As many of you are aware, the district has been working on an Attendance Area Review (changing some school district boundaries). Part of this process involves extensive discussions that could potentially affect our entire school community. With that said, we need to hear from you!

This process began with the formation of the Attendance Area Review Committee in the fall. The Committee developed potential options aimed at addressing enrollment imbalances and eliminating double splits in student transitions without impacting our high schools. These proposals were presented to the Board of Education in January, and the Board requested more information about Option C.

TSD hosted five community meetings during March and April to discuss the current options and gather feedback from the community. TSD Administration and the Board of Education now invite you to complete a survey to share your thoughts on the potential attendance area changes, factors to consider in making these changes, such as Schools of Choice, and more. The survey will remain open until Friday, April 25, at 3 p.m.

Secondary students will be asked to complete an optional, age appropriate survey on this topic during school.

We thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this important survey.

Link to Survey: https://forms.gle/vqkzH7SXn4EX8DDG6

Link to Attendance Area Review information: https://www.troy.k12.mi.us/about-us/attendance-area-review

On Wednesday, the Troy School District surprised Wass Elementary School Secretary Phyllis Walters with the news that she had been named the 2024–2025 Troy School District Support Staff of the Year. Phyllis has been with the Troy School District for 33 years. Described by colleagues as a “consummate professional,” she has served at Wass Elementary School under three of the four principals in the school’s history.

In the nomination, current Wass Principal Mrs. Kristyn Crowe said, “Phyllis contributes to the feeling that Wass is a family, not just a place we come to work.”

Phyllis was presented with flowers and cookies to share with the Wass staff, along with a $250 check from a representative of the Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence.

This year's list of nominees for Support Staff of the year included the following staff members, all of whom should be commended for their hard work and exceptional dedication.

Malathi Ravindirababu - TSD Preschool

Alison Harrison - Schroeder Elementary School

Joan Pangrcic - Baker Middle School

Katherine Liskey - Baker Middle School

Gezimtar (Jimmy) Nazarko - International Academy East

Susan Smith - Schroeder Elementary School

Sharon Kreza - Wattles Elementary School
Prashanthi Sangamreddy - Schroeder Elementary School

Deborah Hazen - Wattles Elementary School

Allie Cianciolo - Bemis Elementary School

John Grayson - Larson Middle School

Christine Clifford - Larson Middle School

Christine Wigman - Baker Middle School

Maria Balcoff - Leonard Elementary School

Titus Brown - Leonard Elementary School

Fahmida Islam - Barnard Elementary School

Sui Chu - Barnard Elementary School

Richard Barnard - Troy High School

Rose Golec - Boulan Park Middle School

Jennifer Martus - Costello Elementary School

Josef Schmidt - Administration Building, Services Building, Transportation

Romi Chakraborty - Costello Elementary School

Madhu Sathya - Schroeder Elementary School

Sathya Madhu - Schroeder Elementary School

Troy High Social Studies teacher Ryan Werenka has been selected for the 2025 James Madison Fellowship, awarded annually to one teacher from each U.S. state and territory to support the teaching of the U.S. Constitution. The fellowship will provide up to $24,000 toward Mr. Werenka’s master’s degree in American history from Gettysburg College. In summer 2026, he will also attend the Foundation’s Summer Institute at Georgetown University, which includes lectures from constitutional scholars and visits to historic sites. Congrats on this prestigious honor Mr. Werenka!

For more information and to RSVP, please visit our website.

Join Dr. Rich Machesky for Coffee with the Superintendent on April 23 from 5 - 6 p.m. in the Troy School District Administration Building Board Room, 4400 Livernois Rd., Troy, MI.

​April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to embrace and be informed within our community. It's an opportunity to move beyond mere awareness and actively foster environments where autistic individuals are not only recognized but truly valued and included. By educating ourselves about the unique experiences of those on the autism spectrum, we can break down barriers of misunderstanding and build bridges of empathy and support. This month calls us to action: to listen to autistic voices, to champion their rights, and to create spaces where neurodiversity is celebrated as a vital part of our collective human experience. Together, let's commit to building a world where everyone, regardless of neurological makeup, is empowered to be successful.

You can read more in this month's TSD Inclusive Newsletter.

Welcome to The Adventure Mindset podcast! In our second episode, we hear form Ms. Deanna Dutts and immerse ourselves into the world of student empowerment. Tune in for a motivational discussion about giving opportunity to others, leading with empathy, and embracing the courage to stand out!

Podcast by Nurayda Albeez, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Shadow Day is an opportunity at IA East for teachers to complete an entire school day alongside a student. They participate in all assignments, activities, and assessments even though it may have been years since they last did so. The goal of this experience is for teachers to gain greater insight into the student experience. Tag along with IAE Counselor Alexandria Phelps and IAE Senior Nurayda Albeez to be a student for a day!

🎥 by Nurayda Albeez, a Creative Guild Student Producer.

Model UN teams from Troy High and Athens competed in the Oakland Model UN conference last weekend, with a number of students from the teams winning awards.

Athens High School:
Superior Delegate:

Rayansh Arora, 9th Grade

Excellent Delegate:

Tasnia Jannah, 10th Grade

Nicholas Dilis, 11th Grade

Arnav Nikam, 9th Grade

Troy High School:

Best Delegate - Gavel Award:

Bhavisha Santhosh Kumar, 10th Grade

Lana Fargaly, 11th Grade

Superior Delegate Award:

Ahmad BokhariLana Fargaly, 9th Grade

Bhavisha Santhosh Kumar, 10th Grade

Henrik Karstensen, 9th Grade

Kate Berghea, 9th Grade

Lana Fargaly, 11th Grade

Maya Al-Qas Hanna, 9th Grade

Nishi Bergi, 9th Grade

Zahra Rahman, 10th Grade

Zaid Iftikhar, 9th Grade

Outstanding Delegate Award:

Jude Carras-Restum, 9th Grade

Kashvi Mohan, 9th Grade

Rachel Jose, 10th Grade

Rudra Jariwala, 10th Grade

Sara Yousufuddin, 10th Grade

Shalini Srinivas, 9th Grade

Shraddha Shoraff, 10th Grade

Shriya Doddaguni Harish, 9th Grade

Excellent Delegate Award:

Areeb Raed, 9th Grade

Iris Kerges, 9th Grade

Jonathan Pinon, 10th Grade

Nivedha Suresh, 9th Grade

Position Paper & Book Award:

Shraddha Shoraff, 10th Grade

After dedicating an immense amount of time and effort to her Gold Award Project and successfully navigating the 10-person panel interview in March, Athens Senior Ava Bunao has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award Girl Scout distinction!

Achieving the Gold Award is an extraordinary accomplishment, with only 5.4% of Girl Scouts receiving this honor. Ava now joins an exceptional group of individuals who have made their mark on the world through dedication, hard work, and selfless service. Ava will be formally honored in a ceremony on May 18.

Two Troy High School students have been named Detroit News and CATCH Outstanding High School Graduates this year. Natalie Tallu (left) for World Studies and Elan Povirk (right) for Visual Arts. Both will receive a $1,000 scholarship and be honored on May 15th. Congratulations!

We are so excited to have Troy Athens Principal, Mr. Burden, on this episode! He dives into why being an educator is important to him, the amazing mentors he grew up with, and his journey to becoming an administrator. Mr. Burden’s story is truly unique and we hope his journey and advice inspires you!

Podcast by Vannessa Luu & Gabrielle Robinson, Creative Guild Student Producers.

The Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences have announced their nominees for this year’s Student Production Awards. Troy student projects have been nominated in a total of 11 categories! Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday, April 27th at MSU.

Short Form Non-Fiction

Crackman | What It Means To Be A Fan

Troy Athens High School

Mustafa Ali, Ryan Stasinski, Elliot Booth

Public Affairs/Community Service

Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation

Troy Athens High School

David Graunstadt, Maisie Justes

Interview/Discussion

The Adventure Mindset

International Academy East

Nurayda Albeez

Sports Story

Athens Track Wins First Regional Championship

Troy Athens High School

Ryan Stasinski, David Graunstadt, Anthony Norris, Mustafa Ali

Promotional Video

Inside IA East

International Academy East

Nurayda Albeez

Public Service Announcement

I’m Fine

Troy Athens High School

Isabella Fay

Animation/Graphics/Special Effects

Shovik & Nate Animation Sample

Troy Athens High School

Nathaniel Sakmar, Shovik Ahmed

Director

Dead Air

Troy High School

Akshaya Rachamadugu

Photographer

Life Through Color

Troy Athens High School

Anoush Rophael

Talent – Performer

The Big Nate Auditions

Troy Athens High School

Nathaniel Sakmar

Writer

Dead Air

Troy High School

Akshaya Rachamadugu

For more information or to register for high school summer school classes, visit the continuing education website. Courses are available in person and virtually (except physical education, which can only be taken in person). For questions, email Katie Hancock at khancock@troy.k12.mi.us.

Yesterday, our Chartwells Food Services team hosted the exciting Discovery Kitchen Cook-Off in the Athens cafeteria! Eight teams of four middle school students competed to create the best international dish. With just 90 minutes on the clock, students showcased their culinary skills by creating mouthwatering meals from scratch.

Congratulations to the winning team from Larson: Esha Ezhilventhan, Akshara Venisetty, Rucha Joshi, and Sanvi Mandvekar!

Sign-ups are now open for the Middle School Leadership Conference. This conference is open to eighth grade students and will take place on Friday, May 23 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Students will be bussed to and from their middle schools, and lunch will be provided. You can sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/23ufztx8

Registration is now open for the TROY Fitness Run! The annual 2 mile run/walk is for 5th grade students. You can register your student online from now until April 15.

On May 7, families of students enrolled in the Troy School District Pre-K program are invited to Pre-K Info Night at the TSD Preschool! Families will learn about the TSD Pre-K program, meet the teachers, and tour the TSD Preschool Building. Please note: this event is intended for adults only.

The Athens Theater Company Presents their Spring Production of Neil Simon's God's Favorite on April 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and April 13 at 3 p.m. There will be a Student Matinee on April 14 at 8 a.m. For tickets, call 248-823-2923.

Athens Men's Lacrosse was victorious on Thursday, beating out Farmington with a score of 16-0. Goals were scored by senior Jonathan Zaitouna (3), senior Scott Sollars (4), junior Aaron Kidwell (3), senior Alex Beaubien (2), senior Liam Dempsey (2), senior Brody Gibb (1) and junior Gavin Blaeske with his first varsity goal. Combined effort for the shutout between senior goalies Sean Fraser and Riley Tuck (Avondale).

The Troy High and Athens Boys Volleyball Teams met at Athens for their first game with Troy High walking away with the win.

Troy High Senior Leo Penoza was named one of the Top 10 three point shooters in the state of Michigan by the MHSAA. Leo was number six on the list this year. Congrats Leo!

Dear Troy School District Families,

As we prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 athletic seasons, we’re pleased to once again partner with Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Family Medicine to offer convenient, low-cost sports physicals for our student-athletes.

Important Details:

• Cost: $25 (checks payable to Corewell Health Family Medicine)
• Eligibility: Open to all middle and high school students in the Troy School District
• Requirement: All student-athletes must have a completed physical dated April 15, 2025, or later to be eligible for participation during the 2025-26 school year.
  
  

Physical Dates & Locations:

• Athens High School - Wednesday, June 11 from 6 – 9 PM (enter through the aux gym entrance)
• Troy High School - Wednesday, July 23 from 6 – 9 PM (enter through the athletic entrance by the main gym)
  
  

These physical nights are a great opportunity to meet this essential requirement early and avoid the last-minute rush before fall sports begin.

More information about Fall 2025 sports and registration will be shared later this spring. We appreciate your support and look forward to another exciting year of TSD athletics!

Sincerely,

Matt Jansen

Director of Athletics, Continuing Education & Enrichment

Troy School District Learning Center

1522 East Big Beaver Road

mjansen@troy.k12.mi.us

Athletic Links:

Athens Athletics: https://RedhawkAthletics.org

Troy High Athletics: https://TroyAthletics.org

Facebook Links:

Troy High: https://www.facebook.com/troyhighathleticboosters

Athens: https://www.facebook.com/AthensBoosters

Booster SignUpGenius Links:

Troy High: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BA4AC29A4F4CF8-troy#/

Co-founded by IA East student Vihaan Gehlaut, the Science Medicine Scholars Program is designed for students in grades 3–8. Running virtually in April and May, it helps students explore STEM topics through detailed lessons and engaging at-home experiments. Taught in collaboration with University of Michigan students, the program offers an interactive learning experience. Interested participants can register on the program’s website, but space is limited, and sessions begin soon.

• Saturday, May 31, 2025 - Athens and Troy High Graduation at the O'rena on the campus of Oakland University
  
  
• Sunday, June 1, 2025, 4 p.m. - IAE Graduation at Pine Knob
  
  
• Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 6 p.m. - TCCHS Graduation at Troy High

Join the team and make a difference in a student's educational development. If you're caring, dedicated, reliable, and love working directly with students and staff to help create a healthy learning environment for all, we need you. What we offer: On the job training, opportunities for advancement, work during school hours, work extra and summer hours. Apply today! Visit our site: https://www.applitrack.com/troy/onlineapp or contact us at the special education department, (248) 823-5096.

The Troy School District is searching for qualified candidates for the 2025-2026 school year! To learn more about teaching in Troy, visit https://tinyurl.com/Why-Troy and visit https://tinyurl.com/TSDJobOpp to see openings.

If you are interested in employment in the Troy School District, click here to access our Frontline Recruiting and Hiring System.