Glengary Back to School Update
August 15, 2020
Welcome Back to School
Dear Glengary Families,
On behalf of the staff of Glengary Elementary School, welcome back to the 2020-2021 school year. Although this summer has been a very different one, I hope that everyone remains healthy and had time to relax with family and friends. I’ve missed seeing all of our students, staff, and families!
As you have learned, we will begin our year remotely and will reevaluate later in October. Please know, that we want our remote return to school this fall to be a fun, exciting time for our children. We want our children to feel our happiness, excitement, and reassurance that this will be a great year of learning! Our Glengary staff will do everything we can to help make this a smooth start to school for everyone.
I would like to welcome all of our new families to Glengary and Walled Lake Schools. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you. We will be unable to do an all-school Meet and Greet event as we have done in years past, but plans for a possible virtual Meet & Greet will be shared at a later date.
Please continue to read district updates regarding our remote return to school. Walled Lake teachers are preparing for a wonderful return for all children. I would encourage you all to participate in the upcoming parent meetings regarding our remote learning plan to learn more about how we will be meeting the needs of our children, academically, socially, and emotionally.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure an excellent start to the 2020-2021 school year.
Best Regards,
RosaLeigh Johnson, PrincipalClassroom Placement and Release of Class Lists
Originally, class lists were set to be released to families on Friday, August 21st. Please note that due to the rapidly changing situation, and most recent change to fully remote with the option for "Our Path" and "My Path", class placements as well as staffing will be fluid in the coming days and weeks. Due to these changes, class lists will not be released district-wide until the week of August 24th (potentially not until the end of the week). I understand that everyone is anxious to know who their teacher is but I appreciate everyone's patience.
I have received numerous requests from parents regarding placement and specifically grouping certain students together to help accommodate remote learning. While I understand the rationale behind these requests, I must be transparent and let you know that I simply cannot accommodate these requests at this time. Placement is a highly involved process where multiple factors are considered to create balanced classrooms. This already complex process is compounded with the new challenges of sorting through which families select the "Our Path" vs. "My Path" option and potential staffing changes. With that said, I am happy to share that grade-level teams of teachers from the district have been working in collaboration with the district's instructional team to create day-by-day lesson outlines using district curricular resources for ALL district teachers to use. The purpose of this work is to establish a cohesive instructional plan with appropriate pacing for our teachers and students. I am also happy to report that the Glengary grade-level teams will once again work closely for planning and execution to ensure consistency and cohesion. There may be some slight differences, as teachers all have their individual delivery styles, but the core content and standards taught will be the same not only in the building, but across the district.
I apologize for not being able to accommodate specific placement requests but please know I feel very confident by the universal planning that is taking place across the district to ensure cohesive, high quality instruction.
District Calendar
Upcoming Dates
August 2020
August 17th - Elementary Parent Info Session (5:00-6:30 PM)
August 18th -Special Services Parent Info Session (7:00-8:30 PM)
August 31st- First Day of School
September 2020
September 4th- No School Students or Staff
September 7th- No School- Labor Day
September 8th- Virtual PTA Meeting (6:30 PM)
September 8th- Mums Flower Sale Begins (More Info to Come!)
September 10th- Virtual Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
September 23rd- Half Day- Staff Professional Development
September 28th- No School for Students or Staff (Yom Kippur)
Community Support for the Grow Family
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 and Tuesday, Aug. 18
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.
Timeline for Deciding
Exciting Announcement! Glengary Therapy Dog!
Many of you may have heard about the Therapy Dog Program that was first piloted in Walled Lake at Mary Helen Guest Elementary and Western High School. This program has been a HUGE success, so much so, that it is expanding! Research has shown that therapy dogs within a school setting not only enhance skills such as reading, but also improve emotional development. Just the presence of a therapy dog can decrease anxiety and enable students to work through issues such as anger management and other social difficulties. Introducing a non-threatening therapy dog into our school will be a key tool for forming social interactions for many of our students. Reading skills are often associated with improved academic performance and positive attitudes about school in children. Researchers found that animal-assisted intervention in the form of reading aloud to a dog in a classroom setting contributes to improved skills and attitudes. There are so many benefits for a school to have their own therapy dog!
I am SO excited to share that Glengary was selected as one of three schools through a lottery process to partner with the Therapy Dog Program for the second phase of implementation! The process of partnering with the program and actually acquiring the dog can take some time from start to finish so you will be receiving lots of additional information from me as we begin this process. One of the first steps in all of this is to share the great news and ask for any families who have a child with dog allergies and/or a fear of dogs to contact me as soon as possible (rosaleighjohnson@wlcsd.org ). Together, we will evaluate the needs of your child and collaboratively develop a plan. In the weeks to come, I will also be sending out information regarding needs we will have to make sure we get all of this up and running successfully including monetary donations and partnerships with vets, pet stores, groomers, etc. Stay tuned as there is so much more to come!!
ALL K-12 FAMILIES MUST COMPLETE
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.
-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.
Bond Update
This summer has been a busy one at Glengary Elementary as numerous upgrades were completed for the 2019 Bond Program. Please see an overview of the improvements below.
Replacement and upgrade:
Windows, roof, siding, building facade and parking lots
Ceiling, lighting, flooring, cubbies, cabinetry, & restrooms
Furniture for collaborative learning spaces
Connected to city water and sewer system
Although our 20-21 school year will begin remotely, we are SO excited to welcome our Gators back to our beautiful building when it is safe for all. I am so grateful for our generous community and thank you for your partnership!
CHROMEBOOK DISTRIBUTION
As we navigate and begin online remote learning this fall, we understand that some students may need access to a district-owned Chromebook. We are planning a distribution of Chromebooks for those families who need them again this fall. We are tentatively looking to have a distribution during the week of August 24th. Please watch for more information soon with important details of where, when, and how to sign out a district-owned Chromebook for your child’s use.
IREADY LESSON UPDATE
Students will continue to have access to complete online iReady lessons in reading and math until Thursday, August 20th.
After August 20th, iReady lessons will be unavailable to students until at least September 14th. as we prepare new information, student rosters, etc. into iReady for the 20-21 school year.
Thank you for your understanding and continuing to help your students complete iReady reading and math lessons at home!
A Message from our PTA
Welcome back Glengary Gators! We hope you had a relaxing summer! Although we realize the start of school this year is going to be very different, we continue to be proud of our school, staff and students. Glengary has a strong history of dedication, commitment and volunteerism to help our students achieve the best they can. The goal of the PTA board is to provide all students with a rewarding and exciting school year built on programs that drive education, self-esteem and memories that will last a lifetime.
The PTA drives collaboration between students, teachers, parents, and the community. Our goal is to broaden and enhance the educational and life experiences of our Glengary students. With the virtual approach to the start of our school year, the PTA plans to support online literacy programs, provide technology support for students and staff, and offer online applications to further broaden our students online learning.
We hope you consider supporting Glengary’s PTA and join us in making a difference in the education for our children! Membership enrollment ($10 per individual) will be available through Skyward as you complete your back to school packet. You can also become a member by clicking on the link below.
A Few Things to Note:
- FUNDRAISING: With the virtual approach to the start of our school year, the PTA plans to support online literacy programs, provide technology support for students and staff, and offer online applications to further broaden our students online learning.
- Fall Mum Sales: WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION TO BE COMING SOON!
- Spring Flower Sales
- Read-a-Thon held this winter
- Store Rewards Programs (Kroger, Box tops & Amazon Smile) WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION TO BE COMING SOON!
- EVENTS: At this time, all PTA events are on hold for the 2020-2021 school year and will assessed as we follow most up-to-date district and state guidelines.
- PTA MEETINGS: Please see the attached PTA calendar for meeting dates and times. Meetings will be held via Zoom, you can find the zoom link on our website as well as in the Tuesday Tidbits each month.
Welcome New Glengary PTA Board
We would like to welcome our Glengary Elementary PTA Board Members for the 2020-2021 school year!
President – Amy Fry
Vice President – Stephanie Inglis Dubin
Treasurer – Melissa Morris
Recording Secretary – Susan Reppuhn
Social Media Coordinator – Alaina Finkel
Volunteer Coordinator – Wendi Oliver
Membership – Janette Schad & Kristen Fowler
LIFETOUCH
Yearbook Update
Yearbooks for the 19-20 school have been delivered! We will be working to develop a distribution plan to ensure all of our students, including last year's 5th graders, receive their yearbooks. More to come!
Voluntary Student Accident Insurance
WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS DOES NOT CARRY HEALTH OR ACCIDENT INSURANCE FOR STUDENTS. If your child is injured while at school, medical costs are the responsibility of the parents and/or guardians.
As a service to students and their families, our District is making available a student accident insurance plan for your child at a very nominal cost. The District offers this program because of trends in rising family health and dental insurance costs, increased deductibles, co-payments or lack of health or dental insurance coverage.
REASONS TO PURCHASE THIS COVERAGE:
- Deductible and co-pays in your health plan. Many health plans have increased the amount of out-of-pocket expenses.
- No insurance.
This plan will provide benefits for medical expenses incurred because of an accident. If you have other insurance, benefits can be applied to your deductible or co-pay. If you have no other insurance, this will become your primary accident plan.
TO PURCHASE COVERAGE ONLINE (by Credit/Debit Card) go to:
www.1stAgency.com/voluntaryaccidentcoverage.htm -- Follow directions by choosing STATE and SCHOOL DISTRICT. Visa or MasterCard is accepted.
OR
TO PAY WITH CHECK OR MONEY ORDER, PRINT BROCHURE PDF from First Agency’s website at www.1stAgency.com/voluntaryaccidentcoverage.htm -- Follow directions by choosing STATE and SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Communication is Key at Glengary 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 Glengary 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.
Glengary Gazette (formerly known as the Tuesday Tidbits) AND School Web Page
Our Glengary Gazette newsletter will be sent electronically to families. This is typically a bi-weekly communication filled with all important school and PTA updates. As we begin the year remotely, the communication may be sent on a weekly basis if needed. An archive of newsletters will be posted to our school website. Please visit this page often for information about our school. You will find links to important documents, websites and blogs from your child's classroom, PTA forms and information, and important updates and forms that you will need to access.
PTA Website and Updates
Our PTA has an excellent website with upcoming events, fundraiser information, PTA membership links, and other pertinent information and forms. PTA information and updates are also shared with the Tuesday Tidbits.
Social Media
Glengary Elementary also has a Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter which are linked below!
Glengary Contact Information
Principal: rosaleighjohnson@wlcsd.org
248-956-3132
Cheryl Maten
Principal's Secretary: cherylmaten@wlcsd.org
248-956-3100
Melissa Roth
Building Secretary: melissaroth@wlcsd.org
248-956-3100