District Updates
Dearborn High students win 7 film awards; film fest May 15 and 16
Dearborn High School film students took home seven awards for the regional 2026 Student Production Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences after earning a record breaking 23 nominations.
All of this year’s nominated movies will be shown during the annual WDHS Film Festival scheduled for May 15 and 16, 2026 at Dearborn High. Doors open for the film festival at 6:30 both nights. Tickets are $10 at the door and $7 purchased in advance online.
Dearborn High and its affiliated WDHS have a long tradition of creating successful videos from movies (Long Form Fiction) to advertisements and music videos. This year students Jesse Good earned 10 nominations, and Ameena Toumi earned nine nominations.
Esseily tapped to be next superintendent
The Board of Education on Monday, May, 4, opted to promote from within and named Mike Esseily as their choice for the next superintendent of the district.
Mr. Esseily is currently the district’s Executive Director of Special Populations, overseeing the department that handles special education, English language learner programs, and mental health initiatives.
While the Board of Education selected Mr. Esseily from the two finalists, the board and Mr. Esseily need to negotiate a contract that both sides approve before he is officially hired. July 1 is his anticipated start date.
Visit the district’s Superintendent search page for the latest information.
Five staff named 2026 Teachers of the Year
From elementary school through adult education, five Dearborn Public School staff were honored with Alberta Muirhead Teacher of the Year Students’ Choice Awards on April 29.
The Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce again organized the awards, which were announced during a ceremony at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.
The 2026 honorees include:
- Sarah Kdouh from Salina Elementary in the preschool through second grade category.
- Michelle Eifert from Whitmore-Bolles Elementary in the third through fifth grade category
- Nicole Rodriguez from Stout Middle School for middle school
- David Rochemont from Dearborn High for high school
- Aretha Snadon for adult education teachers
Free Parent University session set for May 22
Dearborn Public Schools is offering free Parent University classes to give parents and caregivers tips for how to help their young children become ready to succeed in school.
Each Parent University session is open to parents or other caregivers and their children ages 6 months through 4 years. The May 22 theme is outdoor adventure.
The classes will be offered at four locations. Cotter Early Childhood Center, Henry Ford Elementary, and River Oaks Elementary will hold Parent University from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. each of the three Fridays. Salina Elementary will have its sessions from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Parents are asked to reserve their child’s spot so staff can bring enough materials for all the children. Register through the online registration form.
Orientations set for incoming middle and high school students and parents
Dearborn Public Schools is already planning orientation events for next fall’s incoming middle and high school students and their families. Parents and students already in the district and those considering joining the district are welcome to attend and learn more about their future schools.
At orientations school staff will discuss details like schedules, scheduling, class expectations and extracurricular activities.
District developing possible bond scenarios for board input after special meeting
The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education continued its discussion of a possible infrastructure bond during a study session on Jan. 5, including hearing about four schools with critical needs and the results of a community study.
Residents can watch the entire study session on the district’s YouTube Channel.
As a result of input from trustees, school administrators are now working on four possible infrastructure bond plans to bring to the board for further discussion. The proposals will allow trustees to compare different scenarios, narrowing the options before possible plans are presented to the public for more feedback.
Different estimates show district buildings need well over than $1 billion in work.
Upcoming Events
Our Impact in Numbers…
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Students
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Instructors
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District Buildings
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Committed to Student Success
Voices of Dearborn Schools
All Grit. All Heart.
“What I love most about my school is the teachers and everything we get to do. Being here has helped me become more mature. I’m part of the wrestling team and I also do weightlifting, and I really enjoy both. Wrestling keeps me moving, and weightlifting helps me get stronger.
What means a lot to me is the support I get from my teammates and classmates. They help me and encourage me. My favorite teacher is Ms. Ruffing because she takes the time to talk with me and make sure I’m doing well. Being in her class makes me feel supported. I always try to do my best and keep improving.”
Building Confidence, One Step at a Time
“One of the best parts of my job is seeing students with special needs make progress. Even if it’s small steps, over time those steps turn into really big gains.
The students who leave the biggest impression on me are the ones who come in unsure or uncomfortable in a classroom setting. When you can help them feel supported and confident, they start to show what they’re really capable of. A lot of times, they just need the right environment to succeed.
What makes Dearborn unique is the sense of community. It’s very diverse, and people really look out for each other. You see it every day in how staff work together to create an inclusive environment for all students. At the end of the day, people here genuinely care about one another, and that’s what makes it such a special place to work and learn.”
Doing What Once Felt Impossible
“The best part of my job is seeing a student do something they once thought was too difficult. As an Adaptive PE teacher, many of my students face challenges, so when they’re able to push through and accomplish something hard, that’s what stands out the most to me.
What makes Dearborn unique is the sense of community. This is home for a lot of people, and there’s a strong sense of pride in being here and supporting one another.
I’ve worked in other districts, but Dearborn feels different. We have strong resources for students, and more importantly, people genuinely care about where they are and who they’re serving.
At Edsel Ford, that pride is real. It’s a place where people support each other, and where students are given the opportunity to grow, succeed, and be part of something bigger than themselves.”
The Moments That Stay With You
“It really hits me when former students come back years later and tell me the impact I had on them. In the moment, you’re focused on so many things day to day, and it’s easy to forget. But those moments remind you that what you do really matters.
Over the years, I’ve seen so many students grow in ways they didn’t expect. Being able to support them, guide them, and watch that progress is what makes this work meaningful.
What makes Dearborn special is the sense of community. It feels like a family, and you see that in how people support and accept one another. That sense of belonging is what makes this such a special place to teach and learn.”
Finding His Place at Nowlin
“What makes Nowlin awesome is the teachers we have, the things we do during the school year, and how diverse the school is. I like being in a place where there are lots of different people.
I’m part of Service Squad, and I’ve been doing it since third grade. I also played basketball, which was really fun. We had games around the district, and a lot of my friends were on the team too, which made it even better.
My teacher, Mrs. A, is special, and I’m happy for her this year. I enjoy being at Nowlin.”
Where Every Student Feels Seen
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the relationships I build with students. They feel comfortable coming in and sharing what’s going on in their lives, and that trust means a lot. I also value the strong partnerships I build with families, because working together makes such a difference for students.
I’ve had many students who needed extra support, and being able to put systems in place to help them succeed and then see that carry into the next grade is really meaningful. I’ve also seen students grow socially, going from struggling with peer relationships to building friendships and feeling more confident at school. Watching that kind of growth is really special.
What makes Nowlin unique is the sense of community. There’s a strong feeling of support, inclusiveness, and acceptance for all students. It’s a place where everyone looks out for one another, and where students are encouraged to grow both academically and personally.”
Building Lifelong Readers
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching students grow intellectually throughout the year. Through our Classroom Book A Day program, I see their conversations evolve from simple responses to thoughtful, sophisticated discussions. Seeing that growth firsthand is incredibly meaningful.
A powerful part of the program is reading nearly 200 books together over the course of the year. Students are exposed to diverse characters, cultures, and perspectives, and I truly believe this helps create lifelong readers who develop a love of storytelling.
I have also worked closely with English language learners and have seen newcomers make remarkable reading growth in a single year.
As a product of Dearborn Public Schools and now a parent in the district, Dearborn feels like home. It is a community that works together to support every student.”
Kindness Makes the Difference
“What makes my teacher special is how kind she is and how much she helps us learn. She really cares about us, and it makes me want to do my best.
I joined Haigh around Thanksgiving, and I like how welcoming everyone has been. The teachers help us, remind us to keep our promises, and make school fun. Since coming here, I’ve been working on making new friends and doing my best every day.
When I grow up, I might want to be a teacher because I would like to meet new kids and help them learn. I also think about becoming a doctor because I could be the first doctor in my family. That would be really special.”
Building Global Thinkers
“One of the most powerful parts of teaching is seeing how much students grow over the course of the year. Through shared reading experiences and thoughtful discussions, they begin to move beyond simple responses and engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations.
What stands out most is how students expand their understanding of different cultures and recognize the similarities we share. They start making connections to global traditions and themes, referencing books in ways that show real growth in perspective. Watching their worldview broaden is incredibly impactful.
I have worked in Dearborn for 15 years, and it has always felt like home. The community is welcoming and uplifting. Our students are driven and eager to learn, and that energy brings depth and purpose to everything we do.”
Kindness in Action
“What makes my school awesome is that we have amazing teachers and kind people. I’m part of the Kindness Club, which reminds us that we’re supposed to be kind and respectful. In Kindness Club, teachers pick two students from each class who show kindness, and we do things like give kind notes to our neighbors and community on Kindness Day.
My teacher, Mr. Rinko, makes learning fun. He’s funny, tells lots of jokes, which makes learning enjoyable.
I’m in Kindness Squad, Robotics, EHS, and now I’m in basketball. One of the coolest things I did this year was STEAM Night, where we saw experiments like elephant toothpaste and liquid nitrogen. That was really cool. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor who works with children’s bones.”
Showing Up for Every Student
“I take pride in showing up for my students every single day. I know they look forward to coming to school, and I want them to feel welcomed and important whenever they walk through the door. Every day they are here, they know they matter.
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is seeing growth, especially with students who begin the year struggling. By the end of the school year, the difference is clear. I see this most with newcomers who may arrive knowing very little English but leave feeling confident and performing at grade level. Watching that transformation is incredibly powerful.
As a former Dearborn Public Schools student myself, it is special to now be part of the district as an educator. Our school community feels friendly and welcoming. We truly are all one.”
From Day One: Fostering a Sense of Belonging
“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing I’ve made a difference in students’ lives. Watching them grow in confidence and realize their potential is incredibly fulfilling.
One story that stayed with me was a student who loved discussing current events. Those conversations helped her develop listening and critical thinking skills, and she later became a high school counselor helping students like herself. That made me proud to know I played a small role in her journey.
Dearborn Public Schools is special because of its many opportunities for students and the strong support of the community. What I value most is the welcoming, family-like culture created by strong leadership. One word that describes Dearborn is supportive, because this community truly invests in its students.”
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
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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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.
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 by clicking here 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
