Wayland Union Schools Earns Renewal of MI HEARTSafe School Recognition

Wayland Union Schools is proud to share that all district school buildings have once again earned the MI HEARTSafe School designation, renewing this important recognition for the 2025-2026 school year.

The MI HEARTSafe School Award recognizes schools that are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to cardiac emergencies. Schools earning the designation demonstrate a strong commitment to student, staff, and visitor safety through emergency planning, staff training, and access to life-saving equipment.

District School Nurse Sarah Sharp helped lead the certification process and said the recognition reflects the district's ongoing focus on emergency preparedness. "This award is given to schools that demonstrate preparedness to respond to cardiac emergencies," Sharp said. "Schools eligible for this recognition must maintain a majority of CPR-certified staff and coaches, implement a detailed cardiac emergency response plan, and ensure life-saving equipment is readily available throughout their campuses."

To qualify, schools must meet a series of rigorous requirements. These include maintaining a written Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, establishing a trained Cardiac Emergency Response Team, ensuring staff members are certified in CPR and AED use, and conducting annual emergency response drills. Schools must also maintain accessible Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and ensure trained responders are available during both the school day and extracurricular activities.

At Pine Street Elementary, Principal Robyn Robinson said the recognition reflects the school's commitment to keeping students and staff safe. "Student and staff safety is one of our highest priorities at Pine Street Elementary," Robinson said. "Through CPR training, medical emergency response drills, and access to AEDs, we are creating a safer environment where everyone is better equipped to respond during a cardiac emergency. We are honored to be recognized as a HEARTSafe School."

Dorr Elementary Principal Andrew Augustin echoed that sentiment, noting that preparedness helps provide peace of mind for families and staff alike. "Becoming a HEARTSafe School demonstrates our commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for every student, staff member, and visitor who enters Dorr Elementary," Augustin said. "Through emergency preparedness, access to life-saving equipment, and ongoing staff training, we are better equipped to respond when seconds matter most."

Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Teresa Fulk said the achievement highlights the dedication of employees across the district. "One of the things that makes Wayland Union Schools special is that our staff genuinely care about our students and one another," Fulk said. "The work required to earn this recognition happens quietly behind the scenes, but it matters. I am grateful to Sarah Sharp, our school nurse, for her leadership and to every staff member who helps ensure that our schools are safe, prepared, and ready to respond when it matters most."

The MI HEARTSafe School designation remains valid for three school years and serves as a reminder of the district's commitment to creating safe learning environments where students can thrive. Through continued training, planning, and investment in emergency response resources, Wayland Union Schools remains focused on protecting the health and well-being of everyone who enters its schools.