Dragon's Tale

Thank you to all of our Dragon Families who have taken time to complete the WLCSD Online Back to School Packet, as well as ensuring your registration process is complete so that your child is ready for the first day of school, August 26, 2024.

I would like to welcome our new families to the Keith Community. I look forward to meeting you and your children very soon. This is my 9th year serving as Keith Elementary Principal and my 17th year as a school administrator.

Ensuring your children are prepared for school by starting bedtime routines and nightly reading might help make the first week of school go smoothly. I remember very tired children in the first days and weeks of school, despite my efforts to get my own boys to go to bed after falling out of the school year routines in the summer.

On a more personal note, I know I fell out of routines when hiking the Redwood Forest with my own sons this summer! Both boys said they would never look at trees the same way again. If you ever have the opportunity to visit with your kids, I would highly encourage you to do so. It was amazing and I learned a lot about the ecosystem from the park rangers too. National Park Passes are free to all 4th grade students.

Please be sure to take a moment to read this week’s Dragon’s Tale Newsletter. I have included our school supply lists, updates from food service, transportation, PTA events and more. Our PTA President, Mrs. Alison Link, will be hosting our annual PTA board meeting next week, so we will be sure to keep our community informed of any event dates that will be finalized following our annual PTA meeting.

School is just a few weeks away and we are preparing for teachers to return and get their classrooms ready for learning. Thank you for reading with your kids this summer and making sure they are set up for a successful start to the school year.

Warm Regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

We have such an amazing community at Keith Elementary School! I am seeking your help and assistance with reaching out to your neighbors who may be new to the area or have kindergarten age children attending Keith for the first time. If you would please encourage your neighbors to schedule an enrollment appointment at the ESC by calling 248-956-2000 it would be greatly appreciated. I want to be sure that every Keith family has the opportunity to receive important information, but in order to do that we need their children enrolled as soon as possible. Thank you so much for your help with this!

Please see the important message below regarding the Back-to-School Family Access Packet for the 23-24 school year, which MUST be completed before August 20 by all families.

Parents/Guardians must complete the Back-to-School Family Access Packet each school year. This packet differs from enrollment and is required for all students, new and returning. The packet should be completed promptly, so your student may start school on August 26.

The district uses Skyward Family Access to complete things such as the emergency card, end-of-day dismissal plan, requests for Apple Pick Up cards, Food Service application, FERPA form, and other crucial annual school forms requiring parent approval. The 2023-24 Back-to-School Family Access Packet is completed online.

Beginning August 1, parents/guardians must log in to Family Access and use their alphanumeric parent account code to complete the Back-to-School Family Access Packet. A parent account username is alphanumeric - SMITHMAD000; a student account username is the student's ID number - 1234567. You will receive your child's classroom placement when those are posted in Skyward, only if the Family Access Packet is complete.

Log in here to begin: Skyward.

A Skyward Family Access parent account is required to complete the Online Back-to-School Packet. Email FamilyAccess@wlcsd.org or call (248) 956-2190 to acquire a new or lost parent account code. Include ALL of the following information in the body of your message.

• Guardian name
• The name of each child in the district and school they attend
• Guardian's email address that is currently on file with the district
• Daytime phone number

Questions and Support

• If you need help with the Back-to-School packet, visit the Skyward Family Access Page.
• If you still have issues, contact familyaccess@wlcsd.org. Include your name, the student's name, and your specific question.
• Skyward Family Access Page

Thank you for your attention to this important beginning of the year action item! I look forward to a great year together!

Classroom Placement and Release of Class Lists

Teacher placements will be available to all families the evening of August 21st. You can log into your Skyward Family Access account to view your child's teacher then. If you have not completed the Online Back to School Packet Registration, you will not be able to view your child's teacher.

Please remember that it is our top priority to develop appropriate classroom groupings that will provide all of our children with the best opportunity for academic and social success. Our staff has worked extremely hard in determining the most appropriate classroom placements for all students individually and collectively. It is so important to us that all of our children have the best opportunity for academic and social success this upcoming school year. As a result, no changes to class assignments will be made. Rest assured that our entire teaching staff is highly qualified, experienced and care about your child’s well-being and education. We are committed to providing each child an exceptional education and overall great school experience.

Please remember, you must have completed the Back to School Packet Information online before you can view your child's classroom placement.

Remember to consistently communicate any questions, concerns, or praise to your child’s teacher. Proactive and open communication along with a trusting and positive relationship plays an important role in your child having an academically and socially successful school year.

The beginning of Kindergarten is a very exciting time in your child’s life and we look forward to a great school year. Your child is in kind, capable hands with our kindergarten teachers and our entire staff.

To help our youngest learners transition into kindergarten, WLCSD will be utilizing a staggered start on the first day of school, Monday, August 26th.

Staggered starts on August 26th last names beginning with:

• Last Names A-M - 8:55-11:30 am
• Last Names N-Z - 1:30-4:00 pm

*Lunch will not be served to Kindergarten students on this first day.

*For those eligible to receive it, transportation WILL be provided to and from school for both AM and PM students.

Welcome to Kindergarten!

If you have questions regarding the staggered start please call the main office at 248-956-3700.

School begins for all students on Monday, August 26th.This will be a FULL DAY of school for all grades 1-5.

We ask that parents and students practice walking to your child's classroom and take any pictures with your child's teacher during our Meet and Greet event on August 22nd. After the Meet and Greet event, we respectfully ask that students walk to their classroom on their own starting on the first day of school.

Our staff and safeties are available to help all students during this time every day. Thank you for your help with this. We respectfully ask that any volunteers and visitors sign in at the main office.

K-5 PRIME TIME CARE REGISTRATION FOR 2024-2025 IS NOW ONLINE!

THREE IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. To start using Prime Time Care on the first day of school, your registration must submitted no later than August 16. 2024. If it is done after this date, you will be given a new start date via email.

2. There is NO half day Prime Time Care for Kindergarten on the first day of school. If your child is attending AM Kindergarten, they may only use Prime Time in the AM. If your child is attending PM Kindergarten, they may only use Prime Time in the PM.

3. If you have ANY (Prime Time, Summer Care, Chromebooks, Food Service, Athletic Fees, etc) outstanding balances in the district, your Prime Time registration will not be processed until your balance is paid.

All parents are required to complete the online registration process each year for Prime Time Care.

You will need your Skyward Family Access login. If you do not have one or do not remember your password, you will need to obtain one. Go to: www.wlcsd.org, click "Skyward" at the top, then click "Skyward Family Access Login" and click “forgot password” and enter your email.

To register: log into https://www.wlcsd.org/programs/primetime-care

using your Skyward Family Access login information. Your login is CASE SENSITIVE. If you cannot remember your password and have to reset it, You must wait 24 hours after changing your Skyward Family Access password before attempting to use the new password in the Prime Time Registration Portal.

IF YOUR CHILD IS ENROLLED IN JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN, PLEASE CHOOSE "K" AS THEIR GRADE IN THE REGISTRATION SYSTEM.

Many thanks,

Heather Hill

Prime Time Care/Sumer Care/Teen Club Manager

Walled Lake Educational Services Center - Room#804

850 Ladd Road – Bldg. D

Walled Lake MI 48390

248-956-5111

www.wlcsd.org/programs/prime-time-care

Please visit the WLCSD website linked in the button below for additional information about your child's health and immunizations for school. In addition, should your child need to take medication while at school, all medicines must be kept in the main office. They must be brought to school by an adult with the permission to administer medicine at school form (linked in the button below) and original bottle included. Please review the Keith Medical Information section of our family handbook for additional information.

After the increased use of technology last year, we recognize that many of your children have their own devices. They are all welcome and encouraged to participate in our "Bring Your Own Device" program. Please use the link below to print off the BOYD Form and give it to your child's teacher at our Meet and Greet event on August 24th or send it in with your child on the first day of school. You are also welcome to complete the online version of the form and save paper!

Please take a moment to visit the WLCSD Bring Your Own Device Policy Website for additional information as well as a link to the printable form.

Please know we appreciate your continued partnership as we work to ensure every child has access to the best resources available! If you choose not to participate, we are going to once again have our chrome book carts available for use at Keith Elementary School during the school day for children who do not have a device from home.

Please be sure to note the first day of school - August 26th - as well as the staggered start for Kindergarten. More information can be found on the district website. Please be sure to see the 2024-25 District Calendar for important dates.

WLCSD has several paraprofessional openings in our elementary schools - including at Keith! Training will be provided. You can learn more about these positions on the Oakland Schools website. Please apply if interested...or help spread the word!

1. Visit Oakland Schools website

2. Select “Search by District”

3. Select Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

To apply, you will create an account and complete an application.

If you are interested in a part-time position at one of our great WL schools, please follow the steps above and look for the job postings in Walled Lake Schools. Please feel free to contact principals with questions. Please also share this opportunity with others who may be interested.

The following calendar dates and times for Keith Specific events are TENTATIVE for the 2024-25 School Year. Not every event we will hold is included in this calendar yet, but it will be updated for all families as we work to finalize our events with our amazing PTA and district. The 2024-25 District Calendar dates for school breaks and no school days is set and that calendar can also be found on the WLCSD website and is linked above for your convenience.

8/22/24 – Popsicles w/the Principal on the Playground 3-5pm (Teacher meet and greet 3-4pm)

8/26/24 - First Day of School *Kindergarten Staggered Start

8/30/24 - No School

9/2/24 - No School Labor Day

9/4/24 – 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons

9/6/24 - Fall Picture Day

9/10/24 – K-2 Curriculum Night 6:00-7:30pm (Start times: K–6:00pm, 1–6:30pm, 2–7:00pm)

9/11/24 – 3-5 Curriculum Night 6:00-7:30pm (Start times: 3–6:00pm, 4–6:30pm, 5–7:00pm)

9/13/24 - WLN Homecoming Parade

9/24/24 - ½ Day for Students - Staff PD Day

10/1/24 - 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons

10/2/24 - Student Count Day

10/3/24 - No School

10/4/24 - Keith Fun Run

10/18/24 - Keith PTA Fall Fest 5:00-7:00pm Keith Playground

10/25/24 – Lifetouch Retake Picture Day

10/31/24 - ½ Day for Students - Staff PD Day

11/5/24 – No School – Election Day

11/6 to 11/14/24 – Fall PTA Book Fair

11/12/24 – 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Media Center

11/19/24 - ½ Day for Students - Staff PD Day

11/27 – ½ Day for Students and Staff

11/28 & 11/29/24 - No School Thanksgiving

12/3/24 - 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons

12/12/24 - ½ Day for Elementary *Dismissal 1 hour earlier for Parent Teacher Conferences

12/19/24 – Keith Sing-A-Long at the Front of the Building

12/23/24 - 1/5/25 No School Winter Break *School Resumes 1/6/25

1/7/25 - 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons

1/20/25 - No School 25th Annual MLK Day Celebration at WLN

1/24/25 OR 1/31/25 – Keith Talent Show at WLC High School 5:30pm Call Time, 6:00pm ShowTime

1/29/25 - ½ Day for Students - Staff PD Day

2/4/25 - 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons2/12/25 – Student Count Day

2/14/25 – Classroom Valentines Celebrations 3pm

2/17 - 2/21/25 - No School Mid-Winter Break

3/4/25 – 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons

3/7/25 – Lifetouch Activity Photos

3/7/25 – Keith/Dublin/Commerce/Glengary – Staff Volleyball Game hosted by PTA @WLN

3/13/25 - ½ Day for Students - Staff PD Day

3/24 - 3/28/25 - No School Spring Break *School Resumes 3/31/25

4/1/25 - 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons

4/4/25 - Lifetouch Spring Picture Day

4/10 – 4/17/25 - PTA Spring Book Fair

4/18/25 – No School for Students/Staff

4/29/25 - ½ Day for Students - Staff PD Day

5/5 to 5/9/25 – Staff Appreciation Week

5/6/24 - 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons

5/20/25 - ½ Day for Students – Staff PD Day

5/26/25 - No School Memorial Day

6/5/25 – Keith Field Day

6/10/25 – 5th Grade Ceremony 9:30am – 5th Grade Celebration to follow

6/11/25 – Final Day of School – ½ Day – 5th Grade Clap out at 11:30am

I know that school supplies can be costly, and that over the summer there are amazing sales. I wanted to be sure all of our families had access to the suggested supply lists for the 2024-25 school year to be able to have every opportunity to take advantage of summer sales!

If you are in need of assistance with school supplies, please email MarciAugenstein@wlcsd.org and we will assist you confidentially to get you what you need to support you child.

NEW! CUSTOMIZED SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS FOR KEITH ELEMENTARY ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. WHERE? AT SCHOOLKITZ.COM

Keith Elementary is partnering with Bright SchoolKitz® to provide supply kits to match your teacher’s supply list. Free up your summer and enjoy it! Order now and eliminate the back-to-school shopping hassle. Kits are filled with brand names (Crayola, Elmer's, etc.) and quality products that are competitively priced with local and large retailers. Plus, our school earns $5 per kit to fund school projects. Hurry!

Questions? Contact info@schoolkitz.com or 1-844-937-5489.

As a service to students and their families, our District is making available a student accident insurance plan for your child at a very nominal cost. The District offers this program because of trends in rising family health and dental insurance costs, increased deductibles, co-payments or lack of health or dental insurance coverage. Information can be found on the district website or by clicking below.

Registration for ESL and GED classes, Geisler Middle School, 4:30 - 7 pm, on August 14, 15 and 20. There is a one time fee of $25, they need a valid picture ID, and should plan to spend 1.5 hours with us to complete the process.

We hope to again provide Child Care for children age 4 (independently toilet trained) – 6th grade during class time, but not during registration.

Please remember to register or re-register your Kroger Plus card to Keith Elementary. Last year we made just over $2,000! It’s easy! Just go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com and go to the community rewards section. You must re-register your card annually. Anyone having an issue with their email address or password can call 1-800-KROGERS for customer service.

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 16, 2024.
• 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.

Our hot lunch program begins on Monday, August 26th for students in grades K-5. Please see below for additional details.

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 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.

September 4th at 6:30pm - Keith Learning Commons

Visit our PTA's Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/KeithElemPTA/

The Keith Elementary School Community will inspire and empower all- academically, socially, and emotionally.

Diana Tyrrell - Principal's Secretary

DianaTyrrel@wlcsd.org

Alice Johnson - Building Secretary

AliceJohnson@wlcsd.org

Marci Augenstein, Ph.D. - Principal, Keith Elementary

MarciAugenstein@wlcsd.org

Email: DianaTyrrell@wlcsd.org
Website: http://wlcsd.org/schools/elementary/keith/
Location: 2800 Keith Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, United States
Phone: (248)956-3700
Twitter: @KeithElementary