District Update
A weekly update from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Walled Lake Consolidated School District Update: December 19, 2024
Upcoming Events 📅
- December 23-January 3, 2025: Winter Break - No School for Students or Staff
- January 6: School Resumes
- January 9: Board of Education regular meeting
- January 11: Day of Strings at WL Central
- January 15-17: HS Semester 1 Exams
- January 20: 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at WL Northern
Ava Guntzviller has made an impact on countless children’s lives for more than half of a decade. The Walled Lake Northern junior has spent the past six years sewing and stuffing stockings for children in the foster care system.
Guntzviller’s Aunt Barb started what has become a family tradition 20 years ago serving foster children in Macomb County. They decided to expand their reach to Oakland County last year and, since January, Guntzviller has been the head of the project in Oakland County.
“It’s definitely a great experience,” said Guntzviller. “It shows you a different perspective of what people have because we found out that these are the only gifts that these kids get for the holidays.”
The process starts in January when Guntzviller and her grandmother begin sewing stockings. She then works to get donations from local businesses and the community before her family and close friends help stuff each stocking with the hopes of bringing joy to as many foster children as possible. This year, they were able to donate over 350 stockings.
The Warriors got into the holiday spirit and spread pure joy to the local community ahead of the holidays by helping families and children in need.
Walled Lake Western social worker Heather Wiley partnered PTSA president Sarah Piggott, school staff, Fit Body Boot Camp of West Bloomfield, and Warriors’ student leadership to raise over $2,000 to support 20 Western families in need with gifts, food and gift cards this holiday season.
The Warriors’ International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme held their third annual Toy Drive, which benefits children currently going through treatment at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. The biggest needs this year were Legos, dolls, action figures, puzzles and board games. The Warriors successfully collected and donated over 500 items.
“Dr. Ami Friedman and I are so proud of the Western Community for their generosity and kind spirit this holiday season,” said Walled Lake Western CAS coordinator, Jamie Ripley.
Walled Lake Western National Honor Society and Student Leadership students also held a Clothing Drive. The Warriors received more than 1,600 articles of clothing. They donated 55 boxes of clothing to the Purple Heart Foundation, as well as five to rebuild the Western Care Closet.
“This phenomenal achievement speaks volumes about the generosity and community spirit thriving within Western,” said Breiana Brooks, who’s an English teacher and National Honor Society advisor at Western. “Thank you to each member of the staff, every volunteer, all who donated, and our amazing student body. Your combined efforts are greatly appreciated.”
Walled Lake Northern assistant principal, Jennifer Caulford, has taken over our Instagram story today for delivery day as the Knights' surprise students at Allendale Elementary School as part of their 2024 Gift Drive.
Head to our Instagram to tune in so you don't miss out on all the fun!
Walled Lake Schools 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Walled Lake Northern High School on Monday, January 20th beginning at 5:00 p.m.
This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration theme is Unity.
“Unity in diversity is unity between all individuals and groups, regardless of differences. It is unity without uniformity, and diversity without divisiveness. It is an understanding that the differences between people enrich our lives and makes our country the special, and unique place it is”.
In an effort to find additional ways to celebrate our staff, the WLCSD Community Relations department requests that families fill out the information below for 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.
Graduate Spotlight Nomination
Please complete the following form in order to be considered for the Graduate Spotlight section of the WLCSD quarterly Learning newsletter. The nominated student needs to be a 2016 graduate or before. Please contact pamelacole@wlcsd.org with any questions.
Food Service Update - Free Meals in 2024-25
During the 2024-25 school year, all Michigan public school students in grades Pre-K through 12 will have access to free breakfast and free lunch everyday 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 Child Nutrition and Education Benefits Application in Skyward to help secure additional funding for the District including Title I funding. By completing the form, eligible families may also receive access to other benefit programs including reduced registration fees for standardized testing, discounted college application fees, pay to participate, discounted home internet access, and more.
WLCSD Stormwater Management
FFE News and Notes
Hospitality House
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