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Superintendent's Welcome

Superintendent's Welcome

Dear Williamston Community Members,

On behalf of our students and staff, thank you for supporting the District’s 2024 Bond Proposal. Your investment in our schools will benefit Williamston children for generations. In conjunction with our construction management and architectural design partners, we have moved expeditiously to provide the community with a tangible return on its investment. While the work supported by the bond will take place over several years, enhancements to facilities and equipment will commence this summer.

Bond-funded projects scheduled for the Summer of 2025 include:

  • Replacement of the district/community tennis court facility
  • New student lockers at Williamston High School and Middle School
  • New classroom furniture at Williamston High School and Middle School
  • Upgraded maintenance equipment
  • Phase 1 of softball facility enhancements

As we conclude another successful school year, I want to update you on the notable achievements earned by our students and educators. First and foremost, we anticipate graduating 147 Seniors in June. In addition to their many impressive individual honors, these students contributed to Williamston High School being the top-rated high school in Ingham County every year they attended. They are a determined, goal-oriented cohort of students who will undoubtedly go on to reach their educational and career aspirations. Congratulations and best of luck to the WHS Class of 2025.

I am pleased to present a selection of our points of pride for the 2024-2025 school year:

Academics:

  • Williamston High School was rated the top high school in Ingham County for the sixth consecutive year, according to data from MIschooldata.org
  • Williamston Middle School earned the highest student academic growth rate index and was the second overall rated middle school in Ingham County, according to data from MIschooldata.org
  • The District’s graduation rate of 97% was the highest in the Lansing area
  • Williamston High School was included in the “Best U.S. High Schools” list for the sixth consecutive year by U.S. News and World Report
  • Williamston High School was named to the Advanced Placement Honor Roll (Silver) for the sixth time by the College Board
  • All WCS schools earned over 90% on the State School Index/Accountability System
    • Williamston High School = 96.66
    • Williamston Middle School = 91.27
    • Explorer Elementary = 92.68
    • Discovery Elementary = 90.30

Faculty Awards:

  • Ms. Anne Wade, Fulbright Teacher Exchange Award Recipient
  • Ms. Kortney Smith, Michigan Science Teachers Association Fellowship Recipient
  • Ms. Tammy Hosford, VFW Post 6464 Teacher of the Year for Grades 6-8

Facilities and Technology:

  • Publication of a new district website - visit the improved site at gowcs.net
  • Twice selected for the Great Start Readiness Start Up grant to expand preschool enrollment and
  • enhance instruction and facilities
  • Transitioned to a fully online student enrollment process
  • Planned Summer Projects (non-bond supported) include:
    • Replacing the fire suppression system at Williamston High School
    • Cabling Williamston High School and Middle School for future technology upgrades
    • Improving Community Fitness Center/Student Weight Room equipment
    • Installing new classroom projectors at Williamston High School and Middle School

Safety and Security:

  • Adoption of ZeroEyes AI firearm detection system
  • Execution of a district-level emergency response exercise, which included first responders from throughout the area
  • Recipient of the Roman Teacher Response Kit (RTAK) grant
  • Installation of additional high-resolution security cameras
  • Culmination of the District’s water filtration & bottle filler initiative
  • Completion of facility security assessments by Secure Environment Consultants
  • Application of additional window security film throughout the district


Finances:

  • An Underlying Bond Rating of “A+” with a Stable Outlook assigned by Standard and Poor’s
  • The District received another clean audit (an unqualified opinion) reflecting accurate financial reporting, effective fiscal controls, and appropriate use of taxpayer dollars


Co-Curricular Activities:

  • State Champion Equestrian Team, Boys Soccer State Semifinalist, Girls Golf #3 in the state
  • Academic All-State teams in Girls Golf, Girls Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Girls Swim and Dive, Boys Soccer, Girls and Boys Basketball, Wrestling, Boys Swim and Dive
  • The E-Sports team qualified for the state playoffs, highlighted by a 9th-place finish in one event
  • The First Robotics Team advanced to the district semifinals for the first time
  • The 7th and 8th Grade Choir and High School Choir earned a “Superior” rating at the MSVMA District Choral Festival. Students were also selected for regional and state-level Honor Choirs
  • The 7th Grade, 8th Grade, and High School Symphony Bands all earned a unanimous “Superior” rating at the MSBOA festival and a state-level MSBOA Outstanding Soloist selection
  • Two (2) first place winners and three (3) second place recipients at the state level Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl Poster Competition and two (2) MSUFCU Art Exhibit Honorable Mentions
  • Williamston High School Quiz Bowl placed third in the state and 21st nationally


To close on a fun note, Willy the Hornet was selected as the best Mid-Michigan high school logo by
readers of the Lansing State Journal. Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools.

Sincerely,

Adam Spina
Superintendent