Superintendent Message

Alena Zachery-Ross
Superintendent

Welcome to Ypsilanti Community Schools.

We are obviously in unprecedented times in terms of how education has been facilitated with our students for the last few years. These have been unusual school years in education. We have been working very hard to provide a safe learning environment for all our students and staff.

Thank you to our community and our parents for their shared commitment to doing the best for our students. We are surely “Stronger Together”.

Message from Dr. Zachery-Ross

Dear Grizzly Family,

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I welcome you to Ypsilanti Community Schools for the 2024-25 school year! Every new beginning offers us an opportunity to reflect and gear up for what’s to come. Whether you are new to our community or have been sending your child to our schools for years, we are happy to have you here. 

Our teachers, staff members, and administrators work hard to prepare welcoming environments for all. Throughout the year, they will introduce new initiatives designed to enrich learning and encourage students to work hard and dream big. While we are excited to integrate cutting-edge classroom technology and emphasize social and emotional well-being, we know that showing up to school all day, every day, provides the best circumstances for students to reach their full potential. 

Speaking of potential, at Ypsilanti Community Schools, we believe in a well-rounded education tailored to meet each student’s needs. This year, we launched four Magnet Schools to offer students across the district high-quality, specialized educational opportunities focused on STEAM and the globally recognized International Baccalaureate degree. These programs are offered at Ford STEAM Early Learning Center, Holmes STEAM Elementary School, Ypsilanti Community Middle School, and Ypsilanti Community High School.

Our Magnet Schools are not the only introduction to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math students have access to in the district. We also have a partnership with Toyota, Eastern Michigan University, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, and Washtenaw Intermediate School District to prepare students for careers in STEM through the Toyota “Driving Possibilities” program. This is the second year of our partnership, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.

Additionally, we will continue to offer our robust suite of Career in Technical Education (CTE) courses at our comprehensive high school and at Achieving College and Career Education (ACCE) high school. Students can choose to take cosmetology, basic nursing, culinary arts, automotive, and more right on our campus. Separately, our district has a growing Dual Language program at Ford STEAM Early Learning Center, where students learn to read and write in English and Spanish. 

One of the most exciting developments this school year is the opening of Ypsilanti Community Middle School at the former Willow Run Middle School location. This beautiful facility has undergone renovations and upgrades to provide our middle school students with a safe and nurturing environment that is sure to inspire student achievement and development. It was wonderful seeing so many of our families at our ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the excitement during the facility tour was incredible. 

It is an exciting time to be a Grizzly, and I’m thankful to our entire community for the continued support. Through partnerships fueled by our common goal of student success, we have seen tremendous growth across the district. Please continue to show up, ask great questions, and share your thoughts and ideas. We cannot do this without you!

Lastly, our school theme this year is “Unleashing Brilliance Through Innovation.” We look forward to seeing this come to life over the duration of the school year.