A Message from Dr. A.
April 5, 2024
Dear Dragon Families,
It was so wonderful to see your kids back at school ready to learn following our Spring Break Week. M-STEP testing is upon us this Spring season, so thank you for ensuring your children have good bedtime routines and come to school prepared to learn.
Currently, we have 239 yearbooks purchased. We have 535 students and almost 85 staff members. Please be sure that your child has a yearbook for the end of the year by using the links in our Dragon’s Tale Newsletter, which has information on how to purchase a yearbook for your child(ren).
Next week Monday, our students will have an opportunity to view the solar eclipse. Our district has purchased safety glasses for every child. We appreciate your telling your children how important it is that they keep their glasses on while outside. Please reach out to your child’s teacher should you have any questions or concerns.
Tonight is our Keith Staff Volleyball game vs. Dublin elementary staff brought to you by our amazing Keith PTA. Doors open at Walnut Creek Middle School at 6:00pm and game time is 6:30pm. Thank you for coming to cheer on your children’s teachers and staff. Additional information is located in our Dragon’s Tale Newsletter.
Thank you to all of our parents who have volunteered to make the upcoming PTA Spring Book Fair a wonderful success for our students. We also appreciate all of the parent volunteers who have signed up to help with our Mileage Club. Space is still available if you would like to come and help our students during recess.
Thank you so much for your partnership. We are looking forward to seeing our families at the volleyball game tonight! Go Dragons!
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.
We are hiring!
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.
April Events at Keith
April, 2024
4/3 - Kindergarten Round Up - Keith Cafeteria 9:30-11:00am
4/5 - Keith Staff Volleyball Game vs. Dublin at Walnut Creek Middle School 6:30pm (more info. below)
4/8 - Solar Eclipse - The district has purchased solar eclipse glasses for all students and we will share more information when we return from Spring Break.
4/10-4/18 - Spring PTA Book Fair
4/19 - Life Touch Spring Picture Day
4/23 - 1/2 Day of School - 12:25pm Dragon Pick Up, 12:30pm - Walkers dismissed, 12:42pm Buses Depart Keith
May, 2024
SAVE THE DATE: May 16, 2024 - Keith Family Music Night - Clifford Smart Middle School Gym, 6:00-7:00pm - ALL students will be performing on the same night. Music teachers will email details as we get closer to this event.
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.
Dear Dragon Families,
Every year, Keith Green Team conducts service projects to help keep our community free from hazardous and electronic waste.
Hazardous Waste Collection Day: This FRIDAY, Apr 12th, 4:15 - 4:30 pm, front entrance of Keith Elementary School.
Click here for List of acceptable Materials
Click here to learn about the importance of safe disposal of hazardous waste.
Electronic Waste Collection Day: Friday, FRIDAY, Apr 19th, 4:15 - 4:30 pm, front entrance of Keith Elementary School. Note: If this time does not work for you, but you want to participate, email steam4hc@gmail.com
Click here for List of acceptable Materials
Thanks,
Keith Green Team Parent Volunteers
email steam4hc@gmail.com for any questions.
Solar Eclipse Glasses - A Message from Dr. Bernia Sent 4/2/24
April 2, 2024
Dear WLCSD families and staff:
I hope this message finds you well. I’m excited to share that on April 8, 2024, at approximately 3:18 p.m., a solar eclipse will be visible in our area. This celestial event provides a unique opportunity for learning and exploration.
In preparation for the eclipse, the school district has taken steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff. I am pleased to inform you that the school district has purchased eclipse-safe glasses for all students and staff. These glasses will allow for a safe viewing experience for those who wish to participate in observing this extraordinary event.
It's important to emphasize the significance of using proper eye protection when viewing a solar eclipse. While eclipses are awe-inspiring, looking directly at the sun without approved eye protection can cause serious damage to your eyes.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to witness the solar eclipse safely. For our elementary students, teachers will incorporate educational activities related to the eclipse into their lesson plans to enhance the learning experience for our students. Secondary students involved in extracurricular activities at our buildings will have the opportunity to pause their activities and experience the eclipse.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to experiencing this celestial event together as a community.
Sincerely,
Dr. John C. Bernia, Jr., Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Nomination for The Walled Lake Schools “Kindness Matters” Award 2023-2024
WHY? To honor and recognize those individuals and organizations who exhibit kindness and care toward others.
WHO? Any student, teacher, secretary, administrator, bus driver, playground supervisor, or any Walled Lake Schools employee may be nominated.
Parents, grandparents, or community members may be nominated.
A company, store, or an organization may be nominated.
Any or all of the above who: demonstrate kindness on a frequent basis, go out of their way to make others feel better, lead initiatives in their school or community to benefit others, or inspire others to show kindness.
WHEN & WHERE? “Kindness Matters” award winners will be honored and recognized at the May WLCSD Board of Education Meeting.
HOW? Nominations can be submitted through this google form. Be sure to include a description which will explain and support your nomination. Please submit by Monday, April 15th.
QUESTIONS? Please call Nayal Maktari, Principal of Clifford H. Smart Middle School, at 248-956-3500, if you have any questions.
Keith Elementary Yearbook Purchase Information
Please click on the links below for additional information on purchasing your child's yearbook. The order deadline is April 27, 2024. Email DianaTyrrell@wlcsd.org or AliceJohnson@wlcsd.org if you have any questions or concerns.
5th Grade End of Year Video Montage - Pictures Needed
On behalf of the 5th grade party planning committee-
We are getting close to the 5th grade party and need your help completing this form for your 5th grader with a baby picture, current picture, and some group photos that you may have from their elementary groups and events over the years. Please submit pictures by May 1st. These pictures will be used for the slideshow at their end of the year party. Thank you!
Fall 2024 Placement
Placement of children for the next school year is a team process. The classroom teachers, special area teachers, and I meet to consider the best placement for every child. Many aspects of a child’s development – academic, emotional, and social are very carefully considered. Because we view the process as so important, our staff will invest many hours to ensure the very best placement decisions. The staff working with your child has learned a great deal about his or her learning style, strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth. In addition to individual needs, we also consider the balance of each classroom, so that optimal learning environments are created for all children. While it is never appropriate to request a specific teacher, if there is important information you wish to convey regarding your child’s learning needs, I welcome you to complete the 2024-2025 Parent Placement Input Form by Monday, April 29, 2024 by 9:00am. I understand that this is a sensitive issue. In fairness to all children and staff members, please trust in us to handle placement with the care and sensitivity that is necessary for these important decisions.
Keith Staff Volleyball Game vs. Dublin Elementary
Our staff volleyball game between Keith and Dublin Elementary is scheduled for Friday, April 5th, at 6:30 PM, hosted at Walnut Creek Middle School.
Doors will open at 6:00 PM, allowing you to grab your seats and settle in before the game begins. Admission is absolutely free, so feel free to bring along your family and friends for an evening of entertainment.
We'll also have concessions available for cash purchase, so you can snack on delicious treats while cheering on your favorite teams. Best of all, the profits from the concessions will support the 5th Grade Graduation Party, contributing to a memorable experience for our students.
Mark your calendars and come join us for an evening of friendly competition and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you there!
WLCSD FFE - Super Star Staff Award
Hello Walled Lake Families,
Support your favorite WLCSD Staff member with a nomination for a Super Star Staff Award from the Foundation For Excellence! Each $10 nomination gives the staff member a chance at one of two $500 cash prizes from the FFE and the Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union. The funds raised from the nominations will help the Foundation For Excellence give more money back to our teachers and students.
The Foundation For Excellence (FFE) is a non-profit organization that works with Walled Lake Schools to provide grants for classrooms throughout the district. These funds support extra literacy tools like decodable phonics books, STEM equipment for classrooms, additional instruments for music rooms, social emotional support tools, and many other things.
Nominations cost $10 and the staff member (teacher, administrator, custodian, parapro, bus driver, etc) will be given a certificate with a personal message from you as to why they are so special. They will also be added to a drawing for one of two $500 gifts that will be presented during Staff Appreciation Week (May 6 - 10).
To nominate a staff member follow this link:
https://forms.gle/mWb9N21SQRwCr9ST8
(Once you hit "submit" on your form, a link to our Paypal page will come up on the confirmation response page. Please make sure you make your payment!)
Reach out to Jackie Gurwin, FFE Executive Director, at 248-956-2116 or JackieGurwin@wlcsd.org with any questions.
Thanks,
Jackie Gurwin
Foundation For Excellence
Executive Director
248-956-2116
Introducing the Teacher Appreciation Video Project
May 6-10, 2024, is specifically designated as National Teacher Appreciation Week. However, we are announcing it now for a very special reason.
Recognizing Michigan's hardworking and dedicated educators is an important piece of MDE's strategic initiative. For that reason, we will be celebrating Michigan’s educators during the entire month of May—not just the week of May 6-10!
To do this, MDE would like to invite students to submit a digital video to recognize and thank a specific educator for their impact. Submitted videos will be posted on this webpage and the MDE YouTube channel. The OEE Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) social media pages throughout the month of May will be promoting the videos. Check us out: @MIeducator.
Full instructions for submitting videos of appreciation for Michigan’s educators are available on the Teacher Appreciation Month website.
Whether you are an educator or a parent, you can get involved right now by following the OEE on social media using the links above, and by promoting the hashtag #MITeachAppreesh. If you have a child at home who has some great things to say about an educator, don’t hesitate—use the instructions found on our website to submit a video today!
Musical Instrument Rental Information for 6th Grade
Please use the form linked below to get you're child's instrument for 6th grade. It is important to rent your child's instrument as soon as possible so they are prepared for the Fall. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Jeannie Benson, CHS Middle School band teacher or Nina White, CHS Middle School orchestra teacher.
Registration for Kindergarten 2024-2025 is now OPEN!
Welcome Dragon Families,
For those of you who were able to attend last night's Kindergarten Orientation, it was a pleasure to talk with you and share what Kindergarten is like at Keith Elementary School. We are really looking forward to a great Kindergarten year with your child. Please be sure to complete the Keith Elementary Kindergarten Survey if you have not already done so.
Registration is now open. Please click HERE to visit our Kindergarten webpage on the district website. It will give you step by step directions on how to register. As a reminder, please try to register as soon as possible.
Keith Elementary School Kindergarten Round Up will take place on Tuesday, March 19, Thursday, March 21, or Wednesday, April 3 from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Your child will only need to attend one of the Round Up dates. Drop off your child at the front of the building - Door 5. Parents are welcome to drop off your child and meet with PTA parents for coffee and a tour of the school or return at 11am for pick up at Door 7. Please contact the Keith Elementary office with questions 248-956-3700.
Please be sure to sign up for your child’s date and time slot on our Keith Elementary School Kindergarten Round Up Sign Up Genius. Our Kindergarten Round Up Event is a time for students to come in, spend time in the Kindergarten classrooms, and go for a short tour of their new school!
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me! My email address is MarciAugenstein@wlcsd.org or feel free to contact our amazing Kindergarten Teachers directly. We are all happy to help and looking forward to welcoming you and your children to Kindergarten at Keith for the 2024-2025 school year.
In partnership,
Marci Augenstein, Principal
Keith Elementary School
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.
WLCSD Math Course Skipping Information
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.
KEITH PTA ELECTIONS ANNOUNCEMENT: APRIL 3, 2024
Eras begin and march onward, shed pieces of themselves and gather more along the way, ever changing until the era recognizes itself no longer. And a whole new era unfolds only to greet the cycle once more.
Board members come, and Board members must go, but the Keith PTA carries on with new faces, new ideas, and new contributions. While we say goodbye to graduating members, we hold out torches of opportunity for new members to claim and carry on. The time goes by so quickly. What will you do while you are here to shape your own Keith era?
Because here we have it! Elections for Keith PTA Board positions are upon us for the 2024-2025 school year. Come claim your spot. Dare yourself to be a part of something bigger! Find PTA and find out.
OPEN POSITIONS FOR 2024-25 KEITH PTA BOARD (Board members manage budget, decide on contributions, vote on the business of the organization):
-CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY ⦁Maintains social media correspondences
-VICE PRESIDENT - FUNDRAISING ⦁In charge of Fun Run, spirit wear, flower sale
-SECRETARY ⦁Takes meeting minutes
-REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST CHAIR ⦁Runs the art contest
-LEGISLATIVE CHAIR - Reports on new laws affecting education
-HOSPITALITY – Gives attention and care to teachers and staff
Elections happen at the General Meeting, Wednesday APRIL 3rd in the Media Center. We will present the full election slate and take floor nominations from desiring members. Nominations can be sent to: K8Tomasik@yahoo.com
Want to specialize in something amazing and stamp it yours? Next Year’s Era will need someone to take command of: BOOK FAIR or KEITH’S GOT TALENT / Take advantage of our current talent while they are here! Seek Kirsten Woodby at kmwoodby@gmail.com for training at April bookfair. Help these great programs to continue.
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
Green Team News:
Important upcoming events:
3/14: Last day for earth day art contest submission. Drop off at office and we will mail to the state of Michigan for the contest.
3/16: Young birders field trip: Guided tour + Free lunch at the Detroit zoo.
4/12: Hazardous waste collection day. Adults drop off your hazardous waste to school 4:15 - 4:30 pm and we will help you dispose of it. Donation suggested but not required.
More details and news at:
https://sites.google.com/view/keithgreenteam/newsletters/2023-24/mar2024
Keith Cafeteria Updates
What to watch for:
Fri, Apr 5th ~ $1.00 ice cream
Mon, Apr 8th ~ Lucky Tray Day
Thur, Apr 11th ~ Pizza Day ~ $1.75 / extra slice, $1.00 chips
Fri, Apr 12th ~ Chocolate Chip Cookie Day ~ $1.50 ea
Fri, Apr 19th ~ Tubby's Sub & Ice Cream Day ~ $1.00 ice cream
Fri, Apr 25th ~ Chocolate Chip Cookie Day ~ $1.50 ea
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
Staff Shout Out Nominations
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