Ypsi school opens new student support hub

On Sept. 17 Estabrook Elementary, 1555 W. Cross St. in Ypsilanti, opened the Eagles Nest, a student support hub that will unite the school’s Intense Student Support Network (ISSN) staff and offer resources for students and caregivers.

The hub has two main areas. The first space, focused on student needs, is called The Eagle Lounge. Pupils can participate in small group sessions and activities and get academic, emotional, or behavioral support. The second space, called The Caregiver Corner, will be a welcoming spot for parents and guardians to access technology, refreshments, and collaborative seating to build community connections.

Principal Ryan Johnson says the school’s ISSN team, which includes social workers, a climate and culture coach, and a student success specialist, has been in place for a long time. However, its staff weren’t all located in one area. When the school’s special education department moved to one of Ypsilanti Community Schools’ buildings on Emerick Street in a reorganization that included Ypsilanti Community Middle School, it opened up the possibility of building a student success hub and bringing all those parts of the ISSN together. He says YCS administration was cooperative and enthusiastic about the plan to allocate some budget to transform the space over about five months.

“Our goal with that team is to give students what they need to be successful in school and outside, and that extends to their families,” Johnson says. 

He also notes that the new hub centralizes the school’s bilingual liaison, an important role; Ryan estimates that 35-40% of his pupils are multilingual. The school is also investing in equipment called Clear Connect and training that will help smooth translation issues during common events like parent meetings, as well as in the classroom. 

Ryan urges parents and community members to check out the Eagles Nest and its resources.

“Come in, look at it, [and] use it for what it is meant for,” Ryan says. “It’s not exclusive. There’s no membership needed. I want the community to utilize it.”