Dragon's Tale

May 24, 2024

Hello Dragon Families

Congratulations to our WLN Seniors - Class of 2024. I am beyond proud of all of our Dragon alumni accomplishments. My first year as a principal at Keith Elementary School, our current Seniors were 5th graders. As my own son is also a WLN Senior, it has been such a wonderful time seeing how much our Dragons have grown since leaving Keith. Our elementary teachers work so hard to ensure they are prepared for a bright future in middle and high school. Crossing paths with our former Dragon Families, reminded me of their 5th Grade Celebration video for the WLN Class of 2024 and I wanted to share this memory. Please forward to any families who may have seniors. A special thank you to Mr. Joe Gasiewicz for compiling this video during the 2016-2017 school year and sharing this again now.

We remain concerned for our parking lot and surrounding neighborhoods during our arrival and dismissal process. Please drive with safety and caution. Please refrain from using your cell phones. I would kindly urge our families to prioritize safety above all else when navigating our parking lot and surrounding neighborhoods. In our collective commitment to fostering a safe arrival and dismissal for our children, I implore each individual to ensure you have the extra time built in to your morning and afternoon to facilitate a calm arrival and dismissal process. Your cooperation is important in ensuring the well-being of all members of our school community.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend ahead with your amazing children. Please be sure to read our Dragon's Tale Newsletter with additional information about the upcoming Field Day and End of Year Celebrations, especially for our 5th grade students.

Warm regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

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, 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

The 2024-2025 Tentative Keith Dates as well as the WLCSD 24-25 Calendar are posted if you scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter.

Our very own Ethan Young was selected as a "Michigan Treasure" at the Greater West Bloomfield annual Michigan Week Breakfast awards ceremony. Congratulations Ethan! We are so proud of you and beyond thankful for all of your volunteer efforts outside of school.

Our Keith Green Team efforts once again established Keith as an "Evergreen" School this year. Thank you to Mrs. Rashmi Overbeek and all of our students who made this year another wonderful success!

Hello Dragon Families,

If you might be out shopping this weekend, please keep the Hospital House in mind. Next week, we will have donation boxes located at the front entrance of the school. Before summer begins, I wanted to be sure we might help the Hospitality House stock up on needed items. They shared the following:

We are very low and currently in need of breakfast items. Pancake mix, cereal, oatmeal, syrup… Also we haven’t had jelly or jam in a long time.

Anything you can do to help donate food to our local families in need is appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.

Warm Regards,

Marci Augenstein

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!

6/6 - 9:30am - 5th Grade Ceremony and Celebration

Dear 5th Grade Dragon Families,

We invite you to join us Thursday, June 6th at 9:30 a.m. in the Keith Elementary Cafeteria for a special celebration to honor all of our 5th grade students! Doors will open at 9:20 a.m. During morning drop-off, please avoid congregating in front of the main office doors. Parking may be limited, so consider carpooling, walking, or parking/walking from Keith Sports Park. To keep focus on our 5th graders during these special events, please make alternate arrangements for siblings. Due to seating restraints, we’re requesting no more than 2 adults per graduate.

A party will immediately follow at the Keith Sports Park. Lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided for students and registered parent volunteers. Feel free to bring your own water bottle.

We look forward to celebrating your children on Thursday, June 6, 2023!

Warm Regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

6/7 - Last day of School - Half Day - 5th Grade Clap Out 11:50am - Parents meet on playground blacktop to make a tunnel for our students as they exit their elementary school for the last time as elementary students. The students will proceed to the large play structure and face Keith road for a group photo. After that, please connect with your child's teacher if you plan on having them dismiss with you at that time, otherwise we will follow our normal dismissal procedures.

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.

Please review the iReady parent letter linked below from Mrs. Catherine Kochanski, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services for WLCSD.

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

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.

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.

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

Thanks to all the students and their families who came out for the Mozart & The Seasons concert. How wonderful it was to have DSO's very own Concertmaster Robyn Bollinger preform as the soloist. She played beautifully along with an outstanding performance by the DSO.

We have one last concert to attend as a group: 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) 2023-2024 concert series in addition to the concerts listed above, and up to two companion tickets (bring or invite 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.

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 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.

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.

September 4, 2024 at 6:30pm - Keith Learning Commons

Visit our PTA's Facebook Page

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

TENTATIVE 24-25 Keith Calendar

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)

9/13/23 - 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

11/11/24 – 11/13/24 – 5th Grade Camp at WLOEC

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 Winter Sing-A-Long 6:00pm – Front of 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 – Keith Talent Show at WLC High School 5:30pm Call Time, 6:00pm Show Time

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

2/4/25 - 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons

2/12/25 – Student Count Day

2/14/25 – Classroom Valentines Celebrations 3pm

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

2/28/25 – Keith/Dublin/Commerce/Glengary – Staff Volleyball Game hosted by PTA @WLN

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

3/7/25 – Lifetouch Activity Photos

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

4/17/24 – Keith Spring Music Concert – 6:00pm Location TBD

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

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

Diana Tyrrell - Principal's Secretary

DianaTyrrell@wlcsd.org

Alice Johnson - Building Secretary

AliceJohnson@wlcsd.org

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

MarciAugenstein@wlcsd.org

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