Dragon's Tale
Welcome Back to School Edition - 8/23/19
Welcome Back to School!
I would like to welcome our new families to the Keith Community. I look forward to meeting you and your children very soon. This is my 4th year serving as Keith Elementary Principal and my 12th year as a school administrator.
Thank you in advance for ensuring your children are well rested, prepared, and ready to learn. We look forward to working with you and your children in having an academically and socially successful school year.
Respectfully,
Marci Augenstein
Principal
Upcoming Events!
Bell Schedule Changes for 2019-2020
We want to call your attention to the School Bell Times, as they were not recalculated after we eliminated the late start and early release times and then added half-days for staff professional development. This also affected the bus drop off times and the dismissal times by two minutes daily for elementary schools ONLY.
- Kindergarten families, please note on the first day of school dismissal remains12:09 p.m. for all elementary schools EXCEPT Oakley Park with the dismissal of 11:19 p.m.
- These changes have been made in Skyward Family Access and on the website to ensure accurate information is available. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Families New to Keith and Incoming Kindergarten Students
Back to School Registration Packet
Using a Parent ID and the Walled Lake Family Access system, you will need to complete all necessary forms for the online Back-to-School packet for the new school year.
Please use the directions HERE to assist with the online Back-to-School packet.
- The annual paperless Back-to-School Packet must be completed by ALL parents online, using Family Access, prior to the start of school.
- This process must also be completed in order for parents to view their child's placement for the 19-20 school year. Class placements will be available online on Skyward Family Access after 5:00 PM on Friday, August 16th.
Beginning August 1st, parents are to login to Family Access, using your alphanumeric parent account code, to complete the Back-to-School Packet.
Parents may contact Family Access to acquire a new or lost parent account code at FamilyAccess@wlcsd.org | 248-956-2190.
2019-2020 Classroom Assignments
Class/Teacher placements for the 2018-19 school year will be posted on Skyward Family Access after 4:00 PM on Friday, August 16th.
Please remember that it is our top priority to develop appropriate classroom groupings that will provide all of our children with the best opportunity for academic and social success. Our staff has worked extremely hard in determining the most appropriate classroom placements for all students individually and collectively. It is so important to us that all of our children have the best opportunity for academic and social success this upcoming school year. As a result, no changes to class assignments will be made. Rest assured that our entire teaching staff is highly qualified, experienced and care about your child’s well-being and education. We are committed to providing each child an exceptional education and overall great school experience.
Please remember, you must have completed the Back to School Packet Information online before you can view your child's classroom placement.
Remember to consistently communicate any questions, concerns, or praise to your child’s teacher. Proactive and open communication along with a trusting and positive relationship plays an important role in your child having an academically and socially successful school year.
Welcome Kindergarten Dragons!
The beginning of Kindergarten is a very exciting time in your child’s life and we look forward to a great school year. Your child is in kind, capable hands with our kindergarten teachers and our entire staff.
To help our youngest learners transition into kindergarten, WLCSD will be utilizing a staggered start on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 27th.
Please note the following information:
Students with Last Name starting with A-L attend Kindergarten in the Morning - 8:55am - 12:09pm
Students with Last Name starting with M-Z attend Kindergarten in the Afternoon - 1:00pm - 3:58pm
Kindergartners attending school in the afternoon (M-Z) can participate in the daily Dragon Dismissal Process but those attending in morning (A-L) must be picked up from the main doors of the school or take the school bus home.
Kindergarten students will NOT have lunch the first day of school. They will begin a regular lunch routine at school on Wednesday, August 28th.
The Transportation Department will be contacting ALL kindergarten families with bus information by August 23rd, and all students will be safely transported to and from school by bus drivers.
Please note the following information from our transportation department:
· Bus transportation will be provided on the first day of school for those students who are eligible for bus transportation throughout the regular school year.
· Bus routes will be posted on the district website and Skyward Family Access by August 20, 2019.
· Bus drivers will be contacting families prior to August 23rd.
· Transportation will be sending out postcards to families that indicate bus stops and times.
· If your child is eligible for bus transportation, it is recommended that they start this routine on the first day of school. Parents are welcome to follow the bus to school to see your child off to their first day of school, but it is highly recommended that they ride the bus to and from school this first day if they will be riding daily during the school year.
· Students who are not eligible for bus transportation will need to be dropped off and picked up at the front of the building on this first day, including students who may typically walk to/from school.
If you have questions regarding the staggered start please call the main office at 248-956-3700. Any questions regarding busing can be answered by calling our Transportation Department between 5:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at 248-956-3090.
Kindergarten Supply Lists
Please use the supply list listed on the website (also located further down in the Dragon's Tale) to see what supplies your Kindergartner should bring for their classroom.
1st Day of School - Tuesday, August 27th
Parents may walk their child to class on the first day of school. After the first day of school, we respectfully ask that you allow students to walk to their classroom on their own. Our staff and safeties are available to help all students during this time every day. Thank you for your help with this. We respectfully ask that any volunteers and visitors sign in at the main office.
Keith Announcements
Staffing Updates
It gives me great pleasure to welcome the following staff members to Keith Elementary!
Cailin Fantazian: Ms. Fantazian will be our new first grade teacher at Keith Elementary School. Ms. Fantazian comes to us from Oakland University with a degree in Elementary Education and a major in Language Arts. She worked last year as the permanent building substitute at Wixom Elementary, and has also subbed here at Keith. We are so excited to welcome her to the Keith family.
Karen Clark: Mrs. Karen Clark will be our new building secretary, starting October 1st. Mrs. Clark is coming to us after several years as the building secretary at Oakley Park Elementary. We are thrilled to have her at Keith. Until Mrs. Clark is able to join us, you will see Mrs. Sandy Messick and our very own Mrs. Alice Johnson helping out in the main office.
Safety Practices at Keith
- If your child needs to be picked up during the school day, he/she will only be released to a parent, custodial parent, person listed on the school emergency form or a person identified in a permission note from the parent. We will require a photo ID.
- Any legal documents containing custodial restrictions or court orders MUST be on file in our office.
- If you are visiting our school or dropping off a student, please park in our main parking lot and come through the main entrance doors to our office area to sign in. All Keith doors are locked and will not be opened by staff members or students. This includes students who are tardy to school. Do not drop off students in the parking lot if they are tardy for school. Parents must come into the office to sign tardy students in. When using the main entrance, please buzz in and the secretaries will open the door for you.
- To maintain a safe and secure learning environment, parents and visitors may not go to any classroom unless they have made prior arrangements with the classroom teacher. Parent volunteers are welcome at Keith, but must sign in each time they volunteer in a classroom or in the building. Please remember to sign out when you are finished. Parents may not visit classrooms unexpectedly when volunteering or visiting the school. Students walk to their classrooms on their own each day and will be called down to the office if leaving early. We will deliver to classrooms or call students down at a convenient time for any forgotten items brought in to the office.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Arrival
- If you are dropping off your child at the beginning of the day, they must be dropped off in our Car Rider loop area. Parents may drop students off by car starting at 8:40 AM each morning. Mr. Marianovich, Dr. Augenstein, and our fifth grade safeties will be there to assist students if needed.
- Parents should stay in their cars in the Car Rider line and students should exit their cars on their own on the sidewalk side. Students will enter the building and report to the designated hallway area each morning and sit by grade levels. Dr. Augenstein, staff members, and safeties will be on duty each morning in this area.
- Students may not be dropped off before 8:40 AM. Parents and children should remain in their cars until the Car Rider door is opened at 8:40 AM each morning. Students may not be dropped off in the bus area at the south end of the building or in our parking lot.
- The doors at the Car Rider entry will be opened at 8:40 AM and closed and locked at 8:55 AM each morning. If students arrive after 8:55 AM they are tardy for school and will need to be checked in by an adult in our main office.
Dismissal
- If you will be picking up your child at the end of the day, you must use our Car Rider system or Dragon Pick Up system. Parents who had a number last year will keep their same number for this year. Should you need new signs for your vehicles, please email our Head Teacher, Mrs. Kelly Smith or our secretaries Mrs. Diana Tyrrell and our new secretary. Parents picking up their child with their car must have a Car Rider sign displayed in their car every day on their visor. Parents may request these signs by emailing our Interventionist or the office secretaries. The Car Rider sign will be sent home with your child in the first days of school. Parents that are picking up their child by car should be in our car rider line by 3:50 PM. Parents should stay in their cars and students will be called out to you. Dr. Augenstein or a designated staff member will come put to radio your children's numbers in to the school. Mr. M. and other staff members will be in the parking lot to help direct traffic and ensure safeties are helping students to their vehicles. Please have your Car Rider sign on your visor and in full view for us. This makes the line go much faster! Thank you!
- For the safety of everyone and efficiency, parents may not walk up to the Car Rider door to pick up their child. We want to keep as much foot traffic in one area, and car riding traffic in another. All parents that do not wish to wait in the car rider line must park in our main parking lot. Parents that park should walk up to the front/main entrance door and proceed to the side gym door to pick up their child. A teacher and safeties will be there to assist you. This is our Dragon Pick Up area. Parents should bring their Dragon Pick Up Sign/number with them to the pick up area. Signs will be collected by a staff member. When your child arrives to the Dragon Pick Up door, your Dragon Pick Up Sign will be returned to you and students will be dismissed to their parents. Parents should wait outside on the sidewalk area for students to be dismissed. Parents and students will then walk to their parked cars.
- Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, secure and efficient arrival and dismissal at Keith. Parents have been awesome about this and are very helpful for new parents. Thank you for helping!
Additional Arrival and Dismissal Information will be sent closer to the first day of school.
School Bell Schedule
Drop Off: 8:40 AM
School Begins: 8:55 AM (Tardy Bell)
Dismissal: 4:00 PM
Departure: 4:07 PM
Half-Day Dismissal: 12:25 PM
WLCSD 2019-2020 Calendar
For the Walled Lake District Calendar, please click HERE
For a Yearly List of Major Religious and Other Holidays, please click HERE
For the 2019-20 Marking Period Dates please click HERE
For the 2019-20 School Bell Times please click HERE
Fall - Save the Dates for the 2019-20 School Year!
The following calendar dates and times for Keith Specific events are TENTATIVE for the 19-20 School Year. The 2019-2020 District Calendar dates for school breaks and no school days is set and that calendar can also be found on the WLCSD website and is linked above for your convenience.
8/26/19 – Popsicles with the Principal on the Playground 3-5pm (Teacher meet and greet 3-4pm)
8/27/19 – First day of school (Kindergarten Staggered Start – More info. to come)
8/30/19 – No School
9/2/19 – No School
9/3/19 – 6:00pm Keith PTA Meeting - Media Center
9/9/19 – K-2 Curriculum Night 6:30-8:00pm (Start times: K – 6:30pm, 1 – 7:00pm, 2 – 7:30pm)
9/11/19 – 3-5 Curriculum Night 6:30-8:00pm (Start times: 3 – 6:30pm, 4 – 7:00pm, 5 – 7:30pm)
9/17/19 – ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day
9/25/19 – VIP Mileage Club Day (K-2)
9/26/19 – VIP Mileage Club Day (3-5)
9/27/19 – Keith Fun Run
9/30/19 – No School
10/2/19 – Keith PTA Meeting 6pm Keith Media Center
10/9/19 – No School
10/11/19 – 7:00pm Keith Family Night – PTA Taste of the Garden and Movie Night
10/14 to 10/18 – 5th Grade Camp Week (Specific schedules released next fall)
10/31/19 – ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day
11/2/19 – Western Oakland County Parenting Fair at WLN
11/5/19 – No School
11/6/19 – 6:00pm Keith PTA Meeting – Media Center
11/15 to 11/22 – Keith Fall Book Fair
11/22/19 – ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day
11/28 & 11/29/19 – No School – Thanksgiving
12/4/19 – ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day
12/12/19 – ½ Day for Students – Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences
12/23/19 to 1/3/20 – Winter Break
1/7/20 - 6:00pm Keith PTA Meeting – Media Center
1/20/20 – No School – MLK Day Celebration at WLN
1/24/20 – 6:00pm Keith’s Got Talent Show at Walled Lake Central
1/29/20 – ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day
2/4/20 - 6:00pm Keith PTA Meeting – Media Center
2/13/20 – 6:00pm Kids Heart Challenge at Clifford Smart Middle School
2/17 to 2/21/20 – No School - Mid-Winter Break
3/3/20 – ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day
3/9/20 – 6:30pm Clifford Smart Middle School Orientation for Families of Keith 5th Grade Students
3/10/20 - 6:00pm Keith PTA Meeting – Media Center
3/12 to 3/20 – Keith Spring Book Fair
3/16/20 – 6:30pm Kindergarten Orientation for incoming K Students for the 20-21 school year
3/17/20 – 7:30am Breakfast with Someone Grand
3/18/20 – ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day
3/19/20 – 6:00pm Keith Science Fair
3/24, 3/25, & 3/26/20 – 9:30am Kindergarten Orientation for Students
4/6 to 4/10/20 – No School - Spring Break Week
4/14/20 - 6:00pm Keith PTA Meeting – Media Center
4/17/20 – 6:00pm Keith Family Dance Night at Clifford Smart Middle School
4/24/20 – ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day
5/4 to 5/8 – Staff Appreciation Week
5/6/20 - 6:00pm Keith PTA Meeting – Media Center
5/13 to 5/15/20 – Keith PTA Flower Sale
5/15/20 – 6:00pm Keith PTA Family Bingo Night
5/21/20 – 5th Grade Students to visit Clifford Smart Middle School Field Trip
5/25/20 – No School – Memorial Day
6/4/20 – Keith Field Day
6/11/20 – 9:30am 5th Grade Graduation and Celebration to follow
6/12/20 – Final Day of School – ½ Day – 5th Grade Clap out at 11:30am
2019-2020 School Supply List
Authorization to Administer Medication Form
VOLUNTARY SCHOOL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Kroger Rewards - $$$ For Keith!
Amazon Smile Gives Back!
When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of your AmazonSmile purchase price to the charitable organization of your choice. Sign up to Support Keith Elementary and support your favorite charity every time you shop. Learn more Please see http://smile.amazon.com/about for complete program details.
August Lunch Menu
Lunch and Food Service Information
Our hot lunch program begins on Tuesday, August 28th for students in grades 1-5.
The cost for a hot lunch will be $2.75 this year. The cost for a reduced lunch will be $.40.
Breakfast will be available every day and will also begin the first day of school. The cost for breakfast will be $1.25. Breakfast is $.30 for eligible free and reduced lunch students. .
Please click HERE for the August Elementary Lunch Menu.
You can always visit Walled Lake's Food Service Website for information by clicking HERE.
Invisible Dad Lunch Program
Hunger has many faces. In the United States, 2 out of 10 children suffer from a form of hunger that is not readily portrayed in the media but it is also a kind of hunger that we can put an end to right here in our own communities. This kind of hunger is called Food Insecurity and it takes the form of children being forced to skip meals, eating cheap unhealthy snacks to fill their stomachs between “meals”.
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.
In the News:
Metro Detroit "Invisible Dad" ensures all elementary students get lunch - WXYZ Ch. 7
Commerce dad stands invisibly in school lunch lines - Spinal Column
Invisible Dad Campaign helping children who can’t pay for lunch - Oakland Press
Peanut Free Practices, Birthdays, and Snacks PEANUT FREE PRACTICES, BIRTHDAYS, AND SNACKS
Peanut Free Classrooms
Please be aware that we have students at Keith Elementary that may have a life-threatening allergy to peanuts and/or tree nuts. Some students may not eat, touch, or even inhale the aroma of peanuts or tree nuts without having life-threatening consequences. As a result, it is imperative that we all keep this in mind when planning for any food brought into school. This year, your child’s classroom may be designated as a nut free classroom. If your child's classroom is designated as a nut free classroom, please do not send in food items that contain peanuts, tree nuts, or nutmeg. ANY non-labeled foods (home baked items included) for class parties cannot be ingested, either. This also includes food that is manufactured in facilities that process peanuts/tree nuts. Many food items are safe for consumption, but may require a different brand if the product is manufactured in a facility that processes tree nuts. Your child's teacher will notify you if your child's classroom is a nut free classroom, and will give you a suggested snack and party list of foods to help guide you with food choices. There are also nut free areas designated in our cafeteria.
Birthday Treats
With concerns for food allergies, parents may not send in food items for birthday treats. Other items such as pencils, erasers, stickers, a book for the class, etc. are excellent choices for honoring birthdays.
Snacks and Water
Time will be allotted in your child's classroom for a snack each day. We encourage students to eat healthy snacks-preferably fruit, vegetables or a source of protein if possible. Parents and students should read labels carefully to avoid snacks that may have been manufactured in non-nut free environment or contain products that some students may be allergic to. To help with recycling, it would be best to have a reusable water bottle for your child to use for water if needed.
As always, the health, safety and well-being of each and every child at our school is of the utmost importance to all of us. Thank you for your continued support .
Upcoming Community Events
Scouts - Pack 36 Information
Lakes Area Community Coalition - Prevention Summit - October 19, 2019
Taste of the Lakes - October 1, 2019
Open Door Family Assistance for Back to School
Any families in need of assistance with backpacks and back to school supplies, please feel free to visit Open Door.
Announcements From our Keith PTA:
The Next Keith PTA Meeting is Tuesday, September 3rd at 6pm in the Keith Media Center
Help Needed!
This years back to school event will be held on Monday, August 26th from 3-5 pm. We are sticking with the usual set up of PTA table and other School Group Tables, popsicles, water, fun music and games with DJ Jamez and a chance to meet your child's teacher. We will be organizing a parade around the walking field by grade level. Each class will have a banner with their graduating year. We need 1 parent per Grade level who can walk the path with the grade while holding the banner. We may even have some good photo ops, so I'll ask for a few photographer volunteers to capture the moments.... As with any event, we need lots of hands to make it a success. I really appreciate any time you can offer in support of this event whether it's before, during or after. No contribution is too small!! Event Details: 3:00-4pm - Meet the Teachers 4:10 pm - Class march around the path 4:30-5:00 pm - Ice Cream, Socializing and DJ Fun Thank you in advance! Sincerely, Tracy Bellanca - VP Student Activities Keith Elementary
www.signupgenius.comUpcoming PTA Events
Monday, August 26, 2019
☀️POPSICLES ON THE PLAYGROUND ☀️
3-4pm - Meet teachers & drop off school supplies
4:10pm - Class parades (meet on the playground)
4:30-5pm - Popsicles on the playground
✨JOIN THE KEITH PTA✨
Make sure you stop by the PTA table at Popsicles on the Playground and join the PTA! Being a member of the PTA is the best way to stay up to date about all the fun things happening at your child(ren)’s school and about volunteering opportunities. It’s quick and easy to join...$10 to join, so don’t forget to bring some cash with you!
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
✏️FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!📓
Welcome to all incoming kindergarteners and new students, and Welcome Back to returning students! Let’s make is a great year!
😭BOOHOO/YAHOO!🥳
Walk your child to class, say goodbye, and then come commiserate and/or celebrate the first day of school with other parents. Join us during drop off right out front by the drop-off loop for coffee, pastries, tissues, and hugs, as well as some information about our awesome PTA. [Kindergarten parents with the staggered afternoon start time can attend the afternoon BooHoo/Yahoo after drop off].
Classroom Supply Kits
Giving Garden Info:
We need families to help out with our beautiful Giving Garden while the kids are off. We are asking you to consider adopting the garden for a week sometime during the summer. We will meet with you at your convenience to go over what's happening in the garden and answer any questions you might have. Then, you'll need to come to the garden 2-3 times during your week to:
- water (great job for the kids!);
- do a little weeding (also a great job for kids!); and,
- harvest (the kids' favorite part!).
Please consider signing up for a week - by contributing a little of your time and energy, you are helping share a love of healthy living with the all our students and the entire Keith community.
If you can't take a whole week, consider tag teaming with friends. Or, come out on a Monday at 9am to help us with our weekly garden tasks. Any questions? Email us at KeithGivingGarden@gmail.com, visit our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheGivingGardenKeith) or drop-in to the garden on any Monday starting June 18th.
To signup, click the link and pick your week! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0c4cadae23ab9-20189
Thank you so much for supporting the Giving Garden at Keith.
Best,
Elizabeth Belcher and the Garden Committee
Keith Elementary School
Diana Tyrrell - Principal's Secretary
Kelly Smith - Head Teacher
Marci Augenstein, Ph.D. - Principal, Keith Elementary
Email: DianaTyrrell@wlcsd.org
Website: http://wlcsd.org/schools/elementary/keith/
Location: 2800 Keith Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, United States
Phone: (248)956-3700
Twitter: @KeithElementary