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

Over the upcoming Thanksgiving Break, I hope you are able to disconnect and take time to rest, relax, and enjoy time with family and friends.

Have a wonderful break, and we will see you on November 28.

- Dr. Bernia

• November 24-25: No School for Students or Staff - Thanksgiving Break
  
• November 28: Walled Lake PTSA Council Meeting - 7pm at Keith El.
• December 1: Walled Lake Board of Education Meeting
• December 1-3: Sarah Banks, Geisler and Walnut Creek Middle Schools present: "Seussical Jr." Purchase tickets at www.wlcstickets.com.
• December 3: MSBOA Solo & Ensemble
• December 8: Half Day for Elementary Students - Parent/Teacher Conferences

On behalf of our schools and communities, the District would like to thank these dedicated men and women for their continued service and support.

Participating in last week's meeting were District school liaison officers from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), as well as Chiefs/Representatives from police departments throughout our community. Recently, Sheriff Michael Bouchard requested schools across the region share a video message with families regarding school safety. Following the discussion, those in attendance agreed it was advisable to share that message with our community. Please find Sheriff Bouchard’s message below:

· Sheriff Bouchard’s Message on School Safety - November 2022

When Alex and Laura Kashenider moved into their home in Wixom, they remembered seeing a family playing basketball in the driveway three doors down. Little did they know, their two families would forever be linked just a few years later. The Kasheniders and the Munros became friends almost immediately, and when AJ Kashenider was born with kidney failure, Kyle Munro stepped up to the plate.

This year, the Club also made a $4,000 donation to the District in support of these programs. The District would like to thank our wonderful community partners for their continued support!

The entire Walled Lake Schools community is invited to attend the District's 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 16, 2023. This year's celebration will be returning to Walled Lake Northern High School with a tour of student exhibits starting at 5pm and a formal program starting at 6:15pm.

The event's keynote address will be a group of speakers from the InterFaith Leadership Council of Metro Detroit.

HERE are some potential ways buildings and classrooms may explore this year’s theme. Schools are encouraged to start planning/creating their MLK Celebration school display.

Students of WLCSD are welcomed to submit an Express Yourself project. The theme for this year’s project is “Listen your way to kindness.” Students should create a project that expresses what this theme means to them. Projects can be a speech, an essay, a picture, a poem, a drawing, a video, a musical piece or any other format to express “Listen your way to kindness.”

The winner(s) of this contest will share their projects, on stage, at the 24th annual WLCSD MLK Day Celebration. This is a great opportunity to recognize students, their creativity, and engagement in Diversity Week. It is by far the crowd’s favorite part of the MLK Celebration. Project details and entry form can be found HERE.

All entries must be submitted to a school office by Wednesday, December 14.

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District is seeking nominations for the 2023 “Alec Bender Friend of Diversity Award”. This award honors individuals who are true friends of multicultural diversity in our school district and community. This honor will be bestowed on the recipient(s) WLCSD 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on January 16, 2023.

Any student, staff, community member, local business, or local organization is eligible to be nominated. Any member of the Walled Lake Schools community may submit a nomination.

Nominations must be submitted through this nomination form by Friday, December 9, 2022.

Mary Helen Guest PTA is excited to be hosting our annual Holiday Shopping Expo on December 3rd!! Shop local and small business from 10am-3pm at Guest Elementary (1655 Decker Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390)

Here are some extras available at this shopping event:

• FREE kids craft table
• Raffles
• Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Water, Baked Goods, and Snacks available for purchase

• Jewelry
• Home Décor
• DIY Kits
• Hair Accessories
• Handwoven Scarves, Throws, Shawls, and Blankets
• Nail Polish Strips
• Wreaths
• Homewares
• Bath and Body Products
• T-shirts
• Personalized Items
• Paper Décor
• Dragon Eggs
• Crocheted Items
• Kitchen Accessories
• and SO MUCH MORE

What is special about where you live? Is there someplace you feel comfortable, safe, relaxed, inspired, or energized? Someplace that looks pretty where there is a lot of nature? Or someplace that is full of people having fun? Share YOUR ideas about why Commerce Township is a special place to help the Township create its Master Plan.

Draw or paint a picture, write a poem, or take a photograph of your favorite special place in Commerce Township.

More Information on the Master Plan: www.CommerceTwp.com

This art contest is open to Commerce Township residents ages 5-18. Awards will be broken into categories by age group: 5-8, 9-13, 14-18.

Winning entries will be included in the Township’s Master Plan document in 2023!