Tiger Talk
08/15/2020
A Message from WLCSD
Dear WLCSD Families,
Thank you for your ongoing feedback regarding Walled Lake Schools’ Return to Learn Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Communication is important during this evolving and rapidly changing time leading up to the start of school. The decision made at the August 4, 2020 School Board meeting to delay an in-person start and begin online has created a challenge for many of our families. We know that the Remote Learning option outlined in our Return to Learn Plan is rooted in best-practice and allows our Walled Lake teachers to do what they do best: teach our highly effective curriculum as they would in-person. We have been planning for a successful transition of our curriculum to be delivered in the Remote Learning (school at home) design and we believe that this will be a highly successful and beneficial option for students. With that said, some families have reached out requesting greater flexibility in daily schedules. This is completely understandable. We want our families to know that we will be offering a second online option for families that desire that. We will be able to share more next week but please know that this alternate option allows for:
A completely virtual online K-12 curriculum through Edgenuity
· Lessons and assessments formatted and designed specifically for virtual delivery
· Students can work at their own pace and on their own schedule
· A Walled Lake teacher will be assigned as the mentor teacher
We wanted to share this timely and important information as we understand that families may be considering home-schooling curriculum for their child(ren). We assure you that we can support that need!
More detailed information will be shared at the upcoming parent information sessions. Parents will have the opportunity to view the informative sessions live (please follow the links below.) Administrators will answer as many questions as time allows. The Parent Info Sessions for the Virtual Return to Learn Plan will be recorded and available for parents to view at their convenience.
Parents are asked to submit questions pertaining to the Virtual Return to Learn Plan prior to the start of the meeting (See the parent question forms below). Administration will review and answer as many questions as possible during these live virtual meetings.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Monday, Aug. 17, Elementary Parent Info-Session – 5-6:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 17, Middle School Parent Info-Session – 7 -8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 18, High School Parent Info-Session – 5-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 18, Special Services Parent Info-Session – 7-8:30 p.m.
EDGENUITY
Edgenuity Online Curriculum for Full-Time Virtual K-5 Students
ALL K-12 FAMILIES MUST COMPLETE
Walled Lake Schools has streamlined the annual registration/first-day packet process for ALL K-12 families. The District will be using the Family Access/Skyward system to automate the process for updating and completing documents such as the emergency card, Food Service application, FERPA form, fee payments, Code of Conduct, and other important annual school forms that require parent approval.
A Skyward Family Access parent account is required in order to complete the Online Back-to-School Packet process for all schools. (A parent account username is alphanumeric - SMITHMAD000; a student account username is the student's ID number - 1234567.) To obtain a Family Access account, email familyaccess@wlcsd.org from your email account on file with the district or call 248-956-2190 (email is best). Please include ALL of the following information in the body of your message. You will be contacted within 3 business days.
- Guardian Name
- Your student name(s) and name of schools they attend in Walled Lake Schools
- Guardian's email address currently on file with the district
- Daytime phone number
Questions and Support
If you are having trouble with Back-to-School packet, please visit the Troubleshooting & FAQ page. If you are still having issues, please contact familyaccess@wlcsd.org. Be sure to include your name, the student's name, and the specific question you may have.
THE STUDENT PANTRY: HELPING STUDENTS IN NEED
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Some in our community have seen a dramatic decline in household income. The Student Pantry, a local, charitable organization, has generously offered to sponsor several families from Walled Lake Elementary. A sponsorship includes:
• A new backpack full of school supplies;
• Clothing necessities including a pair of pants, shirt, hoodie, sneakers, and socks;
• A new winter jacket, boots, hat, and gloves;
• Weekend food throughout the school year; and
• Food for the summer months along with tools to keep your student academically engaged over the summer.
I have worked with the Student Pantry in the past and know them to be kind, generous, and respectful of confidentiality. If your family could benefit from a sponsorship, please contact me directly at julieamann@wlcsd.org. Space in the program is limited, so please contact me soon if you are interested. I am proud to be part of a community in which community members respect and support one another, especially in times of need.
CHROMEBOOK DISTRIBUTION
CLASS LISTS AND SUPPLY LISTS
With two paths offered for students, there will be a delay in the release in class lists as we update them and balance classes to reflect the path each family selects. Class lists will be released during the week of August 24th. Thank you for your patience as we work through this very unusual start to the school year.
Supply Lists:
I know many of you are eager to pick up school supplies for your children. We are updating our suggested supply lists, in light of a remote start to the school year, and will share it the week of August 17th. Please know that these lists will contain suggested items. We will make sure that your child has everything he/she needs to engage with the school curriculum.