Pleasant Lake Pleasantries
MARCH 15, 2021
Together We Learn, Together We Lead!
A MESSAGE FOR OUR SUPERINTENDENT
Dear WLCSD Parents:
This week marks one full year in the COVID-19 environment, and our closure of schools began March 13, 2020. It has been an exceedingly challenging year for all, and we look forward to a return to relative normalcy. We appreciate your ongoing support, patience, and grace.
This week we conducted the third and fourth COVID-19 vaccine clinics for our staff. We now believe that over half of our staff have been vaccinated. We have offered these vaccine opportunities for our teachers, food service, custodial staff, bus drivers, and administrators. WLCSD thanks Henry Ford Health System and Huron Valley Sinai Hospital for partnering with us to keep our staff safe.
· On Monday, March 15, we begin the third-trimester for our elementary students, bringing back more than 300 students to In-Person learning.
· On Monday, March 22, ONLY Limited In-Person Middle and High School students are invited back to FIVE-DAYS PER WEEK instruction. We are reviewing the numbers of families who want their Our Path and MY Path students to return five days a week.
IMPORTANT Middle/High School Return to In-Person LINKS:
- Special note for My Path families
- Mask Waiver Middle School and High School Students – If needed for middle school and high school students returning to in-person learning, please complete this by Friday, March 12.
- Parenting Pact Middle School and High School Students – Required for all middle school and high school students returning to in-person learning. Please complete this by Friday, March 12.
- NEW A/B adjusted schedule – PLEASE read this. April 29 is no longer a ½ day PD. April 29 is a FULL day of instruction for all students. The half day has been moved to Monday, May 17.
- District Calendar
HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS:
- High School Scholarship Opportunities:
- High School Athletics: Parents of senior athletes whose child has accepted a college invitation to play collegiate sports are requested to complete this Walled Lake Google Form for College Athletes. Signing Day events are being planned at each of the three high schools. Tentative dates for these recognition “Signing Day” events are: WL Central – April 28, WL Western – May 12 and WL Northern – May 19. More information will be sent to those participating.
- WLCSD Athletic Department is launching ESports for middle and high school students. Please see this important communication and complete this form.
- High School Students that are interested in Media Production and want to join the WLTV please watch this video.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENTS
1. New teacher/class assignments will be posted to Skyward Family Access the evening of March 12.
a. Grades for the second trimester will post after March 24 for parents by the teacher your child had the second trimester (although your child’s THIRD trimester teacher’s name will appear).
b. Please contact your child’s SECOND trimester teacher if you have any questions about the report card.
2. Prime Time Care – Space is available at each of the Prime Time Care programs for before and after care. All of the same safety protocols have been instituted and our children are thriving.
PRESCHOOL FOR 2021-22
If you would like information about preschool registration for 2021-22, please complete this survey. We plan to save a spot for your child. Registration will happen later in the spring. Here is the brochure for the next school year, with tentative sites, times, and costs. All are subject to Board approval and enrollment. Mark your calendar for the virtual pre-school Open House March 18, 6:30 p.m.
CALLING ALL PERFORMERS (band, orchestra, theatre, choir, dance and more!)
WLCSD is proud to announce the Wonders of Walled Lake Virtual Talent Showcase which provides a great opportunity for our K-12 students to perform by offering a virtual showcase for their talent. The audition video submissions deadline has been extended to 9 p.m., Friday, March 12. See the Wonders of Walled Lake Virtual Talent Showcase page for more information or contact Matt Weber.
CALENDAR FOR THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR:
We are working on the 2021-22 school year calendar; this is a negotiated item, and we do not anticipate having a final calendar until late spring.
CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU TO:
- Fifth grade families and middle school staff who participated in the virtual parent night on March 9. You can view the presentations here Banks, Creek, Geisler, Smart.
- WL Central Boys bowling team for the conference win.
- WL Western cheer for being named tournament and conference champions.
- WL Western forensics team on their second place finish in the shotgun category of the Ninjatiational.
- Best of luck to WL Northern 12th-grade students that have been nominated for a Detroit News Outstanding High School Graduate Scholarship, they include: Morgan Breitschuh, Gabriella Crisan, Elizabeth Dombrovski, Alexandra Guisikhin, Tyler Harding, Tyrnan McGowan and Olivia O’Connell.
- Best of luck to the WLC/WLW and the WLN gymnastics teams, both have qualified for regionals on Saturday, March 20.
IMPORTANT DISTRICT LINKS:
- PTA Reflections Virtual Celebration on Monday, March 22, at 7 p.m.
- MSU Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) 2021-22 Program Guide, Applications, RSVP deadline is March 17. Additionally, MSU is offering CogAT Testing (Cognitive Abilities Test).
- Wellness Wednesdays For the Month of March, past webinars can be found online.
- Chromebook Distribution: At the WLCSD District Office, 850 Ladd Road, Bldg. D, Room 900, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- WLCSD Food Distribution will be Monday, March 15, 1:45 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Submit a nomination for the Shining Star Award. The deadline is April 5.
- Purchase Tuition Expedition 50/50 Scholarship Raffle tickets! Your chance to win BIG and support WL Schools’ K-12 students! Details and official rules for 16th annual raffle. Need not be present to win.
- WLCSD PAC Newsletter
- W.A.V.E.S. Newsletter (Walled Lake Adult Transitions Program)
- Need a hand feeding your family? Neighbors want to help? Check out Lasagna Love
- Lakes Area Youth Assistance Referral Form
IMPORTANT COMMUNITY LINKS:
- 2021 Passion for Life Run/Walk, Saturday March 27, 2021. Run Sign Up Page: PassionForLife5Kand5Mile, Website to learn more about Passion for Life and the inspirational family of the year.
- Consider donating to the Midwinter Virtual Food Drive for Hospitality House
- Oakland County School District 2nd Semester Food Distribution
- Fleece and Thank You: Virtual Blanket Making Event
- Do you have a high school student looking for a summer job?
- Virtual Animal Dance Party for Prospective Girl Scouts grades K-3. Register to Attend. March 17, 5 p.m.
- The 10th Annual Oakland County Treasurer Financial Literacy Multi-Media Arts Contest . (Deadline is March 19)
- Oakland County Parks Spring Programs
- Boy Scouts: Info Sessions March 18, March 29
SPORTS LINKS:
- Walled Lake Braves Football & Cheer Registration
- Lakes Area Baseball Registration
- Inter-Lakes Girls Softball League Registration
- Commerce Little League Spring Registration
- Lakes Area Hawks Football and Cheer Registration
- Commerce Chargers Football and Cheer Registration
- National Flag Football Registration
- There's still time to register for soccer! Register today: CW3 Soccer Registration
- Spring Lacrosse for 3rd-6th grade students interest form
- Walled Lake United Girls Lacrosse is looking for any WLW or WLC student interested in playing lacrosse this spring. No cuts. Please visit wlgirlslacrosse.com
Sincerely,
Kenneth Gutman
Superintendent of Schools
ANCHORS AWAY UPDATE
WATER BOTTLES
Thank you.
ONLINE BOOK FAIR MARCH 12-25!
Dear Parents and Families:
We are working hard to keep kids reading and raise funds for our school with our Scholastic Online-Only Book Fair from March 12th-25th.
The Fair will connect your kids to notable books and inspiring characters — helping them become lifelong readers. And you’ll love the new option to shop for Book Fair exclusives — directly from the interactive booklist.
Plus, enjoy these special online shopping features:
- Access to over 6,000 products
- All orders ship direct to home
- FREE shipping on book-only orders over $25*
- All purchases support our school
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with online shopping:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/gosharks
Thank you for continuing to support our school.
Happy reading!
CREW LEADER IN ME LESSONS AND MENTOR GROUPS ARE BACK!
MARCH IS READING MONTH!
BOOK VENDING MACHINE IN ACTION!
WELCOME TO PLE!
Welcome to Pleasant Lake Elementary Mrs. Yovich!
PICTURE DAY RETAKE FORM
KINDNESS MATTERS AWARD
Nominations Wanted For
“Kindness Matters” Award
The Walled Lake Schools Diversity Committee is seeking nominations for the “Kindness Matters Award”. We are celebrating the “Season for Nonviolence” in the Walled Lake Schools. The “Season for Nonviolence” is observed from January 30 when Gandhi was assassinated until April 4 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. The “Kindness Matters Award” is another aspect of our school district’s celebration of the “Season for Nonviolence.”
The “Kindness Matters Award” is intended to honor and recognize those individuals and organizations who promote peaceful and nonviolent ways to solve problems. Nominations can be made for students, staff members, parents, community members, or organizations who:
work toward the peaceful resolution of problems
teach about peace and harmony to others
serve members of the community in times of crisis
Individuals or organizations receiving this award will be honored at the Walled Lake Schools Board of Education meeting in May.
Nomination forms for the “Kindness Matters Award” are available in your school office or they can be obtained by calling Nayal Maktari, Principal of Pleasant Lake Elementary, at 248-956-2800. Nominations are due by Friday, April 9th.
MARCH MADNESS SALE!
Dear Parents,
We will be having a March Madness sale next week with a spirit day on Friday. The children may purchase Michigan or Michigan State bracelets Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week for $1.00 They may also purchase raffle tickets for $1.00 with a chance to win a lot of cool March Madness related items.
The children will be given their bracelets and tickets will be drawn on Thursday/Friday and prizes given out. This will be just in time to celebrate our Spirit Day on Friday in which the children may wear any college items to celebrate March Madness.
Thank you for your support!
Mrs. Kaatz and Mr. Thomas
Hospitality House Food Drive in Partnership with Lakes Area Rotary Club
The Hospitality House serves Commerce, Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom, White Lake, West Bloomfield, and beyond, providing over 51,000 pounds of food to an average of 490 households monthly. HH recently celebrated 20 years of serving people and is proud to continue the founding members’ promise to help all who come seeking help. During the pandemic, appointments are required. Additional information may be found at hhfp.org.
Here is some information on how to donate and how to reach out to others:
- Donations may be made
- At https://lakesarea.rotary6380gives.org/donatehh
- By texting the word DonateHH to 734-802-2756
- By sending a check to Lakes Area Rotary Charitable Fund (LARCF) P.O. Box 876/Walled Lake, MI 4839
- You can help us succeed by:
- Sharing on social media (FB, Instagram, etc.)
- Sending emails to your friends, family, co-workers, etc.
- Printing the poster attached below and displaying around town or at your business.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Wellness Wednesdays
The WLCSD Parent Education Team and the Lakes Area Community Coalition (LACC) are excited to share with you Wellness Wednesdays! These webinars are for parents and are just 30 minutes long including question/answer time in one of three areas: Academic Wellness, Social-Emotional Wellness, and Physical Wellness. The first 3 weeks of the month are live webinars and the fourth week is a challenge. Past webinars can be found online. Please check out our March Kindness Challenge!
COMMERCE CHARGERS FOOTBALL AND CHEER
CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
This month we have been sharing facts during morning announcements and participating in activities related to Women's History Month!
Nayal Maktari
Pleasant Lake Elementary Principal
WLCSD Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair
INCOMING KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR
KINDERGARTEN 2021-2022
Thank you to everyone that was able to join our Kindergarten Orientation last Tuesday evening. You will find a recording of the orientation in the Kindergarten Newsletter below. Remember to be proactive and please register your child beginning March 15th and to not wait till the summer months.
Incoming Kindergarten Newsletter
A recording of Kindergarten Orientation can also be found on our school website under the News heading on the main page and under the For Parents tab.
It is important that all parents that will have children enrolled in kindergarten next school year complete the kindergarten questionnaire located in the above newsletter.
Please take a moment to complete this important parent survey to help us understand how we can make this process even better for our families. As a reminder, our EZ-Enrollment process will be available starting March 15. Visit our District website and watch your email for more information about the Fall as we get closer to the start of the new school year.
Thank you and feel free to contact our main office staff at 248.956.2800 or at TerriSzymanski@wlcsd.org and JulieSmith@wlcsd.org if you have any questions.
WLSCD MARCH SOCIAL WORK RESOURCES
SUPPORT
Hello Pleasant Lake Families,
As we approach the holiday season and continue to experience the hardships that go along with this pandemic, it is important that we take care of our mental health now more than ever! At this time, Michigan is offering free confidential counseling through the Stay Well COVID 19 hotline. Counselors are available 24/7 and the service is completely free! If you are experiencing stress and anxiety and are more comfortable texting with someone, a texting option is also available. As parents, many may feel the pressure of balancing family, jobs, finances, running a home, and now virtual schooling. Please know that there are resources available to help ease some of that stress. Additionally, if you feel like your little one is struggling with the uncertainty of the times, stress with school, or the loneliness of staying at home, Easter Seals is resource that provides therapy for your children. For more information and resources please visit https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_99557---,00.html. I have included the free counseling hotline, texting line, and Eastr Seals information below.
Michigan Stay Well Counseling via the COVID-19 Hotline
Call 1-888-535-6136
Press "8" to talk to a Michigan Stay Well counselor.
Counselors available 24/7 - confidential and free
If you are experiencing emotional stress and anxiety but are more comfortable texting than talking, get help from:
Michigan Crisis Text Line
Text the keyword RESTORE to 741741
Open 24/7
Be well,
Erika Emke LLMSW
WALLED LAKE TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS
Walled Lake Schools Transportation Department Website
OFFICE HOURS: 5:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
46740 W. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake - 48390
Phone: 248-956-3090
Hotline: 248-956-5199
Parent Tech Support Submission Form
Upcoming Important Events
MARCH 2021
- FRIDAY, MARCH 12-END OF SECOND TRIMESTER
- MONDAY, MARCH 15-FIRST DAY OF THIRD TRIMESTER
- TUESDAY, MARCH 16-1/2 DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS, DISMISSAL AT 12:30 PM
- FRIDAY, MARCH 26-FINAL DAY BEFORE SPRING BREAK
- MONDAY, APRIL 5-SCHOOL RESUMES
EVERYTHING GOOGLE!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL AND CHILDREN
Dear Pleasant Lake Elementary Parents,
Your PTA needs you now more than ever! Your membership will help with so many great opportunities for our children. Below are a list of just a few amazing things your membership dues will provide our children:
- Literacy supplies and books
- Student supplies that are sent home with children during remote learning
- Technology and online instructional resources
- Virtual events
- Grants & scholarships to assist students and teachers with field trips, including virtual field trips
- Authors and presenters visit, including virtual visits
- The Leader in Me Program
In addition to all that we provide for our children, this year we will have the opportunity to host virtual events for our community. Your PTA Board has been brainstorming some fantastic ideas for fundraising and activities we would normally do in person. The 1st 50 people to sign up for a membership will get an exclusive offer for our 1st virtual event.
Lastly, you may think with school being held remotely that we not need your support but it is the exact opposite. So many in our school community need support more than ever during this pandemic. Please become a PTA Member and sign up for the programs below. It’s an easy process that will take minutes but go a long way in supporting our children, parents and staff.
Please click on the link below to join. Remember that your membership does not require you to volunteer at any events and/or fundraisers. Only one parent/member per household needs to register with the PLE PTA.
https://ple.new.memberhub.store/store
AMAZON SMILE PROGRAM
We all shop on Amazon, why not give back to Pleasant Lake while we shop?
Pleasant Lake is set up on the Amazon Smile program, which
donates 0.5% of eligible purchases straight to our school!
Here's what to do:
1) Log on to http://smile.amazon.com/
2) Select Pleasant Lake Elementary PTA as the organization you are supporting.
3) Shop away!
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS
It's simple. Login to your account online and look for Pleasant Lake.
Support our School!
We all shop on Amazon, why not give back to Pleasant Lake while we shop?!
Pleasant Lake is set up on the Amazon Smile program, which
donates 0.5% of eligible purchases straight to our school!
Here's what to do:
1) Log on to http://smile.amazon.com/
2) Select Pleasant Lake Elementary PTA as the organization you are supporting.
3) Shop away!
Kroger Rewards
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
See below for important steps to follow:
#1: Reminder to clip and use the digital app.
Please continue to send clipped box tops into school as usual.
Additionally, Box Tops for Education is moving towards digital submissions.
How can you help?
1. Download the free app.
2. Create an account (choose Pleasant Lake Elementary as your school).
3. Scan receipts as you make purchases (and within 14 days).
** Back by popular demand... Want to designate a classroom for box top counts to help your child's classroom win contests? Start by scanning your receipt. Once the photo is taken, new options will show up across the bottom. Choose the star "Credit" button and enter the last name of your child's teacher. Hit done, then submit. **
#2: Do you shop for groceries online?
You can submit your email receipts from select retailers to earn Box Tops for your school too. Here's how...
Option A
1. Make sure you have a Box Tops for Education account
(create one via the Box Tops app or website).
2. Forward your email receipt to receipts@boxtops4education.com using the same email that’s associated with your BTFE account. Box Tops will be credited within 10 business days – view your earnings detail in the MY EARNINGS section of the app or website
The following email receipts are currently eligible (as of July 17, 2019):
Instacart, jet.com, SamsClub.com, Shipt, Target.com, Target Pick-Up/Drive-Up,
Walmart Grocery, Walmart.com
Option B
For purchases from online retailers not listed above, please follow the process below.
1. Take a screen shot (or multiple) of your entire receipt from your online purchase, including retailer name, all items, transaction total, and date of purchase
2. Open the Box Tops Contact Us form
3. In the Comments field, please include: Your email address, name, school's name, the amount of Box Tops earned with the purchases from that receipt.
4. Use the “Upload Image Files” feature (at the bottom of the form to add the screen shot(s) of your receipt. Your receipt will be processed within 2 weeks.
Teach The Leader in Me Habits At Home!
Enjoy!
PLEASANT LAKE ELEMENTARY CONTACT INFORMATION
Main Office Number: 248.956.2800
Fax Line: 248.956.2805
Attendance: 248.956.2890
Nayal Maktari
Principal nayalmaktari@wlcsd.org
Terri Szymanski
Principal's Secretary terriszymanski@wlcsd.org
Julie Smith
Building Secretary juliesmith@wlcsd.org
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 once a week. An archive of newsletters is also posted to our school website under the For Parents tab. 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'.