Stevenson Middle School reports attendance gains, honor‑roll growth and new esports program

Annie Casper, principal of Stevenson Middle School, presented the school’s annual update to the Wayne‑Westland School Board, describing a near‑100‑student enrollment increase to about 761 students and a 93% identification rate of students listed as "at risk" under state definitions.

Casper said the school has expanded co‑taught classes in math and English language arts, operates multiple self‑contained special‑education classrooms and reported attendance and tardy improvements after removing a one‑minute warning bell on Nov. 18. She said the change reduced tardies by about 6%.

The principal described a behavior and recognition system called RAPs (Respect, Accountability, Pride and Safety) and quarter‑end celebrations for eligible students; over 400 students qualified for a first‑quarter reward. She explained a "second‑chance" process that lets students apply for reinstatement to incentives after completing a reflection and check‑in plan.

Casper highlighted family meetings each quarter, student honor‑roll and perfect‑attendance recognition, and student‑nominated "Grammy" awards. She also noted a community donation that funded Stevenson’s esports lab, making the school one of the earlier middle‑school esports programs in Michigan.

The presentation included ongoing NWEA testing and classroom goal‑setting incentives intended to raise scores; principal Casper said teachers are encouraging students to improve by one NWEA point with raffles and teacher‑provided rewards. Board members thanked her and discussed outreach and partner involvement.

No board vote was required; the item was informational.