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Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

Special Designations

Community School - These schools offer an array of services to parents and children. Examples include homework assistance, child care, technology skills, parental and prenatal training, language and literacy development and more.

Excellent Schools Detroit Top School - One of our schools that made nonprofit Excellent Schools Detroit’s list of recommended schools in the city, based on test scores, site visits and student and teacher evaluations.

Innovation School - Schools with expanded innovative programs, such as STEAM, public Montessori, dual language immersion, expanded Academy of Blended Learning, additional accelerated academic programs and smaller high school communities.

Montessori School - Montessori programming, according to the American Montessori Society, is a child-centered approach to learning that allows kids to follow their interests and learn through a combination of movement, collaboration and concentration.

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A Tribute to Ms. Crystal Lee: A Legacy of Dedication and Impact

A lady smiling in the photo Chair draped in black

Ms. Crystal Lee was a cherished matriarch at the Charles R. Drew Transition Center, celebrated for her deep devotion to her students, her readiness to assist anyone in need.

Ms. Crystal Lee will be missed by everyone at the Charles R. Drew Transition Center and the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Crystal Lee started her career with Wayne Resa as a paraprofessional. Over her 45 years of dedicated service, she joined and served as a member of the election committee in 2010. Consequently, she was elected to the Executive Board of the DFT Union Leadership Team from 2020 to the present and was with AFSCME Local 345 for 25 years as an Instructional Aide. Ms. Lee consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues; she was tremendously loved. She was more than just a teacher or staff member; she was a guiding force and a role model who worked tirelessly to uplift others. Known for her candid honesty and willingness to speak her mind, she balanced her forthrightness with a heart full of compassion and a deep desire to see others succeed. Whether it was offering support to a struggling student, lending a hand to a colleague, or advocating for what she believed was right, Ms. Lee never wavered in her values or her mission to be effective.

Her legacy is one of love, strength, and an unshakable sense of purpose. Ms. Lee had an innate ability to connect with people, especially her students, many of whom saw her as a source of inspiration and encouragement. Her presence at Drew created a sense of stability and belonging for everyone she encountered. Though her loss is deeply felt, her impact will continue to resonate through the lives she touched and the countless ways she shaped the school community. Ms. Lee’s contributions to Drew and her steadfast dedication to her beliefs will remain a cornerstone of her memory, inspiring others to carry forward her spirit of service, resilience, and authenticity.

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