A Message from Dr. A.
Dear Dragon Families,
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the start of the school year as much as we are here at Keith Elementary! As we wrap up the second week of school, I am thrilled to share how wonderfully our students are adjusting and thriving. It has been a joy to witness their enthusiasm and dedication in the classroom. From engaging in dynamic lessons to collaborating with their peers, our students are truly embracing the new academic year with joy and enthusiasm.
Next week is shaping up to be an exciting one, and we want to make sure you mark your calendars for some important events including Curriculum Nights and the WLN Homecoming Parade. Details on both of these events are outlined in this week's Dragon's Tale Newsletter.
As we head into the weekend, I want to take a moment to wish you and your family a wonderful, restful break. And remember, one of the most impactful things you can do for your child’s learning is to spend a few quiet moments reading together each night. It’s a simple yet powerful way to foster a love of books and strengthen your bond.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making this school year a success. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events and continuing our journey together.
Warm regards,
Marci Augenstein, Principal
Instructional Specialist Sessions for Kindergarten and First Grade Families
Please consider attending our Instructional Specialist Sessions before your child's Curriculum Night. Mrs. Debbie Faber will be discussing ways to support your children with their literacy learning at home. We appreciate you taking the time to attend this important session.+
Instructional Specialist Curriculum night: Ways to Support Your Early Literacy Learner:
Kindergarten Session: 5:40pm on 9/10/24 (Classroom Sessions begin at 6:00pm)
First Grade Session: 6:10pm on 9/10.24 (Classroom Sessions begin at 6:30pm)
Attendance Matters! (Adapted From Kimberly Gillow, MEMSPA Associate Executive Director)
In Michigan, the chronic absenteeism rate was 16.9% in 2017, but increased to 40.10% in 2022. Chronic absence is defined by Attendance Works, a nonprofit whose mission is to improve school attendance, as missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason including: excused, unexcused absences and suspensions. National data suggests that the rate of chronic absenteeism in our schools was a challenge before the pandemic, but it more than doubled after the pandemic.
Kindergarten and 1st grade classes often have absenteeism rates as high as those in high school. Many of these absences are excused, but they still add up to lost time in the classroom.
According to Alia Wong, who wrote Chronic absenteeism is schools' 'biggest problem.' Five reasons kids are missing school in a recent USA Today article, there are 5 key reasons students miss school.
1. Kids are disconnected.
2. Students are struggling with mental health.
3. Students are being bullied.
4. Families are confused about attendance rules.
5. Families experience transportation challenges.
While we may not all agree that these same factors negatively impact student attendance in our schools, we can certainly all agree that more and more students are chronically absent from school. In WLCSD, regular school attendance is expected of all students.
Should any Keith families need help our support with promoting school attendance in general, please know the teachers and I are here to help with this important work. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
In Partnership,
Marci Augenstein, Principal
Fun Run Student T-Shirt Sizing Needed!
Every year the Keith PTA provides Fun Run t-shirts to its students & staff. If you didn't submit your student(s) t-shirt size(s) during the enrollment packet, please CLICK HERE. This year's in-school Fun Run event will be Friday, October 11th on the Keith track. What's the "Fun Run", you ask? Throughout the day on Oct 11th, grade levels will run & walk laps around the track in support of Keith's fundraiser to beautify the playground, its equipment, & a newly proposed, outdoor learning space. More details to come on that learning space at Wednesday, September 4th's 630PM PTA meeting! We meet in the Learning Commons (Media Center) for 1 hour & would love for you to meet & join us.
Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities during the Fun Run! Until then, shoot us your shirt sizes, please.
Parent Volunteers
At Keith Elementary School, we value the help and support of our parent volunteers! Our district requires that all parent volunteers complete a criminal history background/reference check. The form is linked for you below. If you think you may be volunteering in any capacity at Keith, please complete the form as soon as possible and turn it into the main office at Keith. Our amazing secretaries will be able to take it from there. Thank you for your willingness to volunteer at Keith!
WLN Homecoming Parade Invitation
This year's WLN Homecoming Parade will take place on September 13th, and we're excited to have your students join us for this event.
As in previous years, we ask each elementary school to create a poster or bring a banner or flag displaying their school's name. The students will hold these posters while walking in the parade. Additionally, we will be providing "Future Knight" shirts for all participating students! If your child has been given one in previous years, please have them wear it to the parade so that we can reserve the shirts for students new to your school and our district.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, we request that parents accompany the students during the parade.
The lineup for the parade will begin at 5:00 PM, with the parade officially starting at 5:30 PM. Please have your students arrive by 5:00 PM and direct them to the North side of the school, near the picnic tables. Signs will be placed around the school to guide you, and we will assist in directing each school to their designated spot in the parade.
We look forward to a wonderful parade and appreciate your support and participation!
WLN Student Leadership Team
Vision and Hearing Screenings for Keith Students
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
Michigan Department of Education - Teacher of the Year
Dear Educational Partner,
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) opened the nomination period for the 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year this past spring. The nomination window remains open until Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. MDE welcomes nominations from students, parents, coworkers, and school community members. Individuals wishing to nominate a teacher for this recognition are asked to complete this online form.
District newsletters and social media serve as valuable channels to share the online form, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of dedicated educators. We encourage your district to consider including the nomination information provided (below) in your communications.
MDE recognizes that some districts and intermediate school districts have an established process to award local teachers of the year. If so, your designated district representatives may email teacher nominations directly to MTOY@Michigan.gov. Please include teacher name, personal identification code (PIC), email address, and school employed. An email verifying receipt will be sent within 48 hours. Nominations from districts will be accepted now until September 25, 2024.
More information about the program is available on the Michigan Teacher of the Year webpage. Please contact the Office of Educator Excellence at MTOY@Michigan.gov with any questions regarding the program or nomination process. We genuinely appreciate your assistance in sharing this information with your district.
________________________________________________________________________________
2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year Nominations
Please take a moment to nominate one or more teachers for the Michigan Department of Education’s 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Celebrate a deserving teacher by simply completing this online form. The nomination window is open now until Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Respectfully,
Michigan Teacher of the Year Team
News from the Keith Cafe
What to watch for:
Mon, Sept 9th ~ Lucky Tray Day!
Fri, Sept 13th ~ Snack Cart Day ($0.50-$1.25)
Thurs, Sept 19th ~ Pizza Day ~$2.00 / extra slice, $1.25 chips
Fri, Sept 27th ~ Snack Cart Day ($0.50-$1.25)
Breakfasts & lunches are free this year for all students. For snacks or 2nd entrees, parents can add funds to student accounts via Skyward, or cash / check brought to the kitchen. Want to avoid online payment fees? Send cash / check, clearly labeled with student's name, to the Keith kitchen for direct, fee-free deposit.
Alison Link
Keith Kitchen Server, Keith Elementary
956-3735
District begins the strategic planning process
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is focused on building on its successes over the past decade and set a new course for our district based on the context of the current academic, social, emotional, and economic environment of the community we serve.
As we focus on the future of our district in creating a new strategic plan, we value the input of all of our stakeholders. We are working with G&D Associates to gather perspectives from our community to inform the next strategic plan. Opportunities will include:
A brief community survey aimed at identifying key themes for in-depth focus group discussions.
Focus groups and community forums involving students, families, staff, community members, and local partners.
Numerous opportunities for feedback throughout the entire process.
Share your voice by completing a short survey that will assist in creating our next strategic plan. The survey opens on Wednesday, September 4, and will close on Wednesday, September 25.
More information about strategic planning can be found at www.wlcsd.org/strategic-plan
District seeks operating millage replacement in November Election
The Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ Board of Education approved seeking a replacement of the district’s operating millage in the upcoming November election during its August 8, 2024 special meeting.
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is asking the community to replace its current operating millage with an 18 mill non-homestead millage that represents roughly $31 million and a 3.6297 mill hold harmless that represents approximately $2 million of the district’s budget. The total of $33 million accounts for 18 percent of the district’s $187 million revenue budget.
Every District in the state is expected to levy, with voter approval, 18 mills on all non-homestead properties in order to receive full state funding under Proposal A. The 3 mill "Headlee cushion" will allow the district to collect the full 18 mills over the duration of the operating millage. The proposal will not increase property taxes on any primary residence property that is within Walled Lake Consolidated Schools boundaries. Since the approval of Proposal A in 1994, the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ community has overwhelmingly supported the operating millage, most recently in 2014.
If the November 5, 2024 proposal is not approved, the school district will lose more than $33 million in operating revenue every year and the state will not make up the shortfall.
More information about the 2024 Operating Millage Replacement can be found at www.wlcsd.org/elections.
Westacres Blood Drive
Westacres is holding their 3rd annual Red Cross blood drive! Sunday, October 13 between 12-4 at 3700 Westacres Dr. You can literally save lives in less than 30 minutes by donating blood. You can sign up at https://shorturl.at/hF28n or text Melissa Brown at 734-395-9025 to set up an appointment. Thank you so much!
Kroger Rewards - $$$ For Keith!
WLCSD Health and Immunization Information
Keith Elementary School
Diana Tyrrell - Principal's Secretary
Alice Johnson - Building Secretary
Marci Augenstein, Ph.D. - Principal, Keith Elementary
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