Dragon's Tale

January 26, 2024

Dear Dragon Families,

Despite another short week at Keith, our students got right back into learning. Today, I had the pleasure of visiting several classrooms. Our second graders were focused on opinion writing and working hard to find supportive ideas for their opinions. Later in the day, Willow helped a student who was feeling sad. Although a few students had some playground issues, I was impressed by their ability to work together to solve their problems while they worked to make things right with one another. I remain so honored to have the privilege of working with your children.

Tonight, our amazing PTA, in partnership with our awesome staff, are excited to host our “Keith’s Got Talent” show at Walled Lake Central. Call time for student performers is 5:30pm and the show will begin at 6:00pm. There will be intermission snacks to benefit our PTA as well as FFE Tuition Expedition Raffle Tickets available for purchase, so remember your checkbooks or be prepared to pay with a QR code if interested in purchasing tickets.

Every year I leave our talent show with sore cheeks from smiling so hard. Our kids are not only talented, but also brave and courageous to share their skills on a big stage with our entire community. I cannot wait for a fun evening ahead!

Please be sure to read this week’s Dragon’s Tale Newsletter with important reminders and updates, including the half-day on Wednesday, January 31st with dismissal to Dragon Pick Up at 12:25pm, Walkers and Prime Time Care at 12:30pm and Buses departing Keith at 12:42pm.

Thank you for your support, partnership, and for sharing your awesome kids with us!

Warm Regards,

Marci Augenstein, Principal

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.

Please email Dr. A. or reach out to our HR department if you might be interested in working at our crossing guard position. We are also always looking for substitute teachers. Again, please reach out to Dr. A. or visit the WLCSD webpage under our Human Resources department you will find all of the information you need to begin your application process.

January, 2024

1/3 - School resumes

1/15 - No School - MLK Day Celebration at WLN (additional details below)

1/22 - WLN Concert for 5th Grade - additional details to come

1/26 - Keith's Got Talent Show 5:30pm Call Time, 6:00pm Show Time at WLC Auditorium

1/29-2/2 - Spelling Bee Week at Keith!

1/31 - Half Day - Dismissal: Dragon Pick Up at 12:25pm, Walkers and Prime Time Care at 12:30pm and Buses departing Keith at 12:42pm.

February, 2024

2/1 - 5th Grade Instrument Fitting

2/5 - School-wide Spelling Bee

2/6 - Keith PTA Meeting - Learning Commons 6:30pm

2/14 - 3:00pm Classroom Valentine's Day Parties - Teachers will share more information

2/19-2/23 - Mid-Winter Break

2/27 - No School - Election

3/1 - Life Touch Activity Group Photo Day

Cereal Box Challenge has begun! To help spread love throughout our community, Keith Elementary School is collecting unopened cereal boxes from now until Feb. 13. Our goal is set them up like dominoes across the entire school on Valentine's Day and then donate them to our local food pantry. Thank you so much to all the families who have already begun sending in boxes.

WLCSD Calendar Update - School CLOSED on Feb. 27, 2024

Since publishing our current school year calendar in early 2023, the State of Michigan’s legislature recently decided to adjust the date of our state’s upcoming presidential primary from March 12, 2024, to February 27, 2024. As you may know, many of our schools serve as polling places for our local municipalities, and this particular election is sure to draw a larger-than-average voter turnout causing increased foot and vehicle traffic around our schools.

After thorough consideration, the Walled Lake Consolidated School District will be CLOSED on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. We acknowledge the potential inconvenience this calendar change may pose for your family and apologize. This decision is rooted in the unique circumstances surrounding this election; a national election outside the traditional election cycle, and an anticipated larger-than-average voter turnout.

While it may seem a bit early to be thinking about our 5th grade children transitioning to Middle School next year, CHS Middle School Principal, Mr. Nayal Maktari asked that I forward the 5th Grade Transition Information to our 5th grade Dragon Families.

Please save the date:

THURSDAY, MARCH 11th FROM 6:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.

The evening will be dedicated to sharing what you can expect next school year at CHS Middle School. We'll also be available to answer any questions you may have following our presentation. We look forward to seeing you in the CHS Middle School Main Gym on March 11th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Get ready to show off your school pride with our brand-new Keith Elementary spirit wear! Available for purchase now through the end of the year, these stylish and comfortable items are the perfect way to support our school community.

From cozy hoodies to trendy t-shirts, we have a variety of options for students, parents, and staff. Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity to elevate your school spirit.

Also, It’s that time of year again for multi-purpose bags! They are great for winter gear, keeping your child’s belongings in one place, traveling, camping, and so much more. They cost $13.50 and come complete with a cord lock and your student’s name. Eight different colors to choose from.

Visit our online store today and gear up for a spirited end to the year! Available for free pickup before the holiday.

Click here or visit www.brodysonline.com

Best regards,

Alison Link

Keith PTA President

What to watch for:

Fri, Feb 2nd ~ Tubby's Sub & Ice Cream Day ~ $1.00 ice cream

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

In an effort to celebrate our staff, the WLCSD Community Relations department requests that families fill out the form below to nominate staff who are rock stars in their classrooms and school communities. A sample of what these shout outs will look like on social media and in our district newsletters is on the right.

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.

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.

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.

February 6, 2024 at 6:30pm - Keith Learning Commons

Visit our PTA's Facebook Page

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

The Keith Elementary School Community will inspire and empower all- academically, socially, and emotionally.

Diana Tyrrell - Principal's Secretary

DianaTyrrell@wlcsd.org

Alice Johnson - Building Secretary

AliceJohnson@wlcsd.org

Marci Augenstein, Ph.D. - Principal, Keith Elementary

MarciAugenstein@wlcsd.org

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