Woodhaven District unveils comprehensive summer learning programs for K-12 students

The Woodhaven-Brownstown School District held a regular meeting on May 13, 2025, where officials presented an overview of the district's comprehensive summer learning programs. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Josh Satterfield, alongside Mike Schmidhu from the City of Woodhaven's Parks and Recreation Department, highlighted the initiatives aimed at addressing learning loss and providing enrichment opportunities for students.

The summer program, developed over the past five years, aligns with the district's strategic plan, focusing on a whole-child approach that integrates academic support with social-emotional learning (SEL) and wellness. For students in grades K-8, the program includes a variety of activities designed to sustain intervention and remediate learning loss. High school students can participate in credit recovery options and a GM student core program that emphasizes community service and life skills.

Satterfield emphasized the importance of transportation and food services in ensuring that students can fully engage with the summer offerings. The district collaborates closely with transportation departments to mitigate barriers for families, ensuring that students have access to necessary resources.

The K-5 program features engaging summer check-in events, including a popular capstone celebration at the end of the summer. The district also partners with local organizations to enhance the program, such as offering scholarships for students to participate in city recreation programs, which provide additional academic support and enrichment.

Schmidhu praised the collaboration between the school district and the city, noting that the summer program has become a model for neighboring communities. The program not only provides educational opportunities but also fosters socialization among students, allowing them to build friendships and leadership skills in a fun environment.

The middle school program, while separate from the city’s offerings, incorporates enrichment activities alongside academic support, serving around 100 to 125 students each year. The high school program continues to focus on credit recovery and includes a partnership with GM to prepare students for post-graduation success.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing a robust summer learning experience that addresses both academic needs and personal development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the upcoming school year. As the summer approaches, further updates on the programs will be shared with the community, reflecting the district's ongoing dedication to student success.