The Warrior Way Podcast

The Warrior Way Podcast

by Woodhaven-Brownstown School District

Education Kids & Family

Season 2

The Warrior Way Podcast Episode 16 - Keeping Students Safe Online: A Guide for Parents

Welcome to The Warrior Way, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District podcast where we talk about all things WBSD. My name is Mark Greathead, the Superintendent of the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District, and I’ll be your host as we celebrate where we’ve been, what we’re doing, and where we’re going. As the school year winds down and summer break approaches, our students will soon have a lot more unstructured time - which often means more time spent online. That’s why today’s episode is focused on online safety - an essential conversation for families to have as we prepare for those long summer days. Whether your child is gaming, scrolling through social media, or video chatting with friends, it’s critical to make sure they’re doing it safely and responsibly. To help walk us through best practices, risks, and practical tools for families, I’m joined by our Director of Technology, Lyndsay Johnson-Lemieux. Lyndsay, welcome! The Risks Parents Should Know The big five are: Cyberbullying – hurtful messages, exclusion from group chats, impersonation accounts. Inappropriate Content – violence, explicit language, or materials that aren't age-appropriate. Online Predators – adults posing as kids to build relationships and gain trust. Privacy Risks – accidentally sharing personal info like their address or school. Gaming Risks – exposure to strangers in chat, in-game purchases, or playing games with mature content. Using Parental Controls Effectively Almost every device has some form of built-in controls. Here are a few parents can look into: Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link let you set app limits, block websites, and monitor screen time. Many streaming and gaming platforms have age restrictions and content filters. You can install third-party tools like Bark or Qustodio for real-time alerts and reports. What Is Cyberbullying and How to Address It Cyberbullying is something no child should have to experience, but unfortunately, it’s common. How can parents recognize and respond to it? First, watch for changes in behavior - like withdrawal, anxiety after using devices, or suddenly deleting accounts. If your child is being bullied online: Listen without judgment. Let them talk. Document the messages or posts. Report the content on the platform. Contact your child’s school. We take reports seriously and can help mediate or support. go-to resources for parents? Helpful Resources Here are three excellent places to start: Common Sense Media – reviews and guides for apps, movies, games. NetSmartz – interactive safety lessons for kids and parents. Family Online Safety Institute– tools for digital parenting. Book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 15 - Summer “FUN”damentals with WBSD summer programs

Welcome to The Warrior Way, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District podcast where we talk about all things WBSD. My name is Mark Greathead, the Superintendent of the Woodhaven-Brownstown Schools, and I’ll be your host as we celebrate where we’ve been, what we’re doing, and where we’re going. Today, we're spotlighting summer enrichment programs in the district and here to talk with us is Josh Satterfield, Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum and Christy Schultz, third grade teacher at Wegienka Elementary School. Summer Check In Dates: June 18 @ 12:00-2:00 pm June 25 @ 6:00-8:00 pm July 9 @ 12:00-2:00 pm @ Erving Elementary July 30 @ 6:00-8:00 pm August 6 @ 12:00-2:00 pm

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 14 - The Warrior Way Takeover: Powered by WHS Music Production

In this special edition of The Warrior Way Podcast, the mics are in the hands of the WHS Music Production class! Written, produced, and hosted entirely by 19 talented students, this episode features original transitions, music, and interviews covering everything from the spring play Hadestown to Mental Health Awareness Month, senior advice, United Sound, and more. Tune in for a creative, student-powered look at what's happening - and what’s ahead for the month of May- at Woodhaven High School!

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 14 - The Warrior Way Takeover: Powered by WHS Music Production

In this special edition of The Warrior Way Podcast, the mics are in the hands of the Woodhaven High School Music Production class! Written, produced, and hosted entirely by 19 talented students, this episode features original transitions, music, and interviews covering everything from the spring play Hadestown to Mental Health Awareness Month, senior advice, the United Sound program, and more. Tune in for a creative, student-powered look at what's happening - and what’s ahead - during the month of May at Woodhaven High School!

Season 2

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 13 - Weekends at WBSD: Free Fitness and Fun for Families

In today's episode, we're diving into a great subject about wellness, connection, and community. We’re proud to talk about our Community Enrichment Programs—free opportunities for our residents, staff, students, and their families to stay active and engaged, right here in our schools. Joining me to talk more about it is Jared Nicholls, our Middle School Athletic Director and the person leading the charge on making these events happen. Mr. Nicholls, welcome to the podcast! We’re open at Brownstown Middle School and Woodhaven High School every weekend from now through June 8, 2025. After June 8, the programs will be held solely at Woodhaven High School as there will be construction and renovations at Brownstown Middle School. We look forward to having our programs back at BMS for the fall and winter programming. On Fridays at BMS, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., we’re offering adult open swim from 5:30 to 6:30, pickleball, and indoor walking. Then over at Woodhaven High School, we’ve got a packed schedule on the weekends. On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., people can enjoy pickleball, basketball, walking the indoor track, open gym, and adult swim from 9 to 10 a.m. And on Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., we’re offering all those same great activities, with adult swim from 12 to 1 p.m. Jared Nicholls: People can give me a call at (734) 789-2934, email me at nicholj@wbsdweb.com, or visit mywbsd.org/ce for all the details.

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 12 - Supporting Student Mental Health

Welcome to The Warrior Way, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District podcast where we talk about all things WBSD. My name is Mark Greathead, the Superintendent of the Woodhaven-Brownstown Schools, and I’ll be your host as we celebrate where we’ve been, what we’re doing, and where we’re going. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’re taking this opportunity to have an honest and supportive conversation about how we can all play a role in promoting mental wellness - especially when it comes to our students. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or just someone who loves a student in your life, today’s episode is packed with practical advice on how to check in with your child’s mental health, ways to reduce the stigma, and how to access the resources available right here in WBSD - including our partnership with CareSolace. You or your student can contact their school counselor or social worker for a referral to CareSolace or by calling 888-515-0595. The website parentguidance.org which has so many fantastic resources for parents, even for starting some of the conversations we talked about above. There are free courses available for parents and guardians to educate themselves on everything from anxiety to video gaming addiction. We have found that these resources are really invaluable and we wanted to let our community and families know they are available. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis you can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 11 - All About Young Fives

Welcome to The Warrior Way, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District podcast where we talk about all things WBSD. My name is Mark Greathead, the Superintendent of the Woodhaven-Brownstown Schools, and I’ll be your host as we celebrate where we’ve been, what we’re doing, and where we’re going. Today, we’re diving into an exciting topic of Young Fives. Each of our five elementary schools has a Young Fives class - and here with me today is Young Fives teacher Kara Hool from Yake Elementary to educate the community, the program and why it's so special. Young Fives and Kindergarten enrollment has begun, and Young Fives and Kindergarten Orientation will take place at all five of the district’s elementary schools on Thursday, April 24 from 6-7 p.m.

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 10 - Challenging Yourself with AP Courses at Woodhaven High School

Welcome to The Warrior Way, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District podcast where we talk about all things WBSD. My name is Mark Greathead, the Superintendent of the Woodhaven-Brownstown Schools, and I’ll be your host as we celebrate where we’ve been, what we’re doing, and where we’re going. Today we’re diving into an important topic for our students and families—challenging yourself with Advanced Placement, or AP, courses. Joining me today are Woodhaven High School Principal Jay Vesperman, Counselor Jenna Hagan, and our District Curriculum Supervisor, Phil Short. Mr. Vesperman, Mrs. Hagan, Mr. Short — thank you for being here. Let’s start with the big picture—why do we encourage students to take AP courses? AP courses give students a chance to experience college-level coursework while still in high school. They develop critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving skills—things that will benefit them in any future path they choose. Plus, they can earn college credit, which can save money and time down the road. I always tell students that AP courses aren’t just about grades—they’re about growth. Colleges recognize when students take on rigorous courses, and they value the effort just as much as the outcome. We’re proud to offer a diverse range of AP courses across multiple subject areas. In English and social studies, we have AP Literature, AP Language, AP U.S. History, AP Government, and AP Psychology. For STEM-focused students, we offer AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics. We also have AP Computer Science, AP Art, and AP Spanish, giving students opportunities to challenge themselves in different ways. That’s an impressive lineup! Mr. Short, how do you see our AP program evolving in the coming years? We’re always looking at ways to expand opportunities for students. Whether it’s adding new AP courses, strengthening our teacher training, or increasing access through more resources and support systems, we strive to prepare students for academic challenges. Part of that preparation is exploring honor classes and advanced classes during freshman and even middle school years where the stakes are very low. We want to make sure every student who wants to take an AP course feels confident doing so. That’s exciting to hear. So, what advice do you have for students who are on the fence about taking an AP course? I’d say, start with something you’re genuinely interested in. If you love history, try AP U.S. History. If you’re strong in math, consider AP Calculus. And don’t be afraid to ask for advice—teachers, counselors, and even current AP students can share what the experience is really like. I’d add that taking at least one AP course during high school is a great way to build confidence. Even if a student doesn’t take multiple APs, experiencing that level of rigor at least once is beneficial. This has been a great conversation. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts for our students and families? I’d just emphasize that AP courses aren’t about perfection—they’re about growth. We want students to challenge themselves and take advantage of the opportunities available to them. We want every student to challenge themselves in a way that’s meaningful to them. AP courses are one path, but they’re part of a bigger picture of personal growth and academic success. And remember, you’re not alone in this! We’re here to help you navigate your choices and support you along the way. And to our listeners—if you have questions about AP courses, reach out to your counselor.

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 9 - Let's get ready for school! GSRP, Young Fives & Kindergarten

Welcome to The Warrior Way, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District podcast where we talk about all things WBSD. My name is Mark Greathead, the Superintendent of the Woodhaven-Brownstown Schools, and I’ll be your host as we celebrate where we’ve been, what we’re doing, and where we’re going. Today, we’re diving into an exciting topic of our newest students coming into our schools in the fall. We are talking about GSRP, Young Fives and Kindergarten, and what parents can do to help make the transition into school full time a little easier. With us today we have Kara Hool from Yake Elementary, Julie Wilson from Wegienka Elementary and Jennifer Danosky from Erving Elementary. Thank you so much for being here! Each of our five elementary schools has a Young Fives class - and here with me today are our Young Fives teachers to educate the community, the program and why it's so special. GSRP is the Great Start Readiness Program is a preschool program for 4-year-old children to prepare them for kindergarten. GSRP supports growth in academics as well as social-emotional, physical, and creative development. We are so excited to be going into our third year of this program. We began with just two of our schools having a GSRP classroom, and it has since been expanded to all five of our elementary schools. Young Fives is….. A pre kindergarten program that teaches developmentally appropriate learning by building a confident student through social emotional growth, smaller class sizes, and kindergarten curriculum at a slower pace, which aids in a smooth transition into kindergarten. A young five student’s birthday is between June 1st and December 1st so they are typically a little younger than their kindergarten peers. Remember - Enrollment for GSRP, Young Fives and Kindergarten enrollment has begun, you can find more information on our website mywbsd.org by clicking ENROLL and following the prompts. Kindergarten & Young Fives Orientation will take place at all five of the district’s elementary schools on Thursday, April 24 from 6-7 p.m.

The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 8 - Supporting Young Readers: Tips from WBSD Experts

Welcome to The Warrior Way, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District podcast where we talk about all things WBSD. My name is Mark Greathead, the Superintendent of the Woodhaven-Brownstown Schools, and I’ll be your host as we celebrate where we’ve been, what we’re doing, and where we’re going. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s at the heart of every child’s education—reading. As parents, we all want to help our kids become strong, confident readers, but sometimes we’re unsure how to support them beyond what they learn in school. Joining me today is Kathy Gray, our district’s literacy coach, as well as Christy Schultz, third grade teacher at Wegienka Elementary School, to share some practical, easy-to-implement reading tips for parents. First, let your child see you reading—whether it’s a book, a recipe, or even a text message. This sends a powerful message that reading is a part of everyday life. Second, read with them! Even five minutes a day makes a difference. For younger kids, rhyming books are fantastic. For older kids, find books or articles on topics they love. You can even read a book together and take turns reading pages. And don’t forget to point out real-world reading—like road signs, instructions for a game, or labels at the grocery store. Show them how reading helps us navigate life. Make reading fun and interactive! Here are a few ideas: Leave little notes for them—on their pillow, in their lunchbox, or on the bathroom mirror. Label items in their room so they associate words with objects. Turn on closed captioning when watching TV—it helps with word recognition. Encourage them to read to a younger sibling, a pet, or even a stuffed animal. Make tablet/screen time educational by incorporating audiobooks or word games. Keep books accessible—visit the library, swap books with friends, or find free online resources. And don’t forget to bring books along for car rides or waiting rooms. A book in their hands beats boredom every time! Ask open-ended questions! Instead of just saying, “Did you like the book?” try: Who was your favorite character and why? Would you be friends with that character? How does this story remind you of something in your life? What do you think will happen next? These conversations build comprehension and critical thinking while also boosting a child’s confidence in expressing their thoughts. To all our parents listening—remember, small efforts add up. Keep talking, reading, and making literacy a part of daily life.

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