February 2026
Dear D7 Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As we reflect on the month of February, I want to take a moment to thank you for the continued support you show our students, teachers, and schools. The second semester is well underway, and it’s inspiring to see the focus, growth, and momentum across D7 School District. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our parents and staff for your continued dedication and perseverance. The care you show our students each day — along with your unwavering belief that every child is capable of achieving their very best — makes a profound difference in our district. Together, we create an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. Thank you for the commitment you bring to D7 and for the partnership that helps every student thrive.There are so many exciting activities transpiring throughout the district. Although I cannot list all of them, I would like to highlight a few below:
Black History Month & Governor’s Proclamation
This month, our schools are recognizing Black History Month through classroom lessons, student-led projects, and meaningful discussions. We are proud to provide opportunities for students to learn about the individuals and events that have shaped our nation’s history and continue to influence our communities today. The classroom activities reflect Governor Whitmer’s proclamation below:|
February 02, 2026 WHEREAS, African Americans have made significant cultural, historical, and economic contributions to the development of America and the American way of life; and, WHEREAS, Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926 to rectify the omission of African Americans from history books and to encourage the study of the history and lives of all Americans, including African Americans, in the nation’s public schools; and, WHEREAS, after being expanded to a month in 1976, every U.S. president, beginning with Michigan’s own Gerald R. Ford, officially designated the month of February as Black History Month every year; and, WHEREAS, since then, the celebration of Black History Month has been important to appreciating and recognizing the crucial roles African Americans have played in the creation of America and their inalienable right to be treated equally, while increasing the visibility of African American life and history; and, WHEREAS, the state of Michigan also recognizes the strength, endurance, and faith of African American ancestors in their struggle for freedom, and pays tribute to their continuous pursuit of overcoming injustices; and, WHEREAS, studying this important part of our history and reflecting on the burdens of racial prejudice and stereotypes can open the door to innovative ideas and provide insight into building an environment in Michigan that supports our continued efforts to combat racism, to strive toward racial equity, and to be a place of freedom, opportunity, and inclusiveness for everyone; and, WHEREAS, during this month, we should take time to recognize and celebrate African Americans’ contributions, sacrifices, and bravery on their journey to justice in our nation and work together to identify, develop, and implement solutions to further achieve equity in our state, as well as promote unity not only within the Black community but across all individuals and communities throughout our state regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and any other expressions of identity; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in Michigan. |
Lily’s First Visit to Polk Elementary
We are excited to welcome Lily, our new therapy dog, to the D7 family. Therapy dogs provide meaningful emotional and social support in school settings, helping students feel calm, safe, and connected. Research shows that interaction with a trained therapy dog can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and even support reading confidence and communication skills. Lily will serve as a comforting presence for students who may need encouragement, a moment to regroup, or simply a positive connection during the school day. We look forward to the many ways she will help strengthen relationships, promote well-being, and support student success across our district. Special thanks to Polk Staff for making this such a magical opportunity for our students. The photos below are pictures of Lily's first day at Polk, as well as her handler Ms. Victoria Gargasoulas. These are simply precious!
Students excited to meet Lily - waiting outside for school to start:
Winter Learning & Attendance
Winter months can bring unpredictable weather, but consistent attendance remains one of the strongest indicators of student success. If weather conditions require schedule adjustments, families will receive timely communication through our district notification systems. Please ensure your contact information is up to date with your child’s school.
Kindergarten Roundup
Kindergarten roundup is scheduled at each of the D7 elementary schools–Bedford, Pardee, and Polk– on Thursday, April 16th at 6:00 pm.
At Kindergarten roundup:
- Parents and children will meet the teachers and tour the classrooms
- Learn how to enroll their child into kindergarten into school
- Learn how to prepare students for the school year
All incoming kindergarteners must enroll their child including:
- Those children attending school currently at Madison in Childcare and GSRP
- Incoming kindergarteners who have siblings already attending school in D7.
Parents can enroll online and also upload the necessary documents using the link on the D7 website at www.district7.net. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Kindergarten roundup.
Bookshelf Build – Rotary Club Partnership
Our partnership with the Rotary Club continues to make a tremendous impact in D7. Volunteers will help build bookshelves for our third-grade students, supporting literacy and fostering a love of reading at home. Rotary has been an outstanding partner, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to our students and community. We are looking for volunteers to assist. See the time and location below. If you are able to volunteer, please reach out to your building principal so we are able to ascertain a head count for support.
- Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Madison Elementary Gymnasium
Core Safety Team Update
D7 is proud of our District Core Safety Team. The team meets monthly to review safety initiatives, training, and district/building concerns. Safety remains a top priority in D7. Ongoing collaboration strengthens preparedness and maintains strong partnerships with local police, fire, and EMS. Safety remains a top priority in D7.
Professional Development – Equity Focus
D7 has partnered with Wayne RESA to promote professional development for our D7 staff with a focus on Equity. This ongoing professional development supports our commitment to equity for all students. Through continued learning and collaboration, staff strengthen inclusive practices and high expectations so every learner has access to the opportunities and support needed to reach their full potential. The next session will take place later in March.
Summer Discovery 2026
D7 is going to be offering a robust, full-day summer program for our students. The program will include academic and extra-curricular students. The great news is that we were able to secure significant grant money to offer this program. Stay tuned for more details in the near future.This is a wonderful opportunity for D7!
Save the Date
We are hosting an Enrollment Fair at AHS on Tuesday, May 19th. The goal of this event is to make it easier for families enrolling in our district. If you know of someone that will be a new student attending D7 such as our new kindergarten students, new residents to the district or schools of choice families, please share the date. The planning for this event also includes other services that will help families in preparation for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Stay tuned for more information.
Looking Ahead
As we approach spring, planning is already underway for testing, end-of-year events, and celebrations of learning. We remain committed to providing a safe, supportive, and high-quality educational experience for every student in D7. A friendly reminder that March is Reading Month, and we encourage parents and families to support, encourage, and share in extra reading activities with their children.
Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s education. Together, we continue to make D7 School District a place where every student can thrive.
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