Pleasant Lake Pleasantries
March 2020
Together We Learn, Together We Lead!
EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY!
Every Child, Every Day is our intentional commitment to creating a safe and inclusive culture and community where we:
- Prioritize instruction
- Foster meaningful relationships
- Value and empower each learner
- Create growth opportunities for all
March is Reading Month
We are “Going for the Gold” this year with our March is Reading Month activities. These activities are designed to encourage your child to read, try new books, and share the books that they love!
Today, you will receive an at-home reading Bingo sheet. When your child earns two bingos, please sign and return the bingo sheet to their teacher. We will add their picture to a school-wide “Gold Medal Reader” bulletin board.
As a service project, we will be collecting change to support the Special Olympics. The class earning the most change for the Special Olympics will earn a pizza party!
We have guest readers, red, white and blue Fridays. We also have opening and closing ceremonies at the beginning and end of March.
“Go for the Gold” and make reading a priority this month as well as every month! Thanks for your support in our activities.
Math Course Skipping Information 2020-2021
Our current math standards are more rigorous and demanding than ever. Students are expected to develop a deep understanding of concepts leading to fluency with facts and procedures, and the ability to clearly communicate their mathematical thinking. Further, students must pass a demanding sequence of high school math courses in order to meet graduation requirements. In response to the increased expectations for all students, we have adjusted the content focus and instructional approaches in all of our math courses.
Because of the higher standards and to ensure student success at all points of their mathematical education, we are using the procedures described HERE to accelerate students.
In order to skip a course in the math sequence, students must demonstrate proficiency in the content and skills of the course they are attempting to skip.
The process and procedures described HERE apply to all students currently in grades 2 through 7. Students attempting to test-out of high school courses will use the existing process described on the district website. Parents of students in kindergarten or first grade who have indications their child is possibly ready to skip a year of Math should contact their building principal.
If you have questions after reviewing the process, please contact your building principal or John Gregg-Math and Science Coordinator for Walled Lake.
John Gregg
248-956-2096
iReady Diagnostic 2nd Window Completed
Our children completed the second round of the i-Ready Diagnostic testing. Your child's reading and math instructional lessons will reset depending on your child's diagnostic results.
Parents can help by encouraging students to work on the iReady math and reading instructional modules at home for 45-60 minutes per week or more. These online instructional lessons will help students become more proficient in math and reading and better prepare them for the third iReady diagnostic and M-STEP testing that will take place in the Spring.
If you have questions about iReady, or the instructional lessons, please reach out to your child's teacher for information. We are ready to assist you in helping your child at home to become a better reader, writer, and mathematician.
Girls on the Run (GOTR)
Dear Parents of Girls in Grades 3-5:
We are so excited that Girls on the Run is starting on March 9th!
Girls on the Run is a life-changing, non-profit program for girls in the 3rd through 5th grade. Our mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.
The 20-lesson Girls on the Run curriculum combines training for a 5K (3.1 miles) running event with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions. All of this is accomplished through an active collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, volunteers, staff, and the community.
Girls on the Run is an Independent Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of 200+ locations across the United States and Canada. Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.
We meet twice a week (Monday and Wednesday, 4 – 5:30 pm) at Pleasant Lake Elementary and we teach life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The 20-lesson curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and includes three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.
Running is used to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment. At each season’s conclusion, the girls and their running buddies complete a 5k running event. Completing a 5k gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. The result—making the seemingly impossible, possible and teaching girls that they can.
For more information and to register your child, visit www.gotrdetroit.org. If you have any questions, feel free to email one of the coaches.
We can’t wait for the season to start!
Sincerely,
Coach Lessa (saralessa@wlcsd.org)
Coach Bernard (christinabernard@wlcsd.org)
Coach Ruby (janiceruby@wlcsd.org)
March 10th Election Day
Pleasant Lake Elementary will be an Election Day polling place on Tuesday, March 10th. Voting will take place in our Portable Classroom. Voters will not have access to our building.
Additional staff will be available to assist that day to ensure that our normal school schedule is not adversely effected. Staff will help secure our students and building. Student and staff safety is always top priority.
Third Grade Reading Retention Law
Several years ago the state enacted a law related to student reading proficiencies that requires students to be reading on grade level by third grade or they will be retained, based on the M-STEP state assessment, unless they have one of several good cause exemptions. As a part of our multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), we have been utilizing the IRIP (Individualized Reading Intervention Plan) process to identify targeted goals, intentionally design individual supports and interventions, and increase our home school partnership. Within this process, we are working through a continuous improvement cycle of reviewing data and planning for ways to better support instruction across all 3 tiers of supports within the MTSS framework. All of our professional learning for staff this year has been focused on strengthening these tiers.
Our goal for every child at Pleasant Lake is to ensure that they are meeting their full potential to the very best of their ability as a whole person. This law has been a good reminder of how systemic processes are the very best way to support our students’ growth. That said, the thought of retaining a student in 3rd grade is daunting. As this first group of third grade students begins the M-STEP testing at the end of April, I want to share that we will be working to ensure that we will continue to work diligently to support your child’s growth and will be working with you, should your child need to request an exemption to retention. We are planning an optimal testing environment to support all students through the M-STEP assessment and will be communicating with you as soon as we are able about whether you will need to request an exemption.
Please see the district website for more information regarding the Third Grade Reading Law.
2019-2020 calendar
Please click on the 2019-20 calendar to view this year’s school calendar. Please Note:
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 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. That said, 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.
Pleasant Lake Elementary Building Calendar
Kindergarten Orientation
We will begin in the Pleasant Lake Elementary Media Center from 6:30-7:00 PM. Parents will visit our kindergarten classrooms and meet with teachers for further questions from 7:00-8:00 PM.
All incoming kindergarten parents are urged to attend. This evening is not designed for children, but for parents.
There will be a sign up for our Assessment Day in May at the Kindergarten Orientation. If you have any questions about Kindergarten Orientation or Kindergarten at Pleasant Lake, please contact us.
Kindergarten Information
Incoming kindergartners must be five-years-old on or before September 1, 2020.
Exception:
According to Michigan Law, a child may be enrolled in kindergarten
if he/she is not five years of age on September 1, 2020, but will be five years of
age not later than December 1, 2020 and parent or legal guardian notifies the school
district in writing (Kindergarten Waiver Form) that he or she intends to enroll the
child in kindergarten.
Research indicates that developmentally appropriate full-day schedules benefit kindergarten children academically, socially and emotionally. Our principals and teachers understand this and are well equipped to meet the needs of our kindergarten students.
Our kindergarten students begin to learn a whole host of reading, writing and mathematics concepts and learning strategies that give them the foundation for a successful elementary school career in Walled Lake Schools.
Kindergarten Vision Screen Available
Please call the Oakland County Health Department at 248-424-7070 to schedule an appointment.
Enrollment Information Hotline: 248-956-5250
Kindergarten Resources
- Kindergarten Orientation Presentation
- Building Contact Information
- Criteria for Enrollment
- Enrollment Instructions
- Enrollment Instructions in Spanish
- Enrollment Instructions in Japanese
- Enrollment Instructions in Arabic
- Elementary School Contact Information
- Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) Immunization Action Plan(Video)
- Full Day Kindergarten (PowerPoint Presentation)
- Full-Day Kindergarten Research Article 1
- Full-Day Kindergarten Research Article 2
- Full-Day Kindergarten Research Article 3
New Building Sub Nadia Erwin
My name is Nadia Erwin and I am the wife of my husband Josh and the lucky mother of two amazing sons Dominic (7) and Lucas (3). I attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn to complete my undergraduate coursework, and I am also currently enrolled as a graduate student at U of M-D set to graduate in the spring of 2021 with a Masters in Education as a Specialist in Mild and Related Disabilities.
As a family, we love to read, boat, travel, and explore the outdoors. My first love was learning! My biggest hope is to inspire your children to love learning as much as I do.
New Lunchroom Paraeducator Debbie Fidler
New School Social Worker Erika Emke
When I’m not pursuing my passion of working with children, I enjoy gardening and DIY home projects. My Pomeranian mix, Gizmo, is not very outdoorsy. She also hates the sound of a drill, but is supportive of my hobbies. I look forward to meeting you and working with your children!
MSTEP Online Practice Tests
Our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders can take the for M-Step/Mi-Access online practice from home! The Michigan Department of Education requires that you access the link below using a Chrome browser.
The online Sample Item Sets are a select group of test items in ELA, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies that encompass different item types, such as multiple choice, constructed response, and various kinds of technology-enhanced items. The sets provide students, teachers, and parents practice in solving grade-level and content-specific test items aligned to Michigan's academic content standards.
Details: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-22709_70117-350540--,00.html
STARTING SMARTER WEBSITE
PARENT-FRIENDLY STARTING SMARTER WEBSITE - NOW AVAILABLE
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is excited to announce the availability of a new online resource designed to give families a better understanding of their child’s strengths and areas of improvement in mathematics and English language arts (ELA). The Starting Smarter website (mi.startingsmarter.org) provides Michigan’s families with information in parent-friendly language that will help them:
• understand their child’s M-STEP score report
• locate resources to support learning at home and school
• prepare for an effective Parent Teacher Conference
• see and practice with online M-STEP practice questions and tools
• learn about the Read by Grade 3 law
• understand what academic standards students are expected to master
• learn about the accessibility tools and supports available to students during testing
Parents are critical partners in their child's success. Please visit The Starting Smarter website
(mi.startingsmarter.org).
Help Your Child Prepare for the MSTEP and MiACCESS
- Student User Guide - MILearn Student Assessment Score Reporting Site
- Parent User Guide - MILearn Student Assessment Score Reporting Site
- MiLearn Informational Flyer
View your child's score reports directly from your local Student Information System
- Parent Teacher Conference Guide
- Starting Smarter Informational Flyer
- Michigan State Assessment System for 2019-20
- M-STEP with Computer Adaptive Testing Video
Explains the M-STEP state assessment, what it measures, how it is given and how computer adaptive tests work
- What Parents Should Know About Assessments - includes valuable resources
- Michigan's Education Assessment System: What It Is, What It Means, And What It Offers Flyer
- Student Testing, What Parents Can Do to Help Students Prepare
- M-STEP/MME Parent Report Video
How to read and interpret student scores on their parent report.
- M-STEP: What can students expect? Video
This video provides an overview of what students can expect including types of questions when taking the M-STEP assessment administered in grades 3-8 and 11.
- M-STEP/PSAT - How to Read Your Child's Score Report for Grades 3-8
- MME - How to Read Your Child's Score Report for Grade 11
- Collaborating for Success - Parent Engagement Toolkit
- Online Practice for M-STEP ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies
Answer Keys for Mathematics, ELA, Science, and Social Studies included
- Paper/Pencil Sample Item Sets
- Michigan Academic Standards
School Bell Schedule
Drop Off: 8:45 AM
School Begins: 8:55 AM (Tardy Bell)
Dismissal: 4:00 PM
Departure: 4:00-4:07 PM
Half-Day Dismissal: 12:25 PM
Pleasant Lake Elementary
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Prime Time Care Hours
Monday - Friday
6:30 AM-6:00 PM
Main Office:
248-956-2800
Fax Number:
248-956-2805
Attendance Hotline:
248-956-2890
School Times:
Drop off: 8:50 AM
Late Bell: 8:55 AM
Dismissal: 4:00 PM
Departure: 4:00-4:07 PM
Email: NayalMaktari@wlcsd.org
Website: www.wlcsd.org/pleasantlake
Location: 4900 Halsted Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, United States
Phone: (248) 956-2800
Twitter: @PleasantLakeEl
PLE PTA Membership Forms
We need your support! Please click HERE and join our PTA. It's our goal to have each parent a member of our PTA. Your support is needed to continue the great things we provide our children.
You can also sign up now on our PTA Event Volunteer Sign Up Form.
Thank you again for supporting our children, families and staff!
Kroger Community Rewards Program
The PTA needs your help in providing our students and staff with as many resources as possible. One way the PTA helps is by contributing the funds earned through the Kroger Community Rewards program. If you shop at Kroger, we ask you to enroll your card to earn money for the PTA. This program does not take away your rewards earned toward gas or any other benefits. It is an additional way that Kroger gives back to the community. If you were enrolled in the past, please make sure to re-enroll and select Pleasant Lake Elementary PTA to earn the community rewards. You can follow the link provided here https://www.kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow
Also, if you have other family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) that shop at Kroger or Kroger affiliated stores encourage them to enroll their rewards card and select your student’s PTA for community rewards. Every little bit helps our students and staff.
Thank you,
Katarina Gasevski
PTA Co-V.P. and Scrips Coordinator
staples rewards program
Enroll now in the Staples Rewards Program and earn money for our children and school.
Busch's Cash for Education
All participants must re-enroll annually. Once registered, simply shop, provide your Busch’s MyWay phone number or key tag at the register and receive credit for your schools. It’s that easy! Just be sure to follow the below steps to participate for the New Year.
Steps to Take:
- Sign into your MyWay account and select “Cash for Education” from the dropdown menu underneath your name to reselect your schools and/or organizations.
- If you haven’t done so already, you must include a valid email and opt-in to receive emails to participate in this program. You can check this under My Account > Account Holder when logged into MyWay. Busch’s will use this email to communicate any updates or changes to the Cash for Education Program. Email is also a great way to receive information regarding weekly specials, offers and Busch’s coupons, which are sent exclusively to MyWay members.
- Select up to four organizations that you would like to support for each quarter using the drop down menu. Purchases will be allocated equally between your chosen organizations.
- You may now also include the student you’re supporting.
- You may change your organizations and student at any time, but only those selected at the end of each quarter will receive credit.
Participants will be required to re-enroll on an annual basis.
If you have any questions please email us at welisten@buschs.com or refer to the FAQ, which can be found at buschs.com/community.
Absences and Notes to School
If you intend to keep your child home on a school day for any reason, please use our attendance hotline at 248-956-2890. You may leave a voicemail message 24 hours a day. If we do not receive a call from you, we will call you to make sure that your child is indeed absent.
The Transportation Department will not issue bus passes for after school study, play dates etc. Bus passes will be issued for shared custody, day care, babysitting, or other emergencies. The Transportation Department will also issue year-long passes for in-district transfer and school of choice students when there is room on the bus.
If your child's transportation/dismissal for the end of the day changes in any way, please send in a note at the beginning of the day to your child's teacher or the office. If this changes during the school day, please call our secretaries before 3:00 p.m. We will always make sure your child gets to the correct place at the end of the day, but we ask for your help with this by notifying us early in the day or with a note. Thank you!
Pleasant Lake Elementary Handicap Parking
I please need your help. Please do not park in the handicap parking spots in the main parking area located at the front of the school building. We have families who need access to those specific parking spots.
The West Bloomfield Police Department will be ticketing cars that are illegally parked.
Thank you for your support.
Lunch and Food Service Information
Walled Lake Consolidated School District offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.25 at the elementary level and $1.50 at the middle school and high school levels; lunch costs $2.75 at the elementary level and $3.00 at the middle and high school levels. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. Reduced-price is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch.
Please click HERE for the March Elementary Lunch Menu.
You can always visit Walled Lake's Food Service Website for information by clicking HERE.
Invisible Dad Lunch Program
In Walled Lake Schools, the 12 WL elementary schools have adopted the Invisible Dad program which entitles all children to a school lunch, even if a student’s lunch account does not have money in it.
Invisible Dad accounts have been set up at our schools to cover lunch for children whose parents have forgotten, are unable, or for whatever reason have not kept their account up-to-date. Parents receive a confidential notification that their child has accessed the Invisible Dad account and they are given an opportunity to update the account, complete a Free and Reduced Lunch form or to talk to a school administrator.
For more information on the Invisible Dad Program, visit the program's webpage.
TO DONATE: Please make a check out to your Walled Lake School with Invisible Dad in the “memo” line. This money will keep the account for your school able to continue this important program.
Typing Quest Lessons for 3rd-5th Graders
3rd-5th graders have been practicing keyboarding on their Typing Quest accounts. The goal right now is to slow down, not worry about scores, and try to get all of their fingers moving and practicing. Students can access their account from home by logging onto the link below.
Teach The Leader in Me Habits At Home!
Enjoy!
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 month. 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'.