A Message from Dr. A.
May 10, 2024
Dear Dragon Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the blossoming of spring. As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support of our dedicated educators. Your gestures of appreciation, whether big or small, have meant the world to our staff.
From heartfelt notes to tokens of appreciation, your kindness has not gone unnoticed. Your support not only uplifts our teachers but also fosters a sense of community within our school that is truly invaluable. Thank you for recognizing the hard work and dedication of our educators, not just this week, but throughout the entire year.
As we transition into the final stretch of the school year, I encourage you to stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities by reading our Dragon's Tale Newsletter. Inside, you'll find details about exciting events, including the much-anticipated Keith music program on May 16th. Your presence and support at these events are always appreciated, so please mark your calendars and read the newsletter for more information.
Additionally, as we approach the summer break, I urge you to explore the summer learning opportunities highlighted in the newsletter. Keeping young minds engaged during the summer months is crucial, and I encourage you to continue fostering a love for reading at home. Whether it's a bedtime story or an afternoon adventure in a book, every moment spent reading with your child makes a difference.
Before closing, I want to extend a special thank you to our Keith PTA, especially our "graduating" parents, for their unwavering dedication and support throughout the year. Your commitment to our school community has truly made a difference, and we are grateful for your partnership.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.
Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication to our school.
Warm regards,
Marci Augenstein, Principal
Keith Purpose and Beliefs
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/June Events at Keith
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 - More details to come
June
6/6 - 9:30am - 5th Grade Ceremony and Celebration
6/7 - Last day of School - Half Day - 5th Grade Clap Out
Keith Green Team News
Keith Green Team is excited to celebrate with our classroom and individual prize winners for the green team challenge. Click here for a family green team pledge help your child to have a chance to be a winner
We invite you to join us for a special event on 5/20, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Keith Elementary School. We will have several Michigan book writers sharing their talents with our children through their book, arts and crafts, and writers workshops. Click on this link to learn more !
Keith Music Performance at Smart Middle School on 5/16/24
Hello Keith families!
Please join us for an optional music performance on May 16th at the Clifford Smart Middle School gym. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students will perform from 6-6:30 PM. While they are performing, older siblings in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will sit with their families. We will have a short intermission from 6:30-6:45 to dismiss the Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will perform from 6:45-7:20 PM.
If your child is in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade and you do NOT have a child in kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd grade, please arrive at 6:30 PM.
We look forward to sharing this evening of music with you! Again, this is an optional performance. We understand that there are many conflicts in the spring!
Sincerely,
Abby Lewin-Ziegler, Jackie Podnar, and Shelly Fox
WLCSD Summer Virtual Tutoring
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
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.
Nature Awaits! We want to see your fourth grade students at a state park this spring!
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.
Charleston Wrap Spring Fundraiser
Hello Dragon Families!
Our Spring 2024 Charleston Wrap fundraiser kicks off today! With over 2,500 gift ideas, there is something for everyone! Need a birthday gift? Mother’s Day? Teacher Appreciation? Father’s Day? You’ll find a variety of home décor, planters, kitchen items, soaps, candles, rugs, & more.
Register at www.registercw.com
Register ~ Shop ~ Share: Keith’s ID# 25336
Our campaign lasts through May 14th, so please CLICK HERE to support. Share the sale via text, email, or socials!
Thank you for your help!
Music Appreciation Club April Update
Thanks to all the students and their families who came out for the Yuja Wang concert. We were graced with an outstanding performance! What a treat to hear her perform 2 additional encore pieces: Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 7 in B- Flat Major, and her own personal interpretation of Mozart's Turkish March.
Upcoming concerts that we will attend as a group:
**The Music Of Pink Floyd: Saturday, April 20 – 8:00pm
**Mozart & The Seasons: Sunday, May 5 – 3:00pm
**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) 2024 concert series in addition to the concerts listed above, and up to two companion tickets (bring 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.
https://forms.gle/3eAmCFB4Vf9FCP626
For more information please contact Monique Levu: monique.levu@gmail.com
Keith Cafeteria Updates
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
Kroger Rewards - $$$ For Keith!
Transportation Updates
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.
Lunch and Food Service Information
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.
Keith Elementary School
Diana Tyrrell - Principal's Secretary
Alice Johnson - Building Secretary
Marci Augenstein, Ph.D. - Principal, Keith Elementary
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