More than 200 volunteers tackling over 600 tasks to create a new center of excellence!

About this site

This is a temporary Web site designed to help provide information on the current and future activities surrounding the unification of Willow Run Community Schools and Ypsilanti Public Schools (now, Ypsilanti Community Schools). A permanent site is expected to launch in the summer of 2013. Thank you for your support and patience as this process unfolds.

Designed to be Different
NEW district. NEW direction

The thought and effort behind the creation of the new district is to offer a high quality education for students designed to be different and appealing to a wide range of learners. Here are some of the features that will distinguish YCS from other public school options:

• College credit partnerships with Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College that allows all high school students to earn FREE college credits or career credentials
• New Campus: An International Baccalaureate (IB) middle school academy joins the existing IB candidate high school, Washtenaw International High School (WIHI)
• Middle and high schools will be Small Learning Communities; a school within a school model. Each SLC will offer different themes, eg. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Performing Arts, New Tech, IB 
• A full spectrum of co-curricular activities including a strong athletic program and after school enrichment clubs that line up with the educational goals of the district
• Project-based learning, from the elementary level to high school
• High quality and effective teachers, administrators and support staff
  
• A family resource center for parents to obtain information and support
• A learning environment that promotes high standards, respect, safety and responsibility

Latest News and Information

Applications for 5-12 grade programs

Small Learning Communities will be offered to students in grades 5-12. Applications are due to school offices by May 3, 2013. Please click here to download an application.

Advisory Groups - Building a District

Over 200 volunteers are investing countless hours to develop an exciting and innovative educational model. Click here to learn more about Advisory Groups.

Consolidation Grant Budget

Click here to download the budget for the state grant budget for unifying two districts to become Ypsilanti Community Schools. 

YCS PUBLIC INFORMATION FORUMS for April 

Tuesday, April 23 - Ypsilanti Senior Center: 7:30 p.m. Join the conversation to learn more about the exciting opportunities offered by the new district. The Senior Center is located at 1015 N. Congress St., Ypsilanti, 48197.
Tuesday, April 30 - Brown Chapel AME: 6:30 p.m. The community is invited to a YCS information session. WISD Superintendent Scott Menzel will provide a district progress update and will answer questions. The gathering will take place in the fellowship hall at Brown Chapel AME Church, 1043 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, 48197. 

District Newsletters

Spring 2013
March 2013
February 2013
January 2013

Early College Alliance information

The Board of Education voted to continue participation in the  ECA@EMU program when Willow Run and Ypsilanti are unified as Ypsilanti Community Schools. Recently, members of the community have raised questions regarding the number of ECA program slots available to Ypsilanti and Willow Run students compared with prior years.  The attached document outlines the process that was agreed to by the Joint Steering Committee that governs decisions related to the ECA program. 

FAQ

Click here to find answers to many questions being asked about Ypsilanti Community Schools.

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