Welcome Back, Dreadnaughts!
It’s hard to believe the calendar is nearing September, but the signs are all around us: the Dexter Summer Festival, crisp mornings, the new lights shining at Al Ritt Field, and the faint sound of the Dexter High School Marching Band practicing in the distance. Together, they remind us that summer is winding down and the start of a new school year is just around the corner.
As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we want to share some important information and action items with families. Items BLUE in include parent/guardian tasks to be completed. As a reminder, all Back-to-School information, including school calendars, can be found on our Back-to-School Hub.
Teacher Assignments and Bus Route Information:
A great deal of time, care, and intentionality goes into creating class lists and teacher assignments. Our building teams work to thoughtfully balance a variety of academic, social, and individual student needs while creating classrooms where all students can learn and thrive. We understand that families and students may have hopes for a particular teacher or classroom placement; however, we ask that families respect the thoughtful process our educators and administrators use in developing class assignments.
Transportation
Another piece of information families are often eager to receive is bus route information. Our transportation team is working diligently to create and refine routes across Dexter Community Schools’ 82 square miles. Bus route information will be posted on the Transportation website during the week of August 28. We will send a communication to families as soon as routes are available.
Questions regarding transportation can be directed to transportation@dexterschools.
Review Contacts in PowerSchool
Our District communication systems rely on the information in PowerSchool to deliver important school and District messages. Keeping this information current helps ensure you don’t miss important updates throughout the school year. Thank you for taking a few moments to review your information and helping us stay connected.
Review Updated Student Handbook
Over the past year, the Dexter Community Schools Board of Education has worked to update District policy. This summer, DCS administrators worked to further align our student handbook with those policies and to provide clear, consistent expectations for students and families across the District.
Families can read the updated Student Handbook here.
The Wayfinder and Back-to-School Forms Coming Early Next Week
Each year, Dexter Community Schools prepares an informational brochure called The Wayfinder, which includes important Back-to-School information and required forms for families.
The Wayfinder will be emailed to families early next week. Please be on the lookout for this separate, important communication, as families are required to complete Back-to-School forms prior to the start of school.
New Cell Phone Rules
As previously communicated, the Dexter Community Schools Board of Education has updated the District’s cell phone policy in response to new state requirements. These policy changes have resulted in updated school rules regarding cell phones and other wireless communication devices. View this outline of the new expectations for all K-12 students.
We recognize that adjusting to these new expectations may be challenging at times for students, staff, and families. Our goal has always been, and continues to be, to reduce distractions and create an environment where students can be fully present and engaged in their learning. These expectations are about supporting a safe, positive school climate where students can focus, build meaningful human connections, and be successful.
We appreciate the partnership of our families as we work together to help students adjust to these new expectations.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
School Offices Reopen Monday
Beginning Monday, August 24, our Office Professionals will return to each of our buildings and will be available to support students and families as we prepare for the start of school. Please feel free to call or email your child’s school with any questions.
Dexter Early Elementary Complex (DEEC; “The Deck”) | Young 5s–Grade 2
734-424-4120 or 734-424-4130
deec@dexterschools.org
Wylie Elementary | Grades 3–4
734-424-4140
wylie@dexterschools.org
Creekside Intermediate | Grades 5–6
734-424-4160
creekside@dexterschools.org
Mill Creek Middle School | Grades 7–8
734-424-4150
millcreek@dexterschools.org
Dexter High School | Grades 9–12
734-424-4240
dhs@dexterschools.org
Student Health Questions
If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s health or medical needs as we prepare for the new school year, please reach out to our District Nurses at dcsnurses@dexterschools.org. Our nursing team is available to help answer questions and ensure we have the information necessary to support your child at school.
2025 Bond Update
Work is underway across Dexter Community Schools on projects included in Series I of the 2025 Bond. While some projects, including several summer upgrades and improvements, are nearing completion, others are just beginning, including construction of the new secure entrance at Dexter High School.
Prior to the start of school, families can expect additional information about bond construction and any potential impacts on traffic patterns, parking, building access, and the student experience. Building administrators will also work closely with staff, students, and families to communicate school-specific changes.
Our DCS Bond Team and project partners have worked diligently throughout the summer to identify the safest and most efficient ways to maintain school operations while significant renovations are underway. We know this work may bring some temporary inconveniences and changes to past practices. We appreciate our community’s patience and flexibility as we navigate them together.
Most importantly, we are incredibly excited about what this work will make possible. The improvements happening across our District represent an investment in the future of Dexter Community Schools and will create safer, stronger, and more inspiring learning environments for our students, staff, and community for years to come.
Aubree’s Summer Reading Program
As summer comes to a close, don’t forget to celebrate all the reading you accomplished! If your student participated in Aubree’s Summer Reading Program and reached their summer reading goal, be sure to redeem their accomplishment for pizza from Aubree’s.
Whether they read a few pages each day, a book each week, or completed their own personal reading challenge, every page counts, and that’s something worth celebrating!
Have a great weekend, and GO DREADS!
Ryan Bruder
Superintendent
- 2026-2027
- back-to-school