Dragon's Tale

December 6, 2024

Dear Dragon Families,

Happy December! As we approach the holiday season, we are filled with gratitude for our amazing school community. I would like to share some important upcoming events and reminders, with additional information about these events linked in our Dragon's Tale Newsletter.

Parent-Teacher Conferences – December 12
Our Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner, and I want to encourage all families to attend. These conferences are an excellent opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, discuss their progress, and collaborate on ways to support their growth. Your involvement is crucial in helping your child succeed!

Please mark your calendars:

• Date: December 12, 2024
• Early Dismissal: Students will be dismissed early at 11:25am on this day to allow time for conferences.
• Reminder: If you have not already signed up for a conference slot, please do so as soon as possible. We want to ensure that every family has a chance to meet with the teacher.

Family Sing-Along – December 19
We are excited to invite you to our Family Sing-Along on December 19 at 6:00 p.m.! This fun, festive event will take place at the front of our school, and we can’t wait to gather together to sing some holiday songs and celebrate the season. It’s a wonderful way to bring our school family together, and we hope to see you there!

Thank You for Supporting Our Teachers
A huge thank you to all of our families who have generously provided snacks for our teachers during Parent-Teacher Conferences. Your thoughtful support is deeply appreciated, and it helps our teachers feel appreciated and energized as they meet with families.

As always, thank you for being such a vital part of our school community. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events and wish you a wonderful weekend ahead!

Warm regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

December, 2024

Dec. 3 - Keith PTA Meeting - Learning Commons, 6:30pm

Dec. 9 - Parent Book Study with Dr. A. and Mrs. Faber - The Anxious Generation - 6-7pm Learning Commons (Details below)

Dec. 11 - Report Cards Posted in Skyward

Dec. 12 - Half-Day with Early Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences (Additional Info. Below)

Dec. 13 - MLK Day Express Yourself Contest and Alec Bender Friend of Diversity Contest Submissions Due (See additional information below)

Dec. 19 - Keith Sing-A-Long - Front of Building - 6pm

Dec. 20 - Last Day of School Before Winter Break

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 - Winter Break

Jan. 6 - School Resumes - Reminder School Begins at 8:55a.m.

All Keith students are given recess for 20 minutes every day - in addition to a block recess of 60 minutes in length once per week, so it is very important they dress for the unpredictable winter weather.

Please be sure to send snow pants, boots, winter jackets, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves. Elementary school general guidelines for recess during the winter is zero degree air temperature and/or zero degree "feels like" temperature. Weather conditions will vary from day to day and one minute to the next, therefore, the building principal (or designee) will ultimately be responsible for determining outside or inside recess. On some days, recess may be shortened to allow students to get out to play but also protect against the winter winds. When the weather is dangerously cold, students stay in their classrooms and play games from our "indoor recess" cart. It is important that students are prepared each day as the weather starts out very cold in the morning and often warms up in time for recess. We believe it is important for children to get outside for exercise and fresh air every day, but ultimately their safety is our main priority. Thank you for ensuring your children are dressed warmly for recess.

Our teachers put in long hours on Parent-Teacher Conference Day, which is Thursday, December 12th. The PTA would like to provide a quick meal and "Survival Kits" of snacks to ensure they have energy (and a little treat!) to get through the long day. We would like to ask your help with this.

Please click the Signup Genuis link below and consider making a donation. We're asking to leave donations in the box out front of the main entrance at Keith NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10th. The box will be set out the week following Thanksgiving. Thank you for your consideration.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4AA9AE2CA3FB6-53536540-teacher

Qs? Lauren Jaffe, LJJAFFE@gmail.com

Spread some holiday cheer with a sweet surprise! Send a candy gram to a friend, sibling, or staff member for only $1. Send a candy gram to everyone in your class for a $25. donation! Simply let us know how many you would like by filling out the cards below. Place your payment in an envelope or send to the Venmo code below and we will take care of the rest. Each candy gram comes with a

colorful candy cane (allergy friendly) and the proceeds benefit the 5th grade celebration efforts. Please return this form by Friday, December 13th and Candy Grams will be delivered on Friday, December 20th.

Please fill out the form below if your child is interested in participating in the Keith LEGO Robotics club. This form is for students in 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade. In our Robotics club, students will have a series of builds to complete before learning to code and incorporate moving parts in to their build. It is important to note that students will NOT be building LEGO kits seen in the store but will be given pieces to build a structure specific to the team challenge. The LEGO club will run January to mid- April. Students will meet on Tuesdays after-school from 4-5pm in the Media Center.

Dear Dragon Families,

A strong partnership with parents/guardians and teachers is key to ensuring our children’s success. One important component of that partnership is parent/teacher conferences. This is an opportunity for us to meet, celebrate your child’s progress, and discuss goals for continued growth.

This year, parent/teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, December 12. On this date, students will be dismissed at 11:25am. Dragon Pick Up will begin at 11:15am, Walkers will be dismissed at 11:20am, and buses will depart Keith at 11:25am. After our dismissal process, teachers will be available for conferences beginning at 12:00 p.m. throughout the afternoon and evening until 8:00 p.m.

As you sign up for conferences, please know that conferences at the elementary level, district wide are in-person. Any parent/guardian who may be requesting a virtual conference, by necessity, is asked to work directly with the classroom teacher for a link. Your conference time, on that date, will still reflected as in-person conferences in Skyward and you will sign up as directed below.

Parents and guardians can sign-up for parent/teacher conferences using Skyward Family Access. Online sign-up for conferences opens on Wednesday, November 27 at *approximately* 7:00 AM and closes on December 10 at *approximately* 7:00 AM.

Below are directions to help you sign-up:

• Elementary – Conference Sign-Up – Directions for Parents (Video)
• Link to Skyward Family Access

Please Note:

• In addition to your child’s classroom teacher, you may also choose to sign-up for conferences with our FAPES teachers: PE, Music, Art, and Media. These conferences are OPTIONAL but we encourage you to sign-up if you have concerns, would like more information, or want to connect with our wonderful FAPES staff.
• If you need help logging in to Skyward Family Access, please e-mail familyaccess@wlcsd.org for tech support.

Please contact me or your child’s teacher if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting with you at conferences!

Warm Regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

Dear Dragon Families,

As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the importance of coming together to support one another, particularly those in need. At Keith Elementary, we are fortunate to have a strong and compassionate community, and we know that, together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our local families. Each year, we strive to ensure that all of our students experience the joy of the season, regardless of their circumstances. Many of our families face challenges, and for some, providing gifts for their children during the holidays can be difficult. This is where we need your help.

We are asking for your support in providing holiday gifts for those in need within our school community. If you are able, please consider signing up to purchase a gift for a child. You can review the available gift slots below and select one that works for you. Simply sign up, purchase the gift, and drop it off at the main office no later than December 13, 2024.

Additional Ways to Help
In addition to gift donations, we also welcome gift card contributions, which can be a wonderful way to help families in need during this time of year. If you prefer, you can drop off any gift cards at the Keith Elementary main office as well.

How to Sign Up:
Please review the available slots and click on the link to sign up: Keith Holiday Gift Donations - 2024

We appreciate your generosity and support in making this holiday season brighter for our local children and families. Your participation, no matter the size of the donation, helps to create a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for your kindness and for helping to spread the joy of the season. Your efforts will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. We are truly grateful for the generosity of our Keith Elementary community.

Warm regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

Thank you forthe generous and giving Keith community… we collected 1,665 books during our Fall Book Fair!!!! Congratulations second grade for winning a pajama day with collecting 514 books! Your child's teacher will announce the PJ Day date!

The WLCSD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is seeking Walled Lake Schools Student Speakers for our 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration that will take place on Monday, January 20th at Walled Lake Northern High School. Please click on the form below for more information.

Annual Walled Lake Schools Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration-Student Keynote Speaker Application

Walled Lake Schools 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Walled Lake Northern High School on Monday, January 20th beginning at 5:00 p.m.

This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration theme is Unity.

“Unity in diversity is unity between all individuals and groups, regardless of differences. It is unity without uniformity, and diversity without divisiveness. It is an understanding that the differences between people enrich our lives and makes our country the special, and unique place it is”.

Alec Bender Friend of Diversity Award

Walled Lake Schools has created an award to honor individuals who are true friends of diversity. We hope you will join us in an effort that will result in the selection of a Fiend of Diversity. This honor will be bestowed on the recipient(s) at the 26th annual district-wide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 20th, 2025.

Our committee hopes that each school building will nominate at least one staff member, student, parent, or community member for the Alec Bender Friend of Diversity Award. Nominations will be submitted to the Walled Lake School Central Office Administration for final selection. Nomination forms must be completed no later than Friday, December 13th, 2024. Please click on the form below and nominate someone you believe is deserving of the Friend of Diversity Award.

Alec Bender Friend of Diversity Award

Express Yourself Contest

Walled Lake Students are invited to submit an entry that express’s the theme of “Unity” in your own unique way. There are lots of possibilities for creating a project. It can be a piece of writing, music, art, or other visual that shows what unity means to you. Click on the contest form below and submit your entry to your school’s main office by Friday, December 13th.

Express Yourself Contest

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you so much to the almost 20 parents who were able to attend our discussion on Part 1 last Monday. I would encourage anyone who still may want to participate to catch up on the reading and join us for the future sessions!

We invite you to join us in this important conversation, participate in discussions, and partner with our school in looking out for our kids. Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters resilience and understanding.

Meeting Schedule

We will hold four meetings, each lasting one hour, where we will discuss different sections of the book. ALL meetings will be from 6-7pm in the Keith Learning Commons. Please see the schedule below:

11/4/24 - Introduction to the book and Discussion of Part 1: The Great Rewiring of Childhood

12/9/24 - Review of Part 2: The Backstory: The Decline of Play-based Childhood and increase in childhood anxiety

1/13/25 - Discussion of Part 3: Social Media and Mental Health- Strategies for healthy technology use – The Rise of the phone-based childhood

2/10/25 - Overview of Part 4: Building Resilience - Collaborative ideas for supporting our children

To help ensure that everyone can participate, I am happy to provide a copy of the book for any family that may face financial barriers. If you would like to receive a book, please let me know when you RSVP.

You are welcome to attend any or all of the meetings. Each session will provide a space for open dialogue, sharing of experiences, and brainstorming actionable steps we can take as a community.

Thank you for your commitment to our students’ well-being. I look forward to engaging with you in these discussions that will undoubtedly strengthen our community and support our children’s futures.

Warm regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

Links

Ski Club Enrollment and Information Form

Keith Elementary Ski/Snowboard Facebook Link

Sponsor Contact Email: Ulrey.Christopher@gmail.com

Please click on the button below to learn more about our Keith Green Team!

I want to introduce all of you to our new Assistant Kitchen Server, Marissa Manzella. She will work with Mrs. Link daily to serve & prepare lunches. Welcome to our Dragon Family Mrs. Manzella!

What to watch for:

Fri, Dec 6th ~ Tubby's Sub & Ice Cream Day ~ $1.00 ice cream

Mon, Dec 9th ~ Lucky Tray Day

Fri, Dec 13th ~ Chocolate Chip Cookie Day ~ $1.50 ea

Tue, Dec 17th ~ Pizza Day ~ $2.00 / extra slice, $1.25 chips

Fri, Dec 20th ~ Ice Cream Day ~ $1.00 ice cream

As always, parents & staff can add funds to student accounts via Skyward, or cash / check brought to me in the kitchen. If students bring cash/checks, please send the funds to the cafeteria either:

1. Labeled inside your lunch barcode sheet, or
2. Have students bring down their money during breakfast

The lunch line moves quicker if their funds are deposited beforehand. Thank you in advance for your help!

***For those students who usually book tickets online, please note the DSO is transitioning to only allowing the booking of Student Soundcard tickets through visiting or calling the box office 313.576.5111***

Thanks to all the families who came out for the Under The Streetlamp Concert and thanks to Ms. Jenn for hosting our club meet in my absence. Club members and their families learned about harmonies and talked about their favorite ‘old-timey’ music that has transcended generations. It was wonderful seeing the multigenerational celebration of music together!

Our next Club meet is Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:30 followed by the 3pm Ellington & The Nutcracker concert with the talented soloist Ray Chen on his violin.

With such a world class guest violinist performing with our very own Detroit Symphony Orchestra, do try to book earlier as it is anticipated this will be another sold out concert. Tickets are available starting Monday, November 25th at 9am, by calling or visiting the box office 313.576.5111 and are subject to availability.

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) 2024-2025 concert series, including the concerts outside of those we plan to meet at, 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. Carpooling opportunities are available!

We will be learning more about the music, the performances, the artists and attend concerts with:

Oldies Music by The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Nat King Cole, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles; Ray Chen; Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker; Broadway Love Songs; Music of Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Santana, & Ricky Martin; Women Rock! (Music by Carole King, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, Tina Turner), Ben Folds and many more!

See Music Appreciation Club Details Document for more information and link to Google form for registration https://forms.gle/3eAmCFB4Vf9FCP626

Upcoming concerts where we plan to meet as a group:

· Sunday, December 8, 2024 2:30 Club meet, 3pm Ellington & The Nutcracker

· Sunday, Feb 16 2025, 2:30 Club meet, 3pm Broadway Love Songs

· Sunday, March 16, 2025, 2:30 Club meet, 3pm La Vida Loca

· Sunday, April 27 2025, 2:30 Club meet, 3pm Women Rock!

· Saturday, May 24 2025, 2:30 Club meet, 3pm Ben Folds

***Your student soundcard membership allows you to attend many more concerts in addition to the ones above. Do consider making the most of your membership and attend as many concerts your schedule allows***

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.

January 7th at 6:30pm - Keith Learning Commons

Visit our PTA's Facebook Page

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

Keith Vision Screening Schedule:

Grades to be assessed: J/K, 1, 3, 5

TECHNICIAN: TERRI ALCOCER

10/16, 10/17, 10/18, 10/22, 10/23, 10/24, 10/25/2024 AM

Keith Hearing Screening Schedule:

Grades to be assessed: J/K, K, 2, 4

TECHNICIAN: DENISE GAARDER

03/14, 03/17, 03/18, 03/19, 03/20/2025

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.

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