June 2026

Dear D7 Families and Staff,

As another remarkable school year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the many moments that have made this year so special. From academic achievements and student milestones to community events and everyday successes in our classrooms, this year has been a testament to the strength and spirit of D7. In this month's edition, we are proud to feature some district updates as well as newsletters from O.W. Best Middle School and Annapolis High School.

The success of our district is built upon the collective efforts of so many dedicated individuals. Our teachers and staff have continued to inspire, support, and challenge students to reach their full potential. Their passion for education and commitment to excellence have helped create meaningful learning experiences throughout the year.

Our families play an equally important role in the success of our students. Thank you for your trust, encouragement, and ongoing partnership. Your support strengthens the connection between home and school and helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

To our students, congratulations on all that you have accomplished this year. Whether you reached a personal goal, mastered a new skill, participated in activities, or simply persevered through challenges, you should be proud of your growth and achievements. We celebrate your hard work and look forward to all that lies ahead for you.

As summer approaches, I encourage everyone to take time to enjoy the season, make lasting memories with loved ones, and return refreshed for the opportunities that await us next year.

Thank you for making D7 such a wonderful place to learn, work, and grow. Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall for another outstanding school year.

D7 School District Budgeting -

As we continue navigating an increasingly challenging financial landscape, I want to take a moment to address an important and difficult reality facing our district. Over the past several months, D7 has undertaken a thorough review of our budget and operations to ensure we remain fiscally responsible while continuing to provide the high-quality educational experiences our students deserve.

These financial issues are a result of a number of factors that we are working to address. During the ESSER years, the State directed districts to use federal funds to expand staffing and student supports. We responsibly added staff and programs to meet student needs. The Federal ESSER funds have now expired. Additionally, the State foundation allowance increase was offset by increased retirement costs that were passed on to districts. Combined with a lower than projected student count, all of these factors have had a negative impact on both this year's budget and next year's budget. School Districts are funded through a per pupil basis so when there is a decline in enrollment it has a significant impact on both general funds and grant funds.

As a result, budget reductions were necessary. These decisions were not made lightly. Every option was carefully considered, and countless hours were spent evaluating how to minimize the impact on our students and the educational opportunities we provide.

I recognize that change can create uncertainty, and I understand the concerns that budget reductions may bring. I am grateful for the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of our staff and for the continued support of our families and community. Together, we have faced challenges before, and together, we will continue to move forward with determination and a shared commitment to our students.

Thank you for your understanding, your partnership, and your unwavering support of D7. By working together, we will continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students,

End of Year Celebrations -

Preschool Graduation, field days, 5th grade and 8th grade events and Pardee Elementary - 1st Donuts with Grown-Ups event. One of my favorite things to do as the Superintendent is to be visible in our community and celebrate all of the amazing staff and student experiences. Below are just a few of the events that I was able to partake in. We have such a great community and I could not be more proud!!!!

Children in blue graduation gowns sit on chairs during a ceremony.

A colorful banner saying 'Watch Out Kindergarten' is displayed as kids wave.

Three teachers stand smiling in front of a colorful banner in the classroom.

A group of six graduates in blue gowns pose for a photo on a screen.

Children in blue graduation gowns perform at a kindergarten ceremony.

A speaker addresses a crowd of students in a classroom setting.

A blue mascot interacts with a crowd in a school hallway.

A large audience of parents and families gathers in a school gym.

Audience at a graduation ceremony with a speaker and decorations.

Table with gift bags, balloons, and a congratulatory banner.

Refreshment table displaying desserts and water bottles for guests.

Large crowd seated in a hall, focused on a presentation screen.

Banner congratulating the Bedford Bears with a bear image.

Crowd gathered outside a school building during an event.

Group of people, including children, participating in an outdoor gathering.

Students participating in outdoor activities, with spectators in the background.

A crowd gathers outside a building under a cloudy sky.

Children in tie-dye shirts enjoy an outdoor event with games and activities.

A group of people observes a large inflatable play structure in a park.

A child prepares to climb a colorful inflatable slide among others in the background.

A display of pastries with people in the background at an outdoor event.

Children playing on playground equipment with pastries on a table nearby.

O.W. Best Middle School:

As always, the school year flew by this year! We would like to highlight some of the exciting events that occurred at OW Best. During the month of May, we welcomed “Schools to Tools”. Students were able to look at building and skilled trades from a meaningful perspective. They had an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities with mentors/representatives from “ Schools to Tools”. Our 8th graders thoroughly enjoyed the activities!

“School to Tools® aims to provide students, parents, teachers and school counselors with the awareness of training and career opportunities available in the construction trades apprenticeship programs.” They were a wonderful organization and we will most definitely invite them back!

A mobile trailer featuring workers in various trade professions, promoting education.

A small group of people interacting with a cart displaying tools and materials.

May was designated for our 7th grade field trip to Toledo. Our 7th grade staff and students made their way to a Mud Hens game. A great time was had by all!. It has become an annual tradition. Our 7th graders truly enjoyed themselves!

Group of smiling students posing together outdoors with a school building in the background.

Man at a concession stand holding two boxes and smiling, with a sports-themed shirt on.

As we wrapped up May we had a beautiful send off and formal for our 8th graders. Trista Jacobs and our 8th grade parents out-did themselves. The formal dance was very festive, inviting and full of magic! Students and staff alike had an excellent time!

Five young men in formal attire standing together outside in front of a building.

Decorative display with large balloons reading '2030' set against a starry backdrop.

June brought us many exciting events and fun times. Our end of the year festivities and events wrapped up the year in a fun and meaningful way. Our band played their annual spring concert. Students played many “catchy” ballads and pieces. The music kept the audience going. It was a very creative and engaging event for our students and families.

Our 6th graders enjoyed themselves at Ford Lanes. It is a favorite amongst our students! They had a fantastic time!

Group of kids smiling and posing at a bowling alley with lanes in the background.

Man in a blue shirt waving while standing in a bowling alley.

Our PBIS team hosted and created a fabulous EOY-PBIS Rewards Celebration the last week of school. Students had the opportunity to enjoy a Kona and jump in bounce houses. It was very entertaining for the students!

Two girls posing with thumbs up in front of inflatable activities at an outdoor event.

6th grade students in our Mini Society elective wrapped up quarter three by hosting their “Market Day”. During the previous eight weeks these classes created their own society, money and product to eventually sell to visiting 6th graders from other elective hours. The students really enjoy Market Day and look forward to this quarterly event.

Two girls interacting at a table in a classroom setting with craft supplies.

Students engage in activities with crafts and posters in a classroom setting.

Our 8th graders recently visited AHS and had a wonderful visit. The leadership classes from AHS welcomed our students with open arms and created a tour and activities for our students. The day was a success and will make the transition to high school that much easier for our rising Freshman.

Group of students posing with a mascot in a school hallway.

Lastly, we cannot forget our 8th grade send off! Students celebrated their 3 years at OW Best with fun activities, games, a scavenger hunt, an admin dunk bucket, and a clap-out. We wish the Class of 2030 all the best!!!

All in all, it has been a great year at O.W. Best Middle School! Students are focused on end of the year events. Some of these events are academic, while others are extra-curricular. Events include: diagnostic testing, 8th grade finals, field trips, the PBIS end of the year event, Spring band concert, 8th grade recognition night, and other events.

Annapolis High School Spotlight:

Annapolis High School wrapped up the 2025-2026 school year with incredible student accomplishments, memorable experiences, and celebrations that highlighted the spirit of our Cougar community. Students excelled in academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership, and community involvement throughout the spring.

College & Career Readiness

Students participated in several college and career readiness experiences this spring. Forty students traveled to Bowling Green State University for a campus tour, while 9th-11th grade students visited Henry Ford College for the “Day in the Life of a Hawk” program. Seniors also attended Senior Admit Day at Henry Ford College to enroll in fall college classes.

Global Learning Experiences

Students traveled to Spain this spring, experiencing history, architecture, language, and culture firsthand. The success of the trip helped inspire future international opportunities, including the recently approved London and Paris trip planned for 2028.

Tour group poses in front of the Royal Palace under a clear blue sky.

Group of students sitting on a bench with a historical building in the background.

Group of people posing in front of a large statue in an urban setting.

Athletics & Student Activities

This spring marked the inaugural season of Annapolis Girls Flag Football through the Detroit Lions All Heart League. Students demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and school pride throughout the season.

Youth sports team posing on a grassy field with coaches and players.

Student Journalism & Performing Arts

The Cougar Crier student newspaper earned statewide recognition at the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association competition, bringing home 19 awards and earning a GOLD ranking in the Spartan Critique evaluation.

Group of students wearing matching shirts, showcasing awards for their publication.

The Advanced Theatre B’s Production of 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse took place on Wednesday, April 29th. This was a show entirely student produced that was a culmination of everything Mrs. Sonberger’s students have been learning all semester. They worked on skills in improvisation, acting, makeup design, costume design, set design, lighting, and sound to prepare for this show. It was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended!

Four actors performing on stage with a black curtain backdrop.

Theatrical performance with actors in costumes on stage, showcasing various characters.

Two actresses on stage beside a sign, spotlight illuminating their dramatic scene.

CAD & Fine Arts Success

CAD students impressed during the MITES competition season, submitting 55 CAD, architecture, and mechanical design projects. AHS Students did an amazing job with their projects and received recognition for their outstanding work!

A table filled with various projects and displays for a STEM competition event.

Senior Celebrations

The Class of 2026 celebrated many major milestones this spring, including College Decision Day, Senior Honors Night, Prom, and the annual clap-out leading into graduation on June 4th. These events celebrated the hard work, growth, and achievements of our seniors. Below is a picture of our 2026 AHS and Pre-School Graduates.

A large group of graduates in gowns gathered in a park under a green tree.

Free Meals for Children and Teens -

Just a quick reminder of our Summer School Meet Up Eat Up Program

Flyer announcing free summer meals for youth, with details on access and schedule.

Enjoy your summer! We will be back together before we know it!

All the best,
Mark Kleinhans
Superintendent