Dublin Times
February 25-March 8, 2019
Upcoming Important Events
This Week...
February 25
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15 -8:45 PM) Cafeteria
- Scouts (6:15-8:15 PM) Cafeteria
February 26
- Community Ed. Theater Class (4:00-5:00 PM) Media Center
- Community Ed. Power of Drawing (4:00-5:00 PM) Art Room
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
- Scouts (6:15-8:15 PM) Cafeteria
- Fifth Grade Camp Parent Meeting (6:30-7:30 PM) Media Center
February 27
- Field Trip (Fourth Grade) DSO and DIA
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
- Tiger Scouts (6:30-7:30 PM) Cafeteria
- Bond Election Kick Off Meeting (7:00-8:00 PM) ESC Board Room
February 28
- PBIS Team Time (3:00-3:45 PM)
- Junior Girl Scouts (4:00-5:00 PM) Media Center
- Daisy Troop 76960 (5:30-6:30 PM) Media Center
- Special Services Parent Advisory Meeting (6:00-8:30 PM) ESC
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
March 1
- Field Trip (Second Grade) Outdoor Center
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
Next Week...
March 4
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
- Scouts (6:15-8:15 PM) Cafeteria
March 5
- Brownie Troop 76715 Meeting (4:00-5:00 PM) Room 401
- Community Ed. Theater Class (4:00-5:00 PM) Media Center
- Community Ed. Power of Drawing Class (4:00-5:00 PM) Art Room
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
- Scouts (6:15-8:15 PM) Cafeteria
March 6
- Lockdown Drill Practice
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
- Tiger Scouts (6:30-7:30 PM) Cafeteria
March 7
- Student Council Meeting (8:00 AM) Room 306
- Junior Girl Scouts (4:00-5:00 PM) Media Center
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
- Board of Education Meeting (7:00 PM) ESC Board Room
March 8
- First Grade Old Fashioned Day Event (3:00-3:45 PM) Cafeteria
- Community Ed. Youth Basketball (6:15-8:45 PM) Gym
- Scout Pinewood Derby Set Up (6:30-9:00 PM) Cafeteria
For the Walled Lake 18-19 District Calendar, click HERE
For the Walled Lake 19-20 District Calendar, click HERE
For the 18-19 List of Major Religious and Other Holidays, click HERE
Author Julia Cook Coming to Dublin!
The Award Winning Author Julia Cook will be visiting Dublin on Tuesday morning, March 26th.
We will have two assemblies with Julia.
K-2 from 9:10 AM-10:05 AM and 3-5 from 10:10-11:05.
Both assemblies will take place in our cafeteria.
Julia is nationally recognized as an award-winning children’s book author and parenting expert, and her books have been referenced in such publications as Parent’s Magazine, The New Yorker, Green Child Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Ya-hoo.com, DrLaura.com and BabyZone.com has. She has also been featured on CNN’s HLN News, and several large metropolitan networks.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Julia became actively involved in teaching children how to ski, an experience that led to a love of teaching in general. Julia now lives in Fremont, Nebraska. Her Master’s degree is in Elementary School Counseling. While serving as a guidance counselor, Julia often used children’s books to enhance her classroom lessons.
She has presented in thousands of schools across the country and abroad, regularly speaks at national education and counseling conferences. She has published nearly 100 children’s books on a wide range of characters and social development topics. Her books showcase her innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it.”
The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home.
Book order forms will be sent home on this day!
Julia will also have a special night for parents! Please see the details in the attachments below!
Thank You Dublin Community!
Buildings, Infrastructure & Equity Bond
At its Feb. 7 meeting, the Walled Lake Schools’ Board of Education approved moving forward with a $316 million bond election May 7, 2019. It will not be a tax increase to District residents. Superintendent Kenneth Gutman said: “We have a unique opportunity at this time where we can request a $316 million bond without a tax increase that will actually result in a tax decrease. The District currently has five outstanding debt obligations, four of which will be paid off within five years, and other factors that give the District this opportunity.”
The bond election is for infrastructure and educational equity improvements at all schools with significant building changes at Dublin Elementary and Western High schools, as well as an early childhood facility, and some safety and security additions.
Dublin Elementary, the oldest school in the District, is 90 years old. “It was built in 1928, and although it has been added onto several times, it is an old facility that we believe should be replaced with a modern elementary school that offers flexible learning spaces,” Gutman said.
As well, the equity factor will be addressed at Western High School with a collaborative learning environment, a modern commons/cafeteria area, upgraded academic areas, updated athletic spaces, new restrooms and other necessary improvements.
“Our goal is to offer functional, equitable learning atmospheres across the District and to address myriad infrastructure needs. These critical upgrades range from heating and ventilation systems, roof and window replacements, and lighting upgrades, to restroom and locker room renovations, and parking lot and sidewalk repairs at most of our buildings. The critical repairs needed at our 22 buildings far exceed our Sinking Fund,” Gutman added. “Keeping our schools in good repair improves our children’s learning environment and is linked to increased property values.”
A list of the 2019 bond projects, by school, will be published on the District’s website, in late February, as well as the bond language and other information.
In the fall, the District had four community facility needs and assessment meetings and also conducted a survey to gather input. The Board of Education discussed these facility needs at its Dec. 6, Dec. 20, 2018 and Jan. 10, 2019, meetings. The State Department of Treasury in Lansing reviewed the Walled Lake Schools’ proposal two times and recently granted its approval for a May 7, 2019 special election.
Please plan to attend a community meeting about the bond. A list of these meetings is provided on the District website, www.wlcsd.org.
2019 BUILDING, INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUITY BOND INFORMATION LINKS:
- Bond Ballot Language
- Community Bond Meetings
- Bond Finance Video
- Bond Projects by Building - COMING SOON!
- Bond Question & Answer Document - COMING SOON!
2018 BUILDINGS, INFRASTRUCTURE & EQUITY COMMUNITY WORK AND INFORMATION LEADING UP TO THE BOND:
After four community facility needs and assessment meetings and a parent and community survey/poll and three Board of Education discussions, (Dec. 6, Dec. 20, 2018 and Jan. 10, 2019), the Board and District are taking the Application for Preliminary Qualification of Bonds to the Department of Treasury in Lansing for final review and approval.
The proposed May 7 bond election recommendation is for infrastructure and educational equity improvements at all schools with significant building changes at Dublin and Western High Schools, as well as an early childhood facility, and some safety and security additions.
Superintendent Gutman said: “We have a unique opportunity at this time where we can request a $316,000,000 Bond proposal without a tax increase, and that will actually result in a tax decrease. The District currently has five outstanding debt obligations that will be paid off within five years and other factors that give the District this opportunity.” Should Treasury approve our application and should the Board approve a bond proposal, we will share all of the details with you.
December 6, 2018, Board Meeting Presentation
December 20, 2018, Board Meeting Presentation
Parents and community members were invited to attend four meetings to hear about the comprehensive facility assessment that has been compiled with information about all 19 Walled Lake Schools and buildings. These meetings provided the community with an opportunity to learn about both upgrades and needs and to also give input on expectations for our school learning environments moving forward.
Thank you to everyone who attended, if you were unable to attend please view the presentation below and take the questionnaire.
Facility and Assessment Presentation
Facility Assessment Questionnaire
Community Facility Needs Assessment and Input Results:
Poll #1 Commerce Library- 11/13/18
Poll #2 Walled Lake Western High School- 11/13/18
Poll #3 Dublin Elementary- 11/14/18
Poll #4 Walnut Creek Middle School- 11/19/18
Dublin Parent Help Needed
Hungry Howie's Pizza Fundraiser Days
Please mark your calendars for the following dates:
- Wednesday, March 13
- Monday, April 15
- Wednesday, May 15
Some things to remember when ordering pizza at Hungry Howie's.
- You can order ANY TIME that day.
- Dublin will receive 20% from your orders.
- The person ordering needs to mention Dublin (on the phone, at the counter, or in a comment with their online order).
Like last year it is the location at 3183 Union Lake Road.
Math Grade Skipping Procedures for 2019-2020
This process will be for students in grades 2-7. Parents of students in kindergarten or first grade who have indications their child is possibly ready to skip a year of Math should contact the principal.
Parents must sign up their child to take the test no later than Thursday, March 28th.
Parents may sign up for this test ONLINE. A link will be shared as soon as possible.
Students will take the test on April 22nd. at Dublin in our computer lab.
We have paper copies of the application in our main office. The application is also below.
Please see the links below for full details and directions as well as the application and if you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or our office. You can also contact Mr. John Gregg-Math and Science Curriculum Developer for Walled Lake. His contact information is included in the Parent Letter below.
Dublin Family Reading Night
Please mark your calendars and plan on attending with your Dublin family. We will have a number of fun reading events happening that evening including celebrity readers, reading games, Kahoot! with Mr. Drewno, our Spring Book Fair, and much more.
There will be many events happening during the month of March to celebrate March is Reading night including author Julia Cook's visit.
We look forward to seeing you at Dublin's Family Reading Night!
Random Acts of Kindness
Please remind students to complete a random act of kindness during the month of February and write /draw their act of kindness on the hearts designed for this. Your child should bring a special heart template home to record this.
We look forward to seeing how our Dublin students are spreading kindness at school, home, and in the community. Please see your child's teacher if you have questions.
Important PTA Meeting-March 13th
Please mark your calendars for future PTA meetings. (Please note the day change)
Wednesday, March 13th at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 24th at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 8th at 7:00 pm
Fifth Grade Camp Open House
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.
The fifth graders at Dublin will attend the WL Outdoor Education Center for camp on Wednesday, March 27th through Friday, March 29th.
A camp meeting for parents will be held at Dublin on Tuesday, February 26th from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Dublin Media Center.
Information will also be shared with students during the school day. This will be your chance to ask specific questions and get all of the necessary paperwork.
Please call Stuart Riley @ 248-956-5120 for any questions regarding 5th grade camp.
The Walled Lake Outdoor Education Website can be found here:
http://walledlake.k12.mi.us/schools/Outdoor_Center/index.htm
2019-2020 District Calendar
Please click here: 2019-20 calendar to view next year’s school calendar.
Please Note:
- We will start the school year prior to Labor Day again.
- Late starts (middle school) and early release (high schools) have been eliminated.
- There are several half-days throughout the school year.
- As we have in the past, we will offer a reduced rate for Prime Time Care service on each of these half days.
You might be wondering...Why are there so many half days?
Throughout the school year, there are eight half days that will be used for staff professional development. We recognize that half days can be inconvenient for families.
Research has shown that when teachers receive ongoing, job-embedded professional development, they can increase student achievement by as much as 21 percentile points (Source).
As a school and district, we are committed to continuous improvement and these eight half days are an essential part of that commitment. Although they may seem inconvenient, staff development opportunities are crucial to ensure we provide an exemplary education for our children.
Winter Clothing Reminders
Colder temperatures have arrived! We want all children to feel comfortable and enjoy being outside so we ask that you please send your student to school with all of the winter gear they may need including warm coats, hats, gloves, boots, and snow pants.
Please label everything with your child's name in the event that their items become separated from them during the school day.
See guidelines below and be sure to discuss your expectations with your student(s):
- We go outside unless it is below zero degrees (windchill)
- Boots & Snow pants are required for students to play off the blacktop. We don't call home for dry clothes. This is their best protection.
- Anytime it is 32 degrees and below, students are expected to wear hats/gloves/mittens. Above 32 degrees, we leave it up to your discretion, but do give reminders and encouragement.
- If a student wears a coat to school, they will need to wear it to recess unless the temperature rises to over 50 degrees.
The Foundation for Excellence Tuition Expedition
Tuition Expedition 50/50 Scholarship Raffle tickets are on sale.
Purchase your tickets securely online or contact the FFE office: Phone 248.956.2116. Consider giving this holiday season a chance to win BIG!
LINK to Tuition Expedition 50/50 Raffle - Announcement MI Raffle license # R49794
Two-Hour Delay Procedures
Beginning this year, Walled Lake Schools has developed a two-hour delay procedure that could be used if conditions are expected to improve within two hours. This procedure, which will be used sparingly, will permit students to get to school safely and allow the District to conduct a credited day of school.
Parents are encouraged to develop a plan so their children can safely stay home for an additional two hours in the morning and have them go to a trusted alternate location to await the delayed start of school.
In the rare event that a two-hour delay is activated, the following procedures will be followed:
- The District’s phone system will be used to notify all school families and staff members of the delay (by approximately 5 a.m. when possible)
- Local news and radio stations will be contacted to report the delayed start.
- If conditions do not improve within two hours, classes may be cancelled for the entire day and the same methods of notification will be made.
- All bus stop pick-ups will be delayed by exactly two hours (i.e. if your bus stop is normally 8:36 a.m., it will be at 10:36 a.m. on delayed start days).
- All schools will start exactly two hours later than normal (i.e. if your school normally starts at 8:57 a.m., it will start at 10:57 a.m. on delayed start days).
- Prime Time Care will open at its normal time (must be pre-registered to use Prime Time Care).
- Essential service staff (custodians, food service, maintenance, mechanics and warehouse) will report at their normal starting time.
- Professional, administrative and support staff shall report as soon as possible and no less than 30 minutes prior to the delayed start time of their school or worksite.
- Students shall report to the class they would normally be in at the time they arrive for a two-hour delay.
- Breakfast will be available for the duration of the delay and lunch will be served at the normal time.
- Schools will be dismissed at their normal times at the end of the school day.
- Staff will be released at their normal times at the end of the school day.
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
Walled Lake Schools Special Services
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
What is the PAC?
PAC is a committee of parents whose children receive Special Education services. It's made up of parent volunteers from every school and program in the district. The group meets once a month with the Director of Special Services.
What do PAC Representatives Do?
- Attend monthly PAC meetings to help plan events and help other families in the district navigate various issues relative to our Special Education community.
- Ensure communication between schools, families, and Special Education staff.
- Pass along Special Education information to other families and your school's PTA.
- Publicize upcoming Special Services PAC events.
- Donate their time and talent to help with various PAC events throughout the school year.
When does the PAC Meet?
Meetings are held once a month, typically in the evening. Everyone interested in supporting Special Services is welcome. Come as often as you can!
Take a Small Step
- Go to http://wlcsd.org/our-district/special-services/ for more information about Special Services in Walled Lake. Be sure to check out the important links to the right and check back often as new information is constantly available.
- Join our Facebook page for more information throughout the year. https://www.facebook.com/groups/477146786058805/ or search "Walled Lake Schools Special Needs PAC" and ask to join the group.
Interested?
If you would like to join us or if you'd like more information, contact the Walled Lake PAC representatives. We are here to help!
Cory Hensley: knackcor@yahoo.com 248-225-7922
Kathy Mack: kathygm01@sbcglobal.net 248-342-6186
Please click HERE for an informational flyer with details and dates of meetings with topics.
REMIND 101
In an effort to have great communication from school to home, we also offer Remind 101 to all Dublin 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 Dublin.
You can unsubscribe at any time, and we promise not to over use this communication tool either!
PLEASE SEE THE DIRECTIONS BELOW TO SIGN UP NOW!
If you signed up last year, you will need to sign up again.
Dublin Contact Information
Principal jeffreydrewno@wlcsd.org
248-956-3832
Wanda Weaver
Principal's Secretary wandaweaver@wlcsd.org
248-956-3802
Sarah Garcia
Building Secretary sarahgarcia@wlcsd.org
248-956-3800
Email: jeffreydrewno@wlcsd.org
Website: http://wlcsd.org/dublin.cfm
Location: 425 Farnsworth Street, White Lake, MI, United States
Phone: 248-956-3800
Twitter: @DublinWL