Pleasant Lake Pleasantries
The Week of January 16, 2017
Calendar of Events
Shark’s Den School Store Tuesday-Thursday 8:40 -8:55 a.m.
Girl Scouts every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m.
Division II Math Pentathlon every Tuesday from 7:45-8:45 a.m.
S.A.I.L Team every Friday at 8:00 a.m.
- Monday, Jan. 15-MLK Day Celebration at WLN H.S. from 5-8 p.m. (more info below)
- Thursday, Jan. 19-5th Graders Visit WLC H.S. for a Musical Performance
- Friday, Jan. 20-CREW Meeting
- Friday, Jan. 20-Family Pizza and Bingo Night from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (more info below)
- Friday, Jan. 20-5th Grade Camp Packet & Student Transfer Request Deadline.
- Tuesday, Jan. 24-Middle School Late Start
- Tuesday, Jan. 24-Baffling Bill the Magician 8 Habits Assembly
- Wednesday, Jan. 25-Kindergarten Field Trip
- Wednesday, Jan. 25-Outdoor Education Center/5th Grade Camp Open House from 5:30-7:00 p.m. (more info below).
- Friday, Jan. 27-Star Students
- Friday, Jan. 27-School of Choice Application Deadline
- Wednesday, Feb. 1-1/2 Day of School for Students, dismissal at 12:09 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 1-Zap Zone Fundraiser from 5-8 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 2-Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser 4:15-6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 2-School Board of Education Meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Pleasant Lake Elementary
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Prime Time Care Hours
Monday - Friday
6:30 AM-6:00 PM
Main Office:
248-956-2800
Fax Number:
248-956-2805
Attendance Hotline:
248-956-2890
School Times:
Drop off: 8:50 AM
Late Bell: 8:55 AM
Dismissal: 3:58 PM
Departure: 4:05 PM
Email: NayalMaktari@wlcsd.org
Website: www.wlcsd.org/pleasantlake
Location: 4900 Halsted Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, United States
Phone: (248) 956-2800
Twitter: @PleasantLakeEl
MLK Day Celebration Tomorrow!
The 18th annual Walled Lake Schools community-wide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration is planned for Monday, January 16, 2017 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Walled Lake Northern High School.
The celebration will begin with a multicultural dinner from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. with food from a wide variety of ethnic restaurants. During the dinner participants will visit student displays from each of our 19 schools focusing on our theme “Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander: Be an Advocate for Social Justice”. Our dinner is sponsored by generous support from the PTA and PTSA groups from around our district as well as other contributors.
From 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. there will be a program in the auditorium featuring keynote speaker, Ms. Irene Miller, author and Holocaust survivor, who is speaking on our theme. Ms. Miller will share her family’s story of survival during the Holocaust and she will also talk about taking action for Social Justice in today’s world. Several student choirs will perform, students will present their “Express Yourself” projects, and the Walled Lake Schools Friend of Diversity Awards will be presented.
Everyone in the community is invited to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration which is a free program. We are asking everyone to bring a donation of canned food, boxed food, and personal products such as laundry detergent, Kleenex, toilet paper, and shampoo to be donated to the food pantry at Cass Community Social Services in Detroit.
For more information, please contact Alec Bender, co-chairperson of the Walled Lake Schools Multicultural Committee, at (248) 956-3432.
Family Pizza and Bingo Night this Friday!
Our Annual Family Pizza and Bingo Night is this Friday, January 20th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. We need parent volunteers to make it a fun time for our children and families. Please click on the link below to sign up.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4daea72fa0fd0-pizza
Click HERE for the Pizza Order form that went home with your child last week. Hard Copies can also be found in the main office.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to a fun evening on Friday, January 20th.
*Thank you to Busch's for their generous donation to our Family Pizza and Bingo Night.
Pleasant Lake Elementary ranked in the 80th Percentile in the State of Michigan!
Each year the State of Michigan ranks all schools based off their state assessment results. The last two years schools have administered the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) and previous to that it was the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP). The M-STEP is administered to children in 3rd-5th Grade each Spring. Below you will find Pleasant Lake Elementary's Statewide Percentile Rank the last several years:
2011/2012 -58%
2012/2013-60%
2013/2014-64%
2014/2015- (percentile rank unavailable due to the transition from the MEAP to the M-STEP)
2015/2016-80%
The M-STEP is simply one of several student assessment data points that we analyze to assist us in determining our individual student and building wide needs. Nonetheless, we are proud of our school community in the continuous improvement we've exhibited each school year.
Together We Learn, Together We Lead!
Rethinking Homework by Alfie Kohn
Daily homework is the rule in most schools. Why not make it the exception?
After spending most of the day in school, children are typically given additional assignments to be completed at home. This is a rather curious fact when you stop to think about it, but not as curious as the fact that few people ever stop to think about it.
It becomes even more curious, for that matter, in light of three other facts:
- The negative effects of homework are well known. They include children’s frustration and exhaustion, lack of time for other activities, and possible loss of interest in learning. Many parents lament the impact of homework on their relationship with their children; they may also resent having to play the role of enforcer and worry that they will be criticized either for not being involved enough with the homework or for becoming too involved.
- The positive effects of homework are largely mythical. In preparation for a book on the topic, I’ve spent a lot of time sifting through the research. The results are nothing short of stunning. For starters, there is absolutely no evidence of any academic benefit from assigning homework in elementary or middle school. For younger students, in fact, there isn’t even a correlation between whether children do homework (or how much they do) and any meaningful measure of achievement. At the high school level, the correlation is weak and tends to disappear when more sophisticated statistical measures are applied. Meanwhile, no study has ever substantiated the belief that homework builds character or teaches good study habits.
- More homework is being piled on children despite the absence of its value. Over the last quarter-century the burden has increased most for the youngest children, for whom the evidence of positive effects isn’t just dubious; it’s nonexistent.
Please click HERE to continue reading this article.
How to Teach Your Kids About Tolerance from the Child Development Institute
In our societies today we simply cannot deny that we are surrounded by differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, disabilities and other differences.
Some people love to be surrounded by a multicultural society while others do not feel at ease. This mostly depends on our own exposure and attitudes towards our interaction with different people.
Why encourage tolerance in our kids? To start with, we want out kids to feel relaxed and open to learning from different cultures. They bring new ideas, experiences and energy to our lives. Our kids can potentially learn bundles from other cultures. If willing, tolerance opens doors in business, education, travel, leisure, lifestyle, art plus other areas of life.
To help our kids have a successful future, they need to be able to work with others. They need to not be afraid, to step outside their comfort zone and to understand, learn, respect and appreciate others.
Tolerance is not about accepting bad behavior, but accepting “people” for who they are and treating those how “you” wish to be treated. Remind your kids of this consistently.
Being tolerant of differences doesn’t mean sacrificing your own heritage or beliefs. We can be proud and stand by those beliefs 100% while continuing to celebrate the differences of others.
The tolerance level that parents possess naturally teaches their kids the same message. Children closely watch and imitate us, even before they can speak. Kids will mirror the values and attitudes of those they love and look up to.
Parents who model and display tolerance in their every day actions and words teach their kids to appreciate differences in others too. So we teach by example and provide them with opportunities to play and work with others.
Kids can’t “just” be told, they need to experience first hand how people who are different and similar to themselves can contribute in numerous ways.
Here are some tips for how to teach your kids tolerance.
- Look at the way you treat and speak to others. Does this reflect tolerance? Demonstrate a respect for others and reflect on your own attitude regularly.
- Kids listen and learn from you. At school, I have often overheard kids stereotyping and joking about the slang names given to different groups. When asked about those words they mostly tell me that is what they have heard used at home.Even if you’re having a conversation with your partner, be mindful that your kids may be listening. Think carefully about the words you use. By all means talk about differing groups in a factual and informative manner, but avoid joking and any degrading name-calling.Your kids may repeat what they have heard and sometimes in less private situations.
- Answer your kid’s questions honestly and respectfully. Everyone notices differences in people so it is perfectly okay to discuss them with your kids if done in a respectful way.
- Choose programs, movies, stories and games that value differences. The media has a powerful ability to shape attitudes. If you do watch or see something that is prejudice, be sure to talk about it with your kids and the hurt it can cause to those groups.
- Expect your kids to treat others with respect. By modelling tolerance yourself, you should certainly not accept disrespectful behaviour both inside and outside your home.
- Value the differences within your own family. Accept the qualities each member possesses regardless of differing styles, interests and abilities. Help your kids feel values for who they are too.
- Foster self-esteem in your family. We all know that people who don’t respect others rarely feel happy and secure within themselves. Kids who do feel good about themselves tend to be more courteous towards others.
- Involve your kids in situations where diversity is present. This may be at sport, school, day care and camps.
- Learn together about other cultures and traditions. Explore how different cultures celebrate occasions in their own special way and go about life. Talk about it and appreciate the experience.
- Teach your own family traditions to your kids and encourage pride. Value and talk about where you belong and be open to teach others what you have to offer.
Think about the behaviors you wish to see in your child. Then model those behaviors, because kids will mostly follow in your footsteps.
School of Choice and Student Transfer Information 2017-2018 School Year
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is a participant in Schools of Choice 105 on a ‘limited’ basis, limited meaning not all buildings and grade levels will have openings. Typically we accept applications for grades K-10. Under Schools of Choice 105 we may enroll students who are not residents of our district but still reside in one of the other 27 Oakland County school districts who meet the application guidelines.
*Pleasant Lake Elementary is accepting School of Choice Applications for current students and their siblings only.
The application period for the 2017-2018 school year will be January 9th through January 27th, 2017. By law, applications cannot be accepted before January 9th or after January 27th, 2017.
- The application period is now CLOSED
- Schools of Choice Section 105 Q & A
- Schools of Choice Student Guidelines 2016-17
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools does not participate in Schools of Choice 105C which means we do not accept applications from residents who do not live in Oakland County.
Note: If you are currently a resident of the district and anticipate moving out of the district during the current school year, it may be possible for your children to continue their education here the following years under Schools of Choice 105 if:
- You are still residing within one the other 27 Oakland County school district boundaries
- The building and grade level you want is open for application (you may end up on a waiting list if a lottery is necessary)
- Meet the application guidelines
- Make application during the application period
Student Transfer Requests
Student Transfer Requests are being accepted through this January 20th. Click HERE for Student Transfer Applications.
If you're not sure if you are moving, I recommend you still fill out a school of choice and/or Student Transfer Application. There is no penalty for filling out an application and then not needing it.
Cafeteria CHAMPS
December
Kindergarten-Mrs. Spontelli
1st Grade-Mrs. Goebel
2nd Grade-Mrs. Smith
3rd Grade-Mrs. Beilis-Volkers
4th Grade-Mrs. Henderlong
5th Grade-Mrs. Granger
November
Kindergarten-Mrs. Finn
1st Grade-Mrs. Raymond
2nd Grade-Mrs. Plautz
3rd Grade-Mrs. Carter
4th Grade-Mrs. Brown
5th Grade-Mrs. Grace
Two Hour Delay Procedures
Click HERE for our District Two Hour Delay Procedures in the case of inclement weather.
Arrival and Dismissal Times
While we understand that emergencies and appointments do take place during the school year we kindly request that everyone use Anchors Away at dismissal if their child is not riding the school bus home. Our Anchors Away dismissal process is quick and safe.
Thank you and please contact our main office at 248.956.2800 if you have any questions.
Outdoor Education Center Open House & 5th Grade Camp
Parents and students are welcome to tour the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center at 3577 Sleeth Ct., Commerce Twp., MI 48382, prior to their overnight camp experience.
This is a chance for you to take an informal tour any time between 5:30 and 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2017.
Remember 5th Grade Camp is February 6th-10th and that the camp packets are due this Friday. It's our goal that each child attends camp. Please contact your child's teacher if you need financial assistance.
Please call Stuart Riley @ 248-956-5120 for any questions regarding 5th grade camp. The Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center's website is another great place to visit for questions. http://walledlake.k12.mi.us/schools/Outdoor_Center/index.htm
School Spirit Wear Volunteer
Kroger Community Rewards Program
The PTA needs your help in providing our students and staff with as many resources as possible. One way the PTA helps is by contributing the funds earned through the Kroger Community Rewards program. If you shop at Kroger, we ask you to enroll your card to earn money for the PTA. This program does not take away your rewards earned toward gas or any other benefits. It is an additional way that Kroger gives back to the community. If you were enrolled in the past, please make sure to re-enroll and select Pleasant Lake Elementary PTA to earn the community rewards. You can follow the link provided here https://www.kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow
Also, if you have other family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) that shop at Kroger or Kroger affiliated stores encourage them to enroll their rewards card and select your student’s PTA for community rewards. Every little bit helps our students and staff.
Thank you,
Katarina Gasevski
PTA Co-V.P. and Scrips Coordinator
Access ConnectED, i-Ready and Reading A-Z at Home
In addition to ConnectED many of our classrooms have additional math and literacy online resources, like Reading A-Z and i-Ready, that your child and you and can access at home. If you're not sure what resources are available ask your child and/or their teacher.
Know What's Going On At Pleasant Lake Elementary!
SKYWARD FAMILY ACCESS
It is critical that parents keep an updated email address and let us know if it changes as soon as possible. Parents may update this information for us on Skyward Family Access. All teachers at Pleasant Lake utilize Skyward Family Access to communicate with parents. Report cards, lunch account information, progress reports, attendance and other important information will always be posted on Skyward Family Access. If you are a new family to Walled Lake Schools or have misplaced or lost your Family Access ID and password, please click HERE to get connected.
PLEASANT LAKE PLEASANTRIES AND SCHOOL WEBSITE
Our school newsletter will be sent electronically to parents every two weeks. An archive of newsletters is also posted to our school website. Our school website can be found HERE. Please visit this page often for information about our school. You will find links to important documents, websites from your child's classroom, PTA forms and information, and important updates and forms that you will need to access.
Please follow us on Twitter @PleasantLakeEl to be updated regularly on important events at our school and fun pictures of student events and learning!
REMIND 101
We also offer Remind 101 to all PLE parents. How does it work? If you would like to receive a quick text message on your cell phone or device, just sign up with us and you receive a quick text to remind you of important school events, deadlines, time frames, etc. at PLE. You can unsubscribe at any time.
To join, send a text to (586) 649-3482 and enter the message @mrmakt
You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, 'unsubscribe @mrmakt'.
Walled Lake School’s Recess Wear Guidelines
Please remember to dress your children appropriately for recess. Except in the case of extreme weather we will be outdoors for recess. Below are the Walled Lake School’s Recess Wear Guidelines.
Coats/Jackets
50 degrees + - Child/parent discretion
40-49 degrees - Recommended
39 degrees and below - Required
Hats/Gloves/Mittens
45 degrees + - Child/parent discretion
35-44 degrees - Recommended
32 degrees and below - Required
Boots and Snow Pants
Required when off of the blacktop
if there is slush or snow
**Please note: Temperature degrees are based on wind-chill/ “feels like” temperatures. **