Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year!  I am honored to have this opportunity to serve this district and community as the Superintendent of Trenton Public Schools.  The City of Trenton has a long standing commitment to the school district and to a quality education for its youth.  I have observed this first hand as a resident of the community for the past 14 years.  As the school year begins, I am eager to meet our students, new and returning, and meet you at the Open Houses planned in each of our school buildings.

Our continued goal is improving student achievement through the School Improvement Plans which specifically address learning strategies in reading, writing, mathematics and science.  It has been my observation in 27 years of education experience that increased achievement offers our students more choice as they move through the Trenton schools to areas of higher education and vocations.  Higher grade points, higher ACT and standardized test scores, and a rigorous course selection allow students to stretch their aspirations towards lifelong careers.  Significant work has been done over the past few years aligning curriculum across grade levels by the District Curriculum Leadership Council.   This will continue in 2012-2013 with the completion of the review of the K-12 Language Arts program and the start of the curricular review process for Mathematics.

Over the summer the last phase of the technology plan outlined in the bond has been implemented.  New computers have been installed and computer labs expanded at the high school.  This compliments previous updates at the middle school and elementary buildings for both students and staff.

Starting in September 2012, transportation for the Trenton Public Schools will be operated by Dean Transportation.  Many of the individuals driving buses remain the same and all buses will be identified with Trenton Public Schools on the side of the bus. This year Dean Transportation begins updating our bus fleet with seven (7) new buses and will equip all buses with additional technology shown to improve safety and service.  Dean Transportation is a Michigan based company centered in Lansing that serves nearly 100 school districts either directly or through various intermediate school districts and has over 50 years of experience in transporting students.  Dean Transportation follows the same background checks required by the State of Michigan for public school employees and provides training that exceeds the minimum standards for both drivers and bus attendants.  They have an outstanding record for safety and public service to the communities they serve.  

An important aspect of a successful educational program is the partnership between the schools, families, and community.  I encourage you to get involved with your children’s education and extracurricular activities, work with our staff, and want you to feel welcome in our buildings.   If you have questions or would like more information, please contact your school’s Principal or me.  I can be reached by phone at 734-676-8600 or by email at wakehamr@trenton.k12.mi.us.

Sincerely,

Rodney Wakeham