Hello everyone and welcome to Simpson Middle School. This is my 11th year working in the district. I spent the first 7 years teaching math and science at Flat Rock Community High School and Simpson. The following year and a half were spent as the assistant principal at FRCHS. I became the principal of Simpson Middle School in February 2017. This will be my second full year as the principal of the building.

I grew up mainly in Brownstown, but I lived in Redford until 4th grade and spent 5th and half of 6th grade outside of St. Louis. I am a Woodhaven High School graduate. After high school, I went to Wayne State University and earned my bachelor's degree in 2008 in mathematics and physics. I returned to WSU and earned my master's degree in 2013 in Educational Leadership. In 2018 I completed my Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. 

My wife and I (high school sweethearts) live in Flat Rock with our three kids. I am proud to send my kids to Flat Rock Community Schools. My oldest child is in 2nd grade and my middle child is in 1st grade at Bobcean this year. We also have a crazy golden retriever puppy named Ghost. He was born in May 2018 and currently likes to chew on my kids' limbs. 

I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with your student.  I hope that we can exceed your expectations regarding your child's education.

WEB/PBIS

For the 2018 - 2019 school year we will be continuing a program for incoming 6th graders called WEB.  WEB stands for "Where Everyone Belongs".  WEB was implemented to help students transition from the elementary school to the middle school.  The program relies on our 8th grade student leaders to mentor the 6th grade students.  The research shows that WEB not only helps with transitioning but also with other issues, such as bullying and developing positive peer relationships.

We will also continue with our PBIS program (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) which provides Ram Bucks as rewards for students demonstrating positive behaviors.  These Ram Bucks can be used at the school store. In addition to the frequent Ram Bucks as rewards, we also have a monthly party or reward for our students that do not have any behavior incidents for the month.  We are in need of donations for the school store and for volunteer help. Please contact Mr. Todd Dishon if you are interested tdishon@flatrockschools.org. 

Student-Led Conferences

Simpson Middle School will continue to use the Student-Led Conferencing (SLC) format for conferences for the 2018 - 2019 school year.  By doing so we are continuing to address some of the past parental concerns regarding conferences and to enhance their effectiveness. 

Student-Led Conferences are a time to celebrate the learning that each student has achieved so far this year. It is a time to let your student shine as they take you through a portfolio of their work in their core classes. They will share work samples and personal reflections on what they have learned and how their learning can continue to improve. Let your child be in charge, ask clarifying questions, focus on the work and the students growth and not on the grade. Give them positive feedback on how well they have prepared for this and what they have shown you.

Sincerely,

Drew Wilde-  Principal, Thomas Simpson Middle School