District Update
A weekly update from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Walled Lake Consolidated School District Update: March 24, 2022
We hope you'll review this week's District Update filled with news and notes from across the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Stay up to date with the district by visiting www.wlcsd.org and connecting with the district on social media - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Important Reminders for Families:
- March 28 - April 1: Spring Break
- April 4: School Resumes
- April 7: Board of Education Meeting
- April 15: No School for Students or Staff
- April 25: PTSA Council Meeting - WCMS at 7pm
- April 27: Half Day for Students
- May 2-6: Staff Appreciation Week
Register for Spring & Summer Community Ed Classes!
Congratulations to our PTSA Reflections participants!
Superintendent Gutman thanked Jackie Gurwin and Torry Yu, PTSA Reflections co-chairs and those involved in organizing the Reflections 2022 celebration including hosts Dave Tucker, Smart Principal and Dan Holland, Smart Assistant Principal.
This year there were 129 district winner entries, 17 state winners and 3 national entries. The national winners will be announced in May.
Optional COVID testing now available at the ESC
The District is now offering free, optional COVID testing to our staff, students, and parents. The tests available will be both Rapid and PCR. The testing will take place at the ESC in room 831 on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2-7 p.m.
The COVID testing staff, provided by a third party, will be responsible for letting people in the side door on the south side of the building. This testing is provided to our community at no cost to the person being tested or to the school district. If you have insurance, the insurance company will be billed.
There will be signage placed both inside and outside of the building. To set up an appointment for testing, please complete this requisition form.
Geisler Hosts Green Out for Mental Health Awareness
The PTSA distributed wristbands to everyone that said Lucky 2 Have U Here! and Strength of the Wolf. They also sold green t-shirts with the proceeds going toward their therapy puppy.
Stacey Lown said: "We are super close to our $9,000 goal for our Therapy Dog--all money raised here at GMS, grassroots fashion! We are really proud of this!"
Western Art Students Selected for International Art Exhibition
Four Western students were selected as part of an International art exhibition on Belle Isle in April. As part of their Drawing 1 class, they created Earth Day posters as a way to show that we can use art to bring attention to some of the issues our planet is facing. Their works were submitted into the Detroit River Coalition International Art Exhibition. The four students chosen as the Student Voices section of the exhibition are: Amy Lin, Aidan Moses (art shown right), Rebecca Korn, and Alexandrea Bernal.
The Detroit River Coalition is a binational environmental resource hub promoting community and cross sector collaboration in the US and Canada. They look to engage the public to work to protect and clean the Detroit River and all its tributaries in both countries. This exhibition called Earth + Art will be at the Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in the US, on April 21- 24, 2022. Stephen Kade, Visual Arts instructor said: "I am so proud of our students as this is a pretty big deal to be chosen. They and their parents will be invited to a private reception the night before the event to mingle with other international artists and environmentalists from the region."
WLN's Johnson earns rank of Eagle Scout
It’s a journey that started for Drew Johnson when he was in kindergarten. Fast forward 12 years later, the Walled Lake Northern junior has now achieved something he never could’ve envisioned; the Eagle Scout honor.
“I'm pretty excited,” Johnson said with a smile on his face. “Not many people get to (become an Eagle Scout). It's going to be big for college, which will be great for getting a good job.”
In fact, only four percent of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Among them, Johnson’s high school guidance counselor Kevin Botos.
“I'm just proud of the fact that he's accomplished this goal at an early age,” Botos stressed. “It took me until almost the end of my senior year to complete that. That honor carried me to where I am (today) as far as job interviews and just networking.”
“I think he'll see the rewards now and in the future, with anything and everything that he does,” explained Botos. “The foundational skills that (Drew) learned in scouting will help him do well in anything he chooses to do.”
Johnson was recommended for the rank of Eagle Scout in late January, and on March 18th was officially approved by the National Eagle Scout Association.
Read more about Drew's accomplishment on the District website.
District News:
WL high schools impress at choral festival
All three Walled Lake high schools impressed over the past week at the Michigan District Choral Festival.
Walled Lake Western and Central participated in the event on Tuesday at Mercy High School. Walled Lake Northern performed on St. Patrick’s Day.
Western’s choir left the judges in awe. Both the Warriors’ Combined Choirs and Chamber Singers received perfect scores for their performances.
One judge saying, “Thank you for your spirit and for sharing it with the world in such a profound way. My singing soul felt a renewed sense of hope after listening to your performance today.”
Another judge added, “Lovely contrast, really beautifully shaped. These pieces work so well because of your commitment to artistry.”
Central sent its Chamber Singers and Viking Choir to the festival. Both of the Vikings performances received Division I ratings. Northern had two groups attend as well, which also received Division I ratings for their performances.
Walled Lake ice hockey players recognized
A pair of Walled Lake hockey players were recognized by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association (MHSHCA) on Tuesday, March 22.
- Walled Lake Western's Brady Hoffmeyer was named 2nd-team All-State by the MHSHCA. The Warriors senior captain led the team in scoring this season with 60 points on 31 goals and 29 assists.
- Walled Lake Northern's Sean Arens was recognized as an All-State Honorable Mention. Arens recorded 43 points on 23 goals and 20 assists in 23 games for the Knights.
Nominate a Shining Star Who Has Supported The Special Needs Community
The Shining Stars Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has supported the special needs community within Walled Lake Schools. Some of the qualities of the nominee might include: a positive attitude, dedication, dependability, self-motivation, helpfulness, etc.
Nominees can be anyone associated with the special needs community: teacher, para, bus driver, aide, parent, volunteer, etc. Electronic submissions only. Deadline: April 10
Questions can be directed to WalledLakePAC@gmail.com
Impressed by a teacher? Nominate!
Love your bus driver? Nominate!
Annual Education Reports Are Available To View
The school AERs can also be accessed via that link or you can find them posted on the school's site in the "OUR SCHOOL" tab on the home page. They will also have a hard copy in the office for those that don't have internet access.
Let Us Know If Your Athlete Will Be Playing At The College Level
Signing Up for SMS Messages via Skylert
In addition to receiving phone calls and email notifications from the school district in the event of a school closing or emergency, parents can also sign up to receive SMS Text messages.
Please find the helpful step-by-step instructions linked below as well as the video tutorial on signing up for SMS messages.
Foundation for Excellence News:
Gurwin named FFE Executive Director
The Foundation for Excellence - Walled Lake Schools has appointed Jackie Gurwin as the Foundation's Executive Director starting April 4, 2022. Jackie has supported school and District efforts in her many roles as Walled Lake Schools PTSA Council President, PTA president at each level, currently as the Northern High School PTSA President, and co-chair of the WL PTSA Council Reflections Committee.
Jackie thinks big picture. She has advocated with legislators on behalf of school funding for all public schools and assumes positive intentions. She involves others, mentors parents, and advocates for the nearly 13,000 Walled Lake Schools students and staff.
"Jackie Gurwin exudes a sense of energy, commitment and drive that will continue to move the Foundation's mission forward to benefit the tremendous students and educators across all Walled Lake Schools. Our board welcomes Jackie and knows she will confidently and successfully lead our effort to make a difference in the WL School District," stated Michael Brodowicz, FFE Chairman.
Jackie said: "I am excited about the opportunity to join the Foundation for Excellence as the new Executive Director. The past ten years of working with the PTA and volunteering in the district have given me a passion for supporting our schools and community. I look forward to being able to continue that support on an even larger scale in my new role."
WLCSD Parent Wina Big!
The Walled Lake Schools' Foundation for Excellence congratulates its Tuition Expedition 50/50 Scholarship Raffle's grand prize winner Lynne Lyons, WL Central High School parent. Lyons is the lucky recipient of scholarship funds for postsecondary education (option available to elect 40% lump sum payment in lieu of scholarship funds). Secondary prize, Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro donated by FFE, was won by Paul Barch, local resident. Drawings were held Monday, March 21 at the District’s PTA Reflections Celebration.
Lyons’ response to winning raffle were exuberant exclamations of “woohoo” and “awesome.” The Lyons family has been part of the WL schools for twenty years per having 3 children graduate from District and fourth child, Max, is a sophomore at WL Central. Lyons shared she is a big supporter of the arts and as “life is getting back on track, deems it important to give back.” She is shown here donning her jacket as honorary “Pink Lady” at WL Central High School’s recent production of “Grease.”
FFE extends its utmost gratitude to the WL community and District for supporting its 17th annual raffle. Ticket sales topped 620 totaling over $19,000. Funds raised by this raffle will benefit WL schools' outstanding students and tremendous educators. Raffle was proudly sponsored by Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union and supported by Matthew Weber, WLCSD auditorium manager, and the WLCSD community relations department. Raffle ticket purchasers who won a FREE ticket courtesy of WL Credit Union included WL Board of Ed. member, District educators and parents and former faculty: Phil Goward, Jeremy Mayberry, Carolyn Kevelin, Wade Edson, Lisa Ellis, Deb Jess, Karrie Martin, Denise Perrone, Christopher Titus, and Amy George.
Childcare Staff Needed!
Transportation Staff Needed!
Substitutes Needed!
In the News:
Upcoming Events:
District Resources:
You May Be Eligible To Receive Internet Essentials At No Cost
Internet Essentials offers high-speed home Internet for a low monthly price. You may be eligible to receive Internet Essentials at no cost with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP provides eligible households a credit of up to $30/month towards internet service.
Apply today if you qualify for programs like the Federal Pell Grant, National School Lunch Progam, SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, and others. For additional information, see the EI ACP Fact Sheet.
Visit InternetEssentials.com, call 1-855-846-8376 or hold your phone's camera over the code. standard data charges apply.
HWE Alumni Scholarship Opportunity
The application is due Friday, March 25.
Eligibility
- A completed education.
- Must be a senior at Walled Lake Western, Central, or Northern
- Attended Hickory Woods 4+ years
- GPA of 3.00 or better (attach most recent report card or transcript).
- 1 letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, counselor, employer, or other non-family member.
- Proof of acceptance to an accredited college, vocational, or technical school.
- An essay - no more 500 Words
- Note: All essays become the property of the HWE Elementary Scholarship Committee and may be published or reproduced without permission.
- This essay will be read by HWE staff members and they will ultimately choose the scholarship winner. Names will not appear so staff members will not know whose essay they are reading.
PLE Alumni/Andy Dale Scholarship
- Pleasant Lake Elementary graduate who attended PLE for a minimum of three years
- Walled Lake Central or Northern Graduate
- Actively involved in school or community activities
- Demonstrates leadership qualities
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Accepted to college
- Be willing to accept your award at PLE’s fifth grade graduation in June
- Submit application to counseling office by Thursday, April 16.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or need assistance please reach out to Brendaraymond@wlcsd.org
Golden Apple Award Nominations - 2021-22
Community Resources:
EDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB 2022 Caddy Program
Caddy Training Classes – Monday April 4th & Tuesday April 5th
Time: 4:30-7:00 pm
Address: 8399 Commerce Road
Commerce, MI 48382
Phone: 248-363-7112
FAQ’s
How Do I become a caddie at Edgewood Country Club?
- You must register to become a caddie, attend the training sessions and pass a written and on course test.
Do I need to know how to play golf?
- No
When does caddying start?
- Our golf season is typically April thru October depending on the weather conditions. Caddie opportunities are available on the weekend during the school year and Tuesday thru Sunday in the summer.
Are all Caddies the same rank?
- At Edgewood there are 4 ranks, B, A, Captain & Honor
- Caddies are promoted to the next rank based on ability, course knowledge, number of rounds completed and years of experience.
- The higher the rank the more each caddie is paid
Physical requirements of being a caddie
- A caddie must be able to carry a golf bag for 5 miles in one round.
CADDY SCHOLARSIPS – Evans Scholarship
Evans Scholars Foundation
The Evans Scholarship was founded by golf great Charles "Chick" Evans, Jr. (1890-1979). The Western Golf Association sponsored Evans Scholars Foundation administers the nation's largest privately funded college scholarship program, providing full tuition and housing grants to deserving caddies. Since the first two Scholars enrolled at Northwestern University in 1930, 1083 young caddies have earned their degrees through the program. Tuition and housing grants are renewable for up to four years, representing an average value of $100,000-120,000. The Foundation owns and maintains Evans Scholarship Houses at fourteen universities, and Scholars are enrolled in six other schools. While the program is national in scope, its focus is principally in the Midwest.
There are four primary criteria for scholarship grants.
1. Candidates who are nominated by their golf clubs, must have a documented caddie record with a minimum of two years of caddie service.
2. Candidates must have an excellent high school academic record, ranking in the the top 25 percent of the class.
3. Candidates must demonstrate financial need.
4. Candidates must have outstanding personal character.
To learn more about the Evans Scholars Foundation and the Western Golf Association, visit the website: www.westerngolfassociation.com.
District Links:
2021-22 WLCSD School Year FAQ
WLCSD Learning Newsletter
Walled Lake E-Sports
WLCSD Stormwater Management
FFE News and Notes
Lakes Area Community Coalition
Hospitality House Food Pantry
Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Connect with Us!
Our mission, in partnership with parents and the community, is to become the best educational system in America so all students demonstrate they are caring, responsible, and knowledgeable citizens.
Email: danieldurkin@wlcsd.org
Website: www.wlcsd.org
Location: 850 Ladd Road, Walled Lake, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 956-2000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wlcsd/
Twitter: @WalledLkSchools