Dragon's Tale

December 13, 2024

Dear Dragon Families,

I hope this letter finds you well. As we continue to move through this busy season, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your ongoing partnership in supporting our school community.

First, thank you to all who participated in our Anxious Generation book study by Jonathan Haidt. Your engagement in this important conversation about the challenges facing today’s youth is invaluable. By coming together and discussing ways to help our children navigate anxiety and stress, you’ve shown a deep commitment to their well-being. It’s a pleasure to work alongside such dedicated families.

As we all know, the balance between screen time and healthy play is essential for our children’s development. Research continues to show that engaging in unstructured, active play helps children develop essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills. I encourage you to continue finding opportunities for your children to explore, create, and play outside. Together, we can support their growth and resilience in an increasingly screen-driven world.

I would also like to thank you for your support during our recent Parent-Teacher Conferences. It was wonderful to connect with so many of you about your child’s progress and ways we can continue to work together for their success. Your kindness in providing snacks for our teachers is deeply appreciated, as it’s one of the many ways you show that you care not only for your children but also for our staff.

Looking ahead, I want to remind you that next week is Spirit Week! We’re excited for the fun-filled activities and the opportunity for students to express their school spirit. Be sure to check our Dragon's Tale Newsletter for more details on the dress-up days and other events planned for the week.

Thank you once again for all you do. Your partnership makes a difference in creating a nurturing and successful environment for our students. We are truly grateful for the support you provide at every turn.

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.

Monday, 12/16 - Frozen Day - Dress like a character from Disney's Frozen

Tuesday, 12/17 - Grinch Day - Wear something green

Wednesday 12/18 - Silly Holiday Hat Day

Thursday 12/19 - Ugly Sweater Day

Friday 12/20 - Holiday PJ Day

Dear Keith Elementary School Community,

It is with both a heavy heart and deep gratitude that I write to share some bittersweet news about a beloved member of our school family, Mr. Mark Jahn. As you may know, Mr. Jahn tragically passed away this year. While we feel the immense sorrow of his loss, we also feel it is essential to celebrate his extraordinary life and the lasting impact he had on our students, staff, and community.

Today, I am honored to announce that Mr. Mark Jahn has been named Keith Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. This recognition comes with great reverence, as we remember the unwavering dedication he showed to his students and to our school. Mr. Jahn was a teacher who went above and beyond in every aspect of his work. He was a constant source of encouragement, joy, and inspiration to all who had the privilege of learning from him.

Mr. Jahn’s classroom was a safe space where every child felt valued, heard, and capable of success. His warmth, kindness, and genuine care for his students created an environment where all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, knew they were welcome and capable of greatness. He built relationships based on respect, trust, and inclusion, leaving a legacy of kindness that will endure in the hearts of his students and colleagues.

Mark’s passion for teaching was not just about the curriculum—it was about fostering the growth and success of every child in his care. He had a special gift for recognizing the unique potential in each student, always striving to help them grow not only as learners, but also as individuals. His approach to teaching was not just to educate, but to inspire, to nurture, and to celebrate each child’s progress, no matter how big or small.

While it is difficult to honor his memory in the wake of such a profound loss, we are committed to celebrating his legacy. We invite all of you to join us in this celebration at the Board of Education Meeting on January 9, 2025 . Whether it’s by reflecting on the lessons Mr. Jahn imparted, sharing stories of his impact, or continuing the work he started in our school community, we can all carry his spirit forward.

Please keep Mr. Jahn’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts during this time of remembrance. We will be planning a special celebration of his life and legacy in the coming weeks, and we look forward to coming together as a school family to honor the incredible teacher and human being he was.

Mr. Jahn’s legacy will forever remain an integral part of Keith Elementary School. Let us continue to learn from his example of compassion, dedication, and commitment to the success and well-being of every child. His work lives on in the countless lives he touched, and it is with immense gratitude that we recognize him as Teacher of the Year.

With heartfelt respect,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

Please let your students know that they did a fantastic job raising money for Operation Snow Pile this year! We raised over $2000 (more than last year)!!!!

Ms. Gasparotto's Class is the over all winner, but I think we all won 😍

Great job Keith Students!

Thank you,

Student Council

On behalf of our 5th grade students and staff, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for visiting our school and performing for our students. Your music was inspiring and provided a wonderful glimpse into the exciting opportunities that await them when they transition to middle school.

Your performance not only showcased the talent and dedication of your students but also sparked enthusiasm and curiosity among our 5th graders about joining band and orchestra next year. We truly appreciate the time and effort you put into making this event memorable for our students.

Thank you again for your support and for helping to inspire the next generation of musicians!

Keith's Got Talent 2025! Submission Process Now Open to All!

Hello Keith Community,

Keith’s Got Talent, our annual variety show is back, and it’s coming soon! Please mark your calendars for Friday, January 24th, 2025 at 6:00 pm for a night of fabulous performances by our very own students. The event will be held in Walled Lake Central’s auditorium.

If your child would like to perform, please fill out the form below and return it to the main office.

Please note: Each act must submit a taped video of their act to Mrs. Matyus along with a file of their music track (if needed) to:

(ShannonMatyus@teachers.wlcsd.org)

Submissions are due by Monday, January 13th. Any type of electronic submission will be accepted, including Google files and CD’s. Our variety acts might include singing, dancing, acting, gymnastics, comedy, instrumental music, magic, athletic abilities, and more. All acts must be under 1 ½ minutes, making sure any music/content is age appropriate. In order to keep the show to a reasonable time frame, we strongly encourage group acts. Please turn in one form for each child, even if they are in the same act.

**Any further inquiries may be sent to ShannonMatyus@wlcsd.org or MatthewHewitt@wlcsd.org**

- The “Keith’s Got Talent” Team

Let's create joyful memories together as we sing our favorite carols and celebrate the spirit of the season. Don't forget to dress warmly and bring your jingling spirit as we come together to make this holiday season merry and bright! Hot cocoa will be provided.

Do you know what's right around the corner? The holidays! Many of our Keith families like to show their appreciation during this special time, but in a more personal way. Here is a link with a “Favorite Things” questionnaire filled out by your student’s teachers & staff.

Click here for the full list of Keith’s Staff Favorite Things Surveys.

Please know this is optional - a big smile and a hearty "THANK YOU!" is always enough to show your appreciation.

-The PTA’s Staff Appreciation Committee

How to Access Report Cards on Skyward Family Access

Step 1: Log into Skyward Family Access

1. Open your web browser and go to the Walled Lake Consolidated School District website:
   https://www.wlcsd.org
2. From the homepage, navigate to the Skyward Family Access link, usually found under the "Parents" section or directly at this URL:
   https://skyward.wlcsd.org
3. You will be prompted to enter your Skyward Family Access Username and Password.
   If you have forgotten your login information, click on the "Forgot your Login/Password?" link for assistance.

Step 2: Navigate to the Report Cards

1. Once logged in, you will be on the Family Access Dashboard.
2. From the main menu on the left side, click on Report Cards. From here you can access any current or historical report cards for your child(ren).

Step 3: View or Download Report Cards

1. Once you’ve clicked on the Report Card tab, your child’s report card for the selected grading period will appear.
2. You can:
• View the report card on the screen. Click on the name of the report card you’d like to access. The system will download and then offer you the opportunity to open the file for viewing.
• Once opened to view, the option to print or download. Download the report card by clicking on the Download icon (usually located at the top of the report card view depending on browser) to save it as a PDF.

Step 4: Printing the Report Card (Optional)

1. If you'd like a hard copy of the report card, you can print it directly from the PDF view. Simply click on the print icon in the PDF viewer.

If you have any issues logging in or accessing your child’s report card, please contact the WLCSD Family Access at familyaccess@wlcsd.org or call 248-956-2190 for assistance.

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.

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.

Initial Sign Up for Support Sent 12/6/24: Please review the available slots and click on the link to sign up: Keith Holiday Gift Donations - 2024

New Sign Up for Additional Support Needed Sent 12/12/24:

We are again asking for your generous support in providing holiday gifts for those in need within our school community. Each year, we strive to ensure that all 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.

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 Monday, December 16, 2024.

Additional Ways to Help
In addition to gift donations, we also welcome grocery 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

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

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!

Thanks to all the families who came out for the Ellington and The Nutcracker concert. We learned about Carlos Simon, Concertos, Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker and Ray Chen at our Club meet. We also had a great discussion about the future of classical music and how the online presence of artists, composers and their social media content is the major source of introducing and keeping students engaged. Ray Chen stole the show playing with effortless grace and technical mastery, and it was such a treat to hear him perform an encore - his newly released Serenade.

Our next Club meet is Sunday, February 16, 2024 at 2:30 followed by the 3pm Broadway Love Songs concert.

Tickets are available starting Monday, February 3rd at 9am, by calling or visiting the box office and are subject to availability. For those students who usually book tickets online, please note the DSO is transitioning to only booking Student Soundcard tickets through visiting or calling the box office 313.576.5111.

Upcoming concerts where we plan to meet as a group:

· 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 listed above. Please consider making the most of your membership and check out other concerts at DSO.org***

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

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