATION IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! Registration Hours Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Children MUST be 5 years old by September 1, 2025 to attend. For more information on REGISTRATION contact the Crestwood Board of Education Office at 313-278-0906 For enrollment/residency requirements visit www.csdmi.org

🎵 RMS & CHS Winter Band Concert 🎵 Mark your calendars for an evening of music and celebration! The Riverside Middle School and Crestwood High School Bands invite you to their Winter Band Concert on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the Crestwood High School Auditorium. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends to enjoy the sounds of the season and cheer on our talented student musicians. Let’s fill the auditorium with pride and applause!

The Grinch stormed Hillcrest, causing a scene, Throwing snowballs at windows, acting quite mean! But the Huskies stayed cheerful, they wouldn’t despair, Their holiday spirit was beyond compare. The highlight of all? Theo and Scout took the stage, Our therapy dogs as Max stole the Grinch’s rage! With wagging tails and a heartwarming cheer, They wrapped up the Grinch fun for this 2024 year. Big thanks to the Huskies, so lively and bright, For showing the Grinch what makes Hillcrest just right!

The Grinch came to Kinloch, as grumpy as ever, But the Koalas were ready, too clever to sever! With new friends from afar and kindness to spare, They showed the old Grinch how much they all care. At lunch, there was drama—a koala, a brawl— So Principal Marvaso ran a circle for all! Dressed as Cindy Lou Who, she kept the peace right, Turning chaos to laughter, a wonderful sight. Big thanks to the teachers, the staff, and Nurse Maddy, For snapping great pics of this fun Grinchy “addy.” Tomorrow’s at Hillcrest—the fun doesn’t end, With Crestwood’s great spirit, even Grinch is a friend!

The Kinloch Elementary Talent Show was a tremendous success, thanks to the exceptional leadership of Music Teacher Mr. Alexander Lane. Students brought the Riverside Middle School stage to life with singing, dancing, piano performances, and enthusiastic cheers, showcasing their incredible talents. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated Kinloch staff who supported Mr. Lane in making the night both fun and memorable for everyone.

The Grinch came to Highview and tried to cause fear, But the Hawks were too joyful—he found kindness here! With big thanks to the parents, the staff, and the crew, And to Principal Taleb for all that they do! Tomorrow, it’s Kinloch, where fun will take flight, And Friday, Hillcrest will shine merry and bright. In Crestwood, the Grinch finds it hard to feel mean, With such wonderful schools spreading cheer unseen!