Welcome To Hicks Elementary

You may have heard that in the lunch room that the students sit in houses. The house system is similar to what is used in the Harry Potter series along with in real life at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. This system encourages positive behavior, builds confidence, and motivates students to support one another. House events, chants, and celebrations bring energy and unity to the entire school. Students feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow into the best version of themselves. Overall, the House System transforms the school environment into one that is vibrant, inclusive, and purpose-driven. Through healthy competition, students earn points for demonstrating excellence in academics, behavior, and leadership.

NEWSLETTER: Hicks Happenings - September 18, 2026

Dear Wayne-Westland Community School District Community,

As we enter September, schools across the nation observe National Suicide Prevention Month, anchored by World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Caring for the mental health and safety of our communities is a collective responsibility, and keeping everyone informed is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal ideation allows us to step in early. Changes to look for include:

• Behavioral & Social: Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities; giving away prized possessions; self-destructive choices; sudden changes in hygiene or sleep; or a sudden, unexpected boost in mood after a period of deep depression.
• Verbal & Cognitive: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, excessive guilt, or being a burden; talking or writing about death; making statements like "I can't take it anymore"; or struggling to concentrate due to a fixation on dark thoughts.
• Emotional & Situational: Extreme mood shifts, intense irritability, or processing severe stress from recent loss, breakup, bullying, or academic pressures.

As we prepare to welcome our students back for the 2026–27 school year, we want to inform families about an important change regarding cell phones and other personal electronic devices.

Michigan law and Wayne-Westland Community Schools Board Policy now require students to keep personal wireless devices put away during instructional time. This change aims to reduce distractions, increase learning, and create a classroom environment where students can focus on their education and connect with their teachers and classmates.

Every school day matters! This year, Wayne-Westland Community Schools is launching the Aim for 8 Attendance Campaign to encourage students and families to prioritize regular attendance.

Our goal is simple: Aim for 8 or fewer absences during the school year.

When students are in school every day, they have more opportunities to learn, build relationships, participate in activities and stay on track for success. Even a few missed days can add up and make a difference.

Aim for 8