Our District
Show submenu for Departments
Academics
Show submenu for Parents/Community
Show submenu for Students
Show submenu for Staff
Show submenu for
Maria Watt, a paraprofessional at Hillcrest Elementary, reminded us all that breakthrough moments often come through the simplest connections. Through a dice game and consistent care, she helped a student find his voice and build the confidence to communicate in full sentences. Her story reflects the heart of what we do at Crestwood: meeting every student where they are and celebrating every step forward.
about 9 hours ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic with a full-background classroom photograph celebrates a Hillcrest Elementary School staff member. In the upper left corner, large white uppercase text reads, “HILLCREST.” Overlapping the lower portion of the title is the word “Spotlight” in large white script placed on a semi-transparent light gray rectangle. In the upper right corner, large white uppercase text reads, “MARIA WATT.” Beneath the name, smaller white text reads, “Paraprofessional,” followed by “Hillcrest Elementary School.” Soft white light rays shine from the upper right corner of the graphic as a decorative effect. The photograph shows Maria Watt smiling at the camera while standing beside a young student in a classroom. Maria has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a bright yellow shirt, blue suspenders, a black lanyard that reads “HILLCREST HUSKIES,” and a yellow knit hat with black goggles resting on top, creating a playful costume. The student is smiling with eyes closed and is wearing a blue and red costume top. The classroom in the background includes a large wall-mounted television, an analog clock, an American flag, storage cabinets, classroom equipment, blue beanbag-style seating, and a patterned carpet with leaf designs. Across the center of the image, large white uppercase text reads, “SIMPLE, FUN, AND REAL CONNECTION WORKS.” The bottom third of the graphic is a bright red panel containing centered black text that reads: “No challenge is too big when the approach is simple and the connection is real. No matter what challenges your student may have, you can still reach them through a simple, fun activity, and that moment will stay with you forever.” The graphic uses Hillcrest Elementary School’s red, white, and black color theme to recognize a paraprofessional whose positive relationships and engaging approach help students succeed.
When Tara Spencer talks about her resource room students making more than a year's growth in reading, she's talking about something even more powerful: students who now see themselves as learners. As a Resource Room Teacher at Highview, Tara doesn't just teach skills, she builds confidence and cultivates a genuine love for reading. That's the kind of educator-student relationship that drives real, measurable impact and aligns perfectly with our commitment to ELA improvement across the district.
1 day ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic with a bright gold background highlights a Highview Elementary School classroom spotlight. Soft light rays shine from the upper right corner, and a subtle light flare appears in the lower left corner. In the upper left, large white uppercase text reads, “HIGHVIEW.” Overlapping the lower portion of the title is the word “Spotlight” in large black script placed on a semi-transparent light gold rectangle. Near the upper right of the graphic is a pair of oversized, semi-transparent gold quotation marks used as a decorative design element. Centered on the page in large black uppercase text is the headline, “MORE THAN A YEAR'S GROWTH IN READING.” A thin white horizontal line separates the headline from the body text below. Centered beneath the line, black text reads: “When we invest in students' confidence alongside their skills, remarkable things happen. Many of my students made more than a year's growth in reading this year because they leaned into the hard work and started to see themselves differently as learners.” In the lower right corner, large black uppercase text reads, “TARA SPENCER.” Beneath the name, smaller black text reads, “Teacher,” followed by “Highview Elementary School.” The graphic uses Highview Elementary School’s gold color theme with a clean, modern layout to celebrate student achievement and recognize the educator’s impact on reading growth.
Congratulations to Eric Voydanoff on being named Crestwood School District's new Technology Supervisor at tonight's Board of Education meeting!

A proud Crestwood graduate, Eric has served the district for more than 25 years. Since joining Crestwood in 1999, he has become a trusted resource for students and staff, earning a reputation for his technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and unwavering commitment to helping others. His dedication, reliability, and continuous pursuit of learning have made a lasting impact across our district.

We are excited to see Eric lead our Technology Department and continue supporting innovative learning opportunities for our students and staff.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to David Green for his years of dedicated service to Crestwood School District as the Technology Supervisor and wish him a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
1 day ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic with a dark navy blue background celebrates Eric Voydanoff on his appointment as Crestwood School District's new Technology Supervisor. At the top of the graphic, large gold uppercase text reads, “CONGRATULATIONS ERIC VOYDANOFF.” On the left side is a photograph of Eric Voydanoff standing behind a black podium with a microphone. He is smiling and looking toward the audience. He has short gray hair, wears black rectangular glasses, and is dressed in a navy blue patterned polo shirt. The background of the photograph shows a light-colored wall, suggesting the image was taken during a school board meeting or presentation. Overlapping the lower right corner of the photograph is the Crestwood School District logo, featuring a tree with blue and gold leaves surrounded by the words “Crestwood School District” and the district motto, “Your Future. Our Focus.” On the right side of the graphic is centered white text that reads: “A proud Crestwood graduate, Eric has dedicated more than 25 years of service to the district, earning the trust and respect of students, staff, and colleagues through his expertise, reliability, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Congratulations, Eric, on this well-deserved appointment!” Across the bottom of the graphic, large gold uppercase text reads, “NEW TECHNOLOGY SUPERVISOR.” The overall design uses Crestwood School District’s official navy blue, gold, and white color palette to recognize Eric Voydanoff’s appointment and celebrate his years of dedicated service to the district.
Rawana Shukur knows that kindness starts young. Through Crestwood's GSRP Building Study project, she created space for preschoolers to collaborate, problem-solve, and support one another using recycled materials from home. The result? Even our youngest learners recognized when a friend needed help and stepped up to encourage them. That's the foundation of a learning community we're proud to build.
2 days ago, Crestwood School District
A square recognition graphic with a lavender-purple background highlights an Early Childhood classroom spotlight. Soft light rays shine from the upper right corner, and subtle light flares appear in the lower left corner. In the upper left, large white uppercase text reads, “EARLY CHILDHOOD.” Overlapping the lower portion of the title is the word “Spotlight” in large gold script placed on a semi-transparent light gray rectangle. Near the upper right of the graphic is a pair of oversized, semi-transparent lavender quotation marks used as a decorative design element. Centered on the page in large white uppercase text is the headline, “EVEN OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERS STEP UP.” A thin white horizontal line separates the headline from the body text below. Centered beneath the line, white text reads: “We built a classroom culture of kindness and collaboration by giving students the freedom to create, support one another, and take pride in their work. Watching students recognize when a friend needed help and step in to encourage them was heartwarming.” In the lower right corner, large white uppercase text reads, “RAWANA SHUKUR.” Beneath the name, smaller white text reads, “GSRP Associate Teacher,” followed by “Crestwood Early Childhood Center.” The graphic uses a simple, clean layout with the Crestwood Early Childhood Center’s lavender-purple color theme to celebrate a positive classroom achievement and recognize the educator’s contribution.
We’re proud to showcase the impactful work and meaningful moments happening across Crestwood School District!

Building meaningful relationships with students is creating positive classroom environments where every learner feels supported, respected, and ready to succeed.

Stay tuned as we continue to share the great work happening across our district!
3 days ago, Crestwood School District
A blue graphic with the Crestwood School District logo at the top and a message about the importance of building strong relationships in the classroom. The text explains that when students feel known, respected, and supported from the start, behavior improves and classrooms become more positive places to learn, emphasizing that connection is the foundation for student success. The quote is attributed to Michael Bright, Assistant Principal at Riverside Middle School, with his headshot shown in the bottom corner.
What does real learning look like? According to Eric Schabo, it happens when students move beyond the textbook and discover concepts on their own. His mystery box lab transformed abstract psychology into something students could literally feel in their hands, turning bottom-up processing from a definition into an experience. This is the kind of thoughtful, student-centered teaching that defines our Crestwood community.
4 days ago, Crestwood School District
A graphic titled “CRESTWOOD Spotlight” features a classroom at Crestwood High School where students are actively engaged in collaborative learning. The title appears in large white block letters with the word “Spotlight” written in yellow script over a translucent gray banner in the upper left corner. In the upper right, the graphic identifies Eric Schabo as a Teacher at Crestwood High School. The background photo shows a high school classroom with students working in small groups at desks throughout the room. Several students are writing on worksheets, discussing ideas with classmates, and collaborating to solve problems. The classroom walls are covered with educational posters related to psychology and learning theories, including topics such as cognitive, behavioral, sociocultural, and humanistic approaches, creating an engaging academic environment. A blue banner across the bottom of the graphic features the headline “WHEN STUDENTS FIGURE IT OUT THEMSELVES” in large white capital letters. Below it, white text reads: “Anytime you can get students out of the book, moving and engaged, anytime they have to figure out objectives on their own, that's the best kind of learning and the stuff they'll take with them.” The graphic emphasizes student-centered learning, collaboration, critical thinking, and active engagement.
Tomorrow's the day! Support the Crestwood Marching Band by stopping by their Car Wash on Saturday, July 25th, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Riverside Middle School (25900 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn Heights).

A $5 suggested donation helps support our talented band students. Stop by, get your car washed, and help our Marching Band hit the right note this season!
5 days ago, Crestwood School District
A flyer with a white background promotes a CAR WASH fundraiser for the Crestwood Marching Band. Centered near the top, the title “CAR WASH” appears in large light blue capital letters. In the upper left corner is a smiling yellow cartoon car covered in soap bubbles while holding a blue garden hose that is spraying water over itself. In the upper right corner is a smiling purple cartoon car with soap bubbles on its roof and hood. Centered beneath the title, black text reads: “Where: Riverside Middle School 25900 W Warren Ave, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127” Below that, the event information reads: “When: Saturday July 25th, 10:00am - 2:00pm” The next line reads: “Suggested Donation: $5 per automobile” Centered below in large black italicized capital letters is the message: “PLEASE COME SUPPORT THE CRESTWOOD MARCHING BAND ALLOWING THE BAND MEMBERS TO GET YOUR CAR NICE AND CLEAN!!!” In the lower left corner is an illustration of a green car covered with soap sitting in a puddle of water beside a large yellow sponge. In the lower right corner is the Crestwood Marching Band logo, which features a blue circular emblem with the words “CRESTWOOD MARCHING BAND” surrounding a white fist holding a gold lightning bolt, with a black musical note incorporated into the fist. The overall design uses playful cartoon illustrations of cars, soap, and cleaning supplies with centered event information to advertise a Crestwood Marching Band car wash fundraiser at Riverside Middle School and encourage community support through a suggested five-dollar donation per vehicle.
When eighth graders teach basketball skills to fifth graders, something bigger than athletics happens. Brian Turk, a teacher at Riverside Middle School, watched both grade levels walk away with stronger confidence, better skills, and genuine connections that went beyond a single gym class. This is the kind of cross-grade collaboration that strengthens school culture and creates meaningful opportunities for students to learn and lead together.
5 days ago, Crestwood School District
A green graphic titled “RIVERSIDE Spotlight” features a quote from Riverside Middle School teacher Brian Turk. The title appears in large white block letters with the word “Spotlight” written in yellow script over a translucent banner in the upper left corner. Decorative quotation marks appear in the upper right, with a subtle light effect in the upper and lower corners. Centered on the graphic is the headline “WHEN STUDENTS LEAD, EVERYONE GROWS” in bold white capital letters. Below the headline, the quote reads: “The fifth graders were more willing to participate and try new skills because they felt comfortable learning from older students they looked up to. Both groups walked away with stronger confidence, better skills, and new connections.” In the lower right corner, the graphic identifies Brian Turk as a Teacher at Riverside Middle School. The design emphasizes the value of peer mentorship, student leadership, confidence-building, and meaningful connections through collaborative learning.
What does it look like when second graders truly understand economics? Kristi Trombka, a teacher at Kinloch Elementary School, watched her students transform from learners to entrepreneurs during Market Day. They didn't just memorize vocabulary. They designed products, set prices, advertised, and sold to classmates, turning abstract concepts into lived experience. This is exactly the kind of authentic, cross-curricular learning that drives student engagement and builds confidence in our classrooms.
6 days ago, Crestwood School District
A four-photo collage titled “KINLOCH Spotlight” highlights a second-grade classroom business project at Kinloch Elementary School. The top left corner features the words “KINLOCH Spotlight” in large white block letters with the word “Spotlight” in yellow script over a semi-transparent gray banner. In the top right corner, the graphic identifies Kristi Trombka, Teacher, Kinloch Elementary School in white text. The collage showcases students participating in a classroom marketplace. The upper left image displays colorful student-created business displays, including signs advertising handmade items and products for sale. The upper right image shows several smiling second-grade students seated behind decorated display boards, including one themed around Minecraft with green “Poke-a-Creeper” game pieces. The lower left image features a student standing beside a colorful prize wheel while classmates visit booths and browse items. The lower right image shows a smiling student seated behind a table displaying neatly organized containers of products, ready for customers. Across the bottom of the collage, a blue banner features the headline “SECOND GRADE ECONOMISTS MEAN BUSINESS” in large white capital letters. Beneath it, white text reads: “If we keep finding ways to give students real-world contexts for learning, we can continue to see that kind of genuine engagement and growth in every classroom.” The graphic emphasizes hands-on learning, creativity, entrepreneurship, and student engagement through an authentic classroom business experience.
As we enjoy the summer months, don't forget to make time for your family's mental and emotional well-being. Attached you'll find helpful summer wellness tips, along with information about Care Solace, a free and confidential mental health care coordination service available to all Crestwood School District families. We hope you have a safe, healthy, and relaxing summer!

https://aptg.co/D7KhzM
7 days ago, Crestwood School District
A square graphic with a bright sky-blue background promotes a summer wellness message from Crestwood School District and Care Solace. In the upper left corner is a stylized yellow sun with the Crestwood School District logo in its center. The logo features a tree with blue and gold leaves and the words “Crestwood School District” surrounding it, along with the district motto, “Your Future. Our Focus.” The center of the graphic displays a beach scene with light tan sand dunes, green palm trees on the left, and a purple-and-white striped beach chair on the right. Green palm fronds extend into the image from the upper left and upper right corners, and several small gray birds are flying across the pale blue sky. Large purple text in the center reads, “Enjoy Summer.” Near the bottom of the beach illustration is the white Care Solace logo, which reads, “care°solace.” A decorative border of seashells, starfish, and spiral shells runs horizontally across the bottom of the beach scene. The lower portion of the graphic has a solid sky-blue background with large gold script text that reads, “Summer Message.” The overall design uses bright summer colors and beach-themed illustrations to promote a seasonal message for the Crestwood School District community.
Join us for the Crestwood School District Back to School Kickoff on Tuesday, August 18th, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Crestwood High School!

Enjoy food trucks, free sports physicals, books, crafts, inflatables, entertainment, and more. Plus, free backpacks will be available while supplies last.

We can't wait to welcome our Crestwood families back for another great school year!
7 days ago, Crestwood School District
A square promotional graphic with a dark blue background advertises the Crestwood School District Back to School Kickoff event. Faint outline illustrations of school-themed items such as pencils, leaves, and classroom objects are patterned across the background. In the upper left corner is the Crestwood School District logo, which features a tree with blue and gold leaves and the words “Crestwood School District” surrounding it. Across the upper right portion of the graphic, very large white and gold outlined text reads, “BACK TO SCHOOL.” Beneath it, large black text with a gold outline reads, “Kickoff.” A large gold banner below the title contains black text that reads, “Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • 5:00–8:00 PM.” Across the center of the graphic are four gold information panels outlined in blue. The first panel features a colorful food truck illustration with a sign reading “FOOD TRUCK.” Below it, bold black text reads, “FOOD TRUCKS.” The description reads, “The Custard Co, ElSayed on the Grill, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Zs Bubble Tea, and Heights Nutrition.” The second panel features illustrations of a flower, an open book, crayons, and an inflatable bounce house. Bold black text reads, “ACTIVITIES.” The description reads, “Free Sports Physicals, Free Books, Bounce Houses, Glitter Tattoos, Inflatable Slides, Crafts, and Balloon Animals.” The third panel displays the logos for Charger Robotics, Crestwood Theatre, and the Crestwood Marching Band. Bold black text reads, “ENTERTAINMENT.” The description reads, “Crestwood Band, Crestwood Theatre, Crestwood Robotics, Chargie the Mascot, and DJ.” The fourth panel features illustrations of a red backpack and a green backpack. Bold black text reads, “FREE BACKPACK GIVEAWAY.” The description reads, “First come first serve. Supplies are limited.” Below the activity panels are two sponsor sections. On the left, large white text reads, “Thank you to Our Sponsors!” Gold text beneath lists, “United Way of Southeastern Michigan • Highview PTA • Hillcrest PTO • Kinloch PTA • RMS KAB • CHS PTA.” On the right, large white text reads, “Thank you to Our Partners!” Gold text beneath lists, “Blue Hands United • Family Doc • Dearborn Heights Police • Dearborn Heights Fire • Dearborn Heights Library • Dean Transportation.” Near the bottom center of the graphic, large curved white text outlined in black reads, “Crestwood School District Families Only.” Beneath it is a large gold rounded rectangle containing bold blue text that reads, “Crestwood High School.” Smaller blue text below reads, “1501 North Beech Daly • Dearborn Heights.” Along the very bottom of the graphic, centered on a white curved border, bold dark blue text reads, “Sensory Friendly Time • 4-5 PM • Special Needs Students ONLY.” The graphic uses Crestwood School District’s blue and gold color scheme with bold typography and colorful illustrations to promote the community back-to-school event.
What does it look like when we truly trust the process with our students? Daniela Pesce, a paraprofessional at Hillcrest Elementary School, reminds us that patience and collaboration can transform a struggling reader into a confident, independent learner who chooses to pick up books on their own. Her dedication to meeting students where they are and celebrating every step forward reflects the heart of our district's commitment to every child's journey. Stories like these are why we do this work.
7 days ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic titled “HILLCREST Spotlight” features a clean, text-focused design on a bright red background. In the upper left corner, the word “HILLCREST” appears in large white capital letters, with the word “Spotlight” written beneath it in large black script over a semi-transparent light pink rectangle. Decorative rays of light shine diagonally from the upper right corner, and a pair of oversized translucent quotation marks appear near the upper right portion of the graphic. A subtle white starburst light effect is displayed near the lower left corner. Centered in the middle of the graphic is a bold black headline in all capital letters that reads: “TRUSTING THE PROCESS.” A thin white horizontal line appears beneath the headline. Below the line, centered black text reads: “It takes time and patience, but the hard work pays off. If we trust the process and stay patient, we can keep unlocking breakthrough moments for the students who need it most.” In the lower right portion of the graphic, the staff member's name appears in large black capital letters reading “DANIELA PESCE.” Beneath the name, smaller black text reads: “Paraprofessional” and “Hillcrest Elementary School.” The overall design uses a bold red, black, white, and light pink color palette with clean typography and subtle decorative elements to emphasize the inspirational message about perseverance while recognizing Daniela Pesce, paraprofessional at Hillcrest Elementary School.
Angela Furton, a teacher at Highview Elementary School, reminds us that transformative teaching doesn't always require elaborate programs. Through her intentional Morning Meeting routine, Angela created a daily anchor where her K–1st grade students built academic skills, communication abilities, and peer awareness in an environment where they felt safe and seen. Her commitment to consistent, student-centered practices embodies the heart of what we celebrate across Crestwood.
8 days ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic titled “HIGHVIEW Spotlight” features a photograph of an elementary classroom during a whole-group lesson. The word “HIGHVIEW” appears in large white capital letters in the upper left corner, with the word “Spotlight” written beneath it in large white script over a semi-transparent gray rectangle. In the upper right corner, white text reads: “ANGELA FURTON” followed by “Teacher” and “Highview Elementary School.” The main photograph shows several elementary students seated on colorful cube chairs and benches arranged on a green classroom rug decorated with large leaf patterns. The students are facing the front of the room, watching their teacher and a large interactive display. The teacher stands beside the screen smiling and leading the lesson. The interactive display shows a colorful educational activity with the word “April” displayed prominently along with cartoon characters and classroom-themed graphics. Surrounding the display are classroom cabinets, learning materials, and word wall cards. Posters and vocabulary cards labeled “Left” and “Right” are visible on the wall, along with additional sight words and classroom reference materials. A red kidney-shaped activity table occupies the lower left corner of the image with a blue student water bottle resting on top. Across the bottom of the photograph, large white capital letters read: “A DAILY ROUTINE WHERE” with “EVERY STUDENT SHINES” displayed directly below in large yellow capital letters outlined in white. The bottom third of the graphic is a golden yellow panel containing centered black text that reads: “When we recognize that something as simple as a consistent daily routine can be transformative, we create classrooms where every student has the chance to shine academically, socially, and communicatively.” The overall design combines a real classroom learning scene with bold typography and gold accents to recognize Angela Furton of Highview Elementary School while highlighting the importance of consistent classroom routines in helping every student thrive academically, socially, and through effective communication.
Meet Betsy Knott, an Occupational Therapist at our Early Childhood Center, whose patience and collaboration helped a preschool student find his rhythm. When the team noticed daily overstimulation patterns, they didn't wait for a crisis—they created a proactive sensory break routine that gave this young learner the tools to self-regulate and communicate his needs. This is what happens when educators stay curious, stay consistent, and trust that the right support will unlock real growth.
9 days ago, Crestwood School District
A purple graphic titled "EARLY CHILDHOOD Spotlight" appears at the top left, with the word "Spotlight" in yellow script over a translucent gray rectangle. The center of the graphic features the headline, "WHEN ONE STUDENT'S BREAKTHROUGH BECAME A TEAM WIN," in large white capital letters, with decorative quotation marks in the upper right. Below the headline, a horizontal white line separates the story, which reads: "We started taking a preschool student to the sensory room for 10-minute calming breaks before he'd become overstimulated each day. Within weeks, he was eagerly grabbing our hands when break time arrived and dragging the stool to the swing himself. That ownership told us everything." In the bottom right corner, the quote is attributed to BETSY KNOTT, Occupational Therapist, Crestwood Early Childhood Center. The background is a purple gradient with subtle light effects in the corners.
We’re proud to showcase the impactful work and meaningful moments happening across Crestwood School District!

By working together and aligning instructional strategies, our educators are creating consistent learning experiences that help every student grow, improve, and succeed.

Stay tuned as we continue to share the great work happening across our district!
10 days ago, Crestwood School District
A blue graphic with the Crestwood School District logo at the top and a message about the importance of consistency and teamwork in student success. The text explains that educators across Crestwood School District are working together and using shared strategies to support student learning, emphasizing that when instruction is aligned and focused, students are able to grow, improve, and succeed. The quote is attributed to Dina Kaczmarczyk, Literacy Coach for Kinloch and Hillcrest Elementary Schools, with her headshot shown in the bottom corner.
When students choose topics that matter to them, incredible things happen. Hiba Elhajj, Teacher at Crestwood High School, designed a research project that gave her students the space to build real academic skills through data analysis and presentation. Her insight reminds us that rigorous learning thrives when we center student voice and provide meaningful support. This is the kind of teaching that makes our community stronger.
11 days ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic titled “CRESTWOOD Spotlight” features a photograph of students presenting in a high school classroom. The word “CRESTWOOD” appears in large white capital letters in the upper left corner, with the word “Spotlight” written beneath it in large yellow script over a semi-transparent gray rectangle. In the upper right corner, white text reads: “HIBA ELHAJJ” followed by “Teacher” and “Crestwood High School.” The main photograph shows two students standing at the front of an English classroom delivering a presentation. One student stands beside a whiteboard while the other points toward a large interactive display showing a document with written text. Several classmates are seated at desks facing the presenters, listening to the presentation. The classroom walls are covered with educational materials, including anchor charts, posters, and instructional resources. A whiteboard on the left contains handwritten lesson notes, including the date “Friday, November 3” and learning objectives. A grammar reference chart displays the words “their,” “there,” and “they’re.” Additional posters and books line the front of the classroom beneath the interactive display. On the whiteboard to the right of the screen, handwritten text reads “Pg 41,42,43” and “TGIF,” with a simple drawing of a bicycle beneath it. Soft rays of light shine diagonally from the upper right corner of the graphic. Across the bottom of the photograph, large white capital letters read: “RIGOROUS LEARNING STARTS” with “WITH STUDENT CHOICE” displayed directly below in even larger white capital letters. The bottom third of the graphic is a dark blue panel containing centered white text that reads: “We were able to build genuine academic language skills and data literacy by designing a project rooted in student choice and authentic communication.” The overall design combines a real classroom presentation with bold typography and blue accents to recognize Hiba Elhajj of Crestwood High School while highlighting how student choice and authentic communication foster rigorous learning, academic language development, and data literacy.
Katheryne Friske knows that every student has a voice worth celebrating. As a teacher at Riverside Middle School, she started a choir with about 20 students and created something much bigger than a music program. She built a family where confidence and empathy grow right alongside musical skills. This is what it looks like when we invest in the whole child and create belonging for every learner.
12 days ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic titled “RIVERSIDE Spotlight” features a photograph of a middle school choir performing on stage during a concert rehearsal or performance. The word “RIVERSIDE” appears in large white capital letters in the upper left corner, with the word “Spotlight” written beneath it in large yellow script over a semi-transparent gray rectangle. In the upper right corner, white text reads: “KATHERYNE FRISKE” followed by “Teacher” and “Riverside Middle School.” The main photograph shows approximately 15 middle school students standing in a choir formation across a stage, all dressed in black concert attire. The students are facing forward with attentive posture as they sing. In front of the stage, a teacher stands with her back and side partially facing the camera, conducting the choir with both hands raised. A black music stand is positioned in front of the conductor. The stage features dark blue curtains and a wooden front edge, while a projected presentation is faintly visible on a screen behind the choir. The auditorium includes a gray carpeted floor, light-colored walls with wood accents, mounted stage lighting, and an exit door visible on the right side. Soft rays of light shine from the upper right corner of the graphic, adding emphasis to the performance scene. Across the bottom of the photograph, large white capital letters read: “WHEN STUDENTS FIND THEIR VOICE.” The bottom third of the graphic is a dark green panel containing centered white text that reads: “We started a choir at Riverside with about 20 students, and it's become a family. I've seen the light in their eyes when they feel good about what they just sang. These kids have grown in confidence and empathy along the way.” The overall design combines a live performance photograph with bold typography and green accents to recognize Katheryne Friske of Riverside Middle School while highlighting the positive impact of choir on students' confidence, sense of belonging, empathy, and personal growth.
Lisa Gogue and her colleagues at Kinloch Elementary just proved what's possible when a whole team commits to student success. When 91% of first-grade English learners advance six reading levels in one year, that's not luck. That's the power of targeted intervention, collaborative support, and educators who refuse to settle for average. This is the kind of instructional excellence we celebrate across Crestwood.
13 days ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic titled “KINLOCH Spotlight” features a clean, text-focused design on a soft blue gradient background. In the upper left corner, the word “KINLOCH” appears in large white capital letters, with the word “Spotlight” written beneath it in large yellow script over a semi-transparent light blue rectangle. Decorative rays of light shine diagonally from the upper right corner, and a pair of oversized translucent quotation marks appear near the upper right portion of the graphic. A subtle white starburst light effect is displayed near the lower left corner. Centered in the middle of the graphic is a bold white headline in all capital letters that reads: “WHEN THE WHOLE TEAM SHOWS UP.” A thin white horizontal line appears beneath the headline. Below the line, centered white text reads: “Ninety-one percent of our first-grade English learners hit an ambitious goal: advancing six reading levels in one year. That's what targeted small-group work looks like when teachers and support staff show up together.” In the lower right portion of the graphic, the teacher's name appears in large white capital letters reading “LISA GOGUE.” Beneath the name, smaller white text reads: “Teacher” and “Kinloch Elementary School.” The overall design uses a blue and white color palette with yellow accents, clean typography, and subtle decorative elements to emphasize the inspirational message about teamwork and student achievement while recognizing Lisa Gogue of Kinloch Elementary School.
We hope you're having a wonderful summer! The 2026–2027 Crestwood School District Calendar is now available in both English and Arabic. Be sure to save a copy and start planning for the new school year. View the calendar here: https://aptg.co/l2hsvg

We're looking forward to welcoming students back on Monday, August 24th for the first day of school!
14 days ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic on a royal blue background announces that the 2026–2027 Crestwood School District Calendar is now available. In the upper left corner is the circular Crestwood School District logo featuring a blue and gold tree with roots and the words “Crestwood School District” surrounding it. Across the center of the tree is the district slogan “Your Future. Our Focus.” Large white text fills the left side of the graphic and reads: “2026-2027 Crestwood School District Calendar is Now Available!” The right half of the graphic displays two overlapping preview images of the district calendar. The larger calendar is in English and is titled “2026-2027 CRESTWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR.” It includes a legend showing yellow squares labeled “No School” and light blue squares labeled “School Event.” The preview shows monthly calendars beginning with August and continuing through the school year, along with a list of important dates and school schedules. Near the bottom, headings identify school start and end times for Elementary School, Riverside Middle School, and Crestwood High School. Partially overlapping the English calendar is a smaller Arabic-language version titled “2026-2027 أحداث العام الدراسي للإدارة مدارس كريستوود” (2026–2027 Crestwood School District School Year Events). Like the English version, it includes the district logo, monthly calendar layouts, color-coded dates, and a legend indicating school activities and days with no school. Both calendar previews are angled slightly to create depth, emphasizing that the calendar is available in both English and Arabic. The overall design uses the Crestwood School District's blue, white, and gold color palette to announce the availability of the district calendar for the 2026–2027 school year.
Kathleen Rutz knows something powerful: trust students with real questions, and they'll rise to meet them. This year, her second graders at Hillcrest Elementary became true scientists, investigating whether plants could grow without soil and proving that even our youngest learners are ready for authentic inquiry. This is the kind of teaching that lives at the heart of our mission to develop curious, capable problem solvers.
14 days ago, Crestwood School District
A promotional graphic titled “HILLCREST Spotlight” features a classroom science investigation displayed on a large window. The word “HILLCREST” appears in large white capital letters in the upper left corner, with the word “Spotlight” written beneath it in large white script over a semi-transparent gray rectangle. In the upper right corner, white text reads: “KATHLEEN RUTZ” followed by “Teacher” and “Hillcrest Elementary School.” The main photograph shows numerous clear resealable plastic bags taped to a classroom window in neat rows. Each bag contains different natural materials, including rocks, soil, leaves, moss, and other outdoor objects collected by students for observation and comparison. Through the window, a grassy area, trees, and two yellow school buses are visible outside, reinforcing the connection between the outdoor environment and the classroom investigation. Colorful student artwork and classroom displays can be seen along the edges of the window, framing the science activity within the classroom. Across the bottom of the photograph, large white capital letters read: “TRUST STUDENTS WITH REAL QUESTIONS.” The bottom third of the graphic is a bright red panel containing centered black text that reads: “Even our youngest learners are capable of thinking like scientists. When we trust students with real questions and give them the space to find real answers, hands-on learning excites their curiosity and prepares them to become problem solvers.” The overall design combines a real classroom science investigation with bold typography and red accents to recognize Kathleen Rutz of Hillcrest Elementary School while highlighting the value of inquiry-based, hands-on learning that encourages students to think critically, explore their environment, and develop problem-solving skills.