District Update

We hope you'll review this week's District Update filled with news and notes from across the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Stay up to date with the district by visiting www.wlcsd.org and connecting with the district on social media.

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• October 31: Half Day for Students | PD for Staff
• November 1-3: WLN performing arts presents: "She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition" | Tickets on Sale NOW!
• November 5: Election Day - No School for Students or Staff - Remember to VOTE!
• November 6: Half Day for HS Students | P/T Conferences
• November 7: Board of Education regular meeting
• November 12: Special Services PAC Conferences and Meeting from 5:45 - 8:00 p.m. at Geisler MS
• November 14: Half Day for MS Students | P/T Conferences

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is asking the community to replace its current operating millage with an 18 mill non-homestead millage that represents roughly $31 million and a 3.6297 mill hold harmless that represents approximately $2 million of the district’s budget. The total of $33 million accounts for 18 percent of the district’s $187 million revenue budget.

If the November 5, 2024 proposal is not approved, the school district will lose more than $33 million in operating revenue every year and the state will not make up the shortfall.

More information about the 2024 Operating Millage Replacement can be found at www.wlcsd.org/elections.

Three Walled Lake Northern runners are headed to Michigan International Speedway this weekend for the MHSAA Division 1 Cross Country State Finals.

Northern sophomores Emily Alt and Allie Gallagher both qualified for the girls’ finals after finishing in the Top 10 this past weekend at regionals. Alt took sixth overall with a time of 19:34.00 and Gallagher placed eighth with a time of 19:42.30, which are both personal bests.

Junior Finn Gammerath was the lone male runner to qualify for the state finals. Gammerath finished twelfth in the regional championship with a time of 16:40.80.

The MHSAA State Cross Country Championships are Saturday, November 2, at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The Division 1 boys’ race is set for 2:10 p.m. with the girls running at 3:30 p.m.

Walled Lake Western hit the field on Friday night against rival Walled Lake Central in a game that was about a lot more than just football as the program recognized members of the community that have battled cancer in the 13th annual Warriors For Warriors pink out game.

Prior to the game, there was a Warriors parade, a performance of both a combined choir and band made of middle school and high schoolers, and a special ceremonial coin toss.

Former Walled Lake Consolidated Schools PTSA president and staff member Sarah Piggott was this year’s honorary captain. Piggott received her cancer diagnosis in March, but has never wavered in her determination to beat the disease while actively advocating for our schools.

“I am overwhelmed and just so grateful for Warriors For Warriors,” said Piggott. “This committee does everything to make you feel like you are absolutely, undeniably a courageous fighter and that is all it takes to make you want to continue on your journey.”

“Playing for these people that battle every day is amazing,” said Novak Lazich, who wore ‘Mrs. Piggott’ on the back of his jersey. “I’m playing for the most wonderful woman I know, she’s like a mom to me.”

“We always talk about adversity on the football field, but these people are fighting adversity in their real lives,” said head coach Kory Cioroch. “It’s awesome to be able to honor them, and put their names on our backs, and play for them.”

On the field, the Warriors dominated. Walled Lake Western cruised past Walled Lake Central, 63-9, to clinch the 2024 City Championship, its third-straight Lakes Valley Conference title, and close out its first unbeaten regular season since 2015.

Walled Lake Northern senior Ava Charbonneau gave us a behind the scenes look at the preparations ahead of opening night with an Instagram takeover. You can watch it by clicking on the “Monsters” highlight on our Instagram page.

Show Times

• Friday, November 1 - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 2 - 7 p.m.
• Sunday, November 3 - 2 p.m.

Mrs. Stassi's art class at Sarah G. Banks Middle School turned pumpkins into masterpieces!

A big thank you to Wixom Parks and Rec, Katie Jones State Farm, Walled Lake Elementary PTA, and Parmenter's Northville Cider Mill for the pumpkins and tasty treats!

A big shout out to the 21 Wildcat superstar fundraisers who raised over $300 for the Color Run!

As a reward, they had a blast trying to duct tape Mrs. Brynn, Ms. Wyatt and Mrs. Eiland to the wall. While they may not have nailed it, the giggles and memories were totally worth it!

Buster's been busy hitting the road!

As part of National School Bus Safety Week last week, Buster cruised around the district visiting our elementary schools, spreading smiles and safety tips. From buckling up to smooth evacuations, our students are learning it all!

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.

Walled Lake Consolidated School District (WLCSD) is excited to host a Walk into Walled Lake interview day on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Marc A. Siegler Board Room at the Educational Services Center (850 Ladd Road, Building D, Walled Lake, MI 48390).

Walk into Walled Lake is an opportunity for members of the community to learn more about WLCSD and how they can support its students by filling important roles within the district’s 20 schools. Attendees will be able to apply and participate in walk-in job interviews for multiple positions at WLCSD.

“Walk into Walled Lake is a great way for the community to see all of the possibilities that exist within our District,” said Abbie Kidder, Executive Manager of Human Resources. “We pride ourselves in offering jobs that allow our employees to maintain a strong work and home life balance, while having a lasting impact on the children we commit ourselves to each and every day."

Available positions include:

· Instructional Paraeducators – Starting at $16.33 per hour

· Lunchroom and Playground Paraeducators – Starting at $15.74 per hour

· Locker Room and Parking Lot Paraeducators – Starting at $15.74 per hour

· Multiple Secretary Positions – Starting at $17.68-$19.54 per hour (Depending on role)

· Prime Time Care – Starting at $15.91 per hour

· Food Service – Starting at $14.53 per hour

Questions about Walk into Walled Lake can be directed to Mrs. Kidder by email at AbbieKidder@wlcsd.org.

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.

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.

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