DCS Community,
It’s hard to believe that tomorrow marks the beginning of May. For many, May kicks off the end-of-year events; however, we can assure you that teaching and learning will continue with purpose and focus through the final day of the school year. For our seniors and their families, we recognize that this month brings a mix of excitement and reflection. We hope you are able to fully enjoy and cherish these meaningful moments of celebration. Seniors and their families should also be on the lookout for important information from the DHS administration regarding Honors Night, graduation procedures, and commencement.
Singin’ in the Rain: We hope you consider joining the DHS Drama Club as they present Singin’ in the Rain on April 30 and May 1–3. Additional information can be found attached to this email. Singin’ in the Rain is a light, entertaining show that is often considered one of the greatest musicals of all time. Our students have been hard at work preparing for a great performance!
Jim Barnes Wins Washtenaw County Teacher of the Year: Congratulations to Wylie 3rd Grade teacher, Mr. Jim Barnes, for earning the 2026 LaFontaine Teacher of the Year Award presented by the A2Y Chamber. Mr. Barnes is a leader in Place-Based Education (PBE) in Southeast Michigan. PBE is an approach to teaching that creates a learning environment that is (1) student-led, (2) connects classroom learning to the local community, and (3) supports students in developing solutions that address social and ecological topics in their communities. Mr. Barnes and his students were surprised with the announcement last week, along with recognition of this incredible honor. Congratulations, Mr. Barnes!
Teacher Appreciation Week: Next week, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the incredible dedication, care, and impact of our Dexter teachers. Our educators work each day to support, inspire, and challenge our students, and this is a wonderful opportunity to let them know how much they are valued. We encourage families and students to take a moment to share a quick nice job note of appreciation using the following link. Messages of gratitude go a long way in brightening a teacher’s day and celebrating the important work happening across our schools.
School Lunch Hero Day: May 5 is School Lunch Hero Day. Between preparing healthy meals, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, DCS Food & Nutrition professionals have a lot on their plates. They handle their work with diligence, kindness, and a strong commitment to student well-being. Students, families, and staff are fortunate to have them in our kitchens and cafeterias. Please consider sending a nice job note from you and/or your student.
Music in May: If your family is looking for an indoor activity to escape the May rain, take a look at the DCS District Calendar, as there are band, orchestra, and choir concerts scheduled throughout the month. We invite you to come out and enjoy the performances of our talented student musicians.
Dexter Art Walk: The annual Dexter Community Schools Spring Art Walk, which includes art from every grade level, is now on display throughout downtown Dexter, running from April 18 through May 17. This year’s event has expanded to feature work from all nine district art teachers, including new contributions from Dexter High School’s Graphic Arts and Housing & Interior Design classes. The exhibit is hosted across 14 local businesses—stop by during regular business hours and enjoy the artwork on display.
DreadBots Compete at Worlds: The DreadBots are competing in the FIRST World Robotics Championship in Houston from April 29–May 2. Please consider supporting the team as they represent Dexter on the world stage. Donations can be made through their online fundraiser, and matches will be livestreamed via the FIRST Championship Daly Field (look for Team 3656). Your support means a great deal to the team!
Bond and Construction Updates: Families will soon begin to see construction activity across the district related to the 2025 Bond. These projects represent important investments in our facilities to support safe, modern, and engaging learning environments for all students. We understand that construction may bring temporary impacts and are committed to keeping our community informed throughout the process. Families can find the latest information on project timelines and construction-related updates on the Construction Impact Updates page, as well as additional details about the bond and its scope on the district’s Bond Website.
2026–2027 Academic Calendar: The Dexter Education Association (DEA) has developed a draft of the 2026–2027 school calendar, which will be presented to its membership for a vote in May. Once approved, the calendar will be finalized and shared with the broader community. We appreciate your patience as this process is completed and look forward to providing the approved calendar in the near future. As a reminder, families can reference the WISD Common Calendar for Winter and Spring Break dates. Professional development dates specific to Dexter will be included in the finalized 2026–2027 Academic Calendar.
Military & First Responder Recognition Event: Students in Mrs. Ford’s Sports and Recreation Management class are organizing a Military and First Responder Recognition event to be held between the 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. DHS varsity baseball games on Saturday, May 9 at DHS. This student-created, planned, and managed event will include a special recognition honoring both active and former military members and first responders. We are grateful for the service, sacrifice, and commitment these individuals have made to our community and our country, and we appreciate the efforts of our students in creating a meaningful opportunity to show that appreciation.
Transportation Update: There is currently a significant amount of road work taking place in and around Dexter, which may impact bus routes and travel times. Our transportation team is actively monitoring these changes and making adjustments as needed to ensure student safety and timely service. We appreciate your patience and flexibility during this time. Families can find the most up-to-date information regarding bus routes and transportation changes on the district’s bus routes webpage.
Young 5s & Kindergarten Registration: Thank you to the many families who have already registered their Young 5s and Kindergarten students for the upcoming school year. Early registration is incredibly helpful as we plan for staffing, classroom placement, and resources to best support our youngest learners. We encourage families, friends, and neighbors who have not yet registered a child for Young 5s or Kindergarten to do so as soon as possible. Your partnership helps us prepare for a strong and successful start to the school year.
Have a great end of your week and Go Dreads!
Ryan Bruder
- 2025-2026