A Message from Dr. A.
June 7, 2024
Dear Dragon Families,
As we near the end of another incredible school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership. This year has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with unforgettable moments of growth, learning, and celebration.
Our recent 5th-grade ceremony was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and volunteers. It was truly heartwarming to witness the achievements of our graduating class and to see the joy and pride in their eyes as they embarked on the next chapter of their educational journey.
I want to extend a special thank you to our phenomenal PTA volunteers, whose tireless efforts have enriched our school community in countless ways. Your dedication and enthusiasm have been instrumental in making this year one for the books.
To our exceptional teachers and staff, thank you for your passion, commitment, and unwavering dedication to our students' success. Your guidance and support have made a lasting impact on each child's educational experience.
As we look ahead to the summer months, I encourage you to continue to support your child's learning journey by engaging in reading and practicing math skills together. Your involvement plays a crucial role in fostering a love for learning and ensuring continued growth and success. Please read our Dragon's Tale Newsletter for additional resources for summer learning as well as our 2024-2025 Tentative Keith Calendar and our 2024-2025 WLCSD Calendar for 1/2 days, school breaks and more.
Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership. Together, we have created a truly exceptional school community, and I am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.
Wishing you a summer filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
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.
Summer Learning for Keith Kids!
Research consistently underscores the critical role of summer reading in academic development for students. Numerous studies have highlighted that students who engage in regular reading over the summer months demonstrate significant improvements in literacy skills compared to those who do not. Additionally, summer reading helps prevent the "summer slide," where students lose academic skills during the break. To support this learning, parents can create a conducive reading environment at home by setting aside dedicated time for reading, providing access to a variety of age-appropriate books, and participating in reading activities together. Furthermore, encouraging children to choose books based on their interests fosters a love for reading, which is essential for long-term academic success.
Linked below are reading resources from iReady (that are NOT on the computer) but include books, questions and more for you to engage with your children during the summer months. Thank you for continuing to support the learning of your children during the summer months.
1st Grade:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ss-7fac-GzgSgzHQd7RFezZW_QadGvP6/view?usp=drive_link
2nd Grade:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MPQ5zxeiSWhSdX3ZFGGgc4Lg3ob8VxVb/view?usp=drive_link
3rd Grade:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MMhZy7Ho7NbYGiwbZBGdHYvze0D1GXfH/view?usp=drive_link
4th Grade:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zJuOrtEkhmgy4jQmmFGbXPequx6pWuxs/view?usp=drive_link
5th Grade:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tZI61RZiqQ4Krmi7L-CEifUGHQklOQIp/view?usp=drive_link
Kindergarten:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cudj6bD3HffC01zlLIyqV6rv8gSfJHXo/view?usp=drive_link
In addition, the adaptive lessons in the iReady computer program are another great way to continue to support student learning and growth over the summer. The online learning portion of iReady will remain open until mid-August for ALL students.
Tentative 2024-2025 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)
9/13/24 - 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
11/12/24 – 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 Sing-A-Long at the Front of the 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 OR 1/31/25 – 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
3/4/25 – 6:30pm Keith PTA Meeting – Learning Commons
3/7/25 – Lifetouch Activity Photos
3/7/25 – Keith/Dublin/Commerce/Glengary – Staff Volleyball Game hosted by PTA @WLN
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
4/18/25 – 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
PTA 2024-2025 School Supply Kits
Bright School Kits sale has officially begun! 🎉 Keith Dragon families can now go to www.brightschoolkits.com, search for Keith Elementary, and purchase school supply kits for the 2024-2025 schoolyear! Order by August 5th. Delivers direct to home.
2025-2026 Michigan Teacher of the Year Nominations Open
Dear Educational Partner,
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has opened the nomination window early this year for the 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year.
MDE welcomes nominations from students, parents, coworkers, and school community members. Individuals wishing to nominate a teacher for this recognition are asked to make nominations using the online form, which is available until Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
District, school, and classroom newsletters and social media are avenues to share the online form and create an opportunity for dedicated educators to be recognized. Perhaps your district will consider copying and pasting the information (below) into communications.
This year MDE is introducing something new for districts. We recognize some districts and intermediate school districts have an established process to award local teachers of the year. If so, representatives of districts 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 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 sincerely thank you for helping to share this information with your district.
________________________________________________________________________________
2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year Nominations
Please take a moment to nominate one or more teachers for Michigan Department of Education’s 2025-26 Michigan Teacher of the Year by simply completing the online form. Celebrate a deserving teacher! The nomination window is open now.
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.
Keith Cafeteria Updates
What to watch for:
More fun Cafeteria events to come in the 24-25 School Year! Have a Great summer!
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
Music Appreciation Club May Update
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.
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