District Update
A weekly update from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Walled Lake Consolidated School District Update: August 25, 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:
- August 25: Elementary School Meet & Greets
- August 25: Special Board of Education Meeting
- August 29: First Day of School!
- August 29: Superintendent Search - Candidate Open House
- August 30: Superintendent Search - Finalist Interviews
- September 2: No School for Students or Staff
- September 5: No School for Students or Staff (Labor Day)
- September 6: School Resumes
- September 8: Board of Education Regular Meeting
Visit our Back to School Hub for all information related to the start of the 2022-23 school year!
Be sure to post to social media with #WEareWLCSD or email photos to info@wlcsd.org!
Prime Time Care Registration OPEN!
Prime Time Care is accepting on line registrations for before and after school child care.
Please visit us at https://wlcsd.org/programs/prime-time-care/ to register.
WLCSD Staff Shoutout Nomination Form
A sample of what these shout outs will look like on social media and in our District newsletters can be found below.
Back-to-School Family Access Packet for 2022-23 now OPEN!
The District will be using the online Family Access system to automate the process for updating and completing documents such as the emergency card, FERPA form, Code of Conduct and other important annual school forms that require parental approval.
The 2022-23 Back-to-School Family Access Packet must be completed by parents, online, using Family Access, prior to the start of school. It is essential that we receive ALL documents in a timely manner in order for your student to start school on August 29.
What Parents Need to Know...
Beginning August 1, parents are to login to Family Access, using their alphanumeric parent account code, to complete the Back-to-School Family Access Packet.
Need help enrolling? Contact the Office of Student Services at studentenrollment@wlcsd.org or (248) 956-2086.
For bilingual assistance, contact Kallee Iverson at kalleeiverson@wlcsd.org or (248) 956-2093.
To acquire a new or lost parent account code, email FamilyAccess@wlcsd.org or call (248) 956-2190.
Welcome to Walled Lake! - Students new to WLCSD must enroll online
Please help us spread the word to those students and their families to ensure a smooth enrollment process for all of our Walled Lake Schools students. The following information is for enrolling NEW students:
- Please visit the District's website at www.wlcsd.org, click on "Enrollment" to access the District's EZ Registration site.
- Watch the video tutorial to guide you through the process and review the Criteria for Enrollment.
- Complete the online pre-enrollment process, including uploading all required documents to the secured site. Pre-enrollment can be completed on any electronic device including smart phones.
- Contact the Student Services Office (studentenrollment@wlcsd.org) or call 248-956-2086 if you have questions or do not have all the required documentation. Additional contact information is listed on the Enrollment webpage.
- After completing your pre-enrollment, please watch your email for communication from the Student Services Department regarding additional documents that may be needed to complete the enrollment. It is essential that we receive ALL documents in a timely manner so your child can start school on August 29th.
COVID Policy Update - August 2022
The District will not be requiring universal masking in our school buildings and offices. Individual decisions related to continued masking in our school buildings and offices will be left to the discretion of students, families, and staff members. It should be noted that any bullying, harassment, or discrimination related to a student’s masking choices will not be tolerated. Any individuals engaging in such acts will be subject to the Code of Conduct.
Following guidance from the Oakland County Health Division, individuals that test positive for COVID-19 are required to stay home and isolate a minimum of 5 full days, with symptom onset date or test date, if asymptomatic, being Day 0. If, after 5 full days have passed, the individual has been fever free for over 24 hours and any other symptoms they have had are improving, the individual can resume normal activities provided a mask is worn through Day 10.
Personal or household contacts are not required to quarantine, however it is recommended and encouraged, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask and monitor for symptoms for 10 days. Test 3-7 days after exposure or if symptoms develop, and avoid unmasked activities or activities with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals.
All other contacts are not required to quarantine, however it is recommended and encouraged to monitor for symptoms for 10 days, test if symptoms develop, and consider wearing a mask around others for 10 days after exposure. At a minimum, wear a mask in settings with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals.
Symptomatic students/staff will continue to be required to meet one of the following prior to returning to school/work:
- Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
- Provide documentation from a physician indicating a clear alternative diagnosis.
- Exclude from school for minimum of 5 days, mask for 10 days – must be fever free for over 24 hours, with other symptoms improving, prior to returning.
Students and staff members who tested positive for COVID-19 and return on Days 6-10, are required to wear a mask around others in accordance with Oakland County Health Division Guideance.
Food Service Update - Breakfast & Lunch for 2022-23
When the 2021-2022 school year ended, so did free meals for every student. While the federal government funded a program that allowed all students access to free meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress recently declined to continue funding this program.
We understand this change may cause you to worry. However, there are important steps you can take NOW to be sure your student receives the meals they need this school year.
If your student qualifies for free or reduced meals, they can still receive them this fall, but you must take action to make it happen. Please complete the 2022-2023 online application, which will be available on our district’s website through family access after July 1, 2022.
If you do not qualify for free or reduced meals, you may begin depositing money into student accounts at any time to prepare for the cost of school lunches next year. Information on meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year are listed below
Breakfast costs
- $1.50 for Elementary
- $1.75 for Middle/High School
Lunch costs
- $3.00 for Elementary
- $3.25 for Middle/High School
If your student has a negative lunch account balance, we encourage you to pay it off as soon as possible and then begin depositing money into the account to prepare for the 2022-2023 school year.
Your family may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. Reduced-price is $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. Completing an application is the only way to be considered for free or reduced meals next school year. Please take action now. You can complete the online free and reduced meal application located in Family Access once registration is open.
This free and reduced meal application information is critical in determining the amount of money that the District receives from a variety of State and Federal supplemental programs like Title I A, At-risk (31a), Title II A, E-Rate, etc.
These supplemental programs have the potential to offer supports and services for our students including, but not limited to:
- Instructional supports (staff, supplies & materials, etc.)
- Non-instructional services (counseling, social work, health services, etc.)
- Professional Learning for staff
- Parent and Community engagement supplies and activities
- Technology
- Pandemic-EBT
Our food service department is asking families to complete and submit the free and reduced meal application as soon as possible to ensure that additional funding for our school is available to meet the needs of our students. All information on the application submitted is confidential.
Please contact Anne Merchant at 248-956-3081 or at annemerchant@wlcsd.org with questions.
District News:
Lisa Shannon named principal at HWE
Lisa Shannon has been appointed to the position of principal at Hickory Woods Elementary. Shannon most recently served as supervisor of elementary education for Royal Oak Schools. She has been a member of Oakland Schools Aspiring Leadership Academy, and holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Michigan State University.
Shannon said, “I feel fortunate to be part of a district that supports students and parents. Hickory Woods will continue to put students first and carry on the positive traditions. I am eager to get started on what will be the best year ever!”
Jennifer Bennett named principal at PLE
Jennifer Bennett has been appointed to the position of principal at Pleasant Lake Elementary. Bennett most recently served as an online principal in the West Bloomfield School District as well as previous experience as an elementary school principal with Monroe Public Schools and Northville Public Schools. She holds a Master of Arts in Education degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Siena Heights University.
Bennett said, “I am delighted to serve as the next Pleasant Lake Elementary School principal. I strongly believe that when a school community includes all voices and celebrates the diverse perspectives and experiences, we learn and lead together.
Nominations Open for 2022-23 Education Support Staff Professional of the Year Award
Anyone working in educational support staff roles, including but not limited to transportation workers, cafeteria workers, custodial staff, skilled trades staff, maintenance, secretarial and administrative assistants, security guards, and paraprofessionals, are eligible to be considered for the award.
Nominations can be made using the online nomination form between now and Monday, September 12, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time (EST). The Michigan Department of Education is seeking local school district support in sharing the nomination form so that school and community members can nominate outstanding staff professionals. Reviewers will evaluate each recommendation received.
The awardee will be announced in October 2022. For more information about the Education Support Staff Professional of the Year program, please visit the program website. For any questions, please contact Jennifer Robel at RobelJ@Michigan.gov or 517-241-7054.
9th Annual Salute to Service Game
Since 2014, the Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Northern Football teams have been honoring United States Military personnel, Veterans, and First Responders during their game each year. This year, the game will be on Friday night, October 14th at WL Central.
Sponsor your First Responder, Veteran, or Military Personnel in the game for a $100 donation. They can be current or retired, a family member, or a friend. Players for both teams will be wearing a special jersey with the sponsored last name on the back – and playing in their honor. You and the honoree will receive the jersey right after the game – and they are really cool looking!
There will be a brief ceremony at the end of the game where the jersey will be presented to the sponsor. Family and friends are welcome – so, please attend the game. It is a wonderful experience. A roster mentioning each honoree will be included in the program. All proceeds will go to Military Families United of Michigan (an IRS Charity) to benefit Michigan Military Families.
Click here to complete the form or go to wlcfootball.com/forms . Deadline for Sponsoring a Jersey is September 23rd.
Farewell to #WLSummer: Next up is #WLFirstDay2022
Next up, we'd love to see your back to school photos. Send those to info@wlcsd.org with subject #WLFirstDay2022 for a chance to be featured on the District's social media this fall.
Hickory Woods' Aariv Y. enjoying the Oakland County International Air show.
Walled Lake Central senior Brayden C. attending a Yankees game in NYC.
Ryan H. (Dublin) and his mom, Allison H. (paraprofessional at Walled Lake El.) getting their first helicopter ride in Gatlinburg, TN over the Smoky Mountains.
Isaac H. (Glengary) and his grandma Lynne W. (teacher consultant) vacationing in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.
Arya G. (Hickory Woods) and Anya G. (Pleasant Lake) cruising on a Tahquamenon River boat.
Clifford Smart 8th grader Piper H. vacationing in Las Vegas.
Guest’s Serenity and Bryce with brother Elias enjoying a trip to Mackinac Island.
Jordan, Fanos and Travis in Caseville.
The Muir kids from Keith and CHS enjoying beach time on Lake Michigan.
Geisler Middle School’s Amelia P. competing in the AAU Junior Olympics in North Carolina.
Loon Lake’s Sahana having fun in the pool with her sister.
Smart Middle School friends hanging out.
Wixom’s Zeke and Lily with Banks Middle School’s Billy swimming in Muskegon.
Loon Lake’s Violetta and Valeria M. enjoying a vacation in Sarasota, FL with manatees in the background.
Brendan B. and Lily B. (Commerce) camping near Silver Lake sand dunes.
WLC Poms Mini Clinic - Sept. 30
Come join us for our favorite event of the year, our annual fall mini pom clinic at WLC.
Online registration ends on September 23rd.
We can't wait to see all of you on September 30th at 4:30pm. Any questions please contact Coach Betsy Holzheimer at bburgess421@gmail.com
Registration Link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19U6sEetiSK1QAiVR_Ru_hFKDU0O1nw9sYvRh5h-m84w/edit?usp=sharing
District Resources:
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.
Community Resources:
District Links:
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.
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