Welcome To The World’s Greatest Elementary School Taft-Galloway

Dear Taft Elementary Families,

At Taft, "The World's Greatest Elementary School," student safety and smooth daily operations are always our top priorities. 

As a follow-up to our earlier communication regarding drop-off and pick-up procedures, we are asking for everyone's cooperation to keep our parking lot and drop-off loop safe, organized, and moving efficiently. 

Critical Parking Lot Guidelines

• No Stopping or Parking in the Drop-Off Loop: The loop is strictly reserved for quick, continuous drop-offs and pick-ups. Stopping, idling, or parking in the loop creates severe traffic delays and safety hazards for other families and staff.
• Do Not Exit Your Vehicle in the Loop: Drivers must remain inside their vehicles at all times while in the arrival/dismissal loop.
• Parking Requirement for Escorts: If you need to exit your vehicle to walk your student into the building, meet them at the doors, or stand in line, you MUST park your vehicle in a designated parking spot. 

Why This Matters

When vehicles stop or drivers exit in the active loop, it creates a bottleneck that backs traffic up onto adjacent roadways and slows down the morning routine for our entire school community. Following these expectations ensures that all students arrive and depart safely and on time.

Thank you for your continuous support, cooperation, and commitment to keeping Taft "The World's Greatest Elementary School."

Sincerely,
Brandon C. Cox
Principal, Taft Elementary School

November Newsletter Principal: Brandon C. Cox

Principal's Message: Embracing the Season, Family & Effort

Dear Taft-Galloway Families,

As autumn settles in, the vibrant leaves begin to fall, the air grows crisp, and the clocks roll back, November reminds us that time moves quickly. With the changing season comes a wonderful opportunity to slow down, pause, and focus on what matters most: family, gratitude, and spending quality time together.

Taft November Newsletter 

Dear Taft-Galloway Families, 

As we settle into the new school year, we want to address a critical matter regarding student safety and operational efficiency: timely student pickup at the end of the school day. 

School Schedule & Pickup Expectations 

• School Hours: 9:10 AM – 4:00 PM 
• Dismissal Time: 4:00 PM 
• Student Pickup Window: Students must be picked up promptly at 4:00 PM.
   

School Schedule & Pickup Expectations Letter

At Wayne-Westland Community Schools, we know that every school day matters. That’s why we’ve launched our “Aim for 8” attendance campaign to encourage families to make regular school attendance a priority.

Our goal is simple: students should aim to have 8 or fewer absences for the entire school year. Consistent attendance helps students stay connected to their teachers, classmates, and learning—and gives them the best opportunity to succeed.

Wayne-Westland Wrap Up September 2026

Dear Wayne-Westland Community School District Community,

As we enter September, schools across the nation observe National Suicide Prevention Month, anchored by World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Caring for the mental health and safety of our communities is a collective responsibility, and keeping everyone informed is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal ideation allows us to step in early. Changes to look for include:

• Behavioral & Social: Withdrawing from friends, family, or favorite activities; giving away prized possessions; self-destructive choices; sudden changes in hygiene or sleep; or a sudden, unexpected boost in mood after a period of deep depression.
• Verbal & Cognitive: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, excessive guilt, or being a burden; talking or writing about death; making statements like "I can't take it anymore"; or struggling to concentrate due to a fixation on dark thoughts.
• Emotional & Situational: Extreme mood shifts, intense irritability, or processing severe stress from recent loss, breakup, bullying, or academic pressures.

As we prepare to welcome our students back for the 2026–27 school year, we want to inform families about an important change regarding cell phones and other personal electronic devices.

Michigan law and Wayne-Westland Community Schools Board Policy now require students to keep personal wireless devices put away during instructional time. This change aims to reduce distractions, increase learning, and create a classroom environment where students can focus on their education and connect with their teachers and classmates.