District Update

We hope you'll review this week's District Update filled with news and notes from across the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Stay up to date with the District by visiting www.wlcsd.org and connecting with the district on social media.

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• April 18: Walled Lake Community Blanket Making Event; 10 a.m. at WL Central High School
• April 20: PTSA Council meeting; 7 p.m. at MH Guest Elementary
• April 20-23: WLN Art Show | Opening Night April 20 from 5:30 – 7pm
• April 23-26: WLC presents: "Cinderella" - Tickets on sale NOW at www.wlcstickets.com
• April 27-30: WLC Art Show | Opening Reception April 27 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Work on the new Wixom Elementary continues to move forward with steady progress both above and below ground. Crews are actively building out interior and exterior spaces while also installing essential infrastructure that will support the school’s daily operations.

This phase of the project includes a combination of structural work and behind-the-scenes systems, such as electrical and plumbing, which are carefully coordinated as construction advances. While much of this work may not be visible once the building is complete, it plays a critical role in creating a safe, functional, and welcoming learning environment for students and staff.

Walled Lake Western’s Cor’ron Claudin is among 29 Michigan high school seniors that were awarded the prestigious Chick Evans Scholarship by the Western Golf Association.

The Evans Scholarship is a full housing and tuition college grant given to caddies that show a strong caddie record, excellent academics, a financial need and outstanding character.

“It’s truly a blessing,” said Claudin. “I honestly didn’t think that I would be able to get it because a full ride, that’s crazy, but as I got closer to my senior year I thought this may be a possibility where my life can actually change.”

Claudin, who has been caddying for three years at Franklin Hills Country Club, will attend the University of Michigan in the fall where he plans to major in electrical engineering.

“I was looking at a handful of different colleges because of financial aid reasons,” explained Claudin. “I didn’t want to put all that burden on my mom. I wanted to make sure she could enjoy her life and wherever I went to college was going to be my debt and my debt only.”

“It’s just mind blowing,” continued Claudin. “Just imagining going to a Top 5 school in the nation for my major, where many companies line up just to get new interns from the program, it’s just great to imagine all the endless opportunities.”

Claudin isn’t the first caddy in his family. His step-father was an Honor Caddie, which is the highest rank a caddie can achieve.

Continue reading on district website.

The Walled Lake Performance Ensemble shined on Sunday at the Michigan Alliance for Performing Arts (MAPA) State Championships claiming its 16th consecutive state championship.

The ensemble is made up of the Walled Lake Percussion and Color Guard, which features students from all three high schools. They tallied a score of 88.500 in the Percussion World Class Division to win their 17th state championship in the program’s rich history.

“This year’s team has really punched above their weight class,” said co-director Nick Pourcho. “It has been a tough grind, and we are proud of them for not giving up.”

Continue reading on district website.

The Walled Lake Northern and Walled Lake Western boys’ and girls’ basketball teams got it done on the court and in the classroom this season.

The Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) named all four programs to its Academic All-State team for Division One.

The Warrior girls finished the season with a cumulative grade point average of 3.68 and the boys program accumulated a grade point average of 3.59. The Knight girls were recognized as well with a team GPA of 3.58 and the boys earned a 3.30.

Walled Lake Western senior Rodney Endsley continues to etch his name in the Warriors’ record books taking down his third program record on Saturday at the Hartland Invitational.

Endsley ran a blazing fast 200 meter dash taking first with a time of 21.58 seconds. That time broke his current coach and former Central Michigan University sprinter Jack Dodge’s record, which was set back in 2016. Endsley's time also qualifies him for the MHSAA Division 1 State Track and Field Championships on May 30 at Rockford High School.

Along with the 200 meter dash, Endsley holds program records in the 400 meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay. The Warriors’ senior will run at the University of Michigan next year.

We have a special treat for you this weekend! Walled Lake Central junior Adrianna Coppola will take you behind the curtain for the preparations of the Vikings' musical, "Cinderella" ahead of opening night on April 23!

Make sure to follow us on Instagram so you don't miss out on all of the fun!

Show Times

• Thursday, April 23 - 7 p.m.
• Friday, April 24 - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 25 - 7 p.m.
• Sunday, April 26 - 2 p.m.

Walled Lake Elementary social worker, Sheri Kaplan, received a Golden Apple Award at the April 9, 2026 Board of Education meeting.

Kaplan was nominated by Walled Lake Elementary music teacher, Christine Moore for having a heart of gold and sharing her generosity with everyone she encounters.

“Sheri is at dismissal every day, even when she is not assigned, to check in with students and hold them accountable across their learning spaces,” said Moore. “She also regularly brings in treats for staff and coordinates social outings that help the team connect.”

Kaplan is always prepared to try new approaches with students when something doesn’t work, using tools like social stories and checklists to help students succeed.

“Sheri is a true team player and a positive voice amidst the chaos,” said Moore. “She brings both creativity and structure to problem-solving and demonstrates consistency that inspires both students and colleagues. Her wealth of experience has given her a deep toolbox of strategies, and she approaches every interaction with a balance of firmness and flexibility.”

Year-end presents a great opportunity to celebrate our top senior student athletes and their opportunity to continue their athletic careers in college.

Please provide the following information on SENIOR athletes that have either:

• received a scholarship to play college athletics
• have a spot guaranteed to them on a college roster as a "preferred walk-on."

The information will be used by each school to plan their signing days and will also be printed in the LEARNING newsletter (if approved.)

Why?

To honor and recognize those individuals and organizations who exhibit kindness and care toward others.

Who?

• Any student, teacher, secretary, administrator, bus driver, playground supervisor, or any Walled Lake Schools employee may be nominated.
• Parents, grandparents, or community members may be nominated.
• A company, store, or an organization may be nominated.
• Any or all the above who: demonstrate kindness on a frequent basis, go out of their way to make others feel better, lead initiatives in their school or community to benefit others, or inspire others to show kindness.

When and Where?

“Kindness Matters” award winners will be honored and recognized at the June 4th WLCSD Board of Education Meeting.

How?

Nominations can be submitted through the Kindness Matters Nomination form. Be sure to include a description which will explain and support your nomination. The submission deadline is Monday, May 4.

Questions?

Please email Nayal Maktari, Principal of Clifford H. Smart Middle School, at NayalMaktari@wlcsd.org, if you have any questions.

Nominate them for an FFE "Super Star Staff" award! Each award costs $10 and includes a personalized certificate for the staff member (or members) of your choice and enters them into a drawing for one of two $500 prizes from the Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union. Two winners will be drawn on May 1st and will be surprised with their check during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week.

Awardees can be teachers, parapros, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, etc.

Proceeds from this fundraiser support the Foundation For Excellence's mission to provide funds for classrooms for additional resources and tools.

Find out more here: https://www.wlcsd.org/community/foundation-for-excellence/superstarstaff

CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS for the 2026 PINK OUT T-Shirt Design Contest!

T-Shirt Design Rules:

1. Use only the following colors in the design: Royal Blue, White and Pink.
2. Design must fit on the front center chest area of the t-shirt and can only occupy a space 11” wide by 10” tall.
3. Design must include:

• “Warriors for Warriors” or “W4W”
• “No One Fights Alone”
• W4W original logo

1. Any design submitted is subject to adjustment from the W4W committee or t-shirt company without consent of the artist.
2. All designs submitted become the sole property of W4W and may be used anytime without prior consent of the artist.

DEADLINE: Submit art by May 9, 2026 on our website: www.warriorsforwarriors.net

The winning designer will receive a $50 Visa gift card!

The Shining Stars Award recognizes outstanding individuals and students who have supported the special-needs community within Walled Lake Schools.

Love your child's bus driver? Nominate them.

Love your child's Unified coach or buddy? Nominate them!

Nominees can be anyone associated with the special needs community: teacher (including case manager or resource teacher), paraeducator, social worker, physical therapist, speech and language pathologist, bus driver, aide, buddy, parent, coach, volunteer, etc.

Some of the nominee's qualities may include a positive attitude, dedication, dependability, self-motivation, helpfulness, and more.

A panel of anonymous judges will select two top entries, so please be as specific as possible in your nomination.

All nominees will receive their nomination form and be recognized at the awards ceremony at Walled Lake Western High School on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. A top winner (one staff member and one student) will also be selected from all the nominations and receive special recognition.

All nominations must be received on or before April 24, 2026.
Only electronic nominations will be accepted via the Google form you can access using the button below.

Questions? Contact us at: WalledLakePAC@gmail.com

In an effort to find additional ways to celebrate our staff, the WLCSD Community Relations department requests that families fill out the information below for 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 complete the following form in order to be considered for the Graduate Spotlight section of the WLCSD quarterly Learning newsletter. The nominated student needs to be a 2016 graduate or before.

Please contact pamelacole@wlcsd.org with any questions.

Help us make 1,000 fleece blankets for kiddos in hospitals! Registration is FREE with an optional fundraising component. Hope to see you with us!

When: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 10am-2pm

Where: Walled Lake Central High School, 1600 Oakley Park Rd, Walled Lake, MI 48390

Saturday, April 18 - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Hospitality House Food Pantry (2075 E. West Maple Road, Suite B-204, Commerce Twp., MI 48390)

Contact mike@hhfp.org or call (248) 960-9975 for more information

Celebrating 25 years of feeding hope!

Walled Lake Northern’s Annual Student Art Show will be on display Monday, April 20th through Thursday, April 23rd.

Opening Night is Monday, April 20th from 5:30 – 7pm, in the Media Center. Please join us to view the art, listen to our student jazz band, and enjoy some light refreshments. If you can’t make it to opening night, we hope you can drop in during the week to check it out! The show will feature 400+ works of art completed in a variety of media, showcasing the skill and creativity of our student artists.

Walled Lake Central's Student Art Show will be on display Monday, April 27 - Thursday, April 30.

Opening Night is Monday, April 27 from 5:30 - 7 pm in the Library. Light refreshments will be provided.

Donation Day for Walled Lake Marching Band at Biggby Coffee located at 1001 Welch Rd, Commerce Twp, MI 48390 on April 28 (half day for Walled Lake Schools) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

One dollar for every full priced beverage will be donated.

Join the WL Northern Football Team for a "mini" mini-camp on Tuesday, June 23 from 6-7 p.m. Admission is free. Please contact Josh Perusse for more information and to register: JoshuaPerusse@wlcsd.org

During the 2025-26 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 on Skyward Family Access 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.

April 22 - 25, 2026

Wixom Public Library

49015 Pontiac Trail

• Wednesday, April 22: 5 - 7:30 pm. Advance sale for Friends Members only (memberships available at door)
• Thursday, April 23: 10 am - 8 pm
• Friday, April 24: 10 am - 6 pm
• Saturday, April 25: 10 am - 2 pm Bag Day (fill a bag for $5)

Thousands of books and multimedia items for all ages. Priced between 25 cents and $2, plus specially priced items. Sponsored by the Friends of the Wixom Library. All proceeds benefit the Wixom Public Library.

wixomlibrary.org/friends

The Hospitality House Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help:

• Shopping with clients in the pantry
• Sorting goods
• Providing warehouse support

Learn more by visiting www.hhfp.org/volunteer.

Call (248) 858-1306 to schedule your appointment.

Help make a difference by volunteering at the Making Spirits Bright community book bank!

We're located at 28580 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 210, Farmington Hills, MI 483414.

Learn more by visiting www.MakingSpiritsBright.org.

Need a place you can trust to do your banking? Give Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union a try!

We serve students and staff of Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, as well as their families.

Learn more at www.wlsfcu.com.

No matter where you live in the United States, you can easily access 24/7 emotional support.

Call or text 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a caring counselor. We are here for you!

Our mission, in partnership with parents and the community, is to become the best educational system in America so all students demonstrate they are caring, responsible, and knowledgeable citizens.

Email: danieldurkin@wlcsd.org
Website: www.wlcsd.org
Location: 850 Ladd Road, Walled Lake, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 956-2000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wlcsd/
Twitter: @WalledLkSchools