February 16, 2024

Dear Dragon Families,

We have had a wonderful week at Keith Elementary School. Thank you so much to all of our Dragon families who helped us raise over 900 boxes of cereal for families in need. Our students had a fun week with not only our cereal box domino, but also classroom Valentine’s Day celebrations and participation in Global School Play Day. I appreciate how hard our teachers work to keep learning and school fun for our students.

Today, we practiced our ALICE drill and teachers discussed with students what they might do if there was a dangerous situation outside of their classroom door. I was sure to stop by classrooms that had substitute teachers. It was wonderful to see that students were calmly discussing what they might do and then refocused on the day ahead. I reminded them that it is important to be prepared and talk about what to do, but that they do not have to stay in that place and feel scared. It is important for our kids to move on and focus on learning and having fun with one another.

Thank you for sharing your amazing kids with us. Watching our students help one another, look out for younger students, help their classmates when they might feel sad or anxious, or even simple things like make a special delivery to another teacher or pick up a piece of trash in the hallways shows me that their empathy and compassion for one another is always at the forefront.

Enjoy the upcoming Mid-Winter Break ahead. Please be sure to read our Dragon’s Tale Newsletter and for any families who might be leaving on vacation, I wish you safe travels. Enjoy the extra time with your children.

Warm regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

The Keith Elementary School Community will collaboratively inspire and empower all – academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are a dragon family united with a common purpose.

Dragons believe…

…in welcoming and trusting one another;

…in learning beyond the school day and for the future;

…in empowering every member of our community to be helpful, respectful, and kind;

…learning is engaging, purposeful, and fun.

Please email Dr. A. or reach out to our HR department if you might be interested in working at our crossing guard position. We are also always looking for substitute teachers. Again, please reach out to Dr. A. or visit the WLCSD webpage under our Human Resources department you will find all of the information you need to begin your application process.

February, 2024

2/19-2/23 - Mid-Winter Break

2/27 - No School - Election

March, 2024 - MARCH IS READING MONTH

3/1 - Life Touch Activity Group Photo Day

3/4 - 5th Grade Students - Transition Meeting with CHS Admin/Counselor at Keith

3/5 - Keith PTA Meeting - 6:30pm Learning Commons

3/11 - 5th Grade Parent Transition Meeting at Clifford Smart Middle School 6:30pm Gym (additional information and links below)

3/12 - 1/2 Day for Students - Teacher PD Day

3/13 - Kindergarten Orientation at Keith 6:00pm Learning Commons

3/19 - Kindergarten Round Up - Keith Cafeteria 9:30-11:00am

3/21 - Kindergarten Round Up - Keith Cafeteria 9:30-11:00am

3/18-3/22 - Keith and WLCSD Inclusion Week

3/21 - World Down Syndrome Day (Walk/Run during Recess if students would like to participate)

3/25-3/29 - Spring Break

April, 2024

4/3 - Kindergarten Round Up - Keith Cafeteria 9:30-11:00am

Thank you so much for all of your cereal box donations! Keith Elementary School students were able to donate over 800 boxes of cereal to local families in need. Thank you for supporting our Keith Student Council Efforts!

It is important that we engage our children in dialogue and reassure them that they are never too young to learn about diversity in our community. Often I will hear our students talk about ways they are different and it is awesome to hear them celebrate and respect differences. For example, last week I was able to help a student who speaks Japanese zoom with other Japanese-speaking students in our district. Creating community for all is very important and we appreciate your help and support.

Hospitality House invites you to "A Taste of Spring" a strolling fundraiser hosted at our very own Hospitality House. On March 6th, 2024, from 6pm to 9pm, immerse yourself in an evening of culinary excellence, drinks, and lively entertainment.

'A Taste of Spring 2024' is not just a celebration; it's an opportunity to showcase and support our client-choice food pantry and the Weekend Food Program. Learn about our mission to provide individuals with the dignity of choice in selecting their own groceries, and discover how your involvement can make a tangible impact on the lives of those we serve.

Attention Future Dragons!

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District is hosting Kindergarten Orientation for the 2024-25 school year on Wednesday, March 13 at 6:00 PM at all twelve elementary schools. This event is an adult only informational evening for incoming Kindergarten Parents. You are invited to join us for this important informational evening at Keith Elementary School.

Please click HERE to visit the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Kindergarten webpage and learn more about the Kindergarten registration process. The webpage also includes an important informational video that should be viewed before March 13.

Thank you for forwarding to any families who may be interested in our 2024-2025 Kindergarten Orientation presentation.

Warm Regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

Hello, everyone!

Thank you so much to all of our super creative students for their participation in the Reflections competition this year and for your support and encouragement along the way! We had so many amazing entries representing Keith Elementary this year and I'm so proud of our Dragons! School and District judging has been completed and I'm excited to share the results.

The following students made it to the District round:

District Entries | Keith Elementary 2023-2024

Literature: Mariam Aman, Noah Dabesh, Brody Fried, Christos Hanna, Ethan Tomasik

Music Composition: Liliana Alpert, Poppy Kraft

Visual Arts: Noah Dabesh, Emelia Kelso, Adhi Kiran, Silas Leger, Blake Mikho, Isabelle Rivera, Elisha Rodas, Juliet Trotter

Photography: Alex Bascom, Blake Mikho, Briella Muir

Congratulations to all of our students whose entries moved onto Districts!

There will be a WLCSD celebration on March 18th for all entries that advanced to the District level (above). The award ceremony is scheduled for 5:30PM at Walled Lake Western on Monday, March 18th. This is an exciting annual event where all of those students' entries will be displayed. If I don't have a hard copy of your child's piece already, I will need it by March 1st to include it in the display. Please email me with any questions. We can't wait to celebrate all of this amazing work! I will send out more details about the District celebration in the coming weeks.

An extra round of applause, please, for students whose entries advanced to the State level of competition after District judging!

The following students made it to the State round:

State Entries | Keith Elementary 2023-2024

Literature: Noah Dabesh, Brody Fried, Christos Hanna

Music Composition: Liliana Alpert, Poppy Kraft

Visual Arts: Noah Dabesh, Adhi Kiran, Silas Leger, Blake Mikho

Photography: Alex Bascom, Blake Mikho

WAY TO GO!

Making it to the State round is such an amazing accomplishment! I will let you know when State judging has been completed and if any of our artists will be moving on to the National level.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again to all of your children (and also to you) for your participation!

Kristen Meisnitzer

Keith PTA Reflections Chair

Oakland Schools will be hosting our fifth annual African American Read In. Children and families will virtually meet award winning author/illustrator Don Tate. Each family will receive a copy of the book Jerry Changed the Game (while supplies last). We hope you and your family will join us. This will be a wonderful experience for our youth to inspire to have a career in STEM! Feel free to share in your network. If you have any questions please email: Stacey Lamb Stacey.Lamb@oakland.k12.mi.us

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 below 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 on the following pages 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. If you have questions after

reviewing the process, please contact your building principal or me.

Lost & Found – Donation Day Fri Feb 16th

As temperatures have changed, as they do in Michigan, your children have been taking off jackets and sweatshirts and forgetting them. School employees do work to check the inside of coats/sweatshirts for your child's name, so writing their names on the inside is helpful for us to be able to return lost items. Attached you'll find a photo of today's L&F items: Lost and Found 020524.pdf

All unclaimed clothing will be donated Friday, February 16th. Please tell your children to stop by the L&F located just outside of the Art Room. We will have the L&F items moved to the front of the school on 2/14 - 2/16/24 so that you might check them when you pick up or drop off your children.

Hello Parents,

Please take a moment to read the letter from Mrs. Catherine Kochanski, Assistant Superintendent for Learning Services for WLCSD. Our students have been working hard to complete their second diagnostic assessment for iReady. Your child's teacher will be sending home the parent report and a copy of the letter linked below by February 16th. Should you have any questions or concerns about iReady, please reach out to your child's teacher. Thank you for your partnership.

Warm regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

WLCSD Calendar Update - School CLOSED on Feb. 27, 2024

Since publishing our current school year calendar in early 2023, the State of Michigan’s legislature recently decided to adjust the date of our state’s upcoming presidential primary from March 12, 2024, to February 27, 2024. As you may know, many of our schools serve as polling places for our local municipalities, and this particular election is sure to draw a larger-than-average voter turnout causing increased foot and vehicle traffic around our schools.

After thorough consideration, the Walled Lake Consolidated School District will be CLOSED on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. We acknowledge the potential inconvenience this calendar change may pose for your family and apologize. This decision is rooted in the unique circumstances surrounding this election; a national election outside the traditional election cycle, and an anticipated larger-than-average voter turnout.

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District is pleased to offer Junior Kindergarten to families for the 2024-25 school year. Based on the results from the Junior Kindergarten Interest Survey, tentative JK locations for 24-25 are as follows: Commerce, Dublin, Guest, Loon Lake, Meadowbrook, Oakley Park, Wixom. *Please note that these tentative locations may still be subject to change if enrollment fluctuations occur.

Families interested in and eligible for Junior Kindergarten in 2024-25 (See the chart below for eligibility guidelines.) should fill out the Junior Kindergarten Interest Application by Monday, February 12, 2024. More information on Junior Kindergarten in Walled Lake Schools can be found on the District website: https://www.wlcsd.org/programs/junior-kindergarten

Dear Dragon Families,

Since the 2019-2020 school year, we have shared information about district-wide efforts to improve our emergency responses. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools uses ALICE, a research-based training program to ensure schools are prepared to respond to potential intruder events. ALICE is about empowering individuals and providing options or strategies beyond the traditional lockdown methods. We will continue with this work in the coming weeks as listed below:

Week of 2/5/24

Students will review ALICE options in each of the following areas that they visit during the school week: Art room, Gymnasium, Music room, Learning Commons (Media Center), Non-load bearing classrooms

Week of 2/12/24

Students will review ALICE options in each of the following areas that they visit during the school day: Lunchroom, Hallways/Bathrooms

Week of 2/12/24

The entire school will participate in a drill, at the same date and time, in which each class will choose an option based on their location in the building. The scenario presented will NOT include a specific threat, but rather read, “if there was something dangerous happening in the (a specific location in the school.)” Although possible in a real emergency, at no time during the drill will any student(s) evacuate through a window, nor will they travel off of school property.

The book, “I’m not scared, I’m prepared,” by Julia Cook, read in classrooms this fall, comparisons to stranger danger, and additional resources linked below may be helpful for families that discuss the drills at home with their children.

Lesson teaching points that may assist families with at-home discussions include:

· We practice so we know what to do in an emergency. We’re not scared, we’re prepared!

· Our job is to keep you safe. Your job is to listen and follow the adults’ directions.

· Evacuation means to leave the building. Your teacher or a trusted adult may tell you to leave the building and go to a safe place.

· If an adult tells you to leave the building. Listen, quickly go to a safe place, and then wait for helpers (police officers, firefighters, trusted adults, etc.)

Student safety continues to be our first priority. We will continue to collaborate with local law enforcement and families to ensure a safe learning environment for our children.

In partnership,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

Keith Elementary School

Helpful Links:

Talking to your Child about Safety - K-2

Talking to your Child about Safety - 3-5

Talking to Children about Violence - Tips for Parents and Teachers

Is My School Safe: How to Ease Your Child’s Anxiety

While it may seem a bit early to be thinking about our 5th grade children transitioning to Middle School next year, CHS Middle School Principal, Mr. Nayal Maktari asked that I forward the 5th Grade Transition Information to our 5th grade Dragon Families.

Please save the date:

THURSDAY, MARCH 11th FROM 6:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.

The evening will be dedicated to sharing what you can expect next school year at CHS Middle School. We'll also be available to answer any questions you may have following our presentation. We look forward to seeing you in the CHS Middle School Main Gym on March 11th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Get ready to show off your school pride with our brand-new Keith Elementary spirit wear! Available for purchase now through the end of the year, these stylish and comfortable items are the perfect way to support our school community.

From cozy hoodies to trendy t-shirts, we have a variety of options for students, parents, and staff. Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity to elevate your school spirit.

Also, It’s that time of year again for multi-purpose bags! They are great for winter gear, keeping your child’s belongings in one place, traveling, camping, and so much more. They cost $13.50 and come complete with a cord lock and your student’s name. Eight different colors to choose from.

Visit our online store today and gear up for a spirited end to the year! Available for free pickup before the holiday.

Click here or visit www.brodysonline.com

Best regards,

Alison Link

Keith PTA President

What to watch for:

Fri, Feb 2nd ~ Tubby's Sub & Ice Cream Day ~ $1.00 ice cream

Thur, Feb 8th ~ Pizza Day ~ $1.75 / extra slice, $1.00 chips

Fri, Feb 9th ~ Chocolate Chip Cookie Day ~ $1.50 ea

Mon, Feb 12th ~ Lucky Tray Day

Fri, Feb 16th ~ $1.00 ice cream

As always, parents can add funds to student accounts via Skyward, or cash / check can be given to Mrs. Link in the kitchen.

Alison Link, Keith Kitchen Server

Keith Elementary, 956-3735

In an effort to celebrate our staff, the WLCSD Community Relations department requests that families fill out the form below to nominate staff who are rock stars in their classrooms and school communities. A sample of what these shout outs will look like on social media and in our district newsletters is on the right.

Please remember to register or re-register your Kroger Plus card to Keith Elementary. Last year we made just over $2,000! It’s easy! Just go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com and go to the community rewards section. You must re-register your card annually. Anyone having an issue with their email address or password can call 1-800-KROGERS for customer service.

For additional information regarding our Transportation Department, please visit our website!

• 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.

• Transportation postcards will not be sent. Bus routes will be posted on the district website and in Skyward Family Access after 8:00 am on August 18, 2023.
• Bus drivers will be contacting Kindergarten families by August 20th (drop off times for students attending in the AM and pick up times for the PM students will be provided in that call.)
• 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.

Our hot lunch program begins on Monday, August 28th for students in grades K-5. Please see below for additional details.

During the 2023-24 school year, all Michigan public school students in grades Pre-K through 12 will have access to free breakfast and free lunch every day through the "Healthy School Meals for All" program. This includes a meat/meat alternative, grain, fruit/vegetable and milk. A la carte items will be available for purchase.

Families are still encouraged to complete the free/reduced meal form in Skyward help secure additional funding for the District including Title I funding. By completing the form, eligible families may also receive access to other free and reduced programs within the District including SAT testing, pay to participate, and more.

You can always visit Walled Lake's Food Service Website for information by clicking HERE.

February 6, 2024 at 6:30pm - Keith Learning Commons

Visit our PTA's Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/KeithElemPTA/

The Keith Elementary School Community will inspire and empower all- academically, socially, and emotionally.

Diana Tyrrell - Principal's Secretary

DianaTyrrell@wlcsd.org

Alice Johnson - Building Secretary

AliceJohnson@wlcsd.org

Marci Augenstein, Ph.D. - Principal, Keith Elementary

MarciAugenstein@wlcsd.org

Email: DianaTyrrell@wlcsd.org
Website: https://keith.wlcsd.org/
Location: 2800 Keith Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, United States
Phone: (248)956-3700
Twitter: @KeithElementary