A Message from Dr. A.
May 3, 2024
Dear Dragon Families,
I hope this message finds you well. As we embark on another week filled with learning and growth at Keith Elementary School, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and reminders with you.
First and foremost, I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of our incredible staff members. Next week, May 6th through May 10th, is Staff Appreciation Week, and it's the perfect opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the dedication, hard work, and passion that our staff bring to our school community every single day. Their commitment to nurturing our students' growth and success is truly commendable, and I encourage you to join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to them. Please be sure to read our Dragon’s Tale Newsletter with helpful links and additional information about our awesome staff.
In addition to Staff Appreciation Week, I'm excited to announce an upcoming music performance by our talented students. Mark your calendars for May 16th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, when our students will showcase their musical talents in what promises to be a memorable evening. We look forward to seeing you there to support and cheer on our budding musicians.
A quick reminder regarding our school schedule: classes begin promptly at 8:55 AM each day. We kindly ask that students arrive on time to ensure a smooth start to the day. In the event that a student arrives tardy, parents are reminded to park and sign them in at the main office. Your cooperation in helping us maintain a punctual and structured learning environment is greatly appreciated.
Lastly, as we approach the end of the school year, please be sure to check the lost and found tables located at the front of the building toward the end of next week. Any unclaimed items will be donated after school on Friday, May 10, so we encourage you to reclaim any lost belongings before then.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education journey. Together, we can continue to foster a nurturing and enriching environment where every student can thrive.
Warm regards,
Marci Augenstein, Principal
Keith Purpose and Beliefs
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.
May/June Events at Keith
May, 2024
5/7 - PTA Meeting 6:30pm Keith Learning Commons
5/9 - 1/2 Day - 12:25pm - Dragon Pick Up begins, 12:30pm - Walkers Dismissed, 12:42pm - Buses Depart Keith
5/14 - 5th Graders visit CHS Middle School 9:30am
5/16 - Keith Music Performance - CHS Middle School - 6-7pm (More information below)
5/20 - 5th Grade Reproductive Health
5/23 - WLN Senior Clap Out - 10:30am
5/24 - Half Day - Memorial Day Break begins
5/27 - No School Memorial Day
5/30 - Keith Field Day - More details to come
June
6/6 - 9:30am - 5th Grade Ceremony and Celebration
6/7 - Last day of School - Half Day - 5th Grade Clap Out
More ways to help with Staff Appreciation Week at Keith!
Keith Staff is the BEST in the WORLD! No matter where you go, you won't find a better group of educators! It's time to show them how much we appreciate them!
Staff Appreciation Week is May 6th - 10th. We’re asking for your help to make it a success.
Over the course of the week, we will provide snacks, breakfast, lunch, and treats for the staff. Want to help?
Thank you for helping us appreciate our staff! Items may be left in the main office by the indicated date.
Qs? Kirsten Woodby, kmwoodby@gmail.com
Keith Music Performance at Smart Middle School on 5/16/24
Hello Keith families!
Please join us for an optional music performance on May 16th at the Clifford Smart Middle School gym. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students will perform from 6-6:30 PM. While they are performing, older siblings in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will sit with their families. We will have a short intermission from 6:30-6:45 to dismiss the Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will perform from 6:45-7:20 PM.
If your child is in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade and you do NOT have a child in kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade, please arrive at 6:30 PM.
We look forward to sharing this evening of music with you! Again, this is an optional performance. We understand that there are many conflicts in the spring!
Sincerely,
Abby Lewin-Ziegler, Jackie Podnar, and Shelly Fox
Board votes to move forward with bond proposal on May 7
During the February 2 Board of Education meeting, the Board of Education voted unanimously to move forward with a $250 million bond election on May 7, 2024.
The 2024 bond proposal is focused on student safety, educational opportunities, technology, and facilities; the millage rates associated with this proposal will provide a tax decrease for residents. Over the past two decades, our community has supported bond proposals in 2019, 2013, and 2004. As a result of this past investment, the school district and our students have been able to thrive.
A list of the 2024 bond projects, by school, will be published on the District’s website, as well as the bond language, frequently asked questions, videos, and other information. To help inform our community, the District will host a series of informational bond meetings over the next several months. Meeting dates, locations, and times will also be on the bond webpage.
WLCSD Summer Virtual Tutoring
Walled Lake Schools is happy to once again offer summer virtual small-group tutoring for math or literacy. Virtual tutoring is an exciting summer learning opportunity for K-10 students who would benefit from support in literacy or math by a Walled Lake teacher!
Grades: K-10th
Subject Areas: Literacy or Math
Dates: June 17th - August 2nd
When: Days and times set by teacher between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm
● Students will be included in approximately two 45 minute sessions per week..
● Tutors will reach out to families the week of June 10th with schedule details.
● High School sessions will emphasize informational text and writing for literacy, and foundational algebra skills for math
● High School students will NOT receive English or Math credit
● Tutors will reach out to families no later than the week of June 10th with schedule details
QUESTIONS? Please email SummerEDU@WLCSD.org
Nature Awaits! We want to see your fourth grade students at a state park this spring!
Bring your fourth graders to a Michigan State Park for a FREE field trip! Your students will enjoy a day in the park while learning all about Michigan’s natural resources.
In addition to free park entry, grants will be available to cover transportation costs.
The field trip aligns with state education standards—including science, social studies, physical education and language arts components—with hands-on activities and a nature hike on park trails. Teachers will get pre- and post-visit materials to supplement the learning at the park, and students will leave with a junior ranger badge and guidebook, including a free pass to bring their families back to a state park for another visit.
Learn more about how your school can participate in this program and register at www.Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits.
Charleston Wrap Spring Fundraiser
Hello Dragon Families!
Our Spring 2024 Charleston Wrap fundraiser kicks off today! With over 2,500 gift ideas, there is something for everyone! Need a birthday gift? Mother’s Day? Teacher Appreciation? Father’s Day? You’ll find a variety of home décor, planters, kitchen items, soaps, candles, rugs, & more.
Register at www.registercw.com
Register ~ Shop ~ Share: Keith’s ID# 25336
Our campaign lasts through May 14th, so please CLICK HERE to support. Share the sale via text, email, or socials!
Thank you for your help!
Music Appreciation Club April Update
Thanks to all the students and their families who came out for the Yuja Wang concert. We were graced with an outstanding performance! What a treat to hear her perform 2 additional encore pieces: Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 7 in B- Flat Major, and her own personal interpretation of Mozart's Turkish March.
Upcoming concerts that we will attend as a group:
**The Music Of Pink Floyd: Saturday, April 20 – 8:00pm
**Mozart & The Seasons: Sunday, May 5 – 3:00pm
**Disney & Broadway Favorites: The Magic Of Menken: Sunday, June 23 – 3:00pm
It is not too late to join now! After attending only 1 concert, your student membership will have paid for itself.
Cost: $25 per student membership unlocks one free ticket to almost every Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) 2024 concert series in addition to the concerts listed above, and up to two companion tickets (bring your parents/sibling/friend/teacher) for $5 each, access to the best seats, access to DSO Replay and online Live streaming performances.
See attached flyer and Music Appreciation Club Details Document and link to Google form for registration.
https://forms.gle/3eAmCFB4Vf9FCP626
For more information please contact Monique Levu: monique.levu@gmail.com
Keith Cafeteria Updates
What to watch for:
Fri, May 3rd ~ Chips for sale $1.00
Mon, May 6th ~ Lucky Tray Day
Wed, May 8th ~ Pizza Day ~ $1.75 / extra slice, $1.00 chips
Fri, May 10th ~ Chocolate Chip Cookie Day ~ $1.50 ea
Fri, May 17th ~ Tubby's Sub & Ice Cream Day ~ $1.00 ice cream
Thur, May 23rd ~ Ice Cream Day ~ $1.00 ice cream
Thur, May 30th ~ Pizza Day ~ $1.75 / extra slice, $1.00 chips *FIELD DAY*
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
Kroger Rewards - $$$ For Keith!
Transportation Updates
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.
Lunch and Food Service Information
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.
Keith Elementary School
Diana Tyrrell - Principal's Secretary
Alice Johnson - Building Secretary
Marci Augenstein, Ph.D. - Principal, Keith Elementary
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