Pleasant Lake Pleasantries
April 5, 2021
Together We Learn, Together We Lead!
A MESSAGE FOR OUR SUPERINTENDENT
Dear WLCSD Parents:
It is with a heavy heart that I let our school community know that Drew Smith, a Loon Lake kindergartener, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, March 24. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Smith family as they cope with the loss of this precious, young life. Please keep the Smith family and Drew’s Loon Lake class in your thoughts.
We are also saddened to let you know that a Walled Lake Elementary family lost their home and vehicles in a tragic fire, though we are grateful the family of four is safe. If you are able, please consider helping them.
With the closure of Hickory Woods Elementary and Keith Elementary as a result of COVID cases and close contacts, and COVID cases increasing, we are asking everyone to take all precautions to stay safe so we can all return to school on April 5 to continue our learning in a safe environment. Our goal is to keep our schools and sports programs open. We do NOT want to have to shut down after spring break, especially with Spring Sports kicking off, as well as PSAT, SAT, and AP testing. To that end, we ask that all students and families do their best to follow CDC guidelines while on spring break.
HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS:
With more than 400 students returning to in person learning this week to our middle and high schools, classroom interaction increased. We are tentatively setting April 19 for our Our Path/My Path virtual students to return to in-person learning. As our virtual students re-enter our in-person learning environment, please know that there is a strong possibility that they will still have classes that they Zoom into. Our priority is to maintain the consistency of education by keeping students’ and teachers’ schedules as consistent as possible.
- Our Path/My Path families who want to come back to five-day in-person learning, please complete the poll by 5 p.m. Friday, March 26.
Learning Path Poll for Our Path and My Path Students in MS and HS (required)
Face Mask Exemption Request Form
Parent Pact (required)
Special Note to My Path Students
- NEW A/B adjusted schedule – 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.
- 2021 Spring High School and Middle School Testing Information
- 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 will be: WL Central – April 28, WL Western – May 12 and WL Northern – May 19. More information will be sent to those participating.
- High School Students that are interested in Media Production and want to join the WLTV please watch this video.
- Walled Lake Schools will be hosting the Oakland Youth Innovation Lab at Northern High School the last 2 weeks in July. We have 25 slots open for students in grades 6-11 who are interested. Students interested should contact their principal for an application. Student applications are due by March 26.
- Teen Club will be available at the Middle Schools if enough students are registered.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENTS:
1. The second trimester report cards will be available for parents to view in Skyward on Friday, March 26 after 4 p.m.
2. Please contact your child’s SECOND trimester teacher if you have any questions about the report card.
3. 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.
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:
- Superintendent Gutman was featured on the Oakland County Megacast on Thursday, March 24. Here is the entire interview.
- WL Western cheer team, who will compete for a Division 2 state championship at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center on Saturday, March 27. (Spinal Column Article)
- WL Northern Lady Knights basketball team, who will play for a Division 1 district title on Friday at 7 p.m. (Spinal Column Article)
- WL Northern Lady Knights bowling team, and to individual bowlers Aylee Jarvie and Hannah Robinson, who will compete for a Division 1 state championship at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park on Friday, March 27.
- WLC bowler Alex Casagrande, who will compete for a Division 1 state championship at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park on Friday, March 27.
- WL Western alum Julia Barrett, who helped Adrian College win a NCHA Tournament championship last Sunday, its sixth straight title. (ABC News Toledo)
- The Walled Lake Schools' Foundation for Excellence congratulates its Tuition Expedition 50/50 Scholarship Raffle's grand prize winner Bob Shuman, respected business leader of former Shuman CDJR in Walled Lake & FFE trustee. Shuman is the lucky recipient of scholarship funds for postsecondary education (option available to elect 40% lump sum payment in lieu of scholarship funds). Here is link to view TE Raffle drawing held March 22nd.
- Six WLCSD high school seniors who participated in a Zoom interview about graduation with Paula Tutman of WDIV. Thank you to: Miles Hirsch and Reeya Mathur, WL Central; Mara Najarian and Luke Babington, WL Northern, and Zoe DeRoche and Aman Manchanda, WL Western.
IMPORTANT DISTRICT LINKS:
- 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 30 1:45 p.m. – 3 p.m. (There is food distribution during the holiday week. Here’s the Oakland County Food Distribution for Spring Break
- Submit a nomination for the Shining Star Award. The deadline is April 5.
- 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?
- Oakland County Parks Spring Programs
- Lakes Area Community Coalition –March Newsletter
- Boy Scouts: Info Sessions March 29
SPORTS LINKS:
- Walled Lake Attack Basketball Clinic first-fourth grade
- Walled Lake Braves Football & Cheer Registration
- Lakes Area Baseball 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
Thank you for staying safe and making it a community priority to keep our schools and sports programs open by staying safe while you’re having fun over break.
Kenneth Gutman
Superintendent of Schools
REPORT CARDS AND FAPES TEACHERS
As shared earlier, due to the recent switch of our elementary students to in-person learning on March 15th, and the complications surrounding ensuring accuracy on the report card, the original date of Wednesday, March 24th, needed to be changed.
As you review your child’s report card, please note that some report cards have a FAPES (Art, Music, & PE) teacher name that may be different from the student's current FAPES teachers. In some instances, this was an error in the system that could not be rectified. With that said, please know that the FAPE teacher that graded the students are accurate and reflected on the report card. If you have any questions or concerns, about grades, please contact the teacher directly. Thank you.
BASKETBALL CLINIC FOR GRADES 1-4
POPCORN SALE ENDS FRIDAY, APRIL 9TH
PTA 5TH GRADE GRADUATION AND CELEBRATION PLANNING MEETING
Please join us for our PTA 5th Grade Graduation and Celebration Planning Meeting on Tuesday, April 6th at 6:00 p.m.
We will discuss our 5th Grade Graduation and Celebration following our PTA Meeting. While we don’t have all of the information right now on what our graduation and celebration will look like, but we need to begin planning multiple scenarios in celebrating our wonderful 5th Grade children!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85197650716?pwd=eFJoTXJjRXBBRFZua3dkV1VvbTRQQT09
Meeting ID: 851 9765 0716
Passcode: EUCN6T
SPRING PICTURE DAY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 13TH
My Path and Our Path Spring Picture Directions
We are so thankful to be able to invite our Pleasant Lake Elementary My Path and Our Path students to the building on April 13, 2021 for Spring Picture Day.
**Please note this sign up is ONLY for our Virtual Students. The in person learners will have their photos done during class. ***
Parents and students will be required to wear masks and stay socially distanced. Below are the two options that families can select from:
- April 13, 2021 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Pictures will be taken in the Main Gym area. Please park in the main parking lot and enter through the main doors. A staff member will be at the main door to accompany your child to get their picture taken and return them to the main doors once they are done.
- April 13, 2021 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Pictures will be taken outside the Main Gym area. Please park in the back of our building, near our portable classrooms, and enter through the building doors across from the portable classrooms.
Parents and family members must remain outside of the building. You can remain outside the doors your child entered, socially distant from others and wearing a mask. Your child must have a mask on but will be allowed to take their mask off for their photo, unless you state otherwise.
Students and photographers will be socially distanced and all photographers will keep masks on at all times. If you have questions about procedures, please contact the main office at 248.956.2800 and our secretaries can assist you.
Please click on the link below to sign up a time slot for each student. It is recommended that you preorder your child's pictures from Lifetouch at https://lifetouch.com/
Picture Day ID: EVTNXW334
Thank you,
Nayal Maktari
Principal
PLEASANT LAKE ELEMENTARY LEGO ROBOTICS TEAMS!
Congratulations to our 4th and 5th Grade Lego Robotics Teams and the Team Leaders!
The 5th Grade Lake Hammerhead Team is participating remotely in the State Lego Robotics Tournament over the next two weeks.
A big thank you to Mr. Jeff Sousley for his dedication and continued leadership in our School Robotics Program!
MATH COURSE SKIPPING INFORMATION FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR
REGISTRATION IS APRIL 5TH-APRIL 29TH
ANCHORS AWAY UPDATE
WATER BOTTLES
Thank you.
CREW LEADER IN ME LESSONS AND MENTOR GROUPS ARE BACK!
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.
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
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
APRIL 2021
- MONDAY, APRIL 5-SCHOOL RESUMES
- APRIL 5-29 MATH GRADE SKIPPING REGISTRATION DEADLINE
- TUESDAY, APRIL 6-PTA MEETING AND 5TH GRADE GRADUATION PLANNING AT 6:00 P.M.
- TUESDAY, APRIL 13-SPRING PICTURE DAY
- TUESDAY, APRIL 27-PTA MEETING AT 6:00 P.M.
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'.