A letter from Principal Ché A. Carter

Dear WIHI and WIMA Community,

Welcome to Washtenaw International High School and Washtenaw International Middle Academy!

I am honored and excited to serve as the new Principal and Head of School of WIHI and WIMA. From my first conversations with students, staff, families, and community members, I have felt the pride and commitment that make this community special. I am grateful to be here and ready to begin our work together.

I bring deep roots in Washtenaw County and more than 20 years of experience in public education. I began my career as an elementary teacher and have since served as an assistant principal and principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Throughout this journey, I have remained grounded in the belief that leadership is service, a commitment to elevate humanity, courageously unlearn, continually relearn, and boldly imagine what is possible. My purpose is to develop and empower young people to become globally minded leaders who use their gifts, voices, and agency to contribute to humanity masterfully. As Nelson Mandela reminded us, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

My commitment to global education has given me opportunities to visit schools in Europe, South America, and South Africa. These experiences strengthened my understanding of different cultures and educational systems. They also reminded me that communities around the world share many of the same hopes for their children. I look forward to visiting more schools, building global partnerships, and creating opportunities for our students to learn with and from people around the world.

As we begin this chapter, I want to recognize the visionary leaders, who helped establish the culture, traditions, relationships, and academic excellence that define WIHI and WIMA over the last fifteen years. I am proud to build on that foundation with our students, staff, and families.

WIHI and WIMA are among Washtenaw County’s most valuable educational opportunities. Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they are supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to excel. One of my priorities is to thoughtfully craft and elevate the WIHI and WIMA story so that more students and families understand who we are, what we offer, and how they can become part of the Pack.

Our goal is to strengthen WIHI and WIMA as one connected model of excellence. Guided by “Shared Learning, Shared Futures,” our priorities are:

• Student Achievement and Instructional Excellence
• Culture, Belonging, and Staff Engagement
• IB Identity, Systems Alignment, and Continuous Improvement

I will provide clear direction, consistent leadership, and open communication. I will also listen and create meaningful opportunities for students, staff, and families to help shape the future of our school.

Together, we will elevate student voice, choice, leadership, and ownership. We will prepare World Ready young people who are knowledgeable, inquiring, caring, courageous, and open minded. With your partnership, our students will be prepared to contribute to humanity masterfully.

I am excited about what we will accomplish together. Many Currents. One Pack. Moving Forward Together.

In service,

Ché A. Carter