A Message from Dr. A.
May 17, 2024
Dear Dragon Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying a pleasant week. I am thrilled to share some highlights and reminders from our time at Keith Elementary School.
First and foremost, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Lewin-Ziegler, Mrs. Shelly Fox, and Ms. Jackie Podnar, our exceptional music teachers. Their dedication and commitment provided our children with a memorable performance opportunity last night. Witnessing our students shine in the spotlight, each showcasing their unique talents, fills me with immense joy.
Our 5th graders recently had the privilege of visiting Clifford Smart Middle School, igniting excitement as they prepare for their transition. With just a few weeks remaining in the school year, anticipation builds for their upcoming 5th grade ceremony, celebration, and clap out. Additionally, all students eagerly await the arrival of our esteemed Walled Lake Northern Dragon alumni for the Senior Clap Out on May 23rd, followed by our much-anticipated Field Day on May 30th.
Below, we have a link and additional information for parent volunteers for Field Day on May 30th. Ms. Lepkowski has a link to sign-up opportunities for next week. Your participation and support are invaluable in making these events memorable experiences for our students.
As a reminder, May 24th will be a half day of school. Dismissal will commence at 12:25pm for Dragon Pick Up students, 12:30pm for walkers, and 12:42pm for buses departing from Keith. Furthermore, please note that there will be no school on May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.
For additional information about our upcoming Keith events, please take a moment to read this week’s Dragon’s Tale Newsletter.
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
5/20 - Keith Green Team MI Author Event 6:30-8:00pm - See details below
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 - Details below
June
6/6 - 9:30am - 5th Grade Ceremony and Celebration
6/7 - Last day of School - Half Day - 5th Grade Clap Out 11:50am - Parents meet on playground blacktop
Field Day Message from Ms. Lepkowski
Hi Everyone! I am letting parents sign up for the station they wish to help with this year. If you are volunteering to work a station, please make sure you have a background check turned into the office ASAP. It can take a few days for them to be processed. If you already turned one in this year you can check with the office to make sure you are all set. This needs to be done EVERY YEAR. (last years doesn't work this year) Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
Keith Green Team News
Keith Green Team is excited to celebrate with our classroom and individual prize winners for the green team challenge. Click here for a family green team pledge help your child to have a chance to be a winner
We invite you to join us for a special event on 5/20, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Keith Elementary School. We will have several Michigan book writers sharing their talents with our children through their book, arts and crafts, and writers workshops. Click on this link to learn more !
3rd Grade Reading - Family Letter
Earlier this morning, all 3rd grade families were emailed the letter linked below sent on behalf of Mrs. Catherine Kochanski, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services for WLCSD. It is linked for you here as well. Please feel free to email your child's teacher or me with any questions.
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
Instrument Rental Information for 6th Grade Band & Orchestra
Instrument Rental Information for 6th Grade Band & Orchestra
BAND instruments (flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone) can be rented from Marshall Music by visiting: https://marshallmusic.com/rentals
ORCHESTRA instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) can be rented from Shar Music by visiting: www.sharmusic.com/mirentals
Rental programs help families to acquire a quality instrument with an included maintenance plan. Due to the global supply chain issues, we recommend you complete the online rental forms as soon as possible.
If you have questions about obtaining an instrument, please contact Ms. Benson (band) at jeanniebenson@wlcsd.org or Mrs. White (orchestra) at ninawhite@wlscd.org
If you feel instrumental music is not an option for your child due to finances, please contact Ms. Benson or Mrs. White. They have a small inventory of musical instruments to loan.
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.
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