District Updates
Battle Against Hunger food collection drive returns Nov. 10 to 14
Students and families from across Dearborn Public Schools are again stepping up to Battle Against Hunger. The annual Battle Against Hunger food collection drive will run from Nov. 10 to 14 at several schools in the district. Last year the school community donated 7.8 tons of food.
Food donations gathered at the schools through Battle Against Hunger are given to Zaman International to distribute to the community. Monetary donations will go to the Amity Foundation. Donations can be made online at bit.ly/BattleAgainstHunger25.
Zaman is requesting that no food in glass jars be donated. The organization especially needs cereal.
Empty Bowls fundraiser returns Nov. 17
The Dearborn Public Schools Art Department is hosting its 34th annual Empty Bowls meal on Monday, Nov. 17 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Park Place Banquet Hall, 23400 Park St., Dearborn.
For a minimum suggested $6 donation, guests who attend this family-friendly dinner may select a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl and enjoy a serving of tasty soup and bread. Besides bowls, pen cups, paperweights, and other handmade clay items may be available. The items are made by students in kindergarten through high school who attend Dearborn Public Schools and by district art teachers.
Funds raised through Empty Bowls will support Gleaners Food Bank and Blessings in a Backpack, local charities that help feed the hungry in our community, including supporting Dearborn Public School families.
Smith staff named principal and assistant principals of the year
Smith Middle School in Dearborn learned on Oct. 20 that it has not one, but two Michigan Principals of the Year!
Mark Rummel was named Michigan Middle School Principal of the Year, and Maha Fayad was recognized as Michigan Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary Principals (MASSP). Smith Middle School is part of Dearborn Public Schools and has an enrollment of about 525 students.
MASSP representatives surprised Ms. Fayad and Mr. Rummel by visiting the school to make the announcement on Thursday afternoon.
STEM ranked as top middle school in the state
STEM Middle School was recently named the top middle school in the state by U.S. News and World Report.
Howard Elementary School in Dearborn placed in the top 5 percent for elementary schools, coming in #72 out of 1,475 public elementary schools included in the report.
Retiree a dedicated Salina volunteer
An outing with his senior community led James Martin to a new passion as a volunteer.
Now Mr. Jim, as the students know him, is at Salina Elementary school a few days a week helping in a Young 5s classroom where most students cannot even count up to his 85 years of age.
He assists in Ms. Kandi-Kay Mehrhof’s classroom a few days a week helping students learn to write letters and roll out playdough or helping organize supplies and clean off dry-erase sheets. He also spends time reading and playing games with students. He was recognized at the Oct. 13, 2025 Board of Education meeting for his dedication to the school and its students.
District service helps connect students and families to mental health providers
Students, staff and their families who may be struggling with mental health, substance misuse or social-emotional issues now have another resource to find help.
Dearborn Public Schools has contracted with Care Solace to help those in need connect with local counselors and other resources.
Care Solace can help people quickly find treatment options matched to their needs regardless of the circumstance. The service is free and confidential, provided to students, staff, and their families by Dearborn Public School District. Care Solace’s team is available around the clock every day of the year and can support clients in any language.
Those in need of services can call 888-515-0595.
Upcoming Events
Our Impact in Numbers…
19,347
Students
1426
Instructors
37
District Buildings
100%
Committed to Student Success
Shaping Dearborn’s Future Since 1944
The Dearborn Public School District is rich in history and deeply rooted in the community we serve. For generations, our schools have been places where students grow, families connect, and learning thrives. We take pride in our beautiful, historic buildings, but it’s not just our facilities that make us special—it’s the people inside them. Our dedicated staff, welcoming families, and diverse student body create a safe, nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to succeed.
At Dearborn Public Schools, we honor our past while continuously evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s learners.
Students First – Inspire, Educate, Celebrate
Voices of Dearborn Schools
A Place to Belong,
A Place to Grow
“The Dearborn Public Schools community is truly family. I see it in the friendships I’ve made with my colleagues—grademates, principals, assistant principals—who are more than coworkers, they’re my friends. We’ve been through so much together. I love being here at Maples. It’s also in the kids who come back to visit, and in seeing where they are now—parents, authors, pharmacists. That’s what success looks like. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing school is a fun, safe place for them to be. I remember how I felt in my 4th grade class at McDonald School—how much I loved being there. The way my teacher made me feel stuck with me, and I want to pass that on to every student I teach.”
Stronger Together: Families, Schools, Community
“I’ve never experienced a school with such a tight-knit community. Here, everyone knows everyone—whether it’s through family, friends, or neighbors. I’ll be walking down the hall and hear someone mention their cousin or neighbor in another classroom. That sense of connection is truly special. Sometimes, I even know the families before I meet their children. The strong community bonds are, without a doubt, the best part of this job.”
From Student to Teacher: A Journey of Dearborn Pride
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students grow—not just academically, but as people. Watching them mature and gain confidence is what makes teaching so meaningful to me. I’m a Dearborn guy—I grew up here, went to Fordson, and now I have the chance to give back to the same community that shaped me. What makes Dearborn special is our diversity. Our students come from so many backgrounds, and that variety of perspectives helps all of us think differently, solve problems creatively, and grow together. It’s a great place to teach, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Making a Difference, One Student at a Time
“The most rewarding part of being a teacher is knowing I’ve made a difference in a child’s life. I once worked with a young girl who had just arrived in the U.S. and was struggling with reading. By building her confidence and supporting her growth throughout the year, she not only reached grade level but also passed the state assessment. Moments like that remind me why I do this work. What truly sets Dearborn Public Schools apart is not just the diversity, but the dedication of our educators. We work hard to ensure every child succeeds, no matter their background.”
From Day One: Fostering a Sense of Belonging
“One of the things I cherish most about our school community is the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like part of the family from day one. This welcoming environment begins with our administration and leadership team. A family atmosphere is created and nurtured regularly, and support is given whenever and wherever it is needed without strings. Creating a positive culture within the building benefits the staff and most importantly, the students.”
ParentSquare District Posts
Join Us on ParentSquare
Dearborn Schools is now using ParentSquare as our official communication tool! Parents and staff, please download the app and find all of your communication, forms, and more in one place. See the ParentSquare page for more information.
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Meet our Superintendent
Dr. Maleyko has successfully completed 10 years as the Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools with almost 20,000 students and 2,700 employees.
During his tenure, graduation rates in Dearborn have climbed to 95 percent district-wide and student college admission rates are 80 percent, well above the state average.
New to the district?
We’re glad you’re here and excited to welcome you to Dearborn Public Schools. As a new parent, you likely have a few questions—we’re here to help. Our goal is to connect you with the right people so you can enroll your child and become a valued part of our learning community.
Celebrating Excellence in Education, Recognized Nationwide
Blue Ribbon Schools
Dearborn Public Schools is nationally recognized for the strength of its programs—and, most importantly, for the success of its students. Our district and individual schools regularly receive honors from both state and national organizations (see our news section for the latest awards). Among these achievements, we are especially proud that five of our schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.
Policy & Mandates
- Student Acceptable Use Guidelines
- Staff Acceptable Use Guidelines
- Strategic Plan 2024-2026
- Title IX Notice of Non-Discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities
- District Policy and Guidelines
- 504 Plans – Students with Disabilities Information
- FOIA Procedures and Guidelines
- Teacher Evaluation Model
- Superintendent Evaluation Process
- Adult Education Observation Model
