Champion Learning: Develop, Educate, and INSPIRE!

Superintendent Update 5-28-2026

As we come to the close of another outstanding school year, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our students, staff, and families for making the 2025–2026 school year such a success. Thank you for your partnership, dedication, and commitment to Dexter Community Schools. This update is organized into two parts: important information and celebrations as we finish the 2025–2026 school year, along with a few early reminders and items to begin thinking about as we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.

Congratulations, Class of 2026: On behalf of Dexter Community Schools, we would like to congratulate the Senior Class of 2026 on their accomplishments and achievements. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you and look forward to celebrating this milestone together at the DHS Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 29, at Al Ritt Field beginning at 7:00 p.m. We also hope you enjoy this special video, Senior Farewell, created by students in Mrs. Ford’s class, honoring and celebrating the Class of 2026.

New Beginnings/Ground Breaking: We hope you will join us on Tuesday, June 2, as Dexter Community Schools officially breaks ground on the Series 1 2025 Bond Projects, including the athletic fields, Wylie addition, CTE addition, new DHS entrance and weight room, and field house. This exciting event will celebrate the beginning of several important district improvements and will also provide an opportunity for our community to welcome and meet Dexter High School’s new principal, Dr. Theresa Stager.

SRSLY Dexter: Dexter Community Schools is proud to partner with SRSLY Dexter, a community coalition dedicated to youth substance use prevention and supporting student well-being. Through the “Be the Anchor” campaign, we’re reminding our community that every young person needs a trusted adult who helps them feel safe, supported, and connected. By building strong relationships, listening without judgment, and checking in regularly, we can help youth stay grounded through life’s challenges.

Families and community members can access resources including mental health conversation tips, signs of stress or substance use, prevention strategies, and support for youth and caregivers at https://linktr.ee/BeTheAnchor.

Community members can also show their support by picking up a Be the Anchor yard sign during the DHS Ground Breaking event next Tuesday from 4–5 p.m.

To learn more about SRSLY Dexter, visit www.srslydexter.org, follow @srslydexter_community on Instagram, or email srslydexter1@gmail.com.

Report Cards: As we approach the end of the school year, please note that June 10 is the last day of school for students. 

  • For students in Young 5s through 6th grade, report cards will be sent home in paper form with students on the last day of school. 
  • For students in grades 7–8, final grades are due on the last day of school, and families will receive a message on June 11 notifying them that report cards are available to view in PowerSchool. 
  • For students in grades 9–11, final grades are due Thursday, June 11, and families will receive communication on June 19th when report cards are available in PowerSchool. 

Summer Building Calendar: As we transition into summer, please note that school building offices will generally be closed throughout much of the summer break. Dexter High School will maintain limited office hours during portions of the summer and will communicate those schedules directly with families and students. If you have questions or need assistance during the summer months, please contact the district office at info@dexterschools.org or call 734-424-4100, and we will be happy to assist you.

Fall Calendar: We expect the Fall 2026-2027 school calendar to be approved by the Board of Education at one of the upcoming June meetings. 


FALL 2026 REMINDERS

Medications Kept or Administered at School: Any student who requires medication at school, whether daily or as-needed (PRN), must have completed medication authorization paperwork on file. The completed authorization form must be turned in at the same time the medication is brought to school this Fall. 

Parents/guardians of students who require medication at school must submit one of the following district forms:

Parent/guardian signatures are required on all authorization forms. Please direct any questions to District School Nurse, Rachel Piersol, at piersolr@dexterschools.org 

German Exchange Program: Dexter Community Schools is excited to offer current 8th and 9th grade students a unique exchange opportunity through our partnership with Aventinus-Gymnasium in Burghausen, Germany. This program allows students to experience another culture, build international connections, and participate in meaningful educational experiences.

German students will visit Dexter in October 2026 and stay with participating families for ten days. In June 2027, Dexter students will travel to Germany for a ten-day stay with their exchange partner’s family, including cultural experiences and visits to destinations such as Burghausen Castle, Munich, Salzburg, and more.  More information will be sent to families of age-eligible students soon!

Transportation Plans: As we plan for the 2026–2027 school year, we ask all families to please complete the district transportation form as soon as possible, even if your child will not be riding a bus. Gathering accurate transportation information helps Dexter Community Schools efficiently plan bus routes, staffing, and schedules to ensure safe and reliable service for all students. We appreciate your timely attention and partnership as we prepare for another successful school year.  Transportation Plans Form 

Cellphone Policy: As required by recently enacted state legislation, Dexter Community Schools will be adopting a revised cell phone (wireless device) policy for the 2026–2027 school year that more firmly addresses the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. While the Board of Education has not yet formally approved the updated policy, families and students should expect clearer expectations and more consistent restrictions regarding cell phone use in schools beginning next year. Additional details will be shared with families once the policy review and approval process is complete.

Have a great weekend and Go Dreads!

Ryan Bruder
Superintendent
Dexter Community Schools
 
A rendering of a large building with cars and people in the foreground is overlaid with text announcing "New Beginnings" for Dexter Community Schools.

 

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