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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• 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 13: Walk Into Walled Lake, ESC, 4 - 7 p.m.
• November 14: Half Day for MS Students | P/T Conferences
• November 19: Half Day for Students/PD for Staff
• November 19: LAYA Taste of the Lakes Fundraiser, Edgewood CC, 5 - 8 p.m.
• November 22 - 24: WLW Presents "The Addams Family"
• November 25: PTSA Council Meeting, Walled Lake El, 7 p.m.

On behalf of the Walled Lake Schools Board of Education, administration, and staff, I want to extend my heartfelt Thank You for your support in passing our District’s Operating Millage Replacement. Your commitment to our schools and students is deeply appreciated, and this critical funding will help us continue to provide the high-quality education our community values.

Walled Lake Schools is known across the state for having a strong history of well-supported ballot initiatives and I am grateful for your continued support and partnership.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Lonze

The Walled Lake Competitive Marching Band shined on Saturday at Ford Field claiming the MCBA Flight 1 State Championship with an incredible performance of its program, Enchanted.

The combined marching band from Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western beat out the 6-time defending state champion, Rockford, by nearly two points earning an overall score of 92.20. The band also took home four of five caption awards in General Effect, Visual, Auxiliary and Percussion. It’s also the district’s first state championship since Walled Lake Central won in 2013.

"I am extraordinarily proud of the students, staff and parents of the WLMB, not because the band won a State Championship, but because of the work they put in throughout the season,” said co-director Patrick Dudzinski. “The message to the students from the beginning of the season has been to focus on rehearsing well, getting better every day, chasing excellence and competing against ourselves.”

“The Walled Lake Marching Band is truly comprised of the most dedicated, focused, and hard-working individuals,” said co-director Grant Prater. “While I was thrilled to see that their dedication, artistry, and commitment to getting better was reflected in the judges scores and caption awards, I just love that I get to work with these students and see their personal growth every day. I could not be more proud of them, and I am so lucky I get to teach in Walled Lake.”

The Walled Lake Competitive Marching Band will now prepare to head to Indianapolis on November 14 to compete at Bands of America’s 2024 Grand National Championships. Their prelim performance of Enchanted will be on Thursday, 4:15 p.m., at Lucas Oil Stadium. The semifinals and finals then take place on Saturday beginning at 7 a.m.

Walled Lake Elementary and Walled Lake Northern High School were awarded $750 grants from the Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union programs within their schools.

Walled Lake Elementary social worker, Sheri Kaplan, received a grant for the cooking program she runs for students with Autism. Kaplan wrote in her application that for students with Autism, learning how to cook can be incredibly empowering and beneficial for both practical and personal development.

“I am very humbled and appreciative to receive this grant,” said Kaplan. “I appreciate that others appreciate the purpose behind the cooking lessons I teach our students with Autism, and the social skills and life skills they learn as well, to help them throughout their lives.”

Walled Lake Northern physical education teacher, Michelle Brandon, received a grant for her new pilot Outdoor Pursuits class, which focuses on developing and strengthening students’ skills used in the outdoors. This fall, Brandon had a bike mechanic came in to teach students about bike safety and basic bike maintenance. Instead of having to rent bicycles for students that don’t have one, the grant will allow her to purchase three bicycles, three helmets and a bike tire pump for her students to use.

“I am so grateful for everyone who supported us through this grant,” said Brandon. “This will make it easier for more students to participate in our bicycling unit.”

• Thursday, November 21 - 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 22 - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 23 - 7 p.m.
• Sunday, November 24 - 2 p.m.

Walled Lake Central students gave back to the community over the weekend volunteering at PBJ Outreach smiles, meals and warm clothes to those in need.

The Vikings packed food for the homeless in Plymouth before handing meals out in Detroit.

Students also collected and donated 3,087 pairs of socks as part of their Socktober Drive. This year was their biggest drive yet, collecting more than 1,000 pairs of socks than their Sockober Drive from a year ago.

Our Hickory Woods Elementary kindergarteners walked over to Maple Manor Rehab on Halloween morning for an unforgettable Halloween treat! The Hawks had a blast trick-or-treating and tackling a spook-tacular obstacle course!

Walled Lake Elementary enjoyed its annual 4th grade tradition of trick-or-treating at the Educational Services Center. The Tigers walked over for some Halloween fun as they brought the spooky vibes to the administration building for some Halloween fun.

Staff from around the district didn't shy away from getting in on the Halloween fun! Check out some of these awesome staff costumes.

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.

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.

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